November 2018

COMMUNITY

FOCUS

NOVEMBER 2018 Reaching Over 50,000 Homes & Businesses

ourcommunityfocus.com

IN THIS ISSUE: • VETERANS DAY OBSERVANCES • HOLIDAY BOUTIQUES • DECORATING FOR FALL

PLEASANT HILL • CONCORD • MARTINEZ • LAFAYETTE • WALNUT CREEK

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COVER:

INSIDE

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to

School Gardens

17 Winter Squash

28

City News

14 Local Sports

27 Senior Activities

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Angelica, Tanner and Alyssa are pictured enjoying the fall season.

PHOTOS BY: SusanWoodPhotography.com.

6680 Alhambra Ave. Box #132 Martinez, CA 94553

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Meet Bruce Brophy, who lives in Martinez with his wife, Tori. They have two kids: Evan, who’s in high school, and Kiersten, who’s in college. Bruce is the guitar player for The Big Jangle, a Tom Petty tribute band. He also plays acoustic guitar with local musicians Dan DeShara, John Schuman, and Paul Trombetta. And he’s in another band called Fog 5, which was originally named Who’s Your Daddy.

What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve overcome? I used to be really shy as a kid, and in high school, I barely even talked to people. Performing music helped. It’s like you have to turn on something that’s not normally a part of you.

More About Bruce: 1. I’m allergic to eggs. When I have them, I can still breathe -- I just can’t swallow very well.

2. I started playing the guitar in high school; it helped me through my parents’ separation.

3. I wanted to be an artist, painting and figure drawing. I moved to Seattle with Tori after finishing college to pursue the art scene, but I didn’t fit in there. I saw an ad in the local paper, and they were looking for a guitar player, so I started doing that instead.

Julie Says

Who Else Could Use a Good Laugh?

BY JULIE ROSS

I think we all could. I suggest we take a deep collective breath and step away from the headlines.

There. I feel better already. The other day, my son was reading me a bunch of quotes from Mitch Hedberg. Hedberg was an American stand-up comedian with a deadpan delivery of refreshingly absurd, mostly one-line jokes. He died in 2005 at the age of 37, but his ability to make people laugh out loud lives on. Here is a sampling:

“My fake plants died because I did not pretend to water them.”

“My belt holds my pants up, but my belt loops hold my belt up. So, which one is the real hero?”

“I haven’t slept for ten days because that would be too long.”

“You know, I’m sick of following

I’m not in trouble anymore!

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my dreams. I’m just going to ask where they’re going and hook up with them later.”

“Rice is great if you’re really hungry and want to eat two thousand of something.”

“I’m against picketing, but I don’t know how to show it.”

“The depressing thing about tennis is that no matter how good I get, I’ll never be as good as a wall.”

“Why are there no during pictures?”

“I wanted to buy a candle-holder, but the store didn’t have one. So I bought a cake.”

“I’m going to fix that last joke by taking out all the words and adding new ones.”

And finally, here’s one specially designed for this month:

“I hate turkeys. If you stand in the meat section at the grocery store long enough, you start to get mad at turkeys.

There’s turkey ham, turkey bologna, turkey pastrami...someone needs to tell the turkey, man, just be yourself.”

Well then, there you have it. Have a

Happy Thanksgiving, and try to remember we can still find plenty of reasons to laugh.

You can reach Julie at julieakross@ comcast.net

The Benefits of Laughing 1. Physiological benefits: Laughter is a therapeutic ally in healing and a valuable form of preventive and complementary medicine. It provides important natural defenses against illness.

2. Mental benefits: Laughter diffuses bad stress, enhances problem-solving skills, and creates a new perspective.

3. Emotional benefits: Laughter elevates moods, counteracts depression symptoms.

4. S ocial benefits: Laughter fosters better communication and improves cooperation and empathy between people. It is a significant lubricant of human communication and relationships.

5. S piritual wellbeing: Choosing to laugh and be positive teaches us to choose to live and be at peace with others, ourselves, and the environment in our current situation. It helps us build resilience to stress and find meaning in life. The essence of what “laughter wellness” teaches is summarized in the following question: “What can I do now with a positive attitude?”

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Veteran Benefits

Harder for Veterans to Qualify for Long-Term Care Benefits

BY JEFFREY HALL, Elder Law Attorney

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has finalized new rules that make it more difficult to qualify for long-term care benefits. The rules establish an asset limit, a look-back period, and asset transfer penalties for claimants applying for VA pension benefits that require a showing of financial need. The principal benefit for those needing long-term care is called Aid and Attendance. The VA offers Aid and Attendance to low-income veterans (or their spouses) who are in nursing homes or who need help at home with everyday tasks like dressing or bathing.

Aid and Attendance provides money to those who need assistance.

Currently, to be eligible for Aid and Attendance, a veteran (or the veteran’s surviving spouse) must meet certain income and asset limits. The asset limits aren’t specified, but $80,000 is the amount usually used. Historically, there have been no penalties if an applicant divests assets before applying. Not so anymore. The new regulations set a net worth limit of $123,600, which is the current maximum amount of assets (in 2018) that a Medi-Cal applicant’s spouse

is allowed to retain. But in the case of the VA, this number will include both the applicant’s assets and income. An applicant’s house will not count. Applicants will also be able to deduct medical expenses -- now including payments to assisted living facilities as a result of the new rules -- from their income.

The regulations also establish a three-year look-back provision. Applicants will have to disclose all financial transactions they were involved in for three years before the application. Applicants who transferred assets to put themselves below the net worth limit within three years of applying for benefits will be subject to a penalty period.

Under the new rules, the VA will determine a penalty period in months by dividing the amount transferred that would have put the applicant over the net worth limit by the maximum annual pension rate (MAPR) for a veteran with one dependent in need of aid and attendance. For example, assume the net worth limit is $123,600 and an applicant has a net worth of $115,000. The applicant transferred $30,000 to a friend during the look-back period. If the applicant had not transferred the $30,000, his net worth would have been $145,000, which exceeds the net worth limit by $21,400.

The penalty period will be calculated

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based on $21,400, the amount the applicant transferred that put his assets over the net worth limit ($145,000-123,600).

The new rules go into effect on October 18, 2018. The VA will disregard asset transfers made before that date.

Applicants may still have time to get through the process before the rules are in place. Veterans or their spouses who think they may be affected by the new rules should contact neighborhood

elder law attorney Jeffrey Hall about available planning for VA benefits. You may visit his website at www.HallLawGroup.com or call (925) 230-9002. We are a veteran-owned, veteran-friendly law firm.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to be relied upon as legal advice or the establishment of an attorney-client relationship.

SPONSORED CONTENT

Real Estate Trends The Changing Market

BY NORMA FLASKERUD

In the last quarter of 2018, we are feeling the change; houses are not selling as fast, not getting multiple offers, and not getting bid up. Many sellers have to make price adjustments to attract an offer. As houses sit on the market longer, inventory increases, and days on market add up. Are we in for a big correction?

We can’t say. We take comfort in the fact that the economy is booming and unemployment is at a record low. But with interest rates rising, making it costlier to take a loan, buyers have taken a step back and saying, whoa, I can’t pay more to borrow money and pay top dollar for a house!

But what will the first quarter of 2019 bring? Experience has shown sellers take their homes off the market in the last six weeks of the year, thinking spring will be better, as it so often is.

But the holidays can be a great time to sell for many reasons! Don’t necessarily think you can’t sell from Thanksgiving on. A house decorated for the holidays can be very attractive! And January?

In our area, it can be a fab time to sell!

Buyers get tired of not buying and jump online starting January 2, watching every house that comes up for sale with great interest! Sure, they may not offer

over asking and there may not be a bidding frenzy, but it is advantageous to be one of those sellers; low inventory helps sellers!

Regarding interest rates; they are moving up slowly but surely. We still have great, less than 5%, fixed mortgage loan rates! In this changing market, a buyer can ask a seller to buy down his interest rate instead of lowering the price on the house; there are creative solutions for every scenario!

In addition, consider this! If you need a bigger house but need to sell yours first, this market has created the opportunity to make an offer contingent on selling your house. Generally, the lower priced home is a bit easier to sell than the move-up home. So it is worth exploring! Please contact us at 925-338-2980, email me at NormaJ49@ gmail.com, or email Erik at EFlaskerud@ Remax.net, to discuss your needs! We have some wonderful homes listed for sale, coming soon! It’s a great time to be a buyer! Call now to get the inside edge on homes in Poets Corner, Gregory Gardens, and other popular neigbhorhoods!

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VETERANS DAY Veterans Day Observances

Pleasant Hill

Celebrate veterans and thank them for their service at Pleasant Hill Park, 147 Gregory Lane, on November 10, from 11am-2pm. This is a family-friendly event with food (barbecue), music and games, including a bouncy house, bocce ball, football, basketball and more. Lunch hosted by the Rotary Club of Pleasant Hill, Pleasant Hill Lions and Grocery Outlet. It is open to all.

The Contra Costa County Veterans Monument at Boyd Road and Contra Costa Blvd in Pleasant Hill will be open for viewing from 10am - 2 pm on November 11.

Recorded music will be played throughout the period, and questions about the monument’s history will be answered. All are welcome to honor the service of our veterans.

Martinez

2018 Veterans Day Program will be held Monday, November 12. Ceremonies begin at 10am at the Alhambra Cemetery with a benediction, placing of the wreath, and posting of the colors by the Sea Cadets. Ceremonies resume at 11am at Ignacio Plaza, 525 Henrietta Street, Martinez. Messages will be delivered by U.S. Reps. Mike Thompson and Mark DeSaulnier, California Senator Bill Dodd, and District 5 Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal Glover or their designees and will precede the Veterans Day message, remembrance, and another musical selection.

The ceremonies will conclude with a 21-gun salute by the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars and Tap. After the ceremony, refreshments will be served at the Veterans Memorial Building, 930 Court Street. The community is invited to attend.

Walnut Creek

A Veterans Day ceremony will be held at 11am on Sunday, November 11, at the Lesher Center for the Arts, Hofmann Theatre, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. The ceremony will include a musical concert of patriotic songs, including a salute to all the branches of the US Armed Forces by the Walnut Creek Concert Band under the direction of Harvey Benstein. Mayor Justin Wedel will lead the Walnut Creek Veterans Day event. The free, hour-long ceremony is open to the public.

Veterans Day 5K Run & Walk November 11

Diablo Valley Federal Credit Union presents the Concord 5000 5K Run/Walk.

Contra Costa Blue Star Moms

Contra Costa Blue Star Moms CA Chapter 20 proudly invites family, friends, and neighbors to join the fun on Sunday, November 11. To sign up, visit runsignup.com/ concord5000. It is $35 before November 11 and $40 on race day. The run is located at Newhall Park, 1351 Newhall Parkway, Concord. Due to limited parking availability, please consider parking at Clayton Valley Charter High School and walking to Newhall Park. Clayton Valley Charter High School has granted permission for parking during the event.

Pre-race packet pick-up is at Orange Theory Fitness, 5100 Clayton Road, Suite B3, in Concord. Hours: Friday, November 9, 12-7pm, and Saturday, November 10, 10am2pm.

Contra Costa Blue Star Moms can use your help with: Care Packages for our military• Veterans Support • Wounded Troops Support • Sewing For Our Troops • Gold Star Family Support • Operation Pillowcase • VAM Volunteers • High School Memorial Project• Deployed Moms Support • Homecoming Events • Operation Postcard for Troops

For more information about any of the above activities, contact ccbsm@ccbluestarmoms.org. More information can be found at www.ccbluestarmoms.org.

HAPPY

VETERANS DAY REMEMBER AND HONOR

Saturday, November 10 Pleasant Hill Park 11:00am–2:00pm Opening ceremony at 11:30am with Boy Scout Troop 401 flag ceremony, na�onal anthem by Star Quest and swearing in of new Army recruits Lunch to follow provided by Rotary Club oF Pleasant Hill , Pleasant Hill Lions, and Grocery Outlet

Join us as we celebrate our veterans with family and fun!

Food and beverages Games and bouncy

houses for the kids 50/50 raffle

benefi� ng JFKU Valor Center Games for adults

provided by the Army All are welcome! .595

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CITY NEWS

Mayor’s Message

Back in July, I bemoaned the anemic voter turnout for the mid-term election primaries, when two-thirds of registered voters did not bother to vote. I urge you to take the time to vote in the general election on November 9. Your vote does count, and it will impact the results of important local, state, and national election issues.

Pleasant Hill voters will have the opportunity to elect two city councilmembers.

There are two seats open and three candidates. Information on the candidates is available on the city clerk’s page of the city’s website. You should have received your voter information guides by now, but more information on these and other offices and measures on the ballot and on locating your polling place is available at the Contra Costa County Elections Office website: www.cocovote.us. If you can’t find the time to make it to your polling place, the City of Pleasant Hill is, once again, partnering with Contra Costa County for their “Vote and Go” program. City Hall has a drop-off box in the lobby that is open during normal business hours and from 8am to 5pm on Election Day for all Contra Costa County registered voters to drop off vote-by-mail ballots. No stamp is required! If you’re registered to vote in Contra Costa County, just sign and seal your vote-by-mail ballot and drop it in the red, white, and blue box in the lobby at City Hall (100 Gregory Lane).

In addition to supporting your civic duty to vote, Pleasant Hill also supports citizen engagement in our day-to-day local governance of the city. In September, we launched the first Pleasant Hill Citizens Academy. Twenty passionate Pleasant Hill residents and business owners from all over the city attended five evening sessions to learn about the legislative process; city departments, functions, goals, and services; commissions; and volunteer opportunities. A bus tour of the city rounded out the experience, and participants had an opportunity to meet the city council and interact with key staff. The lively group got to know

each other with two fun, interactive exercises. Session 1 kicked off with “Common Ground,” in which the “students” worked in groups of five to come up with five things they all had in common other than living in the city. It was hard, but groups came up with things like gardening and hiking. The following week, they shared their personal volunteer activities via “Volunteer Bingo.”

The graduates will receive certificates of completion at the November 5th City Council meeting. Stay tuned for future sessions!

November is also a time to give thanks.

We give thanks to our veterans, who are being celebrated on Saturday, November 10, at Pleasant Hill Park. Everyone is invited to come between 11am and 2pm for food, beverages, games, and bouncy houses for the kids. The event is sponsored by Rotary Club of Pleasant Hill, the City of Pleasant Hill, Pleasant Hill Park and Rec, and the Lions Club. I am thankful I live in a community of people that care and support each other—whether it is the shared smiles of happy times or the comfort needed in times of loss and sadness.

I received a lovely thank you note from the children of Martin Nelis, acknowledging our community’s continued support of them since Martin was tragically killed on August 2. I share the family’s note here: October 9, 2018 Tim Flaherty Mayor, City of Pleasant Hill

On behalf of the extended Nelis and Maguire families, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the City, the Mayor, the City Manager, the City Council, and the many, many staff members who helped with the memorial service following the tragic, untimely death of Martin Nelis. Family here and also in Ireland were extremely moved by the sheer number of people who attended the celebration of his life.

The outpouring of support for our family was both comforting and greatly appreciated through our challenging time

6 | NOVEMBER 2018 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM

Tim Flaherty, Mayor of Pleasant Hill

of grief, and the staff of City Hall, Pleasant Hill Park and Recreation, members of the community and so many local business owners were incredibly generous with their time and contributions. Every detail was overseen to a T, thanks to all who helped, and the event was perfectly orchestrated from the Community Center set-up, parking, sound, live stream, filming, and break down. We would also like to thank the Civic Action Commission for coordinating the Sunday concert on August 5th in memory of Martin, AKA “Marty’s Party,” and the many public tributes from the Mayor and the Council and so many colleagues in the Community that worked with him on a wide variety of projects and events.

Although our loss is still so raw and so very difficult to handle, knowing that

all of you are joined with us in the process of trying to cope with his absence makes it just a little more bearable. We recognize the asset that he was to the City and the Community, and surely he will be sorely missed on committees, meetings, special events, and outreach programs, however, we hope his legacy will be his unwavering public service to the City of Pleasant Hill for the past eleven years, and he will be long remembered.

Please accept our sincere and heartfelt thank you to everyone who stood by our family through the event and the loss of Martin. We will always be grateful to the Pleasant Hill Community and the dedicated employees of City Hall.

Aidan, Fiona, Deirdre, and The Extended Nelis and Maguire Families

Public Meetings

Civic Action Nov. 7 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Small Community Room, 6:30pm. Contact: 671-5229 City Council Nov. 5, 19 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Council Chambers, 7:00pm. Contact: 671-5229 Architectural Review Nov. 1, 15 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Large Community Room, 5:00pm. Contact: 671-5209 Planning Commission Nov. 13, 27 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Council Chambers, 6:30pm. Contact: 671-5209 Education Commission Nov. 28 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Large Community Room, 7pm. Contact: 671-5229

Chamber Calendar

Nov. 1 - Business Expo 2018, 4-7pm, Concord Clarion Hotel, 1050 Burnett Ave, Concord Nov. 2 - PH Chamber Ambassador Meeting, 8:30-9:30am, Large Community Room City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, PH Nov. 15 - PH Chamber Board Meeting, 4-5:30pm, Location TBD Nov. 16 - The Veranda Ice Rink Ribbon Cutting, 5-8pm, 2001-2003 Diamond Blvd, Concord Nov. 26 - Government Affairs Committee, 4:30-5:30pm, WiseGirl, 1932 Oak Park Blvd, PH Ongoing Monthly Programs & Events 680 Business Networking, 2nd & 4th Wednesdays & Thursdays, 8:30-10am, JFKU, 100 Ellinwood Way, PH OFF THE GRID Food Trucks Every Wednesday • 5-9pm • Trelany Road, PH

CITY NEWS

Pleasant Hill City News Library Design Update

At the September 17 city council meeting, David Andreini, with Bohlin Cywinski Jackson Architects, presented a schematic design and the desire to create an intergenerational space. He described the design development phase and presented a project timeline.

So far, there have been 18 sessions through focus groups and community engagement town hall meetings. “The main takeaway and the thing we keep hearing is that this library should be a space for everyone, an intergenerational space for families to come and enjoy the library. It’s the big tent aspect, and that’s what has been guiding us throughout the design,” said Andreini.

The next phase is the design development, which will take about four months and include material selection, landscape features and plantings, and meetings with the county library and the city. If everything continues on schedule, design development should be completed in January or early February 2019, an Issue for Bid in June 2019, and a construction contract award by August 2019, with construction commencing in September 2019.

Tree of Lights 2018

For thirty-two years, Hospice East Bay Tree of Lights ceremonies have offered community members a way to honor the lives of friends and loved ones. This year, they will be presenting 12 Tree Lighting Ceremonies throughout Contra Costa. The Pleasant Hill lighting ceremony will take place at 6:30pm on Thursday, November 15, at Gregory Lane, near Cleaveland Road. For further information, visit https://www.hospiceeastbay.org.

Light up the Night in Downtown Pleasant Hill

Join Santa and others in lighting up Downtown Pleasant Hill for the holiday season on Wednesday, November 28, on Crescent Drive. From 6:30pm – 8:30pm, enjoy a holiday crafts fair, carriage rides, caroling, and Studio A dancers on the plaza stage. There will be free hot chocolate and cookies, merchant giveaways, and lots more fun for all the family.

Next Library Town Hall Meeting

There will be a town hall meeting on Tuesday, November 13, at 6:30pm, to review the latest design concepts for the new Pleasant Hill Library and provide feedback. The workshop will take place at the Community Center, 320 Civic Drive.

New Commissioners

Councilmember Rinn and Vice Mayor Carlson interviewed candidates to serve on the Architectural Review Commission, the Contra Costa Library Commission, and the Education Commission. The new appointees were introduced at the October 1 council meeting after the vote was taken. The new commissioners are: Ben Johansen, Architectural Review Commission; James Ford, new alternate position on the Contra Costa County Library Commission; David Kludt, Education Commission; and Laima Haider, Education Commission.

“We interviewed quite a number of people, and it’s great to see a lot of new residents of Pleasant Hill want to get involved but just not sure how to get involved, and so their first foray is in looking at a commission. People really want to get engaged, and so walking out of those interviews I can see our talent pool is pretty deep here in Pleasant Hill,” said Councilmember Rinn.

When it comes to your to-do list, put your future first.

New Traffic Signal on Gregory Lane

The Gregory Lane/Elinora Drive Signal Installation Project will provide a new traffic signal and improvements at the intersection of Gregory Lane and Elinora Drive. The project is part of an on-going effort to enhance safety for vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians at this intersection. The intersection experiences a high level of delay in the Elinora Drive approach in the morning peak hour, and a traffic signal will greatly improve safe access exiting Elinora Drive across up to four lanes of traffic. Concurrently, the traffic signal will provide a safe route to school for students of Strandwood and Sequoia Elementary Schools.

To find out how to get your financial goals on track, contact your Edward Jones financial advisor today.

City of Pleasant Hill Seeks Applicants for Commission

Yvonne I Ceresa, CFA Financial Advisor .

FAP-1966D-A

The Traffic Safety Commission conducts and analyzes studies of traffic related concerns; holds meetings with residents and business owners to hear traffic related suggestions and concerns; makes recommendations on signage, traffic calming, or policy changes; and works with various city departments and other local government agencies to implement recommended changes. Candidates who live in Pleasant Hill and have experience in professional engineering, traffic safety, law enforcement, or related vocational or professional pursuits that involve a technical and practical understanding of bicycle, pedestrian, vehicular or transit accommodation are invited to apply. Meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6pm at City Hall. The deadline for submitting an application is November 28, 2018.

For an application or more information, visit the City of Pleasant Hill website at www.

PleasantHillCA.org/vacancy or contact Juanita Davalos by phone at (925) 671-5283 or email at jdavalos@pleasanthillca.org.

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CITY NEWS

Mayor’s Message

It is now the first of November and the mid-term election is less than a week away. Election campaigns are hitting the home stretch, and the barrage of campaign mailers, blast emails, and social media posts will soon end.

In a recent Community Focus article, I wrote that the “silly season” was about to start. I received some criticism from one reader that criticized me for what he interpreted as demeaning the democratic process, saying our right to vote is vitally important and not “silly” at all. Unfortunately, the reader missed the point, or I was not clear enough. The term “silly season” is well known by anyone that has

participated in an election campaign, especially a local campaign. The term does not refer to the process of election campaigns and voting as being “silly” and not of vital importance to our democratic system. It refers to how some individuals conduct and express themselves. Some people change during this season, and all logic and truth can go out the window.

That is why it is so important to do at least some research into the issues and candidates before you vote. If you read or hear an outlandish claim or criticism, be suspect and look for the truth. Look at the track records of candidates and the analysis of ballot measures. Not the

Rob Schroder, Mayor of Martinez

slick TV commercials, hit pieces, and accusations on social media. On Tuesday, November 6, educate yourself and vote.

If you do not exercise this solemn right, you will have no right to complain.

In spite of all of the energy that is expended during a political campaign, the day-to-day work of running a city is getting done. Crews continue to fill pot holes and pave streets (over 105 tons of asphalt was laid by city crews, which does not include the larger paving projects being performed by contractors), parks are maintained, litter is picked up, and our police force patrols the city and keeps us safe.

Starting in January 2019, the city will embark on a planning process for the revitalization of the Martinez Waterfront.

This will start with public meetings asking the community what they would like the waterfront to become. These scoping

sessions will be the corner stone of a “Use Plan” that must be submitted to the State Lands Commission by the end of 2019.

Because the waterfront is an environmentally sensitive area, it is regulated by several state and regional agencies, including Bay Conservation and Development Corporation (BCDC), California Fish & Wildlife Service, and Army Corps of Engineers, and their approval must also be obtained to move forward. And because of our close partnership with East Bay Regional Park District and our Joint Planning Agency, their board of trustees will also vet the “Use Plan.”

These are exciting times for the future of Martinez. Make sure your voice is heard and be sure to attend at least one of the public meetings on the Martinez Waterfront. No dates have been set yet, but we will be certain to publicize the dates when they are sent.

Public Meetings

City Council Meeting Nov. 7, 21 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 6-9pm. Contact: 372-3500 Zoning Administrator Meeting Nov. 7, 21 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 4-6pm. Contact: 372-3500 Design Review Meeting Nov. 14, 28 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 4-6pm. Contact: 372-3500 Planning Commission Meeting Nov. 13, 27 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 7-11pm. Contact: 372-3500 For Confirmation Visit: www.cityofmartinez.org

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CANDY BUY BACK FOR TROOPS

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Proceeds go to Blue Star Moms

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CITY NEWS

Martinez City News Veterans Day Ceremony

The Veterans Day Ceremony on November 11 begins at 10am at the Alhambra Cemetery, located on Carquinez Scenic Drive. A ceremony by the Veterans Commission will begin at 11am at Ignacio Plaza, 524 Henrietta Street. The public is invited to attend.

Holiday Sparkle Sip and Shop

The 1st Annual Small Business Saturday Holiday Sparkle Sip and Shop event is on Saturday, November 24, from 2:30pm-5:30pm in Downtown Martinez. Spend a relaxing afternoon strolling from business to business, sampling delicious wines and treats. Redeem your advance purchase ticket or buy tickets, if not sold out, at Main Street Plaza, next to Starbucks on the 600 block of Main St. The event coincides with Small Business Saturday. Online tickets are $20 and sales end at 11pm on Friday, November 23. Tickets are $30 at the door, cash only, if not sold out.

Dia de los Muertos

Martinez is celebrating Dia de los Muertos Festival of the Altars on Saturday, November 3rd, from noon to 5pm, at the Main Street Plaza. Through art, music and a display of community altars, the festival is a celebration of life honoring those who have passed away. Artists will be creating personal altars to share during the festival. For the third year in a row, we are presenting Martha Gutierrez’s Baile Folklorico, a cultural dance representing the various regions of Mexico.

Visitors attending the festival are encouraged to dress in Dia de los Muertos motif and bring a photograph of loved ones who have passed away to place on community altars.

DC Solar Downtown Holiday Ice

This seasonal outdoor ice rink returns to downtown Martinez during the 2018-2019 holiday season. The family-friendly 50’ x 80’ ice rink will be located at the corner of Marina Vista Ave. and Ferry St. in Downtown Martinez. The rink will be open November 17 through January 6, 2019, 7 days a week, hours vary, and weather permitting. For more information, visit: https://downtownholidayice.com.

Holiday Frolic

This year, Holiday Frolic in downtown Martinez is two days: Friday, November 30, and Saturday, December 1. Holiday tree lighting and Main Street activities take place from 5:30pm-7:30pm at Ignacio Plaza, 525 Henrietta Street. The Barrelista Café will have an ugly sweater contest at 7:30pm. On Saturday, holiday activities such as Candy Cane Lane, Reindeer Stop, and Hot Cocoa with Frosty the Snowman, take place from 10am-1pm in the downtown. For a full schedule of events, visit the City of Martinez website at www. cityofmartinez.org.

Children’s Light Parade

This family friendly light parade on Friday, November 30, begins at 6:30pm at City Hall, 525 Henrietta St., and ends 7 blocks away at Ferry St. and Escobar. Groups, individuals, clubs and businesses are invited to participate! Little ones can decorate and drive their electric ride on vehicle, tricycle, or wagon in the parade, and a free, lighted wand will be handed out to the first 500 children who register. To register for a wand, call the Recreation Office at (925) 372-3510. Registration for the parade is required.

Save the Date - Santa Brew Crawl

Artwork by Denise Hillman.

Dust off your Santa suits and ugly Christmas sweaters because it’s time to head to Downtown Martinez for some holiday cheer! Main Street Martinez will host the annual Santa Beer Crawl on the streets of Martinez on Saturday, December 8, from 2:30pm-5:30pm.

Join the jolliest bunch of Santas this side of the bay as they walk around the downtown corridor of Martinez, sampling beers from homebrew and craft breweries stationed inside some of the small businesses along Main Street.

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CITY NEWS

Walnut Creek City News Veterans Day

The City of Walnut Creek pays tribute to veterans at 11am on Sunday, November 11, in the Hofmann Theatre at the Lesher Center for the Arts. The free ceremony is open to the public. Mayor Justin Wedel will lead the Walnut Creek Veterans Day ceremony, and the Walnut Creek Concert Band, under the direction of Harvey Benstein, will provide musical accompaniment. For further information, please contact City Clerk Suzie Martinez at 925-943-5819 or smartinez@walnut-creek.org.

Turkey Trot

On Thursday, November 22, head to Civic Park for the 26th Annual Forma Gym Turkey Trot. You can also register in person at Forma Gym at 1908 Olympic Blvd., now through November 21, at 7pm. Race packets, with bib number and T-shirt, can be picked up at Forma Gym on Tuesday, November 20, and Wednesday, November 21, from 10am-7pm. They can also be picked up beginning at 6:30am on race day at the start/finish area for the event, located at 1375 Civic Drive in Downtown Walnut Creek.

There are several races to choose from, including Kids Fun Runs, 10K and 5K runs, and festival areas with a costume contest. Awards will be presented to the overall male and female finishers in 5K and 10K, as well as to the top three finishers per age division.

To improve the flow of this year’s Turkey Trot, we will have staggered start times for ALL participants. We have created corrals for this event based on runners’ expected finish times to ensure an evenly paced event. Due to the size of our event, we will not be offering a sweat check this year. By running the Turkey Trot, you will also be giving back to your local community through beneficiaries like the Food Bank, WCEF, PEAK, and The Wellness City Challenge.

Get ready to vote! Early voting options in Walnut Creek

Gone are the days when you have to visit a particular polling place within a defined window of time on Election Day. The City of Walnut Creek is proud to host a regional early voting site at City Hall. A traditional polling booth will be open from 11am until 7pm on Thursday, November 1; Friday, November 2; and Monday, November 5. The site will also be open on Saturday, November 3, from 8am until 5pm.

If you are a vote-by-mail voter, you can drop off your ballot anytime City Hall is open through Election Day, Tuesday, November 6. If you have questions about your ballot or the elections, visit the Contra Costa County Elections website.

SERVING

WCPD Grave Yard Officers

The Walnut Creek Police Department has completed their Sunday through Tuesday shift sign ups, and the following officers will be patrolling downtown and other neighborhoods, from 6pm to 6:30am, for the next six months:

Sector One belongs to Officer Rachlin. Sector One borders much of the downtown Walnut Creek shopping district and a large residential area in the southern part of the city. The 1,800 acre active senior adult community of Rossmoor is also in Sector One. Due to the mixture of businesses and residences in Sector One, this area generally is the busiest sector in calls for service.

Sector Two belongs to Officer Clemente. Sector two stretches from the northwest section of town, south to Walnut Creek’s downtown core area. Sector two is diverse in its make-up in that it includes many restaurants, bars and retail stores downtown, as well as most of the city’s commercial high-rise buildings and a substantial amount of residential neighborhoods.

Officer Martin will serve as the Sector Three commander, serving much of the residential areas, and Officer Akers is the Sector 4 coordinator. Sector 4 is unique in that it is mostly made up of retail and dining establishments. These night shifts will help suppress and prevent crime in the neighborhoods and downtown city streets.

To find out your sector, visit: http://www.walnut-creek.org/departments/public-safety/police and click on “WCPD Site” at the top of the home page, then click “Patrol,” and find your sector on the map. A sector is a designated area of responsibility that police officers are responsible for patrolling.

Bedford Gallery Craft Fest

Each year, Bedford Gallery brings together local vendors producing the finest handmade crafts, jewelry, ceramics, textiles, home goods, artisanal foods, clothing, and more for a day-long festival nestled inside an exhibition of contemporary art.

This year’s Big Craft Fest is on November 17, from 10am-5pm, with free admission.

This event has become an annual tradition for shoppers looking to find unique gifts for the whole family.

Shadelands Art Center Holiday Sale

November 30 from 5pm-8pm, December 1 from 10am-5pm, and December 2 from 10am-4pm, is a weekend of holiday shopping at the art center, with live entertainment, raffles, and festive craft making! The sale brings together handmade ceramics, glass, jewelry, fiber arts, photography, prints, and much more – all by Community Arts teaching artists and students. Join Community Arts for an opening reception Friday night, with drinks, appetizers and entertainment. And then, enjoy free craft activities, raffles, shopping, and treats all weekend long. Admission is free! Shadelands Art Center is located at 111 No. Wiget Lane in Walnut Creek.

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Lace up Those Skates

Ice Skating Returns To Downtown Walnut Creek November 9

Walnut Creek Downtown and the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau kick off the winter season on Friday, November 9, when ice skating starts at the 14th Annual Walnut Creek on Ice in the heart of downtown at Civic Park. The partially enclosed ice rink welcomes skaters of all ages and abilities to tie on a pair of ice skates and skate daily through January 21, 2019.

Families can also start the ice skating season with the Children’s Winter Festival.

Walnut Creek on Ice is open from November 9, 2018 – January 21, 2019

Pricing includes skate rental. Weekdays:

Monday through Friday - $12/person. Fridays after 5pm - $15/person. Weekends: Friday 5pm through Sunday 8pm - $15/person.

Holiday rate: $15/person. Children under three skate for free!

Public Skating Monday through Thursday: Noon -8pm.

Friday and Saturday: 11am-11pm. Sunday: 11am-9pm.

Children’s Winter Festival November 10, 11am-1pm

Children, families, and the young-atheart can kick off the ice skating season with the Children’s Winter Festival. This popular

Get Out and Vote Understanding the Issues

BY SUPERVISOR KAREN MITCHOFF,

Every election is important, but this election is especially vital. I encourage everyone to educate yourself on the candidates and issues before us this November. Our County Elections Division has put forth great effort towards efficient, user-friendly ways for you to fulfill your right to vote.

The goal is to make it as convenient as possible, understanding everyone has very different schedules. You can vote by mail and take your time analyzing the issues and candidates before casting your vote.

You can vote early at our early voting centers if you don’t want to mail in your ballot and are unable to go to your polling place on Election Day. There are many commuters in Contra Costa County, and it can be difficult to get to a polling place before 8pm on a weeknight for some people. The Contra Costa Elections Division office is now open for early voting. Their location is 555 Escobar Street, Martinez, CA 94553.

One issue I often hear from constituents about is the conditions of our local roads. Proposition 6 is a statewide ballot measure that, if passed, would repeal the SB 1 gas tax. SB 1 provides targeted transportation grants to help communities ad-

dress local traffic needs. Over the next decade, this funding will support safer school routes, increase efficiency for commercial transport, and provide congestion relief for daily commutes. Contra Costa County stands to lose $21 million in addition to lost grant matching funds opportunities if voters pass Proposition 6. Measures like this directly impact our daily lives – our commutes, the condition of our roads, and the maintenance on our vehicles.

For information on candidates, Contra Costa County Elections Division, Contra Costa Television, Contra Costa County Library, League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley, and League of Women Voters of West Contra Costa have all partnered to provide “Election Preview,” televised roundtable discussions and forums that will be available for residents to watch on TV and online. Decisions made at the local level have the greatest impact on our daily lives, and this is a great opportunity for voters to watch candidates and learn where they stand on issues that are important to them. These roundtables and forums can be seen 24/7 on the Contra Costa Television channel on YouTube and is also accessible through our Elections Division website.

There are many opportunities to vote.

Your input matters. Please, voice your opinion on November 6.

event includes live skate performances, Rocco’s pizza, hot chocolate, face painting, free giveaways, and more. Free admission and skates for the first 250 guests; $5 admission until 5pm, and then regular price of $15 per person. Includes skate rentals.

Veterans Day November 12, 11am-8pm

Walnut Creek On Ice at Civic Park thanks all veterans throughout the Bay Area by encouraging them to skate with a loved one on Veterans Day. $15 per veteran plus guest, military ID required. Guarantees two hours of skating.

Frosty & Friends - January 12, 11am-1pm

Walnut Creek On Ice invites you to skate with Frosty & his friends! A variety of fantasy characters, including princesses and furry friends, will be at the ice rink for pictures, skating, and visiting throughout the morning.

Where: Civic Park, Walnut Creek. For parking

Photo by SusanWoodPhotography.com

information, visit walnutcreekonice.com/ parking.

For more information, please contact: Walnut Creek on Ice 925.935.SNOW (7669) | walnutcreekonice.com.

Marketing: Shawn Filardi, Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce, 925-934-2007 or sfilardi@walnut-creek.com.

OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 2018 | 11

DO IT YOURSELF

Spin on DIY Decorating for Fall

BY REBECCA SEIDENSPINNER

Fall is my favorite season for fancying up the porch. I like to load up on pumpkins of all shapes and sizes for decorations. When guests arrive at my home, the front porch is like a first impression. I like it to feel inviting and reflect the season. I also just love to decorate. I have been seeing super cute doormats on social media with cute sayings – a catchy phrase or funny saying to make your guests smile upon arrival as they knock on the door. A few of my favorites are: Please Hide Packages From Husband; This House Runs on Coffee, Target and Amazon Prime;

and the simple Home Sweet Home.

I thought the project here would make a cute and easy DIY craft for fall.

Here are the simple details.

I found a plain doormat at Joann’s and a stencil, both at 50 percent off -- yay!

This total project cost under ten dollars because I already had some black acrylic paint at home from another project. The stencil packet included a few different sayings and the alphabet for making custom designs. I chose the stencil that said “Welcome Fall” and changed “Fall” to “Y’all.”

I thought this would last into the new year and I wouldn’t have to change it.

Painting on the carpet was harder than I expected and I thought it wasn’t going to turn out, but it looks fantastic. I am SO happy with the outcome. Another small detail I noticed while researching the DIY doormat was layering your doormat with another small rug underneath. This makes it stand out and pop with color.

I’m in love with it. I gave this doormat to my best friend as a hostess gift. Her home is a location for friends and family to gather during the holiday season and all year ‘round. I thought she would enjoy a handmade gift from me. I especially love her porch and all the little details she puts in when decorating for each holiday.

Her Dutch door is my absolute favorite. A dutch door is a door in which the bottom half may remain shut while the top half opens. The initial purpose of this door was to keep animals out of the farmhouse or to keep children inside while allowing light and air to filter through the open top

part of the door. This Dutch door recently got a fresh coat of emerald green paint and looks amazing.

This fall and Thanksgiving, I am so thankful for my family and my best friend.

We love to do crafts together and share

in the joys of our children, and she makes the best pumpkin pie. I am so grateful for all my blessings in the world. I hope you can always find something to be thankful for, this season and all year long. Happy fall, y’all.

Community Service Day

Pleasant Hill Civic Action Commission Chair Allison Koerber provided an update to council on the September 27 Community Service Day. She reported that the Lion’s Club provided a pancake breakfast for 403 volunteers, and there were over 750 volunteers with 18 projects, including campus clean-ups at the elementary schools, Pleasant Hill Middle School, and College Park High School. The Rotary Club helped to add a garden and drip system at the YMCA, and approximately 1,709 lbs. of food was collected for the Food Bank. Valhalla Elementary also had a food drive, in which families donated 965 pounds of food that was organized into boxes to provide 177 healthy meals for families in need.

Koerber included a noteworthy story in her presentation and said, “At the Grayson Creek clean-up the week before, there had been some items stolen from the middle school, including ten laptops. Four young volunteers located the laptops, turned them in, and they were all working.” She also mentioned a tribute to Martin Nelis and Don Flaskerud, who both passed away this year and were very active in Community Service Day.

Proudly endorsed by the Pleasant Hill Police Officers Association and local firefighters Independent, informed, fair A voice of reason A proven leader Re-elect Michael Harris for City Council 2018, 2300 Heritage Hills Dr., Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 12 | NOVEMBER 2018 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM

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FPHE Anniversary

Green Team Celebrates Five Years

The Foundation for Pleasant Hill Education (FPHE) Green Team celebrates its five-year anniversary this year.

Launched originally as part of the Pleasant Hill Education Initiative (PHEI) in April 2013, the Green Team was integrated into FPHE in 2015. Team members include teachers, parents, community members, and even the occasional principal, vice principal, and student, all working to support and encourage organic gardening, healthy food & nutrition, recycling, and sustainability in the Pleasant Hill schools. The team meets at a different Pleasant Hill school every month and also serves as an outreach and networking facilitator between schools and the community.

Organic gardening at the schools grew this year when College Park High School (CPHS) parent Victoria Naulleau coordinated the cleanup and planting of drought tolerant natives in the CPHS raised beds. The CPHS Earth Club, led by student Diego Trovato, also seeded one bed into a dense swath of lovely flowers.

Gregory Gardens Elementary’s garden was rejuvenated by parent Morgan Foster, 1st grade teacher Mrs. Hagstrom, and students after they planted six existing raised beds. Morgan’s husband, Kyle, built three more beds, a pumpkin patch, and a great harvesting scale tower. A devoted group of amazing parents adopted the garden, too, helping each week with maintenance, upkeep and harvesting -12 lbs. on August 5, and over 250 lbs. for the year!

To promote healthy food and nutrition, the Farm to Schools program, led by Science Educator Tamara Helfer, started in 2017-18 at five MDUSD schools, with Fair Oaks as the only school in Pleasant Hill. The program is expanding in 2018-19 with a “lite” version in three more schools, including Gregory Gardens Elementary.

The team supported the recycling ambitions of students and encouraged the district to comply with California law requiring recycling and composting at CPHS, PHMS, and VVMS by January 2017

Re-Elect

Sue Noack for Pleasant Hill City Council

Why we support Sue Noack for City Council “Sue cares deeply about Pleasant Hill and especially about families in our community. From her work on city council to PTSAs and the Foundation for PH Education to the new library project, Sue leads with the passion of a parent and the professionalism of a successful businesswoman.” Patrick Remer, Library Manager

and the remaining Pleasant Hill schools

by January 2019. The Strandwood Parents’ Green Team launched cafeteria compost/recycle/landfill sorting right after Earth Day 2018 and went from six landfill carts to two in just the first week.

Students in the Gregory Gardens Green Team, under the supervision of 4th grade teacher Michelle Miller, presented their cafeteria waste-sorting program to each 2nd and 3rd grade class and then launched with the 2nd/3rd lunch in May. They’ve expanded to the whole school now.

The most memorable project in sustainability was a presentation on climate change by professional skier/snowboarder Ralph Backstrom, a member of Protect Our Winters, and how it has affected his snow dependent career and family. His video thrilled 300 Pleasant Hill Middle School students in 2014, and you can see it here: http://vimeo.com/112954210

For more information, visit the Green Team website: http://fphe.info/greenteam.html. If you’d like to join the team or have projects you’d like to lead in the schools but need help with labor, expertise, or finding the right person to work with, contact Green Team coordinator Liz Fisher at Lfisher99@sbcglobal.net or 925937-1869.

“Over the past four years, we have had the opportunity to observe, evaluate, and discuss issues with City Council member Sue Noack.

Sue is a leader and an advocate for the Pleasant Hill community. She asks questions. She listens. She gives honest, thoughtful responses.

We whole-heartedly endorse Sue Noack for re-election.” -Allen and Sandy Vinson, Pleasant Hill 2017 Citizens of the Year “As a business owner, it is always important to be able to have a working relationship with our elected officials. Sue, is approachable, professional, and always friendly. She strives to work hard for the people who live in Pleasant Hill, but also those who have chosen to operate their businesses within the city as well. I am proud to endorse Sue for City Council!”-Angela Warren, Restaurant Owner, Wisegirl Ristorante “Sue is the best choice for Pleasant Hill City Council. Her many years of volunteer work in our city and her first term on City Council show her dedication and commitment to making our city such a special place to live” -John Hanecak, Educator and former City Council Member

ll i H t n a s Working a e l together for P Paid for By: Sue Noack for Pleasant Hill City Council 2018 • FPPC# 1366987 307 Meadowood Ct., Pleasant Hill, CA 95423 925.947.1350 • Sue@SueNoack.com Find us on Facebook and Instagram

OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 2018 | 13

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Light up the night !

—photo by Schofield Images

Join the Festivities this Holiday season in Downtown Pleasant Hill...and Light up the night!

Wednesday November 28 5:00–8:00pm Holiday Arts & Crafts Faire on Crescent Drive (5:00pm) Music, Studio A Dancers, and caroling (5:00pm) FREE hot chocolate, coffee and cookies (6 5:00pm)

5:00pm) Free horse drawn carriage rides (6 5 :00pm) Free pictures with Santa (6 Holiday tree lighting (6:45pm)

Located at Crescent Drive at Contra Costa Boulevard Complete entertainment schedule at www.pleasanthillca.org/lutn.

For more details call 671-5229 or email gvassar@pleasanthillca.org.

Brought to you by Downtown Pleasant Hill, City of Pleasant Hill, and the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce.

City of Pleasant Hill

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Celebrating 70 Years Suzy and Ted Winslow

Long-time Pleasant Hill residents Suzy and Ted Winslow recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Both active members of Pleasant Hill since 1950, Ted was the general manager of the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District for many years and a founding member of the PH Lions Club.

Suzy taught kindergarten at Pleasant Hill Elementary and was a driving force in music programs at Hillcrest Congregational Church, where they are charter members. They are both lifetime members of the Contra Costa Country Club.

Their wonderful story together began on Thanksgiving Day in 1947. Ted had recently returned from serving in the Army Air Corp and was attending UC Berkeley. Suzy was living in Los Angeles after graduating from the University of Michigan. Ted had invited two

of his fraternity brothers to his parents’ home, outside of Oroville, for Thanksgiving. In the meantime, Suzy’s friend had invited her and another friend to celebrate Thanksgiving at her aunt’s home in Oroville. Ted’s mother and the aunt were friends, and as mothers and aunts do, they decided to get the guys

and girls together for Thanksgiving.

Following Thanksgiving was a day of hiking and a night of dancing in the nearby town of Chico. Though the holiday gathering was wonderful and Ted had taken great interest in Suzy, no future plans were made, and the guys and girls returned to Berkeley and Los An-

geles. But Ted, having been dazzled by Suzy, decided to write to her, which he did, with no response from Suzy. Not to be dissuaded, Ted, with some prompting from his fraternity brothers and his mother, decided to go to Los Angeles to see Suzy. After a phone call to Suzy and her receptiveness to a visit, Ted set off with friends to Los Angeles by way of Ted’s short cut through Reno, down to Las Vegas, and then to Los Angeles.

The story only gets better from here, as Ted and Suzy continued to develop their relationship across 400 miles with the help of cars, trains, and telephone calls. After eight months, the ring was presented and accepted! On September 18, 1948, they were married at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Michigan. Ted and Suzy have four children, four grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

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SPORTS

DAL Champs

Running for Ryan

Congratulations to the College Park girls golf team for winning the DAL championship at Diablo Creek Golf Course Monday, October 15. Haily Salomone was low gross with a 73 and was joined by Chloe Capanis and Kelsie Emjker with First Team All League honors. Haily missed two matches because she was playing at Pebble Beach, causing her to miss out on the MVP title. Second Team All League honors went to Trinity Day-Kempton.

Samantha Flynn, Olivia Greenwood, and Alivia Graham, who all received honorable mentions. Congratulations to Coach Jerry and Gary and all the girls. The next step is the NCS Championships. Good luck, girls.

College Park High School Athletic Director Jim Keck announced the school’s current partnership with the Walnut Creek Half Marathon, Relay, 10K and 5K race on December 8. Race coordinator Darryll Whaley has agreed to contribute funds form the race towards Ryan’s recovery efforts. Darryll is the longtime wrestling coach at Berean Christian in Walnut Creek.

When registering for this year’s event, you are given the option of selecting “Running for Ryan.” If selected, 40% of your race entry will be donated to Ryan’s recovery find.

This is a great opportunity to compete in a fun event while at the same time helping the Joseph family. Register at runwalnutcreek.com.

Ryan is still at Craig Hospital in Colorado and intends to continue there as long as he shows progress. He currently has walked 400 yards with the aid of a walker and made many other strides towards independent living. He is keeping up with his school work with support from Craig and teachers from College Park.

Great Player and Leader

CP Cross Country

College Park cross country is off to a great season this year. The team has traveled from the wilds of Oregon to Southern California in hopes of qualifying for the State meet. Seniors Dylan Cook, Bjorn Thorsen and Jake Heinlein, junior Ethan Gaglias, sophmore Sebastian Vaisset-Fauvel, and freshman Lev Afonine are leading one of the strongest teams College Park has seen in recent years. They finished 5th at the prestigious Clovis Invitational, 3rd at the Ed Sias Invitational and 3rd at the Farmers Invitational.

For the varsity girls, seniors Kylie Tseng, Tayler Hall, and sophmore Molly Ostrowski are leading a quartet of freshman Lindsay Reed, Isabella Alviz, Marlo Taylor and Chloe Vaisset-Fauvel to strong finishes this season. Their best finish this season was placing 5th place in the highly competivie Captital Cross Challenge.

With the team growing every year, College Park is proving to be a strong contender in the competitive Diablo Athletic League.

By Luc Lamoureux and Jason Eide Sports Leadership Class

The College Park boys water polo team started the season with a bang and is still rolling. A big reason why the boys are having such success is because of #2, Will Ennis. Will is the starting hole set for the team and is having such a great year.

He is leading the team with a whopping 64 goals. He also is a big defensive presence, with 49 steals, tied for second on the team. In the last 4 games, Will has scored 16 goals, averaging 4 goals per game. The boys can always count on Will if they need an offensive spark.

Although Will is a great water polo player, he is an even better leader, in and out of the pool. Even when the team is losing, Will keeps his head up and plays

with pride. He tries to get that mindset in the head of his teammates, and it always shows. His game high in goals scored came this month against Heritage High School, where he scored 6 goals in a 12-8 win. With the season coming to a close, Will is still leading the Falcons and hopes to lead them into NCS.

CPHS & AHS Homecoming

AHS King David Miller and Queen Sterling Parker

CPHS Queen Alex Desmond and King Grayson Muhlenbruch.

Photo by Bailey Moore OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 2018 | 17

Teacher of the Year STEM to the Extreme

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced Tuesday that Northgate High School teacher, Rosie Reid will represent California in the National Teacher of the Year competition. The Mt. Diablo Unified School District high school English teacher is one of five educators selected as 2019 California State Teachers of the Year, but will be the only teacher (and the first teacher in Contra Costa County since 1998) to represent California at the national level.

Reid and Kelly Perkins, special education teacher at Ygnacio Valley High School in Concord, were recently selected as the two Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year at a dinner gala, coordinated by the Contra Costa County Office of Education. Perkins was selected as one of only three state semifinalists.

“We are very excited for Rosie, for Northgate High School and for the Mt. Diablo Unified School District,” said Karen Sakata, Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools. “To have a Contra Costa County

teacher of the year be named as the only California representative to the National Teacher of the Year competition is an incredible honor, and to additionally have Kelly be recognized as a state finalist is quite a feat for our county. They both symbolize the amazing teaching that occurs in classrooms throughout our county every day.”

Rosie Reid teaches English to ninth through twelfth grade students at Northgate High School, Mount Diablo Unified School District, in Walnut Creek. As California’s representative, Reid will compete against other state nominees at the 2019 National Teacher of the Year competition in the spring.

“Ms. Reid does not just teach English.

She inspires us to become involved in our community, to relate curriculum to larger world issues, and to express ourselves by articulating our ideas through writing and public speaking,” said student Lark ChangYeh.

Reid has been teaching for 16 years, the last two at Northgate High School. She

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was the first in her family to go to college, largely because of her educators’ efforts, and she became a teacher to pay this forward. She has taught every level of high school English and is part of the English Learner Review Team to monitor English learners and mentor teachers. Most recently, she founded and leads an equity task force at her high school.

“I strive to be a status quo disruptor and an agent of social justice, while engaging in a rigorous, standards-based English curriculum. So often teachers feel that if they are thinking about issues of equity and implicit bias, they must compromise rigor in order for all students to be successful; in fact it is by helping our most socially marginalized students develop literacy (and numeracy) skills that we may achieve social equity,” said Reid.

County offices of education nominate

California Teachers of the Year winners through their county-level competitions.

A state selection committee reviews candidates’ applications and conducts site visits to evaluate the teachers’ rapport with students, classroom environment, presentation skills, and teaching techniques. The teachers are interviewed by the California Department of Education (CDE). The State Superintendent then selects the five awardees.

The 2019 California Teachers of the Year, finalists, and semifinalists will be honored by Torlakson at a gala to be held in Sacramento on December 10, 2018. For more information on the award program, please visit the CDE’s California Teachers of the Year web page. For more information about the Contra Costa County program, go to: https://www.cccoe.k12.ca.us/departments/communications/toy

Shell Run Success The 16th Annual Shell/MEF 5k/10k Run for Education on September 30 brought in $90,000 for the Martinez Education Foundation (MEF) and drew more than 1000 people with a variety of roles. On a beautiful fall morning, over 800 people either ran or walked the 5K route through downtown Martinez or ran the 10K route that went up to the hills on Carquinez Scenic Drive. Joseph Huang of Woodland came in first in the men’s 10K category, and Sigrid Fallentine of Martinez came in first in the women’s category. Lev Afonine of Martinez won the men’s 5K competition, and Lisa Allan, also from Martinez, won the women’s event. More than 250 people volunteered to make the event a success, including dozens of students from Martinez Junior High School, Alhambra High School, Martinez area CERT volunteers, and many Shell refinery employees. The Alhambra High marching band performed in the downtown plaza before the race started. This year’s run was also supported by 47 corporate sponsors that donated to the event. Shell Martinez Refinery General Manager Tom Rizzo called the Run for Education a testament to the caring community we live in. Thank you to all runners, walkers, volunteers, and sponsors for making this a huge success!

SCHOOL NEWS

CPHS Updates

Ryan Update and Merit Finalists JOSEPH G. ALVAREZ PRINCIPAL, COLLEGE PARK HIGH SCHOOL

I’d like to give an update on Ryan Joseph, a sophomore student athlete who has played on both the JV lacrosse and wrestling teams. Ryan suffered a traumatic injury at a wrestling meet, resulting in a spinal cord injury that rendered him paralyzed from the neck down. Update: He is showing tremendous progress and even walking with assistance! I have been shown numerous videos of his feats (which can be seen at www.collegeparkathletics.com), and I am in pure awe of this young man’s accomplishments. We are hoping that he will start his second semester back at CPHS.

Ryan’s situation emphasizes some key character attributes of our Falcon beliefs and values -- essentially how we define CPHS. C=Courage, P=Pride, H=Honor and S=Sacrifice. These are things we teach inside and outside of our classrooms. Every day. Our students may feel challenged – maybe even bombarded – with decisions each day as they continue to learn and find their way in life.

As a CPHS family, we continue to remind students to: • Stay engaged with their studies • Get involved on campus • Have a plan of action

There are continual focused efforts to develop strong action plans with

our freshman class to help establish a concrete trend and tone for their high school career. There are 2,000 students in our system – all of whom I see as creative, compassionate, collaborative, forward thinking, and solution-oriented, and it’s important that our staff possess these same qualities (which they do in droves) to help ensure all students have a fantastic experience at CPHS.

As we embark on a vision of creating a society of citizens who embrace and see the value of our differences, we start with the micro-community we have here at CPHS. We truly have a global environment, comprised of students from around the world – each with something unique and important that gives us reason to celebrate their uniqueness – whether they are bi- or multi-lingual; have an exceptional talent – academic, artistic, or athletic; or have what some would consider a disability – speech, hearing, or physical – which we know is NOT the barrier to success some might think. At the end of the day, we are all Falcons and have created a school where we look to be informed and not judge others based on differences.

We have many community partners who support College Park in so many ways, either through monetary donations or through their time and efforts. An annual event that helps support athletics, for example, is the Future Ford Drive One event, which brought in more than $11,000 last year and which we hope to double this year! Simply put, this is a great

Commended Students

Berean Christian High School is pleased to announce the following students have been named Commended Students in the 2019 National Merit Scholarship Program:

Matthew Cho (Pleasant Hill), Tyler Dresdow (Concord), Caleb Jensen (Pleasant Hill), Hope Koonin (Concord), and Nathaniel Robbins (Benicia). A Letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) has been presented to these students. Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 scorers of more than 1.6 million students who entered the 2019 competition by taking the 2017 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

The school is also pleased to announce that Francesca (Kiki) Callaghan (Alamo) has been named a National Hispanic Scholar in the 2019 National Hispanic Recognition Program (NHRP). Kiki scored in the top 2.5% among Hispanic and Latino PSAT/NMSQT test takers in our region.

initiative, and I would like to thank Future Ford of Concord for their continued efforts and support. The next one is scheduled for May. If you’d like more information, please visit our athletics webpage at https://collegeparkathletics.com.

A special “shout out” to National Merit Scholar semifinalist Nathan Kastell!

Hundreds of Bay Area students are semifinalists in the 2019 National Merit Scholarship Program, which honors academic excellence. About 16,000 semifinalists in total were chosen based on their scores in last year’s Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, taken by about 1.6 million high school juniors. The semifinalists get the chance to compete for about 7,500 National Merit

Scholarships that will be offered next spring.

To become finalists, the semifinalists must submit a scholarship application that includes a strong academic record and an account of their participation in school and community activities, leadership abilities, participation in school and community activities, employment, and any honors or awards. About 90 percent of the semifinalists are expected to be named finalists, and about half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship. Good luck, Nathan!!

Simply put, CPHS is a phenomenal place to be! Thank you again for your support of and participation in our Falcon and College Park community. You are greatly appreciated.

School News

Clue onstage presented by College Park High School

It’s a dark and stormy night, and you’ve been invited to a very unusual dinner party. Each of the guests has an alias, the butler offers a variety of weapons, and the host is, well…dead.

So, whodunit? Join the iconic oddballs known as Scarlet, Plum, White, Green, Peacock, and Mustard as they race to find the murderer in Boddy Manor before the body count stacks up.

Based on the cult classic film and the popular board game, Clue is a madcap comedy that will keep you guessing until the final twist.

Performances run from November 1 – 3 and November 7 - 9. Showtimes are 7pm, with an additional performance on November 2, a 3:30pm matinee. College Park multi-use room.

Tickets at https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=cpdb.

She Kills Monsters: Presented by Las Lomas High School

Forged by the hands of nerds and crafted by geeks, Dungeons and Dragons is the key to a mystery Agnes Evans must unravel. On her journey through her dead sister’s game diary, Agnes battles goblins, monsters, and dragons, as well as some of her own inner fears. Aided by a demoness and an elf, Agnes battles monsters with a sword and with strength she never knew she had. At the end of the “game,” she emerges with a clear and fond understanding of both her dead sister and herself. She Kills Monsters is an upbeat, funny, thrilling video game of a play. November 7 - 9 and November 14 - 16 at 7pm. The location is Las Lomas High School, 1416 South Main Street, Walnut Creek. Tickets are available at the door, 30 minutes before showtime: $15/general admission, $8/students and 60+.

Help Alhambra Students Help Others

Would you like to help Alhambra’s student leadership with two of our service projects during the holidays? These are programs sponsored by student leadership where families, individuals, clubs/sports team/student groups “adopt a family” to provide gifts during the holidays or drop off a box of cereal, hats, scarves, fleece blankets, personal hygiene kits, and socks to help organizations in our community help others. Generally, each person is given 3-4 gifts. If you would prefer to donate a gift card so leadership students can shop for the gifts, that works too. All items, including gifts, preferably wrapped, need to be dropped off to Alhambra High School by Tuesday, December 4. If you have questions or would like a leadership student to contact you, please email mgriffin@martinezusd.net.

OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 2018 | 19

Estate Planning

Incapacity Planning for Family Member

BY DANIEL DuREE

You may be familiar with using a durable power of attorney for incapacity planning as part of your estate plan, however, what if you have a family member who has an estate plan in place but is starting to lose capacity due to dementia, Alzheimer’s, or simply old age?

With some basic steps, you can smoothly transfer management of financial, personal, and healthcare decisions without going through the painful process of declaring someone incapacitated.

Transitioning Management of a Trust

Generally, a person will serve as trustee of a trust until passing away or

being declared incompetent by two separate doctors. Only at that time will the successor trustee take control and start managing the trust property.

However, management can be more easily transferred by amending the trust and making the first successor trustee a co-trustee. This way, the original trust creator can still help manage the property alongside the co-trustee and eventually leave the co-trustee to do most of the management. Another benefit to this is that the original trust creator need not be declared incompetent and will remain a co-trustee until death. This simplifies tax preparation as well because a separate tax return must be filed when the creator of the trust is no longer a trustee or cotrustee.

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Transitioning Management of Financial, Personal, and Healthcare Decisions

Similar to the trust management succession above, most Durable Powers of Attorney and Advance Healthcare directives do not take effect until a person is deemed incapacitated by two doctors.

However, if a family member is slowly losing capacity but is presently still competent, an immediate durable power of attorney and/or advance healthcare directive may be created to transition decision making to another person. With an immediate durable power of attorney, for example, the creator can still write checks, file taxes, etc., but their agent can also do these things on their behalf. So, instead of management going from only the principal having authority to only the agent having authority, there is a smooth

transition where both parties have legal authority to manage the principal’s finances.

If the deteriorating capacity of a loved one is addressed early enough, you can transition management smoothly without having to resort to declaring the person incapacitated or going through the painful conservatorship process.

As always, please consult with a licensed attorney before you make any decisions regarding incapacity planning.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to give my office a call. I am happy to assist you in any way possible.

Daniel L. DuRee is a third generation resident of Contra Costa County and a licensed attorney practicing in Walnut Creek. He can be reached at (925) 2101400 or visit www.DuReeLaw.com.

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PAIR UP

Re-Fresh French

Putting those Thanksgiving Leftovers to Good Use

BY MARIA TERRY

Thanksgiving is a holiday of abundance, when recipes usually feed a hoard of people.

If you don’t have a hoard, the leftovers can be daunting. Here is a menu to consume and refresh those leftovers so you don’t have to feel like you are eating the same meal for three to four days in a row. In fact, you can put together this Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole in the process of “putting away the leftovers.” Then, it is all ready to pop in the oven for your “re-fresh” French meal.

While the casserole is warming, start with a simple snack of salted cashews and a thirst-quenching cocktail. Vermouth is a fortified and aromatized wine that originated in France. Basically, it is wine spiked with brandy and infused with herbs and spices.

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Australia. The winemaker uses a base wine of Hunter Valley Semillon and fortifies it with brandy. Then, the wine is infused with citrus fruits and herbs like thyme, elderflower, and chamomile. It is bursting with citrus and floral notes. Drink it over ice, or pump-up the citrus and elderflower flavors by using it in the Lively Rogue Cooler recipe.

Once your casserole emerges from the oven, serve it with a Beaujolais Nouveau.

Nouveau is made from Gamay grapes grown in the Beaujolais region of France. Using “carbonic maceration,” it is bottled a mere 6 – 8 weeks after harvest. This method produces a wine that is very low in tannin, with a high acidity. Look for lush, juicy aromas of grape, raspberry, cranberry, candied fruits, fig, banana, and even bubblegum. These fresh fruity flavors work well with the salty turkey, rich stuffing, and creamy potatoes. It is also lightly sweet, so it will stand up to the sweetness of the cranberry sauce.

Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole

INGREDIENTS 4 cups stuffing 3 cups chopped turkey 2 cups mashed potatoes 1 cup green bean casserole 1/4 cup cranberry sauce 1 cup turkey gravy, divided 1/4 cup dried cranberries for garnish, if desired DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 375˚. Spray a 9x9inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

Spread half of the stuffing in the bottom of the baking dish. Top with the turkey. Top with 1/4 cup of the gravy.

Spread the cranberry sauce and green bean casserole over the turkey.

In a larger bowl, stir together the remaining gravy and mashed potatoes.

Spread in the casserole. Spread the rest of the stuffing over the mashed potatoes.

Bake for 40 minutes or until heated through. Top with dried cranberries before serving.

Yield: 6 Servings

..........................................................

24 | NOVEMBER 2018 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM

Strawberry Hand Pie

Since the first and second courses were already done before you even contemplated this meal, take a little time earlier in the day to assemble a few little Strawberry Hand Pies for dessert. The cream cheese in the crust gives it a tangy flavor that sets it apart from a traditional butter crust. It also tastes great with the strawberry filling. For your wine pairing, my first choice is sweet, pink, and bubbly. Try a Vin de Bugey-Cerdon from eastern France. It will take a bit of searching to find one but is well worth the effort. If you can’t find the Bugey, look for anything sweet and bubbly.

So, go on. Pair Up!

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

Lively Rogue Cooler INGREDIENTS 2 ounces Regal Rogue Lively White 1 teaspoon St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur 1 wedge of lemon 1 wedge of lime Tonic water DIRECTIONS

In a tall Collins glass, add Regal Rogue Lively White and St. Germain. Fill with ice and tonic water. Squeeze a wedge of lemon and a wedge of lime into the glass.

Add a sprig of rosemary and give it a brief stir.

Yield: 1 Drink

..........................................................

INGREDIENTS Dough 1 9-inch pie crust 1/2 cup softened butter 4 oz. softened cream cheese 1 cup flour Filling 1 cup chopped strawberries, fresh or frozen 1/4 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla Zest of half a lemon 2 Tablespoons cornstarch 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) Extra sugar for sprinkling Topping: whipped cream, ice cream, or powdered sugar DIRECTIONS

With a mixer, cream butter and cream cheese together until light and fluffy. Add in flour and mix just until the dough comes together. Place dough in plastic wrap and chill for 30-60 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350. Place parchment paper on a pan and set aside. On a floured or powdered sugared surface, knead the dough a couple of times until it is a nice round ball.

Roll dough into a circle with a rolling pin, about 1/4” thick. Using a 3” biscuit cutter, cut out as many dough rounds as possible (about 5-6). Place dough rounds on a sheet pan. Form the dough back into a ball and roll out again. Cut out 5-6 more rounds. (Because of the cream cheese in the dough, it will not get tough or overworked like traditional pie dough.)

In a small bowl, gently combine chopped strawberries, sugar, vanilla, lemon zest, and cornstarch. Fill each pie round with 1-2 Tbsp. of filling.

Take one side of the dough and pull it over the filling. Use a fork to crimp the edges together and poke an air hole at the top of the pie. Brush each pie with egg wash. Sprinkle with white sugar.

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until pie is golden brown. Cool completely.

Sprinkle with powdered sugar, ice cream, or whipped cream.

Yield: 12 Little Pies

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IN THE MIX

In the Mix

So Long, Roxx on Main

BY PAUL COTRUVO

Music venues come and go. Some are forgettable, and some you go to for great entertainment and great food. Roxx on Main falls into the latter category.

Roxx has been going strong in downtown Martinez for eight years, but due to some health concerns, it will be closing in mid-December. I have been a musician for 45 years and have always tried to seek out venues such as Roxx on Main, mainly to perform for an appreciative audience without blaring TV sets in the background. I will miss this amazing venue, not only because I enjoyed hearing great artists and enjoyed playing there myself but also because of the genuine love that Roxanne and Reed gave each and every one of us. As a little tribute, I asked some of my musician friends to give their perspective. You will see that Roxx on Main touched all of us.

Scotty O’Neill: Since their inception, ROM has been a place of gathering, one of the places where I “cut my chops” performing. I made friends there, some of which are now band-mates. In August of 2012 I was fortunate to meet my nowwife! Friendships solidified among our musical community. Roxanne and Reed (Cole) have always been active in helping others, whether it’s victims of fire, health, or personal struggles. I wish I could write a huge check to Roxanne for her gener-

Paul’s Picks

osity, but I wouldn’t know how to repay her for her grace, friendship, and sense of community. To boot, all the fine folks who have worked there tirelessly to serve patrons whom I also call friends! Roxx = Love! We’ll always miss this place and savor the memories.

Bruce Campbell: What is an “open mic” event? Simply put, it’s an event (usually at a small venue) where musicians sign up to play a few songs. There’s generally no audition process; whoever signs up can play. For some, the term “open mic” can cause fear and trepidation, simply because the unknown can be intimidating, and watching someone who can barely play can be uncomfortable, but why? It’s only the performer that assumes any real risk. Ideally, the quick turnover ensures a rapidly changing and richly varied show.

For almost a decade, the open mic event at Roxx on Main transcended the risks - my memory is that is was always fun and entertaining. The acts ranged from novices (who often displayed exciting levels of nascent -- sometimes precocious talent in both playing and songwriting) to seasoned local musicians who frequently formed impromptu “pop-up” bands with their peers. Why did Roxx’s events succeed where so many others failed? The venue had a very nurturing ambiance, so even shaky performers were quickly put at ease, and this helped bring out their best. Secondly, Roxx on Main had excellent hosts who made all the performers feel cherished and welcome, and they

November 3: David and Linda LaFlame, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm November 8: Frankie G & The Conviction, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm November 10: The Bell Brothers, Roxx on Main, 627 Main St., Martinez, 7pm November 14: Midnight Flyer, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm November 16: Pop Fiction, Dan’s Bar, 1524 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek, 10pm November 17: Dan DeShara, Rocco’s, 2909 Ygnacio Valley Rd., Walnut Creek, 8pm November 17: Native Elements, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm November 24: Mighty Mike Shermer, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm November 29: The Big Jangle, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm November 30: Garageland, Rodeo, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 4:30pm

always kept the line moving - gently, but firmly. It became a place to be, a place to be seen, and a place to be heard.

Carol Caroompas: Roxx on Main has been my “home away from home” since my first visit there, years ago. What Roxanne and Reed Cole have brought to downtown Martinez is so much more than good food and wine. They have helped shape and support the musicians who are lucky enough to perform there.

They have taken a chance on budding artists and bands and given them an opportunity to shine in their small but gracious venue. There are many of us, including myself, who owe them much more than a thank you for their continued support. Everyone is made to feel like family there. The staff who work with Roxanne and Reed always become another member of the family, and they treat each other with warmth and respect, which in turn gives the patrons of Roxx on Main the glorious gift of servers who smile and dance through the establishment while bringing delicious plates that Roxanne and her kitchen staff have created. Roxx and Reed gave my son his first job, and they still treat him like he is one of their own every time they see him. I have also had the pleasure of teaching four of their five grandchildren in my math classes over the years, the oldest of whom spent her summer home from college serving food and drinks to the patrons of ROM. The Cole family has done so much more than great food and live music for the town of Martinez. Between their 4th of July Pancake Breakfasts, numerous special events, and a variety of fundraisers for the citizens of their town, Roxanne and Reed have selflessly given their time and talents for the good of this small town. I will miss Roxx on Main more than I can express. It has truly been a gift to be a part of this special place.

Chris Bryant: I first encountered Roxx and Reed soon after they first opened on Main Street, managing bands for Martinez Fridays on the Main. I had the Hopeful Romantics on the bill and was

Carol Caroompas and Paul Cotruvo at Roxx on the Main.

ready to set up when it suddenly started to rain. Not wanting to send the band home, I took a chance, introduced myself to the newest business on the street, and asked if they’d be interested in presenting some live music for the evening. We moved the Hopefuls into the restaurant window to do their show. Shortly after, I met Mike Spinelli, who was working in the kitchen and hosting an open mic on Thursdays, and I soon took over hosting.

After that, Roxx was my home away from home every Thursday for the next several years. In addition to ROMTOM Fridays and Saturdays, it became one of Martinez’ hot spots for live music - showcasing everything from solo acts to bands with far too many members to fit into its window stage (e.g. GarageLand Rodeo), yet we all kept coming back, again and again, and the list of bands who made it part of their regular schedule continued to grow. It’s been a great run. Roxx, Reed, and everyone involved will be greatly missed. I wish them nothing but the best as they move on to the next phase of their lives. Get down there for a show before they close.

You will not regret it. And to Roxx and Reed? Just call anytime, as I am indebted forever.

OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 2018 | 25

A History Note

Veterans’ Memorial Monument in Pleasant Hill

BY JOHN MERCURIO AND JOHN BURGH

After the First World War, there was considerable interest around the country in memorializing the nation’s fallen troops in various ways. Contra Costa County was no different. With the persistent fundraising of Contra Costa’s sheriff Richard R. Veale, enough money was raised to construct a substantial concrete tower in Pleasant Hill. Eventually, although it took eight years, the monument was built with $35,000 in contributions from local citizens, veterans, and businesses that provided in-kind services. The fund drive was enhanced by a model of the structure, which was later used by the architects and engineers in designing the graceful tower.

Located in a triangle of land at the intersection of State Route 21, Contra Costa Highway (today’s Contra Costa Blvd.), and State Route 24, Monument Road (today’s Monument Blvd.), the monument was

dedicated on December 11, 1927, and three thousand people attended. The California lieutenant governor was in attendance, along with various local dignitaries.

Four bas-relief soldier images, one of whom is African-American, crown the structure. A plaque was affixed to the base, listing the seventy-seven residents of Contra Costa County who gave their lives during the war. Friezes of trenchcoated doughboys adorn its walls.

Another bronze plaque on the structure notes that 6,341 Contra Costans served, and other plaques added over the years commemorate service and losses in subsequent wars.

Highway expansion necessitated the memorial’s relocation to another intersection nearby in 1954, and freeway widening required it to be moved yet again in the 1990s. It currently stands at the intersection of Boyd Road and Contra

Costa Boulevard.

When dedicated, the tower included a spiral staircase to allow visitors to access an observation deck at the top to view the hills, orchards, and fields that extended for miles in all directions. Two cannons adorned the base. During the moves, the stairway and the cannons were removed.

Throughout the years, it has been lovingly maintained under the leadership of the County and the American Legion. Each November, for more than 90 years, a Veterans Day remembrance at the monument has been celebrated. The photo shows the scene of the 1927 dedication ceremony.

A History Note is presented by the Contra Costa County Historical Society’s History Center, 724 Escobar St., Martinez.

Open hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, from 9-4, and third Saturdays, from 10-2. Check out the website at www. cocohistory.com.

Holiday Fitness Survival Guide Three Easy Steps to Incorporate Exercise into your Holidays

BY BRANDON GLASS

They’re coming. There’s no escaping.

You can’t hide. You can’t run. Well actually, you can and should run, but you can’t escape. The holidays are here and you’re already hungry. I gained a pound just typing that.

These months are difficult; schedules get turned upside-down, if you’re not traveling you’re preparing for travelers, and temptation is everywhere. From a fitness standpoint it seems like a simple formula for disaster; more calories coming in and fewer calories going out. But there is hope! Here are a few tips to help you maintain your health: Have a quick and simple exercise routine ready to go: • Pick 5 exercises you can do with minimal or no equipment such as push-ups, squat jumps, plank, walking lunges, and mountain climbers.

• Plan to do them for 1 minute each with 30 seconds of rest between exercises.

Now you’ve got a no-brainer routine of 7 minutes per set to squeeze in any time you’ve got a break. Do it twice and you’ve got a fifteen minute workout. Three times for 22 minutes or four times for 30. See? Easy.

Things to keep in mind: something is better than nothing. Shorter workouts of higher intensity actually burn fat more effectively than longer duration, lower intensity, exercise (and it’s a lot more fun).

Also, breaking your exercise routine into more than once a day helps to maximize your caloric expenditure.

Have a plan for meals and enlist help:

Now for the food. So. Much. Food. It helps to have a game-plan and a friend/ family member at those functions to help you stay accountable. If you don’t have someone you can ask to watch your back (or your plate), keep in touch with a friend by phone and support each other. Just knowing someone is relying on you will motivate you to be accountable. Here’s

26 | NOVEMBER 2018 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM

my plan when I get up to the table- I’m only taking one plate. Half my plate is for salad/veggies, one quarter for meat, and one quarter for carbs.

But let’s be realistic, there will be dessert. If you must eat dessert, plan one (1) single dessert; the one that will be worth it! Remember you’re probably going to be eating more than one holiday meal and refined sugar is one of the biggest enemies of health.

Stay hydrated: • This one is so easy. Hardly any of us drink enough water, despite its many benefits.

Much of what we perceive as hunger is in fact thirst so keep the cravings at bay by making sure you’ve had enough water. I personally like my single serving water bottle so I can see how much water I need to drink for the day. That’s right; my water bottle is 84 oz. It’s tremendous and the envy of all...and rather excessive, but hey, it works for me.

So there you have it, three steps to

keep you moving and eating well. I wish you all the best over the holidays - let’s help each other out and encourage each other. Give hugs. Perfect your burpees and lunges. Slap cookies from the hands of strangers...no, don’t really do that. It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Brandon Glass, PTA, CPT, is the owner of Contra Costa Fitness in Martinez; a customized personal and group training service that specializes in functional fitness and post rehabilitation programs. www.contracostafitness.com

Winter Squash Varieties

IN THE GARDEN

Sweet as well as Savory Applications

BY LESLEY STILES

As our amazing crossover season continues to produce foods from both worlds, summer and fall, it entices senses while warming our souls. Days that start out cool and damp slowly warm up for an hour or two, long enough to sprout seeds above ground while encouraging roots below to spread their tentacles as the day cools down to early darkening skies. Au-

Autumn Vegetable Stew Baked in Pumpkin INGREDIENTS 1 red onion, chopped, or ½ bunch baby onions, greens sliced up 4 cloves garlic, chopped 2 carrots, split and chopped 1 large Yukon gold potato, cubed 1 orange sweet potato, cubed ½ butternut squash, cubed ½ head of Gai lan, sliced (Chinese broccoli) ½ bunch rainbow Swiss chard, sliced 2 cups tomato sauce 4 cups vegetable stock 2 tablespoons olive oil ½ cup chopped fresh mixed herbs such as parsley, basil, oregano, thyme, mint Salt and pepper 1 large pumpkin or squash of choice DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350*. Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil for about 4 minutes until slightly caramelized. Toss in carrots, potatoes and squash and sauté for 4 minutes more.

Add tomato sauce, vegetable stock and greens and bring to a simmer. Let cook for about 10 minutes and season with some salt and pepper. Cut off the top of pumpkin and scrape out seeds. Place in a foil lined baking dish and fill with the stew. Put top back on and add 1 inch of water to the baking dish.

Place in hot oven and bake for 45 minutes or until pumpkin is soft when pierced with a knife. Remove from oven and stir in herbs and check seasonings. Serve on a deep platter.

Serves 6

..........................................................

tumn and winter in these parts mesh until rains, hopefully, barrel down upon our valley, clearly demarking a changing season.

Gratitude comes in as many forms as blessings, very much cohabiting hand in hand. When we were down, my mom always said that someone somewhere was much worse off, so quit whining. Of course she was correct, as we all know once a certain age passes us by.

As the holiday season rolls around the sun yet another time, we all start to think about others’ plights and how we can assist. As we thank each other over a lovely home cooked feast, we can commence to ponder on where we can help come the following month. My gals and I have a little group we call the hen house, and when we have our gatherings, we throw down a hat for money to give to someone or a group in need. So simple, yet effective.

It’s so apropos that winter squashes come into season so perfectly for winter.

Meant to be baked or braised, they need that oven to cook, and we need it to warm us on cool days. Sweet as well as savory applications apply to all. Preparations are all about the same amongst lovely cucurbits.

Don’t let a little thick skin deter your efforts.

Roast, sauté or steam and puree for pies or cookies.

Winter squashes are lovely to look at but even better to eat. So many varieties grace market tables at peak winter season, and most are heirlooms siring a line of descent through the years for us to enjoy.

Blue Hubbard, aka New England Blue, is one such cucurbit. Perfectly capable as a replacement for pumpkin for soups or pies, Blue Hubbard boasts hard skin, bumpy and rumbly, with astounding bluish gray-green hues that hurricane around each other, mesmerizingly creating the effect of gazing into a sorcerer’s mirror when eyed on a market table. Plumply rounded around the waist and tapering up to a lovely neck, she is the belle, albeit a larger one at 5 to 25 pounds, of any chilly ball. Dating back to the 1800s in Eastern America, she sports a dense, creamy, orange interior, sweet and nutty, patiently awaiting some condiments

and heat to turn her on.

Cooking Big Blue

Chock-full of winter warming nutrition, Big Blue can be a challenge to prep if you allow her. Don’t let this beauty slash beast intimidate you. Payoff for perseverance is mighty. As with any hard winter cucurbit, cut off both ends with a sharp knife.

I always have a thick kitchen towel at hand to cover perilous sharp knife tips while using my weight to cut through. Peel around the circumference of squash’s top and bottom, leaving a wide swath of flesh at either end. Pull your peeler from top to bottom, catching the flesh at the swath. You have a whole peeled squash. With this method of squash prep, you can then cut raw squash into whatever shapes or sizes you want for culinary creations. Big Blue makes amazing baked “fries.” Cut raw squash into batons, toss with olive oil, salt, and bake on a sheet pan in a 450* oven for 15 minutes. Similarly, cut it into chunks, toss with garlic, olive oil and salt, and roast, same as above. Toss roasted pieces into cooked risotto, pasta, your mouth.

Of course, for all the supposed purists, you can cut squash in half, skin and all, seed the cavity, and fill with butter, brown sugar and cinnamon, and bake in a covered pan with an inch of water for about an hour at 375*. This results in a luscious pudding of

our beloved blue’s creamy gift to scoop and make into pies or cookies, or to slurp and rub onto a loved one’s special places.

Even with rain on the horizon, walking is key. Put on a raincoat and discover a new neighborhood. Maybe one with lots of hills! ‘Til then, keep pounding the dirt in our amazing hills that surround our valley and then some. Trees are turning and skies are dramatic. Soak it in and prepare to be grateful and generous, all in the same breath. Then make cookies with someone you love.

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

Contact Lesley at lesleystiles@comcast.net, www.lesleystiles.blogspot.com and visit her new website: www.lesleystilesfoods.com.

Free Club Membership

Gardening in our climate can be a challenge. Joining a garden club is one way to get tips and ideas. Those who are unsure of what a garden club offers now have a chance to test it out for free. The Pleasant Hill Garden Study Club is offering a complimentary 6-month membership from January through June 2019. This offer is available to individuals and families between December 1 and December 31 by downloading an online application form, filling it out, and mailing it to the address at the bottom. The link is www. phgsc.com/membership/MbrForm18-19.pdf.

Benefits of the club include monthly meetings with local and statewide garden speakers, garden-related trips and tours, a monthly newsletter, and a chance to make friends with other area gardeners. The club meets at the Pleasant Hill Community Center from 7 to 9pm on the first Tuesday of every month except July. (This coming January, the club will meet on January 8 instead of January1.) The garden club also holds a plant sale the Saturday before Mother’s Day each year.

The PHGSC was founded in 1948 and is 70 years old. It is co-sponsored by the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District. For more information about the club, call 925-3239314, e-mail phgardenstudyclub@yahoo.com, or visit www.phgsc.com.

OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 2018 | 27

SENIORS

Bowl for Fun and Profit

Senior Citizens Club of Martinez: Annual Holiday Bazaar

Join us at the Martinez Senior Center, 818 Green Street, Martinez, for our Annual Holiday Bazaar, which is two days this year! Bazaar hours: Friday, November 2, 9-2, and Saturday, November 3, 10-2.

There will be white elephant items, jewelry, crystal, books, kitchen items, cookbooks, seasonal decorations, small appliances, handmade crafts, collectibles, and other gently used items. A lunch of pasta, salad, and garlic bread with coffee or tea will be available for $5 per person at the Martinez Senior Center on both days of the bazaar from 11:30 am – 1 pm. Lunch tickets can be purchased in advance at the front desk of the Martinez Senior Center, beginning October 9.

Mark your calendars and come to our biggest fundraiser of the year! All proceeds from bazaar sales support the Martinez Senior Center. For more information, call 925-370-8770.

Pleasant Hill Senior Center Holiday Boutique November 17

The Pleasant Hill Senior Center will be hosting their annual Holiday Boutique and Crafts Fair on November 17 from 9am-3pm.

Get an early start on your holiday shopping and enjoy over 50 craft vendors, handmade items from the Senior Center Boutique, oneof-a-kind gift ideas, jewelry, art, holiday decorations and so much more. Proceeds benefit the Pleasant Hill Senior Center Care Management Program. Free admission.

Popular Holiday Boutique Returns to Martinez November 30 - December 16

The Martinez Arts Association (MAA) will be hosting the 7th annual holiday boutique at the Old Train Depot in downtown Martinez. The boutique showcases 20 local artisans and craftspeople from November 30 through December 16. Visitors will find a wide range of unique handmade gifts and treats for family and friends of all ages.

The boutique will be open from 11am to 3pm Sundays, and from 11am to 7pm on Wednesdays through Saturdays (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). Cash, checks and credit cards will be accepted.

The Old Train Depot is located downtown at the north end of Ferry Street by the train tracks, adjacent to the ice skating rink.

Founded in 1968 as a nonprofit organization, the MAA organizes and participates in many community events throughout the year. MAA’s goal is to encourage art culture and education for the local community. Fundraising proceeds provide scholarships to graduating seniors as well as art grants for elementary through high school teachers. For more details about MAA, please visit www.martinezarts.org.

AAUW (American Association of University Women) will hold a Bowling Blast event on November 17, at the Paddock Bowl at 5915 Pacheco Boulevard in Pacheco. Each team will have four players (with one alternate if needed). Each player pays $25.00.

Family teams are encouraged. Single players can register and will be assigned to a team.

Check-in time is 12:30pm. First games begin at 1pm. There are awards and prizes for winners. To register and pay for the event, send your check with names of players and indicate who is the captain. Also include your team name, your email and phone number. Send your information to Gayle Miner, 125 Price Lane, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523.

Make checks payable to Pleasant Hill-Martinez AAUW. The deadline to register is November 10. If you have questions, contact Claudia Bass at (925) 372-8679.

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Holiday Boutiques

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BY THESE COMMUNITY SPONSORS Businesses Invested in the Community

Martinez Senior Activities Nov. 2 & 3 – Annual Holiday Bazaar Nov. 5 – 2019 Memberships begin! Membership is open to any active senior that is 50 years of age or older. Membership is $15 per person and includes Martinez Senior Center parking permit, monthly bulletin mailing, Golden Times newsletter, membership card, priority sign up for trips, access to classes, activities and events, friendship, camaraderie and fun!

Nov. 5 – November 30 – Meals on Wheels Fundraiser It’s time for the Martinez Senior Center’s Annual Meals on Wheels Fundraiser. Meals on Wheels is a program that delivers hot, nutritious meals to home bound seniors. Gift baskets will be on display in the lobby, and tickets can be purchased at the front desk of the center. Tickets are $1 each, 6 tickets for $5, and 12 tickets for $10.

Nov. 16 – Holiday Bunco, 12-3pm. Introduction and game rules at 11:30am. Bunco is a dice game that is easy to play. No previous experience required. A refresher course will be held at 11:30am for those that have never played. Five cash prizes. Lunch is included. Deadline to sign up is Tuesday, November 13. $12/person.

Nov. 30 – Holiday Luncheon, 12-2pm, 11:30am cocktails and appetizers. Lunch combines Thanksgiving and Christmas. Wilma Lott will be catering. $15/person. For members only.

818 Green Street, Martinez 925-370-8770

Pleasant Hill Senior Activities Nov. 2 – TED Talks 10-11:30am. View three to four videos, TBD. A mix of subject topics are selected. Each video is followed by a brief discussion. First Friday of each month.

Nov. 2 – Pain Free Workshop 1pm. Egoscue is a proven postural therapy method that gets to the root of your chronic pain by returning your body to proper alignment, function and balance. During the presentation, you will learn about the philosophy and some Egoscue exercises that will immediately improve your posture and pain. Presentation is free, but please register online or call 798-8788.

Nov. 4 – Pancake Breakfast 8:30-10:30am. All ages welcome. Best deal in town! Enjoy a stack of pancakes, French toast, biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, sausage, orange juice and coffee. Adults (11+) $5, children (5-10) $3. Free for ages 4 & under.

Don and Norma Flaskerud Broker/Owners Flaskerud Team

Rinn a Community Sponsor.

Learn about the benefits ofMatt becoming Contact us at info@ourcommunityfocus.com 28 | NOVEMBER 2018 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM

Nov. 8 - Care Management Educational Series Arrive Rides presented by Amy Stice, 2-3:30pm. RSVP to secure your spot (925) 798-8788 or online at www.pleasanthillrec.com.

Dec. 20 – Clarinet Fusion Holiday Concert 7pm. Pleasant Hill’s very own Clarinet Fusion will perform live holiday music to the delight of all ages. Bring the whole family! Tickets: $7 presale, $10 day of, $5 students. Tickets available 10/29 at the Senior Center.

233 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill 925-798-8788

Read My Mind

Meet Betty Soskin

BY MICHAEL G. HARRIS, OD

If you’re a regular viewer of Jeopardy like I am, you know that “Potpourri” is a frequent category on the TV game show. The questions in this category cover a mixture of different topics that may have no relationship to one another. In that same vein, this column is a “potpourri” of various books I’ve read over the last several months. (“I’ll take ‘Potpourri’ for $400, Alex.”)

The Woman in Cabin 10 author Ruth Ware is at it again with another spellbinding mystery, The Death of Mrs. Westaway.

Young Harriet (Hal) Westaway receives a mystifying letter inviting her to her grandmother’s manor house because she is a beneficiary of her grandmother’s will.

But that can’t be possible. Hal’s grandparents have been dead for decades. This has to be a mistake, but Hal is desperate for money. Her life is in the balance since she can’t repay the money she owes an unscrupulous loan shark.

Even though she knows Mrs. Westaway was not her grandmother, Hal accepts the invitation to the family’s manor in the hopes that she may inherit enough money to pay off her debt. Now, this is where the mystery really gets interesting.

Her inheritance turns out to be much more than she could have ever imagined.

Does she tell the family the truth? What are the secrets this family has locked away in the manor house, and how do they relate to her? The twists and turns will have you guessing until the very end.

Food guru Michael Pollan has entered a new realm with his latest book, How to Change Your Mind. This is his reflection on his “personal trip” to learn “what the new science of psychedelics teaches us about consciousness, dying, addiction, depression, and transcendence.” And when I say “personal trip,” this is Pollan’s “singular adventure into the various altered states of his own consciousness” from taking LSD and magic

Famed National Park Service Ranger Betty Reid Soskin turned 97 on September 22, but she doesn’t let that slow her down. Her blog shows 29 events, including two separate flights to Southern California, from October 1 through Wednesday, November 7, the day she speaks about her life and experiences at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, located at 1601 Mary Drive in Pleasant Hill. Three days later, she leaves for three days in New York for a Glamour magazine photo shoot.

Her talk at St. Andrews is arranged

by Pleasant Hill/Martinez AAUW and is open to the community. The event begins at 2pm. Admission is free. Copies of her autobiography, Sign My Name to Freedom, will be available for purchase and signing.

The Depression, World War II, and the post-war world provide the backdrop for her adventurous, interesting, sometimes difficult, and amazing life. She talks and writes openly, with truth that is not covered in rancor but is all the more powerful for being quietly matter-of-fact.

Betty’s national fame has developed in the past few years largely because of her position as the oldest permanent National Park Service Ranger ever. She serves at the Rosie the Riveter National Historic Site. When the government was shutdown briefly a few years ago, a local television station interviewed her.

She stood in front of the camera in her uniform and in righteous indignation pointed out that besides keeping the public from visiting their national parks and monuments because of a political fight in Washington, it prevented her and other rangers from educating the public about the history the Kaiser Shipyard and the women who took on jobs performed by men as well as her own job as a secretary at the black workers union.

“I am 94 years. I have plenty left to say, and I don’t have time to waste on this nonsense,” she said. The clip made the national news, and along with her blog, CBreaux Speaks, has reached around the

©

Potpourri

mushrooms. While I found some of his insights interesting, I wish he had stuck with the subject he knows best, food.

Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright recalls her life under Nazi and Soviet rule in Fascism: A Warning. Unfortunately, fascism did not end with the defeat of the Nazis and the fall of the Soviet Union. It’s still rampant in many parts of the world and is even a threat to our own democracy. “This call to arms” is a frightening insight into what we must do about our current administration to “save ourselves from repeating the tragic errors of the past.”

David Sedaris’ Calypso show his “remarkable ability to combine the personal with the political, the mundane with the profane, slime with the sublime, and hilarity with heart” as he weaves together funny and touching stories of his family and his neighbors. “This entrancing collection of essays” will appeal to both his devotees and those new to his work.

The tragic death of Robin Williams has led David Itzkoff to write, Robin, “the definitive biography” of this brilliant comedian and actor who fought demons all of his life. You don’t have to be a Robin Williams fan to find this book a fascinating account of this comic and tragic figure.

Shortly after reading that book, I found myself reading Oliver Sacks’ last book, A River of Consciousness. (Williams played Sacks in Awakening, a movie based on

Sacks’ 1973 memoir.) River explores Sacks’ amazing knowledge and comprehension of a wide variety of sciences, not just his specialty, neuroscience. This book demonstrates his understanding and investigation into everything from evolution, to human behavior, to the arts. It’s a terrific eulogy of a great man.

National Ranger Speaks at AAUW

world.

Because a large audience is expected and the church needs to know how many to set up for at least four days in advance, those who have questions or are planning to attend are asked to contact AAUW program co-vice presidents Harriett Burt at (925) 372-8038 or hjburt1940@comcast.net or Nancy Hobert at 925-228-7271 or nhobert@aol. com by November 1. If you are coming as a group, one person can sign up with the number in the group.

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Ice Skating at the Veranda

Time to strap on skates and take a spin on the ice this holiday season at The Veranda. The newest shopping destination in Concord announced Ice at The Veranda is coming back for a second season starting November. 9.

“We are so happy to welcome back Ice at The Veranda for another joyful winter season,” said Ashton Simmons, general manager at The Veranda. “It’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit.

You can make memories spending the day skating with friends, so come glide on our ice.”

Ice at The Veranda will run from November 9 to February 18. The ice rink will be open Monday through Thursday from 4 to 9pm, Friday from 4 to 11pm, Saturday from 11am to 11pm, and Sunday from 11am to 9pm. Hours may vary based on weather conditions and holidays.

Skaters can hit the ice for $15 (includes skate rental and 90 minutes of skating time). Additionally, there are two group deals: $14 per skater for groups of 15 or more, and the $50 Family 4-Pack.

The Veranda is proud to host weekly special nights (excluding holidays and holiday hours) including Military Monday, where men and women in the armed forces and law enforcement skate free, Bargain Tuesday, where everyone gets $6 off skating and Wednesday is Locals Night, where all local residents receive a $4 discount.

Ice at The Veranda will also feature some very special events this year, including the Ribbon Cutting and Family event with Frozen’s Anna, Elsa and Olaf, a frozen coco bar, and activities for the kids on November 16. Then Santa will be skating into town for Skate with Santa events on December 2, 9, 16 and 23 from 3 to 6 pm. Finally, everyone’s favorite webslinger will be swinging in as Spider-Man visits Ice at The Veranda for a meet and greet on January 11, from 5 to 8pm.

Many Faces of Lung Cancer

A Special educational event, November 15 6:30-8:30pm, focusing on the unique issues of lung cancer patients presented by the Cancer Support Community. Join medical experts as they discuss the latest advances in genomic testing, immunotherapy and targeted therapy, as well as the importance of anxiety management and psychosocial counseling. Q & A session to follow presentation. Register by calling 925-677-5041 or sjung@dvohmg.com. Location: Cancer Support Community, 3276 McNutt Ave, Walnut Creek.

“Female Problems?”

There’s a Doctor for That

BY MIMI NGUYEN, MD

Incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse can be bothersome, embarrassing, and significantly impact the lives of women who suffer from these conditions. Because these are sensitive topics to discuss, many women do not bring them up with their physicians, foregoing treatments that could significantly improve their quality of life. There is a specialized field that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect the female pelvic organs and pelvic floor. This specialty is known as urogynecology. It is a unique combination of gynecology, urology, and reconstructive surgery. Urogynecology is also known as Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery because it addresses a variety of conditions that can affect the female pelvis.

A urogynecologist is a physician who specializes in treating women with complex benign pelvic conditions, pelvic floor dysfunction, and lower urinary tract disorders. Urogynecologists are trained in the comprehensive management of pelvic floor conditions, most commonly pelvic organ prolapse (bulging and/ or falling of the vaginal walls or pelvic organs) or urinary incontinence (leakage of urine).

Urogynecologists complete medical school, a four-year residency program in obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN), and three years of post-residency fellowship

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training in urogynecology/female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery.

Urogynecologists provide care for women suffering from pelvic floor disorders, the most common of which include: • Overactive bladder syndrome • Urinary incontinence • Pelvic organ prolapse • Fecal incontinence • Pelvic pain

A urogynecologist work with patients to identify the proper treatment for their condition. For pelvic organ prolapse, the treatments a urogynecologist may suggest include lifestyle changes, physical therapy, pessaries (intra-vaginal support devices) and surgery. For stress urinary incontinence, the suggested treatments may include lifestyle changes, physical therapy, pessaries, urethral bulking, and urethral or facial slings. For overactive bladder and urge urinary incontinence, a urogynecologist may recommend medications, nonsurgical devices, and injections like Botox,

Women experiencing pelvic floor disorders should contact their urologist, OB-GYN, or primary care provider to discuss whether a urogynecologist is the appropriate next step.

Mimi Nguyen, MD is a urogynecologist with Pacific Urology. She specializes in treating women with complex benign pelvic conditions, pelvic floor dysfunction, and lower urinary tract disorders. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Nguyen, call 926-937-7740 or visit www.pacificurology.com SPONSORED CONTENT

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november 2 -18

nov. 7-9 and 14-16

november 18

november 24-25

The Matchmaker

She Kills Monsters

Campbell Theater presents The Matchmaker at 8pm on November 11/2 & 11/3, 11/8-11/10, and 11/15-11/17. Matinees at 2:30pm on 11/11 and 11/18. Campbell Theater, 636 Ward St, Martinez. Details and tickets: www. campbelltheater.com

Fall play She Kills Monsters is an upbeat, funny, thrilling, video game of a play. Performances are at 7pm, Las Lomas High School, 1416 South Main Street, Walnut Creek. Tickets are available at the door, 30 minutes before showtime: $15, $8 (students and 60+), or $13 at Las Lomas webstore.

Cantare Con Vivo Concert

Treasure Fest, Holiday Market

november 3

november 10

november 18

november 24

Book Sale

Small Business Bootcamp (Veterans)

Makers Market at Broadway

Holiday Sparkle Sip & Shop

Presented by DVC and The Sentinels of Freedom specifically for veteran entrepreneurs, but spouses and/or business partners are welcome to attend. Learn the basics of starting a business. 10am-2pm; lunch included.

Diablo Room, DVC.

Come shop 20+ local artists (jewelers, candles, organic body, home goods, apparel, artwork, glass, succulents) while listening to live music in Broadway Plaza, and then enjoy spirits and bites. Broadway Plaza,1320 Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek. 10am-5pm.

Spend a relaxing afternoon strolling from business to business in downtown Martinez to sample delicious sparkling wines and treats. Noon – 3pm. Search “Holiday Sparkle Sip & Shop” on Eventbrite.com for tickets. $20

november 3

november 10 & 17

nov. 24 - dec. 9

november 28

Dia de los Muertos

America’s Boating Club

Holiday Vendor Faire

Light up the Night

Since 1983, the Holiday Faire has been a seasonal tradition at Shadelands Ranch. During this two-week event, dozens of vendors offer a wide variety of handcrafted items and gifts for sale inside the museum. 10am-4pm. Free. wchistory.org

Join Santa and others in lighting up Downtown Pleasant Hill for the holiday season. Holiday crafts fair, carriage rides, caroling & Studio A dancers on the plaza stage. Free hot chocolate & cookies and merchant giveaways. 6:30-8:30pm, Crescent Drive, PH.

Fill a grocery sack with gently-used books at the Friends of the Martinez Library Book Sale.

All proceeds go to library programs. Free admission. Lower level, Martinez Public Library, 740 Court Street. 11am-4pm.

Martinez is celebrating its 5th Annual Dia de los Muertos Festival of Altars. Honoring those who have passed away through art, music, food and rituals. 12pm-5pm at Main Street between Estudillo and Castro, Martinez.

Diablo Squadron is offering a requisite class at Antioch Public Works Department maintenance service facility, 1201 W. 4th Street, Antioch. Instruction is free, but there is a fee for educational materials and textbook ($60 non members; $35 members). For details: martvanloan@yahoo.com

The chamber ensemble opens its season with a program featuring works by Morley, Monteverdi, Bruckner, Brahms, Pärt, Paulus, Diemer and Quick.

4pm, Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Dr., Lafayette. Tickets: $22, $10/students. www.cantareconvivo.org/upcoming-events.

One part shopping, one part feasting, and one part music and entertainment. Treasure Fest (formerly Treasure Island Flea) is a unique monthly festival that showcases the best of the Bay Area. Pier 1, Treasure Island, 10am-4pm, SF. www.treasurefest.com.

november 6

november 14

nov. 24 - dec. 9

december 1

Pleasant Hill Garden Study Club

PH Historical Meeting

Victorian Holiday Teas

Pleasant Hill Historical Society will be meeting at Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center, 315 Cortsen Road at 6pm. Refreshments served.

A scrumptious three-course luncheon highlighted with scones, homemade lemon curd, and Secret Shadelands Tea Blend is served in the parlor and dining room of the house.

11am and 1:30pm. $40. Reserve at 925-9357871. http://wchistory.org.

Super Holiday Boutique

Monthly meetings. Ted Kipping presents “ Hooked on Foliage.” Guests are always welcome. Meeting is free. 7pm at PH Community Center, 320 Civic Dr., PH. (925) 323-9314 or www.phgsc.com

Get those special, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts and stocking stuffers for family, friends and colleagues from a variety of arts and crafts vendors, home-based businesses, and commercial exhibitors. 10am-2pm at Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Dr., Pleasant Hill.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Local Qualit y You Can Trust!

Pleasant Hill

COLLISION

ALMOND FIREWOOD David & Lisa Pontes

Collision Repair & Painting • Frame Straightening Insurance Claims • Glass • Customs

• Cord $320 • Half Cord $180 • Seasoned 2yr Split • Cut 15-16 inch

www.PleasantHillCollision.com • email phcollision@aol.com 925-939-1160 • 1581 Oak Park Boulevard • Pleasant Hill

209-883-0750 OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 2018 | 31

Holiday Festival

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P L E A S A N T H I L L R E C R E AT I O N & PA R K D I S T R I C T

Celebrate 31 years of Holiday Magic!

Wed., December 5 5:00-8:00 pm

Pleasant Hill Community Center 320 Civic Drive * Experience a NEW

Underwater Wonderland!

* Star Wars Station * Crafts

* LEGOÂŽ Room * Holiday performances

* Jumpy cottage * Holiday Xpress train rides

* Talking Christmas tree * Santa * Food trucks * and lots more!!

Join us for this F REE evening of holiday fun!

(925) 676-5200 | pleasanthillrec.com