November 2014 Community Focus by Community Focus

Pleasant Hill • Concord • Martinez • Lafayette • Walnut Creek • Pacheco

NOVEMBER 2014 Reaching Over 40,000 Homes & Businesses

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IN THIS ISSUE: • MANGINI FARMS • VETERANS DAY • LINK BOTS

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Increase the Value of Your Property BY NORMA FLASKERUD You may be busy planning for the holidays, but also thinking about home improvements that boost your property value. If you plan on staying in your house for many years, you may improve it to suit your own taste, but if you are selling in the near future, improvements with broad appeal make sense. Floor coverings and paint always increase your home’s value. Carpeting is nice, but hardwood floors are sought after. An excellent hardwood-look laminate can be appropriate in lower priced homes. Walls should be painted a soft beige, with ceilings and trim in white. Our stager provides exact color recommendations. The next tier of improvements is in kitchen and bathrooms. Believe it or not, old cabinets do not need replacing; an excellent paint job, plus new

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ing is on your horizon, give us a call. We would be happy to come by with advice specific to your home. In closing, the real estate market has cooled along with the outside temperatures, but it won’t stay cool until the warmth of spring! Yearly, we see a big demand for houses just after the New Year. It continues through spring and into early summer, when traditionally things start to slow down. If you are anxious to sell, you do not have to wait for school to be out; winter months are effective, due to high demand and low inventory, and early spring is a great time to sell, when the trees and flowers are blooming. You can reach Don, Norma and Erik Flaskerud at 925-676-5859 or email DonandNorma@gmail.com. Reach Erik at 925-381-7276.

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hardware bring them up to date. Add new counters, if needed, and new appliances. Granite and stainless steel, while not required, are still sought after in kitchens. Bathrooms can be updated with minimal expense; new hardware, a new floor, and a newly painted vanity can do it. However, a new vanity and counter, a new floor, new paint, a new tiled shower/tub surround, and new light fixtures create the wow factor that helps a house sell for top dollar! A professional can repaint a stained or out-of-fashion colored tub. Visit home improvement stores and see wonderful tile options, including borders. Using tile to jazz up a shower/tub wall, or even the kitchen backsplash, makes a wonderful impact. Lastly, keep landscaping in mind. Consider the drought and make water-wise changes. If moving or sell-

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november 2014 • ourcommunityfocus.com

ourcommunityfocus.com • november 2014

Julie Says

Best Time to Buy

When is the Perfect Moment?

Horoscopes vs. Fortune Cookies BY JULIE ROSS To refresh your memory, the September “Julie Says” column called for readers to send in fortune cookie messages they would enjoy seeing their loved and not-so-loved ones receive, with the winning entry to be announced this month. Before we get to the winner, the following fortunes are a sampling of the cleverest and/or most touching sentiments I received. Reader Harriet Buckley has this message for her 95-year-old father: “Though your authoritative role may have waned, your kind words and positivity speak volumes.” Isn’t that lovely? It would probably be the most heart-warming fortune a dad could ever crack out of a cookie. Christie Noble offered up one of her favorite sayings: “Those who judge don’t count. Those who count don’t judge.” It’s a message relevant to all of us. I got a special kick out of Tracy

Woodward’s entry: “People who live in glass houses should dress in the basement.” Tracy helpfully included the translation, “If you are in the public eye, you should ensure your private activities stay private.” Politicians and celebrities take note! Back in the heartfelt mode, Cynthia Murdock offered up this fortune for a friend: “Breathe deeply of forgiveness and grace will follow.” That is beautiful advice. Cynthia’s fortune for not-so-much-a-friend: “Be careful not to ignore the truths lest you sink beneath the ash.” (Let’s all try to stay on Cynthia’s good side.) One of the fortunes Pleasant Hill resident Paula Ota submitted brought to the forefront the gripping horoscopes vs. fortune cookies controversy. Which to believe -- the message meant to apply to everyone in the world born under a certain sign of the zodiac, or the fortune in the one special cookie opened by your hands only? Paula tells us, “Wise man say: horoscopes are for those who don’t like Chinese food.” Well, that clears it up once and for all.

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I have selected another of Paula Ota’s submissions as the winning entry. Like many of us, Paula has a new pedometer, and she has shared this brilliant and inspirational fortune: “A journey of a thousand steps…is one-tenth of your daily workout.” Thank you Paula! Paula will be awarded the grand (and only) prize of a $50 gift certificate to Ming’s excellent Chinese restaurant in Pleasant Hill. Congratulations and thanks to every-

one who sent in fortunes. I would like to conclude with a Thanksgiving-themed fortune: “May you start a new diet on Thanksgiving Day.” Is that a curse or encouragement? You decide. Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy the break. And Paula, when you grow weary of leftovers, you can head over to Ming’s. Good fortune to all. You can reach Julie at julieakross@ comcast.net.

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

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november 2014 • ourcommunityfocus.com

INSIDE

SPORTS: Sport Story Submissions info@ourcommunityfocus.com

SUBMISSION DEADLINES: All articles must be sumbmitted by the 15th of each month.

Ribbon Cutting

DVC Transfer List

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Festive Fall Recipes

Honoring our Veterans

16 Mangini, a Local Treasure

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COVER: .............................................. Lou Mangini working the family farm. PHOTO BY: Susan Wood

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BY GLENN ALLEN There is a moment in every real estate cycle when you look back and say, “That was truly the best time to buy.” The trouble is, most experts disagree about what time is particularly good for buying. Is it the moment when interest rates reach their cyclical lows? Perhaps. But what if home prices have reached their cyclical highs at about the same time? Then maybe it was the moment, some time earlier, when home prices reached their lowest point relative to income levels and interest rates were declining. In the final analysis, who knows the answer to this question? The big mistake is waiting for precisely the right moment before jumping into the real estate market. The best time to buy a home, as nearly everyone’s heart and logical mind knows, is when you have found one that truly meets your needs and it’s one you can afford. You have enough to think about when searching for the right home and the right financing without dwelling on the perfect moment to buy. The perfect moment is yours alone. Buy or Sell First? Whether you should buy or sell first depends on many factors. Depending on the circumstances, there are different strategies that can be followed. One of the most important considerations is the state of the real estate market. If it’s hot,

The UPS Store

it can be difficult to near impossible to get an offer accepted that will be contingent on the sale of your existing home when competing against non-contingent buyers. It’s equally possible, especially in a slower market, that you could end up selling your home and then find it difficult to locate, make an offer and close on the purchase of your next home before the buyers of your existing home have contracted to move into it. Selling your home with a contingency that allows you to rent it back for a specific time period after the sale closes so that you can buy your next home is a possible solution. You can even sell with the contingency that gives you a few weeks to locate your next home. It’s important to work with the buyers of your home, doing all you can to time the handing over of keys to the house in a way that will work for everyone. Every real estate transaction involves a careful combination of both sellers’ and buyers’ needs – no matter what the market looks like. It is very important to pick the best strategy to help you accomplish your goals and give you the competitive advantage, while minimizing or eliminating any risk. The job of your Realtor is to offer choices and strategies to help you and your family with a new home purchase. Glenn Allen, RE/MAX Real Estate agent, can be reached at glenn@TalkToGlenn.com, 925-709-1000 or visit www.TalkToGlenn. com.

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One of the newest businesses in Pleasant Hill, The UPS Store, celebrated its grand opening in June. The store is owned by longtime Pleasant Hill residents Mark and Julie Hood and is located at 52 Golf Club Road (across from DVC). The UPS Store offers shipping, printing, mailboxes, shredding, faxing, laminating, live scan fingerprinting and much more. “Any service you need, just come into The UPS Store and we will help you out!” Store hours are Monday through Friday, 8am to 6pm, and Saturday, 9am to 5pm. Call 925.349.6115 for more info. Thanks to Susan Wood Photography for the great picture.

Inspection Traps 11 Critical Home Inspection Traps to be Aware of Weeks Before Listing Your Home for Sale East Bay – According to industry experts, there are over 33 physical problems that will come under scrutiny during a home inspection when your home is for sale. A new report has been prepared which identifies the eleven most common of these problems, and what you should know about them before you list your home for sale. Whether you own an old home or a brand new one, there are a number of things that can fall short of requirements during a home inspection. If not identified and dealt with, any of these 11 items could cost you dearly in terms of repair. That’s why it’s critical that you read this report before you list your home. If you wait until the home inspector flags these issues for you, you will almost certainly experience

costly delays in the close of your home sale or, worse, turn prospective buyers away altogether. In most cases you can make a reasonable pre-inspection yourself if you know what you’re looking for and knowing what you’re looking for can help you prevent little problems from growing into costly and unmanageable ones. To help home sellers deal with this issue before their homes are listed, a free report entitled “11 Things You Need to Know to Pass Your Home Inspection” has been prepared which explains the issues involved. To order this FREE Special Report call toll-free 1-800-597-9215 and enter 1238. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get your FREE special report NOW to learn how to ensure a home inspection doesn’t cost you the sale of your home. This report is courtesy of East Bay Residential Realty, BRE 01245396. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. Copyright © 2013

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ourcommunityfocus.com • november 2014

Veterans Day Events In the Mail

By Colleen Vomund

Making A Deliberate Choice

Support Our Local Heroes on 11/11

Honoring and Serving our Veterans

am the wife of a veteran. My husband, Mark, honorably served in US Special Forces for over 20 years; he was combat deployed and endured both injury and permanent disability. It is with the utmost respect and gratitude I recognize both his sacrifices and those made by our two young children. I believe our experiences as a veteran family equip each of us with a unique strength and compassion to help others. Every Veterans Day, we are prompted to pause and acknowledge US veterans. It is an important tradition our nation observes in honor and support of its service members. Our country has learned many lessons from its past. The heartfelt gratitude citizens and fellow veterans demonstrate to those who have served is remarkable. However, honoring and supporting a veteran is a year-round, multi-stage, multi-generational approach. We needed our devoted family and friends to fortify us throughout Mark’s service. Since 2010, over 20 different benevolent organizations supported us after a 60 lb. improvised explosive device (IED) ended Mark’s decorated military career. The following five benevolent organizations deliberately reached out to us. Each one originated with unique strength and compassion from the heart of a veteran. Each one is founded and operated (in part) by veterans or veteran families. Further, each one chose to establish a personal rapport with our family, which continues today. The Green Beret Foundation funded Mark’s hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for the treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). TRICARE (military medical insurance) doesn’t cover the cost of HBOT for these invisible wounds. The results from this non-invasive treatment are dramatic for Mark and many others. Under the Green Beret Foundation umbrella, I’m a member of the Steel Magnolias, a nationwide sisterhood replicated after 6

This photo was taken by Dan Oldfield, a retired veteran, who graciously volunteered to shoot the Warrior Games the last two years. He made sure each athlete received their photo so that they could see themselves the way their nation sees them--- as champions, as competitors, as individuals with fabulous abilities---NOT disabilities. Pictured is the Vomund family: Shane, Colleen, Mark, Brady and their four-legged veteran, Herco.

Honoring and supporting a veteran is a year-round, multi-stage, multi-generational approach. the brotherhood of Green Berets. “Steel Mags” share training and resources to support each other with life after service in Special Forces. Also, throughout a variety of communities, many Steel Mags volunteer to mentor and lead young women. The Station Foundation provided Mark and our 14-year-old son, Shane, a unique retreat in the rugged wilderness of Montana. Together, they honed their survival skills. What’s more was the chance they had to restore their rela-

november 2014 • ourcommunityfocus.com

tionship after years of frequent separations. Operation Second Chance invited Mark to a once-in-a-lifetime Alaskan fishing trip. For a soldier who needed some time to learn how to enjoy life again, it was the perfect prescription without the side effects of medication. A year later, Mark and I participated as honorary hosts at a retreat in Montana. We connected with other veteran couples, also navigating both marriage and the invisible wounds of war.

Semper Fi Fund co-sponsors the Warrior Games where Mark and 200 ill, injured and wounded service members rediscover and advance their abilities through athletic competition. In the corresponding Family Program, we spent a week at the Olympic Training Center cheering on athletes from all branches of our military. We also bonded with other families like ours; each with their own unique story of triumph. The Warrior Games is filled with hundreds of stories of inspirational soldiers like Justin. He has two above the knee amputations. Justin competed in wheelchair basketball, cycling, track and seated volleyball. You’ll be seeing a lot more of Justin. He just signed on with the US Paralympic Volleyball team. I’m proud to say our nine-year-old son, Brady, named Justin his sport’s idol. Sentinels of Freedom in Moore County, North Carolina, granted our family a life scholarship when Mark was first injured. And thank goodness they knew what to do because we had no concept of the affects of TBI and PTSD on our family or future. Not only did the scholarship cover our house payment, but we were also taken under the wing of Gen. and Mrs. Sidney Shachnow (US Army Special Forces, Ret.), who continue to mentor and befriend our family. These are only a few of the benevolent organizations that have generously helped us. There are thousands more determined to assist veterans of all generations. They work to provide innovative approaches to a vital question: How can we honor and support US veterans, the men and women who sign their names on that dotted line and pledge with their lives to defend our lives, through their selfless service and sacrifice? This Veterans Day, our nation will reflect and remember our veterans. It is also a time to re-evaluate the effort each of us is making to personally know, understand, support and honor our military veterans throughout the year.

In Pleasant Hill: The Contra Costa County Veterans Monument at Boyd Road and Contra Costa Blvd. will be open from 10am - 2pm to mark the heroism of local veterans. Questions about the monument’s proud history will be answered and refreshments will be served to the strains of patriotic music. All are welcome to commemorate the service of our veterans. In Martinez: We invite you to attend two Veterans Day ceremonies in honor and gratitude of veterans who have served our country. At 10am the Veterans Commission will host a ceremony at the Pioneer Cemetery on Carquinez Scenic Drive, which will include bagpipe music, prayer, flag raising, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the playing of Taps. At 11am an extended ceremony will take place at the All Veteran’s Monument, at the corner of Alhambra Avenue and Berrellesa Street, which will include more music, messages from local officials and a 21 Gun Salute.

In Concord: Korean War Veterans Mt. Diablo Chapter 264 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1525 will hold a ceremony at 11am at Hillcrest Park. Major General Dan Helix, US Army, Ret. will MC and local officials will be in attendance. See page 26 for Contra Costa Blue Star Moms 5K run info, November 8.

Photo by Susan Wood

Send a Letter to Show You Care

Troops tell us the most cherished items in the packages are the personal letters of appreciation from Americans. Please help the Blue Star Moms with OPERATION POSTCARD. What takes five minutes of your time can brighten a day of the men and women serving our country. • Any card will do, even an index card with a hand drawn picture on the front and a message on the back. • No need to stamp them, as we include them in our care packages. • Ideas for beginning your message: “Dear American Hero”, “Dear Friend”, “Dear Patriot”, “Dear Serviceperson,” “Dear US Protector,” “Hello from ... (Your Town or State).” Tell them about yourself, too. • Ideas for the message: Thank you for keeping our country safe, thank you for your service, we are thinking of you, you are in our prayers, we are proud of you and what you are doing, please know that you are not forgotten, etc. (just examples). • If you include your name and address, often you will hear back. • Keep the messages positive. • Mail cards to East Bay Blue Star Moms, P.O. Box 2537, San Ramon, CA 94583. Many of the same thoughts behind Operation Postcard can be used to let those who have returned and are recovering from injuries know that they are in our thoughts and that their sacrifice is acknowledged and appreciated. Reach Out to a Recovering Soldier Sends cards/letters to: A Recovering American Soldier C/O Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20307-5001

LOCAL VETERANS

Lance Corporal Andrew Crosno US Marines Corps, has served two years.

Major Craig W Creamer US Marine Corps, 1977-1994. He served multiple deployments overseas including Korea, Philippines, Beirut and Lebanon.

Lance Corporal Daniel Walsh Enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 2013.

Chief Warrant Officer Five Edgar A. Collins US Army since 1989. Has served 25 years in Afghanistan, Iraq, Germany, Bosnia and various places in US.

Everett L. Minor - Sergeant US Marine Corps during WWII fought on Guadalcanal and was a Sr. Drill Instructor.

Spf Jillian O’Malley. US Army, from 2003 - 2006. She did 2 tours of Iraq. Joel and Jillian met and married in the Army.

SGT Joel D O’Malley. US Army Enlisted 2003 and currently stationed at Fort Riley KS. He served 2 tours of Iraq and 1 tour in Afghanistan.

Master Sergeant Mark Vomund 26 years of service, 20+ years US Army Special Forces/US Special Operations Command. Deployments: Classified

Corporal Matthew Walsh US Marines Corps. Enlisted in 2013 and served two tours in Afghanistan.

Stephen V. Hutslar - PFC US Army, Combat veteran, Vietnam 1966-’68, “Hells Rangers”.

ourcommunityfocus.com • november 2014

City of Pleasant Hill

Mayor’s Message Enjoy the Abundance of Activities As the days grow shorter and the nighttime temperatures drop, you may not be venturing out in the community as much as you did in warmer months. However, there are many activities and events in Pleasant Hill that will surely entice you to put on a sweater or jacket and get out and enjoy our wonderful town.

Annual Harvest Fair Join me at Pleasant Hill Elementary School on Friday, November 7, 2-7pm, for the Fall Harvest Fair, which will showcase the talents of PHE families and local small businesses. You will be able to purchase everything from handmade crafts, homemade jams, jewelry, to other, home-based business products. Bring your family and friends and, together, we can enjoy an afternoon/evening of shopping while supporting PHE and our local community.

Turkey Trot Trail Run The 39th Annual Turkey Trot Trail Run will take place on November 23 at 9am. You can experience the tradition of this 8.4-mile race in the beautiful hills of Briones Regional Park. Winners take home a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner! This is no ordinary Turkey Trot and is not for beginning joggers. Pre-registration closes 11/19, but you can also register the day of the race at 7:30am. For more info or to register, call (925) 682-0896 or emailsgeorge@ pleasanthillrec.com. Get stretching and be ready for this fun challenge.

Light up the Night Holiday Celebration This is something a bit less challenging than the Turkey Trot. Everyone is invited to join Santa at the 7th annual Light up the Night Holiday Celebration on Crescent Drive in Downtown Pleasant Hill on Wednesday, December 3, 5 - 8pm. 8

The lighting of the city’s 25-foot decorated tree next to the clock tower building on Crescent Drive takes place at 6pm. Music, dance performances, and caroling will be on two stages at the Downtown Plaza next to Sweet Tomatoes. Enjoy free, horse-drawn carriage rides, cookies, hot chocolate, and coffee. Search for the “Elf on the Shelf” at nine different merchants in Downtown, with lots of prizes for the winners. Families can have pictures taken with Santa and his merry elves, and look out for Frosty, Rudolph, and other costumed characters. Stroll through the holiday crafts fair on Crescent Drive, with lots of wonderful holiday gifts on sale. If you wish to be a vendor, call Allison Klippel at 788-9677. The City of Pleasant Hill, Downtown Pleasant Hill, and the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce jointly organizes this event. For more information, call (925) 671-5229 or email mnelis@pleasanthillca.org.

Off the Grid Have you been to the Wednesday night Off the Grid event? If you have not, I urge you to come out to the City Hall grounds where Trelany Road is closed off on Wednesday nights, 5 9pm. You will encounter hundreds of people socializing, milling about and enjoying delectable food and drink from ten food and beverage trucks. Off the Grid will continue, year-round, rain or shine, but will close for two weeks over the Christmas and New Year holidays. More often than not, you can find me there. I’m easy to spot; I’m 6’3” and usually the only person wearing a suit and tie. (Hint: look near the Lucky 13 beer truck.)

Last, But Definitely Most Important Don’t forget: Election Day is November 4. I urge you to do your homework on the issues and candi-

november 2014 • ourcommunityfocus.com

City News Update on the Pleasant Hill Library Task Force

Tim Flaherty, Mayor of Pleasant Hill

dates, and cast your vote. As to our local election, I favor those candidates who actually show up to organize and participate in civic and community events and organizations. I support those who lead by example, through volunteerism and service, in civic groups and foundations that strengthen our community and enhance the quality of life for everyone in Pleasant Hill. I guess I am a bit old-fashioned and still enjoy the act of voting on

Election Day at my polling place. However, many if not most people now cast their vote by absentee ballot. Starting this year, rather than trekking to the post office or the County Election Office, you can now drop off your vote-by-mail ballot at City Hall in a metal drop-off box during normal city business hours. City staff will be able to provide you with the coveted “I Voted” sticker for those who drop off their ballots. And you will save the cost of postage.

Public Meetings Architectural Review Commission Nov. 6, 20 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Small Community Room, 5pm. Contact: 671-5209 City Council Nov. 17 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Council Chambers, 7:30pm. Contact: 671-5229 Civic Action Commission Nov. 5 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Small Community Room, 6:30pm. Contact: 671-5229 Planning Commission Nov. 18, 25 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Council Chambers, 7:30pm. Contact: 671-5209 Education Commission Nov. 26 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Community Room, 7pm City Hall closed for Veterans’ Day on November 11 and November 27 & 28 for the Thanksgiving holiday. For Confirmation Visit: www.ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us

Chamber Calendar 680 Business Clubs, Business Building Networking, meet twice monthly. Please call the Chamber office for more information. Wednesdays - Off the Grid Food Trucks 5-9pm. Trelany Road, PH. Saturdays through 11/15 - Farmers’ Market 9am-1pm. Trelany Road, PH. 11/12 – Business Mixer 5-7pm. Chateau III, 175 Cleaveland Rd., PH 11/17 – Green Business Committee meeting 4–5pm. Location TBD 11/17 – Government Affairs Committee meeting 5:30–7pm. Back Forty BBQ, 100 Coggins Drive, PH. 11/20 – Pleasant Hill Hospice Tree of Lights Ceremony 5:30 pm. 147 Gregory Lane, PH. 11/27 – Thanksgiving Office Closed

An update on the Pleasant Hill Library Task Force was given at the October 6 city council meeting. The task force was established at the March 10 city council meeting in order to “explore the need for and feasibility of constructing a new library building serving the residents of Pleasant Hill.” To date, the eleven-member task force includes County Librarian Jessica Hudson, City Councilmembers Jack Weir and Michael Harris, with Harris also serving as chair of the committee, and Supervisor Karen Mitchoff as vice chair. The task force members are evaluating various sites around the city for a new library facility, including a possible new two-story facility on the southwest corner of Pleasant Hill Park due to the central location and access to downtown. However, issues and concerns would need to be worked out with the Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District. Other District sites to consider are the Winslow Center and the School House property. Another possibility is the Frank Salfingere Park adjacent to the community center. Task force members recently toured other newly built local libraries to evaluate the layout of each facility. Among other items, their analysis has determined the need for a new 20,000+ sq. ft. facility comprised of a main library area with adult collections and a children/early learning area, along with a teen area, community meeting rooms, public technology, and staff workrooms. County Librarian Jessica Hudson said, “Flexibility (of stacks, furniture and equipment) was key in everything we looked at. Pleasant Hill library sees about 1,200 people a day, so having flexible spaces and adequate parking to meet the anticipated increase in usage is very important.” Community outreach FAQs are currently being developed and will include such questions as: Why does Pleasant Hill need a new library building? How will a new library building support education in Pleasant Hill? The FAQs will be published on the city website and various media outlets. In addition, town hall meetings will be scheduled in the near future. “It is a tricky undertaking in a city like ours that is largely built out and where there is not a lot of available land for creating the kind of facility that I think our city both deserves and desires. It is easier to fund and get the community excited about the prospect and concept of a multi-use facility. It is well worth ensuring that we are looking at the most comprehensive set of options or opportunities and what that will do is enhance the likelihood that we get a library here that meets the needs of the community,” said Councilmember David Durant. Future analysis will include how the new library would be funded and how other facilities are funded and asking for continued public input in the coming months and years. “Our (Pleasant Hill) library is one of the most highly used branches in our entire county library system. It’s only beat out by Walnut Creek,” continued Jessica Hudson.

Buskirk Avenue Widening Project Completed! The two-phase project took eight years to fully complete, from design approvals, funding, public meetings and bids, to groundbreaking on May 2, 2013. “This project was a really good balance between what the community wanted and also meeting the objectives of the city. I think we ended up with a very nice project,” said City Engineer Mario Moreno. Although approximately 15,000 vehicles use the corridor on a daily basis, “We only had about four to five complaints during this entire time over 18 months regarding traffic. That’s a great accomplishment,” continued City Engi-

City News Continued neer Moreno. The $12.8 million dollar project was funded with Measure J Grand money, Rule 20A funds, and Traffic Mitigations Funds. The project extended and realigned the roadway south of the existing Crossroads Shopping Center intersection, ultimately creating a transportation corridor with increased capacity, improved operations and enhanced circulation. The project was completed on time and on budget.

Lucky Supermarket Closing The supermarket, located at 155 Crescent Plaza in Pleasant Hill, will close on November 8. No official word on who will be moving into the space.

Pleasant Hill Tree of Lights Hospice of the East Bay invites the public to participate in the 28th Annual Tree of Lights ceremony on Thursday, November 20, 5:30 pm, at Gregory Lane near Cleaveland Blvd. Reception to follow at the Teen Center. The ceremony is dedicated to Margherita Dominica Molino, owner of Molino’s Ravioli, who passed away earlier this year. For light dedications, donations, sponsorships and event questions, call (925) 887-5678 or visit www.hospiceeastbay.org.

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City of Martinez

City of Martinez PHOTO BY STAHLBERG

Mayor’s Message I have had the opportunity to work on many capital improvement projects throughout the city while serving on the Martinez City Council. These include the Marina Vista Streetscape Improvement, installation of outdoor dining platforms, repaving major entrances into town, upgrades to the city water system, construction of the Martinez Waterfront Amphitheatre, opening of the Campbell Theatre in downtown, removal of the blighted ferry landing pier, installation of new launch ramps, and construction of the Ferry Plaza at the marina. Although there are many projects in the planning stage or in process, the revitalization of the Martinez Waterfront is likely to be the one project that will have the greatest impact on the economic development and quality of life to the entire Martinez community. This includes the rebuilding of the aging marina and the development of landside amenities. Martinez is the only city in Central Contra Costa County with a waterfront, and we must make it a place where people from all over the Bay Area will come to stay the night, dine, hike, sail, boat, fish, kayak, see a concert, fly a kite, photograph, bird watch, picnic, or attend a semiprofessional baseball game. The recent passage of SB 1424,

which grants the lands at the Martinez waterfront to the city forever, allows us to attract private investment for the construction of water-side and land-side amenities, such as a restaurant, hotel, boat sales and storage, and other recreational activities. In the past, we have not been successful in attracting that private investment because the lease with the State Lands Commission had a finite expiration date. Who would invest millions of dollars in improvements without the security of knowing their investment would have time to generate a return? The next step in this revitalization process is to plan improvements the community wants at the waterfront and decide where those improvements should be located. This “master planning” will also take into account a future water ferry landing, rebuilding of Waterfront Park ball and soccer fields, Martinez Waterfront Amphitheatre improvements, the Martinez Yacht Club, and the Sea Scouts. Abandoning the existing marina slips and scaling back in order to alleviate the cost of dredging to only provide a launch ramp and day dock facility is NOT the answer. That plan will not alleviate the need to dredge and will only reduce the cash flow to support maintenance of the waterfront.

City News Joe DiMaggio Centennial Celebration

Rob Schroder, Mayor of Martinez

All marinas throughout the delta, straits and San Francisco Bay require dredging simply because they are on waterways that carry large amounts of silt. The most recent dredge of the marina cleared the silt from the launch ramp to the mouth of the marina with some work at the guest dock and B dock. We were able to perform that maintenance dredge, thanks to a grant from Shell Oil Company, not money from the general fund. Several years ago, the Department of Boating and Waterways required

the city to set up a Marina Enterprise Fund. This fund is completely separate from the general fund and is where all receipts generated from the marina are deposited and all bills are paid. This fund cannot pay for any expenses or capital improvements in any part of the city except the waterfront. Abandoning the marina slips will not free up money to pave the street in front of your home. Funds for paving projects come from the half- cent sales tax of Measure J, gas taxes, the general fund, and state and federal grants.

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A group of Martinez residents, in collaboration with members of the Sons of Italy of Diablo Valley, are kicking off the launch of the Hometown Hero Project, with a celebration of the100th birthday of Martinez’s favorite son, Joe DiMaggio. Proceeds from the Centennial Celebration event will benefit the restoration of the Joltin’ Joe, a boat given to Mr. DiMaggio by the New York Yankees in 1949 and subsequently donated to the City of Martinez in 1991. The centennial birthday bash will take place on Tuesday, November 18, at the Shell Clubhouse, 1635 Pacheco Blvd. in Martinez. The event will start with a social hour at 5:30pm, followed by a catered Italian dinner at 6:30pm. The celebration will also include live music of the era, an auction of rare Joe DiMaggio memorabilia, a silent auction, and a cake auction. “The boat is almost near completion,” says John Wendt, Sons of Italy member. “Working with the Carpenters Local 152, we’ve put in nearly 3,000 hours of volunteer time to restore the boat and are excited to soon present the Joltin’ Joe in its full glory to the citizens of Martinez.” Helping spearhead the Hometown Hero Project is Martinez Councilmember Lara DeLaney. “I am amazed at all the work, love and dedication these men have contributed to this project,” says DeLaney. “The city was given a valuable piece of history, and it needs to be showcased and preserved in a museum—a Joe DiMaggio museum.” The cost to attend the Centennial Celebration event is $56 per person, $100 per couple; checks payable to “Joltin’ Joe Restoration Trust Fund.” Send to Centennial Celebration, P.O. Box 51, Martinez, CA 94553 before November 13, 2014. For reservations and more information, contact Sons of Italy member Anne Mobley at 925-788-8824.

Holiday Light Parade The City of Martinez Recreation invites families, club, companies, and organizations to participate in the annual light parade, Friday, December 5, 6:30pm. Vehicles, wagons, bicycles and people decked out in lights will lead Santa from Martinez City Hall to the Main Street Plaza. The city will provide parade light wands to the first 600 children to register for the parade. Before and after the parade, participants can enjoy a variety of activities throughout the downtown including snow park, skating, air jumps, crafts and more. Everyone is welcome to participate. For more information or to participate, please call Martinez Recreation at 372-3510.

Martinez Tree of Lights

City News Continued ing lights and garlands. She already has several downtown businesses on board with the decorating project, and she and her team want to commence the ornamenting the last two weeks in November. “I think Martinez can be the destination place for holidays since we have the small town appeal, and we have a cute and historic downtown. I’d love to make Martinez the December destination,” said Oertel.

Public Meetings City Council Meeting Nov. 5, 19 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 7-11pm. Contact: 372-3500 Design Review Meeting Nov. 12, 26 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 3-5pm. Contact: 372-3500 Planning Commission Meeting Nov. 25 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 7-11pm. Contact: 372-3500 Zoning Administrator Meeting Nov. 5, 18 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 3-5pm. Contact: 372-3500 City Hall closed on November 11 for Veterans’ Day and November 27 & 28 for the Thanksgiving Holiday. For Confirmation Visit: www.cityofmartinez.org

Chamber Calendar 11/1 - Hospice Tree of Lights 5pm. Morello Avenue, north of Arnold Drive. Join us for the 27th Annual Martinez Tree of Lights Ceremony. For more information call the Chamber or Kathy Kavanagh at 925-887-5678. 11/6 - 10th Annual Chamber Business Expo 4-7pm. Crowne Plaza Hotel, 45 John Glenn Drive in Concord. Free to the public. Presenting Sponsor: Astound Business Solutions. Call the Martinez Chamber 925-228-2345 for more information and to reserve your booth. 11/11 - Office Closed - Veterans’ Day 11/13 - Chamber Mixer 5:30-7:30pm. Hosts: Soroptimist International of Martinez, Char’s Flower Shop and Saucie’s Bakery. Mixer at Saucie’s, 712 Main St., Martinez. Great networking, food, fun, raffle prizes (bring a raffle prize and have your business announced!) 11/27 & 11/28 – Office Closed - Thanksgiving Holiday

Hospice of the East Bay invites the public to participate in the 28th Annual Tree of Lights ceremony on Saturday, November 1, 5pm, at Morello Avenue, north of Arnold Drive. The ceremony is dedicated to Eloise Chavez and Herb Thurman. For light dedications, donations, sponsorships and event questions, call (925) 887-5678 or visit www.hospiceeastbay.org.

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You’d better watch out, Jennifer Oertel was in the holiday spirit at the October 15 city council meeting. She’s dreaming of bringing Christmas cheer back to the city of Martinez by adorning Alhambra Avenue and Main Street. She presented her decorating campaign in front of supportive city council members. She proposed a downtown treasure hunt and a storefront window decorating competition in which businesses would decorate their window and the public could vote on their favorite. Her Facebook page (Merry Christmas Martinez!) suggests ways the public could help, by volunteering to decorate or by donat-

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City of Concord

City of Concord City News Continued

Mayor’s Message Kitakami Sister City Visit The City of Concord recently concluded an inspirational four days of hosting a Sister City delegation of 50 visitors from Kitakami, Japan, commemorating a bond of friendship established 40 years ago, when the hearts of two mayors enjoined the spirits of two cities. That bond was reinforced and cemented when Mayor Toshihiko Takahashi and I signed a mutual proclamation reaffirming out commitment to this affiliation, fostering mutual friendship, goodwill, and international understanding. By the way, throughout this entire visit, I was enormously grateful to our fantastic interpreter, Naoko Inoguchi. I met the delegation when they first arrived, and from that moment, there was effective communication despite the language barrier: friendly gazes, laughter, and happy talk. What a wonderful feeling of joy, peace, goodness, faith, and understanding. I felt so privileged to be the spokesperson for our city and to initiate a full schedule of activities that would leave some of our guests near exhaustion by the time they were ready to go back to San Francisco for their return flight home. There is more to be said about the significance of the Sister City program, but for those not able to be a part of this celebration, let me give a few of the highlights. The visits take place every

five years, with the two cities alternating in sending a city delegation. This is organized under the auspices of the Concord Ambassadors, a volunteer, non-profit group headed by former Concord Mayor Mike Pastrick, ably assisted by a team of dedicated Concord citizens, with special yeoman assistance from our retiring and beloved city clerk, Mary Rae Lehman. Upon arrival at Concord City Hall, the delegates were royally entertained by a student choir from the Calvary Christian School who sang a welcome song in Japanese, followed by a stirring rendition of “I’m an American Kid.” The infectious enthusiasm of the children was shared by the audience and signaled that the opening event was a huge success. This was followed by a buffet luncheon hosted by the City of Concord. The delegation visited the John Muir National Historic Site and found many photo-ops next to the bronze statute of our famous environmentalist, John Muir. One of the highlights of the schedule was a visit to the Brendan Theater, where the delegation was able to view, for the first time, a sculpture crafted from 10,000 handmade origami paper cranes that Concord residents folded as a gesture of humanitarian support for the victims of the tsunami which struck Japan in March, 2011. I cannot think of

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BART to charge for parking at Concord stations

Tim Grayson, Mayor of Concord

a more heartwarming visible symbol of compassion and support, which took thousands of hours to complete and was a tangible expression of shared humanity. It is interesting to note that, last spring, Kitakami students and some residents were able to view the 30-pound sculpture via Skype. I also want to thank and commend Walter Eichinger, general manager of the Brendan Theater, who not only opened his theater to the artwork unveiling, but also let us hold five different events in support of the Sister City program and provided food for all of them. He is an example of the best among our stakeholders, and I want to take this opportunity to extend my personal heartfelt appreciation for all of his efforts. Another interesting sidelight is that the delegation was joined by Ron Leone Jr., son of our vice mayor, Ron Leone. Ron Jr. is the current English language teacher in Kitakami and travelled with the delegation for this special celebration. Ron Jr. was able to use some of his Japanese language skills, much to the

delight of his parents, Vice Mayor Leone and his lovely wife, Maria. During the gift exchange, Mayor Takahashi presented the city with an ornate tea set contained in an artistically appointed lacquered box. It is a gift of extraordinary beauty. I took note of the fact that Japan has a proud tradition of taiko drumming, and, like our Native Americans who continue this proud tradition of Native American music and drumming, we recognized the similarities and gave Mayor Takahashi a set of gift drums made by the Og-Lala Lakota Sioux nation. Mr. Richard Flittie, a former Concord resident was on hand to assist in making the special presentation. A special honored guest was Consul General of Japan Masato Watanabe, who brought us greetings from Japan and emphasized the importance of these hands-across-the-ocean relationships. It was a time of enlightenment and enrichment for all of us. As has been stated, “People are the same all over the world,” and nothing reinforces this more than Sister City programs.

City News City Clerk Honored Concord City Clerk Mary Rae Lehman has retired after 23 years of service. Many speakers, including Senator Mark DeSaulnier, Assemblymember Susan Bonilla, and District Attorney Mark Peterson, thanked her for her dedication at the October 14 city council meeting. All three have served as members of the Concord City Council and as mayors, and they cited many examples of Lehman’s stellar customer service and positive attitude as she assisted them in their years on the council. Former mayors and councilmembers Guy Bjerke, Mike Pastrick, and Colleen Coll, City Attorney Mark Coon, and Assistant City Manager Scott Johnson also spoke in appreciation of Lehman’s vital contributions to the city. Lehman rose from mail delivery person, starting in 1991, through the ranks to her current position as city clerk and administrative services coordinator. From 1997 to 2002, she served as the executive secretary to the city council and city manager. In 2002, Concord voters elected her to the city clerk position. In 2010, voters decided that the city clerk should be appointed by the city council instead of elected, and Lehman accepted the appointment.

A $1-a-day fee-to-park is in effect at the Concord and North Concord/Martinez BART stations. The new fee began Monday, October 27, at the downtown Concord BART station, and will begin on Wednesday, November 12, at the North Concord/Martinez station. Riders can pay for parking using the Clipper Card, cash, or the regular blue BART card at an Add Fare machine at the station. To use the Clipper Card for payment, riders must sign up in advance at www.BART.gov/ parking to link their Clipper Card to BART’s parking payment program. To get a Clipper Card, visit www.ClipperCard.com. Once a Clipper Card is issued, riders submit an application to link it to BART’s parking program (called EZ Rider) and receive a hangtag by mail to place in the car. Riders are encouraged to sign up right away. Revenue generated from the new parking fees will be placed in a special account to be used only for programs to improve station access, including shuttle and feeder service to stations, as well as much needed station rehabilitation and modernization.

Baldwin Dog Park closed for maintenance The Baldwin Dog Park at 2700 Parkside Circle in Concord is closed for renovation through Tuesday, December 2. The project will improve the condition and durability of the natural grass turf in preparation for the winter season. The turf areas will be aerated, seeded, organically fertilized and top-dressed with organic mulch to generate the best possible results in the shortest period of time to limit the inconvenience to the community. An eight-week closure period should be sufficient if weather conditions remain favorable. Concord’s Newhall Park’s “Paw Patch” and Walnut Creek’s dog park are both scheduled to remain open during Baldwin’s annual maintenance period. For more information, contact the city’s Park Maintenance Division, (925) 671-3444.

Unveiling Common Core - The Unanswered Questions Denise Pursche, Lisa Ackerman, Jeanne Wisniewski, and Sally Wood presented Common Core Debated last April 2014 in Pleasant Hill. You can find the debate on YouTube: “Ten Little Fingers: Common Core Debated.” This school year is California’s first “official” year of implementation of Common Core State Standards, and they present another Common Core panel, “Unveiling Common Core - The Unanswered Questions” in Concord on November 7, 7-9pm, at the Calvary Temple Church, 4725 Evora Rd. Please plan to attend an informative event with Dr. Sandra Stotsky (English language arts professor), Dr. James Milgram (mathematics professor), and Kevin Snider (Pacific Justice Institute). Both Dr. Stotsky and Dr. Milgram were included in the Common Core Validation Committees. Find out why both refused to sign off on the standards (three others did the same). Kevin Snider, chief council for Pacific Justice Institute, will discuss opting your kids out of the high stakes test. Register online at Eventbrite.com and search Unveiling Common Core: The Unanswered Questions.

Public Meetings City Council Nov. 4, 11, 25 Civic Center, 1950 Parkside Drive, Council Chambers, 6:30pm. Contact: 671-3495 Housing and Economic Development Nov. 24 Civic Center, 1950 Parkside Drive, Garden Conference Room, 5:30pm. Contact: 671-3495. Design Review Nov. 13, 27 Civic Center, 1950 Parkside Drive, Council Chambers, 5:30pm. Contact: 671-3495. Planning Commission Nov. 5, 19 Civic Center, 1950 Parkside Drive, Council Chambers, 7pm. Contact: 671-3495. Zoning Administrator Nov. 5, 19 Civic Center, 1950 Parkside Drive, Council Chambers, 9am. Contact 671-3495. For Confirmation Visit: www.ci.concord.ca.us

Chamber Calendar 11/6 – Business Expo 2014 4-7pm. Crowne Plaza Hotel, 45 John Glenn Drive, Concord. See ad on page 23. 11/11 – Real World Business Law Breakfast Workshops: “ You’re Online! Should I Worry About Hackers, Bootleggers and Other Evils?” with Mark Olson of The Olson Law Firm, 8-9am. 2280 Diamond Blvd., Ste.200, Concord. Members free, non-members $10. 11/18 – Women’s Group at the Food Bank 6-8pm. Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano, 4010 Nelson Drive, Concord. Chamber members free. 11/25 – Real World Business Law Breakfast Workshops with Mark Olson of The Olson Law Firm, 8-9am. 2280 Diamond Blvd., Ste.200, Concord. Members free, non-members $10.

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PH Rec & Park

Upcoming Classes and Events The Holiday Festival Is Back! FREE (see ad on page 18) December 10, 5–8:30pm at the NEW Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Drive, PH.  PH Rec’s annual Holiday Festival is back and better than ever. Get into the holiday spirit with a variety of activities sure to delight the whole family. Meet Princess Elsa in the FROZEN© -inspired kingdom. Chat with our famous Talking Christmas Tree. Enjoy youth holiday performances. Participate in arts & crafts. Ride the Holiday Express train. Take photos with strolling characters. Shop in holiday marketplace. Enjoy hot cocoa, sweet treats and food court. And visit the big man himself, Santa Claus. Our generous sponsors: Republic Services, PH Rotary Club, PHBA and Downtown PH UPS Store. Teddy Bear Tea (2–10 yrs) Wednesday, November 12, PH Senior Center’s Dining Room, 233 Gregory Lane, PH. Dress up in your party clothes and bring your parents for tea and cookies. Receive your very own Teddy Bear. Pre-registration required by November 1. Parents must also register. Admission: $10/$9 (Dist. Res.) Holiday Boutique – FREE November 22, 9am – 2pm at the Senior Center. Get an early start on your holiday shopping! Visit our Holiday Boutique and choose from a huge selection of handmade items including baby items, quilts, scarves, jewelry and much more. Quality hand made items at affordable prices. 39th Annual Turkey Trot Trail Run in Briones Regional Park (all ages) November 23, 9am. This is no ordinary Turkey Trot! Get ready for a fun challenge. Experience the tradition of this annual 8.4-mile race in the beautiful hills of Briones Regional Park. Winners take home a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner! This race is not for beginning joggers. Pre-registration closes 11/19. Race day registration starts at 7:30am. For more info. or to register, call (925) 682-0896 or email sgeorge@pleasanthillrec.com.

Breakfast with Santa (1–10 yrs with parent) December 13. Live Music by Paul Cotruvo. PH Senior Center, Chateau Room, 233 Gregory Lane. Santa will take time off from his busy schedule to join you and your family for a morning of holiday cheer, breakfast, and live entertainment. Must pre-register by 12/10. Two seatings available. Children under 12 months free and registration not required with a parent or sibling. Admission: $8.50/$7.50 (Dist. Res.) Get your perfect tree at the Dolfin Tree Lot! November 27 – December 24, Winslow Center Parking lot, 2590 Pleasant Hill Road. Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9am–9pm; Sun. 12:30-9pm. New Year’s Eve Celebration (21+ yrs) December 31 in the Chateau Room at the PH Senior Center, 233 Gregory Lane. Come dance your way into 2015 to the sounds of Cover2Cover! Let us take care of your New Year’s Eve dinner plans as a VIP or come just for the dance party. No host beer, wine and cocktails. Visit pleasanthillrec.com for details. Space is limited. Tickets available November 1. Online ticket sales will be available on this date. VIP Ticket: $85 | Dance Party Ticket: $50. Celebrate the Holidays at Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District Planning a holiday party? Big or small, Pleasant Hill Rec has the perfect venue for your holiday celebration. Contact Ryan Herriman, Facilities Coordinator at (925) 676-5200 or email him at rherriman@pleasanthillrec.com. Get your Holiday shopping done with Tiny Tot Morning Care Let the caring staff at Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District watch your children (walking – 36 months) while you run holiday errands or simply give yourself some time off. Your tot will enjoy indoor games, story time, snack time and outdoor playground time with their friends. Snack provided. Pre-registration required. Location: New Community Center! Call (925) 682-0896.

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Seniors’ Final Shot

Capping years of treading water together, College Park’s senior polo players call timeout for their final photo. Photo by Carolyn Diggs.

Pictured LtoR: Andrew Willis, Will Cefali, Kai Barnes, Rami Basha, Dylan Carroll, Ryan DeBoer, Jack Diggs, Matt Cary and David Griswell.

DVC Women’s Polo

DVC Women’s Water Polo moves to 18-0 on the season with an impressive 20-2 victory over Sacramento City College on Wednesday, October 15. Pictured is Beverly Ayers passing to Alyssa Jenkins (#2). Photo by Zachary Dalton, DVC Inquirer.

CP X-Country Seniors College Park cross-country has nine graduating seniors. We wish them good luck in their next adventure!

Front Row (LtoR) Mariana Perez, Brendan Sullivan, Back Row: Carrie Hunter, Paul Ramstad, Emily Dowey, Trace Bechter, Kenny Olden, Selena Seliba, Brandon Kim. 16

november 2014 • ourcommunityfocus.com

DVC Athletics

Viking Football

AHS X-Country

BASEBALL: Ben Krauth - Kansas John York - Saint Mary’s Nate Sax-Simmons - Saint Mary’s Davis Strong - Saint Mary’s Luke Van Holten - Concordia Ron LaCour - UC Santa Barbara Riley McIntyre - CSU Chico Christian Gazdar - Biola University Jesse Scholtens - Wright State Spencer Marx - UC Berkeley Nick Gavello - University of Tennessee, Martin

Edoardo Cuomo - Fordham Jake Sherman - UC Davis

FOOTBALL: Tui Talia - Oregon Siua Taufa - Utah State Sione Tupouata - Texas A&M, Kingsville Gabe Newman - Fresno State Kitione Kulu - Texas A&M, Commerce Marquise Hatcher - Idaho Derrick Johnson - Concord University (WV) Robert Johnson - Univ. of Incarnate Word Na’im McGee - San Diego State Alex Richardson - Mt. Union Mustaffa Vercher - Midland Wallace Dean - Nevada-Reno Joe Teo - Texas A&M, Kingsville Niko Fortino - Southern Arkansas Kelepi Folau - Alabama, Birmingham Cyole Baker - Missouri Southern State Teddy Baker - Univ. of Southern California Dakota Schakelton - UNLV Gaetano DeMattei - Hawaii, Manoa Shane Ertz - Colorado Debon Nock Solgado - UC Davis

WOMEN’S SWIMMING: Emily Saccullo - University of the Pacific Keiko Segimoto - Hawaii Emily Rollo - Santa Clara Allison Gargalikis - UCLA

BY RICH HAMILTON In a game that featured 51 combined first half points, followed by a scoreless second half, the Diablo Valley Vikings were able to hold off College of the Siskiyous Eagles with a 27-24 road victory. This win comes one week after suffering a narrow defeat at the hands of Modesto, 28-27. Siskiyous jumped out to an early 10-0 lead behind the efforts of a 34yard Grimmett Taylor field goal and 54-yard touchdown pass from Kaden Culp to Michael Benton-Ferguson. Diablo Valley concluded the first quarter with a 9-play 75-yard drive that ended with a 2-yard touchdown by Jake Villa. Siskiyous started the second quarter with a bang, taking only 48 seconds to hit a 48-yard touchdown pass from Culp to Kendrick Murphy. Three minutes later, the Eagles were able to tack on another touchdown, a 14- yard pass from Culp to Tyler Kretschman to go up 24-7. This is where Diablo Valley turned the tables, scoring three touchdowns in a matter of 3 minutes and 8 sec-

The Alhambra Bulldog Cross Country team attended Hayward High School’s Farmer Invitational on Saturday, September 20. Every athlete ran either the 2 or 3-mile course, and the top 20 finishers in each race were awarded Farmer Invitational t-shirts. Those that raced the 3-mile distance became familiar with the course, which will be the site of this year’s North Coast Championship races in November. At 9:30am, the freshman girls raced over two miles. San Leandro’s Karen Young quickly took the lead, followed by Bulldog Marissa D’Atri. After 1.5 miles, D’Atri passed Young on the final hill and sprinted the last straightaway to cross the finish line in first place, winning by 13 seconds in 12:47. She was the first to take home a shirt for Alhambra. When the clock struck 10:00, it was time for the boys’ freshman 2-mile race. Alhambra’s Dylan Gregory improved his best time to 11:38 and finished twelfth overall for the second shirt. In the junior varsity boys’ 3-mile race, three Bulldogs claimed the prestigious shirts. Noa Nabeshima ran a competitive race to take 3rd, while Robert Viano was not far back at 7th place. Trevor OlivieraSmith also placed among the top 20 with a 17th place finish. Senior Allie Timbrell returned for

2013-2014 Transfer List

DVC WOMEN’S SOCCER: Krista Bartzi - San Francisco State Pamela Ramos - Holy Names Haley Paxton - San Francisco State Katarina Gentry - Brooks Institute Wendy Magarin - Sacramento State Raina Saunders - CSU East Bay MEN’S WATER POLO: Blake Fahey - UC Santa Barbara Daniel Usedom - Santa Clara Michael Hawkins - UC Davis Bora Dimitrov - St. Francis (NY) Elad Gunya - California Baptist Mitchell Youhanna - Univ. of the Pacific Jackson Haley - UC Davis Marko Sadikovic - Gannon Univ.

WOMEN’S WATER POLO: Caroline Howard - California Baptist Olivia “Peachy” Vicencio - Sacramento St. Ghitta Ferrara - New York University MEN’S SWIMMING: Jacob Reynolds - UC Santa Cruz Dan Patterson - University of the Pacific Mitchell Youhanna - Univ. of the Pacific Charlie Nanfria - Biola University Riley Hagan - Hawaii

MEN’S BASKETBALL: Jermaine Edmonds - Montana Tom Witzel - Humboldt State John Ocon - Ottawa University (KS) Justin Yeargin - Mars Hill University (NC) A.B. Najee - Mayville State (SD) Connor Jean - Loyola Marymount Devon Pouncey - Pacific University (OR) DVC CROSS COUNTRY & DVC TRACK & FIELD: Men: Brian “Scoops” Avolicino - Sacramento St. Dylan Winn - Humboldt State Pongwisit Monthonsophon - UC Berkeley Anthony Carillo - CSU East Bay

Victorious Over Eagles

onds. Adam Wood hit Marcus Armstrong-Brown with a 5-yard pass with 9:20 remaining in the half, followed up by Jake Villa’s 2nd rushing touchdown of the day with 7:10 remaining in the half. Fifty-eight seconds later, Adam Wood would run in the final score of the day to give the Vikings a 27-24 lead that they would not relinquish. Wood finished the afternoon completing 28 of 44 passes for 299 yards and one score. Wood remains in the top 5 statewide, with a 64.6% completion percentage. Marquis Waters added 71 yards on 10 carries to pace the Vikings run game. Efrain Montalvo hauled in eight catches for 68 yards. Marcus Armstrong-Brown had five catches for 61 yards and one score. Both defenses pitched a second half shutout, with Marcell Frazier of Siskiyous, DJ Moffitt and Hanani Aiono of Diablo Valley finishing with a pair of sacks each. Diablo Valley moves to 4-1 on the season. Diablo Valley returns home to face San Francisco on Friday, October 31, at 7pm.

Bulldogs Win Medals and Shirts

Bulldog Marissa D’Atri finishes first and takes home a t-shirt for Alhambra High School.

the first time from a stress fracture that prevented her from running for months. She completed the 3-mile varsity girls’ distance in a good time of 19:49 to take 12th place as well as another shirt. Saturday’s final race featured the varsity guys racing three miles. Michael Viano started out in a group of 30 runners and moved up throughout the race. In the final 100 meters, he competed with Miramonte’s Andrew Lewis for the finish line, placing 11th and earning the Bulldogs last shirt. Viano also improved his course time significantly to 16 minutes and 15 seconds, an impressive 3-mile time. Story and photo submitted by Joel Timbrell.

Softball Champs

Women: Amy Prindle - UC Berkeley Lauren Suniga - San Francisco State

The Roadrunners took home the championship trophy in Pleasant Hill Rec and Park’s Thursday night softball championship. The Roadrunners defeated the Bears, their long time friendly rival.

VOLLEYBALL: Kelsey Draper - Boise State TENNIS: Men: Thomas Galpin - University of Southern California Andrew Hotama - UC Berkeley Women: Christie Lee - UC Berkeley Natalia Kusumo - Cornell

Photo by Andrew Barber ourcommunityfocus.com • november 2014

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 ’ s

By Russell Carroll, Photos by Susan Wood

A Pleasant Hill Treasure

ou Mangini and his brother, Eugene, own the iconic farm at the corner of Pleasant Hill Road and Taylor Boulevard. Once a year, they host “Farm Day” for the Pleasant Hill Elementary 3rd grade classes. This year’s event was held on Friday, October 10. At the request of Lou Mangini, the Community Focus was there to cover the event. This year there were a few 4th graders mixed in with the 3rd grade classes for a total of about 120 kids. With the help of several volunteers, Lou and his team set up several tables, with each station offering a twenty-minute presentation on different aspects of farming, crops, and the impact farming has on our everyday lives. They have a station where kids get to see how butter is made with milk straight from a cow. Then, they get to try the butter on a cracker. Another shows what bees do and the vital role they play in our lives. Another shows what cotton looks like from the blossom and all the different products that cotton produces. At one station, each kid gets to learn how to plant flowers and they get to plant some of their own to take home. A final station teaches the kids about pruning trees and bushes. The volunteer explains, “It’s like getting a haircut.” I asked one of the teachers, Renee Bryan, what she thought of it all. “To get 20 kids this age to stand still, listen and be quiet is just amazing. But they do it! The

is Back!

Holiday Festival

Old Mangini Had a Farm

Wed., December 10 5:00-8:30 pm

Pleasant Hill Community Center 320 Civic Drive

Continued on page 20

Experience the Magic!

VOTERINN MATTHEW

* Frozen©-inspired wonderland with Princess Elsa * Famous Talking Christmas tree * Holiday performances * Holiday Express

A Trustee of the Contra Costa Community College District Governing Board

train * Hands-on arts & crafts * Photos with strolling characters * Hot cocoa, treats and food court * Holiday marketplace * T he big man himself, Santa Claus

PUTTING STUDENT SUCCESS FIRST Paid for by Matthew Rinn for Contra Costa Community College District 2014 FFPC#1348942

Join us for a magical evening of holiday fun!

Sheriff’s Forensic Manager

For further details, call (925) 682-0896 pleasanthillrec.com

Debbie Billecci

CMY

for City Council

Solving Problems for Martinez

Paid for by Debbie McKillop for Martinez City Council 2014, 5462 Degnan Drive, Martinez CA 94553, 925-812-6160, ID No. 1367954 / Photography by Robert Perry of Martinez

november 2014 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Re-elect Michael Harris for City Council 2014 2300 Heritage Hills Dr., Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 mharris4PH@gmail.com Paid for by Pleasant Hill Police Officers Association PAC # 1312500

ourcommunityfocus.com • november 2014

Re-Elect C

CMY

Mike

Continued from page 19

Continued from page 20

kids are just fascinated by it all.” Another teacher, Maryann Croy, said, “The kids love coming here every year. I think part of it is because the farm is right here in Pleasant Hill. Lou is a neighbor!” Lou serves each kid a hot dog, chips, and a drink for lunch. A highlight for the kids at the end of the day is getting to pick a pumpkin and take it home. I asked Lou what his favorite part of the day is, and he laughed and said, “The smiles on the kids’ faces!” It was a great visit: well organized, presented, and received. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Later in the weekend, I got the chance to sit down alone with Lou and ask him some questions. What a treat this experience turned out to be. Me: Lou, how long have you lived here on the farm? Lou: I was born here in 1923. Me: How long had your family been here? Lou: My dad bought the place a few years before I was born. At first it was just a barn. He separated it in two: half for the horses and half for the family. Me: Was it a farm at that time? Lou: Mostly orchard. We had to clear it and then start planting crops. We cleared it with a team of horses and a plow. Me: What was the area like then? Lou: Well, the only road that existed then was what Pleasant Hill Road is now. It was a narrow gravel road and was the only road between Lafayette and Martinez. Both of those cities were each about 5 miles away. Not much traffic. If we saw 4-5 cars in one day we knew something was going on somewhere. Our favorite part of the day was when the mailman delivered. He didn’t come every day. Only when we had mail. Me: When you weren’t working on the farm, what did you do? Lou: We hunted a lot. We would just walk down the road out there and shoot

ducks. Me: What is your favorite memory of being a kid on the farm? Lou: Driving around in an old Model T. I must have been 14 years old or so and just loved driving that car. Me: How much land do you and your brother have here? Lou: Started out with about 32 acres and is now down to about 17. Me: What crops do you grow here? Lou: We got corn, tomatoes, squash, peppers and a few other things. Me: Have you given any thought to retiring? Lou: Retire? I can’t retire. I am a farmer. As long as my health stays good, I will be farming here. Me: OK, Lou. Last question and it’s the big one. Here you are on 17 acres of flat land which is probably one of the most desirable pieces of land for development in Contra Costa County. I am certain you have been approached time and time again to sell it. Why haven’t you? Lou: Well, because then I have to find a new place to live. With simple logic like that, it’s hard to argue with Lou Mangini. He is in good spirits and apparently good health as well. He enjoys laughing and has a keen sense of humor. Oh, by the way, he has been known to enjoy a beverage! I can only hope that I am in as good as shape when I am 92. Lou Mangini is a true Pleasant Hill treasure. You can contact Russell Carroll at russcarrollemail@gmail.com and Susan Wood at www.susanwoodphotography.com.

Lou with Chad Godoy, Agricultural Commissioner for CC County.

Continued on page 21

Criminal Prosecutor & Councilmember

Menesini for City Council

Experience Matters

Paid for by Mke Menesini for Martinez City Council, 1320 Thomas Drive, Martinez, CA 94553 – ID No. 1288444 – (925) 519-6908

PAID FOR BY ROB SCHRODER FOR MAYOR 2014, 100 GREEN STREET, MARTINEZ, CA 94553 - ID NO. 9617454 - (925) 708-1469

november 2014 • ourcommunityfocus.com

FOR MARTINEZ ourcommunityfocus.com • november 2014

SUE NOACK for Pleasant Hill City Council

Working Together for Pleasant Hill

PROUDLY ENDORSED BY ELECTED OFFICIALS Karen Mitchoff – Contra Costa County Supervisor Tim Flaherty – Mayor, Pleasant Hill Ken Carlson – Vice Mayor, Pleasant Hill David Durant – City Council Member, former Mayor, Pleasant Hill Dr. Joseph A. Ovick – County Superintendent of Schools Matt Rinn – Board Member, Contra Costa Community College District, former chair of the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce Bobby Glover – Board Member, Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District Zac Shess – Board Member, Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District ORGANIZATIONS Pleasant Hill Police Officers’ Association Central Labor Council of Contra Costa County, AFL-CIO City of Pleasant Hill Public Works, Public Employees Local 1 Contra Costa Building and Construction Trades Council International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 302 COMMUNITY MEMBERS John Hanecak, Past Council Member/Mayor, Pleasant Hill Diana Vavrek, Pleasant Hill Planning Commission Steve Wallace, former Pleasant Hill Planning Commissioner Kelly St. Germain, Pleasant Hill Education Commission Chair

Another Successful Event The12th Annual Shell/MEF 5K/10K Run for Education on Sunday, October 5 raised $66,000 for the Martinez Education Foundation (MEF). According to their website, “More than 780 runners and walkers competed in the event, with 95 runners participating in the event’s second 10K with a route that spun off from the 5K and went up the hills to Carquinez Scenic Drive. Kevin Selby of Martinez, a frequent first-place finisher at past runs, again came in first in the men’s 10K category, and Kate Manning of Walnut Creek came in first in the women’s category. Will Allan of Martinez won the men’s 5K competition, and Noreen Searls of Martinez won the women’s event. More than 100 people volunteered to make the event a success, including dozens of students from Martinez Junior High School and Alhambra High School and many Shell refinery workers.

“The 10K course extends out Carquinez Scenic Drive past the historical cemeteries and along the river for some sweeping vistas. All ages participate in the run, and prizes are awarded for the overall winners as well as for various age groups. Entrance fees and corporate sponsorships aggregate to make the Run For Education the largest annual fundraiser for the Martinez Education Foundation, with Shell the primary sponsor. Over the years, the Run for Education has become a much anticipated community event that demonstrates tremendous local support for all schools of the Martinez Unified School District.” The 11th Annual Shell/MEF 5K/10K Run for Education raised $50,000 for the Martinez Education Foundation. MEF is a community-based partnership of energetic volunteers committed to providing resources to enhance educational opportunities for our children.

Relay for Life

Paddock Bowl Walks 300 Miles Twenty-two walkers representing Paddock Bowl in Pacheco relayed for 24 hours straight at Martinez Junior High School on July 25 and 26, walking 300 miles to help “Spare a Life and Strike out Cancer.” With sponsorship from Paddock Bowl owner, Ron Rutherford, a large and well-organized silent auction, donations and contributions obtained through team members, a restaurant fundraiser with Tahoe Joe’s and other various activities, Team Paddock Bowl raised $11,000 quickly, increasing their team fundraising club level from Platinum to Jade!

Hospice of the East Bay’s

Tree of LighTs Celebration for 2014

Please Join Us Martinez - saturday, November 1, 5:00 pm, Morello Avenue, north of Arnold Drive. Dedicated to Eloise Chavez & Herb Thurman. Pleasant Hill - Thursday, November 20, 5:30 pm, gregory Lane, near Cleaveland. Dedicated to Margherita Dominica Molino.

Front row, L to R: Teri Kula, Dale Drewry, Sue Harbrecht, Chrissy Winters, Gina Drewry, Debra Arens and Lindy Lutz. Back row, L to R: Joe Quisito, Debbie Oxley, Paula Handler, Nicole Kirby, Char Brown, Edrianna Rosales, Jack Sutton, Johanna Higginbotham and Brad Lutz. Not pictured: Jinger Barron, Kate Erly , Richard Leong, Geralyn Norris, Linda Norwood, Laura Quisito and Lisa Quisito.

Jennelle Towle Kelly, Civic Action Commission Robert W. Abbott, PLS, Pleasant Hill Planning Commission Liz Kim, Principal, Strandwood Elementary Howard and Vangie Jordan, Jordan Consulting & Investigations Jason Olson, Pleasant Hill Grocery Outlet Paul Bonnar, Attorney Jeff Eide, Volunteering Specialist Jill & Jordan Olivier Allen R. Vinson, Legal Counsel for School Districts / Chairman, Pleasant Hill 4th of July Commission Sandra W. Vinson, University of California, Office of the President Heidi Taylor, Attorney Leanne Hamaji, Co-Founder Foundation for Pleasant Hill Education (FPHE) William Patterson, Webmaster for Pleasant Hill July 4th website Sue Fine and Paul Vierbickas Patricia Eidson, Pleasant Hill Resident and PHMS mom Dr. Keith & Becky Keck, Doctor Faye Donaghu Allison Koerber Kathleen Srange, Teacher, College Park High School Diana Bartlett, Board Member, z Foundation for Pleasant Hill Education Telzey Gourley, Board Member, Foundation for Pleasant Hill Education, Sequoia Elementary parent

SUE NOACK 925.278.4525 Sue@SueNoack.com www.SueNoack.com

Find us on Facebook. 307 Meadowood Ct. Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 Paid for by Sue Noack for Pleasant Hill City Council 2014. FPPC# 1366987. 22

Shell/MEF Run

november 2014 • ourcommunityfocus.com

5K Run/Walk Top 10 Results: Will Allan, Martinez: 16:31.1; Gregory Smyers, Lafayette: 19:12.6; Donovan Heinlein, Pleasant Hill: 20:24.8; Joey Friedman, Martinez: 2:53.1; Jordyn Eglite, Martinez: 21:23.7; Jack Fuller, Martinez: 21:43.7; Noreen Searls, Martinez: 21:54.6; Aaron Hern, Martinez: 22:07.9; Bill Hermens, Concord: 22:11.8; Issac Frierson, Martinez: 22:27.5. 10K Run/Walk Top 10 Results: Kevin Selby, Martinez: 39:44.5; Kevin Searls, Martinez: 40:28.1; Joe Ridout, San Rafael: 40:58.9; Mark Hernandez, Martinez: 42:45.9; Unknown Participant: 43:18.7; Adam Welcome, Lafayette: 43:41.9; Kate Manning, Walnut Creek: 44:13.3; Mark Ross, Martinez: 44:20.7; Tony Scardina, San Jose: 44:35.3; Sienna Nervo, Martinez: 46:08.5. ourcommunityfocus.com • november 2014

In the Garden

Pair Up

The Trek of a Lifetime Part Three

BY LESLEY STILES With legs quivering and lungs burning, we conquer yet another summit. After 350 miles of hiking, we reach the commanding Cruz de Faro, or Cross of Light, symbolizing that which is no longer of service to us and can be released to the cross. Worries, troubles, anxieties, and anguish can be transferred to a rock and left under the cross. Accompanying this release of worldly worries, the cross also represents a guiding torch to those who have passed this life before us, easing their souls away from sorrow into joyous eternity, leading some to leave a ribbon or gift, assuring them all is fine down here, no need to worry about us. Traversing the seemingly endless Meseta, we accrue plenty of time to transfer cares to our rocks, along with wondering how much a rock can absorb. This amazing rose quartz rock, a luminous cross etched in its center, crossed my path, perfect for the long awaited experience of surrender, along with a ribbon carried for 350 miles for Kate and Riley, hoping to ease their worries of family sorrows accumulated in the past year. Precariously stepping down the mountain, which was more difficult than crawling up, we covered terrain that returned us to astoundingly beatific, precious villages, with winding stone streets and gorgeous stone houses that sported planter boxes overflowing with scarlet geraniums, greeting us at every curve. Looking over each valley to cathedral spires in the distance seemed surreal and almost unattainable, but there we were, looking for shelter and food, a place to wash out our clothes, and a glass of wine to complete the day. Scaling two 4200 foot peaks over six or seven hours, we crossed into Galicia through the mystical, magical village of O’Cebreiro. Images of lost civilizations flashed before us, guiding us closer to the completion of our journey. Galicia was settled originally by Celts, only to be conquered by Spaniards, leaving many Druidic traditions intact. As we trudged into 24

Fonfria looking for a night’s rest, we came upon the only Albergue available in town and found a room, along with a meal. July 25 is the Feast of St. James, and our hosts had a fiesta planned, complete with Aruzo and incantations. Aruzo is white lightning liquor in a pot with apple juice, apples, oranges, peppercorns, coffee beans, a whole lot of sugar, and some other, secret ingredients. Our hostess, Angela, of Celtic and Spanish ancestry, held forth at the ceremony, mixing the cauldron and lighting it on fire, issuing incantations meant to release fears that hold us back from anything in the year ahead. Lights out, pot ablaze, singing and shouting, we pass a delightfully amazing evening that culminated in savoring the torte de St Jacques, an almond and orange tart, breathtaking and intoxicating. We used every ounce of that ceremony to complete a brutally hilly, blazing-sun twenty miles to Sarria, which represents the last 100 kilometers of the Camino where many people commence their journey, and the government awards anyone completing a minimum of the last 100 km of the trail with the Compostela, or certificate of completion. Our trip changed overnight as all the “short timers” crowded the trail as we followed the sunrise out of town the next morning. A few mornings later, as we started out with headlamps, chasing the sun, the final day on our path into Santiago arrived. Mixed emotions logically rise to the surface as thirty-five days of backpacking come to a close. Passing by a huge Albergue on the outskirts of Santiago, I emotionally tumbled into the enormity of our adventure. Tears filled my eyes as I found Santiago in my focus at last. Sorrow and joy blended into a luscious soufflé of adventure and liberation, permeating every cell as the amazing cathedral appeared on the horizon. Santiago greeted us with live music scattered about the old town, along with fireworks and crowds of raucous party people celebrating the last day of July and signaling the end of the feast of St. James in the village where his body lies beneath stones in the enormous and hallowed cathedral.

november 2014 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Turkey Traditions After completing the trail with a trip to the “end of the world,” Finnistere, on the Spanish Pacific Ocean, with a coastline rivaling our Big Sur’s, I reflected on many wonderful new friends met on the trail with uncountable lessons on survival and endurance in my heart. The Camino De

Santiago, a journey for the books and one recommended highly by this unboundedly grateful pilgrim, I vow to use the steely strength I gathered, physically and emotionally, to embrace new as well as old challenges in my life, overcoming and assisting where I may. Buen Camino.

Persimmons

Plentiful and Gaining Popularity As autumn begins to fully engulf the Diablo Valley, it becomes obvious that the sexy fruits of summer are on the wane. Apples are everywhere in every shape, size, and flavor palette, from tart to sweet, pleasing all involved. Grapes are massive in their bulk at year-round farmers’ markets and come in just as many varieties. Thomcord is a really interesting mix of a Thompson seedless, for the sweet, no-seed person, crossed with the Concord grape. Persimmons have gained enormous popularity in the past several years, mostly due to the availability of Fuyu varieties. They are plentiful and grown in over thirty countries for business as well as pleasure. Divided into astringent and nonastringent varieties, both types have equal beauty and magnificent taste value. Nonastringent Fuyu persimmons, flat and sort of squat looking, are translucent orange orbs with calyx intact at stem end and should be eaten crunchy as you would an apple. Cut firm Fuyus, Chocolate Fuyu, or Jiro into crunchy romaine and crisp spinach greens. Add with creamy chevre, toasted almonds, and orange segments for a fabulous holiday salad. Newer to the party are the massively astringent varieties, mainly Hachiya, which need to be eaten when totally soft. They’re especially good when super ripe and used for baking in cookies and bars. Persimmons are extremely generous with healthy agents; fiber, vitamins C, K, A and iron are present in every one you eat. Hachiya are full of tannins and will cause brutal pucker up if eaten totally unripe. Leave on a counter or, if you are in a hurry, place in your freezer till solid and defrost for instant gratification and yummy cook-

ies. Persimmon pudding is a seasonal treat not to be missed.

Persimmon Cookies INGREDIENTS 1 cup butter or coconut oil ¾ cup molasses sugar (from Trader Joes) or turbinado or brown sugar ¾ cup granulated sugar 2 eggs 1 1/4 cups persimmon pulp (about 2 large or 3 small persimmons) 2 1/2 cups wheat flour 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons fresh ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg 1 cup chopped and toasted walnuts 1 cup raisins (the dried Thompson Seedless grapes from the farmers’ market are awesome) DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350* and spray cookie sheets with canola oil or line with parchment paper. Mix flour, salt, soda and spices together and set aside. Combine butter and sugars and beat until smooth. Add the egg and persimmon pulp and beat well. Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix until incorporated. Add the raisins and nuts and mix until incorporated. Drop by spoonfuls onto the cookie sheets and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. These cookies are cake like and will seem too soft, but pull them out anyway as they will be nice and moist. Yield: 50 Cookies

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BY MARIA TERRY Thanksgiving is all about traditions, and each family has their own time-honored recipes. The sommelier’s challenge is finding one wine that goes with everything on the plate. The good news is there is usually an abundance of people, so there are often multiple wines. Here are a few of my favorite Thanksgiving recipes paired with some classic wines. Chilled shrimp is a popular appetizer to serve before the real eating begins. Add an extra bit of flavor by serving it alongside this zesty Green Goddess Dressing. The fresh, delicate flavor of shrimp is excellent with a lively Sauvignon Blanc. The bright burst of vinegar and herbal flavors of the dressing will echo the substantial acid and inherent herbal flavors of the wine. If you prefer a wine with a little less acid and sometimes a touch of sweetness, try a Chenin Blanc. Either will work wonderfully. When the group sits down to the main course, bigger, more complex wines often arrive at the table. But, complexity does not always mean more tannin. Less tannin in a wine improves its ability to pair with food. Merlots, which have less tannin than Cabernet

Sauvignon, can be a great option for the demanding Thanksgiving plate. The soft, round nature of Merlot, along with its red-tinged dark fruit and moderate acidity, goes well with most dishes, from turkey and savory gravy to, the ever-difficult to pair with, sweet-tart cranberry sauce. Vegetables can also be difficult with wine. This recipe for Brussels Sprouts, Green Bean & Wild Mushroom Sauté brings together three historic vegetables along with diced potatoes and bacon fat. The slight loamy character of the mushroom contrasts with the Merlot’s fruit and reflects its earthy notes. Bacon fat and butter are always welcome, as they soften the astringency of the wine tannins. If you skipped the cranberry sauce at dinner, Pear-Cranberry Pie with Oatmeal Streusel will provide you with your cranberry fix. Cranberries mixed with sweet Anjou pears contribute to the perfect blend of sweet and tart. Top with vanilla ice cream and don’t even try to serve with wine; choose a spiced cranberry hot tea instead. The tea’s flavors will be spot on with the dessert and will gently calm your very full stomach as well. So, go on. Pair Up! Maria Terry is a Certified Sommelier and Wine Educator in the San Francisco Bay Area, www.LaSommelierre.com.

Please go to our website www.KobeJapanRestaurant.com, and click Sign-Up for Our Birthday Club/Special Offers

1918 Oak Park Blvd, Pleasant Hill 925-705-7065/7066 (PHONE) • 925-705-7067 (FAX) www.kobejapanrestaurant.com

Green Goddess Dressing INGREDIENTS 1oz. anchovies 2 whole green onion, chopped ¼ cup coarsely chopped parsley 1/2 tbsp. tarragon, chopped 1½ tbsp. tarragon or white wine vinegar ½ cup mayonnaise ½ cup sour cream Pinch of sugar to taste Salt and pepper to taste DIRECTIONS Pat anchovy of excess oil and place in blender. Puree until fine. Add remaining ingredients and blend. Yield: 1 cup

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Pear-Cranberry Pie with Oatmeal Streusel INGREDIENTS Streusel: 3/4 cup regular oats 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg Dash of salt 2 tablespoons chilled butter, cut into small pieces Filling: 3 cups (1/2-inch) cubed peeled Anjou pear (2 large) 2 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen and thawed 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar 2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch 1 unbaked 9-inch deep-dish pie crust DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350°. Streusel: combine first 5 ingredients in a medium bowl; cut in butter with a pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse meal. Filling: combine pear, cranberries, 2/3 cup brown sugar, and cornstarch in a large bowl; toss well to combine. Spoon pear mixture into pie crust; sprinkle streusel over pear mixture. Bake at 350° for 1 hour or until bubbly and streusel is browned. Cool at least 1 hour on a wire rack. Yield: about 12 servings

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Brussels Sprouts, Green Bean & Wild Mushroom Sauté INGREDIENTS 1/2 pound chanterelles or other mushroom, cleaned and diced into bite size pieces 4 slices lightly smoked bacon, sliced crosswise into 1/4-inch lardons 4 medium-size Yukon gold potatoes, about 1 pound, in 1/2-inch dice 1/2 large onion, in 1/2-inch dice 2 large garlic cloves, minced 3/4 pound green beans, trimmed and cut into 3/4-inch lengths 1/2 pound Brussels sprouts, quartered Splash of brandy or Amontillado sherry 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon minced thyme 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil Kosher salt and pepper to taste 1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts DIRECTIONS In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Move bacon bits to a paper towel-lined bowl and reserve. Leave some bacon fat in the pan and pour the remainder in a small, heat-proof container. Season the potatoes to taste and add to the hot skillet. Stir occasionally until partially cooked, about 3-4 minutes. Remove potatoes from pan. Add the onion, sauté for 1 minute, and then add the garlic. When garlic is aromatic, add green beans, Brussels sprouts, and sherry. Add more bacon fat if needed. Cook 2 minutes, then add the mushrooms and thyme, plus the butter or olive oil to add richness. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to cook, stirring and tossing, until beans, Brussels sprouts, and mushrooms are tender-crisp, about 3 minutes more, and then return potatoes to pan to finish cooking, about 1-2 minutes more. Everything should finish cooking at the same time. Garnish with walnuts, reserved bacon bits and serve. Yield: 8-10 side-dish servings

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ourcommunityfocus.com • november 2014

In the Mix

Where Everybody Knows Your Name BY PAUL COTRUVO A change is gonna come! After 32 years, Ron and Christy Dallimonti have decided to retire and sell Dallimonti’s, a Pleasant Hill institution where many locals go to chat, relax, and have a little fun. The little Italian restaurant is also known as “The place where everybody knows your name” (with homage to Cheers), but I am old enough to remember when it was simply called, “RJD’s.” Not only has Dallimonti’s been a great restaurant, but it has also served as a wonderful venue for the local music scene. I remember many years ago when they started having music. Friday nights would consist of the infamous Cleve Jones, who would entertain four hours straight with just his vintage

Fender Stratocaster and a stool (and a flow of shots of tequila). Cleve would pack the place! Occasionally, Ron would bring in a band, mainly just for New Year’s Eve, but a seed was planted! I will never forget my first solo gig at Dallimonti’s. It happened to be on the same night as the OJ Simpson car chase. I was just about to start my set, when a customer leaned over and said in a quiet yet stern voice, “You aren’t thinking of starting, are you?” After assessing the situation, (I’m a runner not a fighter) and curious as well to see where OJ was headed, I started an hour late. But the acoustic solo gigs soon gave way to karaoke on Friday nights and bands on Saturday nights. Ron and Christy definitely had something going on in our little area. Over the years, there have been so many great bands: The Famous Three-O (and the Famous

Trio), Lumberyard, Mixed Nuts, Loose Blues, Cover2Cover, Tamson-Donner Band, etc. They provided great listening and fun dancing. Over the years Dallimonti’s became a musician’s hangout as well. You just never knew who was going to show up and sit in. A few years ago, I stopped in for a nightcap and was entertained by members of Counting Crows, Night Ranger, Gregg Allman, Tower of Power and Huey Lewis and the News. All in the same night! And even though Ron and Christy are taking a well-deserved rest from this crazy business, I know the music will live on! And I’m sure Ron will poke

his head in and sing a few tunes with whatever band is rocking that evening. On November 26, the night before Thanksgiving, the band Cover2Cover will play a thank you show, with a plethora of other local musicians sitting in, to honor and give thanks to Ron and Christy for providing such a fun venue for us musicians. Get there early and stay late because that night is going to rock! Thank you Ron and Christy for all the wonderful years! Quote of the Month: “Music is the language of the spirit. It opens the secret of life bringing peace, abolishing strife.” - Khalil Gibran

Paul’s Picks

November 7: Ken Cooper, Back 40 BBQ, 100 Coggins Drive. Pleasant Hill, 6pm November 14: Sin Silver & The Avenue, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm November 22: The Big Jangle, Dallimonti’s, 1932 Oak Park Blvd, Pleasant Hill, 9:30pm November 26: Cover2Cover, Dallimonti’s, 1932 Oak Park Blvd, Pleasant Hill, 8pm November 28: Lumberyard, Dallimonti’s, 1932 Oak Park Blvd, Pleasant Hill, 9:30pm

Dallimonti’s

Restaurant www.dallimontis.com

Come for the food stay for the music!

DON’T FORGET OUT SUNDAY BAR SPECIALS • MONDAY $6.00 BBQ TUESDAY FREE TACOS • SELECT WEDNESDAYS OPEN MIC NOVEMBER MUSIC: 11/1 Famous Three-O • 11/8 The Business 11/15 TuneRiders • 11/22 The Big Jangle • 11/29 Lumberyard • A Family Tradition Since 1982 • Open for Lunch & Dinner • Reservations & Take Out Available • Small Banquets Welcome • Full Bar & Wine List • A Touch of North Beach in your Neighborhood

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

NOVEMBER SPECIAL

SUPPORTING OUR LOCAL

Proudly Sponsored by Les Schwab Martinez

ORGANIZATIONS

Large Turnout for Historic Home Tour

On Saturday, October 11, an estimated 500 visitors toured the seven vintage homes on the Historic Home Tour organized by the Martinez Historical Society. All the homes were in the Arlington Way neighborhood, west of downtown Martinez. The European opulence of the 1927 home of retired opera singers John and Marcia Hetzler was particularly charming, with its former attic converted into a guest suite, complete with intriguing niches, dormer windows and a recessed sleeping nook. In Ned and Elaine Seawell’s 1922 Craftsman home, a newly refurbished kitchen designed by local architect Eileen Tumlin had just been installed. Visitors enjoyed looking at “before & after” pictures showing the transformation of the1950s kitchen to the current 2014 design. Jack Vosney’s home was a romantic 1920s English Cottage, with its front gable clad in trumpet vines. Inside was a reconstructed kitchen, which appeared vintage, but actually had a new farm sink, new butcher block counters, and newly-installed, glass-fronted cabinets antiqued to look as if they were 90- years old. Tour goers enjoyed strolling through Marc and Amelia Hunter’s 1923 Craftsman after reading about it in the October issue of the Community Focus. The newly restored house had been featured in the winter edition of American Bungalow magazine, a first for a Martinez home. The garden of Citrus Salon owner, Candice Gliato, and her husband, Travis, illustrated how giant timber bamboo could be utilized as a screen to create privacy between adjacent homes. The 1922 house of Corrine Christiansen, a New Leaf Academy educator, was notable for its greatly increased size following an addition, which utilized modern materials and construction methods to create a large home, while making the house look like an original throughout. Both of this year’s mayoral candidates in Martinez participated in the Tour. Incumbent Rob Schroder’s 1928 Spanish Revival house, in impeccable condition, was on the Tour. And challenger Gay Gerlack was the greeter at the 1937 Shell Clubhouse, where visitors began the Tour. “It is impossible to list all the people who participated in the Tour,” said Carolyn Duncan, chair of the Home Tour Committee. “It takes a community to put on an event of this magnitude.” The sponsors who made the Tour possible were as follows: Shell Martinez Refinery, Cole Real Estate, Shell Chemical Company, Republic Services, Shell Western States Federal Credit Union, U.S. Bank, Hagin’s Automotive, Bisio / Dunivan, Dolan’s Lumber Doors & Windows, Best Western Plus John Muir Inn, Matthew Rinn- State Farm Insurance, Les Schwab, EcoMulch and City of Martinez.

Celebrate the Joy of Remembrance

Hospice of the East Bay invites the public to participate in the annual Tree of Lights ceremonies for both Martinez and Pleasant Hill. For twentyeight years, the Tree of Lights ceremonies have offered residents throughout Contra Costa a way to celebrate and memorialize the lives of their friends and loved ones. In addition, the funds raised allow Hospice of the East Bay to offer end of life care for everyone in the community, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Ceremonies include music, reading of memorial names, refreshments, and the magical moment when the tree is lighted… rain or shine! Martinez Tree of Lights This year’s tree lighting will be held on Saturday, November 1, at 5pm, at the majestic oak tree located on Morello Avenue, north of Arnold Drive, and will be dedicated in memory of two Martinez residents, Eloise Chavez and Herb Thurman. Join Martinez Mayor Rob Schroder, city council members, Main Street Martinez supporters, and Martinez residents as the East Bay sky is brightened this holiday season. Learn more at www.MartinezHospiceTree. com Pleasant Hill Tree of Lights The magnificent oak tree located on Gregory Lane near Cleaveland Road will be lit on Thursday, November 20, at 5:30pm. This year’s tree lighting will be in honor of longtime Pleasant Hill resident Margherita Dominica Molino. A reception will follow immediately at the Pleasant Hill Teen Center, located at 147 Gregory Lane. How to Dedicate a Tree Light Lights can be dedicated for a minimum gift of $25. Donors of $100 or more have the option of having their name listed in the tree lighting program. Tax-deductible tree sponsorships range from $250 to $10,000. Proceeds from Tree of Lights ceremonies benefit patients and families under the care of Hospice of the East Bay. Established in 1977, Hospice of the East Bay is a not-for-profit agency that helps people cope with end of life by providing medical, emotional, spiritual, and practical support for patients and families, regardless of their ability to pay. For light purchases, donations, sponsorships and event questions, please call (925) 887-5678, or visit www.MartinezHospiceTree.com or www.PHHospiceTree.com. To learn more, visit www.hospiceeastbay.org.

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ourcommunityfocus.com • november 2014

AHS Homecoming Falcons Clean Up King and Queen Parade Down Main

Community Service Day Success

Alhambra High’s Homecoming Queen, Mariah Strykers, and Homecoming King, Josh Evans, wave to the parade bystanders along Main Street in Downtown Martinez. Photo submitted by Kerry Cusack.

More than eighty College Park High students/athletes showed school pride when they turned out to help tidy their campus during Pleasant Hill’s Community Service Day in September. Many of Coach Huff’s freshman football team worked tirelessly to pull weeds, pick up trash, and move a 600lb tire covered in black widows (nicknamed the black widow maker). Devoted alumni also showed up with their trucks to help haul large items to a dumpster donated by Republic Services. In all, the 10th Annual Community Service Day had about 1,000 volunteers working on 23 projects all over the city. Submitted by Mike Scharff.

On Campus Performing Arts & Holiday Feast Holiday Feast CPHS Choir Presents First-Ever Renaissance Holiday Feast The Choir Department at College Park High School presents an elegant dinner concert, November 14 and 15, 6pm, recreating the traditional holiday celebrations of the Renaissance. Attendees will journey back 500 years to merry England in the days of olde, with an evening of magic, music, mayhem, and a marvelous meal - all in a candlelit castle setting. An unforgettable night of intimate Renaissance music, convivial traditions, wassailing and general revelry - huzzah! Ticket price includes all entertainment and a gourmet, traditional, full-course dinner. Seating by town crier at 6pm, main course served at 6:30pm. Early bird pricing (before November 1: adults $35, students $18, children 10 and under $10 (babes in arms free). For tickets, information and menu, visit: www.collegeparkchoirs.com.

Introducing Robots to Kids Linkbots on the Loose at Valley View Middle School

BY JAKI JONES Getting kids engaged and working collaboratively while teaching them math and computer programming skills is happening at the new Linkbot RoboPlay Club at Valley View Middle School in Pleasant Hill. Shauna Hawes, the computer technology teacher, and Christina Tkachuk, the math and AIMS teacher, are faculty advisors to the 35 plus, mixed-grade club members. Every Wednesday after school, groups of students can be seen at computers or huddled over their Linkbots. Linkbots are modular educational robots that can be accessorized and linked with other robots and programmed to move. Linkbots were developed at UC Davis and support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education. Hawes was first introduced to the idea of bringing robots into a middle school classroom two years ago. “In early 2012, I presented at a STEAM (STEM + Arts) Conference and dropped in on Dr. Harry Cheng from the UC Davis CSTEM program, as he was speaking about correlating Common Core math with robotics for younger students, such as middle schoolers. That got my attention.” A year later, she attended a two-day intensive C-STEM Robotics Academy training at UC Davis where she was trained on how to engage students on critical thinking and collaborative learning and how to integrate computing and robotics into

STEM classroom teaching and afterschool programs. She also purchased two Linkbots. “I walked out of the training trying to figure out how I would get more robots and how I would implement this programming experience to support and supplement my students with their math and math confidence. What I also brought home was a very clear vision that if I had experienced math in the context I was now seeing, I would have learned the concepts and seen a purpose to learning them,” she continued. Hawes wrote grant requests to DonorsChoose.org and the Pleasant Hill Education Foundation, and with funding received, she was able to purchase 15 more Linkbots (at about $200 each) and accessories (wheels and snap connectors). “Tesoro has awarded MDUSD a grant for after-school STEM clubs, so I am in the process of ordering more materials to supplement the ones we’ve already purchased,” she said. And what do the students have to say about this hands-on, high energy club? “I get to use the Linkbots to do cool things,” said one 7th grader. “I like learning about robots overall and how they work,” said another. “I think the coolest thing is being able to move the robots,” added another. Several community members are also involved in the fruition and success of the club. Mike Morehead, College Park

and PH Middle School parent is one of the founders and community advisors of the club. Steve Iribarne, past Valley View Middle School and CP parent currently works as a robot programmer. CP student Max Morehead is a student coach and CP student Gavin Olson stops by to help when available. A culminating activity will be at the 2015 C-STEM Day at UC Davis next May,

when teams of students will participate in the RoboPlay Challenge Competition. Here, Valley View students will have an opportunity to showcase their real-world problem solving skills in a competitive environment. For more information about how you can support STEM in Pleasant Hill schools, contact cpstemboosters@gmail. com.

8th grade students in the Linkbot RoboPlay Club at Valley View Middle School are working on the computer program designed to make the robot move.

Fall Performances Alhambra’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” Alhambra High School is currently rehearsing the play, To Kill A Mockingbird. Performances are November 12, 13, 14, and 15 at 7pm. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Visit https://ahsbulldogstore.myschoolcentral.com. College Park’s “Appointment with Death” College Park Drama presents Agatha Christie’s Appointment with Death in the newly upgraded multi-use room, offering better seating and acoustics! The play, directed by College Park parent Chrissey McCooey, runs for five performances: November 1, 6, 7, and 8 at 7pm and November 5 at 4pm. Tickets are $5/students and staff, $8/seniors, and $10/general admission. Group discounts are available. For more information, call Joan Lopate at 925-682-7670 x 3245, or email lopatej@mdusd.org. 28

november 2014 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Students in the Linkbot RoboPlay Club at Valley View Middle School listen as Mrs. Shauna Hawes, faculty advisor, shows them how to run a program already written to make the robot move and turn.

7th grade students in the Linkbot RoboPlay Club at Valley View Middle School watch as their Linkbot moves to the programmed commands. ourcommunityfocus.com • november 2014

Trust Administration

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SAT. NOV. 29TH

BY DANIEL DuREE I have previously written about the creation of a revocable living trust to avoid probate, but this month I will discuss the management of a living trust after the creators have passed away. This process is known as trust administration. From Revocable to Irrevocable After the last creator (or settlor) of a trust passes away, the once revocable trust is now “irrevocable” because the settlor was the only person who had the power to revoke or amend the trust. Thus, the trust becomes a legal entity separate from the settlor, and the IRS requires a taxpayer identification number. The successor trustee (now acting trustee) requests a taxpayer ID number from the IRS and will use this number to open an account in the name of the trust.

Notification to Beneficiaries Under most trust agreements, the successor trustee is required to notify the beneficiaries that they have an interest in the trust. There is often a requirement that the successor trustee provide an accounting of trust assets to the beneficiaries, although this may be waived in the trust document. Successor Trustee Added to Title When the settlor of a revocable trust passes away, the successor trustee must add their name to trust assets and remove the name of the settlor. While the settlor of a trust is alive, assets are held in the following format: “Settlor’s Name, trustee of Settlor’s Name Revocable Trust.” When the settlor passes away, the successor trustee must notify various institutions of this fact and add their name to the title of the assets. Title will now be held as: “Succesor Trustee’s Name, trustee of Settlor’s Name Revocable Trust.” By doing this, the successor trustee will be able to gather the assets,

Time to Change?

turn them into cash, and distribute them according to the terms of the trust. This must be done for both financial accounts as well as real property. Payment of debts and Distribution After all the assets have been gathered and debts of the settlor (including taxes) are paid, the successor trustee will distribute the assets according to the terms of the trust. Trust administration is not a complex process, but it must be done in a methodi-

cal fashion. Even though there are some specific requirements involved, a revocable trust administration is vastly preferable to the probate process, both in terms of cost and duration. If you have any questions about revocable living trusts or estate planning, I am happy to assist you. Daniel L. DuRee is a third generation resident of Contra Costa County and a licensed attorney practicing in Walnut Creek. He can be reached at (925) 210-1400 or visit www.DuReeLaw.com.

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TRUSTS • WILLS • PROBATE

Second Open Enrollment Season

BY COLLEEN CALLAHAN The second open enrollment period for individual health insurance starts on November 15. People who have coverage directly with an insurance company or through Covered California have an opportunity to make changes. Additionally, for those of you who did not apply earlier in the year and have been without coverage, now is the time to get covered. Remember, the law requires that everyone have health insurance. If you do not have it, you could be subjected to a penalty at tax time. Applications submitted November 15 and December 15 have an effective date of January 1, 2015. Please remember that Covered California is the option if you qualify for advance premium tax credits or for assistance with things like copays. Those with earnings higher than 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) might consider applying directly to an insurance company.

If you are currently on a COBRA plan, consider the options in the marketplace. Your deductible will start again on January 1, so moving to a new plan might be more cost effective, and you won’t lose any deductible credit. The benefits are more uniform than in the past. Basic plans are called Bronze, the highest level of benefit is found in the Platinum plan, and Silver and Gold plans are in the middle. It is important to check to see if your physician is contracted. All company websites have a tool that allows you to search for contracted physicians and hospitals. If you would like comprehensive help from an agent, you will need to find one that has taken training with Covered California. The Covered California website has a “Find an Agent” tool. Of course, you can always call me; I am certified and my office is in Pleasant Hill! Colleen Callahan Insurance Services is located in Pleasant Hill. Contact her at 925363-5433 or ccallahan@callahaninsurance. com. ourcommunityfocus.com • november 2014

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november 2014 • ourcommunityfocus.com

10/17/14 9:27 AM

BY KEVIN ARNDT Last month I talked about consistency being the secret to fitness success. No matter what, stick to a workout plan and don’t miss a day. Not every workout is going to be your best, but it is always progress. However, there is a caveat: what are your goals? Working with athletes, I usually see high effort. Sometimes they come in flat, but for the most part they want to be a standout in their sport, so they come into the gym knowing they need to out-work their competition. However, not everyone trains like an athlete. Nor do they always need to. I ask any client of mine, “Do your actions align with your goals?” The general population doesn’t have to out-work their competition in the gym, so workouts require a different mindset. If your goal is to just move more, then going to the gym and doing a quick strength training routine or a 30-minute walk will meet your goals. But, are you trying to fit into a pair of pants that you wore 30 pounds ago or are you trying to get a six-pack? If this is the case, then ask yourself, “Am I doing the necessary

Excercising While on the Clock work?” If you have aggressive goals, you need to have aggressive actions. You can’t be a millionaire by only working one hour a day, and you can’t get a celebrity beach body with minimal effort. This will never work. NEVER. In order to reach an aggressive goal, you need to be spot-on with your nutrition, exercise, and recovery. And be consistent. A person has to look in the mirror and be honest with who is looking back. Is this goal what you really want, or something you only think you want? If it is something you know you want, then go for it. Give it everything you have. It will be worth the effort. But if it is something you only think you want, you will be miserable, and, chances are, you will discourage yourself because you are not fully bought into your goal. This isn’t an excuse for you to not work hard and eat right. This is to help you understand that getting fit and healthy isn’t always about looking a certain way, but rather feeling a certain way, and it’s one more approach to making exercise and health a part of who you are and not something you have to do. Exercise and good health should always be enjoyable. Kevin Arndt is an athletic trainer at Forma Gym in Walnut Creek. You can reach him at Kevin@Formagym.com.

BY TONYA AMOS If you’re ready to add more exercise to your life but can’t fit it into your busy schedule, add movement to your workday. Changing a few elements of how you conduct business will burn calories, create healthier joints, and impact your overall wellbeing. Here are ways to move your body while on the clock: Hoof it to work (or at least to your bus stop or BART station). Wear comfortable shoes so that you can walk, bike, or, if you’re really ambitious, roller skate. Adding a short walk to your commute can make a big difference when done five days a week. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. You’ll get some great leg, hip and glute work while getting your heart rate up. Get up frequently. Sitting in a chair for hours on end is rough on your joints and metabolism. Getting up to take a short walk every hour helps you “re-set.” Sit on a ball. Swapping out your chair for part of the day activates the core muscles, which encourages good posture and helps support the spine. Make sure the ball is slightly deflated so you don’t fall. Answer the phone standing up.

This insures that you stretch your legs frequently and are on your feet for part of your long workday. Take a walk at lunch. A short, brisk walk around the block before settling back to your desk works wonders. Take your meeting on the road. Instead of sitting with co-workers over coffee, take a break or have a meeting while walking. You’ll boost both your body and brainpower. With forty hours a week, making a few changes at work adds up to better health. You’ll be pleasantly surprised with your improved fitness and will be stronger by the end of the quarter. Tonya Marie Amos is a fully certified Pilates instructor. For more information, please call (925) 680-4400 or go to www.AspirePilatesCenter.com.

Tropical Pilates Retreat March 7th - 14th, 2015

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ourcommunityfocus.com • november 2014

P L E AS ANT

HI L L

CHAMB E R

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Martinez Senior Activities

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818 Green Street, Martinez 925-370-8770

Nov. 9 - Pancake Breakfast 8-11am. Breakfast includes pancakes or toast, sausage, eggs, orange juice and coffee. Everyone is welcome. Cost is $4.00 for adults/$2.00 for children 10 and under.

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Nov. 7 - Annual Holiday Bazaar 9am-2pm. Handmade crafts, baked goods, jewelry, white elephant, plants, cards, holiday decorations and more. Lunch will be available between 11:30am to 1pm. Tickets: $4.00 advanced sales, $4.50 day of the sale.

Attracting & Retaining Customers What are you doing to grow your business?

Customer Service Organizing Your Office & Workforce Social Media & Marketing Networking

BUSINESS RUNWAY 2014

Wednesday, December 10, 2014 Pleasant Hill City Hall Community Room 100 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill 11:30 am – 1:30 pm (Registration & Networking begins at 11:00 am)

Includes Lunch!

Presented By

For more information, contact Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce (925) 687-0700

Welcome New Members

being over. 2015 will be here before we know it! so you don’t miss our events happening in November and in December, too! Our November Business Mixer will be on the

Susan Wood Photography

12th at Chateau III located at 175 Cleaveland Road, Pleasant Hill.

Ann Luke Executive Director

40 Golf Club RD., Pleasant Hill 925.676.2420 • WWW.ELTAPS.COM

Pleasant Hill Senior Activities 233 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill 925-798-8788 Nov.2 & Dec. 7 - Pancake Breakfast 8:30-10:30am. All ages welcome! PH Senior Center Chateau Room. Enjoy a stack of pancakes or French toast, eggs, sausage and orange juice and coffee. At the Dec. Pancake Breakfast, be sure to bring the young ones and make a special holiday craft. Adults (11+): $5, Children (5-10): $3, 4 & under: Free!

Dec. 4 – Taste of the Vine Holiday Edition 3pm, Senior Center, Chateau Room. This is a special holiday Taste of the Vine with live music, wine, food, and you can even get some of your holiday shopping finished. Premier Designs Jewelry will be selling items and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Senior Center. Sponsored by the Chateaus of Pleasant Hill. Tickets: $10 presale or $15 day of (based on availability). No refunds on tickets

Be sure to check the Chamber’s online calendar

SUNDAY BRUNCH SERVED 10 AM - 2 PM

Open 7 Days: Mon - Sat 11AM - 9 PM • Sundays 10AM - 8PM

Dec. 7 - Clarinet Fusion Holiday Performance 2:30pm. Afternoon begins with a holiday party buffet: appetizers, wine, non- alcoholic punch. Doors open at 1:30pm, buffet begins at 1:45pm with performance at 2:30pm. Tickets: $11 members/ $13 non-members. Deadline to purchase tickets is Monday, Nov. 24.

Nov. 13 – CMP Series presents: “Maintaining Your Mental Health During the Holidays” 2pm, PH Senior Center Dining Room. Think you’re going crazy? You’re not alone! Learn coping strategies to help preserve your sanity during the craziness of the holiday season. Presented by the Advisors on Aging. CMP Series is sponsored by The Chateaus of Pleasant Hill. For more info, call Dana Krider, Care Manager, at 798-8788.

“It’s hard to believe this year is getting close to

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Nov. 20 – Bingo Thanksgiving Special: $50 regular games & prizes.

Nov. 7 - Vagabond Players presents: “The Cemetery Club”1pm, PH Senior Center Chateau Room. A comic and cathartic play about friendships, the future and new possibilities, this play has an important moral: Fear life a little less and embrace the unknown. Tickets: $7 presale or $12 day of (based on availability). No refunds on tickets.

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Create with us! Discover all that Walnut Creek Civic Arts Education has to offer — like arts classes, workshops, events and more for the whole family November 15: Civic Arts Fall Open House Discover what Walnut Creek Civic Arts is all about! Come down to the Shadelands Art Center for an exciting day of arts exploration from 11 am-3 pm on Saturday, Nov. 15. Explore free, hands-on arts activities for all ages, yummy refreshments and more. 111 Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. Stay for the 2nd annual Kathy Nelson Arts Excellence Awards Reception, hosted by the Friends of Civic Arts Education Foundation from 3-5 pm. Enjoy short musical performances, wine and appetizers. RSVP to the foundation at 939-2787. Heather Farm Preschool is expanding Beginning in January, our arts- and nature-based preschool is expanding to add afternoon sessions for ages 3-5. To learn more call Doug Rowe at 943-5899, ext. 2471.

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november 2014 • ourcommunityfocus.com

We look forward to seeing you there!”

Brunch • Lunch • Dinner

FREEop! sh k r o W

Nov. 14 - Vagabond Players presents “Cemetery Club” Doors open at 1:30pm and play begins at 2pm. A comedy about three long-time friends who have become widows within the past year and once a week, they gather to visit their husband’s graves. Cost: $10 members/ $12 non-members. Light buffet to follow performance. Tickets must be pre-purchased, deadline is Friday, Nov. 10.

EL TAPATIO

Register today for holiday workshops, late fall classes All of our unique Makers Series Workshops begin late November and December, and many late-fall classes begin in November. Register by calling (925) 943-5846. Create with us this winter Winter quarter classes begin in January, with fresh ways to explore your creativity. You can even give the gift of arts education for the holidays! Registration opens Dec. 1.

91 Gregory Lane, Suite 11 • Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 • 925.687.0700

www.pleasanthillchamber.com

ourcommunityfocus.com • november 2014

Read My Mind©

2014 Napa Earthquake What Lessons Can We Learn?

BY JIM BONATO It has been two months since we were shaken from a sound sleep to find many of our homes creaking and shuddering from the shock of the 6.0 magnitude South Napa earthquake. The largest quake since Loma Prieta, this one rocked the Napa Valley and its neighboring cities for 20 seconds and resulted in over $400 million in damage to residents’ homes, businesses, and the wine industry. While Loma Prieta affected the whole Bay Area region, the Napa quake was more localized and tested the preparedness of local public agencies, utility companies, first responders, medical facilities, businesses and residents. Over 250 people were treated at hospitals in Napa and Vallejo – mostly for cuts from broken glass and bruises. One person lost her life from a severe head injury caused by a falling television. Four homes were destroyed, reportedly due to a broken gas line. Facades from brick buildings crumbled and unreinforced masonry fell, damaging both the building of origin and those next to them. Storefront windows popped out or raggedly cracked as far south as Vallejo. Homes were tossed off their foundations, and a total of 156 homes and businesses were red-tagged as they were too badly damaged to be safely occupied. In the

Fern Place neighborhood of Vallejo, every brick chimney either collapsed or was on the verge of collapsing. There were 150 reported gas leaks, and 144 broken water mains, the latter being tragic during a drought year and could have severely impacted fire districts’ ability to fight fires had they occurred in large numbers. Over 69,000 PG&E customers lost power. Road pavement on several roads in three counties buckled and cracked, making driving hazardous. So, what lessons can we learn from the Napa quake with respect to our homes and families? Let’s take a look at some low-cost, smart measures to reduce damage and injuries. Are our homes bolted to the foundation? Have we reinforced our walls in the crawl space to resist lateral shaking? Are the gas lines leading to our water heaters and gas stoves flexible? Do we have a wrench at hand to turn off the gas to our homes if we detect a gas leak? Have we installed child proof latches to the kitchen cabinets to prevent our dishes, glasses, and food from cascading to the floor? Have brick features of our homes been retrofitted or reinforced? The most common injuries from quakes are caused from falling objects and broken glass. Have we adequately secured tall cabinets, books cases, heavy artwork, and televisions to prevent them from falling, potentially on people? Does each of us have a pair of gloves, shoes,

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and a flashlight stored under our beds in case a quake occurs while we’re sleeping? Do we have first aid supplies handy? Have we taken a recent first aid class to learn how to stop bleeding and how to properly bandage wounds if we ever needed to? If we are displaced from our homes, do we have emergency “Go-Kits” for each family member …and pet?

Hopefully we can all answer “yes” to these simple steps. If not, we hope everyone will make these small improvements to their homes and personal readiness. As we learned in Napa, those who were prepared were very glad they had taken the time! Jim Bonato is the Pleasant Hill CERT Program Manager

What Are E-Cigs?

Can They Help You Quit Smoking?

BY GIGI CHEN, MD An electronic cigarette (e-cig or e-cigarette) is a battery-powered vaporizer that simulates tobacco smoke by producing an aerosol that resembles smoke. A heating element vaporizes a liquid solution known as e-liquid. E-liquids usually contain a mixture of propylene glycol, vegetable, nicotine, and flavorings. E-cigs are designed to look like cigarettes, right down to the glowing tip. When the smoker puffs on it, a mist of liquid, flavorings, and nicotine that looks something like smoke is let off. The smoker inhales it like cigarette smoke, and the nicotine is absorbed into the lungs. The nicotine inside the cartridges is very addictive. In a recent study through Memorial Sloan Kettering, cancer patients who smoked were enrolled in a tobacco treatment program and their smoking history was evaluated. At the beginning of the study, it was noted that the patients who used e-cigarettes were more dependent on nicotine than those who didn’t use them. They also had tried quitting more times in the past and were more likely to be diagnosed with cancers of the lung, head, and neck. At the conclusion, they found that the number of those who kicked the habit was the same in both groups. Other studies give a mixed picture. Some conclude that e-cigs can help

people give up the tobacco habit, while other studies suggest that the artificial cigarette carries its own set of health risks. Presently, there is no government oversight of the e-cigarette, and because the FDA has not approved it, there is no way for public health departments, the medical community, or consumers to know what chemicals they contain or what the health implications might be. Researchers conclude that questions remain about the long-term safety and effectiveness of e-cigarettes and that more controlled research is needed. Medical practitioners advise all patients to quit smoking traditional combustible and electronic cigarettes by using FDA-approved cessation medications and/or smoking cessation counseling. Join Dr. Chen and Dr. Michaela Straznicka at “Shine a Light on Lung Cancer” on November 13, 7– 9pm, at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center. This event will focus on the unique issues facing lung cancer patients and will include information on new screening guidelines, clinical trials, new treatment options and survivorship issues. To register, please call 510-390-0095 or go online at www.ShineALightOnLungCancer.org. Gigi Chen, MD is a medical oncologist and hematologist with Diablo Valley Oncology and Hematology Medical Group. She sees patients in Pleasant Hill, Rossmoor, and San Ramon. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 925-677-5041 or visit www.dvohmg.com

PHEI Events

Comfort Reading & More

5th Graders Read

BY MICHAEL G. HARRIS, OD Just like some food is “comfort food,” some books are “comfort reading.” That’s the way I feel about Anna Quindlen and her books. Fellows, you may be asking yourselves: “Who is Anna Quindlen?” Well, if you don’t know, just ask your wives. Anna’s books have sold over 1 million copies. She has written award-winning columns for Newsweek and won a Pulitzer Prize while a columnist at the New York Times. One of her latest books, Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake is her memoir about her past, her present, and her wishes for the future. As with her other books, A Short Guide to a Happy Life and Loud and Clear, Anna has a warm and friendly way of describing life and all its blessings. When I read one of her books, I feel like I’m wrapped in a snug blanket in front of a cozy fireplace, listening to a friend. Anna’s family and friends become your family and friends. (I feel I know her so well I have no problem referring to her by her first name.) As a member of the “sandwich generation,” I understand all too well the issues she deals with having an elderly parent and children starting their own families. She accepts aging and all its trappings with humor and grace. She realizes that life is not “about how we look, but about who we are.” Now that I’ve celebrated yet another birthday, one of my favorite quotes from her book is by Satchel Paige: “How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you were?” No matter how old you are, I think we can all relate to that. When I read one of Anna’s books, I feel both my age, and

Spear-headed by the Pleasant Hill Library and Children’s Librarian Patrick Remer, the Pleasant Hill Education Initiative launched Pleasant Hill Reads last month, when everyone in town was encouraged to read one wonderful story on the theme of invention and innovation. The aim was to bring the community together to read and explore one great book that could be enjoyed by children, teens, and adults. With input from kids, families, educators, and Initiative partners, this year’s selection was The Invention of Hugo Cabret, written and illustrated by Brian Selznick. The Initiative provided copies of this book to many 5th graders in Pleasant Hill schools. Print or e-book copies were also available to check out at the library. Friends of the Pleasant Hill Li-

my youth. I also feel warm and happy. I think you will too. In addition to writing “comfortable” nonfiction, Quindlin has graced us with a new novel, Still Life With Bread Crumbs. This is the charming story of a famous photographer whose best years are behind her, or so she thinks. In her 30s, our heroine, Rebecca Winters, became famous for a series of photographs of her home life, the most famous being ”Still Life with Bread Crumbs.” Now that she’s 60, Rebecca decides to leave the madness of Manhattan and her old life behind. She moves to a ”rustic” cottage in the countryside. The book follows her journey through its ups and downs as she eventually finds a new life. Yes, I know this is “chick lit,” but even you guys might enjoy this one. Have you ever wished you could go back in time and revisit an earlier version of yourself? Well, that’s exactly what happens to Greta Wells in Andrew Sean Greer’s, The Impossible Lives of Greta Wells. We first meet Greta in 1985 when she is suffering from depression, and with good reason. Her lover, Nathan, has left her and her twin brother, Felix, has just died. After consulting several doctors, she decides to undergo electroconvulsive therapy (formerly known as electroshock therapy) to relieve the depression. But it has a most unusual side effect. It sends her back in time. After the first treatment, Greta wakes up in her room, but her room looks different. She’s the same person, surrounded by the same people, but she’s been transported back to 1918. After her next treatment, she wakes up still rounded by the same people, but it’s 1941, just before Pearl Harbor is bombed. All three of her lives seem equally real. Which one will she choose? Which one will make her happy? Which life would you choose?

brary, Pleasant Hill Education Commission, Pleasant Hill’s Rotary and Lions Club, Strandwood PTA, Sequoia Parent Association, and individual donors provide broad support for this program. “With our 2014 funding, we were able to purchase almost 400 giveaway copies for nearly half the fifth graders in Pleasant Hill. Additional copies are being distributed to school libraries, and even more library copies are available for check out at the Pleasant Hill Library,” said Remer. Here are some great quotes Remer has overheard from his school visits thus far: “I LOVE THAT BOOK...This isn’t even the biggest book that I have. Look what I’m reading right now...You just made it my birthday…I’m already on page 120, and my friend is too...It’s really good.”

Children’s Librarian Patrick Remer with students in Mrs. Hewgley’s 5th grade class.

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ourcommunityfocus.com • november 2014

Make Some Plans

Business Directory

october 31

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november 18

Haunted House

Bedford Gallery Craft Fest

Unveiling The Common Core

Joe DiMaggio Centennial Celebration

Are you ready for the Zombie Apocolypse? This is our 10th and final haunted house. One night only, 6:30-9:30pm. 2116 Olympic Drive, Martinez. Admission is free! Questions, Concord.wlsgroup@gmail.com.

10am-4pm. Local vendors will sell handmade crafts including jewelry, home goods, ceramics, artisanal food, and more. Held at Lesher Center for the Arts. www.bedfordgallery.org.

BUCK CHESHIRE

Local Qualit y You Can Trust!

The Unanswered Questions 7- 9pm, Calvary Temple Church, Concord. Tickets through Eventbrite.com and search “Unveiling Common Core - The Unanswered Questions.”

Launch of the Hometown Hero Project, Shell Clubhouse, 1635 Pacheco Blvd., Martinez. Social hour at 5:30pm & Italian dinner at 6:30pm.

Happy Fun "LIVE" Music From the 50’s thru 80’s

Pleasant Hill

COLLISION

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

• Assisted Living Convalescent Homes • Hospitals

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

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One Dog At A Time • Call for Same Day Appointments • Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat and Sun • 9am - 6pm and Some Evenings

• Drop in nail trimming Sunday & Monday's • Located in and Backed by Central Bark, Downtown Martinez

melonie jackson • 925-822-7858 821 Escobar St, Martinez

LEADING EDGE

Shop and Adopt

PEST MANAGEMENT, INC. TERMITE SPECIALISTS

10:30am - 2:30pm, Chico’s, 1401 Mt. Diablo Blvd will donate 10% of pre-tax sales to CC Humane Society. Dogs and cats will be on site to find new forever homes. Visit www. cchumane.org.

Inspections, Eco-Friendly Treatments & Professional Repairs

800-471-5555

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november

East Bay Artists Guild Come see the new exhibit at the Pleasant Hill Senior Center. Now through December, come view the fine art created by artists in our community, 233 Gregory Lane.

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Pleasant Hill Garden Study Club Speaker

Really Big Bag of Books

Kathy Echols; “Collecting Seeds and More.” Guests welcome and free. 7pm at Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Drive, PH. 925.944.4898 or www.phgsc.com.

$5 buys a grocery sack of almost-new books at the Friends of the Martinez Library sale. 740 Court St., Martinez. 11am-4pm, general public; 10am, members.

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Martinez Farmers’ Market Sundays

Pizza for Pets

Mt. Diablo Branch Writers Club

CERT Speaker Series Floods, presentation by Mike Boucher, Senior Hydrologist with the Contra Costa County Flood Control & Water Conservation District. Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Drive, 7pm.

10am-2pm Year Round! Main St. between Castro & Ferry St. Visit www.pcfma.com.

11am - 9pm. Bring the flier found at www. cchumane.org and Round Table at 1938 Oak Park Blvd, PH, will donate 20% of the proceeds to CC Humane Society. Flier required.

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Donate Blood with the American Red Cross

Candy Swap with Blue Star Moms

Kiwanis Fundraiser Boutique

A Heart for Christmas

Download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment.

Dr. Jennifer Martin’s office will be collecting candy to donate to the Blue Star Moms to send to troops serving in the military. 401 Gregory Lane, Suite 126, Pleasant Hill.

Saturday 9am - 4:30pm and Sunday, 10am – 4pm, 750 Allen Street, Martinez.

Luncheon, Zio Fraedo’s, 611 Gregory Ln., PH. Check in 11:15-12, lunch at 12, speaker 1-2pm. $20/ members, $25/guests. Reservations required: Robin Gigoux at ragig@aol.com, or 925.933.9670. cwcmtdiablowriters.wordpress.com.

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Gourmet East Bay and Food Drives

Society of American Magicians

Visit http://www.foodbankccs.org/events/ upcoming-events.html for the many November Food Bank events that will help feed children and families throughout the holiday season.

Assembly #112 meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7pm, Veterans of Foreign Wars, 1919 Wendell Lane, PH. Open to all! 925.451.1292.

november 2014 • ourcommunityfocus.com

100% free Christmas show and musical light tour! 1185 Pine Lane, Clayton. Open Wed-Sun from Nov. 28-Dec. 28. Visit AHeartForChristmas. com for showtimes and directions!

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Advertisers Aspire Pilates Center Bay View Yacht Charters Big Air Heating and Air Conditioning Carlton Senior Living Cold Stone Creamery Colleen Callahan Insurance Services Concord Chamber of Commerce Country Waffles Dallimonti’s Dasbiotics 3D Printing Debbie Billecci McKillop for Martinez City Council Diablo Valley Oncology

Dorothy Englund for PH City Council Downtown Pleasant Hill EcoMulch East Bay Residential Realty Ellinwood Exterminators El Tapatio Flaskerud - RE/MAX Today Forma Gym Gay Gerlack for Martinez Mayor Glenn Allen Team – RE/MAX Hagin’s Automotive Hammer’s Heating and A/C Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital Hire My Husband Home Detailers Housekeeping

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Jack Weir for PH City Council Jack’s Restaurant & Bar Jennifer L. Martin D.D.S. Kobe Japan Law Office of Daniel L. DuRee Law Offices of Lauren Smykowski Les Schwab Tires Main Street Martinez Martinez Auto Body Matt Rinn for CC Community College District 2014 Maureen Ingalls - RE/MAX Accord Michael Harris for PH City Council Mike Menesini for Martinez City Council Moulding Company Mt. Diablo Solano Oncology Group

Noni’s Pet Boutique & Grooming Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce Pleasant Hill Rec & Park Rob Schroder for Martinez Mayor Safe Mortgage Lending Samuels Construction Senior Helpers Sears Home Services – Leisa Christensen Shell Western States Credit Union Sue Noack for PH City Council Suzanne Looker, Pacific Union International Total Property Management Walnut Creek Civic Arts Assoc. Waters Moving and Storage Wence’s Restaurant

Fall Cleaning Special

11/30/14

ourcommunityfocus.com • november 2014

L ght Up The NIGHT! The NIGHT!

in Downtown Pleasant Hill

Join the merchants, City of Pleasant Hill, and Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce for a fun night of holiday lights, shopping, and of course, Santa!

Wednesday December 3 5:00–8:00pm Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair (starting at 4:00pm) FREE hot chocolate, coffee and cookies FREE Carriage rides FREE parking 25-foot Holiday Tree lighting at 6:00pm Costumed characters on Crescent Drive

“Elf on the Shelf”

Holiday Treasure Hunt Pick up your holiday treasure map, follow the highlighted stores, and see if you can find our Elf on the Shelf helpers that are hiding in the participating merchants!

Entertainment on Plaza near Pasta Pomodoro

and Downtown Plaza Stage (between Sweet Tomatoes and Jack's Restaurant)

Located at Crescent Drive at Contra Costa Boulevard For more details call 800-762-1641 or 925-671-5229. Brought to you by Downtown Pleasant Hill, City of Pleasant Hill, and the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce. 40

november 2014 • ourcommunityfocus.com

City of Pleasant Hill