COMMUNITY
FOCUS
SEPTEMBER 2020
IN THIS ISSUE: • HAIR SALONS ARE OPEN! • CRUISE-IN CONCERTS • OFF THE GRID RETURNS
ourcommunityfocus.com
PLEASANT HILL • CONCORD • MARTINEZ • LAFAYETTE • WALNUT CREEK
SMALL TALK WITH TERI independent & locally owned by Teri Norbye PUBLISHERS: Becky Coburn Jennifer Neys Elena Hutslar info@ourcommunityfocus.com ADVERTISING: Community Focus info@ourcommunityfocus.com COPY EDITOR: Alison Clary GRAPHIC DESIGN: Trish Heaney
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MISSION STATEMENT The Community Focus is a free, independent, monthly publication dedicated to highlighting the vibrancy of the local businesses and residents while strengthening and building connections within our community.
COVER:
INSIDE
13 County Behavioural Health
18 Quest for a Quarry
22
Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable
16 Kid Friendly Meal
20 Sustainable Contra Costa
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Roseanne Noyce and Caley Scott, owners of Pleasant Hill’s Hello Gorgeous Salon were finally able to open their salon to serve their ecstatic clients. Photo By: Elena Hutslar
6680 Alhambra Ave. Box #132 Martinez, CA 94553
925-335-6397
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2013 • 2014 • 2015 • 2016/2017
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Meet Sharon Nushi who lives in Pleasant Hill with her husband and their two kids. She’s worked at Kaiser for five years as an LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) in the outpatient pediatrics department. She was born and raised in Scotland and came to California in 1996 as an au pair. For fun, she likes spending time with friends and family, hiking, theme parks, wine tasting, and travelling. What has been the greatest challenge in your life? Completing a grueling nursing program at 50 during a pandemic while trying to be a good wife, mother, and working parttime. It was exhausting. I was able to graduate on time and recently passed the state exam for my RN (Registered Nurse) license! What’s it like being a nurse during a pandemic? It’s stressful. We have new protocols almost every day. The number of positive patients increases every day. It’s hard to see patients come to the ER and not be allowed to have a companion with them. I’ve learned that I can adapt to working conditions that I didn’t think I’d ever have to, such as working in a high risk unit with COVID-19 patients during my RN clinical training while constantly wearing PPE all day. What is one thing most people don’t know about you? I can’t swim!
Julie Says
A Weasel’s War Dance….and So Much More BY JULIE ROSS Long-tailed weasels are known for doing a “war dance.” According to a description by local wildlife photographers Jeff Torquemada and Wendy Sparks, “They run and flip like drunken gymnasts, all the while mesmerizing their prey with these bizarre leaps and bounds, inching closer and closer to their intended victim.” Jeff and Wendy featured these captivating weasels in the inaugural issue of Wild Ramblings, a monthly newsletter the pair launched in August. Each month of Wild Ramblings, distributed via email, focuses on an animal species Jeff and Wendy have spent time observing and photographing. Their amazing photographs provide a look into parts of the natural world one seldom has an opportunity to witness. They observe and photograph wildlife thoughtfully so as not to disturb its daily struggles to survive. Jeff and Wendy teach classes on ethical wildlife photography and work with the organization Sea Otter Savvy to craft articles that discuss ethical practices while photographing these charismatic marine mammals. Wendy and Jeff have volunteered at Lindsay Wildlife since 1985 and are retired
educators; Wendy is a former school administrator and teacher and Jeff is a high school art teacher. They are generous and skilled when sharing their knowledge and passion for wildlife and photography. Their goal in producing Wild Ramblings is to entice everyone to spend more time in nature and become aware of conservation issues surrounding wildlife and habitats. Their timing in starting the newsletter in the midst of the pandemic is no coincidence. Jeff and Wendy believe they can use their wildlife images and stories to enrich people’s lives during these trying times. To see a collection of photographs from their travels around the world, visit their website: jeffandwendyphotograpy. com. Their photos are also on display at Fourth Street Fine Art in Berkeley. Up this month in Wild Ramblings is an intimate visit with a Clark’s Grebe family. (If you are not familiar with Clark’s Grebes, these are the crazy yet elegant looking birds that run across the surface of the water in a most impressive fashion during their mating ritual.) To get on the list to receive Wild Ramblings, just send a request to Jeff and Wendy at jeffwendy52@gmail.com. Don’t miss out – we all need this connection to nature right now. You can reach Julie at julieakross@comcast.net
I’m focused on two things:
1) Your home 2) Our schools
Photo captured from jeffandwendyphotograpy.com
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Real Estate
Granny Flat
BY NORMA FLASKERUD “A housing market trifecta of strong, pent-up demand, record low interest rates, and a renewed interest in the value of home ownership bolstered July’s home sales,” said 2020 C.A.R. President Jeanne Radsick, a second generation Realtor from Bakersfield. “With this year’s delayed start of the home buying season due to the pandemic, we expect home sales to remain robust in August and September, extending the season later than what’s typical.” In late August, our buyers fell in love with a home for sale in Pleasant Hill. It was listed for $849,000, with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and over 1,500 square feet on an 11,000 square foot lot. It was beautifully remodeled and updated, with granite counters in the kitchen, quartz counters in the bathrooms, and a backyard like an oasis. After days of considering, they stepped up with a great offer! They were pre-approved for a loan and had a short inspection contingency (the sellers had done NO inspections, so the buyers needed a week to have the house inspected). They were willing to buy this beautifully remodeled house as-is. They offered just short of $100,000 over the asking price! But what happened? There were 15 other offers! It got bid up higher! I share this story so you know that the real estate market is still a strong
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have been known by many names: granny flats, in-law units, backyard cottages, secondary units, and more. No matter what you call them, ADUs are an innovative, affordable, and effective option for adding much needed housing in California. ADUs have grown exponentially in number as more cities, counties, and homeowners become interested in increasing the supply of affordable housing. What are the benefits of ADUs? • ADUs are an affordable type of home to construct in California because they do not require paying for land, major new infrastructure, structured parking, or elevators. • ADUs can provide a source of income for homeowners. • ADUs allow extended families to be near one another while maintaining privacy. • ADUs can provide as much living space as many newly built apartments and condominiums, and they’re suited well for couples, small families, friends, young people, and seniors. • ADUs give homeowners the flexibility to share independent living areas with family members and others, allowing seniors to age in place as they require more care. In October 2019, California Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 68 (AB68) into law making it easier and more affordable to build accessory dwelling units. Summary of new, recently enacted ADU rules in California: • Faster ADU plan review times • Local agencies are prohibited from imposing strict requirements that exceed state mandates. • More flexible ADU size and set back requirements • Allows both regular size and “junior” ADUs on the same property • Allows ADUs for multi-family units and duplexes • Prohibits local agencies from charging “impact fees” for ADUs under 750 sq. ft. Regardless of its physical form, an ADU is legally part of the same property as the main home it resides near. It cannot be bought or sold separately as a condominium might. The owner of the ADU is the owner of the main home. Installing an ADU in your backyard will certainly increase your property value. After all, it is an additional permanent living space on your lot. The kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms are viewed as additions to your primary home. To discuss your options and see how these new rules can help you, contact your Central Contra Costa County resource, ADU4You, a one stop shop that handles the entire project at a fixed, affordable cost. 925-979-5516 or sales@ADU4You.com.
Market Stays Strong Into Fall seller’s market! Inventory remains low because every house that comes for sale gets sold quickly, assuming it is not over-priced. In our experience, we are not flooded with cash offers, but we are flooded with well-qualified buyers who are anxious to get a home here in central Contra Costa! If you are thinking of buying, a strong pre-approval letter is required as is an excellent Realtor who knows how to write a winning offer. Ours was well written, but our buyer just did not offer enough. I’ve seen offers from inexperienced agents and they simply do not stand up to ones written by strong, experienced agents. Sellers and their agents expect certain strong points in an offer, and only someone with loads of experience in the trenches knows how to write such an offer. The Flaskerud Team does! I know our clients will find and buy a great house! Sellers, we are pros at advising what will get you the most bang for the buck. Feel free to reach out. We had two sellers touch base with us this week asking for remodeling advice, so they know where to invest their money and time before they sell. Happy fall! Stay safe, stay healthy, and contact us for all your real estate needs and questions! Call the Flaskerud Team: (or text) 925766-6679 Norma, 925-381-7276 Erik, Re/ Max Accord DRE#00867031 NormaJ49@ gmail.com SPONSORED CONTENT
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Real Estate Advice
How to Get Your Offer Accepted in a Hot Seller’s Market BY PETE SABINE In a seller’s market, you may have to compete against other buyers, which raises the stakes and makes it especially important that you move through these steps quickly. When you have found a home you love, here is what you need to do to craft an offer that appeals to sellers. Use An Escalation Clause In a multiple-offer scenario, the last thing you want to do is assume another buyer is paying far above the asking price and submit a higher offer based on that assumption. You might get the property but end up realizing you could
have gotten it for less. Consider including an “escalation clause,” which states that you are willing to pay a specific dollar amount over the highest competing offer. Here is an example: A home is listed for $850,000 and has three other offers. You submit an offer for $850,000 with an escalation clause that says you will pay $5,000 more than the highest offer, up to a maximum offer price of $860,000. Then, if another buyer comes in at $855,000, you will automatically offer $860,000 to secure the deal, without going over the maximum amount you are comfortable spending. Accommodate The Seller’s Timeline Ask if the seller needs a quick close or an option to rent the home after
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closing to allow enough time to pack and move. For some sellers (like those buying another home or relocating for work), the timeline can be as important as the sale price. Waive Contingencies Most buyers include contingencies in their offer. In a competitive market, waiving contingencies can make your offer stand out. You can remove the appraisal contingency that is usually included for buyers financing a home purchase as well as the loan contingency only if you are fully pre-approved by your lender. Inspection contingencies are common, and some buyers waive their inspection contingency in hot markets, but this can be risky. The home sale contingency, where your offer is contingent on selling the home you currently own, is included when you need the equity from a home you are selling to purchase your next home. This can make your offer less appealing to a seller who wants certainty in their plan to fit their own timeline
priorities. It is best to complete the sale of your existing home before making offers for your next home. Write A Personal Letter To The Seller Some sellers are sentimental about selling their homes and may focus on their desired buyer profile over the highest sale price. A seller who has lived in their home for many years and has pride of ownership might be focused more on selling their home to someone who will take good care of it. Write an insightful and sincere letter about why the home is a perfect match and what you love about the house and the community. Let the seller know you are a serious buyer. Over the past 35 years, we have successfully negotiated over 1000 real estate purchase agreements. Call or text 925.297.5335 and benefit from our real estate expertise for your next home purchase. Pete Sabine & Leslie Whitney. Compass. License #01866771 SPONSORED CONTENT
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Pleasant Hill
Join us for the virtual award ceremony! Celebrate the people, businesses and non-profits that enrich Pleasant Hill’s quality of life with a virtual Community Awards program on Tuesday, Sept. 22. The program starts at 7 p.m. and will be streamed online and on cable TV.
DON’T MISS IT! Winners will be announced during the program. Watch the Community Awards online at s www.pleasanthillca.org/PHaward t cas or on the City Channel at Com l 29 Channel 28, Wave Broadband Channe and UVerse Channel 99.
Teacher of the Year—The candidate must be an educator in a Pleasant Hill school who has made unique contributions toward educating our children, demonstrating dedication, innovation, and enthusiasm. This award is sponsored by the Foundation for Pleasant Hill Education (FPHE). The nominees are Valon Beriginn (College Park High); Dylan Bland (College Park High); Nicolette Bornstein (Fair Oaks Elementary School); Laima Haider (College Park High); Khoa Phan (College Park High); Jeanette Shearer (Valhalla Elementary); Kirsten Tharalsen (Valley View Middle School).
Citizen of the Year—The candidate has a broad- Teen of the Year—The candidate lives and/or based, multi-year record of assisting or supporting civic and/or community groups in Pleasant Hill, and has made substantial contributions toward improving our community. They are Nader Jazyeri; Buddy Scauzzo and Minako McMahon; Jill Scheidel; Susan Wood.
Citizen of the Year nominee Nader Jazyeri
goes to school in Pleasant Hill and has shown responsibility in his or her personal and school life, and a record of assisting and volunteering in the Pleasant Hill community. The nominees are Kai Arellano; Olivia Llamas.
business has made Volunteer of the Year—The candidate has significant contributions to the community and shown made a significant contribution in the past year initiative and innovation in the business affairs of the (2019) in supporting civic and/or community groups in Pleasant Hill, thereby improving our community. Pleasant Hill area. The nominee is Amy’s Hallmark Shop. The nominee is Robert Goldner (Friends of the Education Supporter of the Year—Schools thrive Pleasant Hill Library Book Sales Manager). when parents and volunteers support teachers and students. This award honors an individual or individuals who have made a significant contribution in contributing to the ongoing success and student achievement at their Order a special boxed dinner from Classic Catering to school(s). The nominee is Mary Gray. enjoy while watching the Awards Program. Choose Green Award—This Award recognizes a person, from the following: Chicken cacciatore with bell peppers, onion , organization or business that has shown outstanding mushroom & tomato with brown rice pilaf leadership in sustainability and protecting the environment in the areas of energy conservation, water Italian pot roast with tomato-demi sauce, conservation, waste reduction and/or pollution rigatoni & grilled zucchini prevention. The nominee is Friends of Pleasant Hill Salmon salad topped with vegetable ratatouille Creeks. Vegetarian.... eggplant, zucchini & carrot Non-profit of the Year—Nominees have made parmigiana significant contributions to the community and have All choices are $20, including tax. Email your order to shown initiative and innovation in accomplishing their patrick@classiccaterer.com by 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. mission. The nominees are Friends of the Pleasant Hill 18. Your dinner will be ready for pickup between 2 Library; Hillcrest Church UCC Outreach Ministry; and 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 2653-A Pleasant Hill Pleasant Hill Lions Club; Bay Area Bike Project. Road. For questions, call 925-939-9224.
Citizen of the Year nominee Minako McMahon & Buddy Scauzzo
Business of the Year—The
Celebrate At Home With Us!
Citizen of the Year nominee Jill Scheidel
Citizen of the Year nominee Susan Wood
CITY NEWS
Mayor’s Message With all the challenges of 2020, I am happy to share some positive news: construction on our new library will begin this month. Construction is expected to be substantially completed by late winter 2021, with the library opening to patrons in spring 2022. In August, city council selected BHM Construction, Inc. as general contractor for the new Pleasant Hill Library project. The Napa-based firm specializes in public works projects around the Bay Area, including libraries in Half Moon Bay and Solano Community College. Our new library will have spaces and places for eve-
ryone, from those seeking a quiet place to read and reflect to busy toddlers getting their first taste of literacy at story time. The Messy Maker space will host hands-on activities, while Teen Central will be the perfect hangout for middle school and high school students. Due to public health orders, we cannot hold a festive public groundbreaking this month, but I look forward to seeing the entire community at the grand opening in spring 2022. In the meantime, book lovers have two excellent options for finding that next great read right in Pleasant Hill. The temporary library in the community rooms at
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City Hall is proving to be popular despite only being able to offer front-door service due to Covid-19 considerations, as with all Contra Costa library branches. Not to be deterred from connecting with the community despite public health restrictions, the creative staff at the Pleasant Hill Library is teaming up with Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District to “host” the annual Tinkers & Thinkers event virtually. Young people can register online and pick up an activity box at the temp library before September 12 (the date of the event). The box has to stay closed until 10am on September 12. Then, participants can log onto Zoom for two hours of STEM fun, including breakout rooms for building hands-on activities together. Go to phtinkersthinkers.com for details and to sign up. Last (but definitely not least), the
Friends of the Pleasant Hill Library have opened a spacious bookstore on Crescent Drive downtown. The bookstore is open to the public and packed with gently used books, DVDs, CDs and puzzles at affordable prices. For those who prefer to shop online, the Friends have updated their website to allow online shopping. Browse the many offerings, place your order, and you can arrange to pick up your purchases in front of the bookstore. Volunteers will even bring the books right to your house (with a minimum $10 purchase). Check it out at phlibraryfriends.org. The new library, the temp library, and the Friends bookstore are the result of strong partnerships with Friends volunteers, county library staff, city, and all the community members who support literacy. Thank you to everyone involved!
Memorial Fund
Family & Friends Honor JR Santiago Nellie Webb of Pleasant Hill is running a marathon in October in honor of JR Santiago, her friend, and friend to many in our community. Money raised goes directly to the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, a leading national not-forprofit organization exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research, education and advocacy, and to reaching out to people with mental disorders and those impacted by suicide. Please consider donating to the foundation in JR’s memory by using this link: https://afsp.donordrive.com and typing JR Santiago in the search bar.
CITY NEWS
Pleasant Hill City News Community Awards Night Online The Community Awards Committee has been organizing a virtual Community Awards Event for Tuesday, September 22, beginning at 7pm. Get ready to celebrate the contributions of the people, non-profits, and businesses that enrich Pleasant Hill’s quality of life. Winners will be announced during the program. You can watch the Community Awards online at www.pleasanthillca. org/PHawardsor on the City Channel at Comcast Channel 28, Wave Broadband Channel 29, and U-Verse Channel 99. You can even order a special boxed dinner from Classic Catering to enjoy while watching the awards program! For more details, head to page 7.
Temporary Library at City Hall Senior Community Library Manager Patrick Remer provided an update on the temporary library during the City Hall council meeting on August 17. “We are settling into the space very nicely. We are getting busier all the time, and I think there is still more room for us to grow. We recognize that the word is still getting out and anticipate a continued increase in activity and traffic at City Hall as people realize where we are,” he said. The library is only offering front-door service. Patrons can place books on hold online at ccclib.org and then make an appointment to pick up their bagged books at the City Hall location. It’s swift, convenient, and touchless service, Tuesday – Saturday.
has been nominated (this action does not apply), or (3) Hold the election, if either no one, or only one person, has been nominated. At the August 17 meeting, city council adopted a resolution taking the first course of action, appointing the nominated city officers as if elected to those offices at the November 3, 2020 election, and canceling the November 3, 2020 general municipal election in Pleasant Hill. It would have cost the city $39,000 to hold the election versus $300 to cancel. Councilmember Carlson said, “It’s an awkward feeling voting yourself in. I don’t want to discount what any of us have done on council in the time we’ve been here because it is a privilege to serve not only the city but with all of you. While I’m happy to save the city a few dollars, I don’t take this lightly; I feel very honored and privileged to continue to serve, and I’m grateful for this opportunity.”
Off the Grid to Return Off the Grid food trucks plan to return in mid to late September at their usual location, by the lake at City Hall, with pick up items only. COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place. No outdoor seating or other amenities will be provided. Visit https://offthegrid.com for more information.
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Tinkers & Thinkers Innovation Faire is ON Registration is now open Tink the Robot is buzzing with excitement about the 2020 Tinkers & Thinkers Innovation Faire on September 12, from 10am-12pm, online via Zoom. This library event is free and pre-registration at www.phtinkersandthinkers.com is required to participate. Registration includes log-in access to the event and a mysterious box filled with fun surprises and S.T.E.M. activities to build together online. During the registration process, the participant will select one of two box options based on the age of the participant: a “Maker” box (age 5-7) or a “Tinker” box (age 7 & up). Registered families will pick up their boxes at the new temporary library drop off location at Pleasant Hill City Hall prior to the event. On the day of the event, participants log on to Zoom for two-hours of S.T.E.M. fun, including break-out rooms to build hands-on activities together and live presentations from several local innovators and educators. Event log-in information will be provided upon registration. Although we can’t all be together to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S.T.E.M.) in person, we can be together online!
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November 3 Municipal Election Canceled At the close of the nomination period on August 7, 2020, the city clerk of the City of Pleasant Hill (the elections official) did not receive more candidate filings for seats on the city council nor for city treasurer than offices to be elected in the November 3, 2020 election. The persons nominated as city councilmembers are incumbents Ken Carlson, Tim Flaherty, and Matthew Rinn. The person nominated for city treasurer is incumbent Mark W. Celio, who has served in this position for 12 years. Due to this event, Elections Code of the State of California says city council is allowed one of three courses of action: (1) Appoint to the office the person who has been nominated, (2) Appoint to the office any eligible elector if no one
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CITY NEWS
Mayor’s Message One of the longest standing family businesses in downtown Martinez is Sal’s Family Kitchen. Sal’s has operated in a building on Escobar Street surrounded by what we call “parking lot 4.” This is the newly improved lot bounded by Marina Vista, Ferry Street, and the Contra Costa
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Community College District building. The city had long wanted to purchase the building in order to utilize the entire block for public parking or possibly a mixed-use building that includes parking. About three years ago, the city entered into negotiations with the owners of the building and escrow finally closed in mid-2008. Until late 2019, Sal’s continued to operate their restaurant when they opened at their new location in the 800 block of Main Street. The building sat empty for many months while we waited for PG&E to disconnect the utilities and we could begin the process of tearing it down. In early July, the building was razed in just a few days and has since been graveled and barricaded off. K-Rails will soon be placed around the area to keep out unwanted vehicles and trespassers until the area is paved and added to the existing lot. In the near future, the city will be holding public workshops to determine the final plan for this large, city owned lot in the heart of downtown. As you drive around the city, keep your eye out for the newly wrapped utility boxes. These boxes are wrapped with the art of seven local artists that competed for the opportunity to display their talents in the public domain. If this pilot project is well received by the community, it is possible that we will have
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a Phase II to decorate additional utility boxes around the city. Another pilot program that I am excited about is the placement of three Big Belly landfill/recycling station couplets on Main Street. Big Bellys are solar powered trash and recycling receptacles that are similar to a curbside mailbox. Once material is deposited in the container, the maintenance crews can only remove it during collection. They are also equipped with compacting technology that greatly increases the amount of material they can hold, which reduces the street and sidewalk litter from overflowing receptacles. City staff is working out the final details of the contract and we expect to see the Big Bellys delivered, installed, and operating
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in about six weeks. During this pandemic, playgrounds are still off-limits and closed due to the high degree of person to equipment contact that could spread the virus from one person to another. The parks are open for walking and jogging, but the picnic and bar-b-que areas are still closed. Youth sports groups, previously vetted through city staff in order to ensure County Health Officer Covid protocols and guidelines, continue to reserve field space through the end of October. All groups have not been issued identifiable placards to indicate the group is a city sanctioned field user. Groups that have not been vetted and approved by city staff are not allowed to utilize field space.
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CITY NEWS
Martinez City News Main Street Arts Reopens On August 8, Main Street Arts, at 613 Main Street, reopened its gallery doors. The gallery is now open on Friday and Saturday from 12pm-5pm, on Sunday from 11am4pm, and by appointment Monday - Friday. The online gallery is open 24 hours a day. Visit mainstreetarts.net to view the gallery and find news and updates.
New Outdoor Permits On August 12, the City of Martinez announced the launch of No-Cost Temporary Outdoor Personal Services Permits. Personal services such as barbershops, beauty salons, nail salons, and massage services can apply for a no-cost permit to operate outside. While the Contra Costa County Health orders have been necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19, the restrictions on business activity have also created economic hardships for many Martinez small business owners. The city has created a new path to allow personal services to join other businesses in operating outside. These permits will help facilitate the physical distancing of patrons to comply with the current County Health Order while providing an economic boost to Martinez businesses and enabling the community to access these important services.
November Elections A General Municipal Election will be held in the City of Martinez on Tuesday, November 3, 2020, for the following offices: councilmember, District 2 - one seat; councilmember, District 3 - one seat; city clerk - one seat; and city treasurer -one seat. All offices have four-year terms. Richard G. Hernandez currently holds the city clerk position; Carolyn L. Robinson currently holds the city treasurer position; Vice Mayor Mark Ross represents District 2; and Councilmember Noralea Gipner represents District 3. The nomination period for these offices closed on August 7, and the following persons have been nominated. City council, District 2: Mark Ross, Danial Leahy and Alicia Rain Marazzani. City council, District 3: Noralea Gipner and Brianne Zorn. City clerk: Richard Hernandez and Yazmin Llamas-Morales. City treasurer: Carolyn Robinson. Polls will be open on Election Day between 7am and 8pm.
Task Force Established The City of Martinez has established a task force on Anti-Racism and Discrimination and Pro Inclusion and Equity (ARDPIE). The task force will be comprised of nine members who are selected through an interview process and appointed by the city council. Task force members will be selected based on geographic diversity, age diversity, ethnic diversity, and advocacy diversity. The task force will play a key role in addressing the ongoing calls for racial justice at the national, state, and local levels. The initial work plan of the task force would include three phases. Phase I: Host single or multiple community conversations regarding racism and discrimination; Phase II: Review the city’s policies, procedures, and programming to eliminate racism and discrimination and advance racial equity and social justice; Phase III: Develop a recommendation to the city council on process improvements that can be made to eliminate racism and discrimination and further promote equity and inclusion. Interviews are expected to begin in mid-September.
Friday, from 2pm-7pm, and Saturday-Sunday, from 8am-10am. The additional hour of adult lap swim will be added in order to accommodate lap swimmer options after the MCST fall programs begins. Water Fitness Water fitness launched on August 2 and goes through Friday, October 30. Classes will run on Fridays only for 45 minutes each, from 4pm-5pm and 5pm-6pm. Students will be staggered and placed between each lane in order to allow for social distancing. Pre-registration is required online. Classes can hold up to 20 students for regular water fitness and up to eight students for deep water, resulting in a maximum capacity of 28 students.
MRC/MEF Virtual Run Join us for the 18th Annual MRC/MEF Run for Education on Sunday, September 27. This year’s event is VIRTUAL, and runners and walkers are encouraged to create their own race and set their own pace. The walk/run is the major fundraiser for the Martinez Education Foundation (MEF). All proceeds from entry fees, sponsorships and donations go directly into the classroom through MEF grants awarded to Martinez Unified staff. Martinez Refining Company (MRC) underwrites the cost of the run. The company will also match run sponsorships up to the first $20,000. Ann Notarangelo, community relations manager for the Martinez Refining Company, commented, “The refinery is proud to support our local schools by raising more than $925,000 since 2003 alongside MEF and dedicated community partners. We look forward to this year’s MRC/MEF Run for Education and breaking the one million dollar fundraising mark in the coming years.” Run for Education Race Director Jack Funk observed, “Although we regret not being able to host this traditional community event in a gathered public setting, we are excited to continue the historic support for our students in this innovative new way. We look forward to seeing what the creative spirit of the community will produce in this new format.” All ages are welcome to participate, and local participants will receive a T-shirt for pickup in Martinez. To be a part of the annual fundraiser, register online, pick up your shirt on Saturday 9/26, take your family on a 5k or 10k walk or run (don’t forget to wear your shirts), snap a few pictures, record your times on RunSignUp by 10/3, and post on social media with the hashtag #mrcmefrun. To become a Run sponsor, support MEF, partake in the virtual run, or learn more, visit MEF’s website: www.martinezedfoundation.org/run-for-education/
Rankin Aquatic Center Adult Lap Swim Adult lap swim continues to be a popular program and fills up quickly. Staff have now established a regular schedule where each week’s registration opens at 8am the Wednesday prior. This allows for all interested participants to login online and register for lap swim times. Starting Tuesday, September 8, adult lap swim will run MondayOURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 2020 | 11
Estate Planning
Why You Need to Update Your Estate Plan BY JEFFREY HALL, CPA, JD Probate / Trust Attorney Please allow us to be frank. It’s unrealistic to think that a piece of paper you draft on a given day that reflects your life at a certain time will work when your life completely changes some years later. We’ll use the Jones family as a theoretical example: Meet the Jones Meet Bill and Karen Jones. They got their first estate plan in place when their daughter, Jessica, was born 30 years ago. They updated it when their son, Steve, came along four years later. After attending one of our living trust seminars 10 years ago, they got a fantastic trustbased plan in place that protected them,
their children, their grandchildren, and their dog, Sadie. Unfortunately, the Jones didn’t maintain any contact with our firm nor subscribe to our newsletter. Instead, they elected to take responsibility for calling us for updates once every five years or so. Unfortunately, life got busy and, as you might guess, they never called to update their documents. Here’s what changed in their lives over a short, 10-year period of time: The clients’ children, Jessica and Steve, are now adults and have graduated from college. Jessica is married and has two daughters. One of the girls may have autism. Steve is also married, and he and his wife are expecting their first child. Karen’s mother is now living with Bill and
ARCHITECTURAL MOULDINGS
Karen and may need long-term Medi-Cal care. Bill and Karen bought a vacation home in Florida. Sadie had a litter of puppies but has since passed away. Bill and Karen kept two of the puppies. Do you think their estate plan will still work the way they want it to? Changes in Your Own Life The Jones have experienced a lot of changes, but those changes are typical of what 10 years brings. Think about the changes in your life over the past 10 years — or since you last updated your estate plan. Have you moved? Do you have more children or grandchildren? Have you lost a child or family member (God forbid)? Have you started a business, suffered health problems, or purchased a new home? Do you have new accounts and investments? Do you now care for a parent with potential longterm care issues, pets, or dependent children? Have you remarried, divorced, or retired? Have friends or family named in your plan as trusted helpers moved away, or has your relationship changed? Are your children now adults and able to help you? Do you want to help with grandchildren’s college or dance les-
sons? Do you see the world in a different way? Many things can happen over a 10-year period. Your estate plan needs to reflect the changes in your personal life, financial situation, and goals. There have also been changes in the law. We stay abreast of these changes and new laws that can have a profound effect upon your estate plan. Is Your Estate Plan Out of Date? If you’ve experienced changes like the Jones, or it’s been more than 3 to 5 years since you updated your estate plan, it’s time to come in. We’ll review your plan and chat with you about what’s been happening in your life. We can get you and your estate plan up to date, reflecting where your life is now. Call your neighborhood estate planning attorney, Jeffrey Hall, at (925) 230-9002 to schedule an appointment, or you may visit his website at www.HallLawGroup. com. We are a veteran owned, veteran friendly law firm. Disclaimer: this article is not intended to be relied upon as legal advice nor the establishment of an attorney-client relationship. SPONSORED CONTENT
Experienced Estate Planning Attorney
JEFFREY HALL, MBA, CPA, Esq.
925.798.7525 themouldingcompany.com 5117 COMMERCIAL CIRCLE, CONCORD, CA 94520 12 | SEPTEMBER 2020 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM
The Law Office of Jeffrey Hall, Inc., is an estate planning law office serving Contra Costa county in a wide range of estate planning matters, including:
Medi-Cal Planning Trusts and Wills Trust Administration Trust Litigation Probate
www.HallLawGroup.com 925-230-9002
Stronger Than You Know Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable BY DENA BETTI This moment had been two and a half years in the making. The opportunity for our daughter to play college soccer was quickly approaching. Although we anticipated her next chapter to be filled with hard work, grit, and determination, we also believed it would bring her abundant joy and fulfillment. But as the coronavirus pandemic played out during her senior year and quickly spilled over into the summer months, our joyful anticipation turned into deafening uncertainty.  My daughter’s coach set-up several player video conference calls throughout the summer months. She did her best to relay information to the girls, often saying she, too, was ambivalent about what the future held for their fall season, housing, and classes. Each call rendered more information, but the information zigged and zagged parallel to the ever-changing state and league recommendations. Before we knew it, we felt trapped in a scientific maze of confusion. The hardest part for me was helping my daughter process all this week-by-week uncertainty and anxiety. Â
Take, for example, how we signed up for housing months prior only to find out in mid-summer the school was opting for full-time online distance learning and the league was postponing the season. At that point I had total clarity she should stay home. I proactively called the school and processed the cancellation for fall housing.  One week later, my husband and I were on an all-freshman team parent conference call with the head coach. To say she is passionate is an understatement. She talked about the psychological advantage of shared experiences and how she has witnessed increased enjoyment and bonding relative to the group’s challenges. She believed the incoming freshman class would be bonded together by the collective challenges and disappointments they faced in 2020. All of this, she said confidently, would add up to greater companionship. Her message was that the best medicine for bruised bodies and psyches was often communion with those who have supped from the same bitter cup. I glanced over at my husband as this paradigm shift reverberated within me and said we needed to send her. From the dawn of time, I’m reminded,
we have shared danger and uncertainty in packs. Who were we to keep her from bonding with her new pack? Coming from a mother who lost one of her daughters to a tragic accident, one might understand my wanting to protect my daughter from uncertainty and discomfort. I might be inclined to press even harder to keep her safe and comfortable. However, I have learned one of the greatest skills a person can attain is the ability to be comfortable with discomfort and uncertainty. Most people bolt in the opposite direction when they encounter any sign of discomfort, but I want my daughter to learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. I want her to realize experiencing discomfort is often a sign of growth and progress. It pushes you past your self-imposed limits. It is a valuable
opportunity to improve and become a better person. Although this year has taken so much from the Class of 2020, their discomfort may offer us the grit, determination, and resilience we need to face our future challenges and longterm setbacks. As the level of expected change going forward is immense, the resilience these young adults display may be the framework for the compassion and humility we need to rebuild hope and optimism that comes from everyone creating a better future together.  Dena Betti is a graduate of the University of San Francisco, executive director of #hersmile Nonprofit, and a certified advisor and iSoulify Podcast co-host. For more information, email dena@strongerthanyouknow.com.
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Contra Costa Behavioral Health Need for New Mental Health Programs BY SUPERVISOR KAREN MITCHOFF One of the most crucial services the county provides is mental health services. In recent months, I have heard from a lot of constituents about the need for new mental health programs and responses in our communities. Many of these constituents have written from personal experience or have had a loved one who has come in contact with our mental health care system. As my family has also experienced tragedy with mental health, I understand how personal these issues are. I wanted to take this opportunity to highlight some of the crucial responses that Contra Costa Behavioral Health already provides. Contra Costa Behavioral Health Division (CCBH) is within Contra Costa Health Services. CCBH is a partnership of consumers, families, staff, and community-based organi-
zations that provide integrated services for mental health, substance abuse, and other needs that promote wellness, recovery, and resiliency while respecting the complexity and diversity of Contra Costa County. When accessing services, the initial point of contact and information is the Behavioral Health Access Line, which is a 24/7 phone line that can connect any Contra Costa resident to mental health services and resources, schedule appointments, and get answers to insurance questions. The phone number is 1-888-678-7277. This is a nonemergency mental health and emotional health crisis phone line. Another one of our resources is the Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT), which provides professional, same-day intervention for adults who are experiencing mental health crises. The team visits individuals and their families to prevent a mental health crisis from becoming an emergency that requires law enforcement involvement or involuntary hospitalization.
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 16 | SEPTEMBER 2020 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM
MCRT includes licensed mental health clinicians, community and family support workers, and a family nurse practitioner employed by CCBH. The goal is to de-escalate the crisis and safely connect the client with care and mental health resources. There are three MCRTs across the county: two children’s teams and one adult team. In addition to the MCRT, as law enforcement does often engage with individuals having a mental health crisis, we have Mental Health Evaluation teams. This is a partnership with law enforcement agencies and there are three regional teams, with a fourth coming online in the Sheriff’s Department. Each
team includes a police officer and a full-time mental health clinician. These teams evaluate and connect the referred individual to outpatient treatment and benefits. While our system is far from perfect, we do have some good foundational responses. However, I do recognize that gaps exist in this system, and that the access to these valuable mental health response teams may not be uniform across the county. We are open to creative ideas and resources to expand resources across the county. For more information on Contra Costa Behavioral health services, please visit: https://cchealth.org/bhs/.
A New Pioneering Therapy
BY KRISTIANA WEST, RTT PRACTITIONER Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT) is a new pioneering therapy based on neuroscience that offers fast, effective results by combining the most beneficial principles of hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, NLP, and CBT. By rapidly rewiring the neural pathways of the brain, RTT replaces outdated belief systems and negative patterns of behavior with new, life-affirming beliefs. The method was created by British celebrity therapist Marisa Peer as a standalone therapy. She noticed that traditional talk therapy had very slow results and went on to create exactly what she wanted: a rapid transformational therapy method. While RTT is a hybrid method, unlike many hypnotherapy treatments, it does not rely solely on positive reinforcement. RTT therapy gets to the root cause of an issue, giving clients the most liberating understanding and transformative power. With RTT, you effortlessly break free from what is weighing you down so you are able to let it go permanently. It is a technique for addressing trauma that clients have been holding on to for many years and eliminating it to feel powerful and happy once again. Change is limited on a conscious level, so practitioners work with the subconscious mind, the “vault” where everything we’ve learned or experienced is kept. The memories, events and
beliefs (formed many years ago) that have shaped how we feel about people and life in general are kept there. It is the meaning and interpretation we attach to events and not the events themselves that hurt us the most. There lies the answer as to why we react to certain things in particular, feel a certain way, or have a behavior we cannot explain or understand. RTT practitioners apply different techniques to eradicate and eliminate these old beliefs (e.g. I am not smart enough, pretty enough, lovable, successful enough, interesting enough, wealthy enough) and plant new and positive transforming ones. By listening to our personalized recording for 21 days, clients completely rewire their brain and change the pathways of what they believe about themselves to what they are going to become. RTT helps people overcome all kinds of challenges, including physical health issues, infertility, depression, anxiety, weight management, fears, and phobias. The method aims to deliver permanent change in one to three sessions. It is a solutions-oriented formula that is all about fixing you and transforming you into the person you’d like to be. It absolutely changes lives! Want to know more about RTT? Book your free call and session today! For more information, contact Kristiana at 925.348.7043 or visit the website at https://transformational.online/
Read My Mind
©
Code Girls
BY MICHAEL G. HARRIS, OD I’ve always been a big fan of codes and ciphers. When I was a kid, I had a Captain Midnight secret decoder ring. (Captain Midnight was a 1950s TV superhero sponsored by Ovaltine. The ring cost three Ovaltine labels.) The only other kid in the neighborhood with a ring was my buddy Skippy, so we could send secret encrypted messages back and forth that none of the other kids could read. Needless to say, I couldn’t wait to read Liza Mundy’s Code Girls. It’s “the untold story of the American women code breakers of World War II.” Codes and ciphers have a long history in diplomacy and war, but World War II made code deciphering a necessity for the survival of democracy. The Japanese and Nazis had encrypting machines that sent coded messages to their diplomats, ships, and troops. Figuring out these secret messages became the obsession of a group of young women recruited from colleges and teaching jobs who had an aptitude for math and puzzles. You’ve probably heard of the British mathematician Alan Turing, who broke the German enigma code during World War II. His story was even made into a movie. But I’ll bet you’ve never heard of Dot Braden, Anna Carachristie, Agnes Driscoll, or thousands of other young American women who cracked hundreds of Axis codes, including the Japanese naval code that led to the American victory in the “Battle of Midway and changed the course of the war in the Pacific” in our favor. Mundy “paints a vivid portrait of the daily lives of these energetic single young women” and takes extraordinary pains to explain how these math whizzes and small-town teachers helped defeat the Axis and save millions of American lives. My only criticism is
the unbelievable detail Mundy uses to describe the personal lives of the “girls.” In trying to “give so many women their due,” she crams in so much information about these women that “it’s hard to keep track of her vast cast of characters.” Nonetheless, this book “brings to life this riveting story of American courage, service, and scientific accomplishment.” Another interesting book about an American woman is Cecile Richards’ memoir Make Trouble: Standing Up, Speaking Out, and Finding the Courage to Lead. Richards was the longtime head of Planned Parenthood, but her story encompasses far more. Born into a progressive Democratic family in ultra-conservative Texas, Richards was a troublemaker since seventh grade, when she wore an anti-Vietnam War armband to school and got sent to the principal’s office. She got much of her moxie and her sense of social justice from her mother, former Texas Governor Ann Richards. Richard’s memoir is intended to inspire women (and men) to get involved, much as Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In. Richards “encourages readers to take risks, make mistakes, and make trouble along the way.” Helpful advice if you want to get something done. If you’re interested in suspense, consider Chris Bohjalian’s The Flight Attendant. After a flight to Dubai, flight attendant Cassandra Bowden hooks up with a passenger from her flight, an American businessman of Russian descent. They go back to his hotel room in a drunken stupor. Cassie has done this many times before, but this is the first time she’s awoken the next morning in bed with a man whose throat has been slashed.
Did she kill him? She can’t remember. Was he really who he said he was or did he have a more mysterious past? Her struggle to hide her involvement
and find out who he really was and who wanted him dead make for an entertaining read.
PHCF Grant Awards The Pleasant Hill Community Foundation changed its Community Grant Awards application process this year in response to the challenging environment of Covid-19. We continued to accept grant applications on an ongoing basis to be more responsive to the needs of organizations serving the residents of Pleasant Hill. We fund nonprofit and public organizations that provide education, recreational, and cultural programming. In the first month, we provided grants to Choices in Aging, Rainbow Community Center, Bay Area Bike Project, and Diablo Valley Foundation for the Aging. In June, we funded the Lindsay Wildlife Experience, 4th of July Commission, Contra Costa Humane Society, and the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District, which continues to provide meals to seniors. In July, we gave awards to Cancer Support Community and Monument Crisis Center. We also awarded Distinguished Service Awards to the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, White Pony Express, and Meals on Wheels Diablo Region. Grant Allocations Chair Betty Geishirt Cantrell stated, “The Distinguished Service Awards are given to organizations that did not submit applications but that we wanted to recognize for their essential service to the residents of Pleasant Hill who are facing food insecurity during this difficult time. We have been able to provide Community Grant Awards to these organizations that are providing services during shelter-in-place.” You can donate to Pleasant Hill organizations on our website at http://www. phcommunityfoundation.org/make-a-donation/. The grant application can be downloaded from our website at http://www.phcommunityfoundation.org/grants-scholarships/. For any questions about the Pleasant Hill Community Foundation or our Community Grant Awards, please contact us at info@PHCommunityFoundation.org.
OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 2020 | 17
PAIR UP
Kid Friendly Bonding During a Meal BY MARIA TERRY I always celebrated my kids going back to school in the month of September. Along with packing great lunches and planning healthy after-school snacks, I liked to make dinners the kids could look forward to with the adults while sharing what happened to them at school. The start of this school year is quite different for many families, but hopefully, dinnertime is still a way for adults and kids to come together to have a great meal and chat. Here is a menu most kids will love, along with a bonus wine pairing for the adults. I like salad dressings that have a little bit of sugar. Generally, they are tastier and a little less “in-your-face” sour, which youngsters will appreciate too. This Garlic Salad Dressing is an excellent balance of tart vinegar, savory garlic, and a touch of sweetness. Keep things simple for kids by using chopped romaine, grated Parmesan, and crunchy croutons. It’s a riff on Caesar Salad with-
out the anchovies. Of course, this dressing is super versatile and works with any lettuce or vegetable. As for wine, choose a white wine with substantial acid. I love Muscadet from the western seashore of France. It is light, refreshing, and pairs with all things garlic. If you can’t find a Muscadet, Sauvignon Blanc fits the bill. Keep the white wine flowing with your main course, Caesar Pasta. A clever way to get more dark leafy greens into your kids, this recipe does utilize anchovies, but don’t be afraid of them. When you “melt” anchovy filets into oil, they break down and provide a nutty, salty flavor that everyone loves. If you don’t mention they are in there, no one will know. To add protein to your meal, season sea scallops with salt and fry quickly in 50/50 butter and olive oil. Don’t overcook; they should be slightly translucent in the center, just about two minutes per side. Sea scallops do not taste fishy and have a delicate sweetness like lobster. A fresh squeeze of lemon over the pasta and scallops brings the whole plate to life.
What could be more fun, easy, and kidfriendly than ice cream floats for dessert? Scoop vanilla ice cream into the bottom of a tall glass and fill with your favorite soda. I prefer the classic root beer, but cola, orange, or Dr. Pepper are all fantastic. So, go on. Pair Up! Maria Terry is a certified sommelier and wine educator in the San Francisco Bay Area. www.LaSommelierre.com.
Garlic Salad Dressing INGREDIENTS ½ cup oil 1 1/3 cup red wine vinegar ½ cup sugar 2 teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons celery salt 2 teaspoons pepper 2 teaspoons dry mustard 2 teaspoons Worcestershire 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce 6 cloves garlic DIRECTIONS Blend and refrigerate. Yield: About 2 Cups
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Ceaser Spaghetti INGREDIENTS Salt 1 pound spaghetti 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus some for drizzling 6 anchovy fillets, drained 4 large cloves garlic, grated or finely chopped 2 teaspoons to 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, eyeball the amount 2 medium heads escarole, washed 1 lemon, halved Freshly ground black pepper ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg or to taste 2 large egg yolks 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano DIRECTIONS Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, salt the water. Add the pasta and cook until just shy of al dente, according to package directions. Heads up: You’ll need to reserve about 1 cup of the starchy cooking water just before draining. While the pasta is cooking, put a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the extra-virgin olive oil. Add the anchovies and cook until they’ve melted into the oil, about 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the garlic, stir 1 minute, and then add in Worcestershire. Shred the escarole and add several handfuls at a time, wilting the greens in the garlic oil. Dress the greens with lots of pepper and a little nutmeg, then squeeze the juice of 1 lemon over the pan. Add the reserved starchy cooking water to the eggs in a small bowl and beat together to temper. Turn off the heat and add the drained pasta and the egg mixture. Stir to combine. Add half of the cheese and toss vigorously for 1 minute. Dress the pasta with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and transfer to a serving dish. Pass the remaining cheese at the table. Yield: 4 Servings
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Cruise-In Concert
California Honeydrops at Solano Fairgrounds Mr. Hat Presents a “cruise-in” concert series with Bay Area darlings The California Honeydrops, featuring the Mad Alchemy Liquid Light Show on Saturday, September 12, from 7-11pm. This family friendly, social distancing, vehicle based event is a Saturday drive-in concert series at the Solano County Fairgrounds. Vehicle passes (limit 4 adults) are $99 at mrhatpresents.com, and hotel packages are available. Cruise-In concerts utilize an array of safety measures to achieve zero transmissions. All attendees must wear a mask and socially distance from other groups when outside their vehicles, and each vehicle and its occupants (up to 4 adults) are assigned a 15x20’ area to park and dance or hang out on the driver’s side. Restroom attendants limit crowding and disinfect surfaces every half hour. There will be a high-quality FM broadcast as well as a PA system, so attendees can listen inside their vehicles. Food and beverages may be ordered via phone and delivered to your car (full bar and two food trucks with vegan options). Safety patrol and security will ensure that people remember to follow these guidelines (no Covidiots!) The band will perform under a giant archway lit up with a world-class Liquid Light Show by Mad Alchemy. The California Honeydrops original music is an infectious, genre-bending bouillabaisse that captivates audiences. Led by dynamic vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Lech Wierzynski and drawing on diverse musical influences from Bay Area R&B, funk, Southern soul, Delta blues, and New Orleans second-line, the Honeydrops bring vibrant energy and infectious dance-party vibes to their shows. They’ve taken the party all over the world, playing festivals of all kinds and touring widely across North America, Europe, and Australia. In 2016 & 2017, the Honeydrops were honored to support Bonnie Raitt on her North America release tour—and in the past have been privileged to support the likes of B.B. King, Allen Toussaint, Buddy Guy, and Dr. John. Whether in those
high-profile performances or more intimate venues, the California Honeydrops’ shared vision and purpose remains: to make the audience dance and sing. The Honeydrops have come a long way since guitarist and trumpeter Lech Wierzynkski and drummer Ben Malament started busking in an Oakland subway station, but the band has stayed true to that organic, street-level feel. Listening to Lech sing, it may be a surprise that he was born in Warsaw, Poland, and raised by Polish political refugees. He learned his vocal stylings from contraband American recordings of Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, and Louis Armstrong, and later at Oberlin College and on the club circuit in Oakland, California. With Johnny Bones on tenor sax and clarinet, Lorenzo Loera on keyboards, and Beau Bradbury on bass, they’ve built a powerful full-band sound to support Wierzynski’s vocals. This is probably your only chance to see this amazing band in 2020. Mr. Hat is committed to finding safe ways to have fun and enjoy live music during this pandemic. Human beings need fun, and some of us feel that live music is essential. By offering safe alternatives to social gatherings that don’t take necessary precautions to stop the spread, Mr. Hat Presents is doing our part to overcome this threat to humanity and facilitate a return to “normal” concerts and festivals like the rest of the world is doing already. This event is sponsored by Hella Dank, a small, family owned Bay Area company that makes solventless ice water hash with no chemicals, from cannabis grown in living soil. They are committed to supporting sustainability for the environment, prosperity for the farmer, and in turn, wellbeing for the consumer. Please give them a like on Facebook and check them out at helladank.com. Thank you for supporting live music in the Bay Area! Please mask up, wash your hands, don’t share that joint, and stay kind while we navigate this pandemic.
The California Honeydrops
OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 2020 | 19
From the Contra Costa County Historical Society
Quest for a Quarry
Finding the Quarry Behind Old Quarry Road in Pleasant Hill BY MARJORIE NEWTON The quest for a quarry began with a query, “Where is the quarry for which the Old Quarry Road in Pleasant Hill is named?” It took a team of volunteers to come up with a location. When the History Center closed because of COVID-19, we have had to rely on computer data for our research, mostly from the Contra Costa County Historical Society’s online database. CCCHS records gave us 15 quarries in Contra Costa County. Our first supposition, after driving Old Quarry Road, was that it might be under Diablo Valley College. Our director perused the CCCHS photograph files and found a picture of DVC with a quarry visible to the north. Information filed with the photo revealed that the Slater quarry had been on Camelback Road near Pacheco. Our photo file expert, Janet, then joined the search and came up with more quarry pictures. Positioning these in conjunction with a map of the same area, she concluded that the quarry we were seeking would have been behind today’s Target. Another volunteer suggested that Shadowood Park might be
part of the quarry because of its peculiar shape. The park is across Grayson Creek from the rear of Pep Boys, closer to Pacheco. It seemed that the quarry of our quest was probably the one owned and operated by A. E. Slater beginning in 1906. Later, the Serra Brothers ran the quarry. The quarry is located sixtenths of a mile south of Pacheco. More exactly, according to Google, its location was 37 degrees 58’ 31” North, 122 degrees 4’ 14” West, give or take 500 meters. Most of the rock that was produced was used for highways. The rock is a very soft, friable sandstone used for macadam, according to the website “Stone Quarries and Beyond,” compiled by Pat and Peggy Perrazo. The quarry was intermittently active from 1906 and definitely active between 1940 and 1958. Bordering the locale are the Camelback Townhouses, built in 1960, and Choice in Aging, an adult day healthcare program that is accessed from Golf Club Road. There is still a big question as to this choice for a location for the quarry. It isn’t located on Old Quarry Road.
Please share any information you may have on this subject with the History Center at info@cocohistory.org. We will be happy to hear from you! A History Note is presented by the Contra Costa County History Center, 724 Escobar St., Martinez, using materials from the society’s collections. Nor-
mal open hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays from 9-4 and the first and third Saturdays from 10-2. The History Center is currently closed due to the coronavirus. Updates can be found and queries and orders can be made on the CCCHS website: www.cocohistory.org.
P.H. Senior Center
Classes and Virtual Programs Parking Lot Bingo Sept. 3 & Sept. 17 at 9am. Come play bingo in your car! $5 for Bingo Pack includes 10 game play pack, dauber & pattern sheet. No cash prizes, but winners will get a choice of different fun prize options. All participants will remain in their vehicles and play along through their FM radio. You may bring a different radio if you wish to not use your vehicle radio. We will provide the radio station when you arrive. Senior Center restroom will not be available, but the restroom in the park will be open. Registration is required. Register online or call 798-8788. Pleasant Hill Senior Center Intermediate Tai-Chi Chuan 9/2-10/28 Tai Chi Chuan will help improve balance, relieve stress and quiet the mind through gentle movements and meditative breathing. Class is held in the Pleasant Hill Park. Wednesdays, 10am-11am (8wks), $75/$60 (Dist. Res.) Strength & Stretch This virtual class focuses on building & maintaining strength through resistance bands, weights, balance, chair and mat exercises. Muscles will receive extra love by adding stretches for each muscle group. Two sessions: 9/5-9/26 (4wks) Sat 1212:30pm, $40; and 9/2-9/30 (5wks) Wed 11-11:30am, $50. Active Aging This class combines various modalities, including core work, balance, stretching, cardio conditioning, joint mobility and brain/body work. This class is taken from a seated position but can be done standing. 9/7-9/28 (4wks) Mon 12:30-1:20pm, $48 9/2-9/30 (5wks) Wed 2:30-3:15pm, $60 9/3-9/24 (4wks) Thurs 12:30-1:15pm, $48 Gentle Pilates & Functional Fitness 9/7-9/28 Stretch and strengthen your body and mind with gentle therapeutic Pilates movements and sequences to help improve balance and coordination, build core strength and maintain muscle tone. (4wks) Mon 11:30-12:10pm, $44 233 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill 925-798-8788 Register for classes and events at www.pleasanthillrec.com
20 | SEPTEMBER 2020 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM
Congratulations on 45 Years AGENT2000, a Family Run Business AGENT2000 Commercial & Personal Insurance Brokers Celebrates 45 years in business! We sincerely thank all our clients and employees for their support. The company was originally called Maring Knapp & Company and founded on September 1, 1975, by Dennis E. Maring and James Knapp. In 1978, James Knapp bought out Dennis Maring, and in the late 1980s, the name changed to MK Insurance Services. When clusters of insurance agents started forming, the name was changed to AGENT2000 in 1996. The idea was to bring 2000 agencies together to form a cluster of agents that would enhance everyone’s market presence. The name has nothing to do with the year 2000! The idea didn’t come to fruition, but the name stuck. The motto of AGENT2000 is “People Who Listen,” and they strive to provide exemplary customer service to their clients and provide all their insurance needs for the long term. They treat their clients like family. Jim and Joan Knapp have now retired and their daughter, Laurie Limrite, and son, Derek Knapp, run the business together. Derek’s wife, Lori, also works in the agency, handing personal home and auto accounts. Laurie Limrite, who has been a licensed agent for 37 years, writes and services mainly commer-
cial accounts. Laurie and her husband, Steve, moved to Shelbyville, Tennessee, this past February. Their two daughters’ families moved to Tennessee for work, and Laurie and Steve were not going to be that far from the grandchildren. Laurie continues to service their commercial clients in California as well as the expanding business in Tennessee. Derek, who has been licensed for 31 years, focuses on commercial insurance sales, employee benefits, and keeping the agency’s technology up to date. On July 20, Brittany Scott joined the agency full-time. Brittany is Derek and Lori’s third daughter. So, the business is now in its third generation. Brittany was licensed in 2016 while she attended college. She will be working on their marketing programs, social media, and personal line sales to start. AGENT2000 writes personal (home, auto, boat, RV, and umbrella) and commercial (package, commercial auto, worker’s compensation and excess liability) policies as well as employee benefits. They are licensed in California, Oregon, and Tennessee. AGENT2000, would like to thank all
their clients for allowing them to serve their insurance needs, especially those who have been clients since the beginning. They look forward to continuing to provide exemplary service to their
current and future clients. They welcome you to the family. Visit www.insuranceagent2000.com and our new location at 1220 Diamond Way Suite 250, Concord, CA 94520.
Community Warning System The Community Warning System (CWS) has established a new number that will be displayed when you receive a notification. Previously, it displayed 0000000000, which was often mislabeled as a spam call by many phones. The new number is 925-655-0195. Please save this number in your cell phones and, if possible, save it as a Favorite or as an Emergency Contact so that it will ring through and not be blocked. Remember, CWS will only be used in an emergency to pass on urgent information. We encourage you to register all of your phones with CWS. Each registration can include five different phone numbers. We recommend that every landline and cell phone in the house be registered to increase the chances of receiving a call in case there is a communications failure, calls blocked, or other issue. Register for the Community Warning System at www.cwsalerts.com. Old Caller ID: 000-000-0000 NEW CALLER ID: 925-655-0195 To ensure you receive a CWS alert: 1. Add this number as a new contact in your mobile device and label it “Community Warning System.” 2. Assign or add this new contact to your FAVORITES or EMERGENCY BYPASS. See instructions below. Taking these steps should stop calls from being identified as Spam or silenced by the Do Not Disturb feature on your phone. For more information about the Community Warning System, visit: www.CoCoCWS.us. DIRECTIONS FOR iPHONE: Step 1: Go to Contacts -> Select Contact
(Community Warning System). Step 2: Go to Edit -> Ringtone -> Select Emergency Bypass toggle button -> Done. DIRECTIONS FOR ANDROID: Step 1: Go to Contacts -> Select Contact (Community Warning System) -> Add to Favorites. Step 2: Go to Settings -> Notification –> Do Not Disturb -> Allow Exceptions -> Calls From -> Favorite Contacts Only.
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Laurie Limrite, Derek Knapp and Lori Knapp OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 2020 | 21
Sustainable Contra Costa Virtual Awards and Upcoming Virtual Workshops Awards Presentation Sustainable Contra Costa (SCOCO) presents their annual Leadership in Sustainability Awards on September 17. This FREE online event supports and celebrates local individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions and commitment to a healthy environment, economy, and society so that Contra Costa County remains a wonderful place for generations to come. To register for this free event, go to eventbrite.com and search Sustainability Awards. County supervisor John Gioia and others will present the awards, and you will have an opportunity to hear from the winners themselves about the great work they are doing. The awards program will also feature Central Contra Costa Sanitary District presenting their Pollution Prevention Awards, and
Contra Costa Green Business Program presenting new and re-certified green businesses. A special fundraiser BEFORE the awards program, a “SIP Wine Tasting Reception,” will allow participants to enjoy delicious food and wine from their own homes while connecting with the winemaker and others. The awards presentation will be presented on Zoom and also live streamed on SCOCO’s YouTube channel. For more information, write to info@ sustainablecoco.org
Virtual Workshops
Hosted by SLIA: Climate Careers Chat Tuesday, September 8; 7:00 - 8:30PM Are you interested in developing your career? Do you wish to learn from the top professionals in their industry? Then tune into our monthly Climate Career Panel! Join us on September 8th for an
informative panel on career development in administration and clean energy. Guest starring Kimberly Lam from Republic Services and PG&E’s Darren Deffner. Sign up via eventbrite.com by searching “SLIA: Climate Careers Chat” Gala Fundraiser: SIP Winemaker’s Reception Thursday, September 17; 6:00 6:45PM We are excited to offer a special fundraiser BEFORE the awards program, the “SIP Wine Tasting Reception,” which will allow participants to enjoy delicious food and wine from their own homes, while connecting with the winemaker and others. Sustainability LIVE Honoring Award Winners Wednesday, September 23; 7:00 8:30PM Join us for this online FREE live broadcast every month as we interview special guests, share the latest tips and provide the inspiration, education, and camaraderie that will help us all live resilient lives in times of uncertainty. Episode 6: We’re excited to showcase the winners of the 2020 Leadership
in Sustainability Awards. Each of these dedicated individuals and organizations have inspired us with their hard work and creativity in helping to build a more sustainable and resilient community and planet. We’ll get to hear their stories and learn how we can take action to join them. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. This broadcast will be created using Zoom and simultaneously live-streamed on our YouTube channel. You can join the “studio audience” and be part of the questions and discussion at the end of each program, or just watch on YouTube. Please be aware that the program will be recorded for viewing later. No personal participant information will be shared publicly. Winners: Shoshana Wechsler, The Sunflower Alliance & 350 Bay Area Ken Haworth, Aquamenities Urban Tilth Chloë De Smedt, “Rising Star” (Chloë will be featured on the October 28 episode) Manuel Alonso, “Lifetime Achievement”
HILLCREST FOOD ROOM
OPE Monday, Wednes 9 AM to 11
OPEN FOOD R Monday, Wednesday, and Friday All Students, Veterans, and Residents of Contra Cost Emergency supply of food, 4 times a year. All that is 9 AM to 11:45 AM FOOD ROOM
We do ask only for your name to ensure our 4 times confidential.
AND FAMILYaMEMBERS OVER THE AGE All Students, Veterans, and Residents of Contra Costa CountyALL areCLIENTS welcome to receive 3-day Emergency supply of food, 4 times a year. All that is needed MUST is an IDWEAR Card.A MASK. FOLLOW THE SIGNS FOR ENT We do ask only for your name to ensure our 4 times a year rule is followed. This information is We are located on the Hillcrest Congregational Chur confidential. The Office phone number is 925-689-8260 ALL CLIENTS AND FAMILY MEMBERS OVER THE AGE OF 2, WHO COME TO THE HILLCREST CAMPUS, Other contacts: MUST WEAR A MASK. FOLLOW THE SIGNS FOR ENTERING AND EXITING THE FOOD ROOM Bill Cunningham Hillcrest Outreach Coordinator We are located on the Hillcrest Congregational Church Campus, 404 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. 925-326-8717 The Office phone number is 925-689-8260 Other contacts: Bill Cunningham Hillcrest Outreach Coordinator 925-326-8717 22 | SEPTEMBER 2020 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM
Flor Cruz Hillcrest Member 925-325-1567 Se habla español.
Flor Cruz Hillcrest Member 925-325-1567 Se habla español.
Voted Top Workplace
10th Year in a Row for Diablo Valley Oncology BY LORI ORR, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Cancer doesn’t quit…and neither do we. As essential workers, we have been here every day since the shelter-in-place orders went into effect, working under an unprecedented level of stress and fear most of us have never experienced before. Each day has been a struggle to deal with the unknown of COVID-19, minute by minute changes to recommendations and policies by the CDC, WHO, and our governor, and limited personal protective equipment, and yet we have implemented stringent measures to keep ourselves and our patients safe so we can continue to provide vital clinical diagnostics and cancer treatments. While I am exceptionally proud that
our staff has voted Diablo Valley Oncology a 2019 Top Work Place for the 10th year in a row, here in 2020 I am truly humbled by the strong will and caring hearts of our team of professionals, who are literally putting their lives on the line for our patients. A regular day in the life of a DVO team member takes courage, compassion, strength, empathy, humor, and humility. Multiply a regular day by 10,000 and factor in a global pandemic and you just might begin to understand how extraordinary our team and our workplace truly is. Thank you to the Bay Area News Group for this honor and recognition. Thank you to our patients for trusting us to care for you. And most importantly, thank you to each and every one of our DVO team members for your extreme commitment and selflessness. Lori Orr is the chief operations
Free Online Seminar With Medical Experts September 15, 6:30-8:30pm - Many Faces of Gynecologic Cancers September 29, 6:30-8:30pm - Many Faces of Prostate Cancer To Register, email sgoldberg@dvohmg.com or call 925-677-5041 x260
officer for Diablo Valley Oncology & Hematology Medical Group, Pacific Urology, West Coast Surgical Associates, and the Women’s Cancer Center of the East Bay, with offices in Walnut Creek,
Pleasant Hill, Concord, Brentwood, and San Ramon. Visit our website at www. dvohmg.com to request an appointment or call 925-677-5041. SPONSORED CONTENT
Open Enrollement Fall Sign Ups Are on the Way BY COLLEEN CALLAHAN The fires, heat wave, poor quality air, and ongoing pandemic have all impacted the ability to plan anything in the near or distant future. It is discouraging. I had a Face Time “visit” with one of my friends from college and his wife. They are pediatricians and feel we need to stop trying to make life seem normal; they emphatically said, “It is not normal.” The Medicare annual election period, or open enrollment period, begins on October 15 and ends on December 7. In September, we send letters to our clients reminding them it is time for review. Applications for different, more suitable plans must be submitted by December 7, 2020. All plans begin anew on January 1, 2021. Medicare drug plans adjust annually. Changes could be for premiums, deductibles, networks, or the list of covered medications. If a company eliminates a plan, you could be moved to a more expensive one if you do not communicate
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your wishes. Knowing if a change in plan or company is necessary requires research. An independent agent can help with the analysis. Those with prescription drug plans must review the material sent to them in October by the insurance company. Carefully review the “Annual Notice of Change (ANOC).” Be sure the coverage still meets your needs for the coming year. Be very certain your medications will be treated the same next year. If you are satisfied with the plan and it is still being offered, you don’t need to do anything. Get ready for the onslaught of mail this fall. Keep an eye out for your ballot and for the Annual Notice of Change! Make sure to read both very carefully and take the action needed! We can help by telephone or Zoom so you can be sure to have the drug coverage you need next year. Colleen Callahan, CLU, CASL, LUTCF. Colleen Callahan Insurance Services is located in Pleasant Hill. Contact her 925.363.5433 or ccallahan@callahaninsurance.com. SPONSORED CONTENT
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EXPIRES 9/30/20 OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 2020 | 23
General Manager’s Message
New Normal
By Michelle Lacy General Manager, Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District Looking out my window, I was surprised to see that the leaves on the tree out back were turning brown and the ground was littered with fallen leaves. How is it autumn already?! The heatwave last month deenitely made it feel like an endless summer. Ready or not, the Halloween candy has al already arrived in stores. Children are back in school albeit a very different school experience. Thanksgiving is only two months away. And we all continue to struggle to nd and accept some sort of “new normal” during this ongoing pandemic. We, at Rec & Park, are still here, however, and steadfast in our commitment to make your “new normal” the best it can possibly be. Our staff has jumped into the fall season with both feet. They continue to impress me every day as they persevere through the ever-changing operational limitations. They are keeping our parks and open spaces well-maintained. They are keeping our facilities extra clean for our childcare pr programs. And they are reaching out to the community to stay connected and nding creative, new ways to offer fall programs and services---all under federal, state, and local public health orders. Katrina Hunn, our Youth Services Manager, and staff, for example, have spent the past several months developing, planning and implementing the introduction of our new full-day childcare and distance learning assistance program called PHRec Cares
Academy. The program kicked off on August 17 and is providing 60 families with the support parents need to get back to work. PHRec Cares Academy is a perfect blend of school and social interaction. Children are grouped by grade, Kindergarten, Grades 1 & 2, Grades 3-5 and Grades stude each. 6-8, in "pods" of 12 students During the day, our Cares Academy staff supervises distance learning during school hours, providing technological help, keeping students on task and monitoring their classwork. This is no small feat! The rst week or two was an incredible challenge as staff learned multiple online learning pl platforms from over 17 different schools, managed over 72 student schedules plus passwords and ensured all safety protocols were carefully followed. During school day breaks and after school, Cares Academy staff also made sure to incorporate plenty of play including arts & crafts, S.T.E.M activities, sports, and group games with a blend of indoor and outdoor time with their peers. I’m proud to report that they met the challenge and exceeded all expectations. We have had some tremendous feedback from the Cares Academy families, and we appreciate the support and kind words. Our PHRec Cares Academy is making history by potentially redeening education as we know it and creating a new normal for future generations. If you think about it, our youngest students do not realize that
their school experience is NOT normal. To them, online learning, wearing masks and social distancing IS normal. And our Cares Academy staff is doing an incredible job to ensure their normal is an awesome one. Again, so proud of them. Our Senior Center staff, led by Kendra Luke-Diamond, Senior Services Manager, is also doing an incredible job, rising to meet new challenges and making the best of a new normal. Before the pandemic started, the Senior Center was not only a place that offered a wide variety of daily ac activities, programming, services and events but it was also the hub where friends gathered to socialize, connect, and enjoy life together. There was a tremendous sense of community spirit at the Center and a lot of love inside those walls. I think closing the Senior Center doors to senior programming was one of the more difficult decisions we had to make this year. The Senior Center staff, however, was/is determined to keep this community spirit alive, to keep people connected and maintain critical services like our CC Cafe Nutrition program that provides meals to seniors in need, each week. Senior staff not only has been personally reaching out to senior members with individual phone calls, but they have also established new phone office hours, Tuesday-Thursday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm for seniors to call in at (925) 798-8788 and ask for assistance on services and registration. Staff also provides 1:1 Zoom.us training, hosts monthly virtual happy hours and has
introduced new events such as Senior Meal Deals and Parking Lot Bingo where participants play bingo from their car in the Senior Center parking lot! More detailed Information is available for these events and other senior offerings at pleasanthillrec.com. Our Senior Center staff is deenitely going above and beyond! Read Share The Love Quote below. Finding and accepting a new normal can be difficult, especially when you only think about what you’ve lost and not about what you may gain. Our staff will keep working extra hard this fall to help make sure your glass is at least half full if not brimming with possibilities. Stay well.
@pleasanthillrec
QUOTE
“You (The Rec & Park Senior Center staff)
are doing such a great job keeping the senior population informed about the Covid-19 related services available in our community including where to obtain food and sundries. I also like all fun activities, games and classes you have made availshel able while sheltering in place such as the virtual theater shows, museum tours and soooo much more. I must compliment this Center as being the top-notch senior center in Contra Costa County! I belong to several Senior Centers and ours is the best! Thank you so much for knowing how to care for your members during these unprecedented times. You really stepped up to the call. So grateful that I have joined the Pleasant Hill Senior Center.” - Candace Bianchi
pleasanthillrec.com