MAY 2011
A Monthly Publication Delivered to Over 40,000 Residents
Photo Credit Ann Luke wwwlukedesigns.com
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Ads up to 35 words are only $15.00. If you wish to include a photo (2.75 x 1.75) the price is only $30.00. Send announcements to info@ourcommunityfocus.com. Deadline is the 2nd Friday of each month. Photo must be in jpeg format. One MB miniumum size.
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Where experience makes a beautiful difference.
May 2011
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May 2011
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Happy Mother’s Day Ellyn Belfiore
Carol Monti
Cloty Ulrich
Suzie Silva
Joan Gaustad
I have many wonderful memories of Mother’s Day, but one that stands out is a few years ago when I had my 1st Mother’s Day with our 2nd son, Joe, whom we just adopted 6 months earlier at 5 1/2. I remember that special day and hold it close as I have BOTH my sons, Jack and Joe, to cherish and be forever blessed. I’m a lucky Mom.
My beautiful mother Gloria always said she was so honored to be recognized for what she felt were her greatest gifts...her 7 children!!! I lost my mother in 1991, yet it only feels like yesterday that she smiled so humbly and lovingly in celebration of “her” day. It is now my privilege to be recognized on Mother’s Day by my wonderful husband, Veniero, and my two beautiful children, Marco and Francesca. Like my Mother, I am truly honored by this day and it’s my favorite too.
I will never forget a Mother’s Day when I was very young. I was 8 years old and living in Peru. I remember working hard on a felt craft that was to be a gift for my mother. I was talking on the phone with a friend and explaining what I was making and I then realized my mother was on the phone too. She had heard everything and the surprise was gone. I was just devastated.
What I love most about Mother’s Day is spending the day with my family--just taking it easy and relaxing! From breakfast in bed to wonderful homemade cards! Last year, my daughter Courtney purchased my gifts from her Brownie garage sale. Someone else’s cast offs became my forever treasures!
I have lots of nice Mother’s Days. I have 12 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. There are always at least 30 of us that get together and we have a big bbq at one my kids’ home. We have such a good time together. We celebrate everything together.
Amie Hair
Lynn Murphy
Sharon Christman
Debbie Shess
Tracy Osmer
It’s been a tradition in my family to take the kids and go boating on the Delta for Mother’s Day.
Chuck and I always did things for our own mothers for Mother’s Day. Now, if I get a phone call on Mother’s Day from one of my sons I am happy. Getting breakfast in bed was always such a treat.
My greatest Mother’s Day memory was celebrating special moments with my children. In 2005 Zach’s 8th birthday fell on Mother’s Day as well as Katie’s ballet performance at the Lesher Theater. Celebrating their special day with them made my Mother’s Day extra special!
The things that stand out for me about Mother’s Day are the wonderful handmade cards my boys make for me. The drawings are always revealing and the message is straight from the heart.
All Mother’s Days are special as long as I am spending them with my kids!
Kathy Ridgway
My favorite part of Mother’s Day is the homemade breakfast my husband and kids make while I read the newspaper.
“Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” -Elizabeth Stone
!
!"#$%&''%#&% #!(%)*"+$, !"#$%&"'(%"#$%)*#+,%-#+%.*'%/-% )+&&012%&"'(%01%&"'%3#((+10&-%4#5+67% Ads up to 35 words are only $15.00. If you wish to include a photo (2.75 x 1.75) the price is only $30.00. Send announcements to info@ourcommunityfocus.com. Deadline is the 2nd Friday of each month. Photo must be in jpeg format. 1 MB miniumum size.
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May 2011
JULIE SAYS
I Wonder if Alice, Darlene and Kristin Have Green Thumbs
By Julie Ross gift certificate to Cold Stone (I know, From electric lime to olive drab, $5 is not much, but hey, it’s free ice reader Alice Heinig of Walnut Creek was cream.) out to make the competition green with Darlene and Kristin are no greenenvy. Alice submitted a list of more than horns when it comes to winning conone hundred shades of green (yes, really!) tests, mind you. Kristin (favorite color to capture first place in the Green Spring pink, not green) won numerous colorContest launched in the March issue of ing and art contests back in elementary Community Focus. school. In addition, Darlene (favorite Alice happened to be reading a book color blue) and Kristin have both rolled on oceanography when the contest apup their sleeves in the past to snap up peared and kept running across varieties first place in the annual gingerbread house contest of green, which led her to whip up a spreadsheet of sponsored by the Pleasant Hill Parks & Recreation shades. Her favorite? Blue-green, like the ocean. District. I did find one or two of Alice’s entries a bit iffy— And since I called out Alice on her questionable “mango, unripe”—for example, but the sheer volume “mango, unripe” entry, I have to mention that two of greens she presented was so impressive one could shades on the Darlene-Kristin list were also borderoverlook the occasional stretch. line acceptable—“Kermit green” and “Hulk green.” Being part Irish and having peridot as her birthstone make green a natural lucky color for Alice. She You decide. Either way, thanks to all who entered and a big has been awarded the first place prize of four passes green thumbs up to our winners. to Lindsay Wildlife Museum (it was going to be two Enjoy our green hills before they turn golden, be passes but I found out Alice has grandchildren and could use more) and a $25 gift certificate to use in the green in your daily living and eat your greens. Happy month of May! museum store. Congratulations! S end comments to julieakross@comcast.net. I could not resist awarding a surprise second prize in the Green The Community Focus Spring Contest. is available at the Besides having sevfollowing locations: eral dozen shades of Pleasant Hill Market • Pleasant Hill City Hall green on their list, the community focus Pleasant Hill Senior Center • Pleasant Hill Library the team of Darlene Mt. Diablo YMCA • UPS – Virginia Hills, Mtz. Bartel and daughter Chamber of Commerce (P.H. & Mtz.) Kristin of Martinez Pleasant Hill Rec and Park (Civic Dr. & Gregory) submitted their Hyatt Summerfield Suites, Pleasant Hill entry in green ink. Legal Grounds, Martinez • Martinez Senior Center Nice touch. Les Schwab Tires - Alhambra Avenue Darlene and Best Western, John Muir Inn, Martinez Kristen have been Headways Salon, Main Street awarded two passes to Lindsay Wildlife Museum and a $5
Come be our friend.
• As Russ Sees It ............................ Returns in June • Memorial Day ............................................ page 3 • Senior Center Farewell ............................ page 12 • Music Scene .............................................. page 13
Independent & Locally Owned
PUBLISHERS Becky Coburn, Jennifer Neys, Elena Hutslar info@ourcommunityfocus.com A Monthly Publication delivered to over 40,000 Homes and Businesses in Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Pacheco, Lafayette and Walnut Creek
ADVERTISING advertising@ourcommunityfocus.com SPORTS EDITOR Chuck Nan martinezsportsed@aol.com GRAPHIC DESIGN Trish Heaney, Debra Wilson, Sarah Birdwell COPY EDITOR Alison Clary
View the Focus online at Website: www.ourcommunityfocus.com
CONTACT INFORMATION: Community Calendar:
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Content & General Inquiries: info@ourcommunityfocus.com
6680 Alhambra Ave. Box #132 Martinez, CA 94553 Phone: (925) 335 - NEWS (6397)
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.
• Sports ........................................................ pages 16-17 • Restaurant Guide ................................... pages 24 -25 • Community Calendar .................................... page 26 • Health & Wellness .......................................... page 27
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May 2011
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Memorial Day 2011
MARTINEZ
Monday, May 30, 9:00 a.m. – Alhambra Cemetery on Carquinez Scenic Drive and 10:00 a.m. – All Veterans Monument at the intersection of Alhambra Avenue and Berrellesa Street. We will begin with a brief ceremony and Benediction at the Martinez Cemetery where music will be provided. We will then move to the All Veteran’s Monument at Alhambra and Berrellesa for the main ceremony, which includes a firing detail. Brunch will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Hall, 930 Ward St.
Blue Star Moms Need You
PLEASANT HILL Monday, May 30th, at 1:00 p.m. - Contra Costa County Veterans Memorial Monument at the corner of Contra Costa Boulevard and Boyd Road. The traditional Memorial Day Observance will include a program of guest speakers, a procession and massing of colors of veterans’ organizations in attendance from around the county, a Sea Cadets Color Guard, and the Military History Preservation Society firing party. Recorded musical tribute will accompany the entire program. A tent and chairs will be in place for your comfort. Refreshments will be served following the Observance.
Local Help for Vets
Swords to Plowshares is a not-for-profit organization that serves military veterans seeking employment and job training opportunities. Veterans work one-on-one with job counselors to address their individual needs, overcome obstacles to employment and determine a long-term career plan. Their programs help make the transition from a military job to a civilian career as seamless as possible. Diablo Valley College
has partnered with Swords to Plowshares to get veterans trained in Green Technology. Over the past two years, about 70 percent of the program’s 100 graduates have moved on to successful employment. Veterans interested in getting more information about the Green Energy Training Program can contact Coleen Evans with Swords to Plowshares at (510) 891-8773, ext. 329, cevans@STP-SF.org.
STAR SPANGLED THANK YOU
OPERATION POSTCARD
CARE PACKAGE MAILING
There is nothing like a letter or postcard to let a soldier, sailor, marine or airman know that he or she is supported and their service is appreciated. Don’t underestimate the value of your greeting! Ask your family, friends, schools, clubs, churches or any group or individual to write a positive message of support. No need to stamp them, as we include them in our care packages. For more information about Operation Postcard please contact OpPostcard@bluestarmoms.org.
The East Bay Blue Star Moms Chapter 101 is gearing up for care package mailing to our troops this June. There will be several drop zone donation events throughout May and June, so please check their website, www. bluestarmoms.org, for exact dates, times and locations. It’s easy to get involved. Donate goods, sponsor a care package mailing ($12.95/box), or help out on packing and shipping days! For more information call 925-876-0724.
Proudly sponsored by:
DOING THE RIGHT THING I never had a policy; I have just tried to do my very best each and every day. Abraham Lincoln
What Heroes Gave By Roger J. Robicheau (Sp 5, US Army), The Poetic Plumber Each donned their uniform to be Defenders of our liberty Their mission sure, their spirits bright Guard freedom’s home, be brave to fight One final day each faced their call Each gave their best enduring all We’ll never know what they went through But know they loved this country true Deep down inside we should all feel What heroes gave, their cost so real We must stay thankful, grateful of
The gift of freedom through their love Their loved ones bore the gravest pain What we can’t know, some now sustain To God I pray their pain will cease And each will find long-lasting peace Remember this from year to year What heroes gave – shan’t disappear We’ll never let their special day Their time for honor slip away These brave fought for a nation free If not for them, where would we be?
“Doing the Right Thing� is a new monthly feature sponsored by Les Schwab that recognizes people in the community going above and beyond without expecting anything in return. If you know of someone in your neighborhood deserving mention, please send your nomination to info@ourcommunityfocus.com for consideration. Honorees will be applauded in the Community Focus and will be presented with a Les Schwab community gift basket.
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CHRISTINA MADLENER, MFT. At least 1 in 5 veterans returning from the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress. Christina Madlener, MFT, a therapist in Walnut Creek, responded to this staggering statistic by creating â&#x20AC;&#x153;Veterans Resourceâ&#x20AC;?, a 501(c)3 non-profit formed to offer treatment to these vets. The objective of Veterans Resource is to help veterans integrate back into civilian life and regain healthy, productive lives. Christina offers confidential, safe treatment for veterans and their families at her Walnut Creek office. No one is turned away due to inability to pay. Her skill as a therapist and heartfelt concern for the brave people who have served our country qualify her as a person who is definitely â&#x20AC;&#x153;doing the right thingâ&#x20AC;?. -ARTINEZ !LHAMBRA s #ONCORD #ONTRA #OSTA "LVD
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May 2011
Retirement and Health Care Costs By John Malley tirees. Do you need Medigap What is the sign What will Medicare cover? insurance? of a good One way to manage part of the Medicare – Part A, Part B or both – decision? costs of your retirement health care doesn’t cover the total cost of most mediIt’s managing is to effectively utilize Medicare, the cal services or supplies. Given that those health care costs and federal government’s health insurance out-of-pocket costs could severely affect your retirement outplan primarily designed for those ages your lifestyle, you may want to buy a Melook. Health care costs 65 and over. As long as you’ve entered digap insurance policy, offered by a numrank as one of retirees’ the United States legally and have been ber of health insurers. As its name implies, biggest financial conhere for at least five years, you’re eligiMedigap insurance policies are literally cerns. But the sooner you plan for this ble for Medicare. What’s covered under designed to help bridge the gap between cost, the better you’ll feel about your reyour retiree health care costs and your tirement security. Keep in mind, too, that your Medicare plan depends on which of the Medicare “parts” you have. For Medicare benefits. the chances of those costs being offset by more information regarding benefits One of the best times to buy a Meretiree health care insurance grow slimprovided by Medicare, visit www.cms. digap policy is during the “open enrollmer each year – as fewer and fewer emhhs.gov. ment period.” That period is generally ployers extend health care benefits to rewithin the first six months of turning age 65, although its definition differs by state. If you apply within open enrollment, there By Joyce & Jim Newport, Owners, Right at Home of Mt. Diablo is no medical underwriting, which means one and consider all of the Did it start with a miyou can’t be refused a policy, forced to options available. Undernor home repair? Then, a wait for your coverage or even charged stand your loved one’s wants little grocery shopping trip? more because of any health problems. and needs, involve everyone Maybe a ride to a doctor’s apAlthough Medigap policies used to in the process, and make a pointment as well? And now cover prescription drugs, no new Melong-term care plan in which there are weekly grocery trips everyone is comfortable. and weekends spent preparThe earlier you have a ing small-portion meals that family meeting and prepare can be easily re-heated while for this process, the better the transiyou muse about when to squeeze in tion will be. doing your own laundry. You are not For tips on starting the conversaalone, as nearly one out of every four households provides some form of care tion, visit our blog at http://www.rahmd.net for an older family member. Oh, and Right at Home directly employs are you also taking care of children of and supervises all caregiving staff, your own? Welcome to the “Sandwich each of whom are thoroughly screened, Generation”! trained, bonded and insured. For Instead of waiting for a crisis, one more information on Right at Home of the most important things you can services, please call: 925-256-4663. do is sit down with your elderly loved
Are You in a Sandwich?
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digap policies can cover these costs. You may want to join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan offered by private companies approved by Medicare. Will you be prepared for longterm health care needs? Long-term care expenses are one of the largest unfunded potential liabilities facing today’s retirees and soon-to-be retirees. These types of large expenses could have a significant impact on a retirement portfolio and your ability to create meaningful income for life. Long-term care insurance could potentially be a solution. Consult an insurance agent who specializes in long-term care insurance for complete details prior to purchasing a policy. John Malley is a financial representative with Mass Mutual Financial Group©. Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Center in Walnut Creek. (935) 979-2329. johnmalley@finsvcs.com. © 2010 Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, Springfield, MA
Year after year, MassMutual’s dividend payments have helped our whole life insurance policyholders build their financial futures. When applied to a policy as additional coverage, dividend payments accelerate cash valuegrowth, providing flexibility to address many needs.1 MassMutual has paid dividends consistently since the 1860s, and for 2011 we’ve approved an estimated $1.23 billion dividend payout to eligible participating policyholders.2 We’re proud of this fact because as a mutual company we’re owned by our policyholders. The guaranteed, tax-deferred cash value growth provided by whole life helps protect your family, businesses and retirement by providing security through turbulent markets. All this in addition to the primary benefit – protecting your family’s financial future if you’re no longer there. So if you’re interested in the flexibility and security of whole life insurance, trust a company whose financial strength ratings3 rank among the highest of any company in any industry. Visit MassMutual.com or talk to a MassMutual financial professional today.
May 2011
www.ourcommunityfocus.com
Mayor’s Message There’s no escaping it. Our City Council made a difficult decision to impose a oneyear contract on the city’s management bargaining unit employees on April 4. It was not a decision made lightly. It hurt. Local governments across California are struggling to fund basic services and are taking measures – sometimes drastic measures – to balance their budgets. Facing funding cuts from Washington and Sacramento, we still have to provide necessary local services, from police services to road maintenance and from local planning to code enforcement. Our City Council knows that our wonderful city staff has generally performed admirably in the midst of
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PLEASANT HILL CITY BUZZ
David Durant, Mayor of Pleasant Hill unprecedented challenges. We thank unfunded projects nor avoid deferred and acknowledge them. Nonetheless, maintenance solely with cost savings we’ve been operating with a “deficit from employee compensation. We spending” model the past few years, need to grow our local economy, idenprudently spending down our reserves tify opportunities to support existing to avoid lay-offs or making drastic personnel and service cuts. After years of cost-cutting and restraint, taking The Pleasant Hill 4th of July Comshort-term balancing measures, recogmission continues to plan for our 2011 nizing savings from attrition, keeping Fourth of July celebration activities with staff vacancies unfilled, and working to the theme 50 Years of Memories, to coinoperate more leanly, there is little room cide with the 50th birthday of Pleasant to trim without significantly impactHill. ing services. So, in order to maintain Part of the planning includes selectpublic services at the highest level – in ing an individual or individuals to serve a city where personnel costs are over as parade Grand Marshall. This year we 70% of our general fund budget – there are asking for the residents of Pleasant was no real choice but to fundamentalHill to submit nominations for the Grand ly change our approach to health care, Marshall based on the criteria below. The retirement and other benefits’ costs. deadline is May 13, 2011. The nomination I know we can neither cut our form can be filled out online or downway to prosperity nor fully fund high loaded at our website http://www.phjuly4. quality services. We cannot complete com/ The criteria for Grand Marshall nominees are: at 925.671.5215 at the City of Pleasant • Nominee will be selected on the basis Hill or by emailing her at wgraham@ of his/her contributions(s) to the quality ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us. of life in the city of Pleasant Hill, through How can the SBDC offer the servcivic and/or social services, humanitariices of trained professionals to you for anism or through personal achievements free? in the area of the arts, sports, etc.; or based The Contra Costa SBDC is part of on the distinction that he/she has brought the U.S. Small Business Administrato the city of Pleasant Hill resulting from tion’s (SBA) national network of Small achievements elsewhere. Business Development Centers which • Nominee must be a current or long term are dedicated to helping small businesses get started and helping existing business to expand. Our assistance is City Council / Redevelopment in the form of business management May 2, 16 advising and training. Our one-to-one City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Council Chambers, 7:30pm business advising is free; our Contact: 671-5267 training is at low cost and Civic Action Commission sometimes no cost. We May 4 can offer these services City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane because we have sponSmall Community Room, 6:30pm Contact: 671-5229 sors who believe in the potential of small busiArchitectural Review Commission May 5, 19 nesses and know that with City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane added educational support Small Community Room, 5:00pm they can grow and create jobs, contribContact: 671-5259 uting to their local economy and the For Confirmation Visit: www.ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us general quality of their community.
businesses and attract new businesses. You can help by dining, shopping and recreating in Pleasant Hill. I hope to see you “out there,” as I do the same. Dine, Shop, and Enjoy Pleasant Hill!
4th of July Celebration past resident of Pleasant Hill. • Individual must be willing to serve as Grand Marshal. • Nominee must be willing and able to attend the Independence Day Parade. We are now on Facebook! Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/ Pleasant-Hill-4th-of-July-Commission/161327370581909 If you are interested in volunteering to help with our 4th of July activities, please contact Commission President, Jim Bonato at 925-938-5433 for more information.
Free Business Consulting
Could you use some expert advice for your business? Would you like to discuss solutions that will help your business grow? Do you need help with cash flow, business planning, marketing, sales, technology, general management, financing or other topics? Maybe you want a sounding board for your new business idea or expansion plans? If so, we invite you to sign up for the free business advising services of the Contra Costa Small Business Development Center (SBDC). They have a team of dedicated, experienced business advisors who will offer their guidance and support. The goal is to help you become even more successful in your business. You can sign up to meet with a Business Advisor at City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane. This is a FREE service for new start up and existing Pleasant Hill businesses. Appointments are confidential and can be made by calling Wanda Graham
City Calendar of Events Planning Commission May 10, 24 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Council Chambers, 7:30pm Contact: 671-5259 Zoning Administrator May 12, 26 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Planning/Public Works Conf. Room, 5:00pm Contact: 671-5270 Education / Schools Advisory Commission May 25 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Small Community Room, 7:00pm Contact: 671-5229
www.ourcommunityfocus.com
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PLEASANT HILL CHAMBER NEWS CALENDAR SPONSORED BY
May 2011
Ribbon Cuttings Sinful Bliss Cupcakes
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Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce
May Schedule of Events
5/6 - Ambassador Meeting PH City Hall, Lg. Community Room 100 Gregory Lane, 7:45am – 9:00am 5/7 - Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Pleasant Hill Farmers’ Market, in front of Century 16 Theater, Crescent Dr. 8:00p – 12:00pm (11am ribbon cutting) 5/8 - Happy Mother’s Day Moms! 5/10 - Ambassador Luncheon Pasta Pomodoro, 45 Crescent Dr. RSVP: Ingrid@pleasanthillchamber.com 11:45am – 1:00pm 5/13 - Brown Bag Lunch Series 2011 – “Get Famous” with Social Media – Dennis Erokan, Founder of the “Bammies” Brandman University, 2950 Buskirk Avenue
#307, Limited Seating – RSVP: Ingrid@pleasanthillchamber.com 11:45am – 1:30pm 5/17- May Mixer - Contra Costa Country Club - 801 Golf Club Rd., PH, RSVP: Ingrid@pleasanthillchamber.com, 5:30pm -7:30pm 5/19 – Wine Walk - Downtown Pleasant Hill, Crescent Dr. 6pm-8pm 5/20 – Challenged Golfers Club Grayson Woods, 400 Iron Hill Rd. Please rsvp: Ingrid@pleasanthillchamber.com. Magoo’s Grill of Pleasant Hill 1250 Contra Costa Blvd, RSVP: Ingrid@pleasanthillchamber.com, 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Sinful Bliss Cupcakes celebrated its grand opening on April 17 with a party and fundraiser for Pleasant Hill Middle School’s art education. Owner, Tammie Parnell, opened the shop to help others celebrate life’s everyday moments. Baked fresh daily and artfully decorated, Sinful Bliss Cupcakes offers a dozen flavors and creates custom orders with the recipient in mind. No celebration is too big or too small for a cupcake! Sinful Bliss Cupcakes is open Sunday through Thursday from 10am – 9pm, and Friday and Saturday from 10am – 10pm. The store is located in Downtown Pleasant Hill at 35 Crescent Drive. For more information, call 925-689-0200, visit www.sinfulblisscupcakes.com, or Twitter@SblissCupcakes or “Like” us on Facebook.
Montecito Oakmont Senior Living
Confirm schedule at www.pleasanthillchamber.com
MARTINEZ CHAMBER NEWS CALENDAR SPONSORED BY Montecito in Concord is an elegant retirement community for individuals looking for either independent living or assisted living. Active lifestyle or relaxed luxury, with the convenience of both San Francisco and Napa Valley less than an hour away, it’s all here at Montecito. We offer seven different pet friendly floor plans all featuring nine-foot ceilings with crown molding and private balconies. If you need additional care, we offer the finest assisted living care in Concord, CA. Our highlytrained, compassionate staff allow you to live the life you dreamed of by taking care of your everyday concerns. Imagine life without these worries, full of exciting activities, delicious meals and great friends. Montecito, 4756 Clayton Road Concord, CA 94521. Phone: (925) 265-8555. www.oakmontofmontecito.com
Support YOUR local network.
Chamber Calendar Sponsorships $75.00 per month Full Color. Lots of exposure.
Martinez Chamber of Commerce
May Schedule of Events
5/1 – Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting – Sunday, 10am – Martinez Farmer’s Market, Main Street Downtown Martinez
Martinez. Great Networking, Food, Fun, Raffle Prizes (bring a raffle prize and have your business announced!)
5/4 – Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting – Wednesday, 3:30pm - You Walk Bail Bonds, 826 Main Street, Martinez.
5/19 – Educational Series – Desk Yoga presented by Christine Roberts, Piedmont Yoga Community - Wednesday, 12pm -1pm – Doors open at 11:30. John Muir Best Western Inn, 445 Muir Station Rd. This class is FREE to Chamber Members, Non-Members $20, lunch will not be included for the Desk Yoga presentation. Please RSVP to the Chamber at (925)228-2345 or email Reba@ martinezchamber.com.
5/5 – Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting – Thursday, 10am - Martinez Farmer’s Market, Court Street 5/7 – National Train Day – Saturday, 10am –1pm – Martinez Amtrak Station, Join us for a fun filled event for children of all ages. 5/12 – Chamber Mixer – Thursday, 5:30pm-7:30pm – Muir Parkway Offices/ Cranbrook Group, 1350 Arnold Drive #107,
Masonic Lodge Mixer
5/30 – Office Closed – Memorial Day
Please verify schedule at www.martinezchamber.com
Photo by Richardcash.com
www.ourcommunityfocus.com
May 2011
Page 9
HOUSING NEWS
Local Real Estate Update A strange thing happened while I was preparing a market analysis for a client considering selling her home. This involves reviewing several comparable active listings (homes currently available for sale), pending listings (homes under contract, but not yet sold), and sold listings (finalized sales) within 0.5 miles of the subject property. I prefer to locate at least three homes of each type, but my initial 0.5mile radius search yielded only one active listing, while pending and sold listings were quite plentiful. Expanding my search radius to 0.6 miles, I located two active listings, and expanding it to 0.75 miles I located three active listings. I normally would have found at least half a dozen homes actively for sale in that large of an area. You’re probably saying, “I just read an article that said the real estate market was still in the pits.” The vast majority of news reports about the real estate market reference national statistics and, as with most things, the Bay Area is rarely in alignment.
By Nathan Hitchcock indicate a lower buyer demand, an asIn the local market, ending sales tonishing trend has emerged since the in February were up 27.4% and closed first of this year. Locally, this number sales were up 14.2% compared to last has trended down for the first three year. As a realtor fully engaged in lomonths of 2011, indicating a trend of cal market activity, we are seeing a higher buyer demand. This is a big shift from a buyer’s market to a seller’s deal because we have not seen such a market, especially in the higher value downward trend at the start of a calenareas. dar year since 2004. Anyone rememSeveral listings toward last year ber what the demand for real estate languished on the market for months, was like in 2004? If you don’t, let’s just with little or no buyer interest, but say that “high” does not begin to deevery one of those properties has now scribe it. sold or is under contract at prices Nathan Hitchcock is the well above what their sellers hoped to managing broker of Hitchcock Realty, achieve. a residential real estate brokerage and Clear evidence can be seen in our property management firm in downarea’s “month’s supply of inventory.” town Pleasant Hill. This statistic compares the number of He can be reached at nathan@ active listings available to the averhitchcockrealty.com or (925) 825age monthly pending sales for the last 1100. Data contained herein was obtwelve months, giving us an indicator tained from the CCAR Multiple Listof buyer demand relative to available ing Service. Information is deemed inventory. reliable but is not guaranteed. Although this number is actually higher than it RECENT MARTINEZ HOME SALES (3/1/2011 – 3/31/2011) Market Days List Price Address Beds Baths Sq Ft Sales Price Sales $/Sq Ft was a year ago, SINGLE FAMILY HOME which would 2525 MARTINEZ AVE 2 1 603 23 $104,040 $73,700 $122.22
RECENT PLEASANT HILL HOME SALES (3/1/2011 – 3/31/2011) Address SINGLE FAMILY HOME 149 CLEOPATRA DRIVE 2083 PLEASANT HILL RD.
125 ADRIA DR 179 CLEOPATRA DR 1027 SANTA CRUZ DR 1549 SHIRLEY DRIVE 113 MAXINE DR 1619 MARY DR 191 MAZIE DR 948 RUTH DR 1919 ELINORA DR 1967 PEGGY DR 53 CLEAVELAND RD 24 CAITLAN CT 124 BELLE AVE 24 BLISS CT 522 ODIN DR 542 ODIN DR 9 MARGATE CIR 4 DEVON CIRCLE 3200 WOODSIDE MEADOWS RD
Beds
Baths
Sq Ft
Market Days
2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 3 3 3 3 4 3 4 3 4 4 4 4 4
1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3
1105 1488 1052 1105 1131 1052 1042 1402 1760 1555 1330 1292 1618 1594 1668 1995 1612 1355 2061 2038 2083 2280 2147 2218
272 APPALACHIAN DR 237 GOLF LINKS STREET 15 ARDMORE CT TOTALS: 24 LISTINGS TOWN HOMES / CONDOS / DUETS 270 CHILPANCINGO PKWY 2 35 MASSOLO DR 2 48 MOZDEN LN 2 31 MASSOLO DR 2 1 MOZDEN LN 2 99 CLEAVELAND RD 2 23 OAK BROOK PLACE 2 437 CAMELBACK RD 4 129 WOODSWORTH LN 3 119 SOUTHWIND DR 3 1209 RIDGEVIEW PL 3 30 MATISSE CT 3 TOTALS: 12 LISTINGS
1 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2
801 973 1215 973 1215 1131 1301 1742 1563 1378 1538 1726
List Price
Sales Price
Sales $/Sq Ft
61 62 15 66 147 22 54 48 89 39 2 71 3 74 224 50 83 169 58 35 13 11 11 5 58
$210,000 $345,000 $299,999 $279,000 $299,950 $300,000 $315,000 $375,000 $375,000 $379,000 $379,000 $389,900 $429,900 $489,000 $499,950 $467,180 $499,900 $499,950 $499,000 $499,000 $535,000 $650,000 $675,000 $688,000 $432,477
$216,500 $232,000 $260,000 $265,000 $280,000 $280,000 $320,000 $325,000 $360,000 $370,000 $379,000 $385,000 $415,000 $450,000 $465,000 $476,000 $484,500 $487,750 $490,000 $495,000 $525,000 $618,000 $675,000 $688,000 $414,239
$195.93 $155.91 $247.15 $239.82 $247.57 $266.16 $307.10 $231.81 $204.55 $237.94 $284.96 $297.99 $256.49 $282.31 $278.78 $238.60 $300.56 $359.96 $237.75 $242.89 $252.04 $271.05 $314.39 $310.19 $260
223 33 46 18 38 102 191 67 101 32 151 51 87
$134,000 $144,900 $170,000 $189,000 $209,500 $239,900 $219,600 $280,000 $299,900 $309,000 $374,000 $385,000 $246,233
$126,000 $155,000 $168,000 $190,000 $195,000 $222,500 $230,000 $245,000 $288,720 $299,000 $360,000 $390,000 $239,101
$157.30 $159.30 $138.27 $195.27 $160.49 $196.73 $176.79 $140.64 $184.72 $216.98 $234.07 $225.96 $182
1101 VINE AVE 498 RODRIQUES AVE 1350 DELACY AVE 3578 PACHECO BLVD 4040 VIA DE FLORES 725 HUNTINGTON CT 705 E ST 2555 ORANGE STREET 4206 CABRILHO DR 423 H ST 566 DOROTHY LN 3105 ALHAMBRA AVE 3761 CANYON WAY 302 KINGSTON AVE 173 FIG TREE LN 3701 SERRANO ST 800 Darcie Way 2203 BOULDER CREEK CT 1347 RIDGEWOOD CT 936 SHADOW HILL DR 480 DALE RD 2112 TORRINGTON CT 34 MIDHILL RD 3950 ALHAMBRA WAY 2245 Hidden Lakes 1149 PARADISE DR 4026 HILLER LN 445 BLUE RIDGE DR 287 CRESTVIEW AVE 124 MONT SAINT MICHEL WAY
2 3 3 4 3 2 3 3 4 2 3 4 3 2 3 3 4 4 3 3 3 4 4 2 3 5 4 4 3 4 5 4 5
329 BEAR OAKS LN 2218 LAKE OAKS COURT 810 CORTE BRIONES TOTALS: 34 LISTINGS TOWN HOMES / CONDOS / DUETS 1090 MAYWOOD LN 2 186 FARM LN 2 407 HOLIDAY HILLS DR 2 1473 ASHWOOD DR 2 18 FOUNTAINHEAD CT 3 2040 WELLFLEET PL 3 1605 BEECHWOOD DR 3 6450 VIEWPOINT CT 3 TOTALS: 8 LISTINGS
1 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 3 3 3 3
864 955 863 991 1533 1104 943 1043 1123 993 1217 3410 1517 1842 1947 1594 2133 1789 1470 1516 1286 1972 1576 1783 1901 2632 2028 1707 1904 2454 3340 2408 3262
3 81 22 26 72 15 9 49 18 30 27 125 3 161 25 103 103 80 21 28 39 52 5 32 16 15 56 96 20 99 38 17 7 44
$109,500 $109,900 $179,900 $185,900 $189,900 $178,000 $215,220 $229,000 $225,000 $235,000 $249,900 $275,000 $275,000 $299,000 $285,000 $299,900 $299,900 $337,900 $314,900 $324,900 $345,828 $345,000 $360,000 $349,000 $350,000 $350,000 $379,900 $450,000 $447,000 $485,000 $599,900 $589,900 $859,000 $318,626
$110,000 $111,111 $179,900 $182,000 $195,000 $201,000 $225,000 $225,000 $227,000 $230,000 $240,000 $250,000 $275,000 $275,000 $285,000 $299,000 $300,000 $300,000 $315,000 $332,500 $335,000 $337,000 $355,000 $360,000 $367,000 $370,000 $372,000 $435,000 $445,000 $455,000 $500,000 $570,000 $825,000 $310,506
$127.31 $116.35 $208.46 $183.65 $127.20 $182.07 $238.60 $215.72 $202.14 $231.62 $197.21 $73.31 $181.28 $149.29 $146.38 $187.58 $140.65 $167.69 $214.29 $219.33 $260.50 $170.89 $225.25 $201.91 $193.06 $140.58 $183.43 $254.83 $233.72 $185.41 $149.70 $236.71 $252.91 $185
2 2 1 2 1 2 2 2
989 939 972 1152 1276 1394 1363 1416
68 95 60 98 29 28 134 19 66
$117,900 $109,900 $149,900 $169,000 $194,900 $239,950 $249,900 $329,800 $195,156
$109,000 $112,000 $149,900 $165,000 $184,500 $230,000 $251,000 $330,000 $191,425
$110.21 $119.28 $154.22 $143.23 $144.59 $164.99 $184.15 $233.05 $156
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Page 10
MARTINEZ CITY BUZZ
I see it every day when I pick up the morning paper, bad news such as: teachers being laid off, fire stations closing, transit agencies cutting routes and hiking fares, and cities struggling to close huge gaps in their budgets. Day after day, the news seems to get worse and worse. The governor released his draft budget in January that proposed huge cuts in spending, the elimination of redevelopment agencies, and the extension of tax increases instituted by the Schwarzenegger administration. The two parties in the legislature have been duking it out for the last four months without much progress, and it looks as if we may be in for another historically late state budget. Local governments obtain most of their income from property and sales taxes. Historically, property tax is very stable, however, the crash of the housing market
May 2011
Mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Message Rob Schroder, Mayor of Martinez has caused property values to plummet continue to keep our fiduciary responridor to downtown. We do not have any and property tax income to do the same. sibility to the citizens of Martinez as our large shopping malls or new auto dealSales tax is a factor in the health of the ers which, in good economic times, could number one priority, while still making economy and consumer spending. The strategic investments toward economic generate large amounts of sales tax to the recession and high unemployment has city. Although our sales tax revenues have development and providing the highest caused sales tax receipts to drop as well. dropped by approximately 5%, our neigh- level of service. We will continue to mainAlthough the fiscal situation in local tain a healthy, unrestricted fund balance bor cities, with traditionally rich sales tax and state government is dire, the situarevenues, have seen double-digit decreas- for use in emergencies, and we will live tion in Martinez is not as bad as some within our means. When the economy es. Next year we are budgeting for a drop other communities in Contra Costa fully recovers, we will be ready to expand of 5% in sales tax. County. Martinez is a city that is essencity services and continue to improve our What does this all mean to the resitially built out. We did not experience as infrastructure. dents of Martinez? It means that we will much growth during the housing boon as did cities in East and South County. Martinez Chamber of Commerce Presents Most of our homes have been occupied for years and are financed with stable and seasoned mortgages. Although we have experienced some foreclosures, they pale Our nomination committee, made up of our service clubs, had a in comparison to the problems in East very difficult time choosing the winner in each category as there County. Property tax in Martinez has were so many highly qualified nominees. The following is a list dropped roughly 6% in 2009/10, and we of those who were selected. Congratulations! estimate an additional 1% drop this year. We expect property tax to remain flat in Educator of the Year Young Woman of the Year the 2011/12 fiscal year. Rona Zollinger Coday Skinner On the sales tax side, Martinez has Environmental Studies Academy Young Man of the Year two big box stores, three neighborhood Teacher/Founder at Martinez Christian Million shopping centers, and the Alhambra cor-
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2011
Mini Motorland On April 2nd, the John Muir Amphitheatre was turned into a small village, and motorland. A unique track for electric ride-on cars, big wheels and tricycles was created for preschool aged children. Youngsters stopped for gas, ordered at the drive-thru window, visited a car wash and went to the tire shop. Organized by Martinez Recreation Department, over 100 children were in attendance.
Woman of the Year Joelle Fockler Man of the Year Roy Jeans Service Without Borders John and Kathy Searles Lifetime Achievement Barbara Kapsalis
Unified School District Charles Laird Award Larry Sly Business of the Year Les Schwab Tire Center Dwayne Glemser, Manager Ambassador of the Year Kerri McClain California Pacific FC
City Calendar of Events
Zoning Administrator Meeting May 4, 18 4:00pm-6:00pm Contact: 925-372-3500
Planning Commission Meeting May 10, 24 7:00pm-11:00pm Contact: 925-372-3500 Photo Richardcash.com
Design Review Meeting May 11, 25
4:00pm-6:00pm Contact: 925-372-3500
Park, Recreation, Marina and Cultural Commission Meeting May 17 7:00pm-9:30pm Contact: 925-372-3510 May 30, City Offices Closed For Confirmation Visit: www.cityofmartinez.org
May 2011
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Page 11
Art World Un-Confidential! By Tony Michael Vecchio of the artists’ works. into what makes artists create art the During these events, visitors can way they do. see artwork in progress and engage artSearch online for upcoming open ists in conversation about their indistudios in the area, especially the Marin vidual processes. It’s especially fun and Arts Open Studios on May 7-8 and May eye opening for kids to see artists’ studio 14-15; East Contra Costa Open Studios environments in person. Every young on May 22 & 23; and East Bay Open Stuchild grows up with a close connection to creativity, and when they see an adult following their passion and creating art, The Pleasant Hill Farmers’ Market the experience can be both memorable is preparing for its second annual grand and educational. Open studio events opening on Saturday, May 7. “We’re very provide a wonderful opportunity to see excited for the reopening of the Pleasant how work space influences artists: the Hill Farmers’ Market,” said John Silveira, books and objects they collect, the visual Director of PCFMA. “We’ve got some eximages with which they surround themciting events planned and hope to make selves, and even the music they enjoy. this a great year.” Modern-day, productive artists’ studios The farmers’ market will kick off its can spark subtle and inspiring insights grand opening festivities with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11am by Pleasant Hill mayor David E. Durant and city council members. The College Park High School Nancy Roberts is an accomplished pastel and acrylic artist who will show her work in downtown Oakley during the East Contra Costa Open Studios. Roberts cheerleaders will also be in attendance to uses intense, saturated colors in her paintings of buildings, bridges, factories, perform a routine after the ribbon is cut. trucks, and farm equipment – objects that are both functional and beautiful. “I’ve always been interested in strucMany fun and entertaining activities are ture and the way things work,” she says, planned for the opening, such as the start “Right now, I’m working on a series of of the new Pleasant Hill Farmers’ Market vintage tools. I love the way they feel in your hands, their weight and strength, Frequent Shopper Card. Bring the fretheir patina of hard use. I like putting quent shopper card every time you shop at them in heroic poses and amping up the colors to express each one’s unique the market and receive a stamp. After five personality.” Her landscapes and citystamps, shoppers get a great farmers’ marscapes also have structure and pattern. ket prize. “I’m interested in the shape of the terrain and underlying rhythms of growth,” The market will also be celebrating she explains. “So I’ll often streamline and Mother’s Day and the first fifty moms at flatten shapes, paring things down to
It’s time for Open Studios! These annual events take place in the Bay Area every spring and, if you’ve never attended, it’s an excellent way to enjoy the local art scene. During the next few months, art aficionados have the opportunity to see what inspires and motivates hundreds of Bay Area artists by visiting art studios that are temporarily open to the public. Hosted by a number of area art organizations, each group organizes its open studios differently: some use a central gallery space, while others use a web site to indicate studio locations and images
dios June 4-5 and 11-12. For more information, contact Tony Michael Vecchio at tonymvecchio@gmail.com. View his collage illustration, mixed media assemblages, and paintings at etsy.com/shop/WabiSabiDaddi.
Farmers’ Market Returns
Open Studio Spotlight
the market will receive a beautiful flower. Cookin’ the Market will be at the market giving free cooking demonstrations and tastings, teaching shoppers how to create tasty meals from market produce. Don’t forget to bring the kids as there will be a face painter and special guest JoJo the Clown to entertain children while the parents shop. Besides providing fun and entertainment all season long, the Pleasant Hill Farmers’ Market will be a means for supporting local California farmers. More than two-dozen California farmers and other food producers are expected to be selling their goods at the market on opening day. The Pleasant Hill Farmers’ Market will be open every Saturday, 8am to 12pm, on Crescent Drive at the Century movie theater through November 19. The market accepts WIC and EBT. For more information on the Pleasant Hill Farmers’ Market please contact Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association at (800) 949-FARM or go to www.pcfma.com.
their essence and use vivid color to express an inner spirit.” See Robert’s work at www.nancyrobertsstudio.com.
Saturdays, 8am-12pm • Rain or Shine
Grand Opening Celebration May 7th
Ribbon Cutting by Mayor David E. Durant @ 11am
Live Music • Face Painting • JoJo the Clown
Mother’s Day special: First 50 Mothers receive a flower Downtown Pleasant Hill In front of the Century 16 Theatre pcfma.com/pleasanthill
CITY OF PLEASANT HILL
1.800.949.FARM
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Page 12
May 2011
SENIOR ENVY
Farewell to the Pleasant Hill Senior Center
On Friday, April 1, over 300 persons gathered for a bittersweet celebration on the last day of operation for the old buildings of the Pleasant Hill Senior Center. The group spent time reminiscing about many good friends and many, many good times spent at this conglomeration of buildings that made up the Pleasant Hill Senior Center. The original building was built in 1942 and moved to Pleasant Hill in 1955 as a “temporary” home for the Pleasant Hill Senior Center. Building 2 was built in 1978, and enlarged twice. It had been the main
Pleasant Hill Senior Activities 249 Gregory Lane (925) 798-8788 Chronic Pain and Sleep Issues, May 9 One hour hands-on workshop for people who have chronic pain and sleeping problems with Richard Weissman, licensed acupuncturist. Please RSVP at 798-8788. Friday Flik, May 20, 12:30pm “The Fighter” (2010). A look at the early years of boxer Micky Ward and his brother, who helped train him before going pro in the mid 1980’s. Rated: R., 1 hour 54 mins. Playing @ Bradman University, 2950 Buskirk Ave #200 Room 304. *(This location is near the NEW AAA Bldg. and Back 40 BBQ) Bunco, May 22 Potluck at 2pm, Bunco begins at 3pm. Fun & friendly atmosphere where no prior knowledge of the game is necessary! Buy your ticket( $4) at the Senior Center, only 24 tickets available. Sun. 2-5pm @ VFW Building: 1919 Wendell Ln, PH. Bring a potluck item to feed 4. Memorial Day Social, May 27, 1pm Rodgers-Smith Park on Grayson Road, Free! Join us as we honor our nation’s heroes with a program and root beer floats. Please RSVP to the Senior Center (7988788) so we can get an accurate count.
By Carol Lucido section of the Center. Building 3 was built albums of past events, celebrations, dances, in 1980 and expanded until 1991. It was classes, and memorable times. the home of the Center’s popular Trip and According to Senior Center SuperviCare Management Programs. The “Little sor Kendra Luke, one of the highlights of House,” was a home next door to the Senior the party was seeing old-time members Center, purchased by the District in 1991. It who had stopped frequenting the center for was used as a computer lab and shop for the health reasons, as well as past employees, small appliance-repair program. members of the Park District, City Hall, and The farewell party took place in three other members of the community. of the four buildings. In Building 2, guests Ann Luke, Kendra’s mother, was repainted their names on the “graffiti autosponsible for the cover photo taken high in graph wall.” They enjoyed appetizers proa cherry picker in front of the building. The vided by Magoo’s Grill of Pleasant Hill and group photograph is certain to re-create spent time looking over numerous photo fond memories for years to come. As cars passed by on Gregory Lane, they, too, celebrated, cheered, and honked horns to mark the occasion. This month, the old buildings will be dismantled and demolished to make way for 818 Green St. (925) 370-8770 a brand new state-of-the-art Pleasant Hill Let’s Be Informed: Welcome to Medicare Senior Center. May 11, 9:30am – 10:30 am A free HICAP class designed for those new to The new 23,000 square foot Pleasant Medicare and for those considering replacHill Senior Center was designed by architect ing current Medicare insurance plans. Learn Stephen E. Harriman, A.I.A. & Associates. about: basic benefits, Medicare alphabet soup and what A-B-C-D means, supplemenIt will have two large multipurpose rooms, a tal (Medigap) plans, Medicare Advantage professional kitchen, lounge with fireplace, plans: HMO and PPO, prescription drug plans and coordination with other health insurance computer lab, game room, meeting room, plans. Please call the Center to register. (925) dance studio, and much more. Scheduled 370-8770. completion is expected in the fall of 2012. Zumba Gold -Fridays: 3:00 pm -3:50 pm Thanks to the vision and support of Zumba Gold fuses Latin and International rhythms with easy-to-follow dance moves Tom and Ruby MacDonald, owners of the for 50 minutes of non-sto0p fun. Zumba Gold Chateaus of Pleasant Hill, the project bewas designed for the active older adult or gan in 2007. Their generous donation of beginner with a lower intensity and not as fast, but without missing any of the conta$100,000 paid for the initial plans for the gious excitement! First 3 sessions are: #1 May project, long before the citizens of Pleasant 13 – June 3, # 2: June 10 – July 1, # 3: July 8 – July 29. $20 per session. Friday, May 6 - 3:00 Hill overwhelmingly approved Bond Meap.m. “Try Zumba” intro and demo. Fee: $3.00 sure E. Yoga with Linda-Saturdays: 8am-9:00 am For now, the offices of the Pleasant Hill Linda Burkard is adding another class due Senior Center have moved to the “Little to popularity. She has studied extensively in various styles of yoga, specializing in Yoga House” at 249 Gregory Lane, telephone 798Therapy. She is trained to work with seniors 8788. Most of the programs and activities and those with special health circumstances. have been relocated around town. Some Wear loose fitting clothes and bring a yoga mat. $4 per class. will be held at the Winslow Center, some at
Martinez
Senior Activities
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churches, and some at retirement facilities. For the most up-to-date information, pick up a copy of the Senior Sounds newsletter or visit www.pleasanthillrec.com and click on Seniors for the online issue. All are welcome to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Pleasant Hill Senior Center on May 25 at 4 pm at 233 Gregory Ln., followed at 5 pm by the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Pleasant Hill Teen Center at 147 Gregory Ln., near P.H. Aquatic Park. For more information, contact Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District at 682-0896 or visit www. pleasanthillrec.com to Follow the Action!
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May 2011
In the Mix By Paul Cotruvo can have with all generations. From February 9th, 1964, changed my Annette Funicello to Taylor Swift and life forever. That was when 73 million everyone in between, we all have our viewers turned on their TV sets to opinions. Music will be the focus of watch the infamous debut of the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show. As the this column, as I believe it’s music that binds our community together. Liverpool lads ended their first song, The talent pool here in central “All My Loving”, I turned to my parents Contra Costa is deep. Each month and said, “That’s what I want to do!” I I will feature interviews with local loved the screaming girls, the guitars, the music, the sound and the vibe. Did musicians and highlight local venues offering live music. Believe it or not, I mention the screaming girls? It was you can enjoy unbelievable talent definitely the beginning of my passion for music; I just had to be a part of this right here in your own backyard! On any given week you can hear Blues, phenomenon. Country, Jazz, Americana, R&B and Since I did not own a guitar, I did Rock, original bands, cover bands, what any normal six-year-old would dads’ bands, singles, duos, trios, etc. in do--I picked up a tennis racquet and some pretty intimate settings. started strumming. Soon, the racquet Information and my gave way to an actual guitar, thus recommendations along with some beginning my sojourn with music special upcoming events will be listed and my ultimate goal of becoming here each month. Please visit venue the “fifth” Beatle. What happened to websites to keep up to date on the me, along with millions of other kids Music Calendar. Feel free to contact that day, was to open my ears to a new me for venues I may not know about sound and a love for music. 47 years or shows I should check out at: later, my passion still exists. I’ve been asked by the Community cotruvo2@att.net. I’ll leave you this month with a Focus to create a music column. As couple of thought provoking quotes: a long time local musician, currently Music is a moral law. It gives soul with Cover2Cover and Dream Posse to the universe, wings to the mind, (there’s my full disclosure), I think flight to the imagination, and charm it’s time to have a column that gives and gaiety to life and to everything. a voice to everything great about the -Plato music scene here in central Contra Rock on! – David Essex Costa. Music creates a dialogue we PAUL’S PICKS FOR MAY: May 6th – Petty Theft (Tom Petty Tribute Band) – 10:00pm at Dan’s Bar May 15th – Hopeful Romantics (Americana) – 3:00pm at Armando’s May 19th – Cover2Cover (Rockin’ Dance) – 6:00pm – Crescent Dr. Downtown P.H. May 28th – Wendy DeWitt & Friends (Boogie Woogie Blues) – 8:00pm at Armando’s May 28th – Tip of the Top (Upstairs) 7:00pm Dan DeShara (downstairs) 6:00pm – Back Forty May 29th – Finding Stella (Original Rock) 6:00pm at Summer by the Lake Concert Series Pleasant Hill, CA at City Hall corner of Cleveland and Gregory
VENUES: Armando’s: 707 Marina Vista, Martinez CA • www.armandosmartinez.com Back Forty Texas BBQ: 100 Coggins Drive Pleasant Hill, CA • www.backforty.us Dallimonti’s : 1932 Oak Park Blvd. Pleasant Hill, CA • www.dallimontis.com Dan’s Bar : 1524 Civic Drive Walnut Creek CA • www.dansbar.com E.J. Phair Brewing Company: 2151 Salvio Street, Concord, CA • www.ejphair.com Pyramid Alehouse: 1410 Locust Street Walnut Creek, CA • www.pyramidbrew.com Rocco’s Pizzeria: 2909 Ygnacio Valley Road Walnut Creek CA • www.roccospizzeria.com Ferry Street Station: 600 Ferry Street, Martinez CA • www.facebook.com/The station The Roundup Saloon: 3553 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Lafayette, CA Phone: (925) 284-4817 Vinnie’s Bar & Grill: 2045 Mt. Diablo Street, Concord, CA • www.vinniesbar.com
Page 13
MARTINEZ HISTORY
Judsen Edmund Colton By Gay Gerlack
The material for this article was provided by Brian and Gigi Walker
Judson Edmund Colton was born on April 7, 1863, just outside the town of Elk Grove, California and died on May 22, 1947 at his home in Martinez, California. Judson E. Colton served three full terms on the Martinez City Council and apparently for one short term as well. He was elected as mayor of Martinez in 1916 and served two terms. Colton was one of the early backers of waterfront development and was one of the sponsors for the swimming pool. Judson and his wife Sadie had two children, Hattie and Judson, Jr. The Colton family was prominent in pioneer activities in California. Judson’s father, Lewis Colton, came across the plains in a covered wagon and built the first toll road in the Grass Valley region, now one of the major highways through the area. When Judson Colton came to Contra Costa County in 1887, he became the manager of the William Cluff Ranch in Alhambra Valley, continuing in that post until 1908, when he built a winery in Martinez and operated it until Prohibition. The Volstead Act, the 18th Amendment, better known as Prohibition, was enacted in 1920 and repealed in 1933. Approximately 28,000 gallons of choice wine and mash, estimated by officers to be worth about $56,000.00, was dumped in the sewers at the Colton
Winery on Howard Street in Martinez. Casks containing the wine and all machinery and other contents of the winery were being destroyed by a crew of six men under the direction of Emil J. Canepa, Deputy United States Marshal. Saws and axes were used by the men to break open the casks of the choice liquors. Sewers proved inadequate to carry off the wine and the liquid overflowed into the gutters. Residents of Martinez quickly learned of the proceedings and commandeered every available tin can to recover as much of the liquor as was possible. Some waited several blocks away from the winery for the flow of wine to reach them. Some say the local “winos” were using hats and shoes to scoop the liquor from the gutters. Other prominent members of the Colton family include Walter Colton (May 9, 1797 – January 22, 1851), who lived in Monterey and published the first newspaper in California. Colton Hall served briefly as the first state capitol of California. David Colton (July 17, 1831 – October 9, 1878) was a miner, sheriff, general, senate candidate, lawyer, rancher, and one of San Francisco’s Nob Hill Mansion owners. He was also associated with the construction of the Southern Pacific Railroad.
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CORKS AND FORKS
May 2011
Pair Up With La Sommelierre Maria Terry
Greek Isles Greece is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The sea is bright blue and the buildings are sparkling white. The wines are some of my favorites and the cuisine of the area is fresh and perfect for a spring meal. Santorini is an island that was created about 3600 years ago by a volcanic eruption. The best Santorini white wine is made from the assyrtiko grape. The wine has intense citrus flavors similar to sauvignon blanc but has a wonderful
smoky, mineral quality that is likely influenced by the volcanic ash soil. Greek wines, like Italian wines, are truly made to go with regional cuisine. Choose a veggie plate filled with dolmas, tabouli and falafel with a drizzle of tahini sauce to start. The fresh lemon and mint in the food is matched beautifully by the medium-high acid in the wine. The nutty sesame in the tahini will pick-up the smoky notes. Xinomavro is one of my favorite Greek reds. Deep red flavors of pome-
Feta Cheesecake INGREDIENTS 1 9” crumb crust of your choice (graham cracker, Nilla Wafers, etc.) 4 oz. Greek feta cheese, strained well 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 2/3 c. sugar 2 eggs (at room temp.) 1 c. sour cream 2 tsp. vanilla PINE NUT TOPPING 2 tbsp. brown sugar 4 tbsp. golden syrup 2 tbsp. cream 2 tbsp. butter 1/2 cup pine nuts
PORT POACHED FIGS 1 cup port wine 1 tsp. lemon juice ½ tsp. vanilla 2 tsp. sugar ½ cup sliced fresh or dried figs
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DIRECTIONS • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. • Prepare and bake crumb crust; set aside. • In a large bowl, stir together cream cheese and sugar until soft and creamy, then beat in eggs, one at a time. Stir in sour cream and vanilla, blend well. Pour into baked crust. • Mix pine nut topping ingredients and carefully pour atop cake. • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until center jiggles slightly when pan is gently shaken (center will set upon standing). Let cool completely. Cover with wax paper and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. • Reduce port slowly with vanilla bean, lemon juice and a small amount of sugar. Add sliced dried figs (or fresh when in season) and poach until soft. Yield: 8-10 servings Boutique Style Consignment Store “Bay Area Parent” Magazine Family Favorite Since 2004!
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granate are accented by floral violets and a hint of smoky tar. It is similar to the elusive Italian Barolo but comes at a fraction of the cost. Grab a Greek gyro (pronounced “year-oh”) to eat with this earthy wine and you’ll see how well it harmonizes with the roasted lamb, while the Greek yogurt, that gives the sandwich a refreshing bite, balances the medium-high acid found in all Greek wines. If you can’t find a xinomavro and can’t afford a Barolo, pick up a pinot noir as a readily available substitute. Tonight is a good night to splurge on dessert wine. Vin Santo is classically made in Italy, but Greece has a version made from sun-dried assyrtiko grapes. The grapes are dried for 8-10 days and then the wine is aged for about two years in oak. It has a rich amber color and enticing caramel and nut aromas. On the palate, it is sweet with flavors of vanilla, caramel and spice. The Feta Cheesecake listed below will be less sweet than the
wine (always what you look for when pairing for dessert) and the caramelized pine nuts will offer a nuttiness that will complement the wine nicely. So, go on. Pair Up! Maria Terry is a Certified Sommelier and Wine Educator in the San Francisco Bay Area. For more great wines and information please visit Maria’s website at www.LaSommelierre.com
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May 2011
Page 15
Cobbler School Officially Opens in Martinez By Chuck Nan Pablo Martinez, owner of Carlos Shoe When people hear the word “cobRepair, has established what he calls a bler,” they may think of the popular cobbler school in conjunction with his dessert consisting of fruit filling covbusiness. ered with rolled pastry dough. That’s According to several online webbecause the other kind of cobbler, a sites, there are currently fewer than shoe repairman, is fast becoming an 6,200 shoe repair parlors across the anachronism. country; the art keeps shrinking and Well, one Martinez merchant is trying his best to change that. Not only shrinking. For many Americans, shoe ware has become disposable. Most can’t seeking to continue the art, he is enbe bothered with trying to save those thusiastically orchestrating a revival. kicks that gave them support, protecMartinez Peddlers Faire tion and comfort. Antiques & Collectibles • Arts & Crafts Show Martinez has a tremendous work Over 10 booths!0 ethic himself. Six days a week, he starts working long before sunrise, most often before 6:00 a.m. at his shop. On many days he toils late into the night to serve his customers. Sat., May 21st • 8:00am to 4:00pm Just a quick look at the shelves in Downtown Martinez the vast shop area and one can see that Appraisals by John Humphries for up to 3 carry-in items for a $5 donation to the Martinez it’s not just about shoes. There are rows Historical Society at Main & Ferry St. - all day! Carlos the cobbler hard at work repairing an UGG shoe. For more info call (925) 228-3577 or visit of boots, wallets, purses, belts and othwww.MainStreetMartinez.org tion and envisions enrolling several Martinez specializes in Ugg boots. Beer types of leather goods, which have been repaired or are awaiting attention. cause of his expertise, people ship their high school students, foster kids and disadvantaged youths as apprentices in favorite foot warmers from all over the his program. He welcomes anyone who county, and even a few from overseas, has the interest or curiosity and a desire for cleaning or hole repair. to learn. Martinez is part of a legacy in the What’s next? Martinez would like trade. He and his two brothers were to obtain a county grant to purchase trained by their father, Carlos, who a specialized machine that completestarted long ago. Pablo and brother ly melts down plastic heels and vinyl Salvadore inherited the business from shoes. The melted substances can then their father and have continued to be be remolded into useful products such part of the downtown business landas soles. Who would have thought that scape for over 30 years. It was just part of your shoe could be recycled? this past January that Martinez relo“This is something I always cated the business to a spacious 10,000 square foot building at 825 Ferry Street. dreamed of. I want to keep the cobbler trade going and help the kids. Maybe With much more space, the school, someday they will open shops of their Carlos’ Cobblers’ School, was born. own,” says Martinez proudly. “It was On January 29, the first aspiring Serving Builders, Architects, Designers & Homeowners incredible. There will never be another cobbler began his apprenticeship. Alfirst day and another first student. Zack hambra student-athlete, Zack Walton, with top quality custom doors, windows and millwork. is a fast learner. This was a special day.” enjoyed his busy first day. It was filled Martinez is currently searching with seeing first-hand the art of repairfor cobblers and shoe repair shops that ing shoes. Walton started his tutelage have gone out of business in order to by disassembling shoes to learn about buy their machines and stock his large their differing forms of construction. digs. He was also taught about methods and For more information or to help, substances that can magically make you may visit www.uggrepair.com or shoes look like new again. call Pablo at (925) 228 6232. Martinez is proud of his contribuShell Oil Products US Martinez Refinery
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HOME TEAM Ward Earns Back-to-Back “Swimmer of the Year” Lisa Ward of Martinez added to her trophy and medal case once again after being selected as the 2010 female “Swimmer of the Year” in her respective age division by Pacific Masters Swimming (PMS). Ward, who won for the women’s 45-49 age division, was the 2009 winner as well. One of the most decorated swimmers in the entire country, Ward trains and swims competitively for the Walnut Creek Masters Swim Team. In addition,
May 2011
“Season Ticket” Sports By Chuck Nan she is a Physical Education instructor at ond or third teams. He was just one of Diablo Valley College. two pitchers recognized. With his performance to start this season, Stephenson Another Laurel for Stephenson looks like he may make a strong bid to be The honors, awards and accolades a First-Team All-American by the time it keep rolling-in for Alhambra senior Robis all done. ert Stephenson. The Bulldog’s ace garThere was one slight error in the stanered another high-profile national prize tistics quoted by Baseball America. In when he was named a 2011 Baseball 2010, Stephenson had 104 strikeouts, not America Pre-Season High School All107. This is per the statistical tracking of, American. Stephenson was named to the then pitching coach, Steve Ward. Third-Team as a pitcher. Stephenson was one of ten preps Helping the Spartans Roll from California named to the first, secThe De La Salle volleyball team has broken out of the gate this season with an impressive showing, winning the UC Davis and Deer Valley tournaments with 6-0 perfect records in each. One of the key contributors on the squad is Martinez resident, Julian Egoian, who plays the libero position - a defensive specialist who can come into the game and replace
U10 Extreme Takes 2nd
any player on the back row. Egoian is the only freshman on the 14-man varsity roster. Amazingly, Egoian’s team has dropped only one game in 12 matches this far. So Long Oskie The Martinez community lost one of its most supportive and friendliest citizens when Horace “Oskie” Aiello passed away recently. Oskie was a 1950 graduate of Alhambra and supported the Bulldogs in every sport for over 50-years! He was a regular fixture at school, community and civic events. Oskie also served his country proudly in the United States Navy. He had many friends and family in the Martinez community and will be sorely missed by all.
Cheery Finish
AYSO PHMSA U10 Girls Xtreme started training sessions August 1st and ended the run March 12 in Garden Grove, CA. They placed 2nd in the State as well as Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Alaska and parts of Arizona. They even got to go to Disneyland together. Pictured L to R: Julia Shinn, Katherine Foerste, Samantha Pearson, Megan Hood, Samantha Gingrich, Alyssa Clements, Julia Betti, Hannah Alves, Sophia Lucio. (not pictured Coach Mark Hood, Assistant Coach Kristi Gingrich and Assistant Coach Paul Betti. Photo by Julie Hood
Impressive Softball The Alhambra Competitive Cheer Team traveled to Anaheim and proudly earned second place at the United Spirit Association National Championships in late March. The squad, 20 strong, met the challenges in the fiercely competitive Intermediate Division of the “High School Sprit” competition, a first for the school. In 2009, the squad had notched a national championship finish in the Novice Division. The Lady Bulldogs were among 26 schools vying for the crown.
The Alhambra Bulldogs Varsity Softball team is having an impressive season thus far. The Lady Bulldogs are first in their league after beating the Dougherty Valley Wildcats by a score of 12-2 bringing their record to 11-4-0 overall and 5-0-0 in league play. The young Lady Bulldogs are playing with 5 freshmen, and one of them, shortstop Kylee Perez, is proving to be one to watch. As of April 22, Kylee is batting .565, with 13 hits, 8 RBI’s and 3 home runs. Kylee Perez, photo by todfierner@yahoo.com
May 2011
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HOME TEAM
Golf All Set to Swing College Park golf coach Craig Creamer is very excited about the school’s program this year. The Falcons returned 9 players from their 2010 DVAL championship team and have a 6-0 record heading into the final week of 2011 league play. “Our team is very close and competitive. It is a pleasure to watch these boys compete. We have the capability to post very low team scores.” Returning players are Sasha Gray (senior), Austin Collier, Jason
Page 17
An, Ramon Alejo, Carlos Mena, Craig Buchholz, Max Creamer, Pat Thompson and Andy Tripp. Our stand-out freshmen are Dimitri Salido and Brennan Williams. Lyle Tripp and Tim Sain round out the coaching staff. Creamer is quick to add, “We are very fortunate to play and practice at Contra Costa Country Club as our home course. The staff and membership have been extremely supportive.”
PHBA Appreciation Day
PHBA Brewers stand tall with the CPHS varsity team. Photo by Mike Sprecher
Photo by Michael Salido
The PHBA Brewers from the Boys National 9-10 league took the field with the CP varsity team wearing their new Falcon shirts at the first PHBA Appreciation Day held April 19th. The game was a nail biter going 12 innings with CP winning 4-3 over Concord. Matt Lisle, this year’s new baseball head coach, has created many new traditions to involve the community with the College Park’s baseball program.
First pitches have been thrown by Bartbara Oaks, CP principal, Paul Damhesel, 26-year PH Hawks coach, Pleasant Hill Mayor, David Durant, and Lance Hurtado, the school’s athletic director. The school choir sang during the 5th inning stretch, as well as the national anthem and fans have had the chance to win SF Giants and A’s tickets at all home games. The crowds are growing as well as the Falcon pride.
CP Track Smashes Records at Arcadia Invitational Photo and Story By Dave Holland
College Park Track and Field sent it’s elite runners to one of the nations most prestigious track meets, The Arcadia Invitational in Los Angeles, last week and turned them loose. The combined effort of Parker Marson, Jeff Bickert, Will Holland, Anthony Ortolan and Keagan Brown not only “ Wowed the Crowd”, but set 2 new school records that have been standing for several years. This level of running takes commitment to the sport to a separate level. These young men train 6 days a week, work diligently with the training regimen that the College Park track coach Christina Pennes demands of them. They are to be congratulated for their hard work.
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Page 18
PHMSA U10 Take 2nd
May 2011
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PHMSA Select U10 Girls Fury took 2nd Place in The Soccer Slam Tournament April 2nd and 3rd in Visalia, CA.
Back Row: Coach Mark Hood, Assistant Coach Paul Betti, Assistant Coach Janine Pearson, Assistant Coach Kristi Gingrich. Front Row: Megan Hood, Samantha Monroe, Sophia Chavez, Julia Betti, Abaigeal Herrick, Samantha Pearson, Samantha Gingrich, Bailey Matthews
United Wins Soccerfest
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Over the weekend of April 2 and 3, the Pleasant Hill-Martinez Soccer Association U12 boys team, United, won the PHMSA Soccerfest Championship. On Saturday, United put together strong wins against the Sunnyvale Strike Force 6-0, Concord Rage 4-0, and MDSA Chivas 5-1, to move into the semi-finals. On Sunday, United beat Los Altos 5-3 to move into the championship game vs. MDSA Chivas. United played with everything they had to best Chivas to a final 4-2 score.
Bottom Row, L-R: Liam Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neill, John Wilcock, Patrick Billotti and Drake Westphal. Top Row, L-R: Coach Keith George, Robert Viano, Kyle Tiangsing, Ryan McGough, Joshua George, Aaron Eskelson, Wyatt Hattich, Calder McClure and Coach Michel McClure. Not Pictured: Coach Jeff McClure.
The Coolest Spot in Town
Come join the fun this year at the Buena Vista Swim Club! The Club, established in 1960, is a non-profit, family run cooperative. The pool is open 9am to 9pm, from late April through late October. Buena Vista Swim Club has no swim team so all of the pool time is available for your enjoyment. The Club hosts parties for Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day with lots of space on the lawn and picnic areas to relax and play. Pool members may bring guests and schedule their own parties as well. Swim lessons are available and kids can demonstrate their newly acquired skills in the pool with no rush to leave. With certified lifeguards on duty and a separate kiddiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pool, there is safe fun for everyone. Come join us for a swim at our Open House: Sat. May 14th 12pm - 4pm, 197 Cortsen Rd., Pleasant Hill. To schedule a tour or for more information, call 944-0700.
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May 2011
Page 19
Who is Your Beneficiary? Tamura Insurance Services Your Life...My Business
Tamura Insurance Services is an independent life insurance agency specializing in identifying survivorship needs, legacy plans, and tax free retirement solutions for families and individuals. We also collaborate with business owners on funding Buy Sell, Key Man and Executive Bonus plans. Our goal is education with precision needs based planning. “We thought our plans were set in stone and we had to just settle for what the life insurance company was offering us. Tracy not only showed us options but was able to almost double our coverage with no additional premium!” Jack, client and Pleasant Hill resident
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Green Thumb Alert
A Pleasant Hill tradition on Mothers Day weekend is the plant sale sponsored by the PH Garden Study Club (PHGSC). This year’s sale will be Saturday, May 7, from 9am–2pm at the Winslow Center on the corner of Pleasant Hill Rd. and Taylor Blvd. Decorative pots of blooming flowers and succulent arrangements will greet shoppers as they enter. A large section will feature unusual varieties of California natives and drought tolerant perennials. Succulents will be plentiful including trees, bushes and vines. Heirloom tomatoes are a plant sale favorite, and various vegetables and herbs will round out the
Your Hometown Parts Store Where Value Meets Service
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By Tracy Tamura past your demise! Not to mention that an 18 As a life insurance specialist, I am often asked, “Who should I list as my beneficiary?” year old who receives a large sum of money It seems like a simple enough question. I am might not be mature enough to handle that responsibility; just think what you would a specialist after all – shouldn’t I know the answer? I do, and the answer is: “It depends.” have done at 18 with a large inheritance! So choose your beneficiaries carefully. A typical scenario is to list your spouse Make an appointment to review your opfirst and your children next, however, this approach leaves your beneficiaries with mul- tions with an estate attorney. If you do not tiple challenges. First, if your spouse receives have any professional advisors, ask friends and family for a trusted referral. Defining the proceeds it becomes subject to claims from creditors. It also leaves him or her open and reviewing beneficiary plans could be to influences and requests from other family one of the most important financial decisions you make, and you want your estate to members for distribution of the proceeds in be handled your way, not as dictated by the the form of loans and gifts. courts! What if your spouse is deceased or you Important note: If legal, tax, or other are divorced? Can’t you just list your survivprofessional services or advice are needed, ing children? If your children are minors, the services of a competent professional they cannot receive the proceeds outright should be sought as applicable state laws until they are 18, and if you have not desigand/or regulations may impact your benefinated a guardian to manage the funds, the ciary designations. courts will appoint one until your children Tracy Tamura is an insurance specialturn 18. Neither situation is desirable and ist she can be reached at 925.335.9749 can create rifts in a family that endure long
Pleasant Hill Garden Study Club
www.phgsc.com 925-944-4898 Affliate of:
edible plant section. Outdoor décor items from a large estate will be available at the sale’s “garden shed” area. Competitive prices make the sale a popular destination. Another benefit is that master gardeners will be available to answer plant-related questions. The PHGSC is a nonprofit organization, and a portion of the sale’s proceeds are donated to local garden-related nonprofits. The PHGSC is affiliated with the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District. For details about the sale or the club, call Eileen Housfeld at 944-4898, or visit the club’s website: www.phgsc.com.
Limit one coupon per customer. Not valid with other offers.Restrictions apply. Valid and redeemable only when presented at a participating location. The UPS Store centers are independently owned and operated. © 2010 Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. Exp. 05/30/2011
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Page 20
May 2011
Good Times Never Seemed So Good By Randy Wanser The Dirty Dogs of Pleasant Hill Recreation’s adult softball league begin arriving for another Thursday night showdown under the bright lights. Captain Matt Martin is early as usual, and writes the line-up on a dry-erase board. He’s concerned about some pitch problems the team experienced last week. That, and his center fielder, Chris Baker, was particularly out of rhythm on a fast-moving number that somehow got away from him. Martin decides it’s time to get more vocal with the team. “Guys, I gotta tell ya,” Martin begins his plea. “I need your help on that Diamond tonight.” Baker and three more Dirty Dogs immediately flank their Captain. Keyboards and a French horn pulse on cue, inviting Martin to sing the opening lines to Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline.” Where it began … I can’t begin to knowin’ … But then I know it’s growin’ strong. What? You thought this was about SOFTBALL? Nope. Karaoke. Thursday night Karaoke at Zio Fraedo’s restaurant in Pleasant Hill, where, apparently, real men go to share camaraderie in song and wear their hearts on their jersey sleeves.
The Dirty Dogs of Pleasant Hill Recreation Softball belt out a tune during Karaoke night at Zio Fraedo’s restaurant. Pictured (L to R): Matt Martin, Chris Baker, Bob DeMercurio, Rob Shanks and Randy Wanser. Photo by Chrissy Wanser
When asked how this came about, Martin explains: “Another team in the league, the Bobtails, is sponsored by Zio’s. After a spring season game, a couple of Bobtails invited us to go with them for a drink. We already had beer in a cooler, so we said, ‘Thanks, but no thanks.’ They mentioned there was Karaoke, and that some of the Bobtails sing. We were curious, but passed.
They added that there’s this really fun DJ named Ms. PJ, and she turns the place into a party. And that Zio’s sometimes puts out snacks. We said, “Okay. Lead the way!” And spring became a summer … Who’d have believed you’d come along? Karaoke wasn’t PJ’s first choice, either. The blonde haired, blue-eyed starlet traces her roots to singing in a band. She
recalls, “At practice, other band members weren’t taking things seriously. I decided, ‘Who needs them!’ I made recordings of background tracks to which I sang lead vocals at solo shows all over the Bay Area. Eventually, I had thousands of songs on CD – basically, a karaoke library. That’s when I stepped out of the performing spotlight and began sharing my passion and music with others. I supply top-notch equipment and take pride in making people feel comfortable, from first-timers to karaoke pro’s. I make them feel like stars!” All this star-making at Zio’s has Martin feeling more than a little concerned for the welfare of his softball team. The Dirty Dogs are heading into Week 4 with a share of first place and a big game on the schedule. Assessing the line-up, he calls out, “Who’s in for next week?” “I’m in, for sure,” outfielder Bob DeMercurio enthusiastically responds, while thumbing through one of PJ’s immense songbooks. “And, I think I can make the softball game, too.” Ohh, Sweet Caroline … Good times never seemed so good. Ms. PJ is at Zio Fraedo’s every Thursday from 9pm to 12am.
If Only All Cities Were Like Pleasant Hill
If you look around this country, you will be hard pressed to find a community like Pleasant Hill. For the last fifty years this small city, nestled in the foothills of Contra Costa county, has grown by leaps and bounds from the proverbial, “one horse town,” to the thriving city you see today. I first came to this city for a job, but I got so much more. I found a community that focused on its people and I was welcomed into the business community like a celebrity. I was quickly enthralled with everything going on in the city of Pleasant Hill: Blues and Brews, the Art Jazz and Wine Festival, the fouth of July celebration, and Light Up the Night. On these days, this city comes alive. Everyone says hello to
By Adam Tabasco
one another like they’re in a Charles Dickens novel, and after it is over the local bars and restaurants are jammed with patrons from all around the Bay Area. Recession, what recession? Pleasant Hill is unique and has a character all its own, from the look of
Photo by susanwoodphotography.com
the movie theater to the shape of Crescent Drive. On one corner you could be enjoying a hamburger, while on the other a couple is enjoying a $150 bottle of wine. It is the perfect mix of elegance and comfort, all rolled into a nice little package.
I am sure some of you are thinking, “Yeah, that is why I live here,” and you should be saying that. But from the perspective of an East Coast transplant, the Bay Area needs more communities like Pleasant Hill, where people thrive and are willing to share their happiness, wealth and knowledge with the rest of the community. We in the Bay Area sometimes forget these values. We get so engrossed in ourselves that we forget the community around us and what we can do to make it better. Pleasant Hill should serve as a prime example of what you get when you combine hard work, a tightly knit community, and a little luck: a town that residents and local businesses are proud to call “OURS.”
May 2011
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It’s Baby Bird Time By Susan Heckly, Lindsay Wildlife Museum their long flight and tail feathers are Spring is restill short and not very useful. The parally here and it’s the ents continue to feed them wherever height of the seathey are. Don’t be a bird-napper! Reson for baby birds. sist the urge to “rescue” these fledgling We’re lucky that birds on the ground. The best thing we many birds call can do is to keep cats and people away, the Diablo Valley and let the parents do their job. home. NeighborIt’s a myth that parent birds will hood birds have reject a baby if a person has touched it. adapted to living close to our homes If you find a baby bird on the ground and this means they raise their young that’s too young to be out of the nest, right under our noses. It’s great to see it’s OK to pick it up and put it back parent birds sitting on nests, incubatinto its nest, as long as it appears unining their eggs and then feeding tiny jured and looks like other birds in the babies. nest. If the whole nest has fallen, pick Baby birds grow quickly and, beit up and attach it to the tree as close to hour or two. If the parents don’t come fore you know it, nestlings are too big to stay in the nest. Most baby birds are where it was originally. If the nest itself back, the baby bird is injured, or you have any questions, call the Lindsay can’t be fastened, put the remains of not good flyers in the beginning. For Wildlife Museum for advice. the nest in a margarine tub or plastic many, it takes at least a couple of days For more information about Lindto build muscle and perfect their flying container with drainage holes punched say Wildlife Museum and ways you in the bottom and attach that. Watch skills, so they end up hopping around can help wildlife, visit www.wildlifefrom a distance to make sure the paron the ground during that time. Their ents come back. This can take up to an museum.org. bodies are covered with feathers, but
Monkey Business
By Troy McGregor, Garden Natives One of the easiest Californian native plants to grow is the tough-as-old-boots Monkeyflower. The genus (Mimulus) is well represented in California, mostly by annuals and ranges from alpine areas and creek banks to chaparral and coastal bluffs. In our region, the ‘Big Cheese’ is the bush or sticky Monkeyflower, which can grow to 4-5’ and is covered with gold flowers each spring. It’s one of the host little chap with a small paintbrush and plants for the Variable Checkerspot but- lots of time to kill – excuse me while I terfly, and therefore performs an impor- generalize and offend). The best of the tant function in nature. hybrid monkeyflowers are marketed unHorticulturally speaking, size does der the Jelly Bean and Curious names matter and big isn’t always better, so I’m and are the result of years of cross poloften asked for smaller forms that do lination and garden tolerance testing and well in both the ground and containers. trials at numerous locations. The results This is where the hybrids really shine. are healthy and vigorous plants with long There seems to be a lot of confusion be- bloom times and pest resistance. Colors tween hybridization and genetically en- range from whites and yellows through gineered. The latter is when we alter ge- to oranges, reds, pinks and purples. netic material by bypassing the usual reYoung plants should be tip-pruned productive process. Hybridization, on to encourage bushy growth, and they the other hand, occurs naturally and by generally live for 5+ years in a garden the hand of man (usually a bespectacled setting.
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May 2011
Beautiful and Cost Effective
Showrooms also in Santa Clara & Milbrae
If a face lift for your home is on your spring to do list, keep in mind that the biggest bang for your buck when remodeling can come simply by adding trim and moulding - to the interior for warmth and elegance or to the exterior for a boost to curb appeal. Baseboards along floors, crown around ceilings and casing around windows and doors instantly upgrades the look and feel of a room, providing gorgeous craftsman touches. Choose moulding and trim that keeps with the style of your home. Modern homes call for clean lines whereas period-style homes are best paired with more decorative and ornate designs. When selecting the size of moulding, consider the ceiling height and the overall size of the room. Pick a wider moulding for rooms with tall ceilings. Crown should complement the baseboards and other architectural trim in the room. A room with a variety of moulding looks best if the features are
By The Moulding Company proportionate in style and scale. Consider one or a combination of these commonly used mouldings: • Baseboards are installed at the bottom of a wall against the flooring to cover the gap between the two surfaces. A typical home uses baseboards that are 3 inches to 6 inches high. • Casing fills the gap between a window and wall or door and wall. A typical home has casings between 2 inches to 4 inches wide. Trim can be combined with casings above doors and windows to add a real sense of architecture. • Crown is used to fill the gap between a wall and ceiling. It is available in a range of sizes, anywhere from 2 to 20 inches, but a typical home has 4 to 5 inch crown. • Chair Rail runs horizontal to and approximately 30 inches from the floor. Today, a chair rail is often used for decorative purpose only.
• Wainscoting is trim work installed in the area below a chair rail. Often used in dining rooms, stairways and even bathrooms, wainscoting creates a dramatic look in any room. Moulding and trim come in a range of prices to fit many budgets from basic paint-grade trim and chair rail to elaborate crown, corbels and wainscoting. Experts and accessible show rooms can help you discover the potential to add real value, comfort and beauty to your home, taking your residence from the ordinary to the extraordinary. Visit a showroom, talk to the sales staff and get inspired! Family-owned and operated since 1969, The Moulding Company is the ideal local resource and perfect starting point for any trim project you might be considering. 2310 “D” Bates Avenue (Near HWY 4), Concord M-F 7am-5pm, Sat. 9am-2pm 925-798-7525
Hire My Husband
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• Interior Painting • Quality Home Repair Projects • Handyman Services Contractor Lic. # 943231
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May 2011
Page 23
THE GARDEN
Grow Your Own If the blessed event has not already transpired, now is the time to get a summer garden thriving with your coddled seedlings and exotic stash of seeds. Our crazy weather may have delayed placing precious seeds and plants in loamy soil, especially for tomato crazy folks, but it is warm enough at night to get to the task now. Problems arise when you put plants in ground that doesn’t quite warm up enough over night to hold the temperature above 50 degrees at a minimum and optimally around 70 degrees - especially if you are planting hot weather crops such as peppers and squash. Cool weather crops such as lettuce and carrots want a minimum ground temperature of 40 degrees in order to germinate, making those tasty
By Lesley Stiles treats perfect for cooler and shadier spots in your garden plot. Personally, I do not think that there is a perfectly set day or date to put stuff in the ground. Gardening in your yard is not black and white and we must exercise a flexible planting schedule during our fickle weather patterns. The main thing is to get a garden in for the summer, large or small, and what you are actually eating and servreap the satisfaction that comes from ing your family while also saving monwatching your garden, growing your ey, not to mention how much better it own food, eating it, and giving it to all tastes. Growing food is addictive. friends and family. You know who you Once you have a good season, you are are, standing there evening after evehooked. What about continuing on into ning with the hose and a glass of wine, the winter? Who says you can’t grow watching with a satisfied grin. year round? You certainly can in our Growing your own food takes area where several crops actually overon a different importance when you lap. In our College Park garden we have read the labels on some of the foods a few nice fences that we use for snow you buy. Do you really want to be eatpeas in the winter and tomatoes in the ing genetically modified foods? When summer, but it seems that our snow you grow your own, you can be sure of pea crop is going a bit longer every year and we have been forced to find new places to climb the tomatoes so we can keep those peas going. And except for
Farmers’ Market Opens
The Pleasant Hill Farmers’ Market will be open every Saturday, 8am to 12pm, on Crescent Drive at the Century movie theater through November 19. The market opens May 7. Come and enjoy the fresh local produce.
DVC Plant Sale Diablo Valley College spring plant sale- 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Sat., May 21st, DVC’s greenhouse area, 321 Golf Club Rd, Pleasant Hill. All plants are grown and cultivated by horticulture students at the college and proceeds go to support the program. Spring and summer vegetables, perennials, succulents, spring lettuce, summer tomatoes, mesclun, sages, lavenders, culinary herbs, unique and native plants are available.
basil and tarragon, most herbs go yearround allowing us to keep adding those tantalizing flavors to punch up our gourmet concoctions. Some of the many amazing farmers’ market offerings available for spring include green garlic, which is just immaturely picked baby garlic. It has all the exciting nuances of mature garlic sans the heat. Use both green and white parts liberally in all dishes that call for garlic. Green garlic is a very special seasonal offering and it beckons to be used until its season moves on; it is the seasonal soul mate of asparagus and they beg to spend as much time together as possible before disappearing until next spring. Lesley Stiles is a graduate of the California Culinary Academy, sustainable caterer and school garden educator. Contact Lesley at lesleystiles@ comcast.net, www.lesleystiles.blogspot.com and visit her new website: www.lesleystilesfoods.com.
Green Garlic Sautéed with Mushrooms and Gai Lan (Chinese Brocoli) Ingredients:
3 stalks of green garlic, thinly sliced 1 bunch of Gai Lan, thinly sliced ½ pound of Cremini mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil Sea salt and ground pepper to taste
Directions:
Heat a large skillet and add olive oil. Let heat for a few seconds and add the green garlic. Sauté for a minute or two and add the broccoli and mushrooms. Let cook until the Gai Lan is bright green. Season with salt and pepper. Serves 4 generously.
Community Garden Info Local community members who showed interest in having a garden in the park started the Community Garden over 35 years ago. It was developed with funds from a county grant and resides on the North East Side of the Pleasant Hill Park behind the softball fields. The garden consists of twenty-five 8ft-by-27ft plots which are rented annually for $70, plus a $50 refundable deposit. For more information, please call/email Sheila at Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District: 925-682-0896, sgeorge@pleasanthillrec.com
• Your restaurant has an ongoing ad in the restaurant section • Get a one-time 250-word feature & photo with a 6-month commitment • Get the feature plus one month free with a 12-month commitment • With a delivery of 35,000, your ad lands directly in the hands of your target market. • Our online edition provides a direct link to your website
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Page 24
Plaza Concerts Return Downtown Pleasant Hill brings live music to the Plaza thanks to our community leaders at the City of Pleasant Hill, our neighbors at Jack’s Restaurant & Bar and the new landlord/owner Loja Real Estate, LLC. This summer, Downtown Pleasant Hill, and our sponsors will be producing (9) concerts in the Plaza next to Jack’s Restaurant & Bar. Concerts will be held on the first and third Thursday’s beginning May 19th through September 15th from 6 pm – 8pm. Participating
!
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merchants will be providing special concert promotions and discounts for each of the (9) concert nights along with special dinner menus and late night Happy Hours. Bring a low back lawn chair or a blanket or just your own two feet to dance the night away! Enjoy a
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fun night under the stars in Downtown Pleasant Hill. Our first concert kicks-off with Cover2Cover, a local favorite. Visit: ShopDowntownPleasantHill.com and “Like Us” on Facebook to get a complete line-up for the Summer Concert Series. Don’t miss the Wine Walk, sponsored by the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce, along Crescent Drive on May19th between 6pm-8pm. For more information visit www.pleasanthillchamber.com or call (925) 687-0700.
May 2011
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May 2011
A Little Piece of Heaven
Page 25
RESTAURANT GUIDE
By Emma Peel Savanh means heaven and is the kind of place you learn about through word of mouth. You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see it from the road, but this establishment, formerly called Bangkok Thai, has been around for 25 years. The cuisine is classic Thai with sweet and sour flavors, coconut milk, lemongrass, basil, chili, cilantro, and peanuts. The menu contains hot and sour soups ($911), assorted curries ($10-12), Savanhâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (Chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s) Dishes ($9-13), marinated and grilled meats ($11-13), and noodles and rice dishes ($9). Lunch specials are served Monday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Saturday from 11am to 3pm. We started out by splitting a cold and refreshing Thai beer called Singha ($7) and ordered the Sa Tay chicken (four skewers) with a peanut dipping sauce and fresh cucumber salad ($8). For picky eaters, the smoky and meaty grilled chicken fit the bill. A special of the evening was pumpkin curry ($12), and we loved pouring this colorful soup-like stew over steamed rice, which
both entrees containing specks of chili pepper. If you can spare room for dessert I highly recommend the fried bananas with ice cream ($6). Banana halves are coated in a batter with sesame seeds and fried until crispy, staying firm and hot, even with the ice cream. The five of us inhaled this dish in 60 seconds flat. Service at Savanh was friendly and efficient and you can see why it has been a neighborhood classic for all these years. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sorry I hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t discovered it sooner. Savanh is in the Oak Park Shopping Center at 1910 Oak Park Blvd. in Pleasant Hill. Hours of Operation: Mon-Sat 11am-9pm
soaked up the spicy sweet sauce made with coconut milk. I was pleased to find the chicken was all-white breast meat, and we greatly enjoyed the fork-tender orange-green chunks of pumpkin with carrots and peas. We also ordered the first entree listed
Savanh, originally Bangkok Restaurant, has been serving Thai favorites in this Oak Park location for over 20 years. Insisting on fresh market ingredients, our kitchen locates the freshest produce, seafood, and meats everyday, preparing each dish a little different from other Bay Area Thai restaurants. Our newly redesigned dining room is adorned with the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s symbolic emblem, the elephant. Our extensive menu boasts the traditional Thai fare, plus an array of grilled dishes. We also offer take-out.
under â&#x20AC;&#x153;Savanhâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dishesâ&#x20AC;? called Kapraw ($11), a spicier dish made with basil leaves, zucchini, onions, and bell pepper in a garlic sauce with your choice of meat. We ordered ours with beef, which was lean and tender, and our taste buds were definitely given a lively experience with
Lunch specials: Mon-Sat: 11am-3pm Most lunches are $8 and come with soup, steamed rice or brown rice. Salad available for vegetarians. Takeout is available view their online menu at www.Savanh.net. 925-937-4368
Cafe Milano PLEASANT HILL
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Page 26
May 2011
Calendar EVENTS Now- 6/24 – Mystery of Life. Martinez Art Gallery, 630 Court St. Portions of the sales benefit school art programs and scholarships. Gallery Hours: 11am-3pm, Mon.-Fri. and 9am-1pm on Sat. 5/5 - Book Signing Reception. The Kensington, Vintage Senior Living, is hosting a book signing reception to celebrate renowned author and community resident William Christopher’s latest book, Twelve Keys to Sustainable Company Success. Free to residents and the general public. 5:30pm-7:00pm. 1580 Geary Road, Walnut Creek. Space and parking is limited. RSVP to Anna Price at 925-482-1204 or email anna.price@vintagesenior.com. 5/7 – PH Garden Club Plant Sale. 9am2pm at the Winslow Center on the corner of Pleasant Hill Rd. and Taylor Blvd. 5/7 – PHBA Parent Appreciation Banquet. The Siete De Mayo Fiesta with a live and silent auction takes place at St. Stephens Parish Hall, 1101 Keaveny Ct.,Walnut Creek at 6pm. Tickets are $15 or 2/$25. Purchase tickets at the Snack Shack (during games). For more info. visit www.phba.org. 5/10 – Homeopathy and Women’s Health: A Natural Alternative. Have you heard of homeopathy but are confused about what it is and how it works? Join Myra Nissen, CCH, RSHom(NA) board certified homeopath on Women’s Journal Talk Radio on Tuesday at 1pm. You can listen to her online at: www. blogtalkradio.com/womensjournaltalkradio/2011/05/10/homeopathy-and-womens-health. 5/12 - 6/4 - Chicago. Willows Cabaret Theatre, 636 Ward St., Martinez. Call: 925798-1824 or visit www.willowstheatre.org for ticket information. 5/14 - Free Wildlife Museum Day. 10am5pm. Lindsay Wildlife Museum,1931 First Avenue, Walnut Creek. Call: 925-9351978 or visit www.wildlife-museum.org for more information. 5/14 – All Area Music Festival. The Mt. Diablo Music Education Foundation will be hosting the 2nd annual festival featuring music students from the various elementary, middle and high schools, performing different styles of music and vocals. Sleep Train Pavilion in Concord.
2:00pm-9:30pm. The Pleasant Hill Elementary choir performs at 3:40pm. Ticket prices are $10/first ticket and $5 for each ticket after. $12/adults and $6/students at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at: www. www.mdmusicfoundation.org. 5/15 - Rodgers Ranch Open House. Pleasant Hill – 50 Years of History, from 1971-1980. Rodgers Ranch, 315 Cortsen Rd., Pleasant Hill. 2pm - 4pm. Contact Denise: 387-0158. 5/15 – 5th Annual Les Schwab Hot Rod Hoodlum Car Show. Free admission, breakfast and lunch available beginning at 6:30am. $25 Registration- All vehicles welcome. Car Show awards given at 2pm. Live music from 10:30am- 1pm. 100% of profits benefit MUSD. 3800 Alhambra Ave., Martinez. 5/19 - Homeopathy Every Day Study Group of Walnut Creek. “Using Homeopathy with Children to Boost the Immune System” taught by Masha Rosen, CCH, RSHom (NA). 6pm-7pm. 43 Quail Court, Suite 215, Walnut Creek. www.homeopathyeveryday.com. 5/20-22 – Christ the King Festival. Be prepared to stroll along the boardwalk and be astonished at the festivities, amazed at the food and revel in the family atmosphere. Christ the King Small Parking Lot. 199 Brandon Road, Pleasant Hill. For more information, visit the CTK website: www.ctkph.org. 5/21&22 – Relay for Life of Pleasant Hill. 24-hour fundraiser and awareness raiser for the American Cancer Society. Public invited to walk around the PH Middle school track along with relay teams. Free to attend, donations to ACS are very welcome. 9am, Pleasant Hill Middle School, 1 Santa Barbara Dr. 5/21 – DVC Plant Sale. 9am- 1pm at DVC greenhouse area, 321 Golf Club Rd., PH. All plants are grown and cultivated at DVC and proceeds support the program. 5/23 - Walnut Creek Marauder Youth Football & Cheer. 2nd Annual Art Thoms Golf Tournament and Fundraiser at Oakhurst Country Club. For information visit www.wcyfmarauders.com. Call Nathan: 925-360-0857 to participate. Registration begins at 8am for a 9:15am Shotgun Start Time. Needs include Golfers, Sponsors, and Prizes.
5/27 - Memorial Day Ice Cream Social. Enjoy a root beer float and celebrate our Veterans with stories and music. RogerSmith Park, Grayson Road, between Pleasant Hill Road and Taylor Boulevard, Pleasant Hill. 1:00pm. Free. Contact: 798-8788 or visit: www.pleasanthillrec.com. May 28-30 – Bay Area Kid Fest. Mt. Diablo High School, 2450 Grant Street. See ad on page 18. Now- 6/10 – Register for Pleasant Hill Rec.’s Adult Sports Leagues (18yrs +): Softball, Soccer, Kickball, and Flag Football – Registration open now for Summer Season. For registration packets visit: www.pleasanthillrecsports.com or call 925-682-0896. 6/4 – Document Shredding Fundraiser. All proceeds benefit Cancer Support Community. $20 for first box, $5 each additional box. CA Cancer & Research Institute, 400 Taylor Blvd., Pleasant Hill. Ongoing - The Martinez Animal Hospital has a Kitten Adoption Program. The Cost to the new owner is our cost of vaccines & spay/neuter. www.martinezanimalhospital.net.
AT THE LIBRARY In Martinez: The Martinez library is closed for renovations and is expected to re-open sometime in May, 2011; until then, please use the interim library at 401 Ferry Street. In Pleasant Hill: 5/4, 11, 18, 25 (Wednesdays) – Mother Goose Time. Let your child develop early literacy skills naturally as we share songs and rhymes, bounces and tickles, and simple stories. Come join us for this lighthearted storyhour just for tots ages 0 - 3. 11:15am -11:45am. Contact: Patrick Remer, 646-6434. 5/10 – Pleasant Hill Book Club. Meet other readers for fun, engaged discussions. The May pick is Willa Cather’s My Antonia. 6:30pm-7:30pm. Contact: 646-6434. 5/5, 12, 19, 26 (Thursdays) – Preschool Storytime. Join us in the story corner for stories, songs, and more to stre-e-e-etch the imagination. Ideal for your 3-5 year old. 11:15am-11:45am. 5/6, 13, 20, 27 (Fridays) – Mother Goose Time. Let your child develop early lit-
eracy skills naturally as we share songs and rhymes, bounces and tickles, and simple stories. Come join us for this light-hearted storyhour just for tots ages 0 - 3. 11:15am -11:45am. Contact: Patrick Remer, 6466434. 5/10-14 – Bike to the Library Week! Celebrate bicycling, the ultimate green transportation! Ride your bike to the library this week and join us on Saturday, May 14 for the Kids’ Bike Rodeo. All ages. All Day. 5/14 –Kids’ Bike Rodeo. Cycles of Change, a team of bicycle safety experts, will teach children and youth bicycle safety by biking through a mock city. Families and caregivers who want to increase their children’s bike safety skills should definitely not miss this educational and fun event. The library will host a raffle with bike-related giveaways and treats. Local bicycle and transportation groups will also have booths set up for more information on their services. This program is free and takes place in the parking lot of the library, 12:00pm-4:00pm. 1750 Oak Park Boulevard in Pleasant Hill. For more information, call 925-646-6434 or visit ccclib.org. This program was made possible by the generous donations and sponsorships of the following organizations and businesses: Friends of the Pleasant Hill Library, Kaiser Permanente, Pleasant Hill Rotary Club, Pleasant Hill Community Foundation, Whole Foods Walnut Creek. Contact: Heidi Dolamore, 925-646-6040 or email: hdolamor@ccclib.org. 5/24 –Caterpillar Puppets Presents the Itty-Bitty Variety Show. Join us as stories come alive with an entertaining puppet show. For kids. 6:30pm-7:00pm.
CP ALUMNI DAYS 1st Annual College Park Baseball Alumni Day! Sat. May 7th, CP Baseball Field, 8:30am-4pm 8:30am: CP Alumni vs. Current JV Team, $40/player--includes CP hat, shirt and lunch. Arrive by 8am. 11am: Home Run Derby 1pm: Select CP Alumni vs Current Varsity Team There will be food, and CP merchandise for sale along with other fun activities. Contact Brodie Nissen at 925-788-9008 or brodie.nissen@gmail.com
May 2011
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Skip the Elevator
Radiation Protection
By Tonya Marie Amos ability to do the least amount of physical Gone are the activity possible. Now we have to figure days when most out how to get to the gym in order to put Americans had movement back into our bodies. Strange, to fetch water to right? bathe, forage for Want a couple of really great tricks food in the forto get some exercise and movement back est, chop wood to into your daily routine? build homes, chase • Park your car at the far end of the parkafter large prey and farm the land just ing lot or street for work, the grocery store, to get dinner. In other words, we’ve lost all of your errands, and even your home. our built-in daily exercise. Have you ever • Take the stairs vs. the elevator. stopped to think that the level of comfort our culture enjoys is killing us with conve- • Misplace your remote control for the TV. If you are recovering from joint pain, nience and ease? We stumble out of bed, walk a few steps, and run a hot shower. We you may have to gently build up to this new movement as your body adjusts to press “heat” and suddenly have breakfast. more activity. By adding these baby steps, We exit our garage via an electric door you will be amazed at how quickly you opener, drive to work, ease into an elevabuild new strength and endurance. These tor, then sit all day in a chair. We even go extra few minutes of exercise will soon add through the drive-through at lunch to keep from getting out of our car and walk- up and have you energized and focused ing inside. I’m sure most of us would agree for the rest of your day, easily making up for the minutes that you “spent” doing the that getting up to change the TV channel exercise. So while you may not need to is too much work. We have perfected the sprint to catch your evening meal, you’ll soon be looking for excuses to run more errands. Keep yourself moving so that modern technology (which is designed to make our lives easier) doesn’t kill you slowly and comfortably with its “Ahhh” factor. Tonya Marie Amos danced professionally in New York for 15 years before opening her studio, Aspire Pilates Center in Concord. She is a fully certified Pilates instructor with over 1000 hours of training. For more information, please contact Tonya by calling (925) 680-4400 or going to www.AspirePilatesCenter.com.
By Myra Nissen dangerous and should only be used in the With the shock of the disaster in Japan event of an emergency and if directed by behind us and reports of radiation showing local health or emergency management ofup in our milk, what can we do? ficials. Stay Calm Sources Take advantage of this wake-up call to review your family’s preparedness for emer- • Emergency Preparedness and Response: gencies. Study reliable sources and create an Potassium Iodide (K1), http://emergency. cdc.gov/radiation/ki.asp emergency plan. You will find information on www.Ready.Gov and in your local phone • Variability of iodine content in common commercially available edible seabook. weeds, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ Eat Well pubmed/15588380 A healthy immune system starts with • Radioprotective Potential of Plants and good nutrition. The thyroid gland absorbs Herbs against the Effects of Ionizing Radiaiodine from food and the atmosphere. The tion, http://urbandiner.ca/2011/03/15/radiathyroid may absorb dangerous amounts of tion-alert-and-what-you-can-do radioactive iodine when elevated levels of • Natural Substances to Protect Ourselves ionizing radiation are present in the envifrom Radiation, http://gailfaithedwards. ronment. wordpress.com/2011/03/16/natural-subEat foods rich in quality iodine. Edible seaweeds such as kelp, nori, dulse, and natu- stances-to-protect-ourselves-from-radiation/ ral sea salt contain quality iodine. MushHomeopathic remedies and remedy rooms such as resishi, matiake, and shitake kits are a great tool to add to your emerare important and well documented to gency kit. The correct homeopathic remenhance over-all immunity. Sulphur-rich foods such as garlic, onions, eggs, and aspar- edy when properly used can stop bleeding, restore consciousness, and reduce panic or agus, plus naturally fermented & cultured foods such as miso, sauerkraut, and tempeh anxiety. Myra Nissen, CCH, RSHom(NA) is a all contribute to an optimal diet. Certified Homeopath. Myra is offering at Caution no charge to all new clients one bottle of a Iodine supplements can be contraindifood-based mineral supplement containcated for some medical conditions. ing 200mcg of iodine, it is 135% of the daily Potassium Iodide requirement of iodine. She is also offering Potassium iodide is a stable form of free 20-Minute consultations if you would iodine that is used in radioactive emergenlike assistance reviewing remedy kits that cies to protect us. The purpose is to saturate are commercially available or help building the thyroid with stable iodine so it doesn’t absorb ionizing radiations from the environ- the homeopathic remedy kit that is best for you and your family. Call 925.826.3858 or ment. It does not protect the body from visit: www.MyraNissen.com radiation. Potassium iodide is potentially
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THEATRE & THE ARTS
May 2011
Stage Door
By Nicole Diestler at Cornish College of the Arts in Seatnew plays and tle. After working in New York City, musicals with he moved to the Bay Area in 2005 and a panel of juacted in countless productions of the dicators. One Golden State Theatre Company, Hapshow will be good Theatre Company, Tri-Valley voted on by Repertory Theatre, and Willows Theathe patrons tre Company. Eric has many directing and the panel credits and is currently in production and that proEric Inman with “Chicago.” duction will When asked what the community receive a two weekend run fully procan expect with Eric at the helm, he duced as part of our 2012 season at the told me: “I have a laser focus on proCampbell Theatre. ducing professional live theatre that is “At the Mainstage we have the abilaccessible. In the expansion to include ity to produce large scale shows that the Concord Mainstage, I now have highlight our commitment to profestwo very intimate and unique vensional theatre at affordable ticket pricues to explore a broad range of shows. es. With the Campbell Theatre, the Wil“My goal is to have our Actor lows has room to explore more edgy Mentorship program (EMC) through work as well as promoting my passion, new works. This summer I am starting our inaugural year of the Willows TheJoyce Johnson Hamatre Company New Works Festival. We ilton will end 30 years as will produce four staged readings of music director and conductor of the Diablo Symphony in a concert with The Last Days of Judas Iscariot by Stephen Adly Guirgis violinist Linda Wang on (Drama/Dark Comedy) May 15 in Walnut Creek. Directed by Nicole Hess Diestler The program, featurApr 29 - May 22, Fri-Sat 8pm; Sun 2:30pm $10.00 - $20.00. The play uses flashbacks to an imagined ing works by Tchaikovsky childhood and lawyers who call for the testimonies of such witnesses as Mother Teresa, Caiaphas, and Brahms, will begin at Sigmund Freud and Satan. The audience will be drawn into this intimate, provocative, darkly comedic, thoughtful and intense hypothetical court case over the ultimate fate of Judas Iscariot. 2 p.m. in the Lesher Cen(limited seating, only 90 seats per performance, reserve your tickets today!) Adult Language and ter for the Arts, 1601 Civic content, no one under 16 will be admitted without an adult consent. Diablo Valley College DepartDrive, where tickets are on sale ($12 ment of Drama. www.dvcdrama.net (925) 687-4445, 321 Golf Club Rd. Pleasant Hill. youths, $18 seniors, $20 regular). TickBlues in the Night by Sheldon Epps (Musical/Opera) ets may also be purchased by phone Directed by Robert Barry Fleming (925) 943-7469 or online, www.lesherMay 20 - Jun 25 Wed 7:30pm; Thurs-Fri 8pm; Sat 2:30pm & 8pm; Sun 2:30pm; 5/21 & 5/28 8pm. artscenter.com. This dynamic, jazzy blues-drenched musical combines 26 hot blues songs from the 1920s and ‘30s Hamilton’s departure comes two and adds an irresistible twist to the stage musical genre. Center REPertory Company www.dlrca.org (925) 943-7469. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr. Walnut Creek. years before the Diablo Symphony celebrates its 50th anniversary. It is the Three Sisters by Sarah Ruhl; adptd from Anton Chekhov (Drama) oldest organized group of professionDirected by Les Waters Apr 08 - May 22, Tues & Fri 8pm; Wed 7pm; Thurs 2pm & 8pm; Sat 2pm & 7pm; Sun 2pm & 7pm. ally trained musicians in Contra Costa $14.50 - $73.00. Ruhl enlivens this classic masterpiece with the same elegant understanding of County. intimacy that has become her trademark. Berkeley Repertory Theatre www.berkeleyrep.org (510) Her replacement will be made 647-2949. Thrust Stage : 2025 Addison St. Berkeley. from among five guest conductors, The Care of Trees by E. Hunter Spreen (Drama) each of whom will lead a concert durDirected by Susannah Martin ing the symphony’s 2011-12 season. It May 18 - Jun 19, Curtain time(s): Wed-Sun. Call for times. $17.00 - $26.00. Strangers become lovers will begin October 2 with a concert unbecome strangers. Magical realism infuses the journey at the heart of this play. Shotgun Players der the baton of Geoffrey Gallegos, the www.shotgunplayers.org (510) 841-6500, Ashby Stage: 1901 Ashby Ave. Berkeley. The Willows Theatre Company has been an East Bay gem for over 35 years. In the theatre-rich Bay Area, it has achieved over 100 awards, including a Cyril Award from the San Francisco Business Arts Council for Non-Profit Arts Excellence; Bay Area Newspapers “Top 10” theatre awards; Drama-logue and Shellie awards; Diablo Magazine’s “Best of the East Bay”; and numerous Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle awards. In October 2010, longtime Producing Artistic Director, Richard Elliott, retired from the Willows Theatre Company. In November 2010, David Faustina was hired as Managing Director along with Eric Inman as Producing Artistic Director. Eric Inman studied Theatre Arts
MAY - NOW PLAYING
Actor’s Equity by 2012. We currently have recommitted with Equity and are on a seasonal contract both at the Mainstage and the Campbell Theatre. “For me it’s all about the development of great work whether it’s a new play or a developing artist. This is what I fell in love with at the Willows when I started here a little over two years ago.” Under Eric Inman’s leadership, I am hopeful that the rich, vibrant tradition of The Willows Theatre Company will be preserved. To support or learn more about the Willows Theatre, please visit www.willowstheatre.com. Nicole Diestler is the Associate Professor of Acting and Directing at Diablo Valley College. Send information to stagedoor@ourcommunityfocus.com.
Hamilton’s Final Concert conductor and music director of the Kensington Symphony Orchestra. The successful conductor, chosen by a committee of Diablo Symphony musicians, will be named at the conclusion of the season. Wang, an associate professor of violin and Linda Wang chamber music at the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music, made her professional début as a violinist with Zubin Mehta and the New York Philharmonic at age 9. She has performed throughout the world. With the Diablo Symphony, she will perform Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35. Hamilton will conduct the orchestra in “Dances from Galanta” by Zoltan Kodaly and Symphony No. 4 in E MInor, Op. 98 by Brahms. Concert on May 15, 2pm at Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Tickets: $12 youths, $18 seniors, $20 regular (925) 943-7469; www.lesherartscenter.org.
May 2011
In-N-Out is a Good Employer Dear Editor, I am surprised by the negative response from some individuals about In-N-Out opening in Pleasant Hill. InN-Out is known for serving high quality burgers and fries. They also pay their employees above minimum wage, provide paid vacations, free meals, comprehensive training, and a 401k plan. Full time employees are provided with benefits including medical, dental, vision, life and travel insurance coverage. I can’t understand why we wouldn’t encourage a company
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Letters and Opinions
with those types of provisions for their employees to open in our community. Furthermore, as customers, we have the right to decide where we go for a burger and fries. If In-N-Out has a negative impact on other establishments in the area then that is because they are providing a higher quality product and the market will adjust itself accordingly. Competition is healthy. With so many “For Lease” signs posted up and down Contra Costa Blvd., we should be welcoming In-N-Out with open arms. Amy Figliuolo
Patients’ Choice Award
By Sandy Goldberg Doctors Sirott, Robles, and Svahn Diablo Valley Oncology physicians specialize in medical oncology and hemaMatthew Sirott, Robert Robles, Tiffany Svahn, and Sachin Kamath of Contra Cos- tology. Dr. Kamath is a radiation oncologist. In April, Diablo Valley Oncology and ta County are recipients of the latest 2010 “Patients’ Choice Award” from the popular Hematology Medical Group celebrated rate-your-doctor website www.Vitals.com. their 10 year anniversary. They recently “The honor is bestowed to physicians who became one of the first oncology practices in the nation to receive the Quality Oncolhave received near-perfect scores as voted ogy Practice Certificate from the Ameriby patients,” the website says. can Society of Clinical Oncology. The annual award is based on more than 1 million patient reviews nationwide Diablo Valley Oncology founded and is given only to doctors who earn four- the California Cancer and Research star ratings on the site. Out of the nation’s Institute. Located in Pleasant Hill, the 720,000 active physicians, less than six cancer center is the largest freestanding, percent receive this honor. Dr. Svahn has non-hospital based facility in Contra received the award three years in a row. Costa County. The center brings together Every month, tens of thousands of medical oncology, hematology, radiapatients across the United States provide tion, chemotherapy, diagnostic imaging, online feedback on www.Vitals.com about laboratory, pharmacy, clinical trials, and doctors’ quality of care, post-appointment supportive care services – all in one confollow-up, bedside manner, and office staff venient location. The facility provides courtesy. While physicians generally rethe latest in technology and therapies to ceive positive feedback from their patients, better serve patients in this community. only a select few consistently receive rave For more information, visit: www.Diabreviews. loValleyOncology.md.
Letters to the Editor The Community Focus invites your comments and opinions. Letters should be no longer than 400 words and submitted with first and last name. Address and daytime telephone number required but not published. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. The Focus reserves the right to edit submissions for length, clarity, possible libel and propriety or to refuse letters we feel contradict our mission. E-mail letters for our community forum to: editorial@ourcommunityfocus.com
Relay For Life in May
Adults, teens and children are invited to walk a few laps around the Pleasant Hill Middle School track on Saturday, May 21, (or Sunday morning, May 22) to support the fight against cancer. For 24-hours the second annual Relay For Life® of Pleasant Hill will have teams raising awareness after having spent several months raising money for the American Cancer Society. The Relay is open and free to the public, although a donation would be appreciated. Cancer Survivors Honored The Relay begins at 9am on Saturday by cheering cancer survivors as they walk the first lap. Anyone who has had cancer may participate in the “survivors lap.” They are requested to register in advance at no cost by going to the Relay website (see below) and clicking on the Survivors tab. Before the Relay starts, survivors will be special guests at a pancake breakfast sponsored by the Pleasant Hill Lions Club. Activities & Entertainment
There’s more to the Relay than walking around the track for 24 hours because cancer never sleeps and neither does the fight against cancer. Music will be provided by the Delta Dogs, Paul Cotruvo from Cover to Cover, and other artists. Relay teams will sponsor activities with a cancer awareness message, and the track’s center will provide space for children and adults to play. Remember and Fight Back After sundown on Saturday, a “Luminaria” ceremony lit by glow sticks will remember those who are fighting or have lost the fight against cancer. The Relay ends at 9am on Sunday with participants committing to healthy lifestyles, regular cancer screenings and other efforts to fight back against cancer. More Information The Relay site is 1 Santa Barbara Drive, Pleasant Hill. Event chair is Ken Housfeld of Pleasant Hill. Details are on the Relay website: www.relayforlife. org/pleasanthillca or call Ken or Eileen Housfeld at 925-944-4898.
Scholarship Application The Pleasant Hill Community Foundation (PHCF) is currently accepting applications for its Tikkun Olam Scholarships. These scholarships recognize College Park High School graduates who demonstrate the true spirit of Tikkun Olam (Hebrew for “Repairing the World”). These gradu-
ates have also been accepted into a four-year college. Scholarship applications are currently being accepted with a May 15 deadline. Download the scholarship application on the Foundation’s website at PHCommunityFoundation.org/ grants+scholarships.html.
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May 2011
TEEN SCENE
Local Off-Road Racers, Compete, Succeed
In the rich tradition of racers from Martinez, Sam Wurth and Jake Blum have been racing the AMA District 36 Cross-Country Series for the past seven years. Cross-Country races, by definition, are timed events that run on natural and unprepared terrain. Sam and Jake have worked their way up through the youth classes, beginning at the age of 11. This is late in age by comparison to most competitors nowadays. Racers advance in classes through an accumulation of points awarded from their placement in races; points carryover from year-to-year. Once they have amassed the required number of points,
As Told to Chuck Nan
Jake Blum
racers advance to the next level up-theladder. This starts at the “C” level and tops-out at “AA.” A racer can also be advanced by authorized district officials if his or her
The All-New iPad By Jeffrey Eitelgeorge, Grade 7, Martinez Jr. High School pening, or you can record your own HD Just a year videos. ago iPad was in LED backlighting makes everything the hands of only you see remarkably clear, vibrant, and a few Americans alive, even in places with low light, like and now it is in in an airplane. The iPad is designed to the hands of milshow off everything. Every way you tilt lions. The iPad 2 the iPad, the display adjusts the screen. is one-third the The iPad also has a 178-degree viewthickness of the ing angle. You can show it to someone original iPad and fifteen percent lighter. The new iPad has up to ten hours of bat- across the room or someone sitting next to you and everyone will still have a retery life and is twice as fast as the origimarkably clear view. nal iPad. The Multi-Touch touch screen The all-new cover from Apple was experience puts everything at your finmade while the iPad 2 was still in the gertips. Technology is best when it feels making. It comes in ten different colors to suit the lifestyle of the customer. It at- all-natural, almost as if there weren’t any technology at all. How does it work? taches magnetically, it aligns perfectly, When your fingers touch the screen the and it is easy to remove. When the iPad iPad senses them using electrical fields. detects the cover has been removed it Then the iPad transforms your taps, wakes up automatically and when you touches, or swipes into movements. close the cover, it puts it back to sleep. The iPad 2 will definitely be a whole You can also fold the cover over to create new generation of the iPad. With all a stand for typing or watching a video. its new technology to make it smarter, With an all-new front facing camfaster and more reliable, it will give the era, Apple brought FaceTime, or video buyer a new gadget for long trips or days chatting, to the iPad. The big iPad disin the office. It was open to the public on play really changes the FaceTime expeMarch 11 of this year and is a great gift rience and makes everything so much idea for upcoming birthdays or holidays clearer. There is also a rear-face FaceTime video camera so you can share the and graduates. The iPad 2 is clearly remarkable. moments you’re seeing as they’re hap-
Sam Wurth
lap times are consistently in line with the level above them. Sam finished his youth riding as an “A 85” rider, while Jake eclipsed his youth career as a nationallyranked “AA” rider, the highest of all youth cross-country classes. When Sam, a senior at Vicente High School and Jake, a junior at Alhambra High School, turned 16, they had to start the advancement process all over and race in adult classifications. With the help of sponsors, parents, lots of practice, training and countless hours of bike
preparation and maintenance, the two have rapidly advanced their way to the “A 250” class. This is just one level below the coveted “AA/Pro” class. Along with their success on the track, they have made many friends from all over California and Nevada--a lifetime of friendships continue to grow from year-to-year. Along with many other Martinez and County racers, Jake and Sam recently competed in round No. 5 of fourteen MSR Western Regional Cross-Country Series in Hollister on March 19. Jake finished in second-place in the “A 250” class and tenth overall (of 95 total racers) and Sam placed sixth in the same class (23rd overall). All of the events, results and loads of information about off-road motorcycle racing and riding can be seen at the District 36 website: www.ama-d36.org. Thanks to Dominick Russo for his photography and Randy Wurth for his detailed information.
Gonna Cut Loose Footloose the musical is at College Park High School Tickets: $8.00 for students and $12.00 for adults Opening Night: May 5th at 7pm Other Shows: May 7th at 7pm, May 11th at 3:30pm, May 12th at 7pm Closing Night: May 14th at 7pm For More Info Please Contact: College Park High School at 925-682-7670
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May 2011
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