May 2019 Community Focus

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MAY 2019 Reaching Over 50,000 Homes & Businesses

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IN THIS ISSUE: • DOCTOR DON • SPRING CLEANING • CP INVITED TO CARNEGIE HALL

PLEASANT HILL • CONCORD • MARTINEZ • LAFAYETTE • WALNUT CREEK

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COVER:

INSIDE

13 Learning from Marie Kondo

18 Fruit Basket Cake

23

Athlete of the Month

15 Careers in the Trades

20 Garden Plant Sale

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Motherhood- Grossi family.

6680 Alhambra Ave. Box #132 Martinez, CA 94553

Photo by: Susan Wood Photography

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Meet Brooke Parker who lives in Pleasant Hill with her family.

She works as a hostess/cashier at the Giant Chef in Pleasant Hill. Brooke attended Mills College in Oakland, where she was pre-med with a major in biopsychology. She wants to start a masters program soon to continue her studies in health education.

What is your biggest challenge? Trying to be on my own and independent right now. When I went to college in Oakland, I came home every weekend to see my mom. Trying to navigate life on my own when my mom and I want to stay as connected as possible has been a challenge.

More about Brooke: 1. I’m 25 and I’ve never had alcohol before. I’ve never had the desire to.

2. My hobby is interior design. In college, I had a dorm decorating business where I would help other students decorate their dorms.

3. My biggest fear is being forgotten. I’d like to be remembered as someone who cared about people.

4. My passion in life is helping people. I try to make a difference in people’s lives because actions speak louder than words. People might not remember what you say, but they’ll remember what you did for them.

Julie Says

Make Way for the Ducklings

BY JULIE ROSS

Anyone remember Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack and Quack? They’re the famous brood from Robert McClusky’s 1941 classic, Make Way for Ducklings.

To make sure his illustrations were the best they could be, McClusky bought a crate of ducklings, took them to his apartment in Greenwich Village, gave them a bath in his bathtub, and started drawing. The results have charmed generations. Make Way for Ducklings has never gone out of print in all of its 78 years of publication, a testament not only to the author/illustrator but also to our love of living with and protecting wildlife.

May is National Duckling Month (yes, there is a month/day/week for pretty much everything now). The most common wild ducks in our area are mallards, which pair up in the fall and make their nests on the ground in the spring. Mallard ducklings typically hatch from mid-March through July, about 28 days after the eggs are laid. Only the female incubates the eggs and cares for

the ducklings.

Got a backyard pool? This time of year, the Lindsay Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital, where I volunteer, gets a lot of calls from homeowners about ducks and ducklings who are checking out their yards or have already taken up residence.

The most practical solution, of course, is to keep the ducks out in the first place.

A pool cover is the best bet. Lacking that, animal pool toys moving around in the pool make an easy deterrent. Big inflatable swans (swans are natural enemies of ducks) are particularly effective. There are also floating “eyeballs” available online; large yellow balls with eye-like features mimic predators and make ducks think twice before landing in the pool. An automatic pool sweep can also work to keep ducks at bay, as do sprinklers.

If one day you are surprised by one or more ducklings swimming in your pool, keep in mind they are not likely to be able to get out. While they can walk just several hours after birth, they are not able to fly until about two months of age. But no need to panic – just put in something they can use as some sort of ramp – even a long piece of

lumber set into the pool at an angle will do.

It’s important the ducklings can get out of the water because as babies their feathers are not fully waterproof and hypothermia can set in. If you try to usher the family out of your yard, open a gate, move slowly, and don’t spook the mom. You want to keep everyone together and calm. Do not put out any food or water as that will encourage them to stay, and a backyard is not an appropriate habitat. You can reach the Lindsay Wildlife Hotline via Lindsay’s main number at (925) 935-1978 for more advice.

And if you happen to visit Boston, the city where Make Way for Ducklings is set, try

to spend some time at the Boston Public Garden. Jack, Kack, Lack, and the gang have been memorialized in bronze -- all eight ducklings in a line following their mom toward the lagoon along an old brick walkway.

(On a whimsical or disturbing note, depending on your point of view, locals delight in dressing the duck family in seasonal costumes and sports jerseys.)

Happy National Duckling Month to all, and thank you for keeping our local ducklings and other wildlife safe in our neighborhoods.

You can reach Julie at julieakross@ comcast.net

Real Estate Trends

Job Market Keeps Real Estate Market Strong

BY NORMA FLASKERUD

“How Upcoming Tech IPOs Could Affect the Bay Area Housing Market” is the title of a Forbes article written

by Mary Ann Azevedo. I don’t have space in this column to share all of the information, but it is fascinating to consider that the trickle down of the IPO wealth being created may affect us here in central Contra Costa County: realtors, potential home buyers, and sellers alike. San Francisco based Lyft went public, as did Pinterest and others like Slack and Zoom have or will.

Our real estate prices have been increasing for years, but last June we saw the market come to a screeching halt; of course we realized it in retrospect. The home sale

market stayed soft and slow through the rest of the year, causing sales and prices to slump. But once 2019 got rolling and after the rain let up, buyers came out, thrilled that interest rates had softened after the 2018 increases, and they began home shopping in earnest. Sellers have benefitted from multiple offers yet again, and prices are slowly inching up here in central Contra Costa County.

The suggestion that IPOs will create more wealth is real. Early employees of the going public tech companies will have cash for down payments. Typically, the lockup period is less than a year, and the increase in Bay Area buyers may number in the thousands, with most impact being near the tech company headquarters. We tend to see commuters to the city and Oakland in our area, plus many who work from

home. It’s like a switch getting flipped on all of a sudden, and it should increase demand for homes while stopping the modest slide in home prices seen in the latter half of 2018. This effect could last for the next few years since many employees joined these startups over the past couple of years, and their stocks may take time to vest.

In addition, employees of companies that go public may receive bigger paychecks following an IPO, or shares of the company they already owned could grow in value. Those extra funds could then make it easier for these workers to come off the sidelines and become first-time homebuyers. In turn, according to Zillow, that will create more competition for homes, particularly in neighborhoods near the company’s headquarters, which could then price other consumers out of the market. Some-

thing to keep in mind if you are wondering if our real estate market will crash again; not too likely in the foreseeable future.

Please support our local, amazing 4th of July Fireworks show in Pleasant Hill. Yes, the city pays for some of it, but the most fabulous increase in the show has been due to generous locals donating money to make it the grandest ever! We love celebrating American Independence Day and have heard so many of you do, too! Mail contributions to: 4th of July Commission, PO Box 23272, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523, and note “Flaskerud” on the envelope or check so we can dollar match your donation! Thank you!

Call The Flaskerud Team at 925-3382980, or email Norma at NormaJ49@gmail. com or Erik at Erik.Flaskerud@Remax.net DRE# 00867031 OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | MAY 2019 | 3

From the Contra Costa County Historical Society

A History Note Radio Extraordinaire

BY MARJORIE NEWTON

During the 1970s and ‘80s, the morning radio show most listened to was hosted by the personality known as Dr. Donald D. Rose. Donald Duane Rosenberg was born in North Platte, Nebraska.

He began his broadcasting career by reporting on his trip to the 1950 Boy Scout Jamboree in Valley Forge on his local station. Before reaching the West Coast, he had worked in Omaha, San Antonio, Tulsa, Fort Dodge, Iowa, Duluth, Atlanta, and Philadelphia.

In San Francisco, when Rose anchored the morning show at KFRC, it was named Station of the Year four times while Rose was on the air. He was named Disc Jockey of the Year by Billboard magazine, first on the East Coast while in Philadelphia and later on the West Coast while at KFRC. “He showed that you didn’t have to be hip and edgy, sarcastic and shock-

ing, to make it big in major market radio,” said Ben Fong Torres, the San Francisco Chronicle’s radio columnist and author of The Hits Just Keep On Coming: The History Of Top 40 Radio. “He was the corniest vaudeville comic posing as a Top 40 DJ, and with his gift for radio performance, he made it work.” In the Contra Costa Times article on his retirement in 1991, he was aptly described, as “a Spike Jones of the airwaves, with a closet full of sound effects, imaginary friends, and cornball jokes.”

FM radio broadcasting led to the demise of AM radio disc jockeys. In 1986, Dr. Don moved to KKIS, Concord-Walnut Creek. After failing an attempt to buy the station, he moved to K101, where he suffered a heart attack while broadcasting his show. Rose died from complications due to pneumonia. He was married for 45 years, and he and his wife, Kae, raised five

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children, David, Kelly, Dan, Jay, and John, and were rewarded with 13 grandchildren.

During his lifetime, Dr. Don used his fame to raise money for charities. He hosted the March of Dimes Superwalk for over 20 years, raising over 10 million dollars. He hosted golf tournaments that benefitted Special Olympics and special education. In his obituary on 4/1/2005 in the Contra Costa Times, donations were requested for the Boy Scouts of America, March of Dimes, and the Special Olympics. Dr. Rose was among the first group to be inducted into the Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame in 2006.

Today, morning radio is talk, talk, talk.

Dr. Don, your humor and the joy you gave your listeners is greatly missed but fondly remembered. Find excerpts of Dr. Don’s work on U-tube and at https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Dr-Don-Rose-

king-of-KFRC-radio-in-70s-2718849.php

“A History Note” is presented by the Contra Costa County History Center, 724 Escobar St., Martinez. Open hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays, 9-4, and third Saturdays, 10-2. Check out the website: www.cocohistory.org

Stronger Than You Know Letting Go of Attachments

BY DENA BETTI

As fate would have it, I was recently reunited with a special friend. Her name is Krista Gawronski. Although she has always had a wonderful enthusiasm for life, our life paths separated us for a period when we were trying on careers, raising families, and tasting life experiences.

What’s crazy is neither of us knew we were living somewhat parallel lives. After my daughter Jenna passed away, we started the #hersmile Nonprofit, and unbeknownst to me, Krista had also started a nonprofit in Sonoma County. Each championed different social causes to help families deal with trauma and hardship. We created similar conversations on health, happiness, empowerment, and personal growth. How fitting that the universe would bring us together to join forces.

Krista is a two-time bestselling spiritual author of Soul Purpose and Be Good...The Heart Centered Journey. She is also a mind, body, spiritual practitioner. While compassion, humanity and spiritual connectedness drive everything Krista does, she says that understanding your own personal energy and the kind of filter you use to view the world is the first step to improving your own life. Krista believes, “People are unconsciously guided by their inner voice, and for some it is love and for others it is fear. If fear becomes a driving force in one’s life...fear of getting hurt, fear of not being good enough, fear of failure, or fear of not fitting-in, then a person may struggle with unhealthy forms of attachment.”

“Attachment?” I said. “What do you mean by that?” She proceeded to explain.“If a person has attached their identity and selfworth to another person, a material possession, addiction, a role or title, or to a singular outcome, they will set themselves up for disappointment and shame. It is because they

have bought into a narrative that they need something outside of themselves to feel okay. This can bring out many dysfunctional patterns, including perfectionism.”

The entire conversation made me curious, and I had to pause and think about my own inner voice and attachments. The dialogue continued and we both agreed that attachment is a surrender of joy and personal power, and if we become so obsessed with what we think our lives should look like, we may fail to enjoy what is already in front of us. Krista talked extensively about a kind universe where life doesn’t happen to us but for us. It made me realize that everything in life, including obstacles, is unfolding with divine purpose and, believe me, I sometimes have a hard time remembering this.

Krista’s closing thoughts were insightful. She put her hand on her heart and said, “Compassion for self and others will reveal an incredible purpose in our lives. It is almost always linked to some personal episode of

pain and brokenness. This is the story of our humanity. It begins and ends with everyday people helping each other overcome obstacles. We take turns being strong and vulnerable. Our stories will be different, but our pain and triumph are the same. When we recognize that we are in collaboration with the universe, then we will experience another level of happiness and fulfillment. We are special simply because we are here.” With that, we hugged and acknowledged that we are two women with similar missions and an identical heartbeat.

For information about Krista’s work and books, visit www.KristaGawronski.com.

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CITY NEWS

Mayor’s Message Library Project Explained

There as been a significant amount of information regarding the new Pleasant Hill Library and the closing of the current building along with proposed temporary facilities. I will try to clarify this confusing data.

For many years, the county has owned 15 acres off Oak Park Boulevard that included the current library and 10 vacant acres of land (Monticello site) that used to be a school. Over a decade ago, the county entered a proposal to sell the property for development. The purchaser allowed the contract to lapse due to a recession, and the property has been in limbo since. In 2014, the city decided to pursue a new library and established a Library Task Force to look at potential sites, settling on two preferred sites (the current library site and the front of the Monticello site). In 2015, the county decided to pursue development or sale of the Monticello site.

Before the county started the entitlement process for the Monticello site for development, the Recreation and Park District made an offer to purchase the site for ball fields. The county and Rec & Park District could not agree on a price, and a lawsuit was filed by the district. This resulted in an

almost 18-month negotiation process. As a result, an agreement was reached in early 2017. This agreement included the county gifting the city acreage on the front of the Oak Park empty lot and building housing on the acreage between the new library and Pleasant Hill Middle School. The current library site would be sold to Rec & Park in 2021, giving them sufficient time to raise the money to acquire the property and build ball fields. The county planned on obtaining entitlements for construction of housing on its site and selling it immediately to a developer for construction

During this time, the Pleasant Hill City Council voted to approve putting Measure K on the ballot in November of 2016. This ½ cent sales tax was to improve our residential streets, reduce the deferred maintenance on storms drains, create new bike pathways and sidewalks, and finance a new library without a site having been specifically identified. At that time, if Rec & Park had carried out its proposal, the new library would have been located at the current library site.

As planning of the three projects progressed, several things became apparent.

With the proposed ball fields and library on separate lots, sharing parking was going to be difficult and the library was going to

SERVING

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Ken Carlson, Mayor of Pleasant Hill

need more land to maintain its number of parking spots. The grading of the library site to suit ball fields was going to be extensive, and the housing plan did not allow for a full riparian area to be developed in conjunction with the library. With the cooperation of all three parties, a new agreement was reached, with the ball field and library going on the 10-acre empty lot and housing going on the current library site. This resulted in a number of benefits. First, the library and ball fields could share parking as peak periods are at different times, allowing for a larger amount of park and landscaped areas. Second, the entire length of the creek could be rehabilitated and provide a lovely walkway next to the library and the ball fields.

On the downside, we were aware that the county would likely close the library earlier than Rec & Park would have. These decisions were not made until mid-2018 and communicated to city council in November of 2018. City council’s initial reaction was to request delaying the closing, and the county agreed to delay closing from June to late August, allowing for the summer reading program to continue at the current library during 2019. The county indicated that they wanted to sell the property earlier than later due to several factors, including a potential decline in the economy in the next couple of years.

While the early closure is disappointing for city council and members of the public, we continue working with the county,

county librarian, and Rec & Park District to mitigate the closure as best as possible. At this point, the Senior Center will house a collection of 10,000 items along with some public computers and will also be a location where people can pick up requests and holds. The ever-popular story-time will be held at the Teen Center along with making kids’ books available. We have been working with the school district to identify how we might keep the school’s library open after school to accommodate middle-schoolers that use the current library after school.

Lastly, we will be identifying a location for a Friends of the Library bookstore and hope to communicate this to everyone in the near future. Many have expressed concern about parking at the Senior Center, but as you can see, the total services of the library during construction will be spread out, and each individual location will not need the same parking as the library has in its entirety.

Furthermore, some traffic patterns in front of the middle school will, hopefully, allow more parents to pick their students up there instead of the library parking lot.

When it is concluded, this will be an impressive civic project. A new beautiful library for everyone, preservation of the creek riparian area, new ball fields and recreation area, a new wider and safer Monticello along with turning lanes on Oak Park, and new needed housing. While we all face some inconveniences during this time, we believe this project will be the pride of Pleasant Hill.

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CITY NEWS

Pleasant Hill City News Summer Bike Challenge

The Summer Bike Challenge is back for its 5th year, June through August. It’s free and open to people of all ages. Bike around town, cross off challenge squares as you go, and pick up free treats along the way. Challenge Cards are available this month at the library, City Hall, Community Center, and online at 511cc.org/sbc.

Medical Cannabis Ordinance Planning Commission Approves Proposed Ordinance

At the April 9 Planning Commission meeting, the commission discussed and approved a proposed ordinance related to commercial cannabis activity in the city. In a vote of 4-1 in favor, the Planning Commission recommended the city council adopt the ordinance because it imposes reasonable zoning regulations on medical cannabis retailers by ensuring that such uses are conditionally permitted in existing zones that currently permit similar retail and mixed uses in the city. The proposed ordinance allows up to two medical cannabis retailers through the use permit process in retail business zoning districts.

Planning Commission Chair Steve Schramm said, “I am very comfortable with the direction we have laid out and the provisions for the two medical cannabis facilities, and I think those businesses will take appropriate safety and security cautions. If we don’t do something, our residents will go somewhere else, so we might as well acknowledge the reality out there and the need that some of our citizens have for cannabis products.” Medical cannabis deliveries are also incorporated into the ordinance as part of the storefront retail sale.

The restrictions of the ordinance state that retailers must stay 1,000 feet away from schools, day cares, youth centers, and parks and 100 feet from residential properties. The business may be no larger than 10,000 square feet.

May Community Library Meeting Supervisor Mitchoff Scheduled to Speak

At 10am on Saturday, May 18, City Councilmembers Michael Harris and Sue Noack and Supervisor Karen Mitchoff will be giving an update on the plans for the new Pleasant Hill Library, the closing of the old library in August, and steps still to come. There will be light refreshments provided by Friends of the Pleasant Hill Library prior to the 10am starting time, as well as a question and answer session after the talk.

Premium Book Sale and Pop-Up Book Store

The next premium book sale is scheduled for Saturday, May 11, from 10am to 2pm. This sale is held at the Pleasant Hill Library and offers individually priced premium books, CDs, DVDs, and audio books for sale. All items are 50 percent off from 1-2pm.

Come and browse the newest and finest quality used books inside the library in the Pop-Up Book Store, open on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, from 11am to 1pm. Stock changes every week, so there are always new treasures to discover. Book donations, CDs, DVDs, and jigsaw puzzles in good condition can be left in the donation room at the Pleasant Hill Library during library open hours, Monday through Saturday.

Concerts by the Lake

Enjoy live music by the lake at City Hall (100 Gregory Road) every other Sunday, from 6-8pm, starting May 26 and ending September 1. Produced by the Civic Action Commission, the 2019 concert lineup begins with Forejour on May 26. See the ad on page 24 for more information.

Citywide Garage Sale

Pleasant Hill Civic Action Commission and Republic Services bring back the Citywide Garage Sale on Saturday, June 8. If you’re a seller, you can register the address of your garage sale online at www.pleasanthillgaragesale.com. You can also add images to your ad.

You may also register your sale by calling (925) 671-5806. The deadline to register is Friday, June 7. Republic Services will pick up remaining items on your garbage service day the week following as part of the citywide cleanup.

Nominate an Employee Presented by Pleasant Hill Chamber and Rotary Club of Pleasant Hill

The Employee of the Quarter award is intended to recognize an employee of a Pleasant Hill business who has exhibited superior customer service and contributed in a significant manner to the success and/ or mission of his or her company, agency, school or other entity.

Rules and Guidelines • The award winner can be a fulltime, part-time or volunteer employee who has worked with his/her employer a minimum of six months.

• The candidate will be evaluated based on superior customer service, competence, innovation, attendance and punctuality, relationships within organization or company and other criteria.

• Nominations are due by May 15 and the winner will be announced during the first week of June.

• Winners will be presented with a gift card at a PH Rotary luncheon with their employer or supervisor.

• Non-winning candidate nominations will be kept on file for six months • Candidates will be evaluated by a panel representing both the Pleasant Hill Rotary and the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce.

• Employers can nominate up to three employees in any quarter.

• Nomination forms are available to download and print at either the Pleasant Hill Rotary (www.PleasantHillrotary.org ) or the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce (www. pleasanthillchamber.com) websites.

Relay for Life June 8-9 Exactly what IS Relay For Life? Get a sneak peak from 5-7 pm Wednesday, May 15.

A decorated pop-up canopy, a huge inflatable purple chair, and people to answer questions will be present near the “Off the Grid” event on Pleasant Hill City Hall grounds.

The Diablo Valley’s 2019 Relay will be June 8-9 at the Pleasant Hill Middle School track. It is not a race or run. Instead, people of all ages and abilities lap the track, walking or in a wheelchair, at their own speed and for as long as they wish. Many families, friends, and work groups form teams, raise money in advance, and take turns relay-style to keep someone on the track during the entire Relay.

It is 24-hour event – from 9am Saturday I’m not in trouble anymore!

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to 9am Sunday – to signify that cancer never sleeps and neither does the fight against cancer. Relay attendance is free, although there are many opportunities to donate dollars in exchange for fun activities and food.

Cancer survivors, patients, and their caregivers walk the opening lap to the applause of other participants. A solemn Saturday night “Luminaria” observance is a profound opportunity to honor those struck by cancer, especially those no longer with us.

The Diablo Valley Relay includes Pleasant Hill, Concord, Walnut Creek, Clayton, Lafayette, Orinda, and Moraga. For more information: 925-944-4898, relay4life.dv@ yahoo.com, http://relayforlife.org/diablovalleyca.

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CITY NEWS

Mayor’s Message

The rain has finally settled down and spring has brought us green hills, wildflowers, and pollen. Many in my family suffer from allergies, but stuffy noses and watery eyes are a small price to pay for the beautiful surroundings we live in. A few weeks of warm weather will do away with the pollen, and the hills will be golden again.

In city government, this is the time of the year when city councils set and re-set their short and long-term goals. Just recently, the Martinez City Council held a public workshop on the Strategic Plan Action Items for the period 2017 to the present. Many of the high priority action items were found to be either completed or soon to be completed. These included a Cannabis Management Ordinance, Water Rate Study and Rate Adjustment, Pavement Management Program and Implementa-

tion, creation of a Community & Economic Development Department, and implementation of an Economic Development Action Plan.

All this means we are paving streets and roads, upgrading our water system for a safe and reliable source of water, continuing to support the renaissance of the downtown core and major neighborhood shopping centers, and legalizing and controlling the retail sale, delivery, testing and manufacturing of commercial cannabis.

The Martinez City Council has set the study and planning of the Martinez Waterfront as a high priority for 2019. When the state legislature approved and the governor signed SB1424, the lands at the Martinez Waterfront (other than those owned by the East Bay Regional Park District) were granted to the city under the Public Trust

Rob Schroder, Mayor of Martinez

Doctrine in perpetuity. This means that we not only became stewards of the land but also became responsible for planning and instituting its development to enhance recreation and access to the Carquinez Straits.

The city is also responsible for delivering to the State Lands Commission a Trust Lands Use Plan before the end of this year. Over the next few months, a series of public meetings will be held where the community can give input and help mold the future of the Martinez Waterfront and Marina.

On a personal note, I have had the honor and privilege of serving my community in elected office for 22 years. As a youngster, I grew up in a family that believed that service to your community was a duty in life. My role models were, of course, my parents, Bob & Francis Schroder.

My mom was active in many community

groups, from the historical society to the Assistance League. My father served 16 years on the Walnut Creek City Council (three times as mayor) and 16 years on the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors.

Because of his regional work on transit and transportation, he earned the moniker “Mr. Transportation.” Bob passed away on March 29 at the age of 90.

When I was elected to the Martinez City Council, my father gave me several words of wisdom developed from his years of public service. The one that is in my mind every time I consider an issue is this: “When you decide to vote one way or the other on an issue, do it for what you think is best for your community, not what may benefit you in the next election.” Wise words that all of us should follow. Godspeed, Pop.

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CITY NEWS

Martinez City News Summer Bike Challenge

The Summer Bike Challenge is back for its 5th year, June - August. It’s free and open to people of all ages. Bike around town, cross off challenge squares as you go, and pick up free treats along the way. Challenge Cards are available this month at the library, City Hall, Community Center, and online at 511cc.org/sbc.

May 12 Begins Open Air Market

On the 2nd Sunday of each month from May – October, head to the open-air market downtown. The market features vintage items, collectibles, antiques, arts and crafts, and more. Depending on the weather and attendance, the market is located on the 800 block of Main St. or in the Main St. Plaza near Starbucks.

Main Street Arts

Main Street Arts in Martinez announces “Lookin’ Out My Backdoor,” a show celebrating the beauty of nature. The gallery had a call for art and artists all over the Bay Area who submitted paintings en plein air (outdoors) or inspired by the outdoors.

Prizes for the winners and a reception and awards presentation is on May 11, from 4-6pm. The juror of acceptances for this show is Samantha McNally. Samantha will confer with Gwenn Spratt and Pamela McCauley, Main Street Arts Gallery members, to choose the winners. You will recognize many iconic and familiar scenes when you visit the show. The gallery is open from 11am-5pm, Wednesday through Saturday, and 10am-2pm on Sundays. Visit www.mainstreetarts.net for more information.

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Downtown Spring Clean Up Day

On May 4, over 100 volunteers will come together to clean up the downtown area. They will power wash the sidewalks, pick up trash, rake leaves, and pull weeds.

All volunteers are treated to coffee, juice, and donuts in the morning and enjoy a BBQ lunch at 11:30am. Children are welcome with a guardian. Shifts start at 6am, but most have a 9am start time. Make it fun and sign up together in a group! Email director@mainstreetmartinez.com if you are interested in participating.

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Save the Date – Wine Stroll

On Saturday, June 8, from 1:30 - 4:30pm, spend a relaxing afternoon strolling from business to business in downtown Martinez. Stop in participating downtown businesses for wine tasting and shopping! Prices are $25 + tax and fees in advance and $30 at the door if not sold out.

ARCHITECTURAL MOULDINGS

Relay For Life Martinez

“Power of Purple” is this year’s theme for the Relay For Life Martinez event on July 27 at Martinez Jr. High School. Relay For Life supports the American Cancer Society through its fundraising efforts. This is their 14th year in Martinez, and with the 2019 event, they will have raised over $1,000,000 to support survivors and caregivers, remember those they lost, and continue the fight against cancer.

Relay For Life is a 24-hour event, where teams keep at least one member walking around the track all 24 hours. There are several ceremonies during the day, the most inspiring and moving being the Luminaria Ceremony at dusk. This ceremony honors all who have battled cancer, and luminaria bags line the track, each one in honor or in memory of someone who is battling or has lost their battle with cancer.

Teams are the backbone of this event. Team participants set up booths and tents around the track with messages of hope, early detection, prevention, cancer research, and American Cancer Society services. There will be music, free food, and themed laps and competitions, including the Road to Recovery race, frozen T-shirts, 3-legged race, and Wear Pink. An event favorite is Miss Relay Contest, where teams have a male representative dressing for a beauty queen competition.

To join in fighting cancer from every angle, contact: relayforlife.org/martinezca.

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CITY NEWS

Mayor’s Message How Can We “Move” People with Less Congestion?

Walnut Creek Studies Mobility for the Future

As Walnut Creek and surrounding communities continue to grow, the recurring comment from residents is, “More people means more traffic. Traffic is already challenging.” The comments are legitimate and raise a good question: “How can we move more people and manage traffic congestion?”

The City of Walnut Creek is in the midst of building a comprehensive strategic transportation plan designed to identify future actions that will manage traffic congestion, particularly during peak morning and afternoon periods.

Called “Rethinking Mobility,” the two-year planning process launched in mid-2018 with outreach events in the community and extensive research about a range of transportation issues, including: • Local traffic patterns • How residents and workers travel • Effect of one-person (single-occupant) car trips • Use of transit, including BART • Effect of regional traffic on local roads • Impacts of parking on traffic Findings: Did You Know?

Of course, as we know, the challenging times to drive are during the morning

and late afternoon commute hours. But, beyond that, did you know: • Walnut Creek has 60,000 jobs – 84% of employees come from outside Walnut Creek.

• Conversely, Walnut Creek has 30,000 employed residents but fewer than 10,000 of us work in Walnut Creek. The other 20,000+ residents commute outside the city for work each day.

• Four major employment centers draw the majority of our commute traffic: Downtown, Kaiser Hospital, John Muir Medical Center, and Shadelands Business Park.

• Nearly all of us travel by car alone to get to work -- 79% of us who work within Walnut Creek and 72% of us if we work within Contra Costa.

• Who uses public transit the most?

Walnut Creek residents who work outside Contra Costa.

Action Steps to Date

Over the last 15 years, the city has implemented a number of programs that have shifted us from single-occupant vehicle use to alternative modes (walking, biking, bus and BART).

• Dedicated bike lanes and other bike facilities • New sidewalks, signal crossings, and other pedestrian improvements ($1.1 mil-

Where Walnut Creek workers live

60,000 JOBS IN WALNUT CREEK 51,400 workers are non-residents/commuters 8,600 workers are Walnut Creek residents

30,000 WALNUT CREEK RESIDENTS WORK 72%

Drive alone if working in Contra Costra County 10 | MAY 2019 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM

53%

Drive alone if working outside Contra Costra County

Cindy Silva, Mayor of Walnut Creek

lion in 2018) • Bicycle and pedestrian master plans • Reduced-cost transit passes for city employees • Funding two free shuttle buses, including the Downtown Trolley (These buses have the highest ridership in the County Connection system and reduce car trips by nearly 2,000/day.)

• Locating new housing near downtown

so residents don’t need to always use a car to get to BART, shopping, and entertainment

In the coming months, the city will conduct additional community outreach and then compile the data and feedback to develop a Strategies Report.

Want to get involved? Visit the Rethinking Mobility website: www.rethinkingmobilitywc.com.

Walnut Creek City News First Wednesdays are Back through September

The band Neon Velvet plays new and classic dance hits and kicks off the first Walnut Creek First Wednesdays on May 1, from 5:30 - 8:30pm. Enjoy this street festival on Cypress Street between Locust and North Main. It’s full of live entertainment, dancing, food trucks, wine, beer, shopping, and kids’ games. This year, the event partners with the Contra Costa Certified Farmers’ Market for a chef’s demo. Stop by and enjoy some delicious recipes. Find free parking in these city garages after 5pm on Wednesdays: N. Locust Garage at 1625 Locust Street, S. Locust Garage at 1350 Locust Street, and N. Broadway Garage at 1390 N. Broadway.

ARF’s Big Expansion

On April 2, Hall-of-Fame manager and ARF co-founder Tony La Russa, staff, and supporters officially broke ground on a massive expansion for Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF). The expansion includes space to save 500 more dogs per year as well as construction of a freestanding center to house ARF’s rapidly growing Pets and Vets Program.

The 23,800 square-foot total expansion is part of ARF’s $18.7 million “Saving Both Ends of the Leash®” campaign. The expansion will also add a separate veterans’ area to the ARF clinic, construct new all-weather training fields, and increase energy efficiency through solar and more. For more information about ARF’s Pets and Vets program or to make a gift to the “Saving Both Ends of the Leash®” campaign, go to arflife.org/campaign.

Public Walking Tours are Back

The next public walking tour is Saturday, May 18. A Bedford Gallery docent will lead a tour around Plaza Escuela and shopping areas (Locust, Plaza Escuela, and California Blvd.). Tours start at 11am and meet in front of the Lesher Center on the plaza. They last about 60 minutes and include admission to Bedford Gallery. Ticket prices: Adults $5 and 18 years or younger are free. Please pay in person (cash only). This is the 2nd tour in the 4-part series of tours.

May Saturday Spotlight

The May 11 Spotlight features a behind-the-scenes tour of John Muir Hospital. Each second Saturday, the mayor leads a group of citizens to a non-profit agency and adds an optional walking tour of the community in which the agency is located. See how the community connections are made throughout Walnut Creek, and get to know parts of the city you might not have yet explored. To register, visit the City of Walnut Creek’s website at http://www.walnut-creek.org.

Estate Planning

Regularly Reviewing Your Estate Plan, Start When You Hit 60

BY JEFFREY HALL, Elder Law Attorney

How frequently you should review your estate plan depends on how old you are and whether there has been a significant change in your circumstances.

If you are over age 60 and haven’t updated your estate plan in many decades, it’s almost certain that you need to update your documents. After that, you should review your plan every five years or so.

Here are a few age ranges and what they mean in terms of estate planning: 18-30 Everyone needs a durable power of attorney, health care proxy, and HIPAA release so they have people they choose to step in and make decisions for them in the event of incapacity.

30-40 Once you begin accumulating assets,

get married, and/or have children, it’s important to create an estate plan to care for your loved ones in the event of your death. It also can’t hurt to update your durable power of attorney, health care proxy, and HIPAA release, since people you may have appointed at 18 (your parents?) may not be the people you want in these roles.

40-60 Unless there’s been a change in your circumstances and assuming you’ve set a good plan in place during your 30s, you probably don’t need to review your estate plan at this time.

60-70 Once you hit 60, it’s time to take a look. Your children are probably grown. You may have grandchildren. And, hopefully, you’ve accumulated some wealth. The people you appointed to step in in the event of incapacity when you were 35 may not be in a position to assist when you’re 65. You may have retired or are contemplating doing so.

Spring Cleaning

BY COLLEEN CALLAHAN

The sun is finally peeking out more and more. It is time to open the windows, air out the house, and clean up the garden! It is time for spring cleaning.

Insurance reviews are similar to spring cleaning. Last month we conducted several reviews for clients. It is important to review any insurance you have personally for your home or your business.

The point is to be certain the coverage is still suitable and determine if you have enough, too much, or too little.

We reviewed several Long Term Care insurance policies because one company has implemented a rate increase. In fact, the rates will be changing over the next few years. For those policyholders, it was time to consider changes to the coverage.

We reviewed Medicare Supplements.

One insurance company offered the option to upgrade without needing to answer medical questions. And for those with upcoming birthdays, we always

review the current Medicare Supplement coverage as it might be possible to lower the premium and keep the same level of benefits.

If you own term life insurance and have less than three years left on your premium guarantee, it is time to review it. Is the premium still competitive? How is your health? Can you still qualify for coverage? If your health has changed and you still feel the need for insurance, is the policy convertible?

If you do not need the insurance any longer and are over age 60, there might be a market for selling the policy. Life settlements are becoming more common.

Some people are uncomfortable with the concept of selling a policy to a stranger, but the policy has value and the possibility is worth considering.

Please feel free to call me if you would like help reviewing a life insurance policy.

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

SPONSORED CONTENT

And, unfortunately, the chances of disability or death increase with every year.

70+ Now it’s time to review your plan every five years. Changes happen -- to your health and that of your loved ones, to the tax laws, and to the programs supporting long-term care or disability care. It’s important to have a plan in place and to adjust it as circumstances change.

Change in Circumstances

While the timeline above outlines when you should review and perhaps update your estate plan, it needs to be supplemented by the following potential changes: Marriage. You’re likely to want your assets to go to your spouse and to name him or her to be your agent in the event of incapacity.

Divorce. Likewise, if you get divorced, you probably won’t want your assets to go to your ex-spouse or to rely upon him or her to step in if you were to become incapacitated.

Children. Once you have children, you’ll

want to provide for them and to name someone to step in as guardian.

Disability. If you or someone who would inherit from you becomes disabled, you will need to plan to protect and manage your assets, whether for yourself or for your beneficiaries.

Wealth. If you accumulate sufficient assets to exceed the thresholds for state and federal estate taxes -- $11.4 million federally and $3.5 million California (beginning January 2020), you may want to plan to reduce or eliminate such taxes.

In short, until you reach age 60 or 70, reviewing your estate plan every five years probably is overkill. But do so whenever you have a change in circumstances such as those listed above. Should you have any questions, just call your neighborhood estate planning attorney, Jeffrey Hall, at 925-230-9002 or visit www.HallLawGroup.com.

SPONSORED CONTENT

Experienced Estate Planning Attorney

JEFFREY HALL, MBA, CPA, Esq.

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

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

www.HallLawGroup.com 925-230-9002 OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | MAY 2019 | 11

SPORTS

CP Athlete of the Month

BY HAILEY SALAMONE AND BAILEY MATTHEWS

College Park’s Athlete of the Month is Primo Rodriguez, a sophomore on the varsity boys baseball team. Primo is one the top batters on the team and also a valued contributor in center field. His stats show that he averages a four-hundred batting average and racks in multiple home runs, making him a force to be reckoned with. He is an aspiring college baseball player and hopes to continue his passion on to the next level. His biggest achievement of the season so far was his home run hit against De La Salle High School, pushing us into the lead. So far this season, the boys baseball team has had its ups and downs during their games, but their determination and hard work has given them the upper hand and a shot at making North Coast Sectionals.

Primo is not only one of the youngest on the team but one of the hardest workers, earning his spot starting at centerfield.

Primo describes his time on the College Park baseball team as “one of the most fun teams I’ve ever played on.” The sense of brotherhood and camaraderie allows

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The Martinez Diablos is a 10U travel baseball team that plays in a competitive 680 league and follows MLB rules. The team participates in outside tournaments to keep the boys competitive and accustomed to seeing other teams from other areas in NorCal/Bay Area. They recently participated in the All World Sports Spring Classic and went undefeated over the March 30-31 weekend, taking first place. Submitted

by Marcell Bonifacio.

Pictured (L to R): Nick Perry, Izayiah Lopas, Octavian Rochin, Cailan Dodson, Wyatt Peterson, Dominic Zandonella, Joaquin Henriquez, Julian Pickup, Evan Backstrom, Vincent Azevedo, Vincent Bonifacio, and Brady Keller.

OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | MAY 2019 | 13

SPORTS

CP Varsity Softball Shutting Down the Competition

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College Park girls varsity softball team is stepping up to the plate under new leadership. Scott Wood, previously the junior varsity coach, is at the helm with assistants Kiko Garcia, former major league infielder, Lisa Eide and Adam Flynn.

As of press time, the Falcons record stands at 13-2 and leads league play.

They enjoyed wins over recent successful rivals including Concord High, winners of four NCS championships within the past eight years, and over Alhambra, winners of three consecutive NCS Division II championships.

The Lady Falcons showed no mercy at their recent match up on April 25, against rivals Clayton Valley Charter. The game ended in the 5th inning with a 13-0 run rule. College Park pitcher, Sofia Berryhill, got the win and a shutout. The team has a few league games left and

have their eyes on the Diablo Foothill League title. NCS playoffs are around the corner and they hope to capitalize on their successes. Last year their season ended in the Division 1 quarterfinals and they hope to improve that.

The team’s success should have some staying power. The Falcons will only be losing three seniors this year.

The remaining five juniors and seven sophomores look to have a promising future ahead.

Next Home Game Come out and support the College Park Lady Falcons at their last home league game. They will be battling Concord High School on Thursday, May 9, at 4pm.

Dodgeball, Dodgeball, Dodgeball

The 2019 College Park Dodgeball Champions are team “Have No Clue” who beat “Baseball 1” in an exciting 5-game series. This exciting tournament is in its 9th year and is a favorite among the students and teachers at College Park.

CHAMPIONSHIP SOCCER OPEN TRYOUTS 2006 to 2013 Boys & Girls

2001 to 2005 Boys & Girls

April 22 to 25, 2019

May 6 to 10, 2019

Specific Times/Locations & Registration at:

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Pictured (LtoR): Tyler Emerick, Cole Monroy, Jason Eide, Ethan Navarro, Colby Keck,(front) and Pili Hines.

14 | MAY 2019 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM

DO IT YOURSELF

Spin on DIY

Learning From Marie Kondo

BY REBECCA SEIDENSPINNER

I’m currently in spring cleaning mode at my house. I’m a true junk collector and have a difficult time getting rid of things. What if I need this? This was a great deal. It was FREE! Over time, these things collect space in my home and can overwhelm me. This can make my husband mad too. Oops. I recently watched this series on Netflix called Tidying up with Marie Kondo.

If you haven’t heard about it, I encourage you to run to your TV now and get to it. This show is life-changing and shows the true magic of tidying up.

Marie Kondo is a Japanese organizing consultant who started the KonMari Method, a form of home organization. It is the Japanese art of decluttering and organizing.

Marie Kondo was named one of Time Magazine’s most influential people of 2015. She is

also a New York Times best-selling author of the book The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up. And she happens to be SO adorable. I mean, she greets each home and does a ceremony before she starts helping the family get organized. So, what is all the fuss about, you ask? The idea is to only keep items that spark joy. How do you know if the item sparks joy? You hold it and ask yourself if it sparks joy. If it doesn’t, then you thank the item and put it in a donation pile. Getting rid of things and decluttering your home can actually make you feel better.

First, you pile every clothing item into a giant pile, and then you go through it, one item at a time, asking if it sparks joy.

You move on to each room in the house and do the same thing. This is a great way to get organized and declutter your life.

It is hard work, but in the end, it looks so incredible and can make life a bit easier. I have just started the KonMari Method in my home, but here are a few pictures from

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a friend that is obsessed. She will have her home organized in no time. The good news for me (Shhh, don’t tell my husband) is that now that everyone is into this new KonMari

form of home organization, Thrift Stores are overflowing with donation items. And what doesn’t spark joy for someone else might spark joy for me. I can’t wait.

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SCHOOL NEWS

Principal’s Corner School Year Coming to a Close JOSEPH G. ALVAREZ PRINCIPAL, COLLEGE PARK HIGH SCHOOL

It’s hard to believe we’ve arrived at the end of the school year! I want to thank all of you for everything you bring to our school community. It is absolutely inspiring to see our parents in action; so many people help our school in so many ways. All the contributions you make, from donations to supporting students and programs to chaperoning fieldtrips, enhance the academic experience for CPHS students.

You make our school strong. Thank you so much!

For all those graduating this year, continue to stay engaged in your learning, stay involved in your community, and continue to have a strong plan of action. You will always have your Fal-

Careers in the Trades

Martinez Adult Education is holding their Second Annual Careers in the TradesApprenticeship Information Night on Thursday, May 16th, from 4:30-6:30pm. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming an apprentice, join the representatives from local apprenticeship training programs as they share information about their programs. Participants include Heat & Frost Insulators Local 16, Surveyors and Estimators (Technical Engineers) Local 3, Electricians- IEBW 302, Laborers-LIUNA Local 324, DVC pre-apprenticeship program, Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 159, Ironworkers Local 377, and Rising Sun Energy-GETS Green Energy Training Services (GETS) pre-apprenticeship job training program. For further information, call (925)335-5890 or register on Eventbrite.

Martinez Adult Education, 600 F Street Martinez. The event is free.Â

con family here for you. As staff plans for next year, our continued focus will be on staff and student learning, making the experiences for our staff and students the best it can be to help ensure we continue being on the cutting edge of 21st century skills. In the world we live in, our overarching goals focus on collaboration, critical thinking, and communication, with strong measurBy Gina Campo able outcomes to help ensure all stu A beloved tradition returns to the Bay Area this Memorial Day weekend as the Peter Pan dents are showing progress.

Foundation stages Wish Upon a Star at Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill. Now in its 12th

As we enter into summer, we will year, this family-friendly musical brings together more than 200 performers of all ages to raise continue our athletic camps. Please stay 11:30 am ~ 2:30 pm; 4:00 pm ~ 6:00 pm Exclude Holidays money for local11:30 charities. Â Â pm; 4:00 pm ~ 6:00 pm Exclude Holidays updated at www.collegeparkathletics. am ~ 2:30

A creative retelling of the2Peter Pan story, Wishor Upon a Star features a cast of much-loved Choice of any Rolls: $8.95 3 Rolls: $13.95 com. These camps will consist of trainChoice ofYellowtail any 2 Rolls: $8.95 or 3 Roll Rolls: $13.95 Mango Avocado Roll Sake Maki salmon Spicy California heroes and well-known villains from traditional and contemporary fairy tales.

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As we continue to evolve as a sys-Signature Rolls $7.95 Each Signature Rolls$8.95 $8.95 Each Signature $7.95will Each Signature Rolls Each Rolls Performances be held at the Diablo Valley College Performing Arts Center, 321 Golf tem, we hold true to our core values of: Club Road in Pleasant Hill, on the following dates: C for courage, P for pride, H for honor • Saturday, May 25, 2pm & 7pm • Sunday, May 26, 10am, 2pm, & 7pm • Monday, May 27,10am, and S for sacrifice.

Dynamite California Crunch Pleasanton Jungle Sunset Dynamite California Crunch Pleasanton RedRed LionLion Jungle Sunset BlvdBlvd 2pm & 7pm • Special “meet & greetâ€? performance: Saturday, May 25, 2pm

WE ARE ONE! Crispy roll w/ snow crab Snow crab mix, tempura, Tempura shrimp, red onion, Cucumber, tempura shrimp. Crispy Philly roll, bacon & Crispy fried spicy salmon, yellowtail

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Crispy roll w/ snow crab Snow crab mix, tempura, mix, avocado, crunch shrimp, avocado, crunch, mix, avocado, crunch & &shrimp, avocado, crunch, sauces scallion & sauces sauces scallion & sauces

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Estate Planning The Role of a Trustee

BY DANIEL DuREE

This month I am going to talk a little more about the office of trustee. While some people are familiar with the concept of a trust, many do not understand the role of a trustee or the duties that accompany the position.

Becoming a trustee

First, here is some background about becoming a trustee. A person named as a trustee or co-trustee does not automatically become one by law. A person may either accept or reject the position. A named trustee or successor trustee accepts the position by either signing the trust document, signing a separate written acceptance, or by knowingly exercising powers or performing duties under the trust instrument. Once a person accepts the position of trustee, they owe certain duties to the current beneficiaries of the trust.

Duties of a trustee

The trustee of a trust can be analogized to the CEO of a corporation. The trustee is the manager of the trust and is legally bound to carry out the purpose of the trust on behalf of the beneficiaries. This is similar to how a CEO carries out the purpose of a corporation on behalf of the shareholders.

Like a CEO, a trustee has certain legal duties they owe to the trust beneficiaries.

When a revocable trust is created, the creators of the trust are both the trustees and the beneficiaries as long as they are both alive and competent. Upon the death

of the original trust creator(s) there are new beneficiaries as well as a successor trustee or co-trustees. It is the successor trustee which owes certain legal duties to the new trust beneficiaries. This list is not comprehensive and some of these duties may be altered by the actual trust instrument.

Duty to administer the trust

On acceptance of the trust, the trustee has a duty to administer the trust according to the trust instrument. For a revocable trust this generally means the successor trustee must get the assets together, settle any outstanding liabilities and make the listed distributions to the beneficiaries.

Duty of loyalty to trust beneficiaries

The trustee has a duty to administer the trust solely in the interest of the beneficiaries and never for his or her own personal profit.

Duty to inform beneficiaries

The trustee has a duty to keep beneficiaries of the trust reasonably informed of the trust and its administration. This includes a duty to provide the terms of the trust to a beneficiary.

Although acting as a trustee may sound daunting, it is fairly straightforward when approached methodically. If you have any questions about being a trustee or choosing a successor trustee, please do not hesitate to call; I will be happy to talk with you about it.

Daniel L. DuRee is a third generation resident of Contra Costa County and a licensed attorney practicing in Walnut Creek.

He can be reached at (925) 210-1400 or visit www.DuReeLaw.com.

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CP to Perform at Carnegie

Carnegie Hall is one of the world’s most famous music venues, and its name is synonymous with making it in the music business. Our very own College Park High School choir students have “made it” and will be one of four featured high schools from around the world at the 2019 New York Sounds of Summer Music Festival in Carnegie Hall’s hallowed Stern Auditorium on June 11 at 8pm.

Bruce Rockwell is now in his ninth year as choir director at CPHS. “When I first came to College Park, the choir program had almost been given up for dead; it was in really bad shape. But the students never gave up, everybody worked to make improvements every year, and now I’m totally thrilled that we finally have this opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall. This incredible achievement is the culmination of years of hard work by the entire choir community at College Park.”

The New York Sounds of Summer Music Festival is an international festival for elite high school ensembles. This year it features two Bay Area schools (CPHS Choirs and the Homestead High School Symphony) that perform alongside the Youth Symphony of Ernesto Ramos Antonini (from Puerto Rico), and Kreisverbandsjugendblasorchester Ravensburg (Germany). In addition to the concert at Carnegie Hall, the students will present a pops concert at the Brooklyn Bridge Park and enjoy a dinner cruise on the

Hudson River with their colleagues from the other international schools.

The CPHS choir students will be joined by accompanist Joan Miller, who is also the executive director and president of Mt. Diablo Music Education Foundation. She is equally excited about the tour. “It’s always been on my list to play at Carnegie Hall.

I’ve watched the CPHS choir program grow through the years, and to be offered the opportunity to play for my favorite high school choir and choir director is the opportunity of a lifetime.”

In addition to the performance and Hudson River cruise, the students will take a bus tour of lower Manhattan, go to the top of the Rockefeller Building, and see a performance of Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway. The outdoor pops concert at Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 1 is scheduled for the afternoon of June 10, time TBD. Tickets for the June 11 festival performance are $30 and are available at the Carnegie Hall website: https://www.carnegiehall.org/

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OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | MAY 2019 | 19

PAIR UP

Warm Memories

The Food We Remember from our Youth

BY MARIA TERRY

For many of us, significant foods from childhood bring back warm memories.

Since my mom loved to cook, it would take a great deal of space to talk about all the wonderful things she made for our family. I settled on these three recipes that come together as a cohesive menu.

Each is paired with a substantially different beverage—a blonde ale, a red wine, and a sweet sparkling wine. Because of this diversity, I hope each of you finds something appealing.

Start your evening with a time-honored party snack, the Classic Chex Mix. This crunchy snack brings back fond memories of picking through my haul for my favorite squares and gets its savory goodness from Worcestershire, butter, garlic, and onion. Plus, it has the one-

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Fruit Basket Cake

two punch of salt and fat that makes it work with just about any alcoholic beverage. I think a blonde ale is a great choice because it is subtle and refreshing. Blonde ale is not particularly malty or hoppy and offers a bit of fruit flavor— like green apple, berries, or pear. Most importantly, the lack of hops makes it less bitter than other beers like IPAs or stouts. Since bitter drinks accentuate the bitterness in foods, without the hops, the slightly bitter Worcestershire stays in balance.

Stuffed Peppers is a main dish that has attractive, pre-measured servings.

Since I didn’t like bell peppers as a child, my mom thoughtfully kept some of the mixture separate and made little meatballs that she cooked in the sauce. Now I love the sweet/bitter combination of the pepper and, as a bonus, the peppers make this dish the perfect companion for a rich Cabernet Sauvignon. You see, the flavor of bell pepper comes from a chemical called pyrazine. Cabernet Sauvignon happens to have large quantities of this chemical. Furthermore, Cabernet is great with all kinds of beef dishes because the fat from the beef smooths out the substantial tannins in the Cab. Recipe can be found at www.LaSommelierre.com and www.ourcommunityfocus.com

For dessert, my mom let the special person of the day choose what we were having. If I got to choose, it was always the Fruit Basket Cake from the Home Bakery in Vallejo. Alas, that bakery has closed, but I found a recipe that has the

strawberry, banana, and pineapple combination that I love. If you are inclined to pair this cake with wine, make it sweet and festive, like a sparkling Prosecco from Italy.

So, go on. Pair Up!

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

Chex Mix INGREDIENTS 3 cups Corn Chex™ cereal 3 cups Rice Chex™ cereal 3 cups Wheat Chex™ cereal 1 cup mixed nuts 1 cup bite-size pretzels 1 cup garlic flavored bite-size bagel chips or regular sized bagel chips, broken into 1-inch pieces 6 Tablespoons butter or margarine 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1½ teaspoons seasoned salt ¾ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon onion powder DIRECTIONS

In a large microwavable bowl, mix cereals, nuts, pretzels, and bagel chips; set aside. In a small microwavable bowl, microwave butter uncovered on high, about 40 seconds or until melted. Stir in seasonings. Pour over cereal mixture; stir until evenly coated.

Microwave uncovered on high, 5 to 6 minutes, thoroughly stirring every 2 minutes. Spread on paper towels to cool.

Store in airtight container.

Yield: About 10 Cups

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INGREDIENTS CAKE 1 package white, yellow, or vanilla cake mix 1 cup strawberries, sliced 1 cup crushed canned pineapple, drained 1 large banana, sliced thin CUSTARD 1 cup milk 2 extra large egg yolks ½ cup sugar ¼ cup flour ½ Tablespoon butter FROSTING 2 cups heavy cream 2 Tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla.

DIRECTIONS Cake: Prepare cake batter as directed on the box. Divide batter into two 9-inch rounds. Bake and cool completely. Carefully slice each cake round in half to create four even rounds.

Custard: Bring milk to a boil in a saucepan.

Pour in a bowl and add egg yolks. Add sugar and cream until the mixture is pale yellow.

Beat in flour. Slowly add boiled milk to the egg mixture. When well combined, return it to the saucepan. Bring to a boil while whisking the entire time. Remove from heat and whisk in butter and vanilla extract. Cool completely.

Frosting: Beat heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla on high until stiff peaks are formed.

DIRECTIONS: Assembly: Place the first round, cut-side down, onto a cake plate. Add two heaping tablespoons of custard to the center of the cake and spread the custard evenly.

Reserve ½ an inch of space from the edge.

(Due to the weight of the cake, the filling will spread out to the edge when stacked).

Evenly arrange crushed pineapple on top of custard. Repeat with remaining layers, a different fruit for each layer, always cutside down.

Using an offset spatula, spread frosting over the cake and cover completely.

Keep refrigerated until serving.

Yield: 8 servings

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IN THE MIX

In the Mix

With Some Martinez Music Mafia Board Members

BY PAUL COTRUVO

Music plays such an import part of our daily lives. Its power can make you happy, calm, sad, angry, or reflective. Music also has the power to do good things in our society. And nothing is more evident of that than what is happening in Martinez.

For many years, musician Chris Bryant has been using music to bring attention and money to such causes such as cancer, fire and flood victims, and the homeless by hosting various events throughout the year. The events have been very successful, and Chris thought it was time to form a legitimate non-profit organization.

Martinez Music Mafia was created to promote and organize local shows, live music happenings, charity events, and artists in Martinez and the surrounding areas. In other words, a group of musi-

cians who truly want to give back. So, if you happen to run across some shows that are “sanctioned” by the Martinez Music Mafia, just know that you will not only be entertained by musicians who are performing but your money will go to some worthy causes. Who are some of the board members? Let’s find out! I asked them this question: “If you were an album, what album would you be and why?”

Chris Bryant said: That’s a tough one, and I have so many fun answers. A few years ago, it was likely Exile on Main Street.

Now I like to think it would be The Rolling Stones’ It’s only Rock and Roll...cause, well.... duh!

Bruce Campbell said: I’d be Eat a Peach. It’s perfectly suited for our endeavors - breezy encounters with “Blue Sky,” “Little Martha,” and “Melissa” -- but time for serious, long-form explorations in “Mountain Jam” and “Les Brers in A Minor.”

Scotty O’Neill said: Elton John’s Good-

bye Yellow Brick Road for a lot of reasons, not in any particular order: my dad in the community pool waiting for me to jump from the high-board at the age of 4.5 and that soundtrack playing over and over throughout my youth, including a loudspeaker that indelibly left that memory cemented in my mind forever to how it influenced my early musical career in performing on keys/songwriting.

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road also represents the passing of old ways to living a new, happier, honest life, as I do today.”

Brian Walker said: Will the Circle Be Unbroken by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band seems to capture the type of commitment to collaboration we aspire to -- many different musical ideas and directions all being explored, both separately and together.

Of course, we need to get us a Doc Watson somewhere.

I think we are in good hands.

Here are a couple of upcoming events that are sanctioned by the MMM:

The 40th Annual MECC Wine Tasting event, benefitting Martinez Early Childhood Center, is May 10, at the Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Drive, Pleasant Hill, from 5pm to 9pm. The event features a silent auction, local vintner wine tasting, and a lot more. MECC has been in business as a non-profit serving Martinez, Pleasant Hill, and the surrounding areas with high quality care and education for children, ages 1 to 5 years old, since 1974. Their programs are subsidized by the California Department of Education, which allows them to offer

Paul’s Picks

free and low-cost services to families in need. “Families in need” can look like anything from a single-parent family going through transition; a family whose parent is looking for work, going to school, in a training program, or starting a business; and children in foster care, etc. They are very proud of their family success rate, in which families graduate out of their programs with children who have continued success in the K-12 school system and parents who have become local business owners, landed great jobs, or graduated from college or vocational training. Plus, there will be non-stop live music featuring Garageland Rodeo, The New Frantics, After the Rain, Blue Moon Brothers, and more. I’ve been honored to play a few songs as well. It’s going to be a wonderful event. Ticket are $50 in advance, $55 at the door. For more information, go to www.wine@martinezecc.org

Another event will be the annual celebration of Bob Dylan’s Birthday, held at Armando’s in Martinez on May 23 at 7:30pm. This night has turned into a must-see, as many musicians show up to perform some of their favorite Dylan songs. At press time, some of the musicians participating will be Liz Lewis, Valerie Jay, Garageland Rodeo, and the Gotta Serve Somebody Band, featuring Paul Cotruvo, Kevin Kroner, Charles Waltmire, and Rob McCloskey. Some surprises as well. See you there!

Quote of the Month: “If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded” Maya Angelou

May 1: Garageland Rodeo, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 7pm May 2: After the Rain, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm May 4: The Big Jangle, Retro Junkie, 2112 N. Main Street, Walnut Creek, 9pm May 18: Divalicous, Dan’s Bar, 1524 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, 10pm May 19: The Dawdlers, Vinnies, 2045 Mt. Diablo Street, Concord, 3pm May 23: Bob Dylan Birthday Celebration, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm May 25: Featprints, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm May 26: Sunday Paper, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 4pm May 26: Forejour, Pleasant Hill Summer by the Lake, Pleasant Hill City Hall, 6pm

22 | MAY 2019 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM

IN THE GARDEN

Gardens

The Gifts that Keep on Giving

BY LESLEY STILES

Nothing like a good rainy season in our burg to get bees and butterflies busy; just ask anyone with allergies or a great yard full of flowers. Local honey through the Mary Poppins method, a spoonful at a time, will help calm the histamines.

May, which came quick this year, is a month perched on the edge of renewal and mischievousness. May heralds temperatures between 75 to 80, giving us plenty of time to get acclimated to the impending dazzling spike in mercury. Cherries quell a longing premonition of sweet lusciousness so strong it salts the eyes.

Winter restlessness is cured by puritanical longings to get stuff growing. One could remark that the motive is food, fresh and home grown, produced with our own hands and backs, tenderly harvested daily and sensuously enjoyed in our amazing climate. Others may cite action itself; exercise meshed with accomplishment is motivation enough to get that garden going. Regardless of philosophy, satisfaction ensues on a daily basis.

“Gardens: the gifts that keep on giving.”

Tomato, squash and cucumbers plant tendrils reach longingly toward impending summer sun and eagerly await May evenings to set luscious fruits. The time is perfect for getting all those little seedlings into the earth for a year-round garden. Enrich soils with organic compost, manures, worm casings, whatever your choice. They say most summer vegetables want warmth in overnight soil temperature at a minimum of 53 to 55 degrees. We may be pushing that, but most of us are planting stabilized plants and not tiny seedlings. The best rule is to amend, amend, amend that soil!

Gardening can be planted with seeds spaced an inch apart and deep, or as contemporary as gigantic clay pots arranged decorously on a nice, west-facing deck and sporting tomato plants that climb up a trellis. The marriage between abstract splotches of color and orderly patches creates a conceptual whole of the urban garden in both

cities and suburbs.

Local cherries are coming into the farmers’ markets at full speed. New varieties, bigger, juicier and meatier, assault our senses with addicting love every year as savvy farmers grab their share of the market any way they can. Lucky us! Early varieties are sweet and juicy this year, and the crop is expected to be plentiful, with a long, purposeful season.

Strawberries are back, provoking salivary glands to rule the wallet as you saunter by their table. Fava beans are at their peak, with a short season. Don’t be thwarted by imaginary hardships of preparing these sexy spring stunners. Take the whole beans, toss them in olive oil and cracked sea salt, and lay on a hot grill. The edible chartreuse gems inside the pod will steam right out as the outside, thick shells grill and turn into an amazingly tender, completely edible treat.

Eat the whole thing. Purists will still want to go through the three-step process of shelling, blanching and shelling to get to that tasty nugget to sauté or add to pasta, risotto, scrambled eggs, and sautéed vegetables, but you can just sprinkle with salt and eat as is.

It is more important than ever to buy certified organic produce, especially strawberries and root vegetables as they are low

Spring Cherry Pudding INGREDIENTS 4 1/2 cups pitted cherries (just do it, you won’t be sorry) 1/3 cup sugar 4 eggs, slightly beaten 1 cup milk 2 cups cubed, day old bread 1 Tablespoon pure vanilla DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 325*. Spray or grease an 8x10 baking dish with butter.

Combine sugar, milk and eggs in a large mixing bowl. Beat lightly. Add vanilla, bread cubes and cherries and stir. Pour into prepared dish. Cover with foil and bake 1 hour. Uncover and bake 10 more minutes. Top with fresh whipped creamServes 4 to 6.

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to or under soil and retain the most chemicals. Whatever you buy that is not certified organic is grown with and contains in their DNA massive amounts of pesticides and herbicides. I prefer not to eat Raid and Round Up, so if you feel the same, stick to organic.

We are looking at early June for opening our beloved Roxx with local, seasonal, organic food offerings, along with live music and creative libations! Go to roxxonmainvipclub Facebook page for all the latest!!

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.

Garden Club Plant Sale

The Pleasant Hill Garden Study Club’s (PHGSC) annual plant sale, popular with area gardeners and Mothers Day shoppers, is on Saturday, May 11, from 9am to 2pm, at the Winslow Center, 2590 Pleasant Hill Road, at Taylor Boulevard in Pleasant Hill.

Hardy perennials, colorful annuals, heirloom vegetables, inviting succulents, and houseplants are among the offerings. The sale also features a “garden shed” section withgently used yard and garden related items. Everything is priced to sell, and plenty of selections are geared specifically to children who are shopping for their mothers that weekend.

Representatives from the Contra Costa Master Gardeners will be available to answer questions. Plants at this sale are propagated locally, will thrive in our climate, and are competitively priced. Some of the sale’s proceeds are donated to garden-related projects sponsored by local non-profits.

The PHGSC is co-sponsored by the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District. For more information about the sale or the club, contact call 925-323-9314, e-mail phgardenstudyclub@yahoo.com, or visit the club’s website at www.phgsc.com.

615 ALHAMBRA AVENUE, MARTINEZ, CA 94553 THANKS TO OUR CUSTOMERS FOR VOTING US #1!

2013 • 2014 • 2015 2016 / 2017 OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | MAY 2019 | 23

SENIORS

Homelessness

Health, Housing and Homeless System of Care

BY SUPERVISOR KAREN MITCHOFF

We see it every day in our community: homelessness. This is not unique to Contra Costa County. This is an issue we are facing nationwide, and it’s one of the most complex social challenges our generation will work to address.

Contrary to what many people assume, homeless populations are not transients coming into our county from elsewhere.

During 2017, 6,442 individuals received homeless services in Contra Costa County, and over 79% of them lost their housing in Contra Costa. The majority of homeless individuals in Contra Costa grew up here or lost their housing here, so this is home to them.

The Health, Housing and Homeless (H3) division, within Contra Costa County Health Services, provides homeless services.

H3 was formed in 2017, and their mission is to ensure an integrated system of care from prevention through intervention for homeless adults, youth, and families in our community. Homelessness is such a large issue that government alone can’t solve it. It takes partnerships with cities, nonprofits, schools,

and many others to work towards solutions.

H3 has created easy points of entry to our system of care.

The Coordinated Outreach Referral, Engagement (CORE) Team Program brings resources and services directly to individuals who are living outside. These teams go out into encampments and meet with homeless individuals and provide or transport them to services. CORE can also be reached by dialing 211 or texting “Hope” to 20121.

There are currently nine CORE Teams operating in Contra Costa. Three of the teams are countywide, with one operating at night. Another three teams are partnerships between H3 and cities. These teams then focus on particular cities that fund them. They are Martinez and Pleasant Hill, Concord and Walnut Creek, and San Pablo and Richmond.

In addition, H3 and Contra Costa County Public Works Department have partnered together for a Core Team that focuses on encampments along the canals.

The cleanups by this team have resulted in more than 106,000 pounds of trash being diverted from our waterways. New this year, BART has partnered for a CORE Team to primarily focus on the homeless in and around

Food Rescue Program

Join White Pony Express Matching Fund Challenge

Every day, 364 days a year, White Pony Express (WPE) trucks deliver 6000 lb. of surplus food to people who are hungry in our communities. In addition, WPE delivers 10,000 items of new or like-new clothing, toys, games and books each month to families in our neighborhoods. All of this done free of charge.

WPE has received an incredible opportunity. Three “angel” donors, including Luis Gerardo del Valle Torres, the Heart’s Path Foundation, and the Gemmer Foundation have pledged $300,000 in matching funds for all financial donations, grants. and pledges received between April 15 and June 15, 2019. This means WPE can raise $600,000 in the next two months, taking a HUGE step toward achieving our annual fundraising goal of $2,000,000. With your support, we can continue these programs and expand our School Pantry Program. WPE continues to make deliveries of food and clothing to the survivors of the Camp Fire in Butte County.

If you are interested in making a contribution to help WPE with this matching opportunity, please send your contribution to White Pony Express at 3380 Vincent Road, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523, or online at www.whiteponyexpress.org/3-angel-match

ABOUT WHITE PONY EXPRESS: A Food Rescue Program in which quality surplus food is picked up directly from food retailers and delivered to local service organizations.

WPE’s Free General Store distributes new and like-new clothing through Mobile Boutique events. For more information on WPE, visit www.whiteponyexpress.org

24 | MAY 2019 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM

BART stations.

Another way to connect to services is through CARE Centers, which are resource hubs for homeless individuals. These centers include services like showers, case management, health services, and housing searches.

In Central County, there are three Care Centers, including two at nonprofit locations (Monument Crisis Center and Trinity Center).

These are just a few examples of how the county, cities, and nonprofits work together to assist residents that may be experiencing homelessness. Our system of care provides far more than I can fit in one article. Next month, I will share more about the work around preventing homelessness as well as our expanding services in addressing homelessness in our county.

Pleasant Hill Senior Activities May 5-30, Thursdays - Brain Body Fitness - New Class! 12:30-1:45pm. Unite the brain and the body through a series of exercises that include isolations, stretching, opposition training, coordination and strength & balance work. Improve your balance, alignment, energy level and reflexes. All levels welcome. $62/$50 (district / residents).

May 5-30, Thursdays - Puppetry Workout for the Hands & Heart – New Class!

1:45-2:30pm. This class offers a unique combination of hand exercises, vocal sounds and character puppet play. No experience required and puppets are provided. Be sure to check out our FREE demo classes. 1:45-2:30pm, $62/$50 (district/ residents).

May 24 - “Salute to Service” - a Memorial Day Tribute, 1pm in the Chateau Room. Our annual Memorial Day event will include a live performance of patriotic songs from our very own Golden Notes Chorus as well as the presenting of the flag, special readings and root beer floats following the program. Free for all ages!

June 7 - Vagabond Players Presents: Crimes of the Heart, 1:30pm. Tickets: $10 presale, $15 after 5/24. Crimes of the Heart tells the story of Meg, Babe and Lenny, three sisters who reunite at Old Granddaddy’s home in Mississippi after Babe shoots her abusive husband. Past resentments bubble to the surface as the sisters are forced to deal with assorted relatives and past relationships while coping with Babe’s latest incident.

233 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill 925-798-8788

Martinez Senior Activities May 6-27, Mondays - The Crocketts Dance Group 10:15-12pm. The Crocketts practice various dances. They volunteer their time to perform for other centers and organizations.

May 6-31, Mon., Wed. and Fri. - Walk, Talk, and Coffee Club. Meet at 9:15am at the Martinez Senior Center to walk city streets and the Marina area. Walks last approximately one hour. End back at the Senior Center with a cup of coffee. Free.

May 12 - Pancake Breakfast 8-11am. The Martinez Senior Center Club puts on a pancake breakfast the 2nd Sunday of every month. This breakfast is open to the community and includes eggs, sausage, pancakes, toast, orange juice and coffee. The delicious breakfast is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 10 and under.

May 24 – Bunco 11:30-3pm. A refresher course held prior for those that haven’t played before. Prizes go to the most Buncos, most wins, second and third most wins, and a booby prize. Lunch will be served at 12pm. $12. Sign up at front desk.

Deadline to purchase tickets is Wednesday, May 22.

June 1 - Teddy Bear Picnic 1-2:30pm. Children 4-7 years old are invited. Come for crafts, creative snacks, story time and playtime. $10/child (accompanied by an adult).

818 Green Street, Martinez 925-370-8770

Read My Mind

©

Boy, Does My Brain Still Hurt

BY MICHAEL G. HARRIS, OD

As a professor, doctor, scientist, and attorney, I’m fairly well educated and reasonably bright, but I’m no Einstein. Just ask my wife! So it was with great trepidation that I took on the challenge of reading and reviewing books by two recognized geniuses in astrophysics, Stephen Hawking and Neil deGrasse Tyson.

Hawking was 21 when diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) and given only five years to live. Fortunately for all of us, he lived an additional 55 years. He passed away last year at the age of 76. His contributions to our understanding of the cosmos and the human spirit have enriched us all.

Prior to his death, Hawking was working on his last book, Brief Answers to the Big Questions. Finished by family and friends, the book is a testament to both Hawking’s supe-

20th

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rior intellect and his exceptional humanity.

Colleagues have said “His life symbolizes the best humanity has to offer.” I couldn’t agree more. As the muscles of his body atrophied, he was confined to a wheelchair and unable to move anything but his fingers. Eventually, even that movement vanished. The disease also affected his ability to speak. But with the aid of advanced computer technology and voice simulation, he was still able to talk and dictate this book.

Hawking warned us that “education and science are in danger now more than ever before.” He doesn’t expect all young people to become scientists but urges our children “to look up at the stars and to try to make sense of what they see, and wonder about what makes the universe exist.” Following his own example, Hawking urges young people not to give up on their dreams but to “unleash their imagination to shape the future.” Great advise from a truly exceptional human being!

sunset by the lake

May 26...Forejour: Tribute to Foreigner & Journey

The “big questions” Hawking tackles include: Is there a God? Is there other intelligent life in the universe? Is time travel possible? And, Should we colonize space?

Hawking’s answers to these questions may surprise you, frustrate you, and stimulate you.

His answers are certainly thoughtprovoking, but some are rather controversial.

He questions the existence of God and the need for a creator. He believes that science and evolution alone are responsible for the creation of the universe, our planet, and all the life on it, without divine intervention.

Many take exception to this. Even renowned scientists have done so. Einstein once said, “God does not play dice with the universe,“ but Hawking doesn’t believe God was involved at all.

Whether you believe in God or not, Hawking’s logic is sound and persuasive, although it doesn’t explain everything. Nevertheless, this book is informative, provocative, and inspiring. It’s the last masterpiece

by the genius who gave us “a brief history of everything.”

Astrophysics for People in a Hurry author Tyson has teamed with Avis Lang to write Accessory to War: The Unspoken Alliance Between Astrophysics and the Military. They examine how astrophysics has been “enlisted in the service of war” and become “the handmaiden of human conflict.”

The book shows how scientific discoveries, from the telescope to the laser, have changed the face of war. You’ll learn about the connection of politics, economics, and science, particularly astrophysics, and how this has altered history. Whether you’re a science aficionado or a history buff, you will find this book fascinating but challenging.

I read both of these books months ago and, boy, does my brain still hurt! But, you know what they say: “No pain, no gain!” If you’re willing to read them, you’ll be pleasantly surprised that the pain is worth it. I was.

Summer Concerts

Jun 9...Unauthorized Rolling Stones

LIVE MUSIC & FAMILY FUN!

Pleasant Hill City Hall Gregory Ln & Cleaveland Rd

On the lawn by the lake

Jun 23..Midnight Flyer Eagles Tribute band

Jul 7...Bell Brothers Country

Aug 18...Sun Kings Beatles Tribute

Motown, 70s-80s, Funk & Soul

6-8 PM

Jul 21...SONA New Classic Rock Premium Stage Sponsor

Aug 4...The Big Jangle Tom Petty tribute band Season Sponsors

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Breast Cancer News

New Developments in the Treatment of Breast Cancer BY, TIFFANY SVAHN, MD

There have been some interesting new developments in the treatment of breast cancer over the past several months.

Although it has been used to treat many other forms of cancer, immunotherapy has recently been approved by the FDA for the treatment of metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. This is for patients whose

breast cancer has spread outside of the breast and lymph nodes to other parts of the body. The specific type of breast cancer that responds well to immunotherapy is triple-negative breast cancer, in which the estrogen receptor, the progesterone receptor, and the protein HER2, are not expressed. The drug atezolizumab (Tecentriq®) has been approved in combination with nab-paclitaxel (Abraxane®) for patients whose breast cancer expresses PD-L1. Atezolizumab is a monoclonal antibody against the protein PD-L1 (programmed cell death ligand 1),

which is involved in the pathway by which T-cells (part of our immune system) are able to recognize tumor cells as foreign and destroy them. In the IMpassion 130 phase III clinical trial, which was published in the New England Journal of Medicine in November 2018, there was a 2.5-month improvement in the time it took for the cancer to progress (progression free survival) and a 4.5-month improvement in overall survival. The FDA approved atezolizumab in combination with nab-paclitaxel on March 8, 2019.

In patients with early-stage breast cancer that overexpress HER2, the treatment often involves receiving chemotherapy in combination with anti-HER2 antibodies trastuzumab (Herceptin®), with or without pertuzumab (Perjeta®) prior to undergoing breast surgery - this is called neoadjuvant therapy. Prior to the results of the KATHERINE study, patients would continue on antiHER2 antibodies after surgery and chemotherapy. For some patients, after receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy with anti-HER2 antibodies, the cancer will have completely disappeared at the time of surgery - this is known as a complete pathologic response.

In the KATHERINE study, patients whose cancer did not completely respond to initial treatment were randomized to switch to T-DM1 (Kadcyla®) after surgery versus remaining on trastuzumab, with or without pertuzumab. Patients who received T-DM1 had a 50% reduction in the risk of breast cancer recurrence compared to patients who remained on trastuzumab, with or without pertuzumab. T-DM1 has been FDA-approved to treat metastatic HER2-pos-

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itive breast cancer for several years. It has a unique mechanism of action; the antibody trastuzumab is linked to a a chemotherapy called emtansine. Once T-DM1 binds to the HER2 protein on a cancer cell, it is brought inside the cell, and the chemotherapy is then released from the antibody and is directly toxic to the cancer cell. Because of this unique mechanism, healthy cells in the body that do not express the HER2 protein will not be exposed to the chemotherapy, and thus there are fewer side effects.

In addition to the two new treatments discussed above, there are other new treatments for breast cancer that will soon be FDA-approved. Please join us at the Lafayette Library for a Breast Cancer Symposium on May 22, 6:30-8:30pm. Dr. Svahn will review the above data in more detail and discuss other new developments in the treatment of breast cancer. Monica Eigelberger, MD, a breast surgeon, and Christine Chung, MD, a radiation oncologist, will also be reviewing new information about breast cancer in their respective specialties. To register for the event, please email sjung@dvohmg. com or call 925-677-5041.

Dr. Svahn is a medical oncologist and breast cancer specialist with Diablo Valley Oncology and Hematology Medical Group in Pleasant Hill. She specializes in treating patients with breast cancer. Dr. Svahn is the Medical Director of the Women’s Cancer Center of the East Bay, where breast cancer patients meet with multiple specialists on the same day. She can be reached at 925677-5041.

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A Murder is Announced

Diablo Valley College Car Show

Spring on the Straits

TreasureFest

Agatha Christie’s play about an announcement in a local paper that states the time and place of a murder to occur. When the victim falls, Miss Marple is on hand to provide the final solution. Thurs 7pm, Fri. and Sat. 8pm, Sunday matinees at 2:30pm. 636 Ward St., Martinez. Tickets at brownpapertickets.com.

Enjoy a Car show with awards voted by all, vendors, live music, food, and an Engineering and Technology Open House. $25 car entry, $5 DVC student car. Proceeds benefit DVC’s Machining & Industrial Design Programs. Reservations: eventbrite.com. https://tinyurl.com/dvccarshow

Quilt Show will features artist Judy Arrants’ quilts, wearable art, a country store, vendors, and much more. There will be a chance to win a quilt. Clock Tower, 1189 Washington Street, Benicia.

One part shopping, one part feasting, and one part music and entertainment.

A unique monthly festival that showcases the best of the Bay Area. 10am-4pm. Located at 500 Ave N, Treasure Island SF. $5 general entry, kids under 12 are free. Free parking. Pet friendly. www.treasurefest.com

may 11

may 11

may 19

St. Petersburg Men’s Ensemble

Book Signing

ARF’s Animals on Broadway

The a cappella program quartet vocalists blend their voices in presentations of classical, romantic, contemporary, and folk repertoires.

7pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1924 Trinity Ave., Walnut Creek.

Contra Costa County Historical Society presents Dan Smith’s book, Stepping Stones, a book about millionaires and murderers, pioneers and philanthropists. Tours of county archives at 12-2pm; book signing at 3-4:30pm, The History Center, 724 Escobar St., Martinez. www.cocohistory.org

may 11

may 16

ongoing

Annual Plant Sale

Careers in the Trades

Volunteer with Seniors

Plant sale includes hardy perennials, colorful annuals, heirloom vegetables, inviting succulents, plus house plants presented by Pleasant Hill Garden Study Club. Sale from 9am-2pm at 2590 Pleasant Hill Road at Taylor Boulevard in Pleasant Hill. www.phgsc.com

Martinez Adult Ed holds their 2nd Annual Apprenticeship Information Night with various representatives who share information about their training programs. (925)335-5890 or register on Eventbrite. The event is free. 600 F Street, Martinez.

Spectrum Community Services is looking for individuals who would like to volunteer in senior centers all around the East Bay. Please call Spectrum Community Services at 510-8810300 ext. 242 or fill out an application at www.

Spectrumcs.org.

Join ARF in celebrating the special bond between pets and people at this community festival at Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek.

10:30am-4pm. https://arflife.org

may 18

may 22

ongoing

Open House

Breast Cancer Seminar

Choice in Learning Montessori will hold an open house form 10am-12pm. 490 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill. For details call 925.687.5321 or visit cilmontessori.org

Join breast cancer specialists for an update on cutting edge breast cancer treatments and surgical techniques. Physicians will discuss the latest advances presented from research, clinical trials and new FDA drug approvals. 6:308:30pm, Lafayette Library, 3491 Mt Diablo Blvd., Lafayette.

Volunteers for Senior Van Service Pleasant Hill Senior Center Van Service is looking for a volunteer ride schedule dispatcher. Only one morning shift each week (9-11am). For more information, visit pleasanthillca.org/seniorvan or call 925-671-5288.

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