May 2012 Community Focus by Community Focus

â&#x20AC;˘ MAY 2012

Delivered to Over 40,000 Homes and Businesses

Photos by Susanwoodphotography.com

HATS OFF TO THE GRADS! Show them how proud you are by putting them in the Community Focus! Announcements: $15 for up to 35 words, $30 with a photo. Email photo and text to info@ourcommunityfocus.com. Deadline: 2nd Friday of each month Photo must be in jpeg format. One MB miniumum size.

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May 2012

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May 2012

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MARTINEZ

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JULIE SAYS

www.ourcommunityfocus.com

May 2012

Take it Outside!

By Julie Ross Regional Parks District. A couple of my friends have teen If you are lucky, you will rememagers who are away volunteering as ber building forts and tree-houses counselors for fifth-graders participatwhen you were young. One grown-up ing in the Outdoor Education proI know of has managed to reconnect gram. I love that Outdoor Ed remains with her love of playing outdoors by on the curriculum because I think making it her business. San Francisco there’s nothing better for kids than resident Barbara Butler has been debeing outside and learning about our signing and building amazing, envinatural world first hand. ronmentally friendly play structures This month, the book group I beand tree-houses since 1987. long to is reading the updated edition You can find out how someone can of Last Child in the Woods: Saving our go from being a political science major pursuing a Children from Nature Deficit Disorder by Richard writing career, to one of the most creative general Louv. In the original 2005 version, Louv explored contractors anywhere by attending the Lindsay Wildstudies indicating that direct exposure to nature is life Museum Alliance’s Speaker Event, featuring Baressential to a child’s healthy physical and emotional growth. The new edition, published in 2008, includes bara Butler. The presentation, “Castles, Tree Forts and Zinew evidence linking the rise in obesity, depression plines: How Hanging Out in Trees and Daydreamand attention disorders among children with a lack ing Finally Paid Off,” will be held on Monday, May of experience in nature. 21 at Lindsay Wildlife Museum, 1931 First Avenue in The book is not just a dry rehash of scientific studies and impending doom. The research is round- Walnut Creek. There will be a light brunch beginning ed out with dozens of wonderful stories about the au- at 9:30am and Barbara will come on stage and speak from 10:30 until noon. thor’s own personal contact with nature growing up, as well as the anecdotes of many other people that go Tickets are $25 per person and seating is limited. For more information and to make reservations, constraight to the heart. tact Penny Adams at pnjadams@pacbell.net by May One of my favorites is this quote by butterfly 14. Tickets will be held at the door. Proceeds benefit expert Robert Michael Pyle, who teaches children the education and wildlife rehabilitation programs at about butterflies by putting a live one on their noses, Lindsay Wildlife Muengaging many senses: seum. “Noses seem to make perfectly good perches or bask Please note that ing spots, and the insect often remains for some time. Barbara also designs Almost everyone is delighted by the light tickle, the bike garages and garden the community focus close-up colors, the thread of a tongue probing for droplets of perspiration. But somewhere beyond delight sheds for grownups. lies enlightenment. I have been astonished at the small Or, have her build you epiphanies I see in the eyes of a child in truly close con- the tree-house of your dreams. Just pretend it’s tact with nature, perhaps for the first time. This can for the kids. happen to grown-ups, too, reminding them of something they never knew they had forgotten.” Check out Bar We are so fortunate to live where we do, with bara’s creations at www. open spaces galore and the enormous opportunity to barbarabuter.com. You discover natural delights in our own neighborhoods can reach Julie at juliand anywhere, everywhere, throughout the East Bay eakross@comcast.net.

Come be our friend.

• Real Estate........................................................page 9 • Asparagus Ceviche...................................... page 11 • Martinez Memorial Pool............................. page 13 • Home Improvement Guide...................page 16-18

Independent & Locally Owned

PUBLISHERS Becky Coburn, Jennifer Neys, Elena Hutslar info@ourcommunityfocus.com A Monthly Publication delivered to over 40,000 Homes and Businesses in Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Pacheco, Lafayette and Walnut Creek

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

• Sports.............................................................page 21-22 • Meet Paul Cotruvo............................................page 24 • Life is a Bowl of Cherries................................. page 27 • Teen Scene......................................................... page 30

May 2012

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Honoring the Leader of the Doolittle Raiders Information Submitted by Bob Fish advancement of aviation technology. He On May 5, the USS Hornet will partindividuals who were directly involved with assisted in the development of the artificial ner with the new Jimmy Doolittle Air & the Raiders in China, will speak as well. horizon and directional gyroscopes and Space Museum to honor famous aviation Three of the Raiders are scheduled to became the first pilot to fly an airplane pioneer Jimmy Doolittle. Doolittle was attend the tribute. Major Thomas Carson relying solely on flight instruments. At age born in Alameda and accomplished much Griffin (Navigator, Plane 9) was selected by twenty-six, he flew the first transcontinenthroughout his life, but perhaps his most Doolittle to go to the Pentagon to work on tal flight in less than twenty-four hours in a legendary achievement was leading a darmaps that would be used in the raid. GrifDe Havilland DH-4. Doolittle received his ing WWII air raid on Japan seventy years fin was forced to bail out over China, but BA from UC Berkeley and his master’s and ago. he was rescued by Chinese civilians and doctorate degrees from MIT. On April 18, 1942, then-Lieutenant later returned to duty. Among the special guests paying Colonel Doolittle led his “Doolittle Raid Another guest Raider will be Lt. Col. tribute to Gen. Doolittle will be his son ers” on an aerial attack of Japan. The Army Edward Joseph Saylor (Engineer/gunner, John P. Doolittle, retired Air Force Colonel, Air Forces squadron consisted of sixteen Plane 15). While the squadron was being granddaughter Jonna Doolittle Hoppes, and convoyed towards Japan on the Hornet B-25 bombers which took off from the aircraft carrier, Hornet CV-8, the predeces- three surviving members of the “Doolittle’s CV-8, Saylor discovered that one of his Raiders,” who will share their memories of sor to the present-day Hornet. plane’s engines had a serious problem. Doolittle and the first-ever launch of Army Although best known for planning Knowing that the standing order was to bombers into combat off an aircraft carrier. push any nonfunctional plane overboard, and leading the raid over Tokyo during Crewmen from the Hornet CV-8, as well as WWII, Doolittle was also a leader in the he rounded up a Navy maintenance crew and together they removed and rebuilt the engine in time for takeoff. The plane carried the squadron’s only doctor, which could have made a critical difference to the mission. The third Raider in attendance will be Staff Sergeant David J. Thatcher (Engineer/ gunner, Plane 7 – the famous “Ruptured Duck”), who saved and defended his crew after a near-fatal crash into the sea off the China coast. For his heroism, he was awarded the Silver Star. Following this mission, he served in North Africa and England until July 1945. Following the aerial attack, most of the B-25 crewmen that went down in China made it to safety with the help of Lt. Col. Doolittle(left), Capt. Mitscher (right) and crew, photo provided by Bob Fish. Chinese civilians. However, the Chinese paid dearly for their assistance, as the Japanese killed an estimated 250,000 civilians while searching for Doolittle’s men. Some of the descendants of the Chinese families

who helped rescue the Doolittle Raiders are attending and speaking. The Hornet CV-8 was attacked and sunk just six months after the famous Doolittle mission. Its successor, the USS Hornet (Hornet CV-12) is now berthed in Alameda. The USS Hornet advanced its predecessor’s tradition of greatness both in war and as the recovery ship for the Apollo 11 lunar mission - and today houses one of the Bay Area’s most famous military and space history museums. “We are extremely honored to be the host for this special tribute to Gen. Jimmy Doolittle,” said Randall Ramian, CEO of USS Hornet Museum. “This special event also provides an opportunity for people to learn about the role the first Hornet played in this historical event.” “It has been seventy years since the air raid on Tokyo and we hope that a new generation will join us in remembering and learning about Jimmy Doolittle. He had a special connection to Northern California,” said Major General U.S. Air Force (Ret.) Thomas Kane, Executive Director of the new Jimmy Doolittle Air & Space Museum. “We are very excited by the plans for a new museum in Solano County that will be dedicated in his honor. He was a true pioneer in aviation history.” It’s likely this is the last time any of the remaining five Doolittle Raiders will ever be in the Bay Area, so come out and cheer your heroes! Tribute to Jimmy Doolittle is on Saturday, May 5, 1 – 4:30pm, on board the Aircraft Carrier, USS Hornet Museum, 707 W. Hornet Ave., Pier 3, Alameda. Regular admission prices apply. Visit www.usshornet.org for more information.

Saturday, May 5, 1 - 4:30pm Onboard the Aircraft Carrier USS Hornet • Museum opens at 10am • Public presentation at 1pm • Meet participants of Doolittle Raid • Book Signings • Special activities and exhibits plus tours of the ship. • Kids can “ride” in a flight simulator and/or sit in the cockpit of a real jet fighter. General museum prices ranging from $6 to $15 apply. Youth (4 & under) are free. Fundraising Dinner, 5 - 9pm, $100 pp. Reservations required • B-25 Flyover for Dinner Guests • Personal Experiences Recounted Hornet Museum, 707 W. Hornet Ave, Pier 3, Alameda. For information call 510-521-8448, or visit www.uss-hornet.org Hornet flight deck. Photo by susanwoodphotography.com.

Proceeds benefit the USS Hornet Museum & Jimmy Doolittle Air & Space Museum at Travis Air Force Base.

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May 2012

In Motion Dance Center Top Honors Congratulations to In Motion Dance Center of Martinez on its performance in March at the “I LOVE DANCE” Competition in San Ramon! Eleven out of thirteen entries received first place in their category, and the other two received second place. The “I LOVE DANCE” competition has a traditional award system

By Diane Rivest where only first, second and third Additionally, three routines replace winners are recognized. This is in ceived Overall High Awards and two contrast to the adjudicated system the more received cash prizes! Top score majority of dance competitions pracwent to Cori Heckmann’s tap choreogtice nowadays, where all entries get an raphy to “Secrets” and Best Musicality award. went to Deena Roming’s choreography “It was incredibly rewarding to see all our dances place first or second,” said Deena Roming, director of In Motion.

to “Jet Set.” Hip-hop teacher A.J. Rogers also received a Teacher’s Award for his help at the competition. All In Motion dancers did an amazing job and made their teachers and parents extremely proud!

Studio A Wins Big Submitted By Colleen Gianatiempo in the top ten within their category. One Over eighty competitive dancers quarter of the awards were first place from Studio A in Pleasant Hill performed and competed in tap, jazz, ballet awards. Studio A dancers earned two and hip hop in the Legacy Dance Com- “Legacy High Point Awards,” thirtypetition at the Memorial Auditorium in three Platinum Awards, nine Elite Gold Awards and one Gold Award walking Sacramento. Studio A competed with away with over $1,000 in prizes. The over twenty other studios around the studio was given seven special judges Bay Area, and forty of the forty-two awards as well. dance numbers they performed placed

Top Row: Teacher, AJ Rogers and Director, Deena Roming. Pictured Dancers: Jessica Caswell, Alanna DeAmaral, Ava Minoli, Lexy Holton, Olivia Poggi, Shelby Holton, Marti Doke, Caroline Chouinard, Jasmine Romero, Taylor Setchell, Kely Moran, Jesse Doke, Nicole Hansen, Ally Spencer, Alysa Fonken, Mikela Patrick, Abby Pryor, Callie Hernandez, Julia Cole, Lauren Aboussie, Lindsey Cole, Taylor Fetterman, Deja Lau-Deudor, Summer Neal, Kylie Blair, Katie Stratmeyer, Tatiana Ama, Sydney Price, Yara Ellian and Kennedy Quintal

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May 2012

Mayor’s Message An important duty of any elected official is to listen to their constituents. This can be accomplished either passively, waiting for the phone call or requested visit, or actively, reaching out to the community through various means: workshops, town-hall meetings or walking through the community (popular during elections). One group that isn’t always approached and who we don’t often know a great deal about, is the youth of our community. This is usually because they don’t yet vote and are already very involved with their families, schools and after-school activities. Having been the youth liaison for the past seven years, I’ve heard many great ideas and suggestions from our young people, but have been unable to communicate a comprehensive message as these small

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PLEASANT HILL CITY BUZZ

John Hanecak, Mayor of Pleasant Hill groups each represented a specific Here are more specific details: interest or concern. Hearing our youth’s Why a Youth Summit? To hear from collective thoughts is what I hope 6th - 12th grade youth who live in will be the product of a pilot program Pleasant Hill and/or attend Pleasant called Pleasant Hill Youth Summit. Hill schools. An initial pilot project The pilot program was fashioned will take place focusing on College with the help of the Mount Diablo Park High School and Valley View School District, the Pleasant Hill RecMiddle School students, with addireation and Parks District, Pleasant Hill tional input from 6th - 12th graders volunteers and, of course, our youth. throughout the city. During April, we Some have asked what comes after gathered information from students we have heard from the youth and I by asking for their response to four explain that I don’t yet know how the questions: 1) What do you like about greater community will receive their Pleasant Hill; 2) What would you like ideas. We at city hall will certainly to change about Pleasant Hill; 3) What consider them in our discussions, are questions you have about Pleasand I trust that other organizations ant Hill, and 4) Do you have any other throughout the city will also appreciate ideas, suggestions or questions? We will this direction (community service day projects, Eagle Scout projects, community service opportunities, etc.). In addition, the youth themselves may inspire each other to make an even greater difference in our community, beyond what they already do.

compile the responses in early May. On Thursday, May 24th from 3:30-5:30pm, we will hold our pilot Pleasant Hill Youth Summit at Valley View Middle School, which will provide a prioritized list of our youth’s thoughts, suggestions and questions. That list would then be distributed throughout the community in the Outlook newsletter and the Community Focus newspaper. Any 6th - 12th grade resident and/ or student is invited to submit their thoughts online at either www.pleasant-hill.net/youthsummitsurvey or on Facebook, at www.facebook.com/ PleasantHillYouthSummit. Please call Martin Nelis if you have any questions: 925-671-5229.

us n o o n t o f o u r p. m. c o me jo i n

Open house saturday may 12 Buena Vista Swim Club

Memberships Still Available For Summer 2012

• Quiet, relaxed, shaded lawn setting • Lifeguards on duty - Gated kiddy pool • Holiday Parties, BBQ and Picnic area • No swim team to interfere with pool access

• New members receive (4) 30-minute private swim lessons • Private swim lessons open to non-members. Call Karen Jovin (510)366-9344 or Jane Locke (510)590-8481 For membership inquiries Contact Christine at christinerosa@comcast.net 197 Cortsen Road, Pleasant Hill • www.buenavistaswimclub.org

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  

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Valley View Middle School students completing the four-question survey. Their answers will be compiled and shared at the Youth Summit on May 24.

City Calendar of Events Architectural Review Commission May 3, 17 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Large Community Room, 5:00pm Contact: 671-5209

Education Commission May 23 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Large Community Room, 7:00pm Contact: 671-5229

City Council May 7, 21 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Council Chambers, 7:30pm Contact: 671-5229

Planning Commission May 8, 22 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Council Chambers, 7:30pm Contact: 671-5209

Civic Action Commission May 2 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Small Community Room, 6:30pm Contact: 671-5229

Zoning Administrator May 10, 24 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Public Works Conference Room, 5:00pm Contact: 671-5209 For Confirmation Visit: www.ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us

www.ourcommunityfocus.com

Page 8

MARTINEZ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Ambassador Meeting – If interested, contact Reba: (925) 228-2345 or email Reba@ martinezchamber.com 5/16 - Chamber Mixer 5:30 - 7:30pm. Five Chamber Mixer (Martinez, Lafayette, Pleasant Hill, Concord & Hispanic). Martinez Event Center, 524 Main Street, Martinez.

6pm, Father’s Day weekend. Martinez Waterfront Park. Family Fun, Lip Smackin’ BBQ, Amateur BBQ Competition, Rockin’ Music, Arts & Crafts Booths, Kid’s Rides and Activities, Microbreweries and Wineries, Vendor Space Available, Free admission and parking. Visit www.CountyBBQ.com or call the Martinez Chamber for more information!

5/17 - Educational Series #3 Cooperative Marketing & Advertising Strategies for Small Businesses 12-1pm. Presented by Fadhila Holman, CEO, California Pacific Federal Credit Union. Doors open at 11:30am. John Muir Best Western Inn, 445 Muir Station Rd. Free/Chamber Members/$10 General. Lunch provided. Space limited. RSVP: info@ martinezchamber.com.

Please verify schedule at www.martinezchamber.com • 925-228-2345

CALENDAR SPONSORED BY

May 2012

PLEASANT HILL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 5/1 - Ribbon Cutting YMCA 350 Civic Dr., Pleasant Hill, 4:30pm 5/4 - Ambassador Meeting Pleasant Hill City Hall, 8am - 9am 5/8 – Leadership Lunch – Yan’s Garden 2223 Morello Ave., Pleasant Hill, 11:45pm 1pm

5/28 – Government Affairs Committee Back Forty Texas BBQ, 100 Coggins Dr., Pleasant Hill, 4:30pm - 6:00pm Please verify schedule at www.pleasanthillchamber.com • 925-687-0700

CALENDAR SPONSORED BY

5/16 – Five Chamber Mixer - Martinez Event Center 524 Main Street, Martinez Martinez, Lafayette, Pleasant Hill, Concord & Hispanic Chambers. 5pm - 7pm 5/17 – Board of Directors Meeting PH City Hall, 7:45am 5/28– Green Committee Back Forty Texas BBQ, 100 Coggins Dr., Pleasant Hill, 4pm - 5pm

5/28 - Office Closed – Memorial Day 5/31 - Chamber Mixer 5:30 - 7:30pm. M Service, Inc., 2008 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Walnut Creek. Bring a raffle prize and have your business announced!

Martinez Ribbon Cutting

SAVE THE DATE: 6/16 & 17 - 6th Annual King of the County BBQ & Music Festival 11am -

Leadership Luncheon

Altera Real Estate

Photo by Elena Hutslar.

Pleasant Hill Chamber Leadership Luncheon was provided by Rubio’s Restaurant. Photo by SusanWoodPhotography.com

shop for

bargains,

shop for

foster children

Youth Homes Auxiliary Thrift Shop raises money in support of the needs of young people in the care of Youth Homes, Inc. SENIOR 5% DISCOUNT EVERYDAY 15C Vivian Dr Pleasant Hill, CA (Behind Jack in The Box)

925-798-5561 Hours: Mon-Sat 10 AM – 4 PM

Altera Signature Properties would like to thank all who joined us on March 29 for our grand opening and ribbon cutting event! We felt welcomed by all. We are proud members of the Martinez Chamber of Commerce, and we look forward to working closely with the surrounding businesses and doing our part to give back to the community. Please feel free to come by our office and introduce yourself! We support several great causes and the silent auction at our grand opening raised funds for “Troops Direct.” We would like to congratulate the auction winner, Lori Swenson from US Bank, who will enjoy a two-night resort stay donated by Maxine Chan, an Altera Associate Broker. The $225 of proceeds will purchase 500 lbs. of military supplies to be sent over seas via the “Troops Direct” foundation. Altera Signature Properties “Pride Begins at Home” Cindy Humphrey (Broker/Owner) and Kenny R. Ga (Manager), 531 Main St, Martinez.

www.ourcommunityfocus.com

May 2012

Page 9

Real Estate Update While even the staunchest housing detractors out there have accepted the fact that a rebound is occurring, the debate over how long it will last or whether it will triple-dip is rapidly picking up steam. Fueling the debate is a recent report by CoreLogic® which estimates that up to eight million homes may face foreclosure over the next five years. To put that number in perspective, less than four million homes have been lost to foreclosure since the bubble burst in 2006. The pessimistic housing pundits are insisting that this number is a very realistic possibility, citing the fact that first-time foreclosure filings were up seven percent in March versus February, the third such consecutive monthly increase. Why foreclosure filings are up is simple to explain. Now that they have put their robo-signing scandal behind them, the major lenders have donned their grim reaper outfits again and are beginning to work through a backlog of defaulted mort-

By Nathan Hitchcock gages. Many would have you believe that the foreclosure dam is about to burst, that we’re going to be flooded with new inventory, and home values are going to drop yet again. Personally, I’m not buying it. First, only a small percentage of those homes will ever make it to market. Mortgage modifications are occurring in record numbers, thanks to recent federal legislation incentivizing lenders to keep homeowners in their homes. Second, at least locally anyway, any inventory that does make it to market will be absorbed like spilled juice on a paper towel commercial. Anyone who disagrees should come to the front lines of the housing market with me and try to buy a house. Here are some examples of what they would experience: • Yesterday I took two different homebuyer clients out to view a total of eight homes currently listed for sale in Pleasant Hill and Martinez. Today, all but one of

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those properties are now pending sale, with an average market time of only three days. • In Pleasant Hill, our active inventory has fallen from sixty-eight homes to thirtyone homes in less than three months. The average number of days on market has fallen from sixty-one days to thirty-eight days in that same time-frame. • Three weeks ago, one of my agents wrote and presented an offer on behalf of a buyer client for a home in Concord. Two days later, she learned that the sellers had chosen to go with another offer… one of forty-four offers the seller received after six days on the market. So if there is indeed a glut of inventory that is ready to hit the market, I say bring it on. I know of at least forty-three buyers who would be happy to purchase one of those homes. Nathan Hitchcock is the managing broker of Hitchcock Realty, he can be reached at nathan@hitchcockrealty.com or (925) 825-1100.

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MARTINEZ CITY BUZZ For most of my life, I have been involved in community service in one way or another. As a boy, I was a member of the Boy Scouts and attained the rank of Eagle. In high school, I was active in student government, serving in many capacities including junior class president. And now, in my adult life, I have had the honor and privilege of serving the citizens of Martinez as a planning commissioner, councilmember, and mayor. I was fortunate enough to grow up in a family that was very involved in community and public service. My father served on the Walnut Creek City Council and the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors for over thirty years. I was taught at a very young age how important it is for every member of the community to give back in some way. But even with that

Mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Message Rob Schroder, Mayor of Martinez background and upbringing, there were community activities each and every year. Besides providing employment to times I would say, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Why isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the city doShellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature event, Shell/MEF Run for many people in Contra Costa Couning this or that?â&#x20AC;? or â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is the responsiEducation, has raised over $300,000 alone ty, Shell has proved itself to be a valued bility of the city, not mine.â&#x20AC;? It was not unfor the Martinez Unified School District member of the Martinez community til I was placed in a position of some ausince its inception in 2003. through their social performance goals: thority in local government that I realized Besides monetary contributions, responsibility - being a responsible corsolving problems and meeting needs is Shell and its employees give of their time porate citizen and building a culture of not just the responsibility of local governand labor. Over one third of Shell emsafety and community sensitivity; leaderment, but the cooperative effort of local ployees participated in at least one comship - through community projects, becitizens, businesses, and industry working ing an integral part of the fabric of the munity project last year and every year together with local government to meets since before 2005. At least fifty projects community; and engagement â&#x20AC;&#x201C; working the needs of the community. with local government and civic groups to were completed over the last few years A shining example of the local busiincluding installation of new lights up and understand local concerns. ness community working for the betterdown Main Street, improvements to the Most recently, Shellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s General Manment of our overall community is Shell Martinez Boys & Girls Club, and painting ager Paul Gabbard presented the MartiOil. Shell has been a part of the Martinez of the Martinez Library, Senior Communez City Council and me with a contricommunity since building their first renity Center, Martinez Veterans Memorial bution of $500,000 for improvements in finery in the United States in 1915. Shell the Martinez waterfront and marina. This Building, and Martinez Museum. currently employs over 700 people, has It is this type of corporate culture show of support for the sensitive Martibetween 200 and 300 contractors, and nez waterfront shows Shellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment and community engagement that helps pays over $20 million in property taxes Martinez be the wonderful place that it is. to the preservation and enhancement of (which, unfortunately, we have to share Thank you Shell and the Shell employees a major community asset. In addition, with the county and state). Many of Marfor what you do for our community. Shell contributes over $300,000 in other tinezâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pioneer families have been employed by Shell, now and in the past. Oohâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Ahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, & Giggles (Free Family Shows)

Martinez City Happenings

City Calendar of Events City Council Meeting May 2, 16 7:00pm-11:00pm Contact: 925-372-3500

Planning Commission Meeting May 8, 22 7:00pm-11:00pm Contact: 925-372-3500

Design Review Meeting May 9, 23 3:00pm-5:00pm Contact: 925-372-3500

Zoning Administrator Meeting May 2,16 3:00pm-5:00pm Contact: 925-372-3500

Park, Recreation, Marina & Cultural Commission May 15 7:00pm-11:00pm Contact: 925-372-3500

May 28 City offices will be closed in observance of Memorial Day. All City Meetings at City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, Unless Otherwise Indicated For Confirmation Visit: www.cityofmartinez.org

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All shows performed in the City Council Chamber, 525 Henrietta Street on Wednesdays at 3:30 pm. Performer Schedule: â&#x20AC;˘ May 2: Puppet Art Theater Co. â&#x20AC;˘ May 9: The Magic of Gerald Joseph â&#x20AC;˘ May 16: Spectacular Jeremy Schafer â&#x20AC;˘ May 23: Randel McGee and Goark O0hs, Ahs, & Giggles is entirely funded by the Martinez Restaurant Tour

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On Wednesday, May 30 from 2-4pm, meet the lifeguards, tour the facility and learn about pool and day camp programs offered for the 2012 season. Lifeguards will present water safety stories, songs and activities, then off to the Recreation Pool for splash time under the bucket. The afternoon ends with a drawing for a $25 Rankin Aquatic Center Gift CertiďŹ cate. $2 per adult and $1 per child, Children 2 and under are free. All ages welcome!

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Page 11

CORKS AND FORKS

Pair Up With La Sommelierre Maria Terry the super sweet onions from the state of course, try Asparagus Ceviche. It is a subFestival Foods Georgia’s Vidalia Onion Festival. Simply stantial salad that blends cooked shrimp Festivals are a great way to celebrate sauté the onions with garlic and add them and crab with raw asparagus. In most cevithe best foods our country has to offer to your favorite vinegar-based, store-bought che, the citrus juices cook the fish; in this whether it is produce, seafood or just oldsauce. Gewürztraminer wine has a sweet case, the juices cook the asparagus! Asfashioned caramel popcorn. spiciness that will work well with the ham paragus has a tendency to make wines taste The California Strawberry Festival and Caramel Corn Sweet Potatoes on the vegetal and calls for a wine with intense is held each year in Oxnard, California on side. You can’t go to a festival without findthe third weekend in May. Strawberries add fruit flavor like Riesling. Furthermore, the ing caramel popcorn, and you won’t even salad has jalapeño, garlic and onion, so a great burst of acid and beautiful color to miss dessert if you finish your evening with the spicier you like it, the more sugar your a salad. Paired with brie cheese and fresh wine needs to balance the heat. German pears, then topped with tangy sour cream Rieslings offer both dry and off-dry wines dressing, this salad needs a wine with bubINGREDIENTS bles to cut through the creamy dressing and with excellent acid to stand up to the citrus 1 pound asparagus spears, chopped juices. If you prefer American wines, look a bit of sugar to balance the sweetness of 1 pound shrimp, cooked and chopped for Riesling from Mendocino County or the berries. Prosecco or an Asti Spumanti 1 cup crabmeat, shredded Washington State. These regions are cooler, from Italy are both great options. 1 bunch green onions, chopped from a higher latitude and, therefore, usuCloser to the San Francisco Bay 1/2 cup chopped red onions ally produce wines with higher levels of Area, the Asparagus Festival takes place 1 1/2 cucumbers, peeled and chopped acidity. in Stockton, California. This year it was 1/2 cup cilantro leaves, chopped Vidalia Onion BBQ’d Ham utilizes held the last weekend in April. As a second 1 cup chopped tomato 2 cups shredded cabbage 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped Education & Healing Group Services 2 lemons, juiced Assisting People From All Walks of Life

these two dishes. Find the Vidalia Onion BBQ’d Ham and Carmel Popcorn Crusted Sweet Potatoes recipes on my website, www. LaSommelierre.com. So, go on. Pair Up! Maria Terry is a Certified Sommelier and Wine Educator in the San Francisco Bay Area. For more great wines and information please visit Maria’s website at www.LaSommelierre.com.

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May 2012

HIGH SCHOOL HAPPENINGS

CP German Students Head to Germany

College Park German teacher Zhera Otus is in the final stages of organizing a group of students for their upcoming trip to Germany as part of the German American Partnership Program (GAPP).

2012 will be her third time as GAPP coordinator of the exchange program. “We had twenty German students come this spring and I will travel with fourteen College Park students to Germany this sum-

Notes and Noodles

The fourth annual Notes & Noodles fundraiser on March 16 was organized by the Alhambra High School Arts Foundation and benefited the music department at Alhambra High School. According to Carrie Francis, “The name is derived from the fact that the orchestra and band provide music, hence the NOTES, and it is a pasta feed, hence the NOODLES!” The Alhambra High School band played for an audience of about 150 and the event raised $3700.00 for the music de-

partment. “Volunteer and Alhambra alum Paul Kelly and crew graciously donated their time and effort to prepare the entire meal for the evening,” said Francis. The Arts Foundation consists of a group of parents who are dedicated to doing a variety of fundraisers that support fine arts in the high school though art, drama, and music programs. In the past year they purchased a laptop computer for the art department and scripts for the drama department.

The Alhambra High School band performed in the pouring rain for “Notes and Noodles” fundraiser outside the Alhambra Commons. Photo Credit: Steve and Carrie Francis

Survey for Summit

mer.” They will fly to Germany in June and spend 3 weeks in Heidenheim, a small town in southern Germany. Otus says “We will attend classes at the partner school, Hellenstein Gymnasium, go on excursions to nearby cities like Munich and Ulm, and do local activities like visit city hall and the city castle. We will have three days in Berlin to get to know the capitol and its history first hand.” Otus explains that “GAPP is one of the longest-running exchange programs in the nation and is acknowledged as one of the best cultural and academic exchange programs in the country. The philosophy is that teenagers can access another culture best through personal experience and social interaction with peers. In our program, each participant has a partner from the other culture. When the Ger-

man group is here, the students stay with their partners and experience the life of an American high school student. When we go to Germany, my students experience the life of a German high school student.” The Hunter family and other College Park families recently hosted German students for three weeks from March 22 through April 12. A farewell party was held for all the exchange students at their home on April 11. Debbie Hunter observed “This is our second time hosting a student, and it’s been a great experience for my kids as well as those coming over from Germany. The upside for our family is learning about the culture of another country and seeing how each student reacted to American sites, stores, food and the American lifestyle. It’s like being a tourist in your own town.”

Pictured are 8 of the 14 College Park students who will be heading to Germany this June as part of the German American Partnership Program (GAPP). Top LtoR: Jason Quintana, Lindsay Brown, Kylie Aliamus. Bottom LtoR: Christianna Stafford, Haley Foust, Justin O’Sullivan, Peter Stapleton and Natalie VanVlissingen. Photo by Jennifer Neys

HATS OFF TO THE GRADS! Show them how proud you are by putting your grad in the Community Focus!

www.ourcommunityfocus.com

June 2011

Page 15

Grad Announcements

Caitlin A. Diggs, College Park

Congratulations to Forest McMillin!

Lauren Cefali, College Park

Molly Gaoiran We are proud of the

Congratulations Caitlin! We are proud

College Park 2011 As you gradu-

Congratulations on your graduation

young lady you have become! Can’t

of YOU, your accomplishments and

ate from CPHS and head off to UCSB,

and being accepted to the Coast

wait to see you playing Water Polo at

hard work. Off to Davis to make your

I want to tell you how proud of you I

Guard Academy. You are an amazing

DVC! Your beauty comes from your

dreams a reality! There couldn’t be a

am. Your accomplishments continu-

person; we are so proud of you and

heart and we love you! Mom & Dad

prouder family. Love You, Dad, Mom,

ally amaze me. You have my love and

love you so much! Love Mom, Dad,

Jack and Molly

support on any journey you take. May

and WIll.

your dreams come true! Love, Mom.

Steven St. Germain proudly graduDane Hutslar, College Park 2011

On April 17 & 18, College Park students had an opportunity to complete a four-question survey as part of the Pleasant Hill Youth Summit. Mayor John Hanecak will host a Summit on Thursday, May 24th from 3:30-5:30pm in the Multi-Use Room at Valley View Middle School. The Youth Summit is an opportunity for the community to hear the voices of Pleasant Hill’s youth. You can find the Youth Summit Survey online at www.pleasanthill.com/youthsummitsurvey.

Announcements: $15 for up to 35 words, $30 with a photo. Email photo and text to info@ourcommunityfocus.com. Deadline: 2nd Friday of each month. Photo must be in jpeg format.

We are beyond proud of the young

Jason Eitelgeorge, Alhambra High

Madeline Jane Weiss, Bentley

ates with honors from College Park on

School Congratulations, Maddie! We

June 6th. Active in the classroom, on

man you have become and look

2011 “All your dreams can come

could not be more proud of you and

athletic teams and in our community,

forward to watching your bright future

true... if you have the courage to pur-

we share your excitement about your

Steven will continue his pursuits at

unfold. The world is waiting for YOU!

sue them.” - Walt Disney. Congratula-

next adventure at Southern Oregon.

UCLA this fall. Congratulations!

With much love, Mom, Dad, Brandon,

tions! We are very proud of you.

All our love, Mom, Gibby, Jack and

Cole and Devin.

Love, Dad, Mom, Eric and Jeffrey

Benjamin

Katherine Duran Congratulations on your graduation from College Park. The success you’ve achieved is a great foundation for your future. We are very proud of you and confident that you will do great at Saint Mary’s. Love, Mom, Dad, Elizabeth and Grandma Diane Ethan Marsh, College Park Congratulations on your many accomplishments over the years. We are

We’re proud of you, Erik Naccara!

Kelsey Ertola, Alhambra High School

Maggie Schoemann, College Park

College Park, 2011

We are so proud of you and excited

We are so proud of you as you gradu-

You’ve worked so hard and now

for you as you go forth on your journey

ate from high school. Your energy,

you’re off for a great adventure at the

to Sonoma State and beyond. Con-

enthusiasm, and passion will carry you

Prep school for the US Coast Guard

gratulations!

a long way in life. Follow your dreams

Academy. Oh, the places you’ll see!

We love you, Mom, Dad, Anthony and

and never give up. Love, Mom and

Next stop, New London!! Love, Mom,

Nick

Dad.

Dad and Allie

so happy and very proud of you. We wish you nothing but the best always. Love, Mom, Dad and Kendall

If you would like to announce your graduate please contact us for more information. info@ourcommunityfocus.com

www.ourcommunityfocus.com

May 2012

Page 13

MARTINEZ HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Martinez Memorial Pool I would like to thank Patty Lorick, Recreation Supervisor for Martinez Parks and Recreation, and John Curtis, President of the Martinez Historical Society, for providing research material and photos. The Martinez World War II Memorial Pool was dedicated on Saturday May 15, 1948, at 2pm as a living war memorial for local youngsters. The long awaited project was constructed at a cost of $80,000 and was subjected to the delays of depression and war, yet the community persevered and a “newest type” of pool with “maximum safety” and “enjoyment” for the children, swimmers, and divers of Martinez was built. A week before the dedication, with the final plans rapidly drawing to a close, the Martinez Chamber of Commerce officials were expecting a capac-

By Gay Gerlack ity crowd for the opening day event. Von Zell, “reputed to be the highest City employees and a crew of workmen paid radio announcer in the United “loaned” by the Shell Oil Company States.” Celebrities included: Harwere putting finishing touches on the old Perry, more familiarly known as pool itself and announced that “every“The Great Gildersleeve”; Bill Thompthing will be in fine shape for the offison, better known as “Mr. Wimple” cial dedication.” on the Fibber McGee and Molly radio Bleachers were installed, aided by a show; Ernie Smith, a nationally known crew of manual training students from sportscaster; and Ann Curtis of the “All Alhambra High School. Flags, bunthe Stars” aquacade. ting and decorations were in place and The city and civic leaders were Martinez was abuzz with anticipation commended for establishing the projfor the national trans-continental NBC ect and hailed the new pool as “fulfillbroadcast dedication ceremonies. ing both a recreation need and a moral The two-day dedication events obligation to the community itself.” opened with a performance of the Star The pool was touted as a fitting tribute Spangled Banner by the Alhambra to the memory of local citizen-soldiers High School Band; an invocation by who gave their lives during the war. the Rev. Peter Sammon; a welcome by Sunday’s activities brought the Mayor Jack Fries and, finally, an intro“Crystalcade” aquacade performance duction of distinguished guests. for the special price of $1.50. “No less The MC for the event was Harry than 40 beauteous creatures of the aquatic world will be on hand, rather, in the water, Sunday to present a widely varied program to swimming enthusiasts.” The two hour show was a combination of water ballet, swimming, diving and racing exhibitions. Besides Ann

Curtis, the show featured Patsy Elsener, styled as “America’s most beautiful and graceful diver,” and Clyde Diaz, a comedy diver. By the late 1990’s, the state-of-theart, fifty-year old pool was showing many signs of disrepair and in need of major upgrades. Then, in 2008, the sixty year-old pool was in jeopardy of being closed. At that time, a group was formed called The Citizens for Measure H, seeking a $30,000,000 bond that would build a new pool, renovate the library, and upgrade all of Martinez’s parks to ADA standards. Once again, the citizens of Martinez stepped up to the plate and passed Measure H. On July 21, 2011, the New Aquatic Center held its grand opening ceremonies. You can find a complete listing of the pool program and classes on the City of Martinez website. A number of pool “enthusiasts” have formed a support group for the pool, the Rankin Aquatic Center Partners (RACP), and a Facebook page, Martinez Aquatic Center at Rankin Park, that will keep you up-todate on pool activities.

Bathing Beauties

The First “Splashes”

The New Rankin Park Pool

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PH Rec & Park Bond Projects Update

With the summer months quickly approaching, the new Senior Center and Teen Center are gearing up for the next phases of construction. The future recreational homes for seniors and teens in our community have taken shape and are now beginning to show their personalities. The Teen Center had its first set of “Wacky Mullions” (angled and tinted glass windows) installed the last week of February. These windows provide a fun and playful face to the Teen Center while

providing plenty of natural light into the main room of the building. Another fun feature of the Teen Center, completed at the end of March, was the installation of the glass paneled garage door located between the game room and the courtyard. Wide gates on the opposite end of the courtyard allow this space to open to the pool deck, a perfect setting for birthday parties. The Senior Center isn’t without its own milestones. Large glu-lam beams

were fit-cut, lifted and bolted into place over the dance studio, dining room and multi-purpose room throughout March and into April. Additional trusses continue to be installed between the beams, giving the rooms their octagonal shape. The surrounding areas of the Senior Center are seeing many changes, including freshly poured pathways and newly formed horseshoe pits. While the horseshoe pits are located toward the back of the building on the northeast side, it is

much easier to spot the two new bocce courts located in the redwood grove on the northeast end of the Senior Center. On April 13, a pre-bid conference was held for the construction of the Community Center. The Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District will award the contract on May 23, and by early June they will issue a the contractor with a notice to proceed. The Community Center is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2013.

Pleasant Hill Senior Activities 249 Gregory Lane (925) 798-8788 May 20 – Bunco Potluck at 2pm; Bunco at 3pm. Fun and friendly atmosphere where no prior knowledge of the game is necessary! Buy your ticket at the Senior Center office (relocated to the Little House). Tickets: $4, plus bring potluck item to feed four people. VFW Bldg.: 1919 Wendell Ln., Pleasant Hill. May 30 – Classroom in the Community: “Maintain Your Brain” 10-11am, free. The first 10 people to register will receive a free lunch from our CC Café, compliments of SCAN Health Plan. If you are not one of the first 10 to sign up, you may still reserve a meal for $2. Lunch is served at 11:30am. Pre-registration is required for lunch. Call Senior Center to register: 798-8788. St. Andrew’s Church, 1601 Mary Dr., Pleasant Hill. June 4, 14, 21 & 28 – Catch Yourself: Maintain Your Independence 12:30-1:30pm $10. A four-part class series discusses: risk factors for falling, exercises for balance and strength, home assessment, medication management, maintaining strong bones and how to fall safely. Presented by John Muir. Pre-Registration is required: Call 7988788 or visit the Senior Center to sign up! Class is limited to 20 people. Aegis, 1660 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill.

Teen Center’s “Wacky Mullions”. Photo by Kendra Luke

June 12 – Backyard BBQ 12pm, $5 member/$6 general. Enjoy a classic backyard BBQ on a wonderful June afternoon munching on a hot dog with all the fixings and playing Baggo with friends. Purchase your tickets at the Little House before the event beginning Monday, May 7th.

Martinez Senior Activities 818 Green St. (925) 370-8770 May 1 - New Zumba Gold Class Tuesdays 9-9:45am, $20 (4 classes) $6 Drop-in. Latin and international rhythms with easy-to-follow dance moves for 50 minutes of non-stop fun. Designed for the active older adult or Zumba beginner with a lower intensity but without missing any of the contagious excitement! Instructor: Jo Nash. Must have a minimum of 10 participants. This class will be held around the corner from the senior center at 1111 Ferry St. Call office to sign-up: (925) 370-8770. May 10 - Presentation of Three Exciting Trips 10:30am, Free. Call now, space is limited. Cuba - June 23-June 30, 2012; Mediterranean Cruise with Silver Sea, Venice to Monte Carlo - Aug. 6-16, 2012; Vietnam, Cambodia and the Riches of the Mekong River - Jan. 7-23, 2013. June 1 - Vagabond Players present award winning “Stepping Out” 1:30-4pm, $10/members & $12/general. Take a group of seven women and one man in a tap dancing class, add personal problems and for some, indifference, then mix in a blossoming class instructor. The end result: A sparkling comedy with a rousing tap finale and some heartfelt emotional connections. A light buffet will be served after the show. Tickets on sale until May 28 unless we reach our capacity prior. Tickets will not be available at the door. June 8 - AARP Refresher Course 11am-4pm (includes a 30-minute break), $12/members & $14/general. This one-day 4.5-hour course is for anyone who has taken the 8-hour AARP Driver Safety Training in the past four years. Either course qualifies you for a mature driver discount with your auto insurance company. (Check with your insurance agent for details.) Class fills quickly. Register: 370-8770. Make checks payable to “AARP” and give to the instructor the day of class.

The Senior Center’s new bocce courts in the redwood grove. Photo by Kendra Luke

How Does Your Car Fit?

CarFit is a FREE program to offer older adults the opportunity to check how their personal cars “fit” them. Trained professionals lead older drivers through a 12-point checklist with their vehicle, recommend car adjustments and adaptations and offer communityspecific resources and activities that could make their cars “fit” better or enhance their safety. WHEN: Saturday, May 12, 2012 – 9:00 a.m. to Noon. Reservations required

for the 20-minute appointments – Contact Lynn Boardman (925) 6715267 WHERE: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 555 Boyd Road, Pleasant Hill Sponsoring/participating organizations for the event include: City of Pleasant Hill, Commission on Aging, Kaiser Permanente, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Neighbors Health Supply, AAA, AARP and AOTA.

COMMUNITY FOCUS 2012

HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE John the Painter

For twenty-three years, John the Painter has beautified homes throughout the East Bay. John’s main goals are excellence in the finished product and satisfied customers; referrals and repeat clients attest to the quality of his work. John stays on site with his crew, and his high standards have earned him the respect of other contractors who trust him and refer him to their clients. One long-time customer offers the following testimonial: “Our family has used John the Painter for dozens of different projects since we’ve owned our home in Martinez. John pays attention to the details in the prep work and doesn’t overlook those little things that affect the finished product. He takes the responsibility for filling holes, sanding and caulking because, if not done well, the final results won’t meet his high standards. Aside from applying color to walls, he has: stained a custom mantle and painted custom cabinets, perfectly repaired a water damaged ceiling, painted interior trim and doors, repainted the exterior and refinished a sad old wood deck, which still looks great four years later. Most recently, John removed the acoustic texture – better known as popcorn or cottage cheese from our very high vaulted ceilings. The job was made more difficult because of the many angles in the ceiling that weren’t properly edged by the builder and seams that were poorly taped. John and his crew took the extra time in repair and prep work so that the finished ceilings look gorgeous. He is the first person we call when planning any remodel, maintenance or repair work, and we confidently refer him to neighbors and friends throughout our area.” John loves to fish, but he would rather be working on your home! If you have an upcoming project, call John the Painter, John McDonald, owner. (925) 676-0792. See our ad in this section.

JOHN THE PAINTER

Leave the painting to me! • 23 Years Experience • Commercial & Residential • Interior & Exterior Painting • Tape • Texture • Acoustic Texture Removal • Cabinets & Trim • Stain & Lacquer • Wood Deck Refinishing For a free written estimate contact John at (925) 676-0792 or email him at: JohnMcD58@yahoo.com John McDonald, Owner • Lic.# 775382

COMMUNITY FOCUS 2012

HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE

The Grout Specialist

The Grout Specialist Co. is your number one stop in the East Bay for grout and tile restoration, grout and tile repair, grout and tile sealing, and grout and tile cleaning. We offer fast, friendly and 100% guaranteed quality service to both residential and commercial clients. With over twenty-five years of experience, we can restore your grout and tiles to their original beauty. Let us renew your grungy bathroom floor or kitchen counter with a thorough cleaning and new grout. Our team is an experienced, family owned and operated, reliable business. Our tile and grout cleaning services are equipped to clean, seal and repair floors and tiles in commercial buildings, offices, condominiums, house apartment buildings, and other commercial and residential areas. Our staff is highly trained to restore your grout and tiles to their original color and beauty. From discolored and cracked grouts to missing tiles in kitchens, counter tops, floors and patios, there is almost no job we cannot tackle. In addition, we source an advantage over most of our competition as a BBB Accredited Business with an A+ rating. BBB establishes and maintains a positive track record in the marketplace. It ensures that businesses adhere to the standards they advertise and sell. Our aim is to meet and exceed your expectations. Our proven system and competent workforce ensures that the job is done right the first time. View our testimonials on our website, www.groutspecialistco.com. Check out our special offers located on the right hand side of the home page screen. Be sure to quote the special offer at time of booking.

Leading Edge

A big THANK YOU to all who have used our “greener” services. Intelligent customers like you use Leading Edge Pest Management, Inc. because we are one of the few companies nationwide that qualified as a GreenPro Company. Leading Edge Pest Management, Inc. goes above and beyond any state or federal requirements for responsible pest control. GreenPro certifies the highest standards of environmentally conscious pest management. • We use non-chemical strategies • We investigate the source of the problem • We use pesticides only when necessary

What’s buggin’ you?

LEADING EDGE PEST MANAGEMENT, INC

Termite & Pest Control

(925)689-2222 • (800)471-5555 Lic. #PR6202 www.LeadingEdgePM.com

The Leading Edge Pest Management, Inc. team focuses on quality and customer satisfaction. Our highest ratings have made us a Diamond Certified company. None of our technicians are paid by commission, so when Leading Edge Pest Management, Inc. steps foot on your property, you will get an honest, unbiased and professional opinion. Pest Prevention Tip: Prune vines, shrubs and trees away from walls and roofs. Plants growing within a foot of a wall keep the area damp, leading to more pest problems. Additionally, branches and foliage touching a wall or roof allow pests to crawl into a building.

Payless Painting

Payless Painting is a family owned and operated, customer centered, full service painting company. At Payless Painting, we strive to establish relationships with our clients based on trust and open communication. We provide detailed written proposals, references, and a professional paint crew. Our clients understand we take pride in what we do and will stand behind our work 100%. We won KRON 4 Best of the Bay Viewers Choice Award in 2011 for Best Painting Contractor in Northern California, are green certified through the Bay Area Green Business Program, and are active in our community. We are a FIVE STAR rated company on Yelp.com and invite you to look at our customer reviews. We specialize in both interior and exterior residential and commercial repaints. Please visit our website at www.PaylessPainting.com to learn more or call our office at (925) 935-1176 to schedule a free estimate.

Wood Revivers

Wood Revivers provides complete refinishing services and specializes in wood preservation and repair. We restore and treat decks, fences and even kitchen cabinets. Our two-step method includes: • Gentle but thorough cleaning and preparation • Careful application of our sealer/ finish for outstanding appearance and protection Since 1990, the mission of Wood Revivers owner Patrick Pardee has been to provide the highest quality workmanship and customer service. He believes in doing business the old-fashioned way: treating customers with respect, consistently delivering superior results, and offering services at a fair price. Patrick brings a wealth of experience to each customer and the final result speaks for itself. If you have a deck, fence or kitchen cabinets that need refinishing, leave the hard work of cleaning, sanding and sealing to Wood Revivers. Many local references are available! Call for a free estimate at (925)680-2535.

Established in 1990

Showrooms also in Santa Clara & Milbrae

Wood Revivers Fence & Deck Weatherproofing & Kitchen Cabinet Restoration

Patrick Pardee Owner

925-680-2535

SAMUELS CONSTRUCTION

With years of remodels behind us we look forward to helping you make your house the home you've always wanted.

Kitchens • Bath Remodeling Tile • Cultured Marble • Granite Additions • Windows • Doors Concrete • Foundations Driveways • Patios • Fences

ALL PHASES OF CONSTRUCTION PLANS AVAILABLE

General Contractor Lic#652185

samconp@comcast.net • 925.260.4448 313 Gloria Drive, Pleasant Hill

MEMBER

COMMUNITY FOCUS 2012

HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE Big Air Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.

Hire My Husband

Attention: Important Information! “Beat the Heat”

Get Your Saturdays Back!

Air Conditioning System Maintenance: Your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system is probably the most expensive system in your home. With the cost of hardware and proper installation of components, your cooling and heating system is a major investment in comfort. Why wouldn’t you spend a little each year to keep it running properly? Maintain your HVAC system

With the weather slowly warming, spring fever will soon take hold. We know you would rather enjoy your weekends getting out and about than slogging away at the Honey Do List compiled during the week. Let Hire My Husband take care of that list so you can get your Saturdays back.

You don’t think twice about getting the oil in your car changed every 3,000 miles, but unlike your vehicle, your home actually increases in value. The better shape it’s in, the more it’s worth, and the more it’s worth to regularly maintain your HVAC system. Proper maintenance of your air conditioning unit will not only prolong its life and save you unwanted repairs, but make it run as efficiently as possible and save money on electric bills. Power surges, temperature swings, motor vibrations, dirt and even bugs can reduce the efficiency of your air conditioner, costing you big money. At Big Air Heating & Air Conditioning, our technicians will perform a 21 point “Precision Tune-up and Professional Cleaning” on your furnace for only $59.99. Instead of a simple check-up, these 21 procedures take nearly one and a half hours to complete, making sure that your air conditioner is running at peak efficiency all summer long. Protect your HVAC investment with regular system maintenance. Call now and get your AC Tune up for only $59.99. As a bonus, we will include a free duct inspection at no extra cost. Offer expires 6-30-12. See our print ad below or visit www.BigAirMechanical.com.

Now is the time to go outside and get your yard or garden ready for enjoyment. Hire My Husband can make your outside an inviting and welcoming space to share with family and friends. The “Husbands” can help you repair that sagging gate, rebuild that old section of fence, or build a raised garden bed. Hire My Husband can power wash your winter stressed deck and apply a new coat of sealer. We can repair dry rotted exterior trim, replace your front door for a new look, and build a shady pergola. Hire My Husband can assemble that garden shed you got last fall on sale at Home Depot. Let your car sleep well at night by letting us organize your garage to maximize space so you can park it inside again, out of the sun’s harmful rays. Let us spruce up your indoor walls with fresh paint colors to brighten up your space so you can hang those new curtains from the Pottery Barn catalog. Check out our website at www.hiremyhusband.com to see our list of services, a photo gallery of our work and comments from our happy clients. Send us a message or give us a call at 925-969-0133 for a free estimate on how to satisfy that next item on your Honey Do List

Hire My Husband

All kinds of Interior and Exterior handyman projects.

• Interior Painting • Quality Home Repair Projects • Handyman Services Contractor Lic. # 943231

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925-969-0133

Serving Builders, Architects, Designers & Homeowners with top quality custom doors, windows and millwork.

NOW OPEN! Monday - Friday 7:30 - 5:00

925.609.6420 5399 Pacheco Blvd. Pacheco CA 94553

May 2012

www.ourcommunityfocus.com

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A Way to Give Back

When Julianna Ruotolo of Pleasant Hill turned thirteen recently, she did what many folks would consider amazing for a ‘tween becoming a teen. Instead of gifts, she asked her friends for donations to the American Cancer Society (ACS) in honor of her aunt who is a breast cancer survivor, and in memory of her cousin, grandfather, and other relatives and friends who died from cancer. Her classmates gave Julianna $473 for the cause. Her parents, Kenneth and Gina, matched the sum, making it the first large contribution to the 2012 ACS Relay For Life in Pleasant Hill. Julianna, an 8th grader at Christ the King, and her friends are attuned to helping others. Last school year, they organized a bake sale to raise over $400 for ACS. Julianna, her parents and her friends have once again formed the “Teen Work” team to participate in the third annual Pleasant Hill Relay For Life. To donate to ACS on behalf of Julianna or her team, go to www. RelayforLife.org/PleasantHillCA. Relay For Life of Pleasant Hill What: A fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. When: 9am Saturday, May 19 to 9am

Julianna Ruotolo, Age 13

Sunday, May 20. Where: Pleasant Hill Middle School, One Santa Barbara Road, Pleasant Hill. Who: People of all ages and abilities. may participate. Cancer survivors are given special honor. How: Teams raise money in advance and relay team members take turns walking the track. Why: The event extends over 24 hours because cancer never sleeps and neither does the fight against cancer. Details: www.Relayfor Life.org/ PleasantHillCA or RelayForLifePH@ aol.com; 925-944-4898.

Martinez Relay for Life

Martinez walkers will go around the clock in the battle against cancer during the 2012 Relay For Life Martinez. Members of the community will gather for this twenty-four hour celebration at Las Juntas Elementary School from 10am, Saturday, July 28 until 10am, Sunday, July 29; cancer doesn’t sleep, and neither will we! Relay For Life is a unique fundraising event that allows participants from all walks of life to join together to celebrate the lives of those who have faced cancer, remember loved ones lost and fight back against the disease that takes too much. Anyone ever diagnosed with cancer is invited to participate in the survivor breakfast and opening lap. This celebratory lap sets the stage for a

fun-filled day of camaraderie, games, dancing, live music, theme laps and walking for a great cause. At dark, the Remember Ceremony is held to remember those who have lost the battle against cancer. Luminaria bags, created in memory and in honor of those touched by cancer, are set along the track to light our path throughout the darkest hours of night. The morning light brings a renewed feeling of hope as we pledge to fight back against cancer all year long. Grab your friends & family and relay for someone in your life. It will be a twenty-four hours you won’t soon forget! For more information or to become involved, contact Becky Bronikowski, Event Chair, at rflmtz.becky@gmail. com or 925-324-5944 or visit www. relayforlife.org/martinezca.

May 2012

The AAUW Needs You By Marti Martin Are you interested in promoting edu- We meet several times a year for interesting programs and speakers and encation and equity for women and girls? gage in social events, such as a winter The Pleasant Hill-Martinez branch of AAUW (American Association of Univer- holiday or summer party, with spouses or significant others. Our fund-raising acsity Women) invites people with an AA, tivities feature fun activities like a wineBA or higher degree to join us. Our mistasting dinner, a local play, or an evening sion is to promote equity for all women with mystery writers. On a personal level, and girls through advocacy, education, our branch has many sub-sections such as philanthropy, and research. Founded in book discussion groups, genealogy, bridge, 1881, AAUW is a diverse and active nahandcrafts, dining out, and others. tional organization. Locally, the AAUW A gathering for new and potenraises money to provide women with feltial members will be held at 7:00 p.m. on lowships, career development, and college scholarships. Funds also send at least three Thursday, May 24 at Marti Martin’s home in Martinez for light refreshments and Pleasant Hill or Martinez middle school information. Meet a few of our members girls to the Tech Trek Summer Math & Science program each year. Tech Trek en- and find out if our organization is a good courages seventh-grade girls to investigate fit for you. For the address and more information, contact Marti Martin at (925future careers in math or science fields. 229-3574) or richmar65@hotmail.com. Our members participate in the SAM Check out our website at www.aauw-ph. (Student Art & Music) program at Fair Oaks Elementary School in Pleasant Hill. org. We hope to hear from you!

Join the Teen Center Challenge!

The HEDCO Foundation has awarded Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District a challenge grant for the Capital Campaign. This Challenge is designed specifically to equip the NEW Pleasant Hill Teen Center with furniture, fixtures and equipment. For every gift made, HEDCO will match it dollar for dollar! (Up to $64,170) Naming Opportunities Still Available Courtyard $50,000 ~ Lounge $15,000 ~ Game Room $10,000 ~ Lobby $10,000 Recognition: Each $500+ contributor will be recognized with their name on the Teen Center Donor Wall. Naming Opportunities will also be recognized with a room plate. With your generous gift, the New Teen Center will open this Fall, fully equipped and ready to serve our Teens.

Call today to discuss gift opportunities. Katrina Hunn, Teen Center Supervisor (925) 682-0896 x12 • khunn@pleasanthillrec.com

Senior Senior Center Center Business Business Challenge Challenge Tom and Ruby MacDonald, founding owners of Carlton Senior Living Communities, The Chateaus of Contra Costa County, have offered Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District a two-for-one challenge grant for its capital campaign. MacDonalds have issued the following challenge to the business community: • Two-for-One: For every $1,000 raised within the local business community, the MacDonalds will donate $2,000 to the campaign, up to a maximum of $50,000. • Recognition: Each contributing business will be recognized on a plaque provided by the MacDonalds to be permanently displayed in the NEW Pleasant Hill Senior Center. This “Business Two-for-One Challenge” is designed specifically to equip the NEW Pleasant Hill Senior Center with furniture, fixtures & equipment.

Kendra Luke, Senior Center Supervisor Call her today to discuss gift opportunities with you. (925) 798.8788 ext 12 or kluke@pleasanthillrec.com.

May 2012

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Season Ticket Anatasia Lobsinger Anastasia Lobsinger, a sophomore wrestler at Alhambra, has emerged to be one of the best females in the state. Competing in the 156-pound division, Lobsinger earned third-place at the recent CIF girls wrestling tournament. Sporting a season record of 34-3, this finish was the top performance by a Contra Costa County wrestler in the event. After finishing with state, Anastasia turned her eyes to the USA Wrestling Girls Folkstyle Nationals. In the 2011 event, she placed seventh in the junior division. This year, she wrestled gallantly and placed third. Katerina Lobsinger Wrestling is in the genes. Katerina Lobsinger, Anatasia’s sister, also fared quite well. This was her first showing at a national event as she was coming off a first-place finish at the USAW California State Championship meet in Fresno in mid-March. Katerina participated in the Cadet division at 132-pounds. She was crowned champion after a rugged final match, which went well into triple overtime. Both girls received All-American status and look to go further. Their next goal is to make the Junior World Team and National Team, which will compete at the Junior Worlds in Fargo, North Dakota later this summer. They will also compete at the Body Bar National Tournament in mid-May in Orlando, Florida. Bulldogs Baseball Alhambra’s pitching staff threw fifteen straight scoreless innings after their 2-0 win against El Cerrito in mid-March. The Bulldogs were 7-1 at that point, winning

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HOME TEAM

By Chuck Nan That was more than six feet better than the seven-in-a-row after dropping their opener. Praise Can Throw next best toss! During the win streak, the Bulldogs allowed Praise Adesida of the Alhambra girls’ just six runs, while scoring 60 for themtrack and field team notched a winning selves. discus throw at the Stanford Invitational on Junior Jack Higgins has emerged as a April 7. Adesida threw for 128 feet, 9 inches. top-notch starting pitcher. In the El Cerrito game, Higgins fanned ten Gauchos while throwing a one-hitter. Anthony Taliaferro and Lucas Casillas each collected two hits for Alhambra. Jordan Hill pitched all eight innings as the host Bulldogs beat Las Lomas 1-0 in an extra-inning game on March 29. It was the first league win of 2012 for the Dogs after dropping the first three. Hill scattered eight hits and struck out six in the win. The win over El Cerrito was not the only early-season highlight for the Bulldogs. Junior Nelson Fisher of the College Park boys’ volleyball team had quite a day as the Falcons On February 28, three pitchers combined to defeated visiting San Ramon Valley. Fisher had 26 assists and 3 kills as CP prevailed 25-19, 26-24, 14-25, throw a no-hitter against visiting De Anza. 18-25, 15-12 on March 13. Devin Humm leads the team in blocks with 30. Bo Hunter leads with 84 kills. Freshman Noah Fisher leads with 44 digs. Nelson Fisher was solid again as he had 13 assists, 9 kills Senior Stevie Rossi, sophomore Jon Pacha and 2 aces to help the Falcons beat Clayton Valley in early-April. Overall, the Falcons are 12-3 and and freshman Zach Keever all shared the sport a perfect 7-0 record in DVAL play. The team is currently ranked 6th in NCS Division 1. honors. Junior Connor McCauley was the catcher. Alhambra won 19-1 while notching 16 hits. Taliaferro, Casillas and Rossi all In April, the Pleasant Hill Martinez Soccer Association U14 boys’ team took second place at garnered three hits in the contest. the Soccerfest tournament in Pleasant Hill, defeating Pacifica in penalty kicks to play in the championship game. Great job boys! Diamond Lady Falcons Senior Gina De Luca, co-captain of the College Park softball team, started her season 4-for-7 (.571) at the plate in the team’s first two games. De Luca also scored three runs and notched five RBIs. The Lady Falcons won 9-4 against Deer Valley and 15-5 over Fairfield. The win against Fairfield saw De Luca clear the fence with her first home run. For the season, Kierra Willis leads the team in batting average with a .607 Back row, L-R: Coach Joe Blair, Donovan Blair, Ryan Mates, Conner Erickson, Chisom Nwakor, Anthomark. DeLuca leads the team with 11 RBIs, ny Haefke, Alex Ewing, Kyle Magtibay, Coach Mike Olvera, and Coach Chris Doe. Front Row: Chris Keeler, Andrew Olvera, Roarke Hadfield, Jared Rayl, Justin Miller, Colby Hall, and Cameron Tayebtwo home run and two triples. Naraghi. Submitted by Jennifer Olvera

Falcon Spikers

Sharks Take Second

VISIT US AT:

www.lesschwabmartinez.com

5/31/12

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HOME TEAM

Lady Bulldogs

Not to be outdone by the boys, the Lady Bulldogs fired a complete blanking at Acalanes. Sophomore pitcher Erin Enke pitched a complete game no-hitter as Alhambra prevailed 10-0. Enke struck-out seven and collected two base hits herself. The only offense needed was a first inning home run by Kylie Perez, who also had two hits and teammate Jazzana McIntosh, who had two RBIs. Alhambra raised its record to 2-0 after a 21-0 opening win at Miramonte. The next game against Las Lomas, Kylie Perez deposited the first pitch she saw over the fence, over the shrubs, over the retaining wall, into the school quad area. Nicole Curry also blasted two home runs as the Lady Dogs bested Campolindo 7-0. Through their first four games, Alhambra pitching allowed zero runs and just eight base hits. The competition got tougher in the prestigious Livermore Stampede. The Lady Dogs prevailed in all three of their pool play games to get into the championship bracket. There they met two of the strongest teams in the Bay Area. Alhambra came out on the short-end of consecutive decisions to Livermore and Archbishop Mitty.

May 2012

DeMers Dominates Freshman Joe DeMers blasted the first home run of his high school career on March 21 at Deer Valley. Unfortunately, that was all the offense for the Falcons. CP finished the initial non-league portion of the schedule with a 3-2 record. Two days later, DeMers took to the mound and pitched brilliantly in a 4-1 win at Cardinal Newman. It was his third win (3-0). DeMers allowed three hits over six innings, walking just one and fanning 10. He kept his ERA perfect at 0.00 (14 innings). DeMers introduced himself to the

Clayton Valley rivalry by throwing a complete game three-hit shutout with eight strike outs. The Falcons did not allow a single run in each of those three games. CP scored its first two runs on suicide squeeze bunts from Jimmy Torres in the second and Anthony Baleto in the sixth. They capped the scoring in the seventh on Luke Van Holten’s two out single. Anthony Fortney pinch ran and stole second, and then scored on a Clayton error on a Jeffery Mitchell ground ball. DeMers kept his record stellar at 4-0.

CP Golf Takes DVAL

Joe DeMers #24 running to first after singling in senior, and four year varsity player Athan Koutsoubinas #11 in the top of the first inning at Northgate.

The Falcon golf team finished in first place at the challenging Aiello Golf Invitational Tournament in Discovery Bay. Strong play by three seniors, Carlos Mena (75) Ramon Alejo (76) Austin Collier (77), sophomore Dimitri Salido (77) and Junior Andy Tripp (88) was the winning combination! The College Park golf team finished the season undefeated in DVAL. Coach Creamer says, “It was a true team effort to play at this level and each player should be proud of their development and effort.”

Tired of missing that perfect shot? PHBA Offical Photographer Tod Gomes will make sure you never miss the perfect shot. Sign up for only $25 and he will focus only on your child athlete during their game. Don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity.

925-787-1063

www.todgomes.com Sports Action Photographer

www.ourcommunityfocus.com

May 2012

Bay Area KidFest Bay Area KidFest Brings 3 Days of Low-Cost Family Fun to Downtown Concord, Memorial Day Weekend. A favorite annual family institution, KidFest, returns to downtown Concord on Memorial Day Weekend for its 23rd year. With more attractions than ever for kids, tweens, and parents, this event brings three days of family fun Sat., Sun. and Mon., May 26-28 from 10am to 6pm daily. KidFest benefits local, non-profit educational, health and youth sports’ organizations. New this year is the Live Shark Encounter that lets everyone get up close to these fascinating creatures, plus the entertaining Great White Shark Museum. Returning favorites are the Clayton Bikes BMX Stunt Team and the Radio Disney Crewser. SpongeBob SquarePants and other famous superheroes will be on hand to greet the kids. All the regular entertainment - games, activities, and arts and crafts that have been KidFest staples for more than two decades - are free to attendees. The main stage will feature non-stop entertainment with special presentations by Ballet Folklori-

co and Funkmode. Rides and attractions include the new “Bobble Lagoon,” petting zoo, and pony rides. Patrons will enjoy delicious carnival midway treats at the Food Court. For the 17th year, KidFest is partnering with the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. Since 2002, 50,000 pounds of food have been given to the needy by KidFest attendees. Tickets: Admission is $5 per person with the donation of a canned good for the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano or $6 without a can donation. Babies under 24 months and seniors 65 and older are FREE. The low ticket price includes all the entertainment stages, shows, bounces and slides and other kid activities. Food, rides and a limited number of booths charge an additional fee inside the KidFest grounds. Parking: On-site parking each day through the Grant St. entrance at Bacon St. is $5. Free on-street parking or the city parking garage on Salvio Street (at Grant) are available. More information, check out www.KidFestConcord.com or (925) 671-3287.

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Golf Tourney Fundraiser Les Schwab Tires and Edward Jones Investments, both of Martinez, are sponsoring a golf tournament at Pine Meadows Golf Course to benefit the Martinez Education Foundation (MEF) and Alhambra High School Bulldogs Sports Boosters. This first annual event will take place on Monday, May 12, at 1:00pm. $60.00 per golfer or $200.00 for a four-

some. $25.00 tri-tip dinner. Please make check payable to MEF and mail to 649 Main Street, No. 125, Martinez, 94553. Be sure to include your name, phone number and names of participants. Deadline for the $60.00 entry fee is April 30 ($75.00 after). Event is open to all golfers at all skill levels on the links. For more information, call (925) 335-5111.

CP Baseball Alumni Day 2nd Annual College Park Baseball Alumni Day!! When: Saturday May 19th, 2012 Where: College Park Baseball Field What: A full day of baseball fun!

8:30 AM to 11:00 AM – College Park alumni vs. current

JV team

Cost to play is $40 per player and includes a CP baseball shirt plus lunch. Plan Pictured is the College Park Alumni team on the JV team at last year’s to arrive by 8:00 to2011 get ready to play. This will be awho real took baseball game, so start College Park Alumni Day. getting your arm ready! Please register ahead of time at Brodie.Nissen@gmail.com.

2nd Annual College Park Baseball 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM – Home Run Derby Come out and take some swings to see how far you can hit ‘em. Prizes will be Alumni Day!! awarded in a variety of categories. No registration required, just show up and

COME JOIN US THIS SUMMER!

swing hard.

1:00 PM to 4:00 PM – Select College Park Alumni vs. current Varsity

When: Saturday May 19th, 2012 Where: College Park Baseball Field What: A full day of baseball fun!

2nd Annual College Park Alumni Day!! Please make plans to come out and have some fun and

A select group of recent graduates will take on the current Varsity team in what is sure to be a very competitive and entertaining game.

support College Park Baseball. In addition to the events listed above, thereAM will be food andalumni CP merchandise forteam sale 8:30 AM to 11:00 – College Park vs. current JV along with fun activities. Cost to play is $40 per player andother includes a CP baseball shirt plus lunch. Plan

BASKETBALL • VOLLEYBALL • FUTSAL SIGN UP NOW! • Summer Community Camps (Mon-Fri) • Preschool Sport Camp 9am-12 pm • Youth Sport Camp 12-3 pm • Adult Basketball Leagues Friday and Sunday, 6-9 pm • Gym Rentals available. Call Now.

SPECIAL EVENTS • Cagers Basketball Skills and

Development Clinics in June • Big Man/Women Basketball Camps in June and July • Bay Area Blast Volleyball Clinics June 19-21, 26-28

360 Ferry St, Martinez, CA. 94553

norcalcourts@gmail.com • 925-465-4498 www.norcalcourts.com

When: Saturday May 19th Where: College Park Baseb 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM – Home Run Derby Come out and take some swings to see how far you can hit ‘em. Prizes will be awarded in a variety of categories. No registration show upof and baseba What: Arequired, fulljustday swing hard.

to arrive by 8:00 to get ready to play. This will be a real baseball game, so start getting your arm ready! Please register ahead of time at Have questions or want to register to play? Contact Brodie Nissen at Brodie.Nissen@gmail.com. Brodie.Nissen@gmail.com or 925-788-9008.

1:00 PM to 4:00 PM – Select College Park Alumni vs. current Varsity

A select group of recent graduates will take on the current Varsity team in what is sure to be a very competitive and entertaining game.

8:30 AM to 11:00 AM – College Park alumni vs

Cost to play is $40 per player and includes a CP baseb

Please make plans to come out and have some fun and to arrive by 8:00 to get ready to play. This will be a rea support College Park Baseball. In addition to the events ready! Please listed above, there willgetting be food your and CParm merchandise for saleregister ahe Brodie.Nissen@gmail.com. along with other fun activities.

11:00 AM to 1:00 PM – Home Run

Have questions or want to register to play? Contact Brodie Nissen at Come out and take sor ome swings to see how far you ca Brodie.Nissen@gmail.com 925-788-9008.

awarded in a variety of categories. No registration req swing hard.

www.ourcommunityfocus.com

Page 24

May 2012

Tables Turned on In the Mix Cover2Cover is Pleasant Hill’s unofficial “house band.” The music, mostly rock, is irresistible and “covers” decades of top 100 hits. Paul Cotruvo, lead guitarist/vocals for the band, also writes his “In the Mix” column for the Community Focus. Each month, his column highlights the local music scene and recommends notable shows and events worth catching. The Focus thought it would be fun to mix it up with Paul and place him in the interviewee seat this month. As a local boy raised in Lafayette, Paul was influenced by the British Invasion and the San Francisco Sound at an early age. He is a self-taught musician whose passion is folk and rock and roll. Paul’s musical career began with playing original music, and in the early 80’s, he recorded two songs with his brother in Los Angeles with the hopes of being discovered in a very tough business. The experience in a recording studio led to meeting talented studio musicians who suggested he would learn a lot by playing other people’s music; he found this to be not only true but quite gratifying. Today, Paul and Cover2Cover entertain us with their concerts such as the recent “Come Together” concert for the Teen Center and the upcoming Blues Festival and Sunset by the Lake series. Paul’s commitment to music is certain and his passion to promote the live, local music scene is unwavering. CF: How long has Cover2Cover been together and why do you think the band has such a wide appeal? PC: Eight years. I truly believe it’s the chemistry between all the musicians and, more specifically, between Toni (Bryant), the lead singer, and myself. We are also all very community oriented and do a lot of charity work. CF: What’s your favorite venue to play? PC: For Cover2Cover it’s the Sunset

By Jaki Jones

by the Lake Summer Concerts. For me personally, I like a small, intimate, packed house—a place like Dallimonti’s. I love that. CF: What Cover2Cover song or songs do you feel generates the most excitement? PC: Lately it’s been “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey and “Shout” by The Isley Brothers. CF: What is your wife Sheila’s roll in the band? PC: She is the secret behind the band. She’s the unofficial manager/den mother/ fan. She really does a lot for the band. CF: What do you feel has been your greatest accomplishment musically? PC: I’d simply say being fifty-five years old and still playing! I get to do what I love. CF: What’s been a highlight of your musical career so far? PC: About three years ago, I got to be involved with a project with singer Tari LaCourt, and we recorded at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley. She asked me to be

PAUL’S PICKS FOR MAY: May 3: Chris Cain Band, Armandos, 707 Marina Vista Martinez, 8:00pm May 5: 2nd Annual Benefit Concert for Theatre Arts Lafayette CommunityFeaturing members of The Waybacks, Petty Theft, The Sun Kings and Dream Posse Town Hall Theatre, Lafayette, 7:00pm May 19: Sin Silver, Back Forty, 100 Coggins Drive Pleasant Hill, 6:00pm May 26: Lumberyard, Dallimonti’s, 1932 Oak Park Blvd. Pleasant Hill, 9:30pm

a part of her project, and I got to record with some outstanding musicians. We only had twelve hours to record twelve songs and it came out amazing. CF: What’s the story behind your latest musical venture, Cover Story? PC: When I was fifteen years old, I started out doing solo work, so it’s kind of like going full circle. Toni Bryant (Cover2Cover vocalist) and I have friends that play solo or duo, and Toni and I got it in our heads to try something like that. We harmonize and work really well together, so it seemed like the natural thing to do and it’s taken off. We play a lot of stuff that we don’t get a chance to play with Cover2Cover—Toni does great Melissa Etheridge songs and we do

some Sugarland. I get to do more folksy material that I love such as REM. We do a lot more alternative music. CF: Tell me about Team Bob and Relay for Life. PC: May 19 is the Relay for Life event in Pleasant Hill, and Bob O’Grady was the first drummer for Cover2Cover. Since he passed away from colon cancer, we decided this was the right thing do, so Cover2Cover formed Team Bob and his daughter Ali has Team O’Grady, so there will be two teams representing Bob. Cover2Cover will play about an hour during the event. Anyone who donates, say $20, on the spot will get to sing a song with us. We will have a contest as well— the person who donates the most money to team Bob will get to sing a song with us at the Sunset by the Lake concert in August. CF: What would be your advice for a young, aspiring musician? PC: You just have to play and meet people. Be persistent and play, whether it’s in your bedroom or at a local dive, you just have to play. That was the experience I learned in L.A. The musicians left our session to play loungy hotel gigs—you just grow from it. Don’t be narrow-minded; be open to all music. CF: If you could be a guest player in any band currently playing, who would it be? PC: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers! CF: I couldn’t resist this final question: If you could be any song, what would it be? PC: Probably “With A Little Help From My Friends” by The Beatles. I couldn’t do it without all my friends.

www.ourcommunityfocus.com

May 2012

Hours: Mon-Thur 11-8PM Fri & Sat 11-9PM Open Sundays During Main Street Events Only

GREAT

Page 25

RESTAURANT GUIDE for more information contact us atcontact us at for more please information please

925.335.NEWS (6397)

info@ourcommunityfocus.com

Slow Cooked, Smoked Meats and More

WHO WANTS RIBS?

You can’t find a better deal than our Tuesday Ribs at Smokey D's. Enjoy our pork ribs for only $1.50 each after 4pm. Dine in only please.

A LOCAL FAVORITE!

FAMILY MEAL DEAL The answer to “What’s for dinner tonight?” Choice of 3 smoked meats, 2 large scratch sides, large salad with homemade dressings, and 5 homemade corn muffins with honey butter for only $39.99 plus tax. Feeds 4-5 people. Valid everyday. Take out only.

FUNDRAISING! TWO OPTIONS AVAILABLE CALL US FOR MORE INFORMATION

925.335.9915

601 Main Street, Martinez www.smokeyds.com

Dallimonti’s

Restaurant www.dallimontis.com

Come for the food stay for the music! FRIDAY KARAOKE NIGHT • GRAB THE MIC AND ROCK OUT LIVE MUSIC EVERY SATURDAY • COMING IN MAY 5/5 The Business • 5/12 The Solmates 5/19 The Famous Three-O • 5/26 Lumberyard

• A Family Tradition Since 1982 • Open for Lunch & Dinner • Reservations & Take Out Available • Small Banquets Welcome • Full Bar & Wine List • A Touch of North Beach in your Neighborhood

1932 Oak Park Boulevard, Pleasant Hill. 925-944-5224

Voted Best Japanese Restaurant by Best of the Bay TV Viewers in 2010

$30 Birthday Certificate Join our new Birthday Club and receive a $30 Birthday Certificate to spend at Kobe Japan Restaurant during the month of your birthday. You will also receive special offers and information about the latest happenings in our monthly newsletter. Please go to our website

www.KobeJapanRestaurant.com, and

then click Sign-Up for Our Birthday Club/Special Offers

1918 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill, California 94523 Phone: (925) 705-7065/7066

Fax: (925)705-7067

www.ourcommunityfocus.com

Page 26

Faces of Skin Cancer By Matthew Sirott, MD stage of melanoma. Lymph May is Melanoma Awarenode biopsy is done in paness Month and the first time tients at high risk for lymph the educational program, node metastasis. Radiation “Many Faces of Skin Cancer,” can be used for patients will be offered. with significant risk of local Melanoma ranks as the recurrence. Interferon is seventh leading type of cancer used in patients with high in the United States. The risk resected melanoma. In patients with lifetime risk for being diagnosed with metastatic melanoma, biologic therapy melanoma in the United States is 1.94% such as high dose interleukin-2, oral for males and 1.30% for females; the lifetime risk for death from melanoma is temodar, biochemotherapy and combination and single agent chemotherapy all 0.35% for males and 0.20% for females. have been used. A therapy for metastatic There are many risk factors for developing melanoma, both environmental melanoma treatment, ipilimumab (Ippy) recently received FDA approval. It is and genetic. The factor you can best control to reduce your risk of melanoma one of the first antibody-based therapies that uses the body’s immune defenses is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation to destroy cancer cells. Ippy was shown from the sun. Some experts believe that to offer a survival benefit for metastatic sixty-five percent or more of melanoma melanoma, which is often a fatal disease. is caused by exposure to the sun, espe The “Many Faces of Skin Cancer” cially during childhood. Following is a is on May 23 from 6-8pm at the Wallist of prevention tips. Detection of melanoma at early stag- nut Creek Library. This free event is es is essential and lifesaving. The ABCDE sponsored by the California Skin and Melanoma Center – a new comprehenof melanoma recognition are: asymmesive skin cancer program in the East Bay try, border irregularities, color variation, that offers a multi-disciplinary medical diameter greater than 6mm and evolvexpert approach to the treatment of all ing or changing lesions. If you have a suspicious lesion, you should talk to your for forms of skin cancer. To register call: 925-677-5041 primary care physician or dermatologist Dr. Sirott is a Medical Oncologist about biopsying the lesion. and Hematologist with Diablo Valley Proper surgical management is Oncology. 925-677-5041. essential for obtaining the diagnosis and PAID ADVERTORIAL

May 2012

“The Core” Defined By Tonya Marie Amos, Aspire Pilates the diaphragm on the top (our power So you want ful breathing muscle located right below to be more active? the lungs), the pelvic floor on the bottom Maybe improve (the muscles that support the internal oryour posture, regans), the transverse abdominis (the deep, duce back pain, or corset-like abdominal muscle that cinchraise your athletic es the waist when it is engaged), and the performance to a multifidi (the tiny finger-like muscles that new level? To help you reach your goals safely and effectively, stabilize the individual vertebrae of the spine). These four muscle groups are the you should first stabilize your spine by center (or core) of stability for our spine strengthening your “core.” and must work together in partnership These days everyone is throwing to keep the spine supported, healthy and around the term “the core,” but what is happy. Think of your core as a soda can it? The core is the center of power, stabilif all sides are strong, it is difficult to crush. ity and balance in our bodies, and it’s not But, put one small dent in the can, and it where you may think it is. I always ask loses its overall strength and integrity. new clients where they think the core is Whatever your goals, to be safe and and they often point to their upper absuccessful, start with the core first and dominals, the pretty “six pack” muscles build outwards. You’ll soon have a draknown as the rectus abdominis. Those matic increase in strength and balance, muscles may be gorgeous, but they do your back will feel great, and your sport not stabilize the spine. This is why it is will go through the roof. not uncommon to have beautiful bathing suit or washboard abs and still have a sore For more information, please call (925) 680-4400 or go to www.AspirePilback. atesCenter.com The core is actually made up of

1029 Arnold Dr. Suite 9 Martinez, CA 94553

ask about our NEW PATIENT SPECIALS! Most insurances accepted.

www.ourcommunityfocus.com

May 2012

Page 27

THE GARDEN

Life is a Bowl of Cherries

By Lesley Stiles Darlings, Rosie Rainer, Coral Champagne, yogurt or ice cream. Bake into chocolate to really appreciate spring in Contra Costa Pretty Baby and Sweetheart. All are sweet brownies or chip cookies. Make that batch County. Don’t forget to breathe. varieties, and some are yellow with a cherry of scones you’ve been dreaming about and Lesley Stiles is a graduate of the Caliblush. Cherries are superb antioxidants, and lovingly fold in your hard-earned bounty of fornia Culinary Academy, sustainable caa nice handful chomped down are said to be ruby deliciousness, then hoard. Produce a terer and school garden educator. Contact a great way to get rid of headaches. cherry pie! Lesley at lesleystiles@comcast.net, www. Excess rain after cherries have set on However you do it, when you are done, lesleystiles.blogspot.com and visit her new a tree will cause the industry’s worst nightwebsite: www.lesleystilesfoods.com. get out on a local trail for a wildflower walk mare – cracking. When you see cracked cherries on market tables, it is a sign of recent rain, not bad cherries. California exports massive amounts of the cherry crop Ingredients: all over the world. When you think about pitted and halved 1 head romaine lettuce, medium chopped produce exportation, it makes you grate¼ cup chopped toasted local almonds ½ cup crumbled feta cheese ful to have all the farmers’ markets we en3 tablespoons good, fruity olive oil ¼ cup chopped green onion 3 tablespoons Balsamic drizzle (recipe ½ pound roasted duck, shredded joy for freshly picked, local produce. Good follows) 2/3 cup Bing cherries, washed, news is that organic cherries are on the rise as we demand more organics from our sup- Directions: Toss lettuce, feta, green onions, duck and cherries together in a large bowl with olive oil and pliers. It is working! In the past few years, drizzle. Garnish with almonds. Serves 6. California is growing more organic strawberry crops, and cherries are not going to lag behind if there is money to be made. Ingredients: Good for us. 1 cup pureed cherries 2 cups red wine I am guilty of eating most of my bag 2 cups balsamic vinegar ½ cup honey of cherries before I get home, but once the Directions: urgency of gorging on fresh cherries wears Pour wine and balsamic vinegar into a non-reactive saucepan. Bring to a boil and reduce by off and there is an extra block of time in the half. Add cherries and reduce by one third. Add honey and simmer for 5 minutes. day, pit a mess of cherries to use in a variTo this base you can add rosemary, tarragon, orange peel or crushed cranberries as variations. Use for a dressing on salad with olive oil or as a sauce to grilled chicken, roasted duck ety of luscious ways. Macerate with a bit of or vegetables. Store covered in refrigerator for up to 2 months. Makes 2 cups. honey and balsamic to drape over vanilla

It does not get much better than May around these parts. In my aging opinion, perfection equals temperatures around 75 to 80 degrees, little if any rainfall, mild evenings to prime the summer bar-b-que by and best of all, drum roll….CHERRIES! Coming out of the Central Valley or, better yet, Brentwood, we start out with seasonal openers: Berlats and Brooks. Big, fat and juicy sweet with a sour tang at the end, these are perfectly swell cherries, but wait, there’s more! As the season moves on, Bing cherries come into season along with Tulare, Rainer, Lambert, Garnet and Ruby varieties, to name a few. This, my friends, is a party in your mouth. Each cherry is akin to drinking a cup of juice. Plump and crunchy, things just get better as the month moves on. Always striving for financial gain, the cherry industry, along with curious farmers, keep coming up with new varieties to dazzle our taste buds and coax our wallets open. I need no additional prompting and pretty much have a gassy tummy the whole month from cherry over indulgence. A few new ones to look for this year are Sequoia, Yosemite, Royal

Crispy Romaine Salad w/ Roasted Duck and Cherry Balsamic Drizzle

Cherry Balsamic Drizzle

Postcard Campaign JENNIFER L. MARTIN, D.D.S. Specialist in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

401 GREGORY LANE, SUITE 126 PLEASANT HILL, CA 94523 925.676.8485 FAX 925.676.0288 www.drjennifermartin.com TION MEHNIS AD T GET F TO 0 OF $1.0

The orthodontist office of Dr. Jennifer Martin in Pleasant Hill is inviting the community to come into the office, pick up a postcard and write a message to a serviceman or woman who is serving overseas. Postcards will be available at the front desk and all ages can participate. You can write your message on the spot or take it home and return it at a later date. The postcards will then be collected by the staff and forwarded to the Blue Star Moms of Concord on Flag Day, June 14. Dr. Martin’s office is located at 401 Gregory Lane, Suite 126 in Pleasant Hill.

MOVING & STORAGE

Move A Little Move A Lot

Excellence • Experience • Efficiency

Office & Light Industrial • Seniors Residential• Storage & Warehousing

925-372-0914

Family owned and operated since 1975.

MOLINO’S RAVIOLI

homemade ravioli since 1925

• Call Ahead to Order or Just Walk In • In Business for Over 60 Years Serving Famous Beef, Chicken, Cheese, Butternut Squash, Vegetarian and Seafood Ravioli. Also Serving Homemade Gnocchi, Lasagna, Cannelloni and Soups and a Variety of Sauces

Regular Store Hours Mon- Sat 9am - 5:30pm • Sunday 10 - 5 2150 Pleasant Hill Road., 925.934.7075

Molino’s Hot Food & Catering

For complete menu visit, www. molinosravioli.net

www.ourcommunityfocus.com

Page 28

May 2012

Why are Ducks in My Backyard? By Susan Heckly, Lindsay Wildlife Museum for these attributes as she flies around the pool or a nest with several eggs in your neighborhood. landscaping. Females lay eight to ten eggs The common wild ducks in our area that hatch about four weeks later. As soon are mallards or mallard-looking hybrids. as the ducklings are dried off from hatchMallards will mate with many different ing, the mother leads her brood to water. kinds of ducks, so it’s common to see This is where they can run into problems. ducks that look somewhat like mallards, If the water is your swimming pool, the but not exactly. These hybrids are part sides are sometimes too high for ducklings domestic, part mallard. They are willing to to get out. Add a ramp to the side (a piece live their lives practically under our footof plywood covered with a terrycloth steps. Mallards are extremely adaptable towel) so the babies can walk out. If the and have been known to nest in planter water is a canal blocks away, there is traffic boxes outside shopping malls, on rooftops, to contend with. If the family is trying to roadway medians and even on doorsteps. cross a busy street, act as a crossing guard It’s not uncommon to come home one for them. Federal law prohibits interfering afternoon and find a pair of ducks in your with nesting birds, including mallards. If

Library Gets a Makover By Katherine Bracken The Pleasant Hill Library gets 300 visi- ties that help develop motor skills, lay the tors a day and hosts five packed story times groundwork for early literacy, and provide for children every week. The children’s area the necessary tools to succeed in school and life. is continually busy, but was lacking a comfortable place for children and caregivers to Other improvements made over the sit together. On March 27, we celebrated the past year include moving fiction downstairs, expanding shelf space for young library’s latest improvement and the generadult books and adding new programs for ous donors who made it happen. Two generous donations from an individual provid- all ages. As wonderful as these improvements are, unfortunately they can’t make up ed funds to buy a rug, bench and oversized for the fact that the current building is old stuffed toys. Using paint donated by Bill’s and unable to fully meet the needs of the ACE Hardware, Erik and Ken from PayPleasant Hill community. We need more less Painting transformed the drab, beige space that can be used for multiple purposwindow area into a glowing jewel. Finally a es including meeting areas, study areas and $1,000 grant from the Pleasant Hill Comcomputers. We need a library that is accesmunity Foundation and funds from the sible to all and reflects the needs and desires Friends of the Pleasant Hill Library bought of our community. Perhaps one day we will more interactive toys such as an activity follow in the footsteps of nearby communicube and giant puzzle pieces. ties. Imagine the possibilities. What would In the new activity area, children can the ideal library in Pleasant Hill look like? play and learn together, engage in activi-

Submitted by Payless Painting

you discover a nest in your yard, the best thing to do is leave it alone. Tips to reduce your chances of having a duck nest on your property: • Keep your pool covered. • Clear away foliage from around your pool or any areas where a nest could be hidden. • Float beach balls and inflatable swans on your pool to make it less hospitable. • Never provide food for ducks that visit your yard; in fact, many foods such as bread are bad for ducks. For more information about Lindsay Wildlife Museum and ways you can help wildlife, visit www.wildlife-museum.org.

Exploring with Toddlers

Toddling Around Mount Diablo, the 2012-2013 edition, has just arrived! This every-day local guidebook by Brenna Shafizadeh and Sarah Becker is the most comprehensive book of its kind for families with young children living in Walnut Creek, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Clayton, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, and Martinez. And this year’s edition has expanded to include a hiking chapter! It became clear that our local families enjoy hiking, and they are especially interested in finding hikes that are friendly for the whole family, even the very youngest members. In addition to some great trails, you’ll find tips to make outings easier and even some easy recipes for tasty trail mixes. Toddling Around Mount Diablo is an 2835 Contra Costa Blvd., Suite E | Pleasant Hill, CA

Suburban backyards provide just about everything a duck needs: good nesting cover such as ivy and tall grasses that allow a duck to nestle down and hide; important food sources such as snails, slugs and tasty bugs, and water (that is usually nearby). Even if you don’t have a swimming pool, there are many canals that crisscross Contra Costa County and there is often a swimming pool in a neighboring yard. When a female duck is searching for a nest site, she looks

incredible resource that compiles family activity information into one organized and well-detailed book. Did you know that there are free activities offered by local businesses every day of the week? They are listed in the first chapter. The second chapter covers local parks and maps for each one as well as information detailing which parks have tot lots, nearby bathrooms and other necessary details. Retailing for only $10, the must-have for local parents and playgroups can be purchased at the Women’s Health Center in Walnut Creek, Lemonade in Walnut Creek, Storyteller in Lafayette, Berkshire Books in Concord, Encore Gymnastics in Concord, Wee Change in Walnut Creek, Orinda Books in Orinda, or online at www.toddlingaroundmtdiablo.com. DID YOU KNOW...WE DO MORE THAN BUSINESS CARDS?

Minuteman

Press

PLEASANT HILL

925-256-6444 www.minutemanpressph.com

WE CAN HANDLE ALL OF YOUR NEEDS... NEED FLYERS FOR YOUR SCHOOL EVENT? NEED POSTERS FOR YOUR UPCOMING EVENT? OR DO YOU NEED.... COLOR COPIES OR EVERYDAY OFFICE FORMS ANNOUNCEMENTS... BABY, GRADUATION INVITATIONS OR HOLIDAY CARDS PROMOTIONAL ITEMS ... TSHIRTS, STICKERS POSTERS, TICKETS FLYERS, PRINTED OR COPIED EVENT PROGRAMS, SWIM MEET EVENT BOOKS WHAT DO YOU NEED? WE CAN HANDLE IT FOR YOU Pleasant Hill City Hall Photo by Susan Wood Photography

www.ourcommunityfocus.com

May 2012

events 5/1 - Pleasant Hill Garden Study Club 7pm Interim Location: Camellia Room - Heather Farms, 1540 Marchbanks Dr., Walnut Creek. Speakers: Kathy Barrett & Dennis Olivas, Topic: Orchids 101, Guests: Welcome, free, Contact: 925-944-4898, Website: www. phgsc.com 5/2 - Franklin Canyon Mural Fundraiser 6pm – 9pm at Roxx on Main, 527 Main St., Martinez. Silent Auction, Live Music, Food, Drinks, and Original Student Art. Tickets: $35.00 pp and proceeds benefit the mural Lorena Castillo: 925.228.9232 ext 293 or lcastillo@martinez.k12.ca.us. 5/5 – Charity Walk benefitting Royal Family Kids- 9:00-11:00am Contra Loma Regional Park, Antioch. Royal Family Kids takes abused, abandoned and neglected 7-11 year-old foster children of Contra Costa County for a week-long FREE summer camp. Register online at www.rfkccharitywalk.dojiggy.com. Cost $25.00, children 15 and under free. Refreshments and T- shirt pick up begins at 8am. American Red Cross Mobile Blood Drives – Open to the Public • 5/8 - Tuesday 9am - 3pm, Diablo Valley College, Pleasant Hill, Trophy Room, 321 Golf Club Road. Sponsor Code: DVCPH • 5/8 - Tuesday 12:30pm - 6:30pm, Carrington College, Pleasant Hill, American Red Cross Bus, 380 Civic Dr. Sponsor Code: CCCPH • 5/9 - Wednesday 9am - 2pm, Heffernan Insurance Brokers, Walnut Creek, 1350 Carlback Ave. Sponsor Code: HEFFERNAN • 5/11 - Friday 1pm - 6pm, Springhill Elementary School, Lafayette, 3477 School Street, Lafayette. Sponsor Code: RACHAELWENGER • 5/15 - Tuesday 10am - 3pm, Shell Oil Products, Martinez, M.R.C. Club House, 1635 Pacheco Blvd., Martinez. Sponsor Code: SHELLMTZ • 5/29 - Tuesday 8am 2pm, Bank of America Technology Center, Concord, Conference Room, 1655 Grant St. Sponsor Code: BOA84TECH. Dates and times of blood drives are subject to change. The Red Cross recommends scheduling an appointment to donate blood in advance. Mention the Sponsor Code listed under the dates and locations above. For more information, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-7332767) or visit redcrossblood.org.

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Calendar 5/11-5/13 - Martinez Open Studios 2012. Friday, May 11 - Opening Artists’ Reception and Group Exhibition 6-9pm; Saturday, May 12 – 11am to 6pm; Sunday, May 13 – 11am to 4pm. Location: I’ve Been Framed, 411 Ferry St., Martinez. 5/11 - 5/12 - 12th Annual AAUW Garden Tour - Six Delightful Gardens located in Alamo and Danville. 10am - 4pm. For tickets with garden locations, mail check by May 4th payable to “AAUW Funds” with a self-addressed business-sized (#10) stamped envelope to: AAUW Garden Tour, PO Box 996, Alamo, CA 94507. $30 if postmarked by May 4th, $35 thereafter; $25 for seniors 65+ by May 4th, $30 thereafter. Tickets (cash or check only) are also available at East Bay Flower Company, 206 Sycamore Valley Road West (Danville Livery). Further information: gardentour@aauw.daw.org. No children under 12 or pets, please. 5/18 - 5/20 - Christ the King Festival – Fri. 6-10pm; Sat. 2 – 10pm; Sun. 10am – 2pm. 5/20 - Free Day at Lindsay Wildlife Museum! 10am – 5pm. Come learn more about the wild world around us by spending a day with 50 species of local California animals and engaging with our new interactive exhibits. Get closer to wildlife during special feeding and training presentations throughout the day, including a behind-the-scenes look at our wildlife hospital. 1931 First Street, Walnut Creek. www.wildlife-museum.org. Free all day; make a day of it with a picnic and playtime in adjacent Larkey Park. 5/18 - The Society of American Magicians Assembly #112 meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month. We perform great magic and have loads of fun! Open to all! Round Table Pizza, 7pm, 2960 Treat Blvd., Concord, CA. Join us this month and learn magic! Information: Call Fred (925) 451-1292 Ongoing - July - John Muir the Inventor: John Muir National Historic Site, 4202 Alhambra Ave, Martinez. For hours of operation call (925) 228-8860. Rodgers Ranch Round Up - Heritage Days 9am - 2pm, $35 per day. Ages 7 - 12 Session 1: June 26– Feeding the Family. Session 2: June 28 – Garden and Nature. Session 3: July 24 – Sing and Play. Session 4: July 26 – Job Day for the Kids. 315 Cortsen Rd. Pleasant

Hill. Email RodgersRanch@yahoo.co, or call Denise Koroslev at (925) 387-0158. Space is limited. 5/12 Pleasant Hill Garden Club Plant Sale 9am - 2pm. Winslow Center, corner of Pleasant Hill Road and Taylor Blvd. Contact: 925-944-4898, Website: www.phgsc.com. Choose from a large variety of plants grown by club members: flowers, succulents, vegetables, herbs and selections of heirloom, drought tolerant, CA native and rare plants. Gifts for Mother’s Day: handcrafted garden trays and succulent-roof birdhouses, garden tools, funky containers, vintage decor items. Master Gardeners on site to provide answers and horticultural expertise and Rose Society display of cut roses and information about rose care.

At the library Pleasant Hill

Tuesdays - Doorstep Farmers Pick Up. 5-7pm. Sign up with Doorstep Farmers, a local CSA, at www.doorstepfarmers.com. All subscribers will receive a 5% discount for choosing Pleasant Hill Library as their pickup location. Mother Goose Storytime. Wednesdays 11:15-11:45am; Fridays - 11:15-11:45pm & 1:15-1:45pm. Ages 0-3.

5/5 - Friends of the Library Book Sale 9:30am – 3:30pm. 5/5 - E Waste Recycling Event 10am – 4pm. 5/8 - PH Book Club. Zeitoun, by Dave Eggers. 6:30pm-7:30pm. 5/9 - The PHUN Team, Pleasant Hill United Nerds Team. 3:30-5:00pm. Meet other teens and the young adult librarian to share and plan what you want to see happen at the library. Ages 13-18. 5/15 - Musical Performance, Farouche: Hot Jazz Ensemble. 6:30-7:30pm. 5/29 - The Lizard Lady 6:30pm. Check out the Lizard Lady’s amazing reptiles, including iguanas, geckos, skinks, pythons, and other snakes Martinez: Mondays 5/7 & 5/14 - Pajama Time. 6:30pm-7:30pm. All ages welcome. Tuesdays 5/1, 5/8, 5/15 & 5/22 - Mother Goose Storytime -10:30-11am, ages 0-3. 5/2 - Wii Wednesday 2 – 4pm. 5/8 - May Origami 3:30 – 4:30pm. 5/8 - Book Discussion Group - Join us as we discuss Mirage, by Bandula Chandraratna Adults. 6:45pm.

Thursdays - Preschool Storytime. 11:1511:45am. Ages 3-5.

5/12 - Author Talk: Why We Laugh 3:30 – 4:30pm. The Author of “Black Comedians on Black Comedy” and Executive Producer of Robert Townsend’s documentary “Why We Laugh” Darryl Littleton offers an historical approach to comedy.

Thursdays 5/10 & 5/29 - Wii for Teens Play some board games too! Room A; 3pm4:30pm.

5/12 - eReader Mini Workshop. 2:00 – 3:00pm. This workshop is for all eReaders except the Kindle and the Nook.

Fridays - NEW! Contra Costa Teen Chess Club. 3-5pm. Instruction, friendly matches, and tournaments. Please come if you are at all interested in learning more about chess, improving your game, and meeting likeminded, local teens! All levels are welcome.

5/22 - “These Amazing Shadows” Free movie screening 5:45 – 7:45pm. This is an Official selection of the 2011 Sundance film festival, and Gravitas Docufilms present “These Amazing Shadows,” a film by Paul Mariano and Kurt Norton. Co-director, Paul Mariano, a Martinez resident, will be on hand to provide a free screening of his movie. “These Amazing Shadows” tells the history and importance of The Registry, a roll call of American cinema treasures that reflects the diversity of film, and indeed the American experience itself. Join us for the film and stay after for a Q & A.

Wednesdays - English Conversation Practice for Adults. 1:30-2:30pm. This ESL group meets weekly. Ages 18+.

Saturdays - Saturday Story Time, Babies, Preschoolers, Kids. 11:15-11:45am. 5/2, 5/3 & 5/10 - One-on-One Computer Tutor. 11am & 12pm. Set up an appointment for a one-hour, one-on-one computer training session with one of the Pleasant Hill Library’s trained computer tutors. 925-646-6434.

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www.ourcommunityfocus.com

TEEN SCENE

FPHE’s Amazing Race

The Amazing Race was …amazing! On April 21, fifty teams participated in the Foundation for Pleasant Hill Education’s first annual Amazing Race! Activities included balancing dice on popsicle sticks, a scavenger hunt at Rodger’s Ranch, putting at Grayson Woods and finding a poetry book at the Library. The event rounded up with all teams searching for the eleven Pleasant Hill pagoda’s marking the entrances to the city. Great fun was had by all. The winning team was the Pleasant Hillbillies. They received a carved trophy and a gift card for $100. Second place team was Roadrunner and Wile E. Coyote and third place went to Alden’s R Us. Look forward to the event next year with new challenges and activities.

The Amazing Race winners! The Pleasant Hillbillies

Grad Continues to Shine

In April of 2010, this paper ran a “Teen Showcase” article on Pleasant Hill’s Amy Martz. She had applied to ten schools and was about to graduate from College Park High school. She was considering majoring in political science and was busy preparing for college in the fall. Revisiting Amy two years later, it’s interesting to see what this high achieving woman has been up to. Amy chose to attend UC San Diego and is majoring in communications with a minor in business. She was the only member of the Blue Devils in high school and is still a member of the Concord Blue Devils Drum & Bugle Corps. Not only is she still in the “A Corps,” but in December of 2011, she was a featured clinician at the WBC (World Band Competition) International Band Camp in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In high school, she was a straight A student and recently she accepted membership into the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS). This organization is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies and

May 2012

Winner Bound for D.C. By Kathleen Bale, History Teacher at Sequoia Middle School David Leynov, a 7th grader at Sequoia Middle School, is now a finalist in the National History Bee to be held in Washington, D.C. in May. The History Bee Middle School Competition is part of the National History Bee and Bowl, sponsored by the History Channel. The bee, prior to this year, has been a high school event with an annual competition in Washington, D.C. for participating schools throughout the U.S. This year, a middle school component was added. The schools that registered held school bees as intramurals. The school-wide bee was held in late December and those who entered took eighty-question test. David took first place and Joseph (Joey) Harrington, an 8th grader, came in second. Students were given an online regional qualifying exam to earn a spot in the Regional Bee. Both David and Joey participated in the Regional Bee in Sacramento at Winston Churchill Middle School on March 2. David beat out the competition in a Jeopardy-like test and is now the Regional Winner for Northern California and

David Leynov. Photo by Diana Fetterman

Northern Nevada. The National History Bee Middle School Competition will culminate in the 2012 National Championship in Washington, D.C. on the weekend of May 12. Students will compete in a series of preliminary rounds, followed by a final match to determine the ultimate winner, which will be recorded for telecast on HISTORY®. Participating students will be vying for the Grand Prize of $50,000 in scholarship money.

Eagle Scouts Honored

is the nation’s only interdisciplinary honors organization for first and second-year college students. Membership is by invitation only and is based on grade point average and class standing. As if these activities didn’t keep Amy busy enough, she will be studying abroad next fall in Rome through the UCEAP (University of California Education Abroad Program). Congratulations Amy and good luck as you continue to strive for excellence!

College Park High School seniors Lucas Velzy and Robert Spark were presented with the rank of Eagle Scout on April 14. Both boys have been members of Troop 282 since the first grade. Lucas successfully completed the required merit badges and an Eagle service project of a clothes drive for the local charity, Christmas for Everyone. Robert successfully completed the required merit badges and an Eagle service project that provided College Park with a test-taking center for their learning center, so students would have a quiet environment for test-taking and after school tutoring.

www.ourcommunityfocus.com

May 2012

Page 31

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Kobe Japan Le Jardin at the Spa Les Schwab Tires Main Street Martinez Martinez Chamber of Commerce Matthew C. Rinn, State Farm Insurance Minuteman Press Molino’s Ravioli Moulding Company Navlet’s NorCal Courts Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Parkway Smiles Dentistry Payless Painting/Quick Change

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Spring Cleaning Special

5/31/12

www.ourcommunityfocus.com

May 2012

Downtown Martinez

Page 32

Spring Wine Stroll

Sat. May 5, 2012 • 2:00-5:30pm Spend a relaxing afternoon strolling the tree-lined streets in downtown Martinez sipping wine at local businesses.

Tickets: $15 per person in advance / $20 at the event

Includes tasting glass, wine glass charm, wine tasting passport, and a map. For more information call (925) 228-3577 or visit www.mainstreetmartinez.org No refunds. 21 years and over only.

Dining Out Downtown Martinez

Roxx

www.MainStreetMartinez.org

ON MAIN

small plates good brew fine wine

Combining an outstanding selection of eclectic international tapas style small plates, featuring the freshest locally sourced, organic, and sustainable ingredients, an ever changing selection of wines, plus the friendliness and comfort of a neighborhood restaurant. Mon - Wed 11-3 Thurs 11-8 Fri 11-90 Sat 5-9

627 Main St. • downtown Martinez • 370-7699 • www.RoxxOnMain.com

Creek Monkey Tap House

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611 Escobar St., Downtown Martinez 925.228.8787 www.creekmonkey.com

Mon/Tues 11-8, Weds/Thurs 11-9, Fri/Sat 11-10, Sun 12-8

The Best Pizza in Martinez! Locally owned!

Open 7 days a week. Pick up and delivery. Ask about our Catering & Party Discounts Delicious Pizza Cheesy Bread Stix • Lasagna Fresh Garden Salads • Hot Wings Homemade Chocolate Eclair Cake!

500 Main St., downtown Martinez (925) 370-1234 Open until 11am-10pm every day!

)

Lunch Menu - Dinner Menu - Kids Menu

featuring locally sourced food and a friendly staff 3 big screen tv’s plus 120” projection screen upstairs Banquet room for meetings and private parties Outdoor seating in the Biergarten

K MONK EE

20 Craft Beers on Tap!

Community through the magic elixir of beer