• NOVEMBER 2012
Delivered to Over 40,000 Homes and Businesses
Photos by Susan Wood Photography
• Teen Center Grand Opening.........................page 5 • Read My Mind©.............................................page 6 • Martinez Past................................................ page 12 • High School Happenings.....................pages 14-15
• Local Authors....................................................page 21 • Many Ways to Use Kale....................................page 22 • Meet Jim Caroompas........................................ page 24 • Local Craft Fairs................................................ page 30
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November 2012
JULIE SAYS
Guinea Pigs, Why Books are Good and Career Advice By Julie Ross
no intention of being a Hollywood icon. One of my docent friends at Lindsay He was born in Nebraska and moved to Wildlife Museum asked me the other day California as a young man to study inteif I knew why “guinea pigs” came to be rior design. He certainly ended up havcalled that, given that they aren’t pigs and ing an entirely different sort of life – I bet did not originate in New Guinea, nor that growing up no one was pushing him from the Republic of Guinea in West Afinto a career as a talking vacuum cleaner! rica. Maybe the best guidance we can provide Well, I was stumped, so when I got teenagers and young adults in pursuing home I consulted my big fat book, Word a career is to find their talents, keep their and Phrase Origins by Robert Hendrickeyes open to opportunity, keep their opson. While thumbing through the “G” tions open and be flexible (and maybe section on my way to “guinea pig,” my practice talking in a really deep voice. Couldn’t hurt.) eye was caught by the entry, “Grrrrreeeat!” And now back to our original topic, guinea pigs. And that is why books are good. If I had done an My book says guinea pigs are South American rodents Internet search, I would have completely missed seeing native to Brazil, first brought to Europe on the Guinentries grouped by alphabetical order rather than key ea-men slave ships that sailed from Guinea to South words and would not have come across the fascinatAmerica to deliver slaves and fill their holds with cargo ing career of Thurl Ravenscroft. His was the voice of (including these rodents for some reason) for the reTony the Tiger for more than fifty years in the enthusiturn trip to Europe. The book ends the entry with the astic promotion of Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes – “They’re sentence, “How the creature came to be called a pig is Grrrrreeeat!” Ravenscroft, who passed away in 2005 at the age of anybody’s guess.” My guess is it’s because of the pig-like grunting sounds they make. Let me know if you have 91, liked to say he was the only man in the world who other ideas on this. made a career with one word. Also, Happy Thanksgiving! One word! And here we have our kids taking the PSAT to prepare for the SAT and stressing over Honors If you have had an interesting career path with a twist or two, I would love to hear about it. You can and AP classes, when all they might need to be doing reach me via email at julieakross@comcast.net for a successful life is something much, much simpler. However, upon further reading, I learned that Thurl Ravenscroft was being overly humble with his “one word” statement. To get an idea of what I mean, you can check out “All Things Thurl,” a website devoted to his work (allthingsthurl.com). He worked frequently Special thanks to Susan Wood for with Walt Disney, lending his rich, deep voice to many covering the Teen Center grand opening. animated characters from Captain, the gray horse in susanwoodphotography.com 101 Dalmatians (one of the good guys in the mission to save the puppies) to Kirby, the stern vacuum cleaner in the Brave Little Toaster movies. My favorite Raven scroft gift to the world is his ♦ irresistible voice singing, ♦ “You’re a Mean One, Mister ♦ Grinch,” in How the Grinch ♦ Stole Christmas. (How can ♦ anyone not love that song? I bet you are singing it in your head right now.) It is interesting to note that Thurl Ravenscroft had
Cover Photo Credit
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Teens Finally Have a Place to Call Their Own
Years of preparation, planning and hard work were finally celebrated on October 20th at the Grand Opening of Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District’s new Teen Center. On this picture perfect fall day the smell of BBQ filled the air along with an undeniable excitement from everyone. College Park cheerleaders entertained a quickly growing crowd as final touches were set up inside. The event was kicked off with a welcome from Helena Strand, Teen Council Chair, followed by introductions of the entire Teen Council. Introductions continued as Bob Berggren, PHRPD General Manager, recognized distinguished guests in attendance as well as key players in the completion of the project. Among the list: PHRPD Board of Directors, PH City Council members, County District IV Supervisor Karen Mitchoff, representative from Senator Mark DeSaulnier’s office, architect Steve Harriman, interior designer Beverly Morris and staff from Critical Solutions Inc. (project and construction managers) and contractor, McFadden Construction, Inc. Teen Council members held the bright
red ribbon for the ceremonial ribbon cutting while District Board Chair Dennis Donaghu and Board Secretary Sherry Sterrett did the honors of holding the oversized scissors and making “the cut”. Teen Center supervisor Katrina Hunn waited by the front doors of the building while the crowd counted down from ten. As the countdown reached zero the doors were flung open and people rushed inside with anticipation. Kids quickly began to take advantage of the fun things the center has to offer. The sound of pool balls scattering and ping pong paddles whacking battled with the competitive yells of those playing at the
Photo by Ann Luke
foosball table. Everyone was encouraged to visit the Graffiti Board (the oversized white board) which proved to be a hit since not a glimmer of white space could be seen by the end of the day. Another hit… the furniture! Thanks to a grant from The HEDCO Foundation, the Teen Center is furnished with couches, chairs, ottomans and tables that are fun, vibrant, comfortable and most important, durable. Teens and parents made themselves right at home, kicking up their feet to relax while watching a slideshow of the construction project being looped on the overhead projection screen.
Over 350 hot dogs and hamburgers were served free of charge thanks to the generosity of Pleasant Hill Rotary Club and the hard work of Rotarian Steve Wallace. Teen council members also worked serving fresh popcorn in the courtyard, handing out engraved tile forms and encouraging their peers to visit the computer stations to “like” the Teen Center’s Facebook page. The excitement from the Grand Opening rolls into the excitement of the launch of the middle school afterschool program. The program will have a two-week free trial starting Nov. 5th, running Monday through Friday after school until 6pm. After Thanksgiving a registered program with monthly, weekly and drop in options will be available. Activities at the new Teen Center include: a foosball table, ping pong, pool table, computer access, video games, organized activities, a snack shack and much more! Early registration is encouraged but drop-ins are welcome. For more information call 925-682-0896 or visit phteenscene.com.
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November 2012
Read My Mind ©
“Help, I need sombody, help...” In the immortal words of the Beatles, I need “help.” I am a sucker for self-help books. Even if I get only one small morsel from a self-help book, I feel it’s worthwhile reading. I’m constantly looking for books that offer help with just about everything, including the latest diet, fitness fad, and self-improvement. My wife says there aren’t enough books to help me, but here are some tidbits from self-help books I’ve read recently. Ever wonder why human beings are so creative? Just read Jonah Lehrer’s bestseller Imagine. While this book is based on scientific findings, you don’t have to be a professor to gain insight into this important quality. Unfortunately, Lehrer took great liberties in quoting one of his heroes, Bob Dylan, and lost his job with The New Yorker magazine. Still, this is an interesting read.
Book Reviews by Michael G. Harris, OD sugar and sugar substitutes from your diet, Even better is Lehrer’s first bestseller, How eat healthy food, take your vitamins, exercise We Decide. This book is a lifesaver in keepregularly, reduce stress, and avoid toxins. ing you out of arguments with your wife There, I just saved you another $27.99. that you will never win. The End of Illness by David Agus is a In This is How, Augusten Burroughs treatise on the causes and prevention of tells us his secret of life. In a nutshell, be illness. This scientific look into sickness yourself and have self-confidence. But if provides insights on how to live a long and you don’t have self-confidence, fake it. (Just healthy life. Agus argues that inflammation saved you $22.99) and sitting are serious health risks. Unlike Ever wonder how habits start? Ever Hyman, Agus believes that multivitamins wanted to change one? Well, you’ll find the and supplements may actually be harmful. secret to breaking habits in The Power of (If all of these so-called experts agreed, how Habit by Charles Duhigg. I found this easywould they be able to sell their books?) to-read book rather fascinating and I think The Skinny Rules by weight loss guru you will too. Bob Harper of NBC’s “The Biggest Loser” Mark Hyman’s The Blood Sugar Solufame offers eight simple rules to lose weight tion discusses his diet and exercise regimen and some recipes to help you do so. The designed to prevent “diabesity” by controlrules include drinking a large glass of water ling the insulin levels in your blood. While before every meal, eating apples and berries there is much helpful information in this book, most of it is common sense. Eliminate every day, eating protein at every meal, and
Real Estate Update Fall in the Bay Area is truly a splendid time of year. The trees are bursting with color, the night air is crisp and refreshingly cool, pumpkins are everywhere, the kids are back in the school routine (thank goodness), and Thanksgiving is right around the corner. It’s also the time of year when buyers and sellers alike start guessing what next year will hold for the real estate market. Will it continue to be a seller’s market? Will more inventory make its way to the market? Will prices continue to rise? I emphatically answer “yes” to all of the above. But I can hear the detractors cry out already: “There’s a presidential election coming! Unemployment is still horrible. The nation’s economy is still faltering, and the world economy is even worse! And what about all of that shadow inventory?” I freely admit that all of those statements are true and do have a bearing on our real estate market. But remember, those same conditions have been with us since the beginning of the year and the Bay Area real estate market has done nothing but charge onward and upward with reckless abandon. What else would you expect from the most progressive region in the
By Nathan Hitchcock managed properties—handymen, floornation? ing guys, painters, plumbers, electricians, Number of sold homes, mortgage gardeners, housecleaners, and the like—are rates, foreclosure rates, unemployment now booked days or even weeks out. Last rates, GDP, the price of oil, groundhog shadows... there is no shortage of informa- year at this time, “I can start yesterday” was the more common response. tion for us to digest when predicting the While I waited for the cashier at Home future of the real estate market. We can Depot to work through her line this past analyze the numbers until we are blue weekend, I took the opportunity to chat in the face, but my opinion that we will continue to have a seller’s market next year up my fellow shoppers to see what they were up to. One response from a long-time is based on far less sophisticated data. For me, the surprisingly long line I waited in at homeowner was particularly telling as to the future of our local real estate market. Home Depot this past weekend says it all. She and her husband were buying a new I’ve collected a fair amount of data on sink and vanity for their bathroom, a the subject, having rehabbed and re-sold project they had put off for over two years. a large number of homes over the years. I asked, “Why now and not earlier?” I watched as the lines at Home Depot “We were in foreclosure and didn’t steadily grew to obscene proportions in want to spend a penny on the house,” she 2004, peaking in late 2005 in concert with answered. “We just received a loan modithe height of the real estate market, and all fication last month and are now slowly but disappearing a year later as the market catching up on all the deferred mainteimploded. nance that we let accumulate. It’s funny— Today, while the lines are not as long for the first time in years I’m happy to be a as they were in the housing boom years, they are nonetheless the longest that I have homeowner again.” Nathan Hitchcock is the managseen since. Adding to this air of growing ing broker of Hitchcock Realty, he can be prosperity is another wait that I’ve grown unaccustomed to: nearly every vendor that reached at nathan@hitchcockrealty.com or (925) 825-1100. I routinely call upon to service listings and
not drinking your calories. That makes a lot of sense. Now if I could only do that? Another book in this arena is Why We Get Fat by Gary Taubes. According to Taubes, it’s not extra calories that put on those unwanted pounds, it’s certain types of carbohydrates that give us those love handles. While his theories are controversial, Taubes book does give us “food for thought.” Many of these books offer similar guidance for losing weight, while some give contradictory advice. If you’re as confused as I am, the best advice I found is regular exercise and sensible eating. By far, the best book I’ve read on diet and healthy eating is Michael Pollan’s In Defense of Food. Pollan’s straightforward answer is simple: “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” I would do great if chocolate were a plant. Well, chocolate does come from plants, doesn’t it? Now there’s a diet I can follow!
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November 2012
PLEASANT HILL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
MARTINEZ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Please verify schedule at www.pleasanthillchamber.com • 925-687-0700
4-5pm. Back Forty Texas BBQ, 100 Coggins Dr., Pleasant Hill. 11/26 – Government Affairs Committee – Monday, 5:30-7pm. Back Forty Texas BBQ, 100 Coggins Dr., Pleasant Hill. CALENDAR SPONSORED BY
11/2 - Ambassador Meeting – Friday, 8-9am. Pleasant Hill City Hall. 11/13 – Board of Directors Meeting Thursday, 7:45am. Pleasant Hill City Hall. 11/14 – Chamber Mixer - Wences Restaurant. 1922 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill. 5:30 - 7:30pm.
Please verify schedule at www.martinezchamber.com • 925-228-2345
11/1 – Five-Chamber Business Expo, Thursday, 4-7pm at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 45 John Glenn Drive, Concord. Free to the public. Call the Martinez Chamber for more information and to reserve your booth. 11/8 – Chamber Mixer – Thursday, 5:30 – 7:30pm. Dr. Stephen Harper, DDS, 2805 Alhambra Ave., Martinez. Great networking, food, fun and raffle prizes (bring a raffle prize and have your business announced!)
more information call the Chamber or Kathy Kavanagh @ 925-887-5678. 11/12 – Office Closed – Veteran’s Day 11/13 – Ribbon Cutting – Tuesday, 4pm – Hospice Thrift Store, 550 Morello, Martinez. 11/22 & 11/23 – Office Closed – Thanksgiving Holiday CALENDAR SPONSORED BY
11/10 – Hospice Tree of Lights – Saturday, 5pm, at Morello Avenue, north of Arnold Drive. Join us for the 26th Annual Martinez Tree of Lights Ceremony. The tree lightings throughout Contra Costa County have served the dual roles of comforting members of the community who have incurred a loss, as well as raising funds to support Hospice of the East Bay’s services. For
11/26 – Green Committee – Monday,
PRESENTED BY:
BUSINESS2012
EXPO
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Thursday, November 1, 2012 - 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Crowne Plaza Hotel, 45 John Glenn Drive, Concord Five Chambers are participating in this huge business expo: Concord, Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Lafayette & Hispanic Chambers of Commerce
For more information, please contact your Chamber of Commerce, Concord: www.concordchamber.com • Martinez: www.martinezchamber.com Hispanic: www.H5C.ORG • Pleasant Hill: www.pleasanthillchamber.com Lafayette: www.lafayettechamber.org
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11/1 Business Expo – Thursday, 4-7pm. Free to the public. Presented by Concord, Hispanic, Lafayette, Martinez and Pleasant Hill Chambers of Commerce. Crowne Plaza Hotel, 45 John Glen Drive, Concord. Call the Pleasant Hill Chamber for booth reservations.
Page 7
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RESOURCE GUIDE Finally, a comprehensive year-round community resource guide that connects your business to more than 150,000 residents in Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Pacheco, Walnut Creek, Lafayette and Concord. The Communites in Focus Resource magazine will arrive in spring 2013 and will be distributed to city offices, chambers, model homes, real estate offices, doctor’s offices, restaurants, hotels, hospitals and shopping centers. The Guide will contain information about local history and landmarks, recreation and parks, and a calendar of annual events, festivals and farmers' markets for current residents as well as those who are new to the area. Don’t miss this once-a-year opportunity to reach FREE ON-LINE the residents of these vibrant communities!
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PLEASANT HILL CITY BUZZ
Community Service Day Was a Huge Success Pleasant Hill Civic Action Committee
Thank you Pleasant Hill! You made the difference once again during the 8th Annual Community Service Day. More than 800 volunteers participated on Saturday, September 22nd. A special thank you goes to the Lions Club for breakfast at the park, Allied waste Service for donating bottled water, Sports Chalet & Bicycle Trails Council of the East Bay for their help in repairing more than 90 bikes for needy kids and the local media outlets for their generous promotion of the event. Special thanks also to the volunteers from Oak Park Church who worked on eleven of the twenty three projects across the city and the Girl Scouts who helped to collect almost two tons of food for the Contra Costa Food Bank. There are too many schools, church groups, businesses and organizations, and names of individuals to list everyone but we thank you all for your dedication, hard work and commitment to giving back to your community. You all ‘made a difference’ on September 22nd and embody the spirit of “Less talk. More action!” We look forward to seeing you again next year at the 9th annual community service day.
Community Service Day Highlights Included: • Over 800 volunteers from: • 13 Businesses • 7 Cub and Scout Troops • 5 Church Groups • 9 Schools • 8 Community Groups • 7 Blood Donors • 3,820 pounds of Food Collected • Over 90 Bikes Repaired The project site locations included: Bike build-a-thon at Pleasant Hill Park, College Park’s organic garden, campus and sports fields, painting and tree planting at Pleasant Hill Park and Civic Park, Creative Play playground, Ellinwood Creek trail repair, book cleaning at the Pleasant Hill Library, painting and clean up at the YMCA, Woodside Hills neighborhood clean up, Instructional Garden clean up and Rodgers Ranch. “After eight years, Community Service Day is fully woven into the fabric of our Pleasant Hill Community. All who participate are left with a very positive feeling about their city and about themselves. I hope we all think about and perform community service every day, not just one day a year!” said Tim Flaherty, Civic Action Committee chairman.
November 2012
Light Up the Night Join Santa and the Mayor of Pleasant Hill for the 5th Annual “Light up the Night” in downtown Pleasant Hill on Wednesday, November 28 beginning at 5:00pm. The event will include the lighting of a 25-foot decorated tree in the small plaza on Crescent Drive at 6:00pm as well as music and caroling on stage at the Downtown Plaza next to Sweet Tomatoes. Everyone is invited to celebrate the start of the holiday season with free horse drawn carriage rides, and free cookies and hot chocolate. Families can have pictures taken with Santa and his elves in the plaza area next to the tree, and look out for Frosty,
Rudolph and other costumed characters. There will also be a Merchant Open House with free giveaways and opportunities to win special raffle prizes. The PH Recreation & Park District will be hosting a Holiday Crafts Fair on Crescent Drive with lots of wonderful holiday gifts on sale. This event is jointly organized by the City of Pleasant Hill, Downtown Pleasant Hill, and Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District. For more information call (925) 6715229 or email mnelis@ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us. Choral groups interested in performing should contact Martin Nelis.
City News
Jack’s Restaurant and Bar Expanding
Recently approved by the Architectural Review Commission, Jack’s Restaurant and Bar will be adding an approximate 156-square-foot storage room and an approximate 254-square-foot, second-level deck above the storage room. The deck will allow guests to move from the upstairs meeting room to an outside area. The project proposes to match the existing building’s materials, colors and features. Jack’s is also looking at other outdoor changes in the near future.
4th of July Commission News
On October 17, the registration funds collected from last July’s Firecracker 5K run, was given back to Pleasant Hill school principals. For the past eight years, the 4th of July Commission’s purpose is to give back to Pleasant Hill schools. Eight years ago, $3,600 was raised from the 5K run. According to Jim Bonato, past president of the Pleasant Hill 4th of July Commission, this past July’s 5K raised $12, 663. To date, $71, 797 has been given back to the local schools.
Pleasant Oaks Park
On October 9, the Architectural Review Commission approved the Pleasant Oaks Park project in concept and further discussion on the project on November 1. The Commission had the following suggestions regarding the proposed plans: 1) Installation of fencing/netting adjacent to the west property line, to contain soccer balls within the sports field, at the south end of the park facility. 2) Use of pervious materials where feasible to replace proposed concrete walkway areas. 3) Improvement of pedestrian circulation along the perimeter of the sports fields and parking facilities (primarily in the southeast quadrant of the project site).
City Calendar of Events Architectural Review Commission November 1, 15 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Large Community Room, 5pm Contact: 671-5209
Education Commission November 28 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Large Community Room, 7pm Contact: 671-5229
City Council November 5, 19 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Council Chambers, 7:30pm Contact: 671-5229
Planning Commission November 13, 27 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Council Chambers, 7:30pm Contact: 671-5209
Civic Action Commission November 7 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Small Community Room, 6:30pm Contact: 671-5229 Community members plant trees at Pleasant Hill Civic Park for Community Service Day on September 22. Photo credit: Faye Donaghu.
Zoning Administrator November 8, 22 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Public Works Conference Room, 5pm Contact: 671-5209 For Confirmation Visit: www.ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us
November 2012
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Mayor’s Message Rob Schroder, Mayor of Martinez The crime rate in Martinez is very appropriate ways to low and the incidence of violent crime assist those in need is almost non-existent. Downtown through support of Martinez is buzzing with the outdoor various homeless and dining platforms and several new resassistance programs. taurants are attracting residents and Our industrial visitors from all over the county. We do residents are good have some work to do to eliminate the neighbors and very handful of panhandlers that sometimes active in the commuintimidate visitors. Chief Gary Peternity. All of them are son has rolled out an anti-panhandling vigilant in keeping program designed to eliminate the their plants safe for problem by educating merchants and their employees, the community and the public not to promote panhandling as environmentally clean as possible. by giving them money. There are more Many of their employees are Martinez residents. Soon to be a success with helping to market Martinez to the Bay Area is a new back-to-back LED sign to be installed adjacent to Waters Moving and Storage on I-680 at the southern edge Lighting of the Tree (Corner of Court & Pine St.) of the Benicia-Martinez Bridge. City On Friday, November 30 at 5:30 pm, the magical glow of the evening’s festivities begins with the twinkling of hundreds of lights staff has been working on this project on the Tree of Spirit. With a flip of a switch, a special guest will for many years with many twists and put the razzle-dazzle into this majestic tree. After the lighting ceremony, follow the elves to City Hall to begin the light parade or venture to downtown Martinez for an evening of fun.
As long as I have been a member of the Martinez City Council, we have been struggling to improve the image and perception of our town. Some people that have never visited Martinez have a perception that it is not safe and the industry at our side door causes the air to be polluted with bad smells. But, as all of Martinez residents know, this is not the case at all.
A Night of Holiday Magic
Children’s Light Parade On Friday, November 30 at 6:30 pm, the family friendly light parade begins at City Hall and ends 7 blocks away at Estudillo and Escobar streets. Groups, individuals and clubs are invited to participate in the festivities. Free light wands will be handed out to the first 600 children that register. Musicians, performers, lighted vehicles and floats are encouraged to participate! Little ones can decorate and drive their electric ride on vehicle in the parade. Volunteers are needed. To register for lights or for more information, call 372-3510.
City Calendar of Events City Council Meeting November 14 7-11pm Contact: 925-372-3500
Planning Commission Meeting November 13, 27 7-11pm Contact: 925-372-3500
Design Review Meeting November 14, 28 3-5pm Contact: 925-372-3500
Zoning Administrator Meeting November 7, 21 3-5pm Contact: 925-372-3500
Park, Recreation, Marina & Cultural Commission November 20 7-11pm Contact: 925-372-3500
November 12 - City Offices Closed November 22 & 23 - City Offices Closed All City Meetings at City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, Unless Otherwise Indicated For Confirmation Visit: www.cityofmartinez.org
MARTINEZ CITY BUZZ
turns in the process. A few months ago it looked as if Caltrans was not going to approve the sign. But in early October, CBS Outdoor notified us they had finally given their approval. The city is fast tracking its permits and the sign could be operational as soon as mid-November. This will be a real boon to advertising city events and celebrations to the tens of thousands of motorists that drive up and down I-680 every day. In addition, the city has negotiated an 11% share of the advertising revenue. This may equate to approximately $130,000 in revenue to our general fund, which could be used for more marketing and image building efforts for Martinez.
City News
Martinez Restaurant Tour a Success
The 8th annual Martinez Restaurant Tour on October 6 sold 157 tickets, with a record 20 participating restaurants. Barrel Aged was voted as the “Best Restaurant” and feedback from the restaurant owners has been very positive. Approximately $2,355 was raised with all the proceeds going to a series of free after school performances for children, “O0hs, Ahs, and Giggles.” The next restaurant tour is scheduled for Saturday, October 12, 2013.
Upcoming Work at Wharf
According to Philip Vince, City Manager, Shell will be doing some work down at the wharf through the next couple of months. You will see some extra equipment and activity on the Marina Vista side of the refinery, including some occasional pile driving that started this week. The work will be done during normal business hours, and Shell encourages anyone to contact them if they have any questions or concerns. The Shell environmental hotline is (925) 313-3777.
Free Eco Workshop
The city of Martinez is pleased to announce a workshop in support of its recycling, resource conservation and Climate Action Plan initiatives. The free class is called “Sustainable Citizen,” and is scheduled for Saturday, November 3 from 10am to noon in the City Council Chambers located at 525 Henrietta Street. This fun, exciting and informational class is designed to educate participants on the importance of sustainability, teach
simple and effective ways to make sustainable practices part of your everyday life and even show you how sustainable practices can save you money! This class is suited to anyone interested in becoming better stewards of the environment, so feel free to bring the whole family! The Sustainable Citizen class is free but registration is required. Please email: SCrsvp@cityofmartinez.org or call the city’s recycling hotline at (925) 372-3531 to register today.
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Page 10
November 2012
Helping to Lessen the Burden By Rachel Braver, Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano paying bills, since doing both is not an option. We can all help lessen the burden for individuals and families who struggle with these decisions by supporting organizations that provide assistance. The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano is dedicated to providing food to people in need year round, but their efforts are strengthened during the holidays as a generous community pitches in even more to support their mission to end hunger. Here are some ways you can help the Food Bank make the holidays easier for our neighbors who need a little help. facturers and bulk purchasing, they get Volunteer – They wouldn’t be able to Donate Funds – The Food Bank disdo the work they do without amazing discounts making your dollar stretch tributed 16 million pounds of food last volunteers. Help is needed in all areas farther than it would in the grocery year. With special deals from manuof the Food Bank from office work to store. help at distribution sites. Host a Food Drive – Food drives pro For more ways you can make the vide variety and millions of pounds to of Christmas to Toys for holidays a little less stressful, visit the food they provide. Everything is America’s needy Tots began in taken care of from bringing you barrels www.foodbankccs.org or call 855-309children”. 1947, when MaFOOD. to picking them up. Marine jor Bill HenCorps Reserve dricks, USCR Toys for Tots Program collects new, unand a group of Marine Reservists in wrapped toys during October, NovemLos Angeles collected and distributed ber and December each year, and dis5,000 toys to needy children. The idea tributes them as Christmas gifts to less came from Bill’s wife, Diane. In the fall fortunate children in the community in of 1947, she crafted a homemade doll which the campaign is conducted. and asked Bill to deliver the doll to an There are various locations in Conorganization, which would give it to a By Paul Gouveia Uncle Sam will deliver a Veterans Day On Sunday November 11, 10amtra Costa County that have Toys for needy child at Christmas. When Bill poem. 12pm at the Contra Costa County Vetdetermined that no agency existed, Di- Tots collection bins. The office of Jennierans Monument on Contra Costa Blvd This program is sponsored by the fer L. Martin D.D.S. 401 Gregory Lane ane told Bill that he should start one. Pleasant Hill Rotary, Pleasant Hill Liat Boyd Road, Pleasant Hill, represenHe did and the pilot project was so suc- will be collecting from 11/15 – 12/17, ons, American Legion and VFW. The tatives from the Martinez VA Medical cessful the Marine Corps adopted Toys M, T, TH: 9am-5pm, W: 8am-5pm, emcee, Richard Henne, will officiate. Facility, Concord Vet Center, County Friday 9am-4:30pm. Office closed: 12for Tots in 1948 and expanded it into a Rotary President, Jason Olson, and LiVeterans Service Office, and the Em1:30pm. For a full list of locations or to nationwide campaign. The initial obons Club President, Don Flaskerud, will ployment Development Dept. will be find out more information, visit: toysjective that remains the hallmark of present to provide information and ma- deliver brief comments on the contribufortots.org. the program today is to “bring the joy tion of veterans to our nation. terials regarding their services to veterans. The program will include participa- A tent enclosure and seating will provide shelter in the event of inclemtion by the Mt. Diablo High School Jr. The Blue Star Moms are seeking donations for “Holiday Hugs” care packages. Items such as: ground coffee, local grocery store gift cards, Zip Lock brand bags, individent weather. The Pleasant Hill Lions will ROTC Color Guard/Drill Team; Starual serving sizes of drinks, soups, snacks such as gum, nuts, canned fruit, beef jerky as well offer refreshments. Sound system and quest vocalist, Alexa Heine will sing as personal travel size items, silly putty, books and Nerf balls would be greatly appreciatrecorded music will be provided, courthe National Anthem; PH Boy Scouts ed. For a full list of items to be donated visit bluestarmoms.org. tesy of John Lytle. Ample free parking of America Troop 401 will present the Drop Dates (10am – 3pm) on 11/3: Safeway, 200 Alamo Plaza, Alamo, 11/10: Veterans at the Pleasant Hill City Garage across FLAGS OF OUR NATION. Cub Scout Memorial Building, 400 Hartz Avenue, Danville and 11/1: Lucky, 21001 San Ramon Valley Boulevard, San Ramon. Pack 232 will distribute U.S. flags to the Boyd Road is available. Boyd Road will Packing Day: Saturday, 12/8, at Elks Lodge, Walnut Creek. Two shifts: 10am-1pm and be closed at Contra Costa Boulevard youth and badges to each veteran in 1:30pm till complete (tentative schedule). from 9am to 1pm. All are welcome! thanks for their service. A costumed As the holidays approach our focus turns to things that really matter like spending time with family, friends and giving back in our community. For the quarter of a million people at risk of going hungry in Contra Costa County, the holidays can become a stressful time when already tight budgets make holiday decisions that most of us take for granted much more challenging. While many of us decide what special recipes to make for the Thanksgiving feast, a food-insecure household might be wondering if they will even be able to afford the extra ingredients needed for a special holiday meal. For many, wanting to give kids memorable presents conflicts with the necessity of
Toys For Tots
Veterans Day
Blue Star Moms
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November 2012
IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS•IN FOCUSIN FOCUS •IN FOCUS
Ron Jones - Sterling Realty
Ron Jones of Sterling Realty and his wife Lola have lived in Pleasant Hill for the last ten years. They chose the community for the diversity and quaint neighborhoods as well as the great people. Ron remarked that “an added bonus is that just thirty minutes away are large cities and major airports. The ocean is close in one direction and the mountains in the other.� Ron started his real estate career as a residential loan officer and truly enjoyed his work. After a number of years as a successful loan agent, he decided to switch over to the sales side and quickly found that working as a listing/buyers agent was just as gratifying. Ron has over twenty years of real estate experience and is an asset to Sterling Realty and the
community he serves. In his spare time, Ron enjoys hiking, mountain bike riding and fishing, and all of this within a 30mile radius of Pleasant Hill. Real estate values are on the rise. When listing your home for sale, make sure you hire a qualified real estate agent. Ron’s advice to sellers: 1. Don’t over value your property; it will linger on the market. 2. Clean up clutter. If you have large furniture, move some to the garage. It will make your home look and feel more spacious. 3. Do the small things that will make your property more attractive. Trim the lawn, pull the weeds, paint the trim, remove old cars from the driveway, etc. 4. Remember your home is still your biggest investment. You can contact Ron Jones of Sterling Realty at: 925-674-9500.
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Joy of Remembrance Hospice of the East Bay and the Martinez Chamber of Commerce invites the public to participate in the annual Tree of Lights ceremony on Saturday, November 10, 5pm at the majestic old oak tree on Morello Avenue, north of Arnold Drive. The tree will be dedicated to the Cathy McCause family in honor of the late Pat Hoxworth Hill, Conrad Hoxworth & Alfred Hoxworth. Join Martinez Mayor Rob Schroder, chamber members, the city council and Martinez residents as the Contra Costa sky is brightened this holiday season, honoring the lives of loved ones. Festivities include music by Creekside Church, reading of a memorial poem, memorial names, holiday treats and hot cocoa. Share the magical moment when the tree is lighted! Lights can be dedicated for a minimum gift of $25; donors of $100 or more can choose to have their name listed in the tree lighting program. Taxdeductible tree sponsorships range from $250 to $10,000. Proceeds from Tree of Lights ceremonies benefit our communities and the patients and families in 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, spiri-
tual 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. Please consider bringing an unwrapped holiday gift suitable for 1218 year old teens, for Foster a Dreamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual December Winter Wonderland (www.fosteradream.com). Special thanks are extended to The UPS Store/Arnold Drive, Smokey Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s BBQ, Community Focus, Connolloy & Taylor and Shell Oil Products US Martinez. For the last 26 years a total of 11 Hospice trees have been lit each season throughout Contra Costa. To learn more, visit www.hospiceeastbay. org.
Martinez Senior Activities 818 Green St. (925) 370-8770
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Pleasant Hill Senior Activities 249 Gregory Lane (925) 798-8788 Nov. 16 - Friday Flik 1pm. Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol (2011, PG-13, 133 mins) Super-agent Ethan Hunt dangles from skyscrapers and otherwise takes daring to new heights on another operation from the Impossible Missions Force. Helping Hunt get the job done is droll fellow IMF agent Luther Stickel. Winslow Center, Assembly Room: 2590 Pleasant Hill Rd., Pleasant Hill, FREE. Nov. 20 - Get to Know your Gadget! NEW! 10am-noon.While you may never be too old to learn, when it comes to gadgets, you can never be too young to teach which is why once again we are partnering with the Pleasant Hill Teen Council to help you figure out your gadget! Our one-on-one appointments can cover cell phones, Kindles, iPad, etc.. Appointments required; please let us know what gadget you will need help with and if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a cell phone, we need to know the make and model. FREE; donations accepted and will go to the Teen Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Furniture Fund. VFW Bldg.: 1919 Wendell Ln., Pleasant Hill.
Nov. 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Annual Holiday Bazaar 9am-2pm/ Lunch: 11:30am-1pm. Featuring a â&#x20AC;&#x153;White Elephantâ&#x20AC;? section, plants, home dĂŠcor, holiday decorations, cards, lots of jewelry, a bake sale and our craft group will be selling their creations. Lunch will consist of pasta, green salad, garlic bread, coffee, tea, ice tea and water. Tickets: $4 pre-sale/$4.50 at the door. Nov. Tuesdays â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Zumba Gold 9 - 9:45am. Zumba Gold fuses Latin and International rhythms with easy-to-follow dance moves for 50 minutes of non-stop fun. Zumba Gold was designed for the active older adult or Zumba beginners with a lower intensity & slower pace, but without missing any of the contagious excitement! $20 per session (4 classes). Drop-in $6. 1111 Ferry Street. Call office to register (925) 370-8770 or drop in. Instructor: Jo Nash Nov. Wednesdays - Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Respite Program 10amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4pm. Martinez Respite group is for those with Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s or memory loss from other causes. Activities to help group members function to the best of their ability include discussion groups, exercise, crafts, table games and projects to maintain social skills. Class size is limited. One-time $20 registration fee & daily lab fee of $15, (includes a nutritious lunch.) Sponsored by the City of Martinez. Call (925) 370-8772 for information, space availability and registrations. No Drop-In participation. 1111 Ferry Street. Instructor: Bonnie Pannell Nov. 11 - Pancake Breakfast 8amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;11am. Pancakes or toast, sausage, eggs, orange juice and coffee. Everyone is welcome. $3.50 adults/$2 10yrs. and younger. Handmade crafts, perfect for gifts, will be on sale during the breakfast.
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November 2012
MARTINEZ HISTORICAL SCOCIETY
The Martini Glass
By Gay Gerlack tinctive V shape. The martini is thought Martinez lays claim to the original become American symbols, like the to have originated in the late 1800’s. location of the martini and is host to cowboy, blue jeans and the Coca-Cola Why the shape of the martini glass? the recently held Martinis on the Plaza. bottle. H. L. Mencken called the martini, Wine is notably served without ice; the A friend asked me if I knew the history “the only American invention as perfect purpose of the stemmed glassware is behind the martini glass and its unique as the sonnet,” and E. B. White called the to protect the drink from temperature shape. I didn’t, but I knew the perfect martini “the elixir of quietude.” changes caused by your hand. The V or source for martini history, Carter Wil Pop culture has embraced the conic shape helps prevent the different son. Carter provided me with excellent martini glass and martini. Artists find information and a quick internet search ingredients from separating. Another the distinctive shape an intriguing and interesting anecdote is that wide mouth provided additional answers. popular subject. The fictional spy, James Was the martini glass designed spe- glass was extremely handy during Bond, has coined the term, “Shaken, not prohibition, when it might be necessary cifically for the martini? No. Museums stirred,” adding to the popularity of the hold samples of glassware from Murano, to finish or dispose of a drink quickly in drink and making it sexy! Antiquity has case of a raid! Italy, dating from 1575 through 1625, added a sexual association to the shape The martini glass and martini have which are stemmed and have the disof the martini glass in that the glass is an image of the female breast, as demonstrated in the four Sévres porcelain cups made in a mold taken from Marie By MaryLou Johnson Antoinette’s breast. and ran it until the 1930’s. The property The rededication of the Pistochini The original martini was made remained in the Pistochini family until Hotel, Boarding House and Restaurant with gin and vermouth and garnished 1944. took place on Saturday, September 23 at with an olive or a lemon twist. Over the Michael Pistochini was very active 822-824 Alhambra Avenue in Martinez. years, the vodka martini has gained in in the Martinez community. He became President John Curtis of the Martinez popularity along with a wide variety of one of the organizers of the National Historical Society officiated. Members of the Pistochini family were present and Bank of Martinez and was a member of the bank board of directors. He included Carol Hatch. Hatch’s mother, was also a stockholder in the Martinez Loretta Pistochini, was married to Walter, the son of Antonio (Tony) Pistochini, Benicia Auto Ferry. Mr. Pistochini was who was born at this location. Carol un- a fraternal member of the Eagles Lodge of Martinez and member of the Dante veiled the plaque with her granddaughSociety of Martinez. ters Sara and Sophia, along with Mayor Rob Schroder and many MHS members The present owner, Vince Buchanan, has refurbished the hotel to reflect and community members present. its décor of the late 20’s and 30’s. It now Marco (Michael) and his brother Antonio Pistochini purchased this prop- houses affordable offices designed for beginning entrepreneurs and/or small erty from Leontine Blum in 1905, built businesses. the Italian Hotel and Boarding House,
The Pistochini Hotel
Carol Hatch, Sara, Martinez Mayor Rob Schroder and Sophie. Photo by James Hatch
Carter Wilson, Martini in hand.
“flavors.” The martini glass remains the classic shape, but in a variety of colors and custom embellishments. You’re invited to visit Martinez and enjoy a martini in one of the many fine restaurants that serve our city’s original drink.
November 2012
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Page 13
CORKS AND FORKS
Pair Up Food & Wine Gift Giving Wine and food make great gifts because they can be consumed and don’t clutter up the house. I like to offer a gift of wine or food in a pretty bag with a bow so the gift-receiver is welcome to serve it or save it. When deciding on what wine to give, seek out varietals that pair with the most food. The first wine that comes to mind is off-dry German Riesling. In fact, Riesling pairs with more types of food than any other wine. Surprised? You shouldn’t be. German Riesling grapes are grown in some of the coldest, steepest vineyards on earth. The cold temperatures maintain searing acidity and the angle of sun exposure provides maximum ripeness. This creates a wine with intense aromas and flavors as well as mouth-watering acidity. Off-dry Rieslings generally work with anything spicy or acidic as well as many desserts. It is a white wine with enough punch to stand
With La Sommelierre Maria Terry Hills for quality, well-priced Pinot Noir. up to Mongolian Beef. As for gift foods, spiced nuts are If red wine is your preferred choice, my favorite. They are versatile because consider a Pinot Noir. The movie “Sidethey can be served before or after dinner. ways” made it popular, but sommeliers They make a great snack and keep for have known for years that Pinot Noir is quite some time in the fridge. Here is a a red wine that walks the line between tasty recipe that has just the right amount delicate seafood and beefy rib-eye. I have of sweet, spicy and savory. Bonus… they even had it with strawberry ice-cream and was pleasantly surprised. What makes Pinot Noir such a great wine for INGREDIENTS food? First, it is the acidity. Many deli1/2 teaspoon ground cumin cious foods are high in acid (tomatoes 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper for instance). If the wine doesn’t have 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon enough acid, it tastes flat next to the 4 cups unsalted mixed nuts, such as walfood. Second, Pinot Noirs usually have nuts, pecans, hazelnuts, and almonds soft tannins as compared to other red 4 tablespoons unsalted butter wines. Bold tannins make anything spicy 6 tablespoons brown sugar taste like a four-alarm fire in your mouth. 1 teaspoon salt Third, Pinot Noirs are usually made with DIRECTIONS a restrained use of oak. Oak creates inter Mix spices and reserve. Heat the est and complexity in wine, however, too nuts in a dry skillet and cook, stirring much oak and you can forget about tastfrequently, until they begin to toast, ing the food, all you taste is oak. Look to about 4 minutes. Add the butter and Oregon, Mendocino and the Santa Rita
pair well with both Riesling and Pinot Noir. So, go on. Pair Up! Maria Terry is a Certified Sommelier and Wine Educator in the San Francisco Bay Area. For more great wines and information please visit Maria’s website at www.LaSommelierre.com.
Spiced Nuts
cook, stirring, until the nuts begin to darken, about 1 minute. Add the spices, the sugar, 1 tablespoon water, and the salt and cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens and the nuts are glazed, about 5 minutes. Remove the nuts from the heat and transfer to a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, separating them with a fork. Let the nuts stand until cooled and the sugar has hardened, about 10 minutes. Store in an airtight container. Yield: 4 Cups
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Page 14
HIGH SCHOOL HAPPENINGS
College Park Chips In
College Park students participated in Community Service Day on September 22 by helping in the organic garden and with campus clean up. Photo Credit: Michael Harris.
Sweet Delights Show
College Park High School’s revitalized Choir Program is presenting their “Sweet Delights Dessert Show” performance on Friday, November 16 at 7pm, in the school’s Multi-Purpose room. The event is a fundraiser for the program, and includes choir performances while guests are treated to a variety of wonderful desserts provided by local bakeries, cafes, and parents. “This will be a delightful evening for the whole family, and it’s our first fundraising event of the year,” said Bruce Rockwell, the director of the CP Vocal Music Department. “In the spring, our choir students will be touring Southern California to perform at Disneyland, see a Broadway musical, and attend a choir clinic at Cal State Long Beach. This event will help the
students pay for the trip, and it will be a great opportunity for the community to enjoy the great music College Park kids are making.” Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students. Seating is limited, so those wishing to attend are encouraged to buy their tickets in advance. More information on the event, as well as purchasing advanced tickets, can be found at: www. collegeparkchoirs.com. For further information, contact Bruce Rockwell at rockwellb@mdusd.org.
Showcase Was a Hit With over 200 musicians performing and 280 attendees, the Musicians Showcase on October 20 at the Concord Hilton was a blockbuster. “Let’s Go to the Movies!” was the theme this year. “They performed all movie music that was accompanied by music clips that the students put together and projected on the big screen,” said Marcia Eaton, Music Booster President. Performances were given by all the CP ensembles: Jazz Band, Jazz Ensemble, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra. All proceeds go directly to the CP Instrumental Music Program. Eaton continued, “The music director, Jorge Jimenez, pulled the whole night off flawlessly! Bravo!”
November 2012
Drama Productions
Orwell’s 1984 Coming to College Park The College Park High School Drama Department is performing a theatrical adaptation of George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984. The play is directed by DVC theatre student Jeff Crawford and marks the first full collaboration between the College Park and DVC drama departments. “Although we haven’t presented anything like this play in the past, I think it’s important to offer the College Park community shows that vary in style and subject. The cast will be on the small side, about nine, with some actors playing multiple parts,” said Joan Lopate, drama teacher. Four evening performances are scheduled: 11/2, 11/3, 11/9 and 11/10 at 7pm, and a 4pm show on 11/8. Tickets are $5/students and staff and $8/adults. Performances are in the multi-use room and may not be appropriate for young children. A Comedic Romp All in the Timing at Alhambra They say the trick to comedy is all in the timing. The Drama Department at Alhambra High School invites you to the fall production All In the Timing by comic playwright David Ives. The evening includes eight short, comic plays. Time Magazine calls his plays, “Theater that aerobicizes the brain and tickles the heart ... Ives is a mordant comic who has put the play back in playwright.” Performances are at 7pm, November 7 - 10 in the Alhambra High School Performing Arts Building (PAB). Tickets are $8 for students/seniors and $10 for adults and can be purchased online at the AHS web store, or at the door. This production is rated PG due to adult themes.
Shopping Online Will Support College Park
The PTSA, Athletic Boosters, and Instrumental Music Boosters are pleased to launch a new joint fundraising effort known as College Park HS Rewards, which lets you earn money for College Park while doing your online shopping. Plus, you get a percentage of your purchase back! Many wellknown retailers are linked to College Park HS Rewards including Macy’s, Target, Barnes & Noble, Home Depot and Kohl’s. Anytime you make a purchase through the website, you are donating and supporting the high school. College Park HS Rewards administrator, Carrie Davis, views this program as a win-win for both the high school and the community. “With the holidays approaching I will be using the College Park rewards website for my online shopping, especially since a percentage
of my purchase goes right to College Park and a percentage is dedicated to an account for me, which means I am earning money back too.” College Park HS Rewards gives you the flexibility to direct or donate your reward earnings or cash donations to a specific program, such as instrumental music, a sport or academic program, the arts or the general fund. It just takes a few seconds to sign up at www.collegeparkhsrewards.com. Go to the “donate” tab to select a specific program or group who has registered. Register for your own account with your email address. Unlike other fundraising endeavors, you do not need to provide your credit card information in order to take advantage of the program. Register and help support the Falcon community!
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November 2012
Page 15
HIGH SCHOOL HAPPENINGS
College Park Homecoming Court
The Falcons football team enjoyed a victorious homecoming game versus Mt. Diablo Oct 5th with a score of 35-0. The homecoming court was announced at halftime. Homecoming king, Sean Alkire, and two homecoming nominees are not pictured due to their football team obligations.
Pictured LtoR: Junior Princesses: SaraBeth Maney and Jamie Merjano (a tie); Freshman Lady: Alaysia Wallace; Sophomore Duchess: Elizabeth Murphy; Senior Queen Nominees: Nicole Santos, Taylor Leidgen, Arianna Robles, Chase McNamer and Jackie Dolan (Winner). Senior King Nominees: Sean Alkire (Winner - not pictured), Matt DeSilva (not pictured), Tanner Utler (not pictured), Ryan Jung and Tim Thompson. Junior Prince: Alan Morales; Sophomore Duke: Trace Bechter and Freshman Lord: Ray Jackson. Photo by Tod Gomes Photography.
MEF Run Another Victory
October 7 marked the 10th anniversary of the Shell/MEF Run for Education. With 627 participants, the event raised $51,000 for the Martinez Education Foundation (MEF), over $5,000 more than last year. “The increase in money raised is a result of including the 10K race in addition to the 5K, great sponsors and volunteers, great community support and the fantastic corporate citizenship demonstrated by Shell Martinez Refinery over the past 10 years,” said MEF President, Larry Lipow. The new 10K run was added this year in honor of the 10th anniversary. Both races began at Estudillo and Main Street and continued through downtown
Martinez, while the 10K extended out on Carquinez Scenic Drive (Snake Road) with expansive views of the Carquinez Strait. The top three 10K winners, all Martinez residents, included Kevin Searles, 15-year-old Jake Willard and Mark Ross respectively. The money raised benefits the Martinez Unified School District. “The revenue to MEF means more grants to classrooms for equipment, computers, books and other tools to help teachers in the classrooms,” continued Lipow. For more information about MEF and to donate, visit: www.martinezedfoundation.com. All race results can be found at www.fordtiming.com.
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Alhambra King & Queen
On October 19th, as part of Alhambra High’s homecoming tradition, the marching band and parade of floats accompanied the homecoming king, Dakota Smythe and gueen, Anna Taylor down Main Street Martinez. In the evening, Alhambra hosted the homecoming football game versus Campolindo High resulting in a 48-12 loss.
Photo by Tod Gomes Photography
MICHAEL ANTHONY
BEPLER CITY CLERK PLEASANT HILL • COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT • TRANSPARENCY WITH PUBLIC RECORDS • FAIR AND ETHICAL CAMPAIGN ACCOUNTABILITY Contact Michael Anthony Bepler at ABepler1@comcast.net
Page 16
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November 2012
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Jim
Bonato
Pleasant Hill City Council
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FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
Control deficit spending, excessive salaries, and pension liabilities.
OPEN GOVERNMENT
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Daylightâ&#x20AC;? ad hoc committees and decision making.
QUALITY NEIGHBORHOODS No â&#x20AC;&#x153;stack-n-packâ&#x20AC;? housing developments.
Please contact me at Mike_Flake @yahoo.com for more information
Michael Flake for Pleasant Hill City Council, 2012; 615 Parkhaven Ct., Pleasant Hill, CA 94523; Campaign ID #1333200
November 2012
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Page 17
WHY YOU SHOULD
VOTE FOR
Leadership for Pleasant Hill Preserve and enhance our neighborhoods
B R AV E R M A N FOR PLEASANT HILL CITY COUNCIL 2012
Keep our city safe and well protected Support our businesses and expand our economic base
EDUCATED
policy and ensure our cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
EXPERIENCED
We have looked closely at the candidates and support
Tim Flaherty
Contra Costa Times Contra Costa Central Labor Council
Community Leaders
Jim Alkire Dawn Block Paul Cotruvo Karen Mitchoff!"Contra Costa County Felix Chu Supervisor, District IV Ron and Christy Dallimonti John Hanecak!"Mayor, City of Pleasant Hill David Deutscher Michael G. Harris!"Vice Mayor, City of Pleasant Hill Gretchen & Ed de la O Terri Williamson!"Pleasant Hill City Council Katrina Hunn 1987-2012 Lynne and Steve Kellund Dennis Donaghu!"Chair Robert Kelly Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District Aloma Levine Bobby Glover!"#ice-Chair Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District Bob and Lisa Lilley Sherry M. Sterrett! Director Barbara Oaks Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District
Steve and Melissa Oldenbourg Pleasant Hill Commissioners Jenny Reik Robert Abbott, Chair, Planning Commission Steve Wallace, Vice Chair, Planning Commission Dave and Adrienne Roe Peter Sabine Alex Greenwood, Planning Commissioner Christine Sampson David Mascaro, Planning Commissioner Diana Vavrick, Planning Commissioner Nancy Schoenhouse Bill Bankert, Civic Action Commissioner Zac and Debbie Shess Mark Ciabattari, Civic Action Commissioner Janet Spencer Sheila Cotruvo, Civic Action Commissioner Lesley Stiles Faye Donaghu, Civic Action Commissioner Ray Triana Mary Gray, Civic Action Commissioner Tina and Joe Young Jenelle Kelly, Civic Action Commissioner Allison Koerber, Civic Action Commissioner Andrew Pierce, Civic Action Commissioner Kelly St. Germain, Chair, Pleasant Hill Education Advisory Commission
Tim
PLEASANT HILL CITY COUNCIL
22 Years of mediation and labor relations experience
8 Years as active Neighborhood Watch Captain
GETS THINGS DONE
Out of the box problem solver as seen by her over 90% resolution rate as Contra Costa County Superior Court Settlement Conference Mentor.
Voters have a CHOICE to put an unbiased, innovative and hardworking WOMAN at the City Council Table.
"There is no place like home in Pleasant Hill."
WHAT DO OTHERS HAVE TO SAY? "We can expect her to find serious answers, to very serious questions, that effect the people of Pleasant Hill... and to make unbiased decisions, based on their benefit to the people, not emotion, personal agenda or obligation to special interests." â&#x20AC;&#x201D; PAUL FOLKESTAD, RESIDENT & SMALL BUSINESS OWNER OF PH
"Jessica advocated for our neighborhood as our neighborhood watch captain accomplishing things we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think was possible. She will do what is right every time over what is popular and will fight hard for the citizens. Our vote for her is a vote for our neighborhoods and our people!" â&#x20AC;&#x201D; ROSALIE O'CONNOR LONG TERM RESIDENT & NEIGHBOR IN PH
JOIN
ME FOR COFFEE!
Meet Jessica & learn why she is the best candidate SUNDAY, NOV 4 @ 10AM @ Shaadzee Bakery 60 Crescent Drive, Pleasant Hill Paid for by the Committee to Elect Jessica A. Braverman to Pleasant Hill City Council 2012. Committee ID #1351312. www.JessicaBraverman.com
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Page 18
HOME TEAM
USSSA Fall State Winners
The Lafayette Aces celebrate their win at the Manteca tournament October 14. Gavin Shipp, Tournament MVP, tossed a shut out to carry the Lafayette Aces to a 7-0 victory over the EJ Titans. Shipp pitched 7 innings and gave up just one hit and struck eleven batters out.
November 2012
JV Water Polo Champs College Park JV Water Polo was awarded the 1st place trophy at the Fairfield Tournament held October 5th and 6th. The team scored 55 goals in just 5 games and held their opponents to a total of just 10. Coach Dane Hutslar commented,“Though College Park’s defense was very strong, goalie and newcomer to the sport, Caden Tattenham (freshman) showed tremendous skill by recording 19 saves.” The team went on to finish undefeated in league play and took 2nd place at the Christian Brothers Tournament held in Woodland on October 19 and 20.
Pictured: Top row L-R: Ryan Burnett, Charlie Konstantino, Coach John Whelehan, Matt Burns, Gavin Shipp, Matty Vicencio, Jared Leon, Ty Whelehan and Coach Mark Vicencio. Bottom row: Henry Canalin, Sam Mink, Kevin Clancey, Brian Woo and Robby Rowell. Photo by Shannon Vicencio.
Skeet Champion
better and better. Who knows where this will take him someday?” United Sportsmen shooting facility offers youth programs and is open to any youth or adult to learn the fundamentals, safety and the skill of shooting. It is located at 4700 Evora Road, Concord.
Back row L-R: Coach Dane Hutslar, Jonny Kaminek, Ryan DeBoer,Payton Javete, Matt Cary, Rami Basha, Cole Hutslar, Dylan Carroll, Andrew Willis, David Griswell and Sean Campbell. Front row: Ryan Jones, Caden Tattenham, Jack Diggs and Ethan Armand. Will Cefali not pictured. Photo by Kristin Cary.
Artesa Dental Supports
Alhambra High School Athletic Boosters!
$
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When you hear of a thirteen yearold sports champion you probably think of baseball, soccer or basketball. But, skeet shooting? That is rare. Nick Ballentine, a Valley View Middle School honor student has made a name for himself in his brief two and a half years of training with his grandfather at Concord’s United Sportsmen’s range. Nick traveled to Las Vegas this past April to participate in the Zone 7 Tournament, the western United States Skeet Championship where he won the sub-junior class for his age group. In July, he won the California Skeet State Championship sub-junior class. Nick competed in the 2012 Junior World Skeet Championship held in Stockton in late July. This prestigious world-class tournament is held at different ranges around the country each year and he was lucky enough to have it close by at Stockton Trap and Skeet Club. “It was an excellent world class shooting facility,” his grandfather Larry stated. Nick shot his first perfect score of 100 targets in the 28-guage, and won the shoot-off to become the 2012 28-guage subjunior World Champion. Larry proudly boasts, “Nick’s shooting has become
For the 2012 school year, Artesa Dental will donate $1 to the Alhambra Athletic Boosters for every like on the Artesa Dental facebook Dr. Amanda Backstrom, DMD and staff.
Nick at the CA State Skeet Championships.
page for the first 1000 “Likes”
November 2012
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Page 19
HOME TEAM
“One Man, One Mission...Life Without Limits” Bonner Paddock lives “life without limits,” the tag line that is his motto. He is proof that anything is possible. On October 13, against odds that would daunt the most die-hard athletes, he competed in and finished the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, just 21 minutes shy of the 17-hour time limit. Paddock has cerebral palsy. And he is the first athlete in history with the disability to complete Ironman Hawaii. Bonner Paddock’s big brother is Pleasant Hill’s own, Matt Rinn. On October 10, Matt traveled to Hawaii to join the throng of family and friends in support of Paddock and to witness his incredible achievement. Matt beamed, “Watching my little brother cross the finish line was amazing! The energy and support from the crowd was unlike any sporting event I have ever been to. I was so proud of his incredible accomplishment and will never forget that day.”
Showrooms also in Santa Clara & Milbrae
By R. L. Tinker and Helena Vardas, Photo Credit E-PR
Bonner in the swim.
Bonner on the bike.
Celebrating at the finish.
Paddocks’ body doesn’t work with the ease and efficiency of a competitive athlete. There is some disconnect between his brain and his lower body. Everything he does requires more: more energy, more endurance, a greater will, stronger spirit and sense of purpose. Unwavering, he put in the months of training sessions, 20 hours a week for the Ironman, with his goals mind. Diagnosed at age eleven, Paddock was told he would not live past his early twenties. Not only has he whipped past that dire prediction (he is now in his mid-thirties), he has challenged himself to meet goals that most able-bodied people would never consider. In 2008, he became the first person with cerebral palsy who, without assistance, summited the 19,340’ Mt. Kilimanjaro, an achievement documented in the film Beyond Limits. In June of this year he completed the Hawaii 70.3, a half Ironman, in 7:52:41, qualifying him for the Ironman World Championship. Paddock’s original inspiration came when a little boy named Jake Robert, who was born with a severe case of cerebral palsy, passed away the day after Jake’s father and Paddock completed a marathon to raise funds and awareness for people living with disabilities. When he summited Mt. Kilimanjaro, Paddock realized that he could make a difference in the lives of disabled people by continuing to push his own limits. He founded the One Man, One Mission Foundation with
the purpose of developing learning centers to aid children with disabilities. His Ironman trainer, Greg Welch, himself a former Ironman champion, says of Paddock, “he’s got all these other people in his life that he’s doing it for.” And Matt explains, “My brother has been someone who never let his cerebral palsy stand in his way. He has always been determined to reach his goals. The start of his foundation to raise money for centers for children with disabilities made him more motivated to give back and reach his latest goal of being the first person with cerebral palsy to complete the Hawaiian Ironman Triathlon. I have defi-
nitely learned from this experience,” he continued, “From knowing Bonner, I’ve learned we can’t let everyday challenges stop us from achieving our goals and living life.” Bonner Paddock has raised more than $500,000 for his One Man, One Mission Foundation which supports organizations including United Cerebral Palsy of Orange County and Light in Africa, an organization in Tanzinia, which houses children with disabilities. Visit http://1man1mission.org/ to find out more about the foundation’s projects and to keep up with Bonner Paddock’s incredible “life without limits.”
CP X-Country Breaking Records Info submitted by Travis Fong, CP Cross Country Coach College Park’s cross country team had two record breakers at the DVAL Center Meet, October 10 at Castle Rock Park in Walnut Creek. Drew McDonald (11) came in 1st place for boys junior varsity 2.2-mile with a time of 12:44, breaking CP’s Ryota Johnson’s 12:55 course record from last year. Drew was the only runner in his race to come in under 13 minutes, beating the 2nd place runner by 18 seconds. Kendall Stuscavage (12) ran in the girls varsity 3.27 mile race in 21:43, not only taking the course record by 15 seconds (previous record 21:58), but coming in 58 seconds faster than the
2nd place finisher. Kendall was the only athlete to break 22 minutes in her race. Jamie Busby (9) came in 2nd overall in 22:41 in her first varsity race ever. Jakkie Medina (10) won her race overall with a time of 15:44, a full minute, 41 seconds faster than 2nd place. Paul Ramstad (10) won the frosh/ soph race in a time of 13:10, edging out Clayton Valley’s Joshua Rosen by 1 second. Running barefoot, Parker Marson (11) won overall for varsity boys in 18:45, a mere 6 seconds ahead of 2nd place. Parker managed the win after losing his shoes at some point between miles 2 and 3.
Page 20
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Village Center for the Arts
By Alison Clary Konkle encourages adults to take lessons The Village Center for the Arts had a festive grand opening October 13, a brilliant at the center too. He says, “There’s that old saying, ‘the best time to plant an oak tree is fall day befitting this exciting community twenty years ago, the second best is today.”’ center, now located at 1720 Linda Drive in Pleasant Hill. Mayor John Hanecak was The Village Center’s new location is a present for the ribbon cutting and events perfect place for education in the arts. With included Project Rock Band performances, vaulted ceilings, an airy layout, and freshly a family yoga class, magician, mural and painted rooms, the building has a clean, hand painting and an instrument “petting modern feel that is conducive to creativity zoo.” The Village Music School along with and offers a fresh canvas for the imagination. Village Theatre, Village Dance and VilIt’s a happening place, and even on grand lage Yoga forms the Village Center and was opening day visitors could hear strains of founded by CEO Robert W. Konkle. Locally music drifting from behind closed doors. owned and operated for the past twelve Executive Director Liz Angelucci years, it serves the Diablo Valley, San RaBeggs and the entire staff are friendly, atmon Valley and Lamorinda communities. It tentive, and clearly dedicated to the craft of won the Community Service Award in 2011 making students and families comfortable for its many contributions to public schools. and welcome. Konkle says teachers come The Village Music School continues from fine schools such as Dartmouth, Berto go strong, inspiring students of all ages keley, the New England Conservatory, and in piano, guitar, bass, percussion, brass, the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, woodwinds, strings, and voice. A range of and he looks for teachers who are articuin-school programs includes concert band, late, professional, engaging, and most of instrument rentals, classroom music, and all, kind. Konkle states, “Nice is mandagroup classes. Lessons in music, theatre, tory around here.” Indeed, the goal of the yoga and dance are all offered at the center center is to be “a friendly place for learning.” and are available on school campuses as The numbers speak for themselves, having well. Konkle said, “We make music and grown from five teachers and fifty students arts education accessible to as many people to twenty-five teachers and over 500 stuas possible. Our role is to provide a place dents a week. for people to have fun and assist them in Konkle grew up in Walnut Creek and achieving their goals.” is proud to create a local space where child Children as young as pre-school age hood memories can take root. “What stucan take classes such as “Songs of a Prindents gain from us far exceeds music scales cess” or “Storybook Yoga.” Yoga classes or dance steps; it can be a place where they are “a natural extension of what we foster succeed, are inspired, encouraged and comhere,” exclaimed Konkle. “The focus on plimented, and very simply, have a great our students’ happiness, confidence, and time.” self-esteem has always been at our core.” To learn more about the center and Teenagers may gravitate to the lessons ofsee a complete listing of classes offered, go fered in guitar, drums, and piano, and qual- to VillageCenterforTheArts.org or call 676ity instruments are readily available for rent. 8400.
November 2012
L ght Up The NIGHT!
in Downtown Pleasant Hill
Join Santa, Mayor John Hanecak, and Pleasant Hill Rec Board Chair Dennis Donaghu in lighting our spectacular 25-foot Holiday Tree on Crescent Drive
Wed
Nov 28
5:00–8:00pm
NT 2012 EVE ..... FREE horse-drawn carriage rides TS Holiday arts & crafts fair HIGHLIGH FREE hot chocolate and cookies Merchant Open House with discounts and giveaways Frosty, Rudolph & other costumed characters on Crescent Drive
Entertainment
Plaza at Pasta Pomodoro 6:45–6:00pm — College Park High School Concert Choir 6:00pm — Tree Lighting Ceremony 6:10–8:00pm — Pictures with Santa (bring your own camera) Downtown Plaza Stage (between Sweet Tomatoes and Jack's Restaurant) 5:00–6:00pm — Various Choir Ensembles 6:10–6:30pm — College Park High School Concert Choir 6:40–7:30pm — Studio A Dancers
y
This holida. season..
Experience the “Small Town Charm” of Pleasant Hill during Light Up the Night!
For more details email mnelis@ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us or call (925) 671-5229 This evening of merriment is brought to you by
City of Pleasant Hill Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District Downtown Pleasant Hill
City of Pleasant Hill
November 2012
www.ourcommunityfocus.com
Page 21
Local Authors The Community Focus is proud to introduce three recently published books by local female authors: Susan Cogan, Doreen Carvajal, and co-authors Brenna Shafizadeh and Sarah Becker.
Doreen Carvajal In her first book, The Forgetting River, Doreen Carvajal describes her search for answers to questions about her identity. A search that took her to Costa Rica and the South of Spain in order to unearth proof that her Jewish family had been forced to convert to Christianity six hundred years ago. In her August, 2012 New York Times essay, “In Andalusia, on the Trail of Inherited Memories,” Carvajal described that, “We were raised as Catholics in Costa Rica and California, but late in life I finally started collecting the nagging clues of a very clandestine identity: that we were descendants of secret Sephardic Jews — Christian converts known as conversos, or Anusim (Hebrew for the forced ones) or even Marranos, which in Spanish means swine…I wanted to understand why my family guarded secret identities for generations with such inexplicable fear and caution.” Her searches ultimately lead to an understanding and confidence in her ancestry. Carvajal graduated from Pleasant Hill High School in 1974 and is one of six children. She was co-editor of the school newspaper. She studied journalism as an undergraduate at the University of California at Berkeley and San Jose State University. She has worked as a journalist for the International Herald Tribune and The New York Times as well as other publications. According to her website, www.doreencarvajal.com, “she lives in a stone farmhouse and writes mornings in local cafes in Paris with good wifi connections.” Susan Cogan Susan Cogan, a registered nurse with a Masters degree from UCSF, made a dramatic life change in 1998 when she and her husband moved to Kayenta, Arizona where she spent a year working as a public health/school nurse on the Navajo reservation. Throughout the year, Cogan learned about the Navajo customs and ceremonies. When she began to email friends about her adventures, many of which are highlighted in the 108-page book, E-mail from Kayenta, she received requests for more information about the little known location. “When my husband and I sold our house of twenty years in Pleasant Hill and moved to Northern Arizona, I had no idea what an adventure it would be. I spent many days driving on washboard dirt roads to visit new mothers, dying elders and a variety of post-surgical patients. Many of the Navajos I visited lived in hogans, mud huts with no water, electricity or heat. Many elderly spoke no English and my interpreter, Bessie, helped me through my visits,” said the author. When she returned and settled in Martinez, Cogan began to document her year on the reservation and travels with her husband to the national parks throughout the Southwest. She has since made several trips back to Kayenta to volunteer. “I learned many things from Kayenta and the Navajos. My needs are fewer and simpler. Less is sometimes more. After ten years, I still miss the people, especially Bessie, with whom I am in touch. I miss the slower pace of life, and as always, I miss the red, red rock.” Published in March of this year, Cogan brings remarkable insight into the lives and challenges of the Navajo people. Cogan is married with three adult children and two grandchildren. “E-mail from Kayenta” is her first book and can be found on Amazon.com. Brenna Shafizadeh and Sarah Becker If you or someone you know has a child under the age of five and are often searching for something fun, educational and unique to do in the Mt. Diablo area, then Toddling Around Mt. Diablo is the perfect reference book to have on hand. The book covers Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Concord, Clayton, Martinez, Moraga, Orinda and Lafayette. Two distinct destinations mentioned are the Buchannan Field Airport Observation Deck and the Walnut Creek Model Railroad Society. A variety of parks, museums, craft ideas, places to hike and holiday events are also covered. In addition, the guidebook has a section on easy family day trips to cities such as Berkeley, San Francisco and Sacramento. The book even includes tips for entertaining toddlers when traveling in the car. Co-authored by Brenna Shafizadeh and Sarah Becker, the two teamed up with the Mount Diablo Mother’s Club and found dozens of local destinations for families with young children. Toddling Around Mt. Diablo also has a facebook page: www.facebook.com/ToddlingAroundMtDiablo. “We try to help highlight local, free or affordable family-friendly events,” said Shafizadeh. The book can be found on the website www.toddlingaroundmtdiablo.com and on Amazon.com.
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Page 22
THE GARDEN
Thanksgiving is right around the corner bringing the beginning of the long holiday season. It’s also a total turning point for the local fruit and vegetable season. Chains of history dictate what goes on the Thanksgiving table, but local seasonal vegetables perk up the everyday momentum to intoxicating distraction with creamy butternut squash, crunchy Fuyu persimmons and energy enhancing kale. Kale has its roots in Europe dating back some 2000 years. Some kale producing countries consider this amazing Brassica fodder. Pity that, as it surely means they have never tasted it prepared
November 2012
Many Ways to Use Kale By Lesley Stiles correctly. There are as many varieties grated Reggiano and a sprinkle of fresh of kale as there are heirloom tomatoes, thyme. Add sautéed kale to risotto or but Red Russian kale is one of my vegvegetable Tagine to pick up the flavor, etable soul mates. With its slightly savcolor and nutrition. age taste of mixed cabbage, cauliflower Best low-cal, high nutrition snack and broccoli, kale will keep you satisfied this year alert!: Tear kale leaves into bite and coming back for more all winter. sized pieces. Toss very lightly with olKale explodes with calcium and iron and ive oil and salt. Lay in a single layer on a makes a great base for just about anyparchment paper covered cookie sheet thing culinary. You can simmer sliced and bake at 325˚ for 12 to 15 minutes. kale in vegetable broth or puree it and Kale chips are absolutely genius. Melt in use it for thickening a hearty soup such your mouth love. as minestrone. I like to slice kale leaves For a great Thanksgiving side salad, and sauté with chopped garlic and oltry slicing crunchy Fuyu persimmons ive oil, which can be eaten as is or added into farmers’ market salad greens along to pasta and showered with grated aged with toasted and chopped walnuts and gouda. Chopped up and sautéed with thinly sliced butternut squash, it can be added to scrambled eggs; topped with
feta cheese. Dress with lemon juice and olive oil. As mercury dips and light deserts us early in the day, do not give up outside activity. We walk before dinner now and enjoy the lusciousness of a good bundle up and cold cheeks. We’ve a lot to be thankful for ‘round these parts. Happy Thanksgiving. Lesley Stiles is a graduate of the California Culinary Academy, sustainable caterer and school garden educator. Contact Lesley at lesleystiles@comcast. net, www.lesleystiles.blogspot.com and visit her new website: www.lesleystilesfoods.com.
Sauteed Winter Squash over Quinoa You can use butternut squash, Cinderella pumpkin, Kabocha squash, Tatsutabuko squash or any of your favorite winter squashes you find at the farmers’ market. To prepare squashes, cut off top and bottom of the squash and cut in half. Scoop out seeds and peel with a Good Grips vegetable peeler. Cut into chunks.
Ingredients:
4 cups prepared squash of your choosing 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 onion, chopped 5 cloves of garlic, chopped 1 bunch of Red Russian kale, sliced
1 ½ cups vegetable stock 4 cups cooked quinoa 2 tablespoons lemon oil Sea salt and ground pepper
Directions:
Sauté squash, onion and garlic in olive oil on medium high heat until caramelized. Add stock and bring to a simmer. Cover and let simmer about 7 minutes until squash is soft. Add kale and season with salt and pepper. Turn off heat. Season the quinoa with lemon oil and serve under stew. Serves 8.
Crescent Dr. at Downtown Plaza
Saturdays, SSa aatturddaays, 9 aam-1 m--11 ppm m • RRain aiinn oorr SShine hine Season Ends November 17
Market Manager Picks: Crisp Fall Apples • Homemade Jams Local Honey • Broccoli Winter Squash • Sweet Alhambra Valley Pears • Brussels Sprouts Persimmons • Pomegranates • Organic Produce • & Much More! fb.com/PleasantHillFarmersMarket CITY OF PLEASANT HILL
Your Food, Your Community, Your Farmers’ Market
shop for
bargains,
shop for
foster children
Youth Homes Auxiliary Thrift Shop raises money in support of the needs of young people in the care of Youth Homes, Inc. SENIOR 5% DISCOUNT EVERYDAY 15C Vivian Dr Pleasant Hill, CA (Behind Jack in The Box)
925-798-5561 Hours: Mon-Sat 10 AM – 4 PM
November 2012
WHAT’S THE
BUZZ?
www.ourcommunityfocus.com
Come watch the bees at work in our new Hive Alive! exhibit and get a better view of our birds in the newly renovated raptor viewing area! Visit Wednesday–Friday noon–5pm and weekends 10am–5pm. Go to www.wildlife-museum.org to learn more.
1931 FIRST AVENUE WALNUT CREEK 925-935-1978
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30
Page 23
Wild Turkeys By Susan Heckly, Lindsay Wildlife Museum People’s opinions are really split on With Thanksturkeys—some love having them around, giving only weeks the rest will do just about anything to get away, it is time to talk rid of them. Sometimes the problem starts turkey. Wild turkeys, when one neighbor starts putting out food. once a rare sight in That attracts more turkeys and pretty soon northern California, a large flock has taken up residence. Many are now common people do not like turkeys because they are throughout the Bay loud and make a mess. Their untidy rouArea. So far in 2012, the wildlife hospital tines can drive people mad. has received 83 wild turkeys for care. Com• If turkeys begin feeding under hanging pare this to just ten years ago when we rebird feeders, remove the feeders until the ceived seven for the entire year. turkeys leave the area. Wild turkeys were brought to Cali• If turkeys are causing problems in your fornia over 100 years ago, then introyard, install motion-detecting sprinklers. duced again in the 1970s and have spread • Wild turkeys typically will not enter yards throughout the state. They prefer wooded with dogs. habitat, but can easily adapt to a variety of • If confronted by a wild turkey that has lost terrain. They eat plants, seeds, nuts, acorns, its fear of humans, an open umbrella may berries, insects and spiders. help steer it out of your path Turkeys have keen eyesight and hear For more information about Lindsay ing, and can run up to 18 miles per hour. Their flight skills are pretty phenomenal for Wildlife Museum and ways you can help wildlife, visit www.wildlife-museum.org. such a large bird. They can fly up to a mile and can fly straight up (helicopter style) into a tree. They are not particularly afraid of people or vehicles. They can be aggressive and have been know to stand up to cars trying to navigate city streets. They roost in tall trees at night and prefer to be within one half mile of a water source. Turkeys have learned to take advantage of our cities and suburbs. They are attracted to central Contra Costa because of the large number of mature oak trees that produce large crops of acorns.
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Page 24
November 2012
In the Mix with Jim Caroompas The Contra Costa County Blues scene is alive and well, thanks to musicians such as Martinez resident, Jim Caroompas. If you have lived in the area for the last few years, I am sure you have heard or seen him in his various bands such as Caroompas Room, Jim Caroompas & The Sisters of Mercy and The Very Bad Boys. Born in La Jolla, California in 1954, Jim soon after moved to Louisiana, where he soaked up the sounds of the south. Growing up, Jim said he never â&#x20AC;&#x153;had a second thought about a career pathâ&#x20AC;? after listening to the likes of The Beatles and Elvis. But it would be the sound of the late 60â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Blues icons such as Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton that led him down â&#x20AC;&#x153;to the crossroadsâ&#x20AC;? path of the Blues. In his senior year of high school, John Lee Hooker came to his school and performed. Afterward, Jim told Hooker how much he admired him, so John Lee casually invited Jim to visit at his East Oakland home. Accepting the offer, Jim knocked on his door. When Hooker heard him play the guitar, Jim became his guitar player for three years. As a result, Jim also got to meet some great Blues masters such as, Albert and Freddie King, Lightninâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Hopkins, Muddy Waters, Cool Papa and Lowell Fulsom. Jim also has a journalism career and has worked for the Martinez News
By Paul Cotruvo, Cover2Cover pretty dreams, no â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love you forever,â&#x20AC;? or â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll never love again,â&#x20AC;? silly teenage love song fodder. Blues is life as it is, raw and unedited. I love all forms of it, including country Blues, Delta Blues, Chicago Blues, and early country stuff by Jimmie Rogers and Hank Williams. PC: Which do you prefer, solo, trio or the full Band? JC: No preference there. I love solo because I can let loose with whatever tunes seem appropriate for the moment without checking with anyone to make sure they know the song. The trio is great, because my two singers are so Gazette, Oakland Tribune and Contra gorgeous and inspiring, and they just elCosta Times. He is presently the editor evate the show enormously. The band is of the Martinez and Pleasant Hill Patch when I can really get my mojo working, and graciously took the time to accept because weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re truly a family and the love the following interview. just flows when we play. PC: At what age did you first get interPC: What are some of your biggest influested in music? ences? JC: Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve loved music ever since I heard JC: Because of my particular childhood â&#x20AC;&#x153;Volareâ&#x20AC;? on the radio, and then all those situation, I consider John Lennon, Bob amazing sounds in the south. My mom Dylan, Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchwas a huge Ray Charles and Elvis Presley ell to be my moral guides. I really looked fan, so I soaked up a lot of that in addito them for guidance growing up. I still tion to Hank Williams and the Platters. do to some degree, though Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve since exPC: Do you play other instruments panded my guidebook quite a bit. I play besides guitar? guitar because Eric Clapton is such an JC: I play enough piano to embarrass elegant poet of the six-string Blues form. myself. I am secretly an amazing drumI have always aspired to stand slightly in mer in my mind. his shadow. PC: Why the Blues and what style do you PC: What are some of your musical prefer? career highlights? JC: I have always been drawn to the JC: One was jamming with Neal SchBlues because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an expression of life as oen (then just starting Journey) at the itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s truly lived, not a dream or an ideal. Warfield Theater in SF, when my band Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just reality in the key of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gâ&#x20AC;?. No Colefeat was headlining there. I had seen Neal play â&#x20AC;&#x153;Key to the Highwayâ&#x20AC;? with Derek and the Dominoes, Eric Claptonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s band, and I heard that Neal turned Eric down to join Journey. I invited Neal to play that song with us. I had the rather overconfident notion that, since I was
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a self-appointed apprentice to Clapton, that I would show Schoen a thing or two about the Blues, as Eric had. Unfortunately, Neal pretty much wiped the floor with me that night, and I have since made it a point never to invite anyone to jam if theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re better than me. Another highlight was meeting Freddie King in John Lee Hookerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home, and watching him literally cook and wolf down two steaks within 10 minutes. He died of a heart attack at 47, to no oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surprise. He was an astounding and inspiring human being. PC: What are your views of the music scene here in Contra Costa? JC: There is a growing and robust music scene in Central County, thanks to efforts by people like yourself. Restaurants are realizing live music on the weekends is good for their post-dinner business. Armandoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in Martinez has raised the bar for music clubs everywhere. Things are getting better all the time. PC: If you were a song, what song would you be and why? JC: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bird on the Wireâ&#x20AC;? because I have tried, in my way, to be free. And the lines, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I saw a beggar leaning on his wooden crutch. He said to me, you must not ask for so much. And a pretty woman leaning in her darkened door, she cried to me, hey why not ask for more?â&#x20AC;? That dichotomy sums up the ongoing conflict of my life. Be sure to check Jim out. You will not be disappointed. (To read Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entire interview with Jim Caroompas, visit the Focus website at www.ourcommunityfocus.com and click on the â&#x20AC;&#x153;columnsâ&#x20AC;? tab and click on â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the Mixâ&#x20AC;?) Quote of the Month â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Blues ainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t nothing but a good man feelinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; bad.â&#x20AC;? --Leon Redbone
PAULâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PICKS FOR NOVEMBER November 1 - Chris Cain Band, Armandos, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm November 2 - Petty Theft, Danâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bar, 1524 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, 10pm November 3 - Cover Story, Dallimontis, 1932 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill, 8:30pm November 3 - Sin Silver, Roccoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pizzeria, 2909 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek, 8:30pm November 9 - Roy â&#x20AC;&#x153;Armandoâ&#x20AC;? Jeans Birthday Party and Fundraiser featuring Caroompas Room, Hopeless Romantics and more, Armandos, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm November 29 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Lumberyard, The Roundup Saloon, 3553 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, 9pm
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November 2012
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Girl Scouts Awards Kalina Elliott, Kylie Tseng, Amanda Hoover and Megan Callagy from Pleasant Hill Girl Scout Troop 30196 each earned their Presidential Gold Award by volunteering 100 hours apiece within one year at the Pleasant Hill Library, and Cadence Warren from Girl Scout Troop 32065 earned her Presidential Bronze Award by volunteering 50 hours at the Pleasant Hill Library within one year. Together, they have volunteered over 650 hours at the library. Last year, Megan Callagy, Amanda Hoover, Kalina Elliott, Iona McCabe and Kylie Tseng earned their Presidential Bronze Award by volunteering 50 hours at the library, volunteering for over 300 hours total within the year. What do the girls like best about volunteering? They get to work with their friends, have fun while boxing books to be sold at the library book sales, learn how to do many different things within the library, and they feel good about helping out. Troop 30196 leader Sarah St. Hill and youth librarian Patrick Remer led the volunteers.
November 2012
Soroptimist 70th Year President Linda Larson and the newest members of Soroptimist International of Martinez prepare for the celebration of the club’s 70th anniversary on Monday, November 12. The club was chartered in 1942 and has participated in the community for the past seventy years. The celebration will be held at the IBEW Union 302 Hall at 1875 Arnold Drive in Martinez. The public is invited. Please call (925) 229-1413. Members will join in exciting activities planned for the year, including scholarship presentations to local girls and
women who strive to improve their lives and the communities in which they live. There will be a 3rd Annual Blanket Bash to assemble no-sew blankets for foster children in Contra Costa County and a Crab Feed in February. For more information on Soroptimist, please visit the club website at www.soroptimistmartinez. org or call 925-229-1413. Soroptimist International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) service club for women who strive to improve the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world.
LtoR Kalina Elliott, Kylie Tseng, Cadence Warren, Amanda Hoover, and Megan Callagy. Photo credit, Sarah St. Hill
Focus in Scotland New members: Liza Behring, Barbara Kapsalis, Gay Gerlack, and Marilyn Johnston with President Linda Larson. New member not pictured: Sheila Conley
SOROPTIMIST OF MARTINEZ
celebrates 70 years helping Women in our community We are a service organization of women helping women and girls in our community and throughout the world. Pictured is Anna Crvarich reading the Community Focus, catching up on the local news while vacationing in Scotland.
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We are excited to reach out to potential new members who are interested in giving back to their community. • A non-profit 501 (c)(3) service organization • Proudly serving the Martinez community for 70 years • Providing annual scholarships to Alhambra High School • Supporting women with scholarships for job training • Hosting Get Real Academy (a life-skills event for senior girls) • Assisting at local homeless transition housing • Contributing to grants for women in doctorate programs Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at the IBEW Local 302 Hall, 1875 Arnold Drive, Martinez, starting at 6:30 p.m.
For more information
925-229-1413
www.soroptimistmartinez.org
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November 2012
PH Reads The Hobbit
In October, the Pleasant Hill library celebrated the second annual One City, One Book program and encouraged the community to read J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy novel, The Hobbit. The program is designed to inspire an entire community to read the same book at the same time. To further encourage reading, several Pleasant Hill 5th grade classes received free copies of the book. Why The Hobbit? According to Youth Librarian, Patrick Remer, “We wanted to choose a story that builds on the success we saw last year with James and the Giant Peach - a fun and fanciful tale for families. It takes an entire family and really a whole community of schools and libraries to foster a culture of reading and creativity. Tolkien’s
The Hobbit is one of those classics that continue to inspire entire generations of readers. Fantasy stories like Harry Potter, Fablehaven and Eragon owe so much to Tolkien’s books, which create a rich and imaginative world filled with heroes and monsters that spark the imagination. These epic tales also celebrate the courage and cleverness of the smallest folk, which is a great message for kids.” In anticipation of the movie release in December, the Pleasant Hill library hosted The Hobbit party on October 9, where kids celebrated the novel with crafts, games, and other surprises from the land of Middle Earth. The Friends of the Pleasant Hill Library and the Pleasant Hill Community Foundation funded the events.
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4-H Shines Brightly By Anthony Cannon Thomas Major - Record book Medalist On September 22, 4-H members and Bronze star throughout Contra Costa County Kieran Manning – Two “Winner” gathered at Liberty High School for their Record Book Awards, Bronze star, Comannual 4-H Achievement Night. Lamormunity Pride Award inda 4-H has members aged 9-19, from Sarah Manning - Record Book Winner, the Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Orinda, and Community Pride Award, and Silver Star Lafayette communities. Arianna Ortiz - Record Book Medalist Earning the highest honor was Mariah Strykers - Record Book Medalist fifteen year-old Madison Gibson from Peter Strykers - Record Book Honorable Lamorinda 4-H. She was awarded the Mention Contra Costa 4-H All Star Ambassador. Skylar Barnes - Bronze Star, Record Book This award is based on record keeping, Medalist leadership, and outstanding participation in the 4-H program. Between a wonderful Sierra Barnes - Record Book Honorable Mention slide presentation, speakers and fun, the Lamorinda 4-H club members were busy Caroline Turner - Record Book Medalist Courtney Turner - Record Book Honorreceiving over 20 awards: able Mention and Bronze Star Madison Gibson - All Star, Record Book Paul Bailey - Graduate Certificate and Winner and Events Attended Award Joel Hanson Memorial Scholarship Anthony Cannon - Two “Winner” Allison Kostecki - Graduate Certificate Record Book Awards, Gold Presidential Primary awards for members Ages 5-8 Service Award, Platinum Star, Events - Ryan McCauley, Caleb McCauley, Attended Award, Outstanding Historian Caitlynn Turner, Andreya Cox, Caiis Award, and Community Pride Award Dylan Leonis-Cox - Record Book Medal- Sutliff, Emmeline Sutliff, Wyatt Barnes, and Gondica Strykers ist and Bronze star
The Blue Devils Need You
Youth Librarian Patrick Remer poses with students in Mrs. Lucich’s 5th grade class at Valhalla Elementary as they receive copies of J.R.R Tolkein’s The Hobbit.
JENNIFER L. MARTIN, D.D.S. Specialist in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
401 GREGORY LANE, SUITE 126 PLEASANT HILL, CA 94523 925.676.8485 FAX 925.676.0288 www.drjennifermartin.com
Looking for an activity that your child can grow up with? Consider the Blue Devils. The award-winning Concord Blue Devils Drum & Bugle Corps & Color Guard offers young people between the ages of 5 and 25 quality educational and performance experiences in the areas of music and dance performance. Founded in 1957, the Blue Devils’ objective is to develop personal character through challenging physical, emotional, mental, and social activities while promoting the values of dedication, hard work, and commitment to a team. Winter Guard is a competitive program that combines music, dance, and props into a theatrical production performed in a gymnasium. The Blue Devils Winter Color Guard program offers a variety of classes for boys and girls of all ages, and no experience is necessary. The “Little Kids” class, for ages 5-8, teaches basic dance moves, traveling combinations, and flag spinning with a focus on rhythm.
A Special Needs Winter Color Guard program has been developed for young people ages 12-25, which focuses on choreographing a performance that highlights each member’s skills. All instruction for the Special Needs Winter Color Guard is provided free of charge. Young men and women ages 8-14 will delight in the dazzling Winter Guard “A” program. The Winter Guard “Open” program is available for kids ages 14-22. For questions about Winter Color Guard, or to register, please contact Annette Odello at 925-383-0424, or email annette@bluedevils.org. Aspiring young musicians ages 8-14 wishing to participate in a quality beginning-level music, dance, and marching activity will take pleasure in the rousing Blue Devils “C” Corps. Please contact Rick Odello at 925689-2918, ext. 3100 or email rodello@ bluedevils.org if you are interested in this exciting activity, or visit http://bluedevils. org/about/ for more information.
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Page 28
November, Lung Cancer Awareness Month By Gigi Chen, M.D. X rays. High-risk patients Lung cancer accounts are either current or former for about 14% of all cancer smokers with a 30-pack/year diagnosis and is the leading smoking history, aged 55 to cause of cancer death for both 74 years. The International men and women in the U.S. Early Lung Cancer Action In 2012, an estimated 226,200 Program (I-ELCAP) assessed new cases of lung cancer will whether annual screening be diagnosed. The major cause with low dose CT can increase early deof lung cancer is smoking, which is retection in patients at risk for lung cancer sponsible for 85% to 90% of lung cancer. Other risk factors include environmental and found that if lung cancer is detected in stage I and promptly removed, the 10and occupational exposures such as asbestos, radon, air pollution, radiation and year survival is 92%. These trials suggest that early screening can decrease the risk second hand tobacco. of death from lung cancer in high-risk More than 95% of lung cancer patients. consists of one of the four major types: November is National Lung Cancer squamous, adenocarcinoma, large cell, Awareness Month and our cancer center or small cell cancer. The most comhas arranged to offer complimentary mon symptoms patients experience are decreased appetite, fatigue, weakness and consultants for screening during the week of November 12-16. To learn more about cough. this lung cancer awareness program, Currently, most patients with lung please call 925-826-1900. cancer are diagnosed at an advanced Dr. Chen is board certified in stage. There has been recent promising medical oncology and hematology and data in the area of lung cancer screening. practices with Diablo Valley Oncology, The National Lung Cancer Screening located at the California Cancer and trial enrolled 53,000 current or former Research Institute in Pleasant Hill. She heavy smokers and showed that screentreats all forms of cancer and blood dising high-risk patients with a low dose orders and has a special interest in lung CT scan decreased mortality from lung cancer by 20% compared to regular chest and gynecologic cancer. PAID ADVERTORIAL
Night Time Leg Cramps By Tonya Marie Amos, Aspire Pilates your back, blankets pull your toes down So you’re into a pointed foot position (a position very sound asleep, your similar to a ballerina standing on pointed calf contracts horshoes.) Pile a couple of pillows just beyond ribly and all you your feet, building a “tent,” so that there can do is yelp. Nocis space between your feet and the covers. turnal leg cramps This allows your lower legs and feet to stay are miserable and relaxed, instead of overworking all night. all too common. If you do get that dreaded cramp, press Caused by a variety of factors that may inyour fingertips into the tightened knot and clude a nutritional deficiency, dehydration, gently wiggle your foot back and forth, up muscular overuse, imbalances, or injury, calf cramps do not have to wreck your good and down. Breathe deeply as your fingers and leg movements gently soften the painnight’s sleep. ful knot. If you can’t reach your leg, wiggle Check with your doctor to see if you your foot every which way, while breathing have a nutritional imbalance that can be deeply. addressed. Drink plenty of water during When you’ve decided that enough is the day. When working out, gently stretch enough with calf-induced nighttime yelps, the muscles that are working hard. Focus start a gentle regimen that addresses the imon the strengthening and flexibility of the balances in the lower leg muscles. With insmaller muscles of the lower legs and feet. creased strength and flexibility, you’ll soon If these smaller muscles are underused, be cramp-free and sleeping like a baby. your calves will fatigue and cramp (day or For more information, contact please night) because of an over-reliance on them. Avoid sleeping with tight or heavy cov- call (925) 680-4400 or go to www.AspirePilatesCenter.com. ers on top of your feet. When sleeping on
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Local Cat Adoptions By D.Suslow lives. Maine Coon Adoptions is an Now here’s an unusual idea, holdall-volunteer, non-profit organization ing a cat adoption fair at a bird store! that has been rescuing cats from highMaine Coon Adoptions, a cat-rescue kill shelters and from the streets since group based in Oakland has been invited to hold a cat adoption fair at the 2004, specializing in older and specialWild Birds Unlimited store at 692 Con- needs cats. Maine Coons are known as the “dogs of the cat world”, as they are tra Costa Blvd in Pleasant Hill, from friendly, playful, and seek out the com11am to 3pm on Saturday 11/10 and pany of people. Sunday 11/11. The owners of the store, If you would like to know more Mike and Ann Eliot, adopted two cats about Maine Coon cats, visit www. from the rescue group two years ago. mainecoonadoptions.com. Fill out an The Eliots are passionate about birds as adoption application, and come see the well as cats, and Maine Coon kitties! Please “Like” the Maine Coon Adoptions is excited to be partAdoptions Official Facebook Fan Page. nering with them to help save kitties’
November 2012
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Stress By Richard Weissman, Acupuncture Wellness Center Stress Relief with Massage Therapy
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Stress is an important and useful part of life. It stimulates learning and personal growth, and is a part of any major accomplishment. The healthiest, and most effective people are not those who avoid stress, but those who respond successfully to it. Therapeutic massage is a remarkable tool for helping you manage stress. A deeply relaxing massage can give you a welcome break, and help you feel better, physically and mentally. Over time, regular massage can help you develop healthy and productive responses to life’s many challenges. The Stress Response Under stress, your body has just one response, it mobilizes to fight or flee. Muscles tense for action, heart rate and blood pressure increase, breathing becomes rapid and shallow, and digestion and other maintenance functions are put on hold. You may find that as your stress goes on without relief, it becomes more difficult to unwind. Muscle tension can develop into other problems such as chronic headaches, or shoulder and back pain, which alone, are stressful themselves. Worry and physical tension can interfere with sleep, leaving you exhausted, with little energy or focus to tackle your problems.
In a stressful situation, massage provides immediate relief with soothing sensations, refocusing your attention away from your worries and tensions. Studies show that massage triggers the body’s relaxation response, setting in motion the response needed to reverse the physical responses of “fight or flight”. Why We Love Massage Massage reduces muscle tension and pain, calms the nervous system, improves circulation, boosts energy and alertness, helps release stress related tension, increases joint mobility, alleviates fatigue, promotes general good health, relaxes the mind, body & spirit and feels really good! During the month of November, The Acupuncture Wellness Center is offering a 25% discount on a massage or a pack of 6 massages (with one free- which can be used for friends and family as well!)
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events Pleasant Hill Farmers’ Market - Saturdays, 9am to 1pm. Downtown Pleasant Hill. Visit: www.pcfma.com or more information. Market closes November 17. Martinez Farmers’ Market - Sundays, 10am2pm Year-round! Main St. between Castro & Ferry St. Stop by to pick up your locally grown winter produce and support the market this year! 10/29-31 - Downtown Martinez Ghost Walk Take the 1-1/2 hour guided walking tour through Historic Downtown Martinez to discover the hidden past, little known facts and tales of days-gone-by. Tours conducted by Central Valley Paranormal, www.cvparanormal.com. Tour starts at Main Street Martinez, 649 Main St. Suite 106. For more information call (925) 228-3577. Space is limited. Purchase tickets online www.mainstreetmartinez.org. $25 per person. 11/6 - Pleasant Hill Garden Study Club, Tuesday 7pm. Speakers: John Matthesen & Marian Woodard. Topic: Pleasant Hill Urban Farm & Teaching Gardens at Rodgers Ranch. Camellia Room - Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Dr. Walnut Creek. Public welcome. For more info call 944-4898 or www. phgsc.com.
Calendar early detection, family history and genetics, treatment options and cancer specific nutrition. Lafayette Library and Learning Center, 3491 Mount Diablo Boulevard in Lafayette. Sponsored by Diablo Valley Oncology, John Muir Health, Cypress Women’s Cancer Treatment Center, Cancer Support Community and the American Cancer Society. Register by calling 925-677-5041, x272. 11/30 –Martinez City Hall Tree Lighting 5:30pm. The festivities begin with the twinkling of hundreds of lights on the Tree of Spirit. With a flip of a switch, a special guest will put the razzle-dazzle into this majestic tree on the corner of Court & Pine streets. After the lighting ceremony, follow the elves to City Hall to begin the light parade or venture to downtown Martinez for an evening of fun. 11/30 –Martinez Parade and Tree Lighting 6:30pm. The family friendly light parade begins at City Hall and ends 7 blocks away at Estudillo and Escobar streets. Groups, individuals and clubs are invited to participate in the festivities. Free light wands will be handed out to the first 600 children that register. Musicians, performers, lighted vehicles and floats are encouraged to participate! Little ones can decorate and drive their electric ride-on vehicle in the parade. To register for lights or for more information, call 372-3510.
11/10 - Holiday Pictures with your Dog! 1pm-4pm. Visit the Pet Food Express locations in Pleasant Hill and Lafayette on Saturday to have your picture taken with your dog, your friends, family or all in one! A fundraiser for Contra Costa Humane Society, pictures are reasonably priced at $10/print per sitting and $15 for a digital image. Great for holiday cards, gifts, calendars and more! For information call 279-2247, visit www.cchumane.org or see us on Facebook.
Pleasant Hill Tuesdays - Doorstep Farmers Pick Up 5-7pm. Sign up with Doorstep Farmers, a local CSA, at www.doorstepfarmers.com. All subscribers will receive a 5% discount for choosing Pleasant Hill Library as their pick-up location.
11/28 –Annual Light Up the Night 5pm-8pm. Join Santa and others in lighting up Downtown Pleasant Hill for the holiday season. Holiday Crafts Fair, Carriage Rides, Caroling & Studio A Dancers on the Plaza stage, free hot chocolate & cookies, merchant give-a-ways and lots more fun for the whole family! Crescent Drive, Downtown Pleasant Hill.
Wednesdays – One-On-One Computer Tutor 11am-12pm. Set up an appointment for a one-hour, one-on-one computer training session with one of the Pleasant Hill Library’s trained computer tutors.
11/29 –The Many Faces of Gynecologic Cancers 6:30-8:30pm. Join medical experts as they explore the unique issues of ovarian, cervical, uterine, vaginal and vulvar cancers. The panel will offer insight into the latest information on
November 2012
At the library
Wednesdays - English Conversation Practice for Adults 1:30-2:30pm. Wednesdays - Mother Goose Storytime 11:15-11:45pm. Ages 0-5.
Thursdays - Preschool Storytime 11:1511:45am. Ages 3-5. Fridays - Storytime 11:15-11:45pm & 1:151:45pm. Ages 0-3. Fridays - Contra Costa Teen Chess Club 3-5pm. Instruction, friendly matches, and
tournaments. All levels are welcome. Participants encouraged to bring own chess board and pieces. Saturdays - Story Time 11:15-11:45am. Babies, Preschoolers, Kids. 11/2 – Afternoon Book Discussion 1-2:30pm. This month the book club will be reading Bird Cloud: a memoir by Annie Proulx. 11/13 – West African Musical Performance 6:30-7:30pm. Join us for an energetic and engaging performance at the library. We welcome Master Benjamin Ofori, founder of Bodac, a traditional African drumming, song, dancing, and performing arts group that originated in West Africa. 11/14 - Teen Advisory Group (TAG) 3:305pm. Meet other teens and the young adult librarian to share and plan what you want to see happen at the library. Every second Wednesday of the month. Room A. Ages 11-18. 11/20 - PH Book Discussion 6:30pm-7:45pm. This month we are reading Téa Obreht’s The Tiger’s Wife: A Novel.
Time 10:30-11:30am. Ages 0-3. 11/5 – Harvest Special: Corvid Connections 6:30-7:30pm. Crows and ravens and owls! Come meet members of the amazing Corvid family and learn about the fascinating habits of these feathered people. Corvid Connection cares for injured corvids, some of whom will be visiting during this special evening for families! 11/13 – Book Club Discussion 6:45-7:45pm. We will discuss Home by Toni Morrison. What a wonderful opportunity to read and discuss the newest work of fiction about veterans and homecomings by the only living American Nobel Laureate in literature. Registration is required for this event. You may register online at our website or call the Martinez Library. 11/20 – Lego Thanksgiving 2:30-3:30. Build a Lego Thanksgiving! For kids ages 3-11. November 12 – All Libraries Closed for Veterans Day. November 22 - All Libraries Closed for Thanksgiving.
11/27 – Magic Show: Timothy James 6:308pm. Families will be amazed by the astounding tricks of this award-winning magician!
For Children’s Programs questions contact Lea Stone, Youth Services Librarian, 925-6469900.
For Children’s Programs questions contact Patrick Remer, 925-927-3235
For Adult Programs questions contact Catherine Oliver Library Assistant, Adult Services (925) 646-9921.
Martinez: Tuesdays – Mother Goose Story and Craft
Autumn Craft Fairs 11/3 - Valhalladay Gift Boutique 9am-3pm. Stop by at the annual Valhalla Elementary School faire! You will find a huge display of scarves, hair accessories and other handcrafted beautiful designs from local artisans along with home-baked goods from our kids, parents, family and friends.The faire is in Thor Hall, 530 Kiki Drive in Pleasant Hill.
11/4 - MUSD Music Boosters Craft Fair 1pm-4pm. Come enjoy the amazing variety of vendors and crafts at the Music Boosters’ fundraiser for the Martinez Unified School District. Participating vendors include: Premier Design Jewelry,Tastefully Simple, Pampered Chef, Gigi Hill Bags, Tchoupuce, Mary Kay, Scentsy, Christmas Wreaths and Usbourne Books. Something for everyone on your shopping list! The Fair will be at Morello Hills Christian Church, 1000 Morello Hills Drive in Martinez from 1pm- 4pm. 11/9 - Pleasant Hill Elementary School Annual Crafts Fair 2pm-7pm. PHE’s annual crafts fair showcases the talents of PHE families and small business. Holiday gifts will include some handmade items such as scarves, sweaters, clothing, and paper products.Vendors will also display jewelry, cosmetics, lotions and potions, homemade cheesecakes, jams and jellies. Face painting will be available for the kids! A “White Elephant” table will showcase gently used items at a bargain. For those who are hungry, choose from nachos and baked goods.Tickets will be sold for the chance to win items from each of our vendors. Come support and help raise money for PHE. Proceeds will go to 4th and 5th grade classes for end of school year activities and future end of year activities. Invite your friends, family, and neighbors! Sponsored by PHE PTA. PHE is located at 2097 Oak Park Blvd. For more information, contact Mary Gray at (925) 934-6489 or (925) 360-9925.
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November 2012
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Jim Bonato, PH City Council Kobe Japan Lafayette Chamber of Commerce Les Schwab Tires Lindsay Wildlife Museum Main Street Martinez Martinez Chamber of Commerce Matthew C. Rinn, State Farm Insurance Matt Rinn, PH City Council Marty O’s Pizzeria Michael Anthony Bepler, PH City Clerk Mike Flake, PH City Council Minuteman Press Moulding Company Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market
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November 2012
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Holiday Frolic & Snow Park Presents
A winter wonderland with real snow!
At the Main Street Plaza between Starbucks & BofA
Friday, Nov. 30 1:00pm-9pm Sat. & Sun, Dec. 1 & 2 10am-5pm
Snow Park
Fri., 11/30 Sat., 12/1, Sun., 12/2 Downhill Sled Rides $3.00 each or 4 for $10 3-day weekend pass $20 (includes Friday Ice Skating) Snow Play Area
5 years and under only. $3-20 minutes
IceSkating
Parade
Santa!
Fri., 11/30 only 1:00-9:00pm Holiday Light Parade At the Main St. Plaza Skate on the iceless rink Fri., 11/30, 6:30pm Fri., Nov. 30 12-4 & 7-9 with real skates! On Main St. Sat. Dec. 1 & Sun. Dec. 2 Kids $6 • Adults $8 Plus jumpers, face painting 10am-4pm incl. skate rental crafts & more! Santa visit is free or FREE with weekend Call the city of Martinez Professional photos availabl Snow Park Pass (925) 372-3510 to purchase.
All kids must be accompanied by an adult for all activities! No refunds. Event may cancel without notice due to weather.
For more information contact Main Street Martinez, Inc. (925) 228-3577 or visit www.mainstreetmartinez.org Main Street Martinez, Inc.
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