• SEPTEMBER 2012
Delivered to Over 40,000 Homes and Businesses
See cover photo information on page 4.
• Local Real Estate.............................................page 6 • City News................................................... pages 8-9 • Local Candidates.......................................... page 13 • Meet Livia Sargent....................................... page 15
• College Park Sports Schedules.................pages 16-17 • Read My Mind..................................................page 23 • Produce Overload............................................. page 27 • Teen Scene......................................................... page 30
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artesadental
September 2012
Over 475*reasons
For health, function & beauty
4041 Alhambra Ave. Suite 109 Martinez, CA 94553 Tel: 925-370-9900 www.artesadental.com
Insurance accepted Easy Payment Plans Se Habla Español
to choose Don & Norma Flaskerud as YOUR Realtor! *The number of homes sold in Dr. Amanda Backstrom DMD Graduate of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
WELCOME NEW PATIENTS! We provide quality dental care in a compassionate and relaxing environment. Call and make an appointment with your local family dentist today!
$72
exam, xrays and smile analysis* Value up to $260 or insurance will pay. Offer includes initial exam, consultation and necessary xrays. New Patients Only. *Offer expires 60 days from receipt
FREE
Teeth Whitening*
A $300 value (tray system) at an introductory offer with completed new patient exam, xrays and cleaning. Amanda Backstrom DMD, Inc.
$89
Dental Cleaning*
Value up to $129 or insurance will pay. Offer applies after a completed exam and xrays. Does not include periodontal cleaning. New Patients only. * for non-insured patients
PLEASANT HILL by Don, Norma, & Erik!!
Call Pleasant Hill’s
1 Realtor
#
for ALL your Real Estate needs
Don & Norma Flaskerud
Pleasant Hill Citizens of the Year
Erik Flaskerud
Re/Max CC Connection 925-676-5859 Visit them at www.PleasantHillRealEstate.com or email DonandNorma@gmail.com
Don and Norma’s listings... 590 Creekside Rd, PH – $699,00 7 Limewood Place, PH – $675,000 101 Soule Ave, PH – $349,000
Call now to have your hom e featured here!
DRE #s — Don: 00971602, Norma: 00867031, Erik: 01891688
2011
Business Person Of The Year Pleasant Hill
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September 2012
Page 3
emnant Flooring services the greater San Francisco Bay area and specializes in the sale and installation* of highly discounted remnant carpets. We are not a typical retail store with display samples. We only warehouse Special Purchase carpet rolls from the manufacturers. As a result, we can provide you savings which are typically well over 50% off standard retail prices. Discontinued Carpets from the Manufacturers Mill Over-Runs or Roll-Ends Special Buys or Manufacturer Imperfections All Rolls in Stock Please search our website by Price, Style, Size, Color or Fiber Type. All of our carpets are inventoried daily. If you don't find visit e s a r the product you're looking for today, check back tomorrow for fo Ple site t b e w our new inventory! te lis our mple ory. o c a vent
www.remnantflooring.com Phone 925-235-2200
of In
Item# 1145 Fabrica Bon Ton • Smart Sel $4.50 Suggested Retail $2.25 per sq. foot (Your Cost) (216.00 square feet available)
Item# 1144 Fabrica Avalon • Tanemera $2.58 Suggested Retail $1.20 per sq. foot (Your Cost) (237.00 square feet available)
Item# 1149 Shaw 4D808 - Satin Cream Beige $2.75 Suggested Retail $1.25 per sq. foot (Your Cost) (1,802.04 square feet available)
Item# 1182 Dixie Act 1 - Sequoia $2.90 Suggested Retail $1.35 per sq. foot (Your Cost) (612.00 square feet available)
Item# 1197 Fabrica Cardigan - Veronique $2.90 Suggested Retail $1.35 per sq. foot (Your Cost) (315.00 square feet available)
Item# 1156 Fabrica Surge - World Ocean $2.90 Suggested Retail $1.43 per sq. foot (Your Cost) (138.00 square feet available)
Item# 1139 Fabrica Corvo - Villa Nova $7.50 Suggested Retail $2.50 per sq. foot (Your Cost) (123.00 square feet available)
Item# 1122 Fabrica Wabi - Zen $4.75 Suggested Retail $1.75 per sq. foot (Your Cost) (639.60 square feet available)
Item# 1097 Fabrica Domani - Curry $4.75 Suggested Retail $1.75 per sq. foot (Your Cost) (120.72 square feet available)
Item# 1195 Unknown $2.75 Suggested Retail $1.25 per sq. foot (Your Cost) (585.00 square feet available)
Item# 1071 Fabrica Bukhara - Aegean $4.95 Suggested Retail $1.75 per sq. foot (Your Cost) (168.36 square feet available)
Item# 1151 Shaw $3.64 Suggested Retail $1.50 per sq. foot (Your Cost) (1,800.00 square feet available)
****Most carpets 50% off standard retail pricing****
1970 Arnold Industrial Place, Suite B, Concord, CA 94520 Open from 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. (925) 235-2200 Saturday 8am to 11am or by appointment. *Installation services provided by our affiliate company S.W. Contractors, Inc. Lic #879074. www.remnantflooring.com
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September 2012
JULIE SAYS
“Very Interesting, Not Smelly, No Rats� By Julie Ross
tion from one reviewer reads: “I lived How’s that for a review of a sightin Minnesota most of my life and did seeing option in France’s capital city? not know the historical significance of The Paris Sewer Museum is #187 SPAM until my visit.â€? Well, I hate to of 547 Paris attractions listed by admit that I shared this shocking ignoTripAdvisor. According to comments rance until I read up about Spam’s illuson the TripAdvisor website, the mutrious history in the other reviews. (No, seum provides a personal history lesson I am not going to share the information on the sewer system of Paris, complete here as that would spoil the surprise with a section on author Victor Hugo’s when you visit Austin.) sewer imagery in Les Miserables. Now The Toilet Seat Museum is the #1 that’s class. top attraction in Alamo, Texas. Retired I came across this gem while replumber Barney Smith displays searching descriptions and reviews on Tripadvisor to Come more than 1,000 festively decoget ideas for a fall vacation, and guess what? I uncovered several other destinations you might want to add rated toilet seats in his garage. Re- be our friend. the community focus member to call Barney before you to your bucket list. arrive so he can open the door for At the Instant Ramen Museum in Osaka, Japan, you. Speak clearly; he’s over 90. visitors have the opportunity to make their own cus Send comments and/or the tomized Cup Noodle to take home. Doesn’t get any names of your favorite unusual better than that! Many reviews of this shrine to Cup museums to julieakross@comNoodle inventor-chef Momofuku Ando are in Japanese and, unfortunately, lose something in the accom- cast.net. panying Google translation, as in “Is interesting to secret the contents of the ď€ ď€‚ď€ƒď€„ď€…ď€†ď€‚ď€‡ď€ˆď€‰ď€…ď€Šď€‰ď€‹ď€ˆď€Œď€ˆď€?ď€?ď€?ď€‰ď€‰ď€…ď€‘ď€‹ď€ˆď€‰ď€Žď€‚ď€„ď€’ď€…ď€“ď€…ď€‘ď€‹ď€Œď€?ď€? ď€ ď€‚ď€ƒď€„ď€…ď€†ď€‚ď€‡ď€ˆď€‰ď€…ď€Šď€‰ď€‹ď€ˆď€Œď€ˆď€?ď€?ď€?ď€‰ď€‰ď€…ď€‘ď€‹ď€ˆď€‰ď€Žď€‚ď€„ď€’ď€…ď€“ď€…ď€‘ď€‹ď€Œď€?ď€? topping with your friends, ď€–ď€›ď€…ď€ˇď€‘ď€—ď€¸ď€…ď€˘ď€Žď€Żď€Ąď€œď€ ď€žď€œď€… ď€?ď€?ď€?ď€Ľď€…ď€Śď€‚ď€ƒď€…ď€„ď€‹ď€ˆď€‰ď€?ď€§ď€‹ď€…ď€Śď€‚ď€ƒď€„ď€…ď€„ď€‹ď€ˆď€‰ď€…ď€‹ď€Œď€Žď€ˆď€Žď€‹ď€…ď€”ď€„ď€‹ď€ˆď€¨ď€Œď€Šď€… also to be replaced.â€? ♌ ď€•ď€ƒď€Śď€…ď€… Hmmm. ♌ ď€˜ď€‹ď€‰ď€‰ď€…ď€ ď€‚ď€ƒď€„ď€…ď€Šď€„ď€‚ď€¤ď€‹ď€„ď€Žď€Śď€… TripAdvisor review♌ ď€?ď€Ťď€‹ď€Œď€Žď€¨ď€‹ď€?ď€?ď€?ď€?ď€‚ď€¨ď€‹ď€…ď€Šď€ƒď€„ď€‡ď€ď€ˆď€Œď€‹ď€… ers raved about the British ♌ ď€˜ď€ď€‚ď€„ď€Žď€…ď€˜ď€ˆď€‰ď€‹ď€…ď€˜ď€¤ď€‹ď€‡ď€?ď€ˆď€‰ď€?ď€Œď€Žď€…ď€… Lawnmower Museum in ♌ ď€ď€ˆď€? Southport, England, but I had trouble getting past the ď€…ď€†ď€‹ď€Žď€ąď€Œď€…ď€Ľď€‹ď€Žď€…ď€Œď€Žď€ˆď€„ď€Žď€‹ď€”ď€…ď€Žď€‚ď€”ď€ˆď€Śď€&#x;ď€ď€‹ď€„ď€ď€‹ď€‰ď€¤ď€&#x; ghastly puns in the descrip   ď€•ď€‘ď€ ď€–ď€—ď€…ď€˜ď€–ď€?ď€? ď€œď€?ď€&#x;ď€ ď€žď€Ąď€&#x;ď€ ď€˘ď€œď€Łď€…ď€… tion: “Don’t let the grass ď€˛ď€Œď€‡ď€ď€ƒď€¨ď€ˆď€‡ď€ď€‹ď€„ď€?ď€&#x; ď€&#x;ď€˛ď€„ď€Śď€‡ď€‹ď€Œď€‡ď€ď€ƒď€¨ď€ˆď€‡ď€ď€‹ď€„ď€&#x; ď€˛ď€Œď€‡ď€ď€ƒď€¨ď€ˆď€‡ď€ď€‹ď€„ď€?ď€&#x;  ď€&#x;ď€˛ď€„ď€Śď€‡ď€‹ď€Œď€‡ď€ď€ƒď€¨ď€ˆď€‡ď€ď€‹ď€„ď€&#x; grow under your feet – it’s mower interesting at the British Lawnmower MuseMailbox services from The UPS StoreÂŽ make your um.â€? I do hope they’ve fired life easier with: their copywriter. Not going overseas? Âœ 9 j]Yd klj]]l Y\\j]kk$ fgl Y H&G& :gp Âœ *,%`gmj Y[[]kk" Don’t worry, I came across Âœ HY[cY_] Y[[]hlYf[] ^jge Ydd [Yjja]jk Âœ HY[cY_] fgla^a[Ylagf Âœ ;Ydd%af EYad;`][cÂŽ Âœ EYad `gd\af_ Yf\ ^gjoYj\af_"" many must-see U.S. destinations, and I will share Stop by and see us today. WITH A 3-MONTH MAILBOX SERVICES two of them. AGREEMENT (New Box Holders Only) "9nYadYZd] Yl hYjla[ahYlaf_ dg[Ylagfk& ""9\\alagfYd ^]]k eYq Yhhdq& For mystery meat A^b^i dcZ Xdjedc eZg XjhidbZg# Cdi kVa^Y l^i] di]Zg d[[Zgh# GZhig^Xi^dch Veean# KVa^Y VcY gZYZZbVWaZ dcan l]Zc egZhZciZY Vi V eVgi^X^eVi^c\ adXVi^dc# I]Z JEH HidgZ "-)".#3" "7& )PVST aficionados, there is the XZciZgh VgZ ^cYZeZcYZcian dlcZY VcY deZgViZY# Â? '%&& BV^a 7dmZh :iX#! >cX# ."35*/&; $" .PO 5IVST BN QN 'SJEBZ BN QN 0GGFS FYQJSFT Spam Museum and Visitor TUPSF !UIFVQTTUPSF DPN 4BUVSEBZ BN QN Center in Austin, Minnesota. Praise for this attrac- ;ghqja_`l  *()* EYad :gp]k =l[&$ Af[& ,)(+++)())*
1
MONTH FREE
Independent & Locally Owned
PUBLISHERS Becky Coburn, Jennifer Neys, Elena Hutslar info@ourcommunityfocus.com A Monthly Publication delivered to over 40,000 Homes and Businesses in Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Pacheco, Lafayette and Walnut Creek
ADVERTISING advertising@ourcommunityfocus.com SPORTS EDITOR Chuck Nan martinezsportsed@aol.com GRAPHIC DESIGN Trish Heaney, Debra Wilson COPY EDITOR Alison Clary
View the Focus online: www.ourcommunityfocus.com
CONTACT INFORMATION: Community Calendar:
calendar@ourcommunityfocus.com
Content & General Inquiries: info@ourcommunityfocus.com
6680 Alhambra Ave. Box #132 Martinez, CA 94553 Phone: (925) 335 - NEWS (6397)
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 Photos
Cover photos were taken by Denis Shea from last year’s Italian Street Painting Festival in Martinez. This year’s festival takes place on September 22 & 23 from 10am-5pm on Main Street. For more details view ad on page 20 or visit mainstreetmartinez.org.
September 2012
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Page 6
www.ourcommunityfocus.com
September 2012
Real Estate Update 5 Tips for Getting Your Offer Accepted in a Seller’s Market Last month’s article featured tips on how sellers can get the best performance from their listings in our red hot seller’s market. But what about those poor buyers waging battle day after day, wanting nothing more than to find a home to call their own, only to lose out time after time to another buyer? Although they face great opposition, there are many things today’s buyer can do to improve their chances of success. Here, in my opinion, are the top 5 most effective tips: Show Them the Money In real estate, size matters. A transaction in which the buyer has a large down payment is more likely to successfully close than when the buyer has a small down payment, and sellers know it. It’s vital to do everything you can to raise as much cash as possible. And if you have cash or other assets you won’t be using for your down payment, sending a copy of your statements along with
By Nathan Hitchcock the above techniques. your offer will improve the some sellers pre-schedule a Don’t Give Up perception of your finanminimum amount of time It is said that 80% of success is just cial stability. on the market, many look at showing up, and that is certainly true Get Personal offers starting the first day. in our current real estate market. I can So keep a close eye on those Most sellers have personally attest to the fact that many listings, watch e-mails from invested their hearts and buyers are heading back to the sidelines, your agent and make time souls into their homes over to see prospective properties disgusted with losing out in multiple many years. When all else bidding wars. It takes great strength and right away. is equal, they are much more inclined to perseverance to keep writing offers after Don’t Ignore the Short Sales sell it to someone they feel is deserving of the results of their efforts. So don’t be Because of the added challenges tied hearing “no” so many times before, but trust me on this one and keep the faith. a secret buyer. Include a sincere, wellto short sales, many buyers explicitly Every single home I’ve sold in the past written cover letter, ideally complete avoid them. Combine this with the fact three months was to a buyer who had with pictures, telling them about yourthat short sales make up a significant been turned away in several previous atself, why you love their home so much, percentage of our current inventory, tempts. You haven’t failed until you stop and how you will enjoy it for years to and your chances of success are actually come. This will give you a huge leg up greater with a short sale than a tradition- trying. Nathan Hitchcock is the managing over the impersonal, all-cash investor. It al or REO listing. Additionally, because broker of Hitchcock Realty, he can be may sound like a simple thing, but I’ve the seller of a short sale home doesn’t reached at nathan@hitchcockrealty.com reviewed over 100 offers so far this year really care about getting top dollar, they or (925) 825-1100. and only a very small percentage have are much more likely to be swayed by put in this level of effort. Please join us at our fourth Annual Gala Be an Early Bird Many homes are going pending just days after hitting the market. While
cocktails
dancing
live music auctions
raffles
dinner
hearts for hope ...pledging yours for foster youth
October 6, 2012, 5:30pm • Diablo Country Club A spectacular evening of fun and fundraising for Youth Homes, which serves the needs of abused and neglected foster children in Contra Costa County. This event includes complimentary valet parking, champagne reception, hosted bar, full dinner with choice wines from Hafner Vineyard, silent and live auctions, raffles, the crowd favorite wine toss, entertainment and dancing to music by Larry Lynch & The Mob. Tickets are $150. To purchase tickets visit www.YouthHomes.org or call (925) 933-2627
carnival games
JENNIFER L. MARTIN, D.D.S. Showrooms also in Santa Clara & Milbrae
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
www.ourcommunityfocus.com
September 2012
Page 7
Ann 10th iver sar y!
10trhsar y! e nniv
A
Sup por our t Sch ools !
er t s i g Re at m e n i onl dule.co he c s e th
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Race Day Registration 7:00 to 8:00am
5K/10K Run/Walk 8:30am
$25 for 5k/$30 for 10k if registered by Sept. 23 • $30/$35 on race day
Pre-register family rate (3 or more) or Team of 6, $20 per person. Kids under 18yrs $5off registration on race day. Ten age divisions. Awards given for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place for male & female in all divisions.
Prizes for best group and individual costume and largest group in costume in a Marty O theme. Everyone receives a shirt.
For more information call the race hotline at (925) 313-5562 Register online at www.theschedule.com
a t s a P d! Fee
Sat., Oct 6 • 6:00 to 8:00pm Prep for the race and load up on CARBS!
Sponsored by Martinez Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs Senior Center, 818 Green St., Martinez
$15 per person (kids under 6 are FREE) For Pasta Feed information call (925) 313-5562
Tickets available at the Tourist Bureau, 603 Marina Vista or Martinez Unified School District Office, 921 Susana St.
ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE MUSD SCHOOLS
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PLEASANT HILL CITY BUZZ
September 2012
Mayor’s Message
John Hanecak, Mayor of Pleasant Hill ment to our community. ate the many opportunities available District that will result in our new With that said, let me end as I bewithin Pleasant Hill. These opportuniSenior and Teen Centers opening this gan, by thanking each of you for that ties did not happen by accident. What fall (for which, bricks and tiles can lies at the center is a collective commit- commitment. still be purchased). In August, ground was broken on the new Community Center. In addition, many committed commercial property owners continue By Michael G. Harris OD, Vice Mayor of Pleasant Hill to invest in their shops and shopping accomplishments, there’s even more to Yes, you can make a difference centers. Commitment was also demdo. I invite you to be part of the group on Saturday, September 22 at Pleasant onstrated by our city’s employees who making a difference in Pleasant Hill by Hill’s 8th Annual Community Service have professionally provided services at participating in this year’s Community Day. Eight years ago, we launched this a time when overall compensation was Service Day. Be among the first 500 volvolunteer program to make our city an decreased and positions have gone ununteers to register at Pleasant Hill Park even better place in which to live, work, filled. In addition, emergency personand you’ll receive a free commemoraand play. Starting with a few hundred nel, hospitals and local organizations tive T-shirt and free pancake breakfast, volunteers in 2005, last year more than continue to provide and prepare for courtesy of the Lions Club. 1,000 volunteers worked on dozens of emergency services. Finally, the school Register a worthwhile project of projects throughout our city. communities, with committed parents, your own or sign up to volunteer at the Over the past seven years we, as a grandparents, teachers, coaches, staff city’s website: www.pleasant-hill.net and community, have donated some 25,000 and administrations, have spent countvolunteer hours to improve the place we click on the “Community Service Day” less days/weeks/months improving and link. For more information, contact call home. TOGETHER we: maintaining educational programs and Martin Nelis at Mnelis@ci.pleasant-hill. • Cleaned up neighborhoods, schools, facilities for our youth. ca.us or (925)671-5229. Projects are parks, creeks, and churches It is important that we appreciavailable for adults and children of all • Planted dozens of trees ages and abilities. • Repaired hundreds of bicycles for do The immediate impact of these nation to needy children projects is a cleaner and more beauti• Gave numerous pints of blood to save History of Pleasant Hill Book Now Available ful city. Perhaps more important has lives The 50-year history book, Pleasant Hill, California 1961 – 2011, is now availbeen the personal connections between • Collected tons of food to feed homeable for purchase at the City Hall reception desk. The cost is $20. The 156page book is a comprehensive history of the city since its incorporation in neighbors, friends, families, newcomless Contra Costans 1961 and is filled with over 200 photos and graphics of the people, places and ers, and the business community. Com• Helped children and seniors in need events from the past 50 years in Pleasant Hill. Individuals who purchased tickmunity service brings out the best in You and thousands of others who ets for the 50th Gala Dinner in November 2011 are entitled to one book per us, inspires hope, and empowers us to volunteered their time and energy have couple at no charge and can pick up their copy at City Hall. helped make Pleasant Hill safer, health- believe in a better tomorrow. I look forier, and more beautiful. We are a model ward to seeing you Saturday, September 22, at 7:30am at Pleasant Hill Park so of volunteer service that is the envy of you can make a difference in this city other communities. Architectural Review Commission Education Commission we all love. While we can be proud of our past I want to take this opportunity to thank those committed local residents, businesses and organizations that provided so many opportunities for our community to come together over the summer months. Thanks also go to the business districts, parks and government amenities. Finally, I’d like to thank our hard working city employees, who assured the events were safe and the city looked fantastic. With some cities struggling, I’m often asked how Pleasant Hill is doing. Simply put, we are doing well because residents are committed to improving our quality of life. During these difficult economic times, residents approved a bond for the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park
Making a Difference
City News
City Calendar of Events
September 6, 20 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Small Community Room, 5:00pm Contact: 671-5209
September 26 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Large Community Room, 7:00pm Contact: 671-5229
City Council September 10, 17 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Council Chambers, 7:30pm Contact: 671-5229
Planning Commission September 11, 25 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Council Chambers, 7:30pm Contact: 671-5209
Civic Action Commission September 5 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Small Community Room, 6:30pm Contact: 671-5229
Zoning Administrator September 13, 27 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Public Works Conference Room, 5:00pm Contact: 671-5209
For Confirmation Visit: www.ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us
Consider Joining CERT Pleasant Hill Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is at the Pleasant Hill Farmers’ Market on the first Saturday of every month. They will also be demonstrating useful safety measures at the Pleasant Hill Community Service Day on September 22nd. If Pleasant Hill residents (ages 14 and up) would like to sign up for the next CERT training class they can register at www.pleasanthillcertsignup.com. Classes begin on Thursday, September 13 at 6:30pm and will continue for the next six Thursday evenings. The classes are held at the Consolidated Fire Training Center, 2945 Treat Blvd. in Concord. Answers to frequently asked questions about CERT can be found at www.pleasanthillcert.org.
September 2012
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Mayor’s Message When I was nine years old, my father ran for the Walnut Creek City Council and, to everyone’s surprise, he was elected. That was in 1962. He went on to serve for sixteen years on that council, serving three times as mayor. (Unlike Martinez, which has a directly elected mayor, Walnut Creek rotates the mayor position, as do most of the cities in Contra Costa County.) In 1976, he ran for the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors and served for an additional sixteen years on that board. He retired from elected public service in 1994. I guess you could say that elected public service is in my blood. But you don’t have to grow up in a political family to be interested in serving your community. People feel the need to serve their community for the greater good in many different ways. The important thing is not how you serve, but that
Page 9
MARTINEZ CITY BUZZ
Rob Schroder, Mayor of Martinez you do serve. one of the few applicants who lived south my late wife’s illness and new life with This November the general presiden- of Highway 4. After grueling public inSuzanne. We have not always agreed on tal election will be held. Two positions issues brought before the council and, at terviews, the council appointed Janet. on the Martinez City Council will be up times, we have not been happy with each What a great decision that turned out to for grabs, and from what it looks like at other, but we respect each other and I, for be! this time, there is plenty of interest from one, can say she will always be my friend. Over the last ten years, Janet has beMartinez citizens in being elected to fill Janet, thank you for your years of come one of my most valuable council those positions. colleagues and personal friends. We have public service to Martinez. Our city is a One of two colleagues on the city better place, and I am a better person bewatched our children grow into adults council whose seat is up this year has ancause of you. together, and she supported me through nounced she will not seek re-election. She is a lady who has given much to the Martinez community, both on and off the Martini Proclamation and Stroll council. She was appointed to complete Mayor Rob Schroder will proclaim September 14 “Julio Richelieu Day” in honor my term on the Martinez City Council of the bartender who invented the Martini in 1874. The ceremony will take place at the when I resigned after being elected to the monument where his bar once stood, on the corner of Masonic and Alhambra Avenue. position of mayor in 2002. She has since The proclamation begins at 4pm, followed by a “martini stroll” to the establishments of been re-elected two times (2004 and La Tapatia, Sunflower Garden, and Barrel Aged. 2008) and served a total of eight years on Cost for the event is $10 and includes a commemorative “Martinis on the Plaza” the council. That lady is Janet Kennedy. glass (while supplies last) and (1) “Bartender’s Choice” martini at each establishment. I did not know Janet very well prior You may purchase discounted tickets for the upcoming Martinis on the Plaza at this to her appointment to the city council, event. but I had heard much about her. Ev Later this month, enjoy the 3rd Annual Martini Feseryone I spoke to knew Janet and raved tival “Shaken or Stirred” on Saturday, September 29, from about her abilities and what a great asset 6:30pm to 10:00pm. she would be to Martinez. Plus, she was Enjoy an outdoor gala affair in celebration of “Martinez, the Birthplace of the Martini.” Festivities begin at 6:30pm at Plaza Ygnacio Fountain at Martinez City Hall. have at least 20 signatures on the nomiEnjoy live music, specialty martinis, a martini competitionnation papers, and those individuals including a peoples’ choice award, silent auction and epimust be registered to vote and live withcurean delights from at least ten regional restaurants under in the city limits. According to Mercy enchanting elegant white tents. Cabral, Deputy City Clerk, two city Ticket prices are $55/pp and $100/couple if purchased before Sept. 22 and $65/ council candidates did not qualify. pp and $120/couple if purchased after Sept. 22. Price includes a commemorative glass, Incumbent Richard G. Hernandez two drink tickets and great food. Hosted by the Martinez Chamber of Commerce, adhas no opposition for his City Clerk poditional information can be found on the Martinez Chamber Facebook page or vissition but two people vie for the position it: www.themartinifestival.com. of city treasurer. They are incumbent Carolyn Robinson and Charles Martin.
Martinez Martini Events
City Candidates
The Candidate list for Martinez City Council and other city positions is finalized. Incumbent Mark Ross and four others have added their names in hopes of winning one of the available two seats on the Martinez City Council in the November 5 election. The qualified candidates include: Michael Alford, Arsenio Escudero, Anamarie Avila Farias, Dylan Radke and Mark Ross. In order to qualify, a candidate must
City Calendar of Events City Council Meeting September 5, 19 7pm-11pm Contact: 925-372-3500
Planning Commission Meeting September 11, 25 7pm-11pm Contact: 925-372-3500
Design Review Meeting September 12, 26 3pm-5pm Contact: 925-372-3500
Zoning Administrator Meeting September 5, 19 3pm-5pm Contact: 925-372-3500
Park, Recreation, Marina & Cultural Commission September 18 7pm-11pm Contact: 925-372-3500
September 3 – City Offices Closed in Observance of Labor Day All City Meetings at City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, Unless Otherwise Indicated For Confirmation Visit: www.cityofmartinez.org
Upcoming CERT Classes
The Community Emergency Response Team will be starting their classes soon. CERT Basic Training – Free 20-hour Course: Saturday Series – Sept. 22, 29 and Oct. 6 from 8am‐ 1:30pm at Martinez City Council Chambers, 525 Henrietta Street. Tuesday Series ‐ Sept. 25, Oct. 2, 9, 16, & 23 from 6pm ‐ 9:30pm at Contra Costa Animal Services Class Room, 4900 Imhoff Place. Skills Exercise – Saturday, Nov. 3 from 8:00am - 12:00pm. You are an important part of the solution for our city. CERT will train you on how to be better prepared for emergencies and how to respond when your family, neighbors and neighborhoods need you the most. To register or inquire, send an email to Martinez.CERT@gmail.com. For more info, Google “Martinez Area CERT” or visit: www.martinezcert.org.
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Page 10
September 2012
PLEASANT HILL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Please verify schedule at www.pleasanthillchamber.com • 925-687-0700
Please note: The 9/12 Internet Marketing Workshop “How to Build Your LinkedIn Foundation” listed in August has been postponed until the first quarter of 2013. 9/7 - Ambassador Meeting Pleasant Hill City Hall, 8am - 9am 9/7 – Wine Walk /Plaza Concerts, Downtown Pleasant Hill $20 includes wine glass, passport & hors d’oeuvres. Enjoy music by The Fundamentals. Tickets available at http://Septwinewalk.eventbrite.com or (925) 687-0700, or purchase in front of Pasta Pomodoro at the event. 5:30pm-8pm.
check Chamber website for more information. 9/20 – Board of Directors Meeting PH City Hall, 7:45am 9/24 – Green Committee Back Forty Texas BBQ, 100 Coggins Dr., Pleasant Hill, 4pm - 5pm 9/24 – Government Affairs Committee Back Forty Texas BBQ, 100 Coggins Dr., Pleasant Hill, 4:30pm - 6pm CALENDAR SPONSORED BY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY OCTOBER 6 TH
&
7TH
DOWNTOWN PLEASANT HILL ON CRE SCENT DRIVE
9/11 - Leadership Lunch – Mountain Mikes Pizza 3614 Mount Diablo Boulevard , Lafayette, (925) 283-6363, 11:45pm - 1pm
Cool Art | Creative Crafts | Fine Wine & Beer Great Music All Day | Expanded Entertainment for Kids
9/17 – September Mixer Location to be determined. Please
Plus! Saturday Evening Concert on the Plaza featuring Cover2Cover at 6:30 pm sponsored by Pete Sabine & Pacific Union Real Estate
MARTINEZ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Please verify schedule at www.martinezchamber.com • 925-228-2345
9/3 – Office closed in observance of Labor Day
Chamber at (925) 228-2345 or email info@martinezchamber.com.
9/11 – Memorial 8am. Join the community in honoring and remembering the anniversary of 9/11. This event will be held at the Flagpole Memorial to the 9/11 victims located in front of the Chamber of Commerce office (at the Amtrak Station).
9/29 – Martinis on the Plaza 6:30 10pm. Plaza Ygnacio Fountain at Martinez City Hall. Enjoy a live band, specialty martinis and epicurean delights from regional restaurants under the enchantment of twinkling lights and a starry sky. For more information and tickets call (925) 228-2345. Email info@ martinezchamber.com or visit www. themartinifestival.com.
9/13 - Chamber Mixer 5:30 - 7pm. The UPS Store, co-hosted by Village Oaks Shopping Center, 1155-C Arnold Dr., Martinez. Great networking, food, fun and raffle prizes (bring a raffle prize and have your business announced). 9/15 - Educational Series - Marketing Seminar 12 - 1pm. Presented by Marie Knutson, Recycling Coordinator Allied Waste Services, PG&E Representative. Doors open at 11:30am. John Muir Best Western Inn, 445 Muir Station Rd. $10 for Chamber Members; Non-Members $20. Bag lunch included. RSVP to the
CALENDAR SPONSORED BY
For More Information: (925) 687-0700 2835 Contra Costa Blvd., Suite E | Pleasant Hill, CA
&
PLEASANT HILL USE YOUR LOCAL PRINTER
222
Minuteman
Press
PLEASANT HILL
925-256-6444 www.minutemanpressph.com
SUMMER IS IN FULL SWING SWIM TEAM, YMCA, SUMMER CAMPS…. WE ARE YOUR LOCAL PRINTER PROGRAMS INVITES FLYERS T-SHIRTS, HATS, CUPS ETC. ETC. WE PRINT IT ALL Pleasant Hill City Hall Photo by Susan Wood Photography
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September 2012
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Page 12
September 2012
How are you going to get their
Our October issue will feature a special section highlighting the upcoming election. Call Community Focus at 925-335-6397 for details. Join us at Pleasant Hill’s 8th ANNUAL...
Community Service Day! Saturday September 22, 2012 7:30am Churches, schools, neighborhoods, businesses...find a project and register it on the city website at www.pleasant-hill.net/CSD Volunteers...sign up online at www.pleasant-hill.net/CSD to work. Open to all ages—families and children welcome! FREE kick-off breakfast by the PH Lions beginning at 7:30am at PH Park, Gregory Ln (first 500 receive a FREE T-shirt). Volunteers receive snacks and then disperse to their designated projects! PLUS...bring items of non-perishable food for the barrels of the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano
Make a difference! Register your project or volunteer at
City of Pleasant Hill
www.pleasant-hill.net/CSD
For more information, call 671-5229 or email
a.us
mnelis@.ci.pleasant-hill.c
Organized by Pleasant Hill Civic Action Commission and supported by local businesses
City of Pleasant Hill Community Service Day
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September 2012
Page 13
Official Candidates
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Tim PLEASANT HILL CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF PLEASANT HILL City Council (3 open seats) Jim Bonato Jessica Braverman Ken Carlson Jeremy Cloward David Durant (Incumbent) Tim Flaherty Michael Flake Matthew Rinn
Arsenio Escudero Anamarie Avila Farias Dylan Radke Mark Ross (Incumbent)
City Clerk (1 open seat) Michael Anthony Bepler Kimberly Lehmkuhl
Mt. Diablo Unified School District (2 open seats) Sherry Whitmarsh (Incumbent) Brian Lawrence Ernie Detrinidad Debra Mason Barbara Oaks (former College Park High School principal)
City Treasurer Mark Celio (Incumbent) CITY OF MARTINEZ City Council (2 open seats) Michael Alford
City Clerk Richard G. Hernandez (Incumbent) City Treasurer (1 open seat) Charles Martin Carolyn Robinson
Board Member Gary Eberhart chose not to seek re-election.
Jim Bonato for City Council November 6 Jim’s Priorities: 9ƍ ƍ */1.!ƍ %/ (ƍ %/ %,(%*! 9ƍ ƍ 00. 0ƍ !3ƍ 1/%*!//!/
Jeremy Cloward
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Education
Makenna, Jeremy, Mason, & Laurie The Cloward Family
Community Involvement:
Professor of Government, PhD & 38 Year Resident
Jim
Bonato
Pleasant Hill City Council
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FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
Control deficit spending, excessive salaries, and pension liabilities.
OPEN GOVERNMENT
“Daylight� ad hoc committees and decision making.
QUALITY NEIGHBORHOODS No “stack-n-pack� 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
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September 2012
CORKS AND FORKS
Pair Up Indian Summer I adore Indian food, but even though I am an adventurous cook, I would rather leave the cooking of this cuisine to the professionals. Recently, I had the pleasure of dining at Mirch Indian Cuisine in Martinez. They offer dishes from both Northern and Southern India as well as Indochinese fusion. Their food is some of the most aromatic and flavorful I have ever eaten. Indian food’s strong flavors make it difficult to pair with wine, however, I have a few suggestions for wine pairings with classic Indian dishes, including creamy Chicken Tikka Masala or any one of the spicy Indian curries. The first wine style I recommend is a medium-bodied (read: 12-13.5% alcohol), fruit forward, off-dry white wine. A little sweetness in the wine is the best way to complement dishes with a spicy heat; highly flavored foods need fruity wines to hold up to their pungent
With La Sommelierre Maria Terry Forgoing alcohol, the true clasflavors. Look for wines like German sic drink with Indian food is Chai Riesling and Alsatian Pinot Gris. Tea. Chai Tea is made with milk and The second wine style I recomsugar, which will cool the heat from mend is a dry, fruit forward, red wine. the dishes. As you see in the recipe, the It should have good acidity and not be spices in the tea are the perfect completoo tannic or alcoholic. Tannins and ment: the classic Masala spice blend of alcohol increase the perception of spice cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, pepin a dish and the spice increases the perception of alcohol and tannin in the wine. Each will throw off the other’s balance. Grenache based wines from INGREDIENTS Southern France would work well or 1 tablespoon fennel seed lighter style Zinfandels from California. 6 green cardamom pods 12 whole cloves 1 cinnamon stick 1 (1/4 inch) piece ginger root, peeled and thinly sliced 6 black peppercorns 7 cups water 2 tablespoons Darjeeling tea 4 tablespoons brown sugar 1 cup milk
Chai Tea
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We’re Here for Any-footed Family Members
Banana Lime Mango Black Cherry Blue Bubble Gum Orange Blue Raspberry Passion Fruit Blueberry Pina Colada Cherry Pink Cotton Candy Root Beer Chocolate Coconut Rock and Roll Fruit Punch Strawberry Grape Tiger’s Blood Green Apple Tutti Frutti Lemon Watermelon
SUGAR FREE FLAVORS
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Green Apple Watermelon Orange
DIRECTIONS In a medium saucepan, combine fennel seed, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon stick, ginger root, peppercorns and water. Boil for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and steep for 10 minutes. Add the tea, bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer 5 minutes. Strain mixture, discard spices and return the tea to the saucepan. Stir in the brown sugar and milk. Serve immediately. Yield:Â 8 Servings
FLAVORS Paws. Feet. Tiny Webbed Toes.
Banana Lime Mango Black Cherry Blue Bubble Gum Orange Blue Raspberry Passion Fruit Blueberry Pina Colada Cherry Pink Cotton Candy Root Beer Chocolate Coconut Rock and Roll Fruit Punch Strawberry Grape Tiger’s Blood Green Apple Tutti Frutti Lemon Watermelon
Blue Raspberry Cherry Lime Grape
per, cumin, and clove. So, go on. Pair Up! Maria Terry is a Certified Sommelier and Wine Educator in the San Francisco Bay Area. For more great wines and information please visit Maria’s website at www.LaSommelierre.com.
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September 2012
Page 15
Senior Highlight - Livia Sargent Every community has individuals who not only hold a wealth of knowledge, but have lived remarkable lives with experiences many of us couldn’t imagine. Our quaint city of Pleasant Hill is no exception, and many of those with stories to be told can be found at the Pleasant Hill Senior Center. Meet Livia Sargent. At seventyeight years young, Livia has been a member of our Senior Center for over ten years. Born in 1934 in Budapest, Hungary, she saw many hard times including the Nazi occupation, the Allied Invasion and the rise of communism. At the young age of twelve, Livia lost her father and says, “to this day, it was the biggest blow of my life.” Three years later, in 1949, her mother remarried. Refusing to convert to communism, Livia’s stepfather was soon arrested and imprisoned. Her mother sent Livia and her sister to Switzerland. “We were refugees,” says Livia. A year later, the family was finally reunited in Austria where they remained for a year until Livia’s mother received an affidavit permitting their immigration to the United States. The affidavit, however, did not include the girls. Livia’s stepfather had never adopted them so they were not allowed to come to the U.S. That is when Livia’s mother went through every channel possible, finally contacting John Foster Dulles, U.S. Secretary of State under
Eisenhower, who officially gave the okay for the girls to come to the U.S. “There is actually a congressional record in Washington permitting our entry into this counLivia as a little girl. try,” she said. The family then settled in the Bay Area. In 1960, at age twenty-six, Livia married and moved to Concord. She had four children in four years and a fifth child three years later. In 1981, at age forty-seven, Livia got divorced. With four of the five children still living at home, Livia had to go to work to support her brood. She found a job as a secretary at the Regional Center of the East Bay. In 1994, she moved to Pleasant Hill and retired in 1997. Livia loves the Bay Area; she spends her days attending cultural events, lunching with friends and enjoying activities at the Senior Center, especially the Weight and Strength class. “I have been taking the class for twelve years and would not be in the good shape I am today without it. I particularly like the instructor, Debbie Murdock. I would not have come for so long if it wasn’t for Debbie; she has a cheerful nature and a wonderful spirit.” Livia also utilizes the Senior Cen-
Livia second from left works out at the senior center with friends.
ter’s free Care Management Program and credits Care Manager, Dana Krider, for the success of the program. “Dana is knowledgeable about so many resources and is easily accessible at the Senior Center,” says Livia. “She has her fingers in many pies.” While she loves Pleasant Hill, Livia
is now thinking about leaving the Bay Area to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren in Virginia. If she leaves, Livia will truly be missed by many of the friends she has made in the community, but no matter where she locates, she will enjoy the exciting and fulfilling journey!
Pleasant Hill Senior Activities 249 Gregory Lane (925) 798-8788
Sept. 26 - Classroom in the Community: “Fall Prevention” 10:15-11am. Free program. The first ten people to register will receive a free lunch from our CC Café, compliments of SCAN Health Plan. Otherwise, you may still reserve a meal for $2. Lunch at 11:30am. Pre-registration is required for lunch. Call 798-8788 to register. St. Andrew’s Church, 1601 Mary Dr., Pleasant Hill. Sept. 27-Oct. 11 – Cancer: Clear & Simple 11:30am -12:30pm. Registration includes a boxed lunch, informative handouts and raffle entries. Sept. 27 topic: Cancer 101- a brief overview of cancer prevention and symptoms. Oct. 4 topic: Common Cancers for Men & Women - a look at the most common cancers, recommended screenings and prevention tips. Oct. 11 topic: Living with Cancer - explores treatment options, questions you should ask your doctor and selfmanagement tips to improve quality of life. Aegis,1660 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill. $15 class fee. Pre-registration required. Series brought to you by SCAN Health Plan, Aegis & Manor Care in partnership with the Pleasant Hill Senior Center. Sept. 30 – Bunco 2-5pm. Potluck at 2pm; Bunco begins at 3pm. Fun and friendly atmosphere where no prior knowledge of the game is necessary. Buy your ticket at the Senior Center. $4 plus bring potluck item for four. VFW Building, 1919 Wendell Ln., Pleasant Hill.
Martinez Senior Activities 818 Green St. (925) 370-8770 Sept. 9 - Pancake Breakfast 8am–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. Sept. 13 - Fire Safety Presentation 10am. Mary Beth from Contra Costa County Fire Protection District will discuss: smoke detectors and fire extinguishers; kitchen fire safety and storage of hazardous materials; electrical and candle fire safety; creating an emergency escape plan; what to do in case of fire; burn treatment; home maintenance: furnace, dryer vents, etc. Open to the public, handouts & pamphlets available. Please call to register: (925) 370-8770. Sept. 30 - Fabulous Follies. Join us on our trip to the El Campanil Theatre in Antioch. This show has a lavish stage production with themes of Americana, Broadway and Hollywood. The production is an attention-getter variety show, capturing audiences’ attention with its glamour and glitz. Lunch will be at the Olive Garden prior to the show. Cost: $63. Call the center for more information and availability.
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September 2012
SPECIAL PULLOUT SECTION PROVIDED BY CP BOOSTERS
COURAGE • PRIDE
COLLEGE PARK FALL SCHEDULE BOYS & GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY
BOYS & GIRLS WATER POLO DATE
OPPONENT
Wed 9/26 Concord Wed 10/3 Northgate Wed 10/10 Clayton Valley Wed 10/17 Ygnacio Valley 10/23-10/27 DVAL Championships
DATE
SITE
Concord College Park Cowell Pool College Park College Park
Boys Varsity at 6pm & JV at 7pm, Girls Varsity at 4pm & JV at 5pm
GIRLS GOLF DATE
Fri 9/7 Tue 9/11 Thur 9/13 Tue 9/18 Tue 9/25 Tue 10/2 Thur 10/4 Thur 10/11 Mon 10/15
Match Time 3:30pm
OPPONENT
Northgate Northgate Clayton Valley Ygnacio Valley Concord Clayton Valley Ygnacio Valley Concord DVAL Championships
Wed 10/03 Wed 10/10 Wed 10/17 Wed 10/24 Fri 11/2
EVENT
Concord Newhall Park Berean, Clayton Valley Castle Rock Park Mt. Diablo Ygnacio Valley Newhall Park Northgate Newhall Park DVAL Championships Newhall Park
GIRLS TENNIS DATE
SITE
College Park Northgate Clayton Valley College Park Concord College Park Ygnacio Valley College Park Clayton Valley
SITE
Thur 9/6 Tue 9/11 Thur 9/13 Tue 9/18 Thur 9/20 Tue 9/25 Tue 10/2 Thur 10/4 Tue 10/9 Thur 10/11 Tue 10/16 Thur 10/18 10/22-10/25
Match Times at 3:30pm
OPPONENT
SITE
TIME
3:30PM 3:30PM 3:30PM 3:30PM TBA
Northgate College Park Ygnacio Valley College Park Clayton Valley College Park Mt. Diablo Mt Diablo Berean Christian Berean Christian Concord College Park Northgate Northgate Ygnacio Valley Ygnacio Valley Clayton Valley Clayton Valley Mt. Diablo College Park Berean Christian College Park Concord Concord DVAL Championships Northgate
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL DATE
Tue 9/18 Thur 9/20 Tue 9/25 Thur 9/27 Tue 10/2 Tue 10/9 Thur 10/11 Tue 10/16 Thur 10/18 Tue 10/23 Thur 10/25 Thur 11/1 11/7-11/17
OPPONENT
Ygnacio Valley Clayton Valley Mt. Diablo Berean Christian Concord Northgate Ygnacio Valley Clayton Valley College Park Berean Christian Concord Northgate Championships
SITE
College Park College Park College Park College Park College Park College Park College Park College Park Mt. Diablo Berean Christian College Park Northgate TBA
Varsity at 6:30 p.m, JV 5:00, Frosh 4:00 unless indicated otherwise
A GENEROUS THANK YOU TO OUR DEDICATED SPONSORS
BECOME A PART OF SOMETHING GREAT - JOIN THE BOOSTERS. FOR INFO GO TO WWW.CPHSBOOSTERS.COM
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September 2012
Page 17
SPECIAL PULLOUT SECTION PROVIDED BY CP BOOSTERS
HONOR • SACRIFICE
Photos Courtesy creativelookphoto.com
COLLEGE PARK FOOTBALL SCHEDULE 2012 VARSITY FOOTBALL DATE Fri 8/24 Fri 8/31 Fri 9/7 Fri 9/14 Fri 9/21 Fri 10/5 Fri 10/12 Fri 10/19 Fri 10/26 Fri 11/2
JV FOOTBALL
OPPONENT Alhambra Dougherty Valley Deer Valley (Antioch) Pinole Valley Hayward
SITE DVC DVC Deer Valley DVC Hayward
Mt. Diablo Clayton Valley Northgate Ygnacio Valley Concord
DVC 7:00 Clayton Valley 7:00 DVC 7:00 Ygnacio Valley 7:00 Concord 7:00
HOMECOMING
TIME 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00
DATE Fri 8/24 Fri 8/31 Fri 9/7 Fri 9/14 Fri 9/21 Fri 10/5 Fri 10/12 Fri 10/19 Fri 10/26 Fri 11/2
FRESHMAN FOOTBALL
OPPONENT SITE Alhambra DVC Dougherty Valley DVC Deer Valley (Antioch) Deer Valley Pinole Valley DVC Hayward Hayward
HOMECOMING
Mt. Diablo Clayton Valley Northgate Ygnacio Valley Concord
TIME 4:30 4:30 4:30 4:30 4:30
DVC 4:30 Clayton Valley 4:30 DVC 4:30 Ygnacio Valley 4:30 Concord 4:30
DATE OPPONENT Thur 9/6 Deer Valley Thur 9/20 Hayward High Thur 10/4 Mt. Diablo Thur 10/11 Clayton Valley Thur 10/18 Northgate Thur 10/25 Ygnacio Valley Thur 11/1 Concord
SITE CPHS CPHS Mt. Diablo CPHS Northgate CPHS CPHS
TIME 4:00 4:00 3:30 3:30 3:30 3:30 3:30
Home Game Played at DVC Under the Lights
A GENEROUS THANK YOU TO OUR DEDICATED SPONSORS
BECOME A PART OF SOMETHING GREAT - JOIN THE BOOSTERS. FOR INFO GO TO WWW.CPHSBOOSTERS.COM
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Page 18
HOME TEAM
September 2012
Lamorinda Baseball
DFC Wins Showcase
The Diablo FC 94 U18 boys won the U19 premier division at the Davis Legacy College Showcase July 20-22. DFC won the semi-finals against Mustang Celtic 2-0 and continued to the finals with a thrilling 3-1 victory over PAC San Jose Tigres. Submitted by Pete Schoemann.
Pictured are: Head Coach Chris Rodd, Andy Altamirano, Yojay Basulto, Nicolas Bob, Dalton Depolo, Austin Gamm, Danny Glascock, Emmanuel Jimenez, Andrew Jurecki, Jack Karleskind, Tommy Lisiak, Damian Martinez, Jonathan Massimino, Ben Panconi, Tommy (TP) Powell,Migail (Faris) Riva, Conrad Rowling, Peter Schoemann and Max Shore.
Heritage Crush
The Heritage Crush 12U girls’ team recently had a blast traveling to Southern California for a tournament in Huntington Beach. The squad finished with three wins and one loss. The lone defeat came in the championship game. Down 3-0 in the second half, the girls stormed back with two goals to make the score 3-2, but simply ran out of time against the tough Sand & Surf team from Manhattan Beach.
Back Row L/R: Coach Breanna Lisle and Coach Cesar Chavez. Middle Row L/R: Evie Kim, Ally Carroll, Jasmine Safarians, Sophie Harrington, Elizabeth Dutton, Natalie Ahearn and Samantha Pearson. Front Row L/R: Rachel George, Samantha Gingrich, Jilliann Waters, Bailey Matthews, Jaycee Armosino, Cait Mendelssohn, Megan Hood and Megan Clifton. Photo and information submitted by Andy Armosino.
The Lamorinda 16U baseball team lead by manager Andy Tarpley, had a great run in Marietta, Georgia at the end of July. Playing in the Continental Amateur Baseball Association World Series in a weeklong 56-team tournament, the team reached the Elite 8 before coming up a little bit short in the double elimination final round. The tournament featured some of the best 16U baseball players in the country. The Lamorinda team was represented by players from several high schools including: Acalanes, Bentley, Campolindo, College Park, De La Salle, Northgate, Rancho Cotate (Santa Rosa), Redmond (Redmond, Oregon) and Vacaville.
From L to R: Chris Brown, Jack Coburn, Tyler Sanberg, Andy Tarpley (Manager), Scott Hroza, Zach Stromberg, Trevor Larnach, Collin Runge, Willy MacIver, Kyle Graham, Isaias Arenal Jr., Blake Hannah, Kyle Lally, Spencer Johnson and Ben Skinner.
PHBA All Star 8U
This Pleasant Hill All Star team had an outstanding post-season! They took first place at the Fremont Baseball Tournament over the 4th of July holiday, defeating Castro Valley in the championship game 14-0. In mid-July, the All Stars proceeded to the championship game at the Northern Regional Championship Manteca Heat Tournament, where they took second place overall out of fourteen select teams. Congratulations to the 8U All Stars! They represented PHBA proudly and brought home this amazing trophy!
Front Row, left to right: Cole McClaskey, Dominic Roca, Sebastian Fowler, Jack Mullane, Bob Aivazian, Josh Smith. Middle Row: Jordon De Alba, Luke Longmire, John Peterson, Peter Berardini, Logan Algar. (Not pictured) Aidan Payne-Kraus, Caden Barger, Logan Gomez. Back Row: Coach Carlo Roca, Coach Mike Mullane, Coach Eric McClaskey, Coach Joe Aivazian. Photo and story submitted by Sandy McClaskey.
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9/30/12
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September 2012
Page 19
Martinez Historical Society New Set of Postcards Available The Martinez Historical Society has printed thirteen new postcards and they are available at the Martinez Museum at 1005 Escobar Street. There is a color post card of the museum, which is located in the Borland Home, built in 1890 to serve as both a residence and dentist office. The remaining twelve post cards are reproductions of vintage photographs of Martinez History. One postcard is a wonderful 1930’s downtown scene, looking west down Main Street from the corner of Court Street. We’ve included a postcard of the Veterans’ Memorial Hall with a 1936 Ford Cabriolet parked in front. The Veterans Memorial Hall was authorized in 1919, dedicated in 1923, and founded in 1926 to the memory of all veterans. The hall had Martinez’s first swimming pool located in the basement. The pool is still there, under a wood platform that serves as the floor of the basement meeting
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By Gay Gerlack room. Station, which gave the name to Muir With the recent multi-decade AlStation Road. hambra High School reunion, many will One postcard is a view of the Southenjoy the postcard of Alhambra High ern Pacific Railroad Bridge filtered School. The school was built in 1921 and through the trees from the old Martinezjudging from the cars parked in front, Bay Point Highway, now known as the photo was probably taken just before, Marina Vista. during, or right after World War II. There is a view of the Martinez Har Allen’s Garage is featured circa 1925. bor when it was a deep-water port, full Drive down Pacheco Boulevard to Shell of sailing ships bringing supplies to the Avenue and you can see the structure, still gold fields and exporting the agricultural there and in use today. products of Contra Costa County. Always a favorite, the Old Train The fishing industry is illustrated Depot, built in 1877 when the railroad in a scene featuring drying fishing nets service began in Martinez, is also one of and a three-masted “bark” in the harbor. our cards. The photo was taken before The foreground shows a fisherman with the waiting room was added and shows two young girls. Barks were engine-less, the second story station agent’s quarters. square-rigged ships, designed to effiThe second story was destroyed in a 1940 ciently catch the wind and haul freight fire. A second postcard of the Old Train across the oceans of the world. The Depot is a view from the east end of the square-riggers were difficult to steer in station and shows the freight area. At coastal waters and gave way to the more the height of train travel, Martinez had two stations: the downtown depot, which burned down in 1941 and the Muir Train
maneuverable schooners. The Martinez-Benicia Ferry is pictured in one of the postcards. Today, the ferry is gone, but its memory lingers on as a street name: Ferry Street. Ferry Street is the thoroughfare to the Martinez Marina. Robert Semple established the ferry between Benicia and Martinez in 1847. The last postcard in the set is of the Martinez-Benicia Railroad Bridge across the Carquinez Strait. The bridge was constructed in 1930 and was the largest railroad bridge west of the Mississippi, with a span of over 5,600 feet. The postcards can be purchased individually or in a full set, including the color postcard of the Borland Home (Museum). The museum’s hours are: Tuesday and Thursday, 11:30 am to 3pm and the first four Sundays of the month, 1pm to 4pm. Please call 925-228-8160 to confirm the museum is open.
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September 2012
Shell Oil Products US Martinez Refinery Presents
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Sept. 22 & 23, 2012 10am-5pm on Main St.
Chalk Artists • Community Chalk Area Arts & Crafts Booths • Italian Wine Tasting Italian Music & Entertainment Beer & Wine Bocce • Food Sunday Farmers’ Market Main Street Martinez www.mainstreetmartinez.org or call (925) 228-3577 Shell Oil Products US Martinez Refinery MARTY OʻS Concessions & Catering “A Menu for Every Budget”
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September 2012
Page 21
Rec and Park Groundbreaking Ceremony The official groundbreaking ceremony for Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District’s new Community Center took place on Wednesday, August 8. The ceremony was held at 320 Civic Drive, adjacent to the Pleasant Hill Police Station and the YMCA. At the board meeting on July 25, Recreation and Park District board members voted to award the Community Center bond project to DL Falk Construction, Inc.
At a special meeting on May 29 the District went out for rebidding after the board rejected all bids for the Community Center. Their decision to rebid was due to the lowest bid coming in $1.6 million over the set construction budget of $8.2 million. Construction began in August with the goal of opening the Community Center in the winter of 2013. For weekly updates and information on all of our bond projects, go to www.pleasanthill-
Bobby Glover, Faye Donaghu, Norma Flaskerud, Tina Young, Jim Alkire, David Deutscher, Matt Rinn, June Catalano, Mayor Hanecak, Jim Bonato and Bob Berggren. Photo by SusanWoodphotography.com
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rec.com or follow us at facebook.com/ pleasanthillrec. Over 100 community members came to the Community Center location to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony. Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District’s Board Chairman Dennis Donaghu thanked major donors: Rotary Club of Pleasant Hill, Soroptimist of Diablo
Vista, Pleasant Hill Lions Club and individual donor, Hal Jeffrey’s, who already contributed to the fundraising campaign with naming opportunities at the Community Center. Naming opportunities are still available. For more information, contact Tina Young, Recreation Superintendent at 925-682-0896 ext. 11 or tyoung@pleasanthillrec.com.
The future of Pleasant Hill. Photo by SusanWoodphotography.com.
Rec and Park Updates
New Classes and No More Online Fees! Don’t forget to check out “The Spotlight,” Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District’s new program guide for the latest classes, activities and events starting this month. From aquatics to team sports and activities for seniors, Pleasant Hill Rec is always adding something fresh for you to try. A small sampling of what’s new includes: Yoga for Kids, Academy of Future Space Explorers, So You’re Thinking about Getting a Puppy?, Kiln Fired Glass, Understanding How to Work with your Dreams, and many more activities and events. Our activities go beyond the borders of Pleasant Hill as well. If you’re looking to get out of town or perhaps even out of the country, then be sure to check out our Adult Trips. They span from day trips to museums to cruising Alaska. And for the more adventurous of you, join us as we Discover Panama and embark on the
Plains of Africa in 2013. From large to small and easy to adventurous, we have all of your recreation needs covered. And now, to make it even easier to register for classes, we have eliminated our online convenience fees. Avoid lines and get what you want when you want it by visiting www.pleasanthillrec.com. Fall/Winter 2012
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Page 22
September 2012
Getting Ready for Release At the wildlife hospital at Lindsay Wildlife Museum our focus is getting injured or orphaned wild animals back into their natural home. Adult animals come into the hospital either injured or ill. They have already lived in the wild and have the necessary survival skills. After treating the animals, we make sure all their parts work, wings extend all the way and flap, all limbs are functional and they can eat, see and hear. We house these animals in enclo-
By Susan Heckly, Lindsay Wildlife Museum sures that let them rebuild strength and is in front of them. After treating these stamina and allow us to evaluate their animals for any injuries or problems, we progress. Except for migratory birds durgive them the opportunity to learn their ing the migration period, adult animals needed skills. Without parents displaying are released near the location where they the skills, it takes these young animals were found because they are likely to have longer to learn than it would with parents established territories there. because the process becomes one of trial Young animals come in either and error in a protected enclosure. We injured or ill, or they come in healthy and house animals in groups of the same without injuries but just too young to species so they to learn to communicate survive out of the nest or without parents. with others of their kind. In groups, they These animals have never lived in the can also learn other skills from watching wild without their parents and have not each other. For example, if one kestrel yet developed necessary survival skills. starts eating mealworms, other hungry Many come to us without being able to kestrels will be more likely to come over feed themselves, even if the correct food to investigate what’s going on. Most survival skills seem instinctive. Take domestic house cats for example. Even after thousands of years of being domesticated, they still readily hunt small animals, even when well fed and not hungry. Our young wild animals need to be given enough time to learn from experimenting with those instincts. In addition to having all the skills
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Read My Mind
Page 23
©
Book Reviews by Michael G. Harris, OD him, we see evidence throughout the book ten calling their work that he felt abandoned. This appears to have “junk.” (He used had a significant impact on his personal stronger words that and professional relationships. The mystery I won’t repeat in this of the man is enhanced by his reluctance to family publication.) acknowledge his own illegitimate daughter, Obsessed with yet he chose to name the “Lisa” computer perfection, Jobs would after her. delay the introduc The book spans the fifty-six years of tion of a new product his all too short life. We learn how he and to correct a minor defect that affected neiSteve Wozniak met at a computer club and ther its outward appearance nor its perforstarted Apple in his parents’ garage. Woz mance. Taking a lesson from his adoptive father, a master machinist, Jobs insisted that was the engineering wizard and Jobs was the entrepreneur. One of their earliest inthe inside of a device be as perfect as the ventions was a digital “Blue Box” that could outside. simulate the ring tones needed to make free Jobs was a modern virtuoso in how long-distance phone calls from dial telehe developed and marketed his products. phones. (Remember them?) Woz did the He was also a terribly flawed individual troubled by demons. He was the illegitimate engineering and Jobs figured out how they could make the device profitable. son of graduate students at the University A turning point in Jobs’ life was his of Wisconsin, and although Jobs knew he decision to drop out of Reed College and was adopted by a couple that truly loved spend time working on a friend’s apple farm. (I’ve always wondered why he named his company “Apple.”) We follow him All kinds of Interior and Exterior handyman projects. to India where he tries to “find himself.”
Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson In describing the perplexities of understanding Russia, Winston Churchill once called that country “a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma.” After reading Walter Isaacson’s latest bestseller Steve Jobs, the same could be said about the subject of this engrossing biography. We all know Steve Jobs as the creator of Apple and the iPhone. What I didn’t know was how complex and capricious he was. As he did in his previous bestsellers Ben Franklin and Einstein, author Walter Isaacson has done his homework. Through scores of interviews with Jobs, his friends, family, and co-workers, Isaacson paints a picture of a troubled genius who often exhibited the interpersonal skills of a brick wall. Constantly expecting perfection from all around him, Jobs offered little praise and much criticism of his co-workers, of-
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When he returns seven months later, he is an unkempt hippie who believes his vegan diet eliminated the need to use deodorant or shower regularly. His new co-workers couldn’t have disagreed more, but rather than getting fired, he was reassigned to the night shift where he could work alone. The stories of the iMac, the iPhone, and the iPad are fascinating. We also witness Jobs’ failures and triumphs with ventures like NeXT and Pixar. The most troubling aspect of the book for me was the tragedy of his untimely death. Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Jobs thought he could beat it with diet and acupuncture. Unfortunately, he was wrong. When he went back to his doctor nine months later, the cancer had spread and become untreatable. I kept asking myself, how a man could be so obviously brilliant but risk everything he had by not treating his illness sooner? No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t come up with an answer. Maybe that’s why Steve Jobs remains “a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma.”
Page 24
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September 2012
In the Mix If you’ve been around the music scene in the last twenty years, you must have seen Dan DeShara. I refer to him as “the hardest working musician in Central Contra Costa.” He’s definitely not an artist who compromises his musical integrity (you will not hear “Brick House” at one of his shows,) and he’s also a very genuine and nice human being. (Because of paparazzi and legal issues, I met with him at an undisclosed location.) DeShara was literally born on Music St. in New Orleans, but later moved to San Francisco to pursue a musical career. He’s played in the popular San Francisco band The Lloyds and the East Bay cover band The Buzztones. He now plays acoustic guitar in his “foot stompin’, good time” band, LUMBERYARD. PC: What inspired you to become a musician? DD: First of all, I finally made it to Community Focus! Just yesterday, I was talking to another musician about how I found listening to and then trying to play music as a sort of medicinal salve I could spread over myself (less odoriferous than the mustard poultice). All of the sudden people treated me differently and I was included in more “teenage activities” like playing solo electric guitar in front of other youths in my Lutheran church’s “Senior League.” I could express myself better emotionally through songs than I could in other more traditional ways (writing a novel, temporal spoken word montages, etc). Plus, The Beatles were all the rage back then and who did not want to be a Beatle? My older brother Nick made fun of my impersonation of Paul McCartney singing the gravelly part in “Oh Darling,” so I guess his scarring critique was the real inspiration. I had to
By Paul Cotruvo show him! been extremely rewarding. Also having PC: How old were you and where did you my girlfriend Channing Dahl sing with have your first paid gig? me is a dream come true. I play mostly DD: My first gig was with my friends acoustic these days and am grateful to James Petterson, Sheridan Oakes and Joe be able to do something I’ve loved doing Cassilas. We may have been called Specsince I first picked up a guitar. Plus, the trum (which was misspelled as Spectum community of musicians and friends in on our banner). I was a sophomore at Contra Costa is unique and I feel lucky to Cortez High and we were playing “Bang be included. a Gong” at a dance. I literally, metaphoriPC: What have been some of your favorite cally and physically blew the sax-nowmoments in your career so far? guitar solo at the end of the song, one half DD: To call it a career would be downstep up from the original key, and cleared right boastful, but I would have to say the gymnasium with the putrid stink of playing the Rheem Theatre in Moraga failure plus an added noxious layer of with The Buzztones and having Rob public embarrassment. This occasionally Schneider bring a busload of people from happens to this day. The Punchline comedy club after his PC: What do you think of the music scene show and then doing his Elvis imperhere in Contra Costa? sonation has to be a high water mark. DD: I was grandfathered into The Also, The Buzztones played a Halloween Buzztones in the cold, hard winter in party for Industrial Light & Magic just November of ‘82 (we lost a lot of cattle before Jurassic Park came out and that that year)... I had joined the SF band was wicked fun. I’ve also had some subThe Lloyds, which Buzztone guitarist lime moments at the Pyramid Brewery Dave Martin and drummer Alan Thiele in Walnut Creek. This is what music is all were part of. Dave was one of the first about...pure, shared joy in a perfect setpeople to encourage me to sing and so I ting full of people hopefully feeling what quit the “acting shy crap” and threw the we are feeling. singing gauntlet down. I replaced bassPC: Finally, if you were a song, what song ist Pat Jacobson in a somewhat Ringo Starr - Pete Best uproar. I was not as cute nor did I have the bass guitar chops or singing ability of Pat. What I did have was lots and lots of gelled hair! AND, in the popular bi-level cut of that golden era! I received many “oh brother” looks from guitarist Ken Cooper as I flubbed my way through songs I had not taken the time to learn properly. Why do that when I had such monumental hair? The Buzztones still do occasional gigs together. Fast forward to present time: cover music in most clubs/bars seems to be an afterthought; difficult if not impossible to compete with an HDTV On the other hand, playing with top caliber musicians in my cover band LUMBERYARD has
PAUL’S PICKS FOR SEPTEMBER September 2 - The Bell Brothers and LUMBERYARD, Pleasant Hill Sunset by the Lake, City Hall, Gregory & Cleveland, 3pm September 8 - Delta Wires, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm September 15 - The Famous Three-O, Dallimonti’s, 1932 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill, 9:30pm September 16 - Dream Posse, 2-3:30pm; Cover2Cover, 4pm – 6pm, Lafayette Art & Wine Festival
would you be and why? DD: Wow, you are asking some hardball questions! I tend to be melancholy by nature (as opposed to naughty) and a large number of post-relationship people come to my shows to weep openly into their mojitos as I sing my sad, cautiously optimistic songs. As a tweener, I liked the lusty baritone of Gary Puckett, Scott Walker and BJ Thomas. Could I sing in such a forthright lusty manner? Apparently not... but I could do a decent Tommy Roe (see above, “Dizzy”). Also was digging Ian Gillian’s “Garden of Gethsemane” and Murray Head’s “Heaven on Their Minds” from Jesus Christ Superstar. What voices! I was going to say something corny like “The Long and Winding Road” as my “song” but really it would have to be “Sympathy For The Devil”. Great singing, deep, era encapsulating lyrics, wicked, and I mean wicked, guitar solo. That would be a fine song to be. PLUS, this was the first song I ever played for my mother who maintained an amused, approving face throughout even the most sardonic passages. Look for Dan’s gig’s at www.lumberyardtheband.com.
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September 2012
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Page 25
Get your RESTAURANT FEATURED in Community Focus Call 925-335-NEWS (6397) or email info@ourcommunityfocus.com
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Page 26
Learn, Listen, Then Act By Gigi Chen MD September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month and the Foundation for Women’s Cancer reminds everyone to LEARN about risk factors, LISTEN to your body for symptoms and ACT to reduce your risk and take preventive steps. Steady medical progress has been made in the field of the three most prevalent gynecologic cancers: cervical, ovarian and uterine. Cervical cancer is preventable and most often caused by HPV (Human Papilloma Virus). Most often there are no symptoms. Watch for bleeding after intercourse or excessive discharge or bleeding between periods. Recommendations include getting vaccinated for the HPV virus before becoming sexually active, getting regular Pap tests when recommended and not smoking. Uterine/Endometrial Cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer. It usually occurs around the time of menopause, but younger women are also at risk. The Pap test does not screen for uterine cancer, so family history of endometrial or colon cancer should be shared with your primary care physician. The use of estrogen alone or tamoxifen are possible risk factors. Symptoms to watch for are bleeding after menopause and abnormal, irregular or very heavy vaginal bleeding in younger women. If you have these symptoms, you should receive an endometrial biopsy. You can also reduce
your risk by managing your weight and keeping your blood pressure and blood sugar under control. One in seventy-one women will develop ovarian cancer. There is no screening for ovarian cancer and only 15% are detected at the earliest most curable stage. Knowing one’s family history of ovarian and breast cancer is important. Infertility and not bearing children are risk factors, while pregnancy and the use of birth control pills decrease risk. If you have symptoms such as bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, urinary urgency or frequency almost daily for more than a few weeks, and these symptoms are persistent and unusual for you, it is important to report them to your primary care physician. Help the women in your life understand and reduce the risks for these cancers. It is through symptom recognition that the earliest possible diagnosis can be made. Gigi Chen, MD is a Medical Oncologist and Hematologist with Diablo Valley Oncology. Dr. Chen focuses on treating patients with gynecologic cancer, lung cancers and blood disorders. Diablo Valley Oncology’s comprehensive cancer center is located at the California Cancer and Research Institute in Pleasant Hill. For more information call 925-677-5041.
September 2012
A BART Workout Leg Strengthening By Tonya Marie Amos, Aspire Pilates Do you commute on BART? Wear comfortable shoes to get some great leg work in on your journey. Walk briskly from your car, skip the escalator, and if you have enough time before your train comes, walk those stairs several times. While standing on the train, you can practice gentle one leg balances and small knee bends without anyone even noticing. If you’re lucky enough to snag a much-coveted seat, take advantage of your rest time to get in some leg strengthening. These four, seated exercises are so subtle that your neighbor won’t even look up from their book. Do each exercise enough times to feel some work, then switch legs. 1) Sit up straight, pull your belly in towards your spine, then place one of your shins under the seat in front of you. Gently push upward against the seat, contracting the quadricep muscles, then release. 2) With a bent knee, firmly plant one foot on the ground. Feel as if your foot is gently digging into the ground, then sliding closer to your body. This motion activates the hamstrings, which, along with the quadriceps, support the knee and hip joints. 3) With your whole foot on the floor, lengthen one leg out again, until it’s almost straight. Lift your
heel up and down several times, keeping your toes on the floor. This exercise, similar to a standing heel raise, tones the calf muscles. 4) Bend your knee again, then tap your foot like you’re listening to music. This contracts the muscles of the front, lower leg that support the ankle. Turn your BART ride into a focused leg workout, which will yield great results by the end of the quarter. Remember to check with your doctor to make sure that these exercises are appropriate for you, then go for it. Riding public transportation will have your body and the environment thanking you. Tonya Marie Amos danced professionally in New York for 15 years before opening her studio, Aspire Pilates Center in Concord. For more information, contact please call (925) 680-4400 or go to www.AspirePilatesCenter.com.
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Page 27
Produce Overload - Not a Problem As the dog days of summer hit and the mercury vacillates between too hot and way too hot, cooking and eating can become a wee bit of a tired out chore. At the same time, harvests across the state and in our yards kick into psycho mode by providing crazy amounts of produce that needs to be consumed before rotting on the vine. These harvests leave us guilt ridden for wasting anything we planted months ago, watered incessantly, chased varmints away from and babied. Overloaded tomato vines can be a stressor, but don’t despair. Making and canning fresh tomato sauce or salsa is really easy. Make your favorite cooked tomato sauce or make mine! Sauté chopped onions, peppers and garlic in olive oil in a big pot. Take your massive amount of ripening-before-your-eyes tomatoes and puree in your food processor or blender. I do not,
By Lesley Stiles repeat, do not peel or seed my tomatoes and neighbors hide and close their drapes unless one of my French chef instructors when they see you approach with your litis breathing down my neck and will hit me tle basket of offerings, it is time for a differfor it if I don’t. Unless you are repulsed by ent approach. Zucchini freezes well, so you the fiber and texture of seeds and peel, just can grate and freeze all you need for cakes boldly puree them and throw into your pot and bread all winter. They also are deliwith the other glistening, sweet-smelling cious grilled and sprinkled with chopped ingredients. Add some red wine if you fresh mint and chopped onions. Additionlike or some rice vinegar to give it a kick ally, they make a great sauce with chopped and then cook for about fifteen minutes. tomatoes, basil and shredded parmesan Throw in copious amounts of fresh herbs, cheese. Use the same method as the tomachopped fine. Now comes the best choice to sauce and can or freeze. Pickled cucumpart: either put the sauce into sterilized jars ber is a perfect addition to al fresco dinand process in a water bath for 15 minutes ners as the heat subsides into evening. Slice or just freeze in Ziploc bags and pull out cukes and red onions and cover with seaas needed ALL WINTER LONG! How soned rice vinegar and chopped mint. Or, amazing is that to have your garden with slice cucumber and toss with lemon peel you all winter!? Alternatively, if you are and juice, chopped basil and garlic. Let sit completely overwhelmed, you can wash for an hour or so in the fridge to “pickle.” and cut tomatoes either in half or quarters, Pickled peppers are fun too. Sterilize your place in Ziplocs and freeze, then just pull jars and pack peppers into them with garout every time you make soup or sauce. lic and sliced onion. Pour a hot brine over Equally amazing. Too much squash? If your friends
New Wednesday Farmers’ Market Market organizer, Karen Stiles, hopes to catch the lunch crowd as well as the commuters on Wednesdays at the Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre BART station She has rounded up 16 farmers and a dozen food vendors for an ample display of the region’s seasonal offerings as well as some really yummy prepared foods. Get the weekend off to a great start with this great Wednesday market! When: Wednesdays from 11am - 6pm Where: Pleasant Hill BART station at the Contra Costa Centre Transit Village Info: Karen Stiles Email: stileskl@msn.com; call: (925) 639-2799
Crescent Dr. at Downtown Plaza
Saturdays, SSa aatturddaays, 9 aam-1 m--11 ppm m • RRain aiinn oorr SShine hine fb.com/PleasantHillFarmersMarket
All September: Enter our kids Fall Coloring Contest to win Halloween pumpkins for your family and a pumpkin carving kit! Pick up a coloring sheet at the info booth and return it by September 22! CITY OF PLEASANT HILL
Your Food, Your Community, Your Farmers’ Market
THE GARDEN
them of equal parts vinegar, water and salt to fill jar to ½ inch from the top. Put lids on and process in a water bath for 10 minutes. Be prepared to claim ownership of those peppers when you serve the nachos they will adorn. Uh huh…just saying. There is also another great choice for too much food from your garden. Take it to the food bank! Sign up at Sustainable Contra Costa and join the gleaners in our area. Take it to the local Loaves and Fishes kitchen. Join your local Slow Food Movement, Slow Food Delta Diablo and talk big harvests with other members. However we do it, we are both fortunate and blessed to have produce overload. Enjoy it! 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.
Grilled Zucchini w/ Lemon, Mint and Red Onions
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest 4 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint 2 tablespoons chopped red onion Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper.
Directions:
Mix the oil, garlic, zest and salt and pepper together. Evenly coat the zucchini in this mixture and place on a hot grill. Grill for 4 to 5 minutes. Turn over and grill 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from grill and place on platter. Sprinkle w/ mint and onions. Serve hot or at room temperature. Serves 4.
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Page 28
September 2012
Concert Pianist Gregory Taboloff Pleasant Hill concert pianist and composer Gregory Taboloff will debut as guest soloist with the California Symphony on September 30 at the Dean Lesher Center of the Arts in Walnut Creek. Under Maestro Robert Moody as conductor, Taboloff will open the 2012-2013 series with Rachmaninoff’s renowned Piano Concerto No. 2. Taboloff has played at the Lesher Center on many occasions and been a guest soloist with the Diablo Symphony and Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra. Taboloff won his first state competition when he was only fifteen, received countless prizes throughout years of travel in California, and represented the United States in two prestigious international competitions, the Tchaikovsky in Moscow and the Queen Elisabeth in Brussels. Taboloff studied at the San Francisco Conservatory, earned his masters at the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore, and debuted at Carnegie Hall when he was twenty-eight, receiving critical acclaim from New York Times’ critic Tim Page who praised “his irrepressible energy, poetry and genuine introspection.” He has been called a “wunderkind at the keyboard” and Sovetskaya Muzyka (Soviet Music magazine) wrote that he “plays with all the con-
By Alison Clary A committed fundraiser, Taboloff once generated over $100,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation when he played three piano concertos at the Symphony Under the Stars at Wente Winery in Livermore. Popular with the public and critics alike, Taboloff premiered his magnum opus, Piano Concerto No. 1, “The Russian” at the Dean Lesher after which the Contra
Costa Times headline declared: “Bravos greet world premiere before a wildly enthusiastic audience.” When not performing or composing, Taboloff enjoys being an avid long-distance cyclist and teaching his own award-winning students from around the East Bay at his piano studios in Pleasant Hill and San Ramon.
As one of the service organizations at the heart of this community, we are excited to reach out to potential new members by offering a membership dinner on October 17, 2012. If you are interested in exploring the idea of joining the Pleasant Hill Lions Club, we welcome you! Recently, the Lions Club provided a barbeque lunch to forty-five children enrolled in Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District summer programs. The PH Lions will be providing breakfast for approximately 600 volunteers on September 22
for the City of Pleasant Hill’s Service Day at Pleasant Hill Park. The club recently installed new officers. Outgoing President Ken Wombacher passed the gavel to incoming President Don Flaskerud and his new board: Thierry Giuchard – Treasurer, Rich Henne – Secretary, and Sherry Sterrett – 1st Vice President. For more information on this club, please visit the website at www.phlionsclub. org. To RSVP for the October 17 dinner, please call (925) 222-5068 or email LionsClubPH@gmail.com. RSVP by October 11.
Lions Club Turns 60!
viction of a great Russian pianist.” Taboloff has performed in numerous television and radio shows and had the pleasure of playing for many famous people. At the 13th California Independent Film Festival gala in 2010, he played pieces from the films Amadeus and The Competition for lifetime honorees Richard Dreyfuss and movie producer Saul Zaentz. He has also given a command performance for England’s Prime Minister Edward Heath at the Blackhawk Country Club and was interviewed by KDFC’s Dianne Nicolini when she showcased his Rare Russian Masterpieces CD.
Would You Like:
• To Enhance Your Life Personally or Professionally? • To Be Involved in Your Community? • To Do Things for Others? • To Develop New Friendships and Have Fun?
Local Choir Winner
Suzanne Olsen of Walnut Creek brought home the gold when she participated at the recent 7th World Choir Games held July 4-14 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her quartet, Canzonet, won first place and wowed the international crowds in the Open Competition’s inaugural Barbershop category. The Games began in 2000 in Linz, Austria as the first Choir Olympics. They have continued biennially since then as the World Choir Games, which is often cited as the “Olympics of choral music.” 2012 was the first time the Games have been held in the Western Hemisphere, as 20,000 participants representing 400 choirs from 70 countries descended on Cincinnati, demonstrating a unity of nations through the arts. Suzanne is a member of Diablo Vista Chorus, a chapter of Sweet Adelines In-
ternational. The other members of Canzonet - Julie Starr, Laura Bode and Chris Jacobs - are also members of Bay Area Sweet Adelines choruses. Canzonet has been singing together for more than two years and won silver in the Barbershop Championship category at the San Jose’s Bay Area Showcase Chorus. They came in second at Sweet Adelines International’s Region 12 competition in spring 2012. Canzonet will be featured on the next Diablo Vista Chorus show, “SingA-Bration! The World Tour,” scheduled for December 1 at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Theater.
Diablo Vista Chorus, under the direction of Randy Meyer, welcomes women of all ages who love to sing to join them in singing a cappella four-part harmony. Auditions are held at their rehearsals, Tuesday evenings, 7:15 pm, at 860 Bancroft Road (near Treat), in Walnut Creek. For more information, check the chorus website: www.diablovistachorus.net.
Pleasant Hill Lions Club
Remember: What you give in life, is what you get back!
Lions Motto:
Pleasant Hill Lions Club is having a membership dinner for those interested in exploring joining this award-winning organization. All adults are welcome.
WE SERVE
WHEN: WHERE:
Celebrating 60 years of service to Pleasant Hill
Wed., October 17, 6:30 pm Jack’s Restaurant 60 Crescent Drive Pleasant Hill, California Complimentary dinner will be provided.
To RSVP call (925) 222-5068 or email: LionsClubPH@gmail.com
Pleasant Hill Lions Club raises funds to give back to the community and supports the visually impaired. www.PHLionsClub.org
September 2012
events Now - Oct. 25 - Martinez Farmers’ Market Thursdays, 10am-2pm. Court St., between Main & Escobar St. Year Round - Sundays, 10am2pm. Main St. between Castro & Ferry St. Pleasant Hill Farmers’ Market Saturdays - November 17. 9am to 1pm. Downtown Pleasant Hill. Visit: www.pcfma.com or more information. 9/2 – 9/27 Art exhibit by California West Fine Artists at Lindsay Dirkx Brown Gallery, San Ramon Community Center, 12501 Alcosta Blvd, San Ramon. Visitors invited to meet artists at opening reception 9/8, 2-4pm. Artists are local East Bay residents who meet weekly to paint en plein air. Paintings in oil, watercolor, acrylic and mixed media will be on exhibit. Free; hours are M-Th 8:30am9pm; Fri 8:30am-5pm, Sat-Sun (call for hours 973-3200). For more info visit: http://jadefonpainters.blogspot.com. 9/5 – May 2013 - Community Bible Study – A 30-week interdenominational in-depth study of “Gospel of Mark & Letter to the Ephesians.” The Women’s Day Class meets Wed. 9:15 – 11:15am. Kathy Roberts, Teaching Director. First Presbyterian Church of Concord, 1965 Colfax St., Concord. Children’s program: infants - 5 yrs., Elementary Program: 6yrs. - teens. Homeschoolers welcome. For info: call Diane at (925) 370-7525 or visit CBS website: www.communitybiblestudy.org. 9/7 – Plaza Concert and Wine Walk 5:308:30pm. Downtown Pleasant Hill. Wine walk begins at 5:30pm and concert featuring The Fundamentals begins at 6:30pm. 9/10 - Valley Stitchers and Fiber Arts Guild -10am. Chris Palmer will show his “Shadowfold” technique of geometric designs in fabric using an origami technique. Please arrive ahead of the 10am meeting to view the fabric exchange table. Faith Lutheran Church, 50 Woodsworth Lane, Pleasant Hill. Contact: Sheila Rogstad at 925-945-1338. 9/18 – FPHE Restaurant Walk 5:30-8pm. Enjoy signature cuisine samples from the Crescent Drive restaurants, live music, family fun, special prize drawing. Plenty of parking. $20/adults, $5 children ages 5-12. Tickets available online at: www.fphe.org or at the door. Crescent Drive in Pleasant Hill.
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Page 29
Calendar 9/19 - The Society of American Magicians Assembly #112 meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Open to all! Round Table Pizza, 7pm, 2960 Treat Blvd., Concord. Join us this month and learn magic! Contact Fred at (925) 451-1292. 9/20 – 9/22 - C&M Party Props “Blowout Inventory Overstock Sale” 8am-1pm. Join Andy, Michelle & staff at 1942 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Walnut Creek (behind The Bar Method & across from Lakeshore Learning Store). Contact Michelle: 510-508-0226 or Ingrid: 925-766-0807. 9/29 – Fiesta Italiana at Viano Winery 3:30 to 6:30pm. Sponsored by the Pleasant Hill – Martinez Branch of the American Association of University Women. Spend a September afternoon on the lovely grounds of the Viano Winery in Martinez. Wine tasting will be cohosted by the Viano Winery, who will provide their complimentary, engraved wine glasses. A fine Italian dinner follows. Tickets are on sale for $35 each. Proceeds go to the AAUW’s educational funds. Reservations before September 22 by contacting Joy Barden at 9357188 or Marilyn Thelen at 228-2600. This is a popular event and tickets are limited. 10/7 – Native Plant Sale Extravaganza 10am – 4pm. Shop at eight different locations for those hard-to-find natives at the right time of year to plant them. (Natives will be sold in Berkeley, Concord, Moraga, Oakland, Orinda, Richmond, San Lorenzo, and San Pablo.) Attendance is free, registration is required. Visit www.bringingbackthenatives.net. Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour is sponsoring a series of Fall Select Tours. Eight exclusive, guided tours of inspirational native plant gardens will be offered throughout September and October. $30 per person/tour. Tours are limited to groups of 30 and will fill fast. Register now to reserve your space. (No refunds or exchanges.) To register and select a tour, visit: www.bringingbackthenatives.net. Do you have a garden to offer for the Sunday, May 5, 2013 Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour? (Gardens must be located in Alameda or Contra Costa counties, contain 60% or more native plants, be free of synthetic pesticides, and conserve water.) If this describes your garden, please fill out the online application (www.bringingbackthenatives.net) and mail it and your native plant list in soon.
10/13 Martinez Home Tour - 10am - 4pm. The Martinez Historical Society has completed the selection of 8 private homes to be on the Tour – homes representing the architecture of both the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Tour will begin at the historic Shell Clubhouse with its intact Craftsman interior, will include 3 museums, and will end at John Muir’s Victorian mansion. A variety of exhibits, displays and live music have been added to the event. The Home Tour provides provides funds for the restoration of the old Train Station in Martinez – an historic building dating back to 1877. Free parking at Shell Club House and transportation to the homes will be provided. Visit www.martinezhometour.com for a review of past home tours.
At the library Pleasant Hill: Tuesdays - Doorstep Farmers Pick Up 5-7pm. Sign up with Doorstep Farmers, a local CSA, at www.doorstepfarmers.com. All subscribers will receive a 5% discount for choosing Pleasant Hill Library as their pick-up location. Wednesdays - Mother Goose Storytime 11:15-11:45pm. Ages 0-3. Thursdays - Preschool Storytime 11:1511:45am. Ages 3-5. Fridays - Mother Goose Storytime 11:1511:45pm & 1:15-1:45pm. Ages 0-3. Fridays - Contra Costa Teen Chess Club 3-5pm. Instruction, friendly matches, and tournaments. Participants are encouraged to bring own chess board and pieces. Saturdays - Story Time 11:15-11:45am. Babies, Preschoolers, Kids. 9/7 – Afternoon Book Discussion 1-2:30pm. Book club meets the first Friday of the month and will discuss Maria Doria Russells’s A Thread of Grace. 9/12 - Teen Advisory Group (The PHUN Team, Pleasant Hill United Nerds Team) 3:305pm. Room A. Ages 11-18. 9/18 - PH Book Discussion 6:30pm-7:45pm. This month we are reading Laura Hillenbrand’s Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption. Ages 18+. 9/25 – Puppet Show: Tales of the Enchanted Forest 6:30-7:30pm. The amazing Nick Barone returns to the Pleasant Hill Library for a magi-
cal performance featuring animals, pixies, and a talking tree. Ages 0-12. 9/29 – Friends of the Library Book Sale 10am-3:30pm. Get bargains on books and support your library. Located in the parking lot behind the library. Become a Friend of the Library and get the early bird special at 9am! Bring down your e-waste to recycle for free at the same time! For Children’s Programs questions contact Patrick Remer, 925-927-3235 Martinez: Tuesdays – Mother Goose Story and Craft Time 10:30-11:30am. Ages 0-3. 9/10 - Dinosaurs Rock! 6:30pm. Bones, eggs, tracks and more! Families can’t miss this special event! 9/11 – Origami with Master Charles 4:30pm. Craft workshop led by an expert. Upper elementary and middle school but younger welcome with a parent. 9/11 – Book Club Discussion 6:45-7:45pm. We will meet to discuss our first fantastic, historical time travel fiction titled Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. Contact: Catherine Oliver, 925-646-9900. 9/17 – Fall Crochet and Knitting Workshop 5:15-6:15pm. 6-week workshop taught by local blue ribbon winners. Supplies provided free for ages 18 and younger. Online registration required at: http://ccclib.org/locations/martinez.html. 9/18 - Master Gardener 6:30-7:45pm. The Contra Costa Master Gardeners presents a lecture on “What Went Wrong in Your Vegetable Garden and How to fix it.” They will also be on hand to discuss how to prevent common problems with winter vegetable gardens. 9/24 – Model Rocket Storytime 6:30-7:30pm. First Family Storytime. Presented by model rocket enthusiast. Evening includes actual model rockets for viewing. 9/24 - Family Storytime – 6:30pm. Every 1st, 2nd & 4th Monday of the month. Ages 3 and up. For Children’s Programs questions contact Lea Stone, Youth Services Librarian, 925-6469900. For Adult Programs questions contact Catherine Oliver Library Assistant, Adult Services (925) 646-9921
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September 2012
TEEN SCENE
PHMS Student Wins Caldecott Tunnel Design
As workers continued their labor deep in the recesses of the fourth bore of the Caldecott Tunnel, local students competed last spring for the privilege of having their designs adorn the new entrances. In June, Pleasant Hill Middle School student Penelope Watson was selected as one of six lucky winners out of over 300 entrants to the Caldecott Fourth Bore Medallion Competition. Children from grades K – 12 in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties entered designs for six, three-foot wide hexagonally-shaped medallions that will be caste in cement and permanently decorate the tunnel entrances. Commuters may already be familiar with the
By Alison Clary
Art Deco designs on the original bores designed by local architect Henry H. Meyers in 1937. Appropriately enough, the theme of the contest was “Classic Art
Local Pageant Winnner Miss Hailey Rosemary Bower, daughter of Craig and Reba Bower of Martinez, was crowned 2012 National American Miss California Jr. Teen Cover Girl at the state pageant held July 29 in Santa Clara. She received her official state crown, banner and trophy along with a special invitation to compete at the National Pageant held during Thanksgiving week in Anaheim. At the pageant she also received the National American Miss Spirit of America trophy! The National American Miss Pageants are for “Today’s Girl” and “Tomorrow’s Leaders.” The pageant program is based on inner beauty, as well as poise, presentation, and offers an “AllAmerican spirit” of fun for family and friends. Emphasis is placed on the importance of gaining self-confidence, learning new skills, learning good attitudes about competition, and setting and achieving personal goals. The pageant seeks to recognize the accomplish-
ments of each girl while encouraging her to set goals for the future! Miss Hailey Bower’s activities include dance, volunteering, cooking, babysitting and spending time with family and friends. Her sponsors for the pageant were California Pacific Federal Credit Union, Dunivan & Associates, Wendy Dunivan of Altera Signature Properties, Marty O’s Pizzeria, Crockett’s Premier Auto Body, TJ’s Café, Les Schwab Tires, Lemonade Accounting, Cooper Bail Bonds/Calhoun Family, Berkeley Auto Body, The Compass Star and Harper Orthodontics.
Deco Revisited,” wisely selected by Bay Area residents who had completed an online survey before the contest. Penelope was an 8th grade student at PHMS when her Uncle George informed her of the contest. She says she has always loved art and has enjoyed ongoing support from popular PHMS art teacher Shirley Weiner. To prepare for the contest, Penelope says her father showed her pictures of buildings from the Art Deco movement. Anyone familiar with the famous Chrysler Building in New York City will recognize it as a quintessential example of Art Deco, a decorative design style that often features clean lines, bold geometric shapes,
inspiration from Egyptian and Aztec motifs, and patterns such as fountains or sunbursts. The judges for Caltrans wanted the winning medallion designs to be powerful, graphic, and easily seen by motorists. Penelope’s medallion features deer feeding in the foreground of a bearshaped mountain and San Francisco skyline at night. She said one inspiration for her design was the many deer she and her family typically spot before they drive through the tunnel. When asked how she felt about having her original art become a permanent fixture of this prominent landmark, Penelope responded, “It feels amazing! I was so happy to win something so big and important. My parents told me on my birthday and it was just unbelievable.” Good luck to Penelope as she enters the 9th grade at Las Lomas High School in Walnut Creek. Once construction of the fourth bore is complete, sometime around the fall of 2013, keep an eye out for the original design of a young local artist! To learn more about the contest, go to http://caldecott-tunnel.org.
Cutting Edge Careers The Pleasant Hill Education/School Advisory Commission proudly presents its second Cutting Edge Careers panel discussion. What do YOU want to be when you grow up? What does it take to get there? What kind of career should you pursue? When is it a job and when is it a career? It’s not too soon to start asking yourself these questions. This event will give you much food for thought and help provide some answers to your questions. Part of the mission of the Education/Schools Advisory Commission is to facilitate communication and partnership among Pleasant Hill schools by providing a forum for discussing
common issues. To that end, this panel discussion is recommended for students in grades 4 through 12 and parents who want to explore some of the a wideranging career options open to people living in Northern California. You will hear from a variety of people, all with interesting, cutting edge careers, and each representing a variety of paths followed to reach their goals. A question and answer session will follow the discussion. Cutting Edge Careers will take place on September 27 from 7-9pm in the College Park Multi-Use Room. For more information, contact Martin Nelis at mnelis@ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us or call (925) 671-5229.
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September 2012
Page 31
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Page 32
Saturday, Sept. 15th 10-7 PM Sunday, Sept. 16th 10-6 PM Downtown Lafayette
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