September '17 Community Focus by Community Focus

COMMUNITY

FOCUS

SEPTEMBER 2017 Reaching Over 50,000 Homes & Businesses

ourcommunityfocus.com

IN THIS ISSUE: • CENTRAL COUNTY HOMES • FESTIVAL FUN • BACK TO SCHOOL PLEASANT HILL • CONCORD • MARTINEZ • LAFAYETTE • WALNUT CREEK

Julie Says

Go On, Play With Your Food!

SMALL TALK WITH TERI by Teri Norbye

Meet Jared Charles, who lives in Martinez and works at Panera Bread in Concord. He would like to open up his own food truck one day. “I’m planning on doing breakfast foods like omelettes to order, pancakes, French toast, and eggs Benedict. I would love to eventually open up my own restaurant!” What do you like to do for fun? I play in a hard rock band called Niebla, which means fog in Spanish. It’s a new heavy metal band, and I play the guitar. We have a good time. What is your passion? I like cooking a lot. My specialty is sauces. My favorite one to make is tikka masala sauce. I also love making cheese sauces for Philly cheese steaks. Biggest challenge in your life right now? Probably going to school. It’s hard to take time off of work and to schedule around it. You have to pick and choose your commitments. I’m 23, and I really want to get my degree towards restaurant management and start my career. Your best and worst quality? My best qualities are that I’m friendly, honest, and terrible at lying. My worst quality is that I procrastinate a lot.

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PUBLISHERS: Becky Coburn Jennifer Neys Elena Hutslar info@ourcommunityfocus.com ADVERTISING: Community Focus Central County Homes info@ourcommunityfocus.com COPY EDITOR: Alison Clary GRAPHIC DESIGN: Trish Heaney

SPORTS: Sport Story Submissions info@ourcommunityfocus.com CONTACT INFORMATION: Community Calendar calendar@ourcommunityfocus.com Content & General Inquiries: info@ourcommunityfocus.com SUBMISSION DEADLINES: All articles must be sumbmitted by the 15th of each month. ONLINE: www.ourcommunityfocus.com

INSIDE

Fun Festivals

31 Summer Internships

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:

A crowd formed at the Pleasant Hill Library on August 21 to view the eclipse in the clouds. PHOTO BY: Susanwoodphotography.com

september 2017 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Helping Furry Friends

8 10 to

BY JULIE ROSS Clearing off a shelf in the garage, I came upon a goodsized bin of mystery implements. There was an assortment of miniature kitchen utensils: a little rolling pin, pie server, pizza wheel, some spatulas, plastic knives, and whatnot. Also stashed in the bin were dozens of small molds and stampers, among them insects, letters of the alphabet, and Cookie Monster. It took me a minute but then, aha! I realized I had come upon my treasure trove of abandoned Play-Doh accessories. Oh, nostalgia! I spent so many hours with my kids rolling and shaping that soft, salty compound. I thought back many more moons to when I was a kid myself, watching Captain Kangaroo extolling Play-Doh’s many virtues on morning TV. Television was broadcast only in black and white, and Play-Doh came in only three colors – red, blue, and yellow. We combined the red and blue to make purple, the blue and yellow to make green. And then someone’s little brother or sister would inevitably mash everything together to create an unappealing brown. Sigh. You will be pleased to know that you, too, can savor your Play-Doh memories as you celebrate National Play-Doh Day on September16. I knew you would be curious, so I looked up some additional information on the In-

ternet for you. Play-Doh was first sold to clean wallpaper. You just rubbed a bit of the off-white compound on the wall to remove soot and dirt. When inventor Joe McVickar discovered the fun factor of his product, he lacked the budget to market it widely as a toy. In a pioneering example of product placement, he made a deal in 1958 with Captain Kangaroo to feature Play-Doh a couple times a week on his show in exchange for 2% of sales, and the legend was born. Fast-forward to today, when an estimated 700 million pounds of Play-Doh have been stamped, rolled into snakes, and made into pretend pizza by generations of kids. There are dozens of recipes online to make your own version of homemade modeling dough. Because so many of us remember the urge (and perhaps even acted on the urge) to taste Play-Doh right from the can, I am going to provide a recipe for edible Play-Doh I found on Cooks.com, even though your mom told you not to play with your food. Ingredients: 1c peanut butter ½ c honey 1-1/2 c powdered milk Mix ingredients together. Roll it, cut out shapes, and eat it when you’re done playing. Enjoy! You can reach Julie at julieakross@ comcast.net.

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367 Civic Drive #7 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 Visit them at www.PleasantHillRealEstate.com, www.DiabloValleyHomesToday.com, or email DonaldFlaskerud@Remax.net NormaFlaskerud@Remax.net or EFlaskerud@Remax.net

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ourcommunityfocus.com • september 2017

Estate Planning

Real Estate Trends

BY DANIEL DuREE You may be familiar with using a durable power of attorney for incapacity planning as part of your estate plan, however, what if you have a family member who has an estate plan in place but starting to lose capacity due to dementia, Alzheimer’s, or simply old age? With some basic steps, you can smoothly transfer management of financial, personal, and healthcare decisions without going through the painful process of declaring someone incapacitated. Transitioning Management of a Trust Generally, a person will serve as trustee of a trust until passing away or being declared incompetent by two separate doctors. Only at that time will the successor trustee take control and start managing the trust property. However, management can be more easily transferred by amending the trust and making the first successor trustee a co-trustee. This way, the original trust creator can still help manage the property alongside the co-trustee and eventually leave the co-trustee to do most of the management. Another benefit to this is that the original trust creator need not be declared incompetent and will remain a co-trustee until death. This simplifies tax preparation as well because a separate tax return must be filed when the creator of the trust is no longer a trustee or co-trustee. Transitioning Management of Financial, Personal, and Healthcare Decisions

BY NORMA FLASKERUD In December of 1987, I was a brandnew agent, newly trained by MasonMcDuffie Real Estate. I sold two houses that month and was top salesperson in the Walnut Creek office! Next thing I knew, I was invited to be on a panel at Mason-McDuffie during new agent training. I spoke on how to juggle being both a mom (I had 4 little kids at home) and a Realtor (moms can relate to multi-tasking)! It was such fun and an honor. I was always about having it all -- a career and time with family -- and real estate afforded that. I found I loved being a Realtor, and I quit my other job as an insurance adjuster. Don quit his “other job” as a sales manager in a Berkeley manufacturing company, and we put all our eggs in the real estate basket. Back then, home prices in Pleasant Hill ran about $200,000 for a typical rancher. We were working under a traditional commission split (50% to us, 50% to the broker) until five years went by and we joined Re/Max in 1992, where you pay to work. Yes. We wrote them a check every month. But in exchange, that broker got only a tiny bit of our commission, and now, 25 years later, we own our own Re/Max Brokerage, Re/Max Today. Don is the broker; we are a team. There is nothing like working with the biggest and most successful real

Incapacity Planning for the Elderly Similar to the trust management succession above, most durable powers of attorney and advance healthcare directives do not take effect until a person is deemed incapacitated by two doctors. However, if a family member is slowly losing capacity but is presently still competent, an immediate durable power of attorney and/or advance healthcare directive may be created to transition decision making to another person. With an immediate durable power of attorney, for example, the creator can still write checks, file taxes, etc., but their agent can also do these things on their behalf. So, instead of management going from only the principal having authority to only the agent having authority, there is a smooth transition where both parties have legal authority to manage the principal’s finances. If the deteriorating capacity of a loved one is addressed early enough, you can transition management smoothly without having to resort to declaring the person incapacitated or going through the painful conservatorship process. As always, please consult with a licensed attorney before you make any decisions regarding incapacity planning. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to give my office a call. I am happy to assist you in any way possible. Daniel L. DuRee is a third generation resident of Contra Costa County and a licensed attorney practicing in Walnut Creek. He can be reached at (925) 210-1400 or visit www.DuReeLaw.com. SPONSORED CONTENT

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TRUSTS • WILLS • PROBATE 4

september 2017 • ourcommunityfocus.com

30 Years of Observations

estate company in the world. They provide us with the tools we need to give our clients the best services available. Conventions are fun; not only do we learn a lot and stay up to date on all advances in our industry, but we meet people from all over the world. Once, over-hearing an Irish accent, I found out they were from the far north of Ireland, where my grandmother was from. We ended up visiting them when I was in Killygordon, County Donegal. We have seen prices go up. We saw them soften in the late ‘90s and fall sharply in 2008-2012. We’ve sold houses, hoping they appraise for the highest sales price ever in that area. We’ve counseled sellers how to sell in a hot seller’s market and watched them begin a new life with money in the bank. And, sadly, we’ve seen sellers miss the market and sell for a discount as a market turned cold. Timing is everything. Counseling from an experienced agent is crucial. Buying? You need guidance on how to get an offer accepted so that the seller will choose yours among many. Selling? You need guidance on preparing your house and marketing it to get the most return on your investment. A good Realtor, with their finger on the pulse of the market, is essential. Call The Flaskerud Team for all your real estate needs. Don and Norma: 925338-2980 or DonaldFlaskerud@Remax. net or NormaFlaskerud@Remax.net. SPONSORED CONTENT

ourcommunityfocus.com â&#x20AC;˘ september 2017

Artists Supporting Shelters

14th Annual Wine & Whiskers

Please join us on Saturday, September 30, from 9am-3pm, for a giant arts and crafts fair at the Winslow Center in Pleasant Hill. Artists and crafters will showcase their amazing creations and small business owners will offer goods and services. Vintage collectibles will also be for sale. The event is Artists Supporting Animal Shelters. East Bay Animal Rescue and Refuge (EBARR) will be there with animals for adoption. A portion of profits from the host, Catwalk For A Cause, and the vendors will go directly to EBARR. Vendors can rent a space for $25 (we suggest vendors donate a portion of their profits to EBARR). Spots are going quickly. Please contact Dee Assael at deecassael@ gmail.com for more info.

Another fabulous ARF event is in the making! Wineries are confirming their participation, food purveyors are being chosen, and ARF’s canines and felines are shopping for their party clothes. The event takes place Saturday, September 23 from 5pm - 8pm at ARF Headquarters, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek . Guests at Wine & Whiskers will enjoy sampling fruits of the vine from local wineries. Also on the evening’s menu will be delicious appetizers from local eateries, silent auctions with items too appealing to ignore, music in the courtyard, and the piece de resistance: ARF’s four-legged furry friends looking for their forever homes. Early confirmed wineries, breweries, and restaurants are: Bennett Lane Winery • Café Soleil • Calicraft Brewing Company • Citrus Fresh Grill • Eat Drink Be Merry • Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery • Il Fornaio • Korbel Champagne Cellars • Monticello Vineyards • Mumm Napa • Nothing Bundt Cakes • ONEHOPE • Pine Ridge Vineyards • Peruvian Cuisine by Nora Frazier • The Steven Kent Winery • Whole Foods Catering All proceeds benefit ARF’s programs for pets and people. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit www.arflife.org. ARF is a national leader in the animal welfare industry co-founded by Elaine and Tony La Russa in 1991 and is headquartered in Walnut Creek. ARF saves dogs and cats who have run out of time at public shelters and brings people and animals together to enrich each other’s lives. ARF strives to create a world where every loving dog and cat has a home, where every lonely person has a companion animal, and where children learn to care. Through ARF, people experience the unconditional love and acceptance of dogs and cats to fulfill a mission of “People Rescuing Animals… Animals Rescuing People…”®

Laura Wucher Real Estate Team presents GET the SCOOP on ARF

A fun community event for the whole family - Pets, too! GET the SCOOP Sunday, September 10th 11am to 1pm Hidden Lakes Park, Martinez (near the basketball courts) Free Admission

FEATURING: ● Ice Cream and Puppies! ● Beautiful pet portraits by award-winning “Soulful Pet Photographer” Pipi Diamond ● ARF’s Pet Hug Pack team of therapy pets ● ARF volunteers on the pet adoption process and what your donations help ARF accomplish ● Answers to your home buying, selling and ﬁnancing questions from the Laura Wucher Real Estate Team and Kevin Kennedy from RPM Mortgage The Laura Wucher Real Estate Team and RPM Mortgage will be serving ice cream and matching donations up to $2,000 to support ARF.

LAURA WUCHER 925-595-8047 LauraWucher.com CA BRE# 01878323

Bring your pets and come out for a great cause, a great time and a great big scoop of ice cream! MORE INFORMATION: Email Kendra Johnson from The Laura Wucher Real Estate Team at Kendra@LauraWucher.com

september 2017 • ourcommunityfocus.com

A Tangled Love Story Is Three a Crowd? BY SHEREEN MOTARJEMI Relationships can be complicated. Take, for example, Frankie and Barbara Noon, who live in the Virginia Hills neighborhood. She keeps the household together while Frankie stays out all night and comes home only to eat. But Barbara knows it is futile to try to change him. She loves him and lets him live life on his own terms. Frankie does go to his workplace every day, however, so it could be said that he contributes. He works at Sloat Nursery on Alhambra, which happens to be located on the other side of their back fence. Frankie’s job is to exterminate vermin, and his record is six dead rats in one day. But that is the extent to which he is willing to work. Customers have seen him napping. His colleagues have accepted he is unwilling to do any heavy lifting, period. Here’s the truth: Frankie does whatever the heck he wants and has trained all the people in his life to accommodate him. Why do they put up with his behavior? Well, they love him, and love can be hard to explain. Barbara first met Frankie about twelve years ago, when he was homeless. She tried to resist him, but his blue eyes made her think of Frank Sinatra. Perhaps it was his animal magnetism that pulled their hearts irresistibly together. Soon they were living in her condo, which is when Frankie started catting around at night. Since he was almost never home, Barbara realized that the only way to spend time with Frankie was to visit him at work. She had to face the fact that this is just Frankie’s way; everyone must to come to HIM. And come to him they do. He is treated like royalty by the Sloat staff, particularly longtime employees Anne and Karen. Customers, too, have developed a relationship with Frankie. All of his friends accept that he rules his world. Having an entourage of supporters may even have saved his life. Once he hid in the back of a customer’s truck but was noticed before the truck

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Barbara Noon and Frankie

left. Another time, about five years ago, Frankie showed up at work with a broken leg. The nursery staff helped get him to the vet and even chipped in to pay his hospital bill! That is how deeply loved this cat is. This love story has another wrinkle; Frankie and Barbara’s relationship includes the presence of another person, Lee Rude, who has been in a long-term relationship with Barbara for all of Frankie’s life. Lee admires Frankie’s independence and seems to relish being bossed around by this cat. For his part, Frankie deigns to allow Lee to rub his chin and pick him up – an honor he extends only to special people. But about a year ago, Barbara and Lee had a falling out and broke up, with Barbara getting custody of the cat. Lee missed Frankie terribly and had to figure out a way to continue to see his feline friend! His solution was to visit Frankie at Sloat during business hours. Fortunately, in time, Barbara and Lee got back together again. Did Frankie have anything to do with the reconciliation? The couple insists not. Well…maybe. All evidence points to a cat with a long history of manipulating people into serving his feline wants. Doesn’t it seem possible that a cat smart enough to train his people might also be cunning enough to make them believe they belonged together? Frankie fan mail may be sent to shereen56@yahoo.com.

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F E ST I V A L S

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The 7th Annual Bay Area Blues Festival

Perfectly set in Historic Downtown Martinez, the 7th Annual Bay Area Blues Festival is a lively weekend filled with authentic blues music on Saturday and Sunday, September 23 & 24 from 10 am to 6 pm. This free event, produced by Steven Restivo Event Services and presented by Main Street Martinez, is so much more than music with beautiful art and craft booths, gourmet food from local restaurants, bistro-style seating areas, craft beer, fine wines and more. Additionally, there will be activities for the kids and a farmers’ market. Don’t miss the street painting artists that will create spectacular chalk art with both a blues and the traditional Italian theme. The Bay Area Blues Festival is proud to showcase a variety of blues musicians during its free, two-day event in Martinez. The entertainment line-up has just been announced. For updates and more information about the event, visit BayAreaBluesFestival.com or call 800-310-6563.

Madness on Main Street Car Show Downtown Martinez – September 9, 10am – 3pm The Midnighters Car & Truck Club and Main Street Martinez will again be hosting the 21st Annual Madness on Main Street Car Show in Martinez. The event features

over 200 cars, trucks, and motorcycles of all years, makes and models. Come enjoy music by D.J. Tony Pichardo, and peruse the goods by various vendors. Goody bags for registered cars are available while supplies last. Awards for the show vehicles begin at 2pm at the Main St. Plaza, near Starbucks. Visit www.mainstreetmartinez. org/eventDetails-eventId9 for more details.

Martinis on the Plaza Gala

The Martinez Chamber of Commerce once again presents Martinis on the Plaza Gala, celebrating the official birthplace of the martini and the rich history of bayside Martinez! One of the most acclaimed social events in the Bay Area, and certainly well-known and respected in Martinez, Martinis on the Plaza is back this fall. Hosted around the fountain at Ignacio Plaza under sparkling lights, guests find themselves in an atmosphere reminiscent of post-Depression and World War II era. Bringing back swing dancing, the Rat Pack, and foot-tapping music no one can ignore, this event reminds attendees of what good came out of America in years past. This event showcases excellent food from local restaurants, much-expected martinis, specialty libations, beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages. Suggested attire is black tie optional, cocktail, or period appropriate. The birth of the martini was the result of a miner who walked into a Martinez saloon and requested a bottle of champagne to celebrate his gold mining success. As the bar

23 & 24

www.BayAreaBluesFestival.com • www.mainstreetmartinez.org 925.228.3577 8

september 2017 • ourcommunityfocus.com

FESTIVALS did not have champagne, the bartender offered him a “Martinez Special,” known today as the Martini. Saturday, September 23, 6:30 -10pm, at Ignacio Plaza, 525 Henrietta St., Martinez. Tickets can be found at eventbrite.com by searching Martinis on the Plaza. All guests must be 21 and over. For additional information, call (925) 228-2345.

Annual Lafayette Art & Wine Festival Lafayette Art & Wine Festival, scheduled for September 16, 10am-7pm and September 17, 10am-6pm, is big time fun with a small town feel. Here are the top 7 reasons this festival, now in its 22nd year, remains so popular: 1. Location: Held in beautiful downtown Lafayette on 3535 Mt. Diablo Blvd, the festival is steps from BART, near bike trails, 2 blocks off Hwy 24, and an easy walk/shuttle from free festival parking. 2. Continuous Music & Dancing - no cover charge: You’ll find San Francisco Bay Area’s best cover bands playing a mix of jazz, blues, country & rock on 4 stages featuring East Bay Mudd, The Big Jangle, ZEBOP!, Bell Brothers, The Spazmatics, Sun Kings and many more. Rest assured, these local favorites will be constant music to your ears. 3. Unique Wine & Beer Offerings: Booths pouring both beer and wine are found throughout the festival, sponsored by a variety of companies to insure diversity & something for everyone. 4. Food: With 20 local restaurants, food trucks, and food booths participating in this year’s event, there’s no shortage of variety and no way you’ll be hungry! 5. Original Fine Arts & Crafts: Showcasing booths from Erickstrom Productions, which have been a part of the festival since its inception in 1996, as well as a Local Artists Alley, the festival aims to please everyone’s artistic needs. 6. Family + Dog Friendly: From KidZones to dog cooling stations, the festival is made for the whole family to enjoy. Music and events are always family-friendly, and furry companions are welcome provided they’re on leashes. 7. Budget Friendly: While festival admission is overall mostly free, the KidZone has a $1-$5 fee, and the drink tickets and glasses are $7 each with combination packages available with big discounts. However, festival proceeds support various Lafayette community programs and charities, to be announced with more festival details in the coming weeks. In the past, the festival has helped Lafayette Partners in Education (LPIE) and other nonprofits. So if you’re going to spend a little money at the festival to taste some great wine or give your kids a fun experience, at least your money is being used to help others. More event details can be found here: www.lafayettefestival.com.

KALOS ORISATE!

St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church welcomes you to the 39th Annual Greek Food and Wine Festival at 1955 Kirker Pass Road, Concord, on September 15, 16 & 17. This free festival boasts Greek-style meals, food, and atmosphere. With the best artisan chefs in the world at their disposal, the YiaYia Sisterhood of Greek family women churn out traditional dishes with fresh, local ingredients made right on the churches premises. Dedicated to their authentic recipes, these women proudly demonstrate the art form of Greek food and wine. The entire festival is dedicated to community, and the community at St. Demetrios calls their friends & family — who have been coming to the festival year after year — “keffee” (meaning “possessed by the spirit of happiness”). Keffee spreads not just throughout those close to the church, but festival volunteers, new attendees, and neighboring community members as they waltz past booths & exhibits. In addition to the traditional food, they boast an assortment of incredible Greek ourcommunityfocus.com • september 2017

FESTIVALS wines. Their onsite wine bar offers a wide variety of rich reds with delicate whites hailing from the Greek Isles that are made for pairing. Crossing between wine bar to dining room is highly recommended to truly get the Greek meal experience, as long as you find your way to the dance floor at the end of the night. Live bands and Greek dances entertain festivalgoers throughout the event, as Hellenic arts, crafts, and treasures enchant you while you take a dance break. Hosted all on the site of the Byzantine style church, the beauty of the hand-carved icon screen and five-foot tall egg-tempera icons add incredible atmosphere to the whole festival. Overall, the festival offers a smorgasbord of Greek experiences, from cuisine to crafts with hospitality in between. Each year the festival gives back by donating 10% of all proceeds to local charities, furthering the churches important value of togetherness. Come join the festivities throughout the weekend of September 1517. Festival times: Friday, 5 – 11pm; Saturday, noon – 11pm; and Sunday, 11am – 7pm.

Pleasant Hill Art, Wine and Music Festival Mark your calendars for Pleasant Hill’s signature summer event! It’s time for the 15th Annual Art, Wine and Music Festival. Hosted in Downtown Pleasant Hill, join us on Saturday, October 7, 10am to 6pm, followed by an evening concert with East Bay Mudd from 6:30 – 8:45pm, and Sunday, October 8, 11am to 5pm. The Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Pleasant Hill and Downtown Pleasant Hill, presents a weekend of live music, fun entertainment and activities for children, arts and crafts vendors, and also features local wines

n issio

Adm Free

Parkin g $5 per ca r daily

and craft brews. Best of all, general admission is FREE! Live Music Enjoy music performances from Breed Loves, New Frantics, Garageland Rodeo, Lumberyard and East Bay Mudd on Saturday and Other People’s Money, Jinx Jones and the King Tones, and The Bell Brothers on Sunday. Wine, Arts & Crafts on Crescent Drive Once again joining the festival line-up is John Holland’s Jewelry, Fine Arts, & Crafts show. “In my opinion, this festival has made all the right choices,” says John Holland himself on their website with regards to this years event. “This weekend show will once again be my best show to date.” In addition, there will be a craft beer garden & premium wine pavilion boasting large selections including Sierra Nevada, Buck Wild, Cider Brothers, and Scotto Cellars, Wente Vineyards, and Outcast, respectively. Craft Beer Garden The Craft Beer Garden will not only have a variety of breweries, but will have live music and be in close proximity to the KidZone, making it enjoyable for both singles and families alike, having something for everyone. KidZone at City Hall Lawn Jeremy the Juggler kicks off the weekend activities followed by performances from The Peter Pan Foundation, and local dance clubs along with martial arts demonstrations, and puppet shows. For the complete music and KidZone schedules visit www.pleasanthillchamber. com. There you will also find the wine and beer list, art vendor updates and special offers.

2nd Annual

Sept.30 2017

10am -

4pm

A Fun-Filled, FREE, Family Event Pumpkin painting ! Games ! Activities ! Food ! Music ! www.RodgersRanch.org

Greek Food • Wine Tasting • Live Music

WWW.CCGREEKFEST.COM 925-676-6967 1955 KIRKER PASS RD CONCORD, CA 94521 ACROSS FROM THE PAVILION

SEPTEMBER 15, 16 & 17 10% of proceeds donated to local charities 10

september 2017 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Partnering with: P.H. Rec & Park * Rodgers Ranch Urban Farm * P.H. Historical Society * YMCA * The Herb Society of America – N. Cal. Unit * Rotary Club of P.H. * P.H. Community Foundation * Soroptimist International of Diablo Vista * P.H. Chamber of Commerce * Choice in Aging * Hospice * Friends of the Pleasant Hill Library And more!

Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center

315 Cortsen Rd. P.H.

ART WINE AND MUSIC FESTIVAL

ILL SANNTT HHILL LEAASA PPLE

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Presented by

Saturday, October 7 10 am - 6 pm Sunday, October 8 11 am - 6 pm featuring

East Bay Mudd

Presented by

Saturday Evening Concert 6:30 - 8:45 pm Discover local

In Partnership with

Expanded

Experience the Premium Wine Pavilion hosted by Introducing

Event Sponsors

ourcommunityfocus.com â&#x20AC;¢ september 2017

City of Pleasant Hill

Mayor’s Message Join Friends and Neighbors at Community Service Day and Build a Better Pleasant Hill Pleasant Hill’s 13th Annual Community Service Day is Saturday, September 23, beginning at Pleasant Hill Park with registration and a pancake breakfast provided by the Lion’s Club from 7:30 to 9am. The first 500 volunteers will also get a free T-shirt. All volunteers also receive snacks and drinks to take to project sites. Then, enjoy working with friends, family, and neighbors on projects that will improve the quality of life in our city. There will be more than 20 projects at school sites, parks, Grayson Creek, and other locations to choose from. You can sign up for the Bike Buildathon at Pleasant Hill Park, the sewing project at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, the Contra Costa Food Bank Drive, and many other great community projects. There are projects for people of all ages and abilities. The Community Service Day (CSD) registration page is on the city website at www.pleasanthillca.org/volunteer. You, your church, business, local organization, school, non-profit group and children’s’ youth group are encouraged to submit projects you think are important in helping make Pleasant Hill the best it can be. The deadline for project submissions is September 15. CSD is organized by the Pleasant Hill Civic Action Commission and supported by many local schools, churches, and civic organizations. I’m often asked how I came up with the idea for Community Service Day, which was launched by the Civic Action Commission during my first year as mayor, in 2005. The idea was inspired by a quote from John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address: “Ask not what your country 12

can do for you, ask what you can do for your country,” and a program at Temple Isaiah called “Mitzvah Day,” where congregants volunteer to spend a day helping others. The term “mitzvah” is often translated as a “good deed.” It really means we have a commitment to make the world a better place and to help others. What better way to combine John F. Kennedy’s quote and the idea of mitzvah than to have a Community Service Day in Pleasant Hill? Over the past twelve years, more than 40,000 volunteer hours have been logged to improve the Pleasant Hill community. Together we have: • Cleaned up neighborhoods, schools, parks, and creeks • Planted scores of beautiful trees • Landscaped parks and organic gardens • Repaired over 1,000 bicycles for donation to children • Donated blood to save scores of lives • Collected over 18 tons of food for the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano • Helped children and seniors in need. Last year, over 800 volunteers worked on 22 projects around the city. They did clean-ups at local schools, planted new shrubs in their neighborhood, gave blood, repaired bicycles which were then donated to needy children, restored a creek, and so much more. Pleasant Hill’s Community Service Day has been the inspiration for other cities to start their own volunteer service projects and was the recipient of the prestigious Helen Putnam Award from the League of California Cities. What a wonderful opportunity for families to work together on something truly worthwhile. Working with members of your family will create special memories you will treasure long after the day is over. Think of the lessons

september 2017 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Michael G. Harris, OD, Mayor of Pleasant Hill

you’ll be teaching your children. And think how good you will feel knowing that you helped make Pleasant Hill an even better place to live. I look forward to seeing you at Pleasant Hill’s 13th annual Community

Service Day on Saturday, September 23. You can “Make a Difference” in Pleasant Hill!. If you can’t join us, I hope you will look for other ways to help our community. Thank you.

Public Meetings City Council Sept. 11, 18 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Council Chambers, 7:30pm. Contact: 671-5229 Civic Action Commission Sept. 6 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Small Community Room, 6:30pm. Contact: 671-5229 Architectural Review Commission Sept. 7, 21 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Large Community Room, 5pm. Contact: 671-5229 Planning Commission Sept. 12, 26 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Council Chambers, 6:30pm. Contact: 671-5209 Commission on Aging Sept. 14 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Small Community Room, 5pm. Contact: 671-5229 Education Commission Sept. 27 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Large Community Room, 7pm. Contact: 671-5229 For Confirmation Visit: www.ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us PH Rec & Park Board Meetings are typically held the 2nd & 4th Thursday each month at District Office, 147 Gregory Lane. Meeting dates and agendas are posted 72 hours prior to meeting. Refer to recent agenda for meeting dates. District residents are encouraged to contact board members about current issues facing the District.

Chamber Calendar 9/7 - “Wine at the Plaza” Summer Concert Series: East Bay Mudd, 6–8:30pm, Downtown Pleasant Hill Plaza, in front of JACK’s Restaurant & Bar 9/8 - PH Chamber Ambassador Meeting 8:30-9:30am, City Hall Community Room, 100 Gregory Lane, PH 9/14 –Chamber Mixer 5-7pm, WiseGirl Ristorante Italiano, 1932 Oak Park Blvd., PH 9/21 - PH Chamber Board Meeting 8–9:30am, Contact Chamber for Location 9/25 - Government Affair Committee 4:30-6pm, Back Forty Texas BBQ, 100 Coggins Dr., PH 680 Business Networking - 2nd & 4th Wednesdays & Thursdays, 8:30-10am, JFK University, 100 Ellinwood Way, PH OFF THE GRID Food Trucks – Wednesdays, 5-9pm, Trelany Road, PH Pleasant Hill Farmers’ Market – Every Saturday* through October 28, 9am-1pm, Trelany Road, PH

City of Pleasant Hill

Pleasant Hill City News

City News Continued

Proposed Ordinance Amendment: Cannabis Provisions

Creative Thinkers! Amazing Tinkers! Don’t miss Pleasant Hill’s spin on the popular “Makers Fair” on Saturday, September 16. Participate in a variety of hands-on and make-and-take activities. Engage in science, technology, engineering, arts & mathematics (S.T.E.A.M.)! Marvel at the latest mind-blowing innovations from local makers, entrepreneurs, businesses, non-profits, and educators. Free for all ages. Brought to you by Pleasant Hill Library & PHRec & Park District. Sponsored by Republic Services and City of Pleasant Hill. 11am - 3pm at the Pleasant Hill Park, 147 Gregory Lane.

The City of Pleasant Hill Planning Commission will hold a public hearing at 6:30pm on Tuesday, August 29, at City Hall to consider a recommendation to the city council for a proposed zoning ordinance amendment for new and updated cannabis provisions, including amendments to Section 18.50.140 (Cultivation of Marijuana & Medical Marijuana Dispensaries), Chapter 18.15 (Use Classifications), Chapter 18.140 (Definitions), Chapter 18.20 (Residential Districts), Chapter 18.25 (Commercial, Retail Business, Neighborhood Business, Office and Light Industrial Districts), and other conforming modifications to the zoning ordinance.

NEW! Tinkers & Thinkers Innovation Faire

New “Sharrow” Pavement Marking Implementation As part of the recent citywide street resurfacing project, engineering staff implemented a number of new “shared lane arrow” (or sharrow) pavement markings along various arterials and collector roadways. In the absence of striped bike lanes along a road, sharrow markings are used to indicate to cyclists where they should position themselves along the roadway to maximize visibility to drivers and minimize the potential of being impacted by opening of doors from parked vehicles. Sharrows are also intended to alert drivers of the lateral location of cyclists that may be sharing the roadway and discourage drivers from passing a cyclist when there may not be enough lane width to do so safely. Sharrows have been implemented by the city along public roadways for the past five years, and they can now be seen along Oak Park Boulevard, Putnam Boulevard, Patterson Boulevard, Boyd Road, Cleveland Road, Crescent Plaza, North Main Street, Monument Boulevard, Woodsworth Lane, and Golf Club Road.

Patrick Remer, Community Library Manager, poses with guests for the Tinkers and Thinkers Innovation Share Fair. Photo by SusanWoodPhotgraphy.com

Make a dif ference where you live! You're Invited to the 13th annual

Creativity at Gregory Gardens Elem

Pleasant Hill Community Service Day Saturday

September 23

Gardening at the Senior Center

7:30 a.m.

Start at Pleasant Hill Park, 147 Gregory Lane (and then on to your volunteer work site after breakfast and registration)

Volunteers receive... FREE! Pancake breakfast at Pleasant Hill Park (7:30 a.m.) Fun stuff at Pleasant Hill Elem

FREE! T-shirt and other giveaways (first 500 Volunteers) Yard cleanup at Rodgers Ranch

Register at www.pleasanthillca.org/volunteer For more information contact Martin Nelis at mnelis@pleasanthillca.org or phone (925) 671-5229.

Turning old bicycles into new

Organized by Pleasant Hill Civic Action Commission and supported by local businesses

City of Pleasant Hill

Girl scouts collect food ourcommunityfocus.com • september 2017

City of Martinez

Mayor’s Message In 2008, Martinez voters overwhelmingly approved a $30 million bond to improve our downtown library, rebuild Rankin Park Pool, and improve every single park in the city. Not counting the abundant open space that blesses Martinez, the city has 16 parks. The library project was completed in 2010, and the new pool opened in 2012. The renovation of Hidden Lakes, Cappy Ricks, Golden Hills, Nancy Boyd, Susana Street, Holiday Highlands, and Mt. View Parks have all been completed. Only Golden Hills Park, Highland Park, and Waterfront Park projects remain. Waterfront Park is the last major park project in the city, and last month it moved one step closer to construction with the award of the construction

bid to Suarez and Munoz. The total project cost, including design, consulting, contingencies and construction, is $8,939,831. Construction will commence later this summer and must be completed by June 1, 2018, or financial penalties will be assesed to the contractor. Unfortuantely, the construction of Waterfront Park will displace the very popular Bay Area Craft Beer Festival that is held at the event meadow each year. The 2018 festival is scheduled for April 18, six weeks before the park will be completed. Main Street Martinez’ executive director and board are exploring alternative sites. If you have a creative solution to this challenge, be sure to give Main Street Martinez a call

The Joltin’ Joe at Carnelean Bay, Lake Tahoe. Photo by Noah Berger

Rob Schroder, Mayor of Martinez

at 925-228-3577. Since late 2016, the city council and staff have been working on bringing professional baseball to Martinez. The rebuilding of Waterfront Park dovetails nicely with the arrival of the Professional Association of Baseball Clubs and the Martinez Clippers in 2018. Additional improvements needed at ballfield 3 to accommodate a professional team have been identified and are currently being costed. These include bleachers, access control, safety netting, digital scoreboard, PA system, infield grass & irrigation, pitchers mound, and food & drink concessions. We expect to have those costs in front of the city council in late August or early September. Funds for these improvements will be identified and allocated soon afterward. The Pacific Association of Baseball Clubs held their first owners’ meeting to start the planning of the 2018 season and the owners of the two new teams, the Napa Silverado’s and the Martinez Clippers, were in attendance. It is not an easy task to create a new professional baseball team, but we have creative and dedicated owners that possess a strong desire to give back to a community where they grew up and call home. But it is not just about baseball and park improvements. Many things

are coming together, including the master planning of the waterfront and marina. This includes the Hometown Hero Project that was kickstarted by Councilmember DeLaney and a group of community volunteers. Now that the Joltin’ Joe classic boat is restored after years of work by members of the carpenters union, with support from the Sons of Italy, it needs a home for the public to view and enjoy. It also needs to be easily removed from its future home to compete in classic boat shows and receive regular maintenance. Wooden boats are like barrels and need to be in the water to stay water tight. The boat was recently trailered to Lake Tahoe and dropped into the water at Sierra Boat Company at Carnelean Bay for a promotional photo shoot. Professional photo journalist Noah Berger was commissioned by Gina Zagotta. Noah shot over 600 photos over a period of two hours. Those that I have seen show just how much of a jewel the Joltin’ Joe is and what a huge community asset we have here in Martinez. The Martinez Clippers, the Joltin’ Joe, the Hometown Hero Project, the Master Planning of the Martinez Waterfront, enhancement of the Historic Train Station, the buzz in the downtown -- it is all coming together in Martinez.

Public Meetings Best Mechanic

september 2017 • ourcommunityfocus.com

City Council Meeting Sept. 6, 20 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 6-9pm. Contact: 372-3500 Zoning Administrator Meeting Sept. 6, 20 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 4-6pm. Contact: 372-3500 Design Review Meeting Sept. 13, 27 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 4-6pm. Contact: 372-3500 Planning Commission Meeting Sept. 12, 26 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 7-11pm. Contact: 372-3500 For Confirmation Visit: www.cityofmartinez.org

City of Martinez

Martinez City News Annual Martinez Mutt Strut Enter your precious pooch, loveable lab, or marvelous mongrel in Best Name, Best Tail, Best Trick, Best Costume, and Looks Most Like Owner categories at this annual contest on Thursday, September 14, 6pm, at Susana Park. Prizes will be awarded to all pampered pups. All dogs must be on a leash. Dogs, have your owners call Martinez Recreation at 925-372-3510 to pre-register for this free event.

Oohs, Ahs, and Giggles This is a free performing arts series for children of all ages. Please join us for 45-minute shows that are sure to entertain you and your children. Shows are fully sponsored by the Martinez Restaurant Tour. All shows take place at 3:30pm, Martinez City Hall, Council Chambers, 525 Henrietta Street. Sept. 13 Truck Day in the Plaza Sept. 20 Steve Chaney & Corny Crow Sept. 27 The Bubble Lady Oct. 4 Fur, Scales, and Tails

Homeless Encampment Cleanup The Public Works Department, along with Officer Rodney Brinser, responded to several complaints of a large homeless encampment along Alhambra Creek near south Castro Street and behind the PG&E substation on Alhambra Avenue. Five public works crewmembers cleaned each site and removed several dump truck loads. Before cleaning out a homeless encampment, the police department gives the homeless three days notice to vacate the property as well as access to services that help get them off the street. The city’s goal is to connect homeless individuals and families with appropriate services and housing. Outreach teams can help find emergency shelter, showers, laundry, meals, medical services, case management, employment, training, and more. To report a homeless or encampment concern, please contact police dispatch at (925) 372-3440. Source: August 2017 City Manager’s Report

Annual Water Main Line Replacement Project City council recently awarded a construction contract to Con-Quest Contractors, Inc. of San Francisco for the 2017 Water Main Line Replacement Project this summer. The project is expected to take 240 working days to complete, and as work progresses through various locations, a more detailed notice will be sent to customers that may experience water service interruption. The work consists of replacing existing water mains and water service laterals at several locations throughout the City of Martinez, the City of Pleasant Hill, and the unincorporated area of Contra Costa County adjacent to the City of Martinez. The work includes, but is not limited to: the replacement of water pipes, water service laterals with corporation stops, potholing, temporary traffic controls, fire hydrants, valves, tapping sleeves, water meter boxes, fittings, trench excavation, trench shoring, trench backfill, testing, disinfecting, street pavement milling and asphalt concrete overlaying, rubberized cape sealing, pavement striping and marking curbs, gutters, driveways, sidewalks, curb ramps, bollards, and other miscellaneous work required to complete the project per the plans and specifications. For more information or questions regarding

City News Continued this project, please contact Don Salts, deputy public works director, at (925) 3723500. Source: August 2017 City Manager’s Report

Radar Speed Sign Installed on Pacheco Blvd. The Public Works Department, along with City Engineer Tim Tucker and Police Commander Eric Ghisletta, recently installed a radar speed sign at the corner of Beech Street and Pacheco Blvd. Radar speed signs are effective in slowing cars down, particularly with today’s highly visual, often distracted drivers, and work by refocusing driver attention on their current speed. The speed limit is posted at 25 mph within this business and residential district, in addition to the school zone crossing just two blocks down past Brown Street. Source: August 2017 City Manager’s Report

CERT Training Are you prepared to help your family and neighborhood? Disasters can happen at any time. Join CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) and learn the skills to better prepare you for emergencies and how to respond when your family, neighbors, and community need you the most. The City of Martinez, in conjunction with the County Office of Emergency Services, is sponsoring Emergency Preparedness classes for residents of the community. The goals of the CERT program are to enable neighborhood or workplace teams to prepare for and respond effectively to an event until professional responders arrive, to provide a link between neighborhood or workplace teams and professional responders, and to integrate CERT Zones into the community. CERT members are then integrated into the emergency response capability for their area. CERT training will include 20 hours of instruction over a 6-week period in the following areas: Disaster Preparedness and Terrorism Fire Safety Disaster Medical Operations Light Search and Rescue CERT Organization and Disaster Psychology Final Simulated Disaster Exercise For more information about the CERT program or to register for classes, e-mail martinez.cert@gmail.com or Corporal Mike Estanol at mestanol@ cityofmartinez.org. Thank you for your interest and support.

Silent Auction Items Needed for Martinis on the Plaza Will you consider donating a silent auction item for the Chamber of Commerce’s Martinis on the Plaza gala? Silent auction items such as restaurant gift cards, sporting event or concert tickets, gift baskets, movie tickets, bottles of wine, and museum passes are welcome and appreciated. Donations can be combined into packages (e.g. multiple restaurant gift cards, movie tickets, etc.), which create a nice presentation for your auction item. The chamber will create a sign with your name and/or your business name, along with a short description to be displayed with your auction item. Please bring donations to the Martinez Chamber of Commerce, 603 Marina Vista Ave., or contact us at (925) 228-2345 if you need your item to be picked up or if you have any questions about the silent auction. ourcommunityfocus.com • september 2017

City of Walnut Creek

Mayor’s Message It is hard to believe we are already moving into fall. I hope everyone had a terrific summer, full of plenty of fun and sun. Youth Leadership Commission As our children and young adults return to another school year, I want to make sure everyone is aware of the Youth Leadership Commission, set up by City of Walnut Creek. The goal of the commis-

sion is for our future leaders to take an active role in the community now. Youth commissioners will interact directly with city leadership as they learn about our city government and the challenges it faces. The commission will meet twice a month, from September through June. The commissioners will spend the first part of the year learning about local government. The second part of the year, the commis-

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sioners will study and explore an issue affecting the city and then report directly to the city council with their analysis and recommendations. To participate on the commission, the youth must live in Walnut Creek and be in high school or the home school equivalent. The term for each commissioner will be not more than two years. Please see the City of Walnut Creek website for more information. Impacts of the Arts and Culture Sector We received our Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 study by the Americans for the Arts non-profit organization. It is the most comprehensive such study performed by that organization in the country and confirms that in addition to the invaluable benefit received through the arts, the arts also generate significant economic benefit for our city. Indeed, the study provides compelling evidence that

the nonprofit arts and culture sector is a $41.5 million industry in the City of Walnut Creek. The sector supports over 1,000 fulltime equivalent jobs. The arts and cultural organizations leveraged a remarkable $20.4 million of additional spending by their audiences within the city. While every community has a need for arts and culture to support its quality of life, we sometimes forget that this sector of the economy also generates jobs and revenue. This study confirms the significant impact of this sector to our economy. New City Manager Finally, we welcome Daniel Buckshi as our new city manager. Daniel has extensive experience in management, having previously worked at the County of San Luis Obispo for 15 years, the last 4 ½ as the county administrative officer. Daniel is a terrific person and we hope you get a chance to meet him.

Public Meetings City Council Meeting Sept. 5, 19 Council Chambers, 1666 North Main Street, 6pm. Contact: 943-5819 Design Review Meeting Sept. 6, 20 Council Chambers, 1666 North Main Street, 7pm. Contact: 943-5819 Planning Commission Meeting Sept. 14, 28 Council Chambers, 1666 North Main Street, 7pm. Contact: 943-5819 For Confirmation Visit: www.walnut-creek.org

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City of Walnut Creek

Walnut Creek City News Short Film Competition

Mountain Shadow Film Society holds its 3rd Annual Short Film Competition at Las Lomas Theater on September 15-16. Up to ten finalists will be selected from hundreds of submissions to present their films in person for audience cash awards. The submissions include animated, narrative, live-action, and documentary films with a maximum running time of 25 minutes. Mountain Shadow Film Society is an educational non-profit organization, bringing the best in foreign and independent filmmaking to Walnut Creek. For more information, contact Mountain Shadow’s director, John Bennison, at 925-787-6965 or jb@ mountainshadow.org.

Walnut Creek Saves Residents of incorporated Walnut Creek can take the mystery out of energy and water savings by participating in “Walnut Creek Saves.” This new program offers free home consultations to both homeowners and renters, focusing on easy changes one can make to save the most energy, water, and money. Participants receive a personalized report, get connected to rebates, receive free efficiency products like LED bulbs, and gain access to the online Energy Center to help with savings goals. The limited-time program is paid for through a grant from the Department of Energy and one-time city funds. Sign up at walnutcreeksaves.org or call 1-800-314-5997.

Center Rep Celebrates 50 Years Center REPertory Company, the resident professional theatre company of the Lesher Center for the Arts, is commemorating 50 years this upcoming season. Such a momentous occasion calls for Center REP’s superlative offerings planned for the 2017-2018 season. Imagine a night where Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash all got together and jammed. It happened on December 4, 1956, and Center REP’s first show of the season, Million Dollar Quartet, relives that historical night. Broadway star and Tony nominee Hunter Foster comes from New York to direct this very special show. The season also includes The Liar, a sexy comedy romp set in 17th century Paris; A Christmas Carol, an annual holiday event; Red Speedo, a searing new play about the pressures and temptations of the Olympic trials; and the legacy revival of the one and only Shirley Valentine, with Kerri Shawn reprising her signature role. The season closes with a hit Broadway musical set on a Greek Island that serves as a backdrop for many ABBA songs. For more information, visit www.centerrep.org, or call the Lesher Center for the Arts ticket office at 925-943-7469.

Community Service Day Join your neighbors at the Heather Farm Community Center at 7:30am, October 14, for a free pancake breakfast cooked by the local Lions Clubs and pick up your free, commemorative T-shirt. Sign up to give a half-day to the community and help support one of your favorite causes. With more than 50 projects to choose from, Community Service Day offers something for all ages, interests, and skill levels. You can view a summary project catalog and online registration pages for complete details at www.Walnut-Creek.org/Service.

Saranap Approved The Saranap Village project was officially approved by the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors on August 15. The $100 million Saranap Village is a community plan for a mixed-use, multi-building project located in west Walnut Creek, at the intersection of Boulevard Way and Saranap Avenue. The proposed project aims to create a pedestrian-friendly community with a unique identity

City News Continued and easy access to local amenities. Retail highlights include a high-quality grocer, family friendly sit-down restaurant, wine bar, and local coffee shop. The residential component of the project will have 198 housing units (122 apartments 76 condos) that will include rental apartments as well as for-sale condominiums and townhomes. Proposed extensive public infrastructure improvements, including the installation of a landscaped roundabout featuring a public art structure, will emphasize a village environment.

Walnut Creek First Wednesdays Street Fest Walnut Creek Downtown hosts Walnut Creek First Wednesdays Street Festivals for all ages on September 6, 5:30-8:30pm, at Cypress Street (between Main Street & Locust Street). Rockin’ Into September festivities include live entertainment by Cut Lose, arts and crafts, shopping, treats, and more. Enjoy free parking at N. Locust Garage, at 1625 Locust St.; S. Locust Garage, at 1350 Locust St.; and N. Broadway Garage, at 1390 N. Broadway.

Walnut Festival Twilight Parade At 6pm on Saturday, September 16, this year’s parade, themed “Yesterday and Today,” takes place on Main Street in downtown Walnut Creek and travels down to Civic Drive. The parade brings together local high school bands, business owners, and other community groups (by invitation only after applying) to create floats and entertainment that align with the theme and celebrate the public. The parade is free of charge. The 81st Annual Walnut Festival will be held September 21 – 24 The Walnut Festival is a four-day festival with family-friendly entertainment, two stages of live music, a large carnival with more than 30 rides, kid zone, and a showcase of local and regional talent, including artists, craftsmen, designers, jewelers, builders, food specialties, craft beer garden, and more. The cost of admission is $10 per person (free for kids 5 and under, 65 or older, and active military, ID required). Bring a can of food for donation and the price is $9. Carnival rides require tickets. All you can ride wristband bracelets are available for use on Thursday and Sunday. Buy wristbands at www.thewalnutfestival.org. Festival hours: Thursday, 5-10pm; Friday, 5-11pm; Saturday, 11am11pm; and Sunday, 11am-8pm. Free Fishing Derby on September 23 Before the festival begins, there will be a free fishing derby at the Heather Farm Park lake, where children will be able to learn to fish. Poles and bait will be provided. Fishing will be available 7-11am, Saturday and Sunday. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. The suggested donation for the event is $5. Visit www.thewalnutfestival.org to register.

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september 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ ourcommunityfocus.com

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PLEASANT HILL • WALNUT CREEK • MARTINEZ • LAFAYETTE • CONCORD • CLAYTON A monthly publication of Community Focus, the Concord Pioneer and Clayton Pioneer

CENTRAL COUNTY HOMES | SEPTEMBER

Celebrity Homes Curry Scores Big with Each New Home Purchase BY LYNNE FRENCH, WINDERMERE REAL ESTATE Stephen Curry, one of my favorite basketball players, is a serial East Bay home buyer. The first one he and wife Ayesha purchased was a loft penthouse at the Ellington at 222 Broadway in Oakland. The three-bedroom, 3½-bath home had 2,084 sq. ft. Building amenities at the Ellington include concierge services, a fitness center and a rooftop swimming pool. Monthly HOA dues were $738, which included parking. They only lived there for a couple of years and sold it in 2013 for $1.695 million. In 2013, they bought a Spanish-style home tucked among 100-year-old oaks in Orinda. Less than a mile from town center, the home is very private and set behind a gate with lots of trees. The five-bedroom home features large windows and French doors throughout to bring the outside in. Soaring ceilings with exposed wood beams let in light and give the rooms a rustic charm. Built in 1960, the property underwent a major remodel in 2008. The Curry family added their own touches while they were there. They remodeled the kitchen, equipping it with two Sub-Zero refrigerators, two Miele dishwashers and a 60-inch Viking range. They turned the yard into an entertainer’s paradise with a swimming pool, waterfall, dining room, outdoor kitchen, bar with TV and putting green. Surprisingly, the most modest thing was the half-court basketball hoop in the driveway.

2611 Morgan Terr. Rd., Clayton Morgan Territory Unobstructed views Asking price of Mount Diablo from this 4 BR, 3 BA $1,195,000 country home set on 1.32 acres in rural Morgan Territory. Completely remodeled throughout. 3,300 sq. ft with bonus room , gourmet kitchen with Wolf stove, griddle and grill and sub-zero refrigerator and wine fridge. Sparkling pool, basketball sports court and room for horses with direct access to Mt. Diablo State Park. City water.

Ayesha and Stephen next moved to Walnut Creek, where they bought an 8,000 sq. ft. estate built in 2012. Set on an acre, the two-story Mediterranean mansion has a gated motor court and a formal courtyard entry. The open floor plan includes five bedrooms, five bathrooms and five fireplaces. A center-island kitchen is off the two-story foyer. The lower level entertainment space is outfitted with a 2,200-bottle wine cellar and a media and billiard room. The master suite occupies a separate wing of the home. A wide, covered patio houses a complete outdoor kitchen. Beyond the patio are the landscaped gardens and a separate casita for guests. The Currys paid $3.2 million but ended up selling it less than a year later for $2.94 million. The Curry’s picked up their current Alamo home at a bargain price. The 10,000 sq. ft. estate was listed for $8 million, and they scored the 1.5-acre property for just $5.7 million. The mansion, built in 2004, is fully solar powered – no electric bills to worry about. The home has five bedrooms and nine bathrooms, a library and billiard room. Huge windows and sliders bring the landscaped grounds inside. Outside is an infinity-edge pool, a playground and big tree house. Besides being a three-point phenom in basketball, Steph is showing a remarkable knack for real estate. Their net worth is estimated at $35 million. With the Warriors moving to San Francisco and Ayesha opening a restaurant in the Millennium Tower, it’s hard to predict their next move. Maybe they’ll take their hearts to San Francisco. Lynne French is the broker/owner of Windermere Lynne French & Associates, CalBRE #01122025. Contact her at (925) 672-8787, Lynne@LynneFrench.com, or stop in at 6200 Center St., Clayton.

Virtual tour and pictures at www.2611MorganTerritoryRd.com

Kelly McDougall CalBRE 01156462

(925) 787-0448 KMcDougall@windermere.com

A stately pool adds elegance to Steph Curry’s Alamo estate.

CENTRAL COUNTY HOMES | SEPTEMBER

Wine Storage Ideas that Won’t Cause Headaches BY JENNIFER LEISCHER “Wine makes every meal an occasion, every table more elegant, every day more civilized.” –Andre Simon, French-born wine merchant, gourmet, and prolific wine writer A wine cellar, of any size, is a lovely luxury. If you like to drink wine, and more importantly, like to collect what you drink, you need somewhere to store your precious finds. Some cellars are wonderfully over-the-top, with custom racks, tumbled stone flooring, wrought-iron light fixtures, and comfortable seating arrangements where you are able to taste your vintage of choice in a civilized setting. Some cellars are in the form of a built-in beverage cooler in your kitchen or living room wet bar, where the temperature is perfectly set and the bottles are close at hand. And some, well, some cellars are a little more rough around the edges: an entry coat closet, under the guest bedroom bed, or anywhere else in your home where it’s cool and tucked away. True wine enthusiasts know that the storage of wine is not to be taken lightly. Constant temperature, appropriate humidity levels, and a relatively dark environment are all very important storage factors for wine to age gracefully. A true wine cellar is quite the work of art from an architectural standpoint, but if you’re looking to incorporate a “cellar” somewhere in your home, less the hefty price tag of an excavation to add a basement to your home, here are a few decorative suggestions: Existing cabinetry Consider transforming one or two existing cabinets in your kitchen, dining or living room into a functional storage space for wine. Many online retailers sell various sizes of prefabricated or custom built wine racks to fit just about any space to keep your wine organized, and safe and sound. Look inside your walls My husband and I just took on a wine cellar project, turning unused space under our staircase into something quite functional for our modest collection of wine. Our contractor created a cellar box, where we slid in prefabricated wine racks. A little bit of dry wall work was required, some decorative trim added, new cabinet doors with seeded glass panels installed…and voila! Not quite a “Design on a Dime” project but also not a project that took months and months to complete. The idea here is not necessarily to create a space under your

CAL BRE # is 01746457

Deborah Zacharatos-Reeg Broker Associate

Serving Communities with Excellence … Always! Proudly Serving the East Bay: Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda Counties

(925) 250-5856 Direct Deb@DeborahZReeg.com www.DeborahZReeg.com KELLER WILLIAMS EAST BAY • 100 PRINGLE AVE., SUITE 100 • WALNUT CREEK, CA 94596

stairs but rather to find unused space and create something custom and functional that works with the layout of your home. Retail solutions Wine cellars don’t have to be “built-in” to be effective. Many popular retailers have some really nice wine storage options available, including multi-functioning armoires, cabinets with diagonal wine racks and even free-standing bars that house not only your wine but other beverages as well. Depending on the space you have available and the design of your home, finding a wine storage solution can be an interesting way to add a new piece of decorative and functional piece of furniture into your home. Jennifer Leischer is the owner of J. Designs Interior Design based in Clayton. Contact her with questions, comments and suggestions at jenna@j-designs.com.

CENTRAL COUNTY HOMES | SEPTEMBER

Estate Planning Four Provisions People Forget to Include in Their Plan BY JEFFREY HALL, ESQ. Even if you’ve created an estate plan, are you sure you’ve included everything? There are certain provisions that people often forget to put in a will or estate plan that can have a big impact on your family. Alternate Beneficiaries One of the most important things your estate plan should include is at least one alternative beneficiary in case the named beneficiary does not outlive you or is unable to claim under the will. If a will names a beneficiary who isn’t able to take possession of the property, your assets may pass as though you didn’t have a will at all. This means state law will determine who gets your property, not you. By providing an alternative beneficiary, you can make sure that the property goes where you want it to go. Personal Possessions and Family Heirlooms Not all heirlooms are worth a lot of money, but they may contain sentimental value. It is a good idea to be clear about which family members should get which items. You can write a list directly into your will, but this makes it difficult if you want to add or delete items. A personal property memorandum is a separate document that details which friends and family members get which personal property items. In some states, if the document is referenced in the will, it is legally binding. Even if the document is not legally binding, it is helpful to leave instructions for your heirs to

Leigh Klock, Realtor

avoid confusion and bickering. Digital Assets We conduct business online more and more. What happens to these online assets and accounts after you die? There are some steps you can take to help your family deal with your digital property. You should make a list of all of your online accounts, including e-mail, financial accounts, Facebook, Mint, and anywhere else you conduct business online. Include your username and password for each account. Also, include access information for your digital devices, including smartphones and computers. And then you need to make sure the agent under your durable power of attorney and the personal representative named in your will have authority to deal with your online accounts. Pets Pets are beloved members of the family, but they can’t take care of themselves after you are gone. Consider naming a caretaker in your will and assign money so they can care for the pet. Be sure to name an alternative beneficiary as well. Some states allow you to set up a pet trust so the trustee can make regular payments to your pet’s caregiver to cover the pets needs. Contact experienced Estate Planning Attorney Jeffrey Hall at 925-2309002, or visit his website at HallLawGroup.com to make sure your will and estate plan takes care of all your needs. I’m not in trouble anymore!

I called Hire My Husband to take care of our “Honey Do List”!

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Pending Multiple Offers

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925-969-0133

2015

Great 3 bedroom home with 2 updated baths & approximately 1660 sq ft of living space. Needs some TLC but has loads of potential!

CalBRE# 01874255

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925.212.5593

Mark Ellinwood, Owner

ANTS • SPIDERS • MICE • RATS • FLEAS • 1 TIME SPRAY OK

CENTRAL COUNTY HOMES | SEPTEMBER

A Lesson in Longevity Ruth Bancroft is Turning 109 September 2 marks Ruth Bancroft’s 109th birthday. Along with starting a world-renowned dry garden, Bancroft hits a milestone as she blows out 109 candles this year. Many of us at the Ruth Bancroft Garden are passionate about our work and support Ruth’s legacy because we’ve witnessed just how valuable gardening can be. Water conservation ranks high in our mission, but even more important is sharing the love of a lifestyle that can increase longevity and boost well-being. Fresh air, sunshine, and beneficial dirt microbes - the physical benefits of gardening are easy to see - but there are also immense introspective gains that happen when you place your hands in the dirt. A study from the Journal

GARDEN & NURSERY

of Therapeutic Horticulture following middle-aged women in New Zealand illustrates the psychological impact of gardening. The women in the study reported that they valued the internal satisfaction gained from spending time growing and tending to their flowers, trees, shrubs, and plants. Participants explained that gardening was their way to reflect, problem solve, and retreat. They also reported that their hobby was a therapeutic tool for maintaining sanity in a stressful world, and it connected them to their past, present, and future. Along with boosting happiness, gardening is something that can get passed down from generation to generation. This sentimental value makes a certain plant so much more than just a plant and is the reason Ruth’s Garden is such a special place for all who step foot on its paths. As the summer heat subsides, we invite you to explore the magic of the garden in the fall. If you feel inspired to do some gardening of your own, the nursery is packed with plants that will invoke joy and delight and offer a taste of the magical recipe that Ruth has found for a life of love and longevity. Note: The garden and nursery will be open during construction of the new visitor & education center. The Ruth Bancroft Garden and Nursery is located at 1552 Bancroft Rd. in Walnut Creek.

Ruth Bancroft in her beloved dry garden in Walnut Creek.

INVENTORY CLEARANCE SALE PLANTS THAT YOU LOVE AT PRICES YOU CAN’T BEAT!

September 8th – 10th from 10 am – 4 pm •Friday: 20% off •Saturday: 35% off •Sunday: 50% off

458 Obsidian Way, Clayton

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Joe Dajani, GRI, SFR Dajani Real Estate Group Berkshire Hathaway Drysdale Properties

Discount applies to potted plants only.

The Ruth Bancroft Garden and Nursery 1552 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek

Eagle Peak Luxury Home

www.ruthbancroftgarden.org

Tel: 925-672-3000 Mobile: 925-457-7080 joe@joedajani.com www.JoeDajani.com DRE License # 01100804

CENTRAL COUNTY HOMES | SEPTEMBER

DUDUM REAL ESTATE GROUP ANGIE CLAY

ANGIE CULUM

925.207.9366

925.209.5999

CATHY BAIGENT

JANET POWELL

925.383.2734

925.876.2399

JENNIFER WATKINS

JENNIFER ZAK

925.348.8802

415.505.1290

CALBRE 01361143

CALBRE 00820617

CALBRE 02017103

CALBRE 00851239

CALBRE 01973545

CALBRE 02007463

JOHN FONDNAZIO

JULIE DEL SANTO

925.817.9053

925.818.5500

CALBRE 01938194

CALBRE 01290985

10 FIFI COURT, WALNUT CREEK

5615 FRANK PLACE, CLAYTON

CALL TERRYLYNN FOR PRICE

4 BED, 2.5 BATH, 2,330 SQ. FT., 15,682 SF LOT SIZE LAURIE HIGGINS 925.876.7968

4 BED, 2.5 BATH, NEW KITCHEN, SILVER CREEK II TERRYLYNN FISHER 925.876.0966

3658 CITRUS AVENUE, WALNUT CREEK

734 YGNACIO WOODS COURT, WALNUT CREEK

$969,950

$958,988

3 BED, 2 BATH, 1,950 SQ. FT., 8,855 SF LOT TERESA ZOCCHI TEAM 925.360.8662

5 BED, 3 BATH, 3,117 SQ. FT., 7,400 SF LOT TERESA ZOCCHI TEAM 925.360.8662

1667 WALNUT PLACE, CONCORD

985 SCENIC PLACE, PLEASANT HILL

$738,000

$699,000

4 BED, 2.5 BATH, 2,800 SQ. FT., 6,400 SF LOT VERONICA HIDALGO 925.381.9585

3 BED, 2.5 BATH, 1,900 SQ. FT., 2,000 SF LOT ANGIE CULUM 925.209.5999

3361 BENTON STREET, CONCORD

905 VETERANS DRIVE, CONCORD

$508,000

4 BED, 2 BATH, APPROX. 1,300 SQ. FT., 6,000 SF LOT VERONICA HIDALGO 925.381.9585

Distinctive Properties CALBRE #01882902

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$355,000

2 BED, 1.5 BATH, 972 SQ. FT., .918 SF LOT LINDSEY SINDAYEN / HURLBUT TEAM 925.464.6280

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CENTRAL COUNTY HOMES | SEPTEMBER

ELEVATING THE ART OF REAL ESTATE... 1564F SCHENONE COURT, CONCORD

CALL TERRYLYNN FOR PRICE

271 LARK LANE, ALAMO

$3,650,000

3 BED, 2 BATH, INSIDE LAUNDRY, DIABLO CREEK TERRYLYNN FISHER 925.876.0966

5 BED, 4 BATH, 5,670 SQ. FT., .99 ACRE LOT JULEI DEL SANTO / BRYAN HURLBUT 925.383.5500

155 LAS JUNTAS WAY, WALNUT CREEK

1825 YOLANDA CIRCLE, CLAYTON

$824,950

$799,950

3 BED, 2 BATH, 1,314 SQ. FT., 10,192 SF LOT CATHY BAIGENT 925.383.2734

5 BED, 3 BATH, 2,443 SQ. FT., VIEWS! TERRYLYNN FISHER

2341 HICKORY DRIVE, CONCORD

2815 ROYAL ANN LANE, CONCORD

$575,000

925.876.0966 $530,000

4 BED, 3 BATH, 1,866 SQ. FT., 6,325 SF LOT PETER PAREDERO 925.787.8746

2 BED+DEN, 2 BATH, 1,342 SQ. FT., 2,320 SF LOT LAURIE HIGGINS 925.876.7968

5467 ROUNDTREE #H, CONCORD

5455 KIRKWOOD DRIVE, #H7, CONCORD

$314,000

2 BED, 1.5 BATH, 973 SQ. FT., .02 ACRE LOT LINDSEY SINDAYEN / HURLBUT TEAM 925.464.6280

BRENTWOOD

LAFAYETTE

LINDSEY SINDAYEN

925.876.7968

925.464.6280

MARTY HENDREN

MARY NOEL

925.786.3398

925.890.0753

PETER PAREDERO

TERESA ZOCCHI

925.787.8746

925.360.8862

TERRYLYNN FISHER

VERONICA HIDALGO

925.876.0966

925.381.9585

CALBRE 01322819

CALBRE 01166864

CALBRE 01351308

CALBRE 01895540

CALBRE 00959722

CALBRE 01907345

$297,000

1 BED, 1 BATH, 968 SQ. FT. JANET POWELL

LAURIE HIGGINS

925.876.2399

DANVILLE

CALBRE 00615420

CALBRE 01468657

WALNUT CREEK

CENTRAL COUNTY HOMES | SEPTEMBER

Property Insurance Options Insurance Advice for Investment Property Owners BY JOE STOKELY I recently invited Curt Bullock from Bullock Insurance Brokers to our office to offer insurance advice to investment property owners. Curt specializes in working with property managers and property investors in the insurance industry. In his discussion, he focused on the differences between being named “Additional Insured” or “Additional Interest.” Landlord Policies and Additional Insureds When you have an investment property, you have a landlord policy. You need to add your property manager to that policy as an Additional Insured or an Additional Interest. As an Additional Interest, property managers will get a copy of the policy and you’ll be informed when it renews, cancels, or has any changes. As an Additional Insured, your property manager will have rights to that policy. We always recommend property managers be named an Additional Insured. It gives you and your property manager protection. There is liability coverage, so if someone gets hurt when your tenant is having a party and a lawsuit is filed, the property owner and the property manager will be covered. If a property manager isn’t named as an Additional Insured, there will be competing legal interests, and that won’t be good. Property managers

represent owners. Because of that, the property manager should have the same rights to legal counsel and should be covered just like the property owner is. Your insurance policy as the owner should cover the manager and you. It’s a smarter way to protect yourself and your cash flow. You want to protect the relationship between owner and property manager, too. Insurance Industry Norms This may seem like it should be normal in the insurance industry, but it isn’t necessarily. There are quite a few insurance companies that don’t do this. If you have a company that doesn’t name your property manager as an Additional Insured, find another insurance company. Don’t put anything at risk. As your insurance agents, we will look at your property and find the best company and policy for you. If you have any questions about your insurance policy and how to name your property manager as an Additional Insured, please contact us at Stokley Properties. Joe and Sheila Stokley are licensed real estate brokers and owners of Stokley Properties, located in Pleasant Hill. Reach them at 925.658.1415 or stokleyproperties.net.

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CENTRAL COUNTY HOMES | SEPTEMBER

Auctions, Flea Markets & Garage Sales Sunday, September 3

Eric Zener’s “One” ($10,000-$15,000), a

Antiques Faire

superb example of the artist’s signature

The Alameda Point Antiques Faire is the

swimming pool paintings. The auction

largest antiques show in Northern Cali-

features “Sunny Landscape” ($15,000-

fornia. Held on the 1st Sunday of every

$20,000) by Maurice Braun (1877-

month, the Faire boasts over 800 Dealer

1941), and works by other prominent

booths. All items are 20 years old or

early 20th Century Californians such as

older. Our faire is the ultimate place

Maurice Logan and Carl Sammons, as

to shop for vintage and antique home

well as a Leroy Neiman pencil draw-

decorations, clothing, furniture, jewelry,

ing and Picasso’s lithograph, “Fumeur”

art, pottery, books & collectibles.

($1,000-$1,500). Rare treasures of fine

FREE parking & shuttles. Sorry, NO

crystal and glass from Steuben, Bac-

PETS per our Use Permit. Admission:

carat, Tiffany, Lalique, and Daum are

$15 (6-7:30am); $10 (7:30-9am); $5 (9am-

especially radiant in the early autumn

3pm). Free for children 15 and under

sunlight; a Tiffany Studios Favrile lamp

alamedapointantiquesfaire.com

is estimated at $5,000-$7,000 and

Tuesday and Wednesday,

Steuben’s museum-quality Swan Bowl

September 5 & 6 September Annex Auction Auction will feature over 2,000 lots of property from a myriad of estates, 10AM – 5PM at 2701 Monarch Street, Alameda. www.michaans.com Wednesdays, September 6, 13, 20, 27 Free Appraisal Event Michaan’s specialists offers free verbal appraisals on up to five items every Wednesday. If an item is too large to bring, feel free to bring a photograph. 10AM-1PM at Main Gallery, 2751 Todd Street, Alameda. www.michaans.com

is $12,000-$15,000. September’s glitter-

Chinese artists, 10AM – 5PM , Main Gal-

Saturday and Sunday,

ing period jewelry includes Edwardian

lery, 2751 Todd Street, Alameda. www.

September 23 & 24

and Victorian bracelets, an Art Deco star

michaans.com

Treasure Island Flea Market

ruby ring ($4,000-$6,000) and a Belle Époque pearl and diamond ring ($500$700). Sparks of brilliant light fly from an estate diamond ring of more than three and a half carats ($18,000-$25,000). Sterling silver highlights include Schofield’s famous “Baltimore Rose” flatware ($2,000-$3,000). Fine furniture ranges from Chinese rare Huanghuali and Zitan wood altar tables to Hans Wegner’s mid-century modern teak and woven

A Bay Area hallmark and Northern

Saturday, September 9

California’s largest monthly gathering

Jack of All Trades Market The new market is held every second Saturday and has quickly become a favorite place to shop local and meet the makers. The market is free and has unique items, live music, food and craft beer, and is dog friendly, 11AM – 5PM at historic Jack London Square in Oakland.

of artists, collectors, designers, crafters and food trucks. Held every last full weekend of the month. $3 entry and free parking, kids 12 & under free; pet friendly. 10AM – 4PM at Treasure Island, San Francisco. www.treasureislandflea. com

www.jackofalltradesoakland.com

cord dining chairs. The large selection

Saturday, September 9

of Asian art and collectibles includes

Michann’s Gallery Auction

books, prints, and memorabilia of excel-

The play of light and shadow animates

lent provenance by Zhang Daqian, one

Michaan’s September Gallery Auc-

of the 20th century’s most admired

Lic.0506034

tion. Sunbeams flood the canvas of

JOHN

Bonded • License # 775382

Derek Knapp Ext. 210 Commercial & Personal Lines

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Interior Special • $200 off a Complete Interior Paint Job Call Early for a Quote! Your Walls will Thank You.

John McDonald • 925-676-0792 johnmcd58@yahoo.com

VISIT US FOR ALL OF YOUR INSURANCE NEEDS!

Laurie Limrite Ext. 213 Commercial Lines

CENTRAL COUNTY HOMES | SEPTEMBER

CCAR Calendar Contra Costa Association of Realtors® Education, Events & Meetings September 7 Paragon Basics, CCAR Computer Lab, 9-11am

TOOLS, TOYS, COLLECTIBLES, HOUSEHOLD ITEMS, FURNITURE AND MORE!

MULTI FAMILY Sept. 30 • 8am-3pm

Near Treat/Oak Grove on Santa Paula Dr., San Gabriel Dr., McKean, Citrus and Others

CONCORD

September 7 How To Stay out of Trouble with the CA BRE Joe Stokley provides you with information on how to stay out of trouble with the California Bureau of Real Estate (BRE) in this informative session. A perennial favorite with CCAR Members. Space is limited, so sign up quickly! 1-3pm at the CCAR Board Room September 13 Risk Management Seminar- Back To School Basics, 8am-12pm, Shadelands Art Center, Walnut Creek September 14 Meet Your YPN Neighbors Mixer, 3-5pm, Fourth Bore Restaurant, 2 Orinda Theater Square #134 September 14 Professional Standards Mediation, 10am-1pm, CCAR Board Room September 20 New Member Orientation, 8am-12pm, Shadelands Art Center, Walnut Creek September 21 Zipform Basics, CCAR Computer Lab, 1-3pm

COME SHOP!

RECENT ACTIVITY BY BRYCE

COMING SOON 799 MANDANA BLVD., OAKLAND

September 21 Annual Elected Officials Reception, 5-7pm, Scott’s Seafood, Walnut Creek September 27 Negotiation Skills with Brad Warren, CCAR Board Room, 1-3pm September 28 RPR Basics, CCAR Training Room, 9-11am

JUST SOLD 716 LONGRIDGE RD., OAKLAND

For the Home You’ve Always Wanted...Call Us Today

3 BD, 2 BA, 1,588 SF

3 BD, 2.5 BA, 2,434 SF

1923 Spanish Mediterranean near sought after Trestle Glen neighborhood. Beautiful hardwood floors, granite counters and travertine. Call for price.

Stunning 1927 Crocker Highlands French Provincial. Sold for $2,025,000 - $536,000 over asking! Represented buyer.

Interested in buying or selling? In this competitive real estate market, put my decade of local experience to work for you. Contact me today to achieve the results you want, expect and deserve.

Bryce Schumacher, Realtor® 925.457.4096

SAMUELS

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bryce.schumacher@pacunion.com www.bryceschumacher.com Lic. 01379459

samcon60@gmail.com • 925.260.4448 MEMBER

313 Gloria Drive, Pleasant Hill

General Contractor Lic#652185

CENTRAL COUNTY HOMES | SEPTEMBER

July Home Statistics CLAYTON Homes New Listings Pending Sales Closed Sales Days on Market Until Sale Average Sales Price Inventory of Homes for Sale Townhouse-Condo Attached New Listings Pending Sales Closed Sales Days on Market Until Sale Average Sales Price Inventory of Homes for Sale

CONCORD Homes New Listings Pending Sales Closed Sales Days on Market Until Sale Average Sales Price Inventory of Homes for Sale Townhouse-Condo Attached New Listings Pending Sales Closed Sales Days on Market Until Sale Average Sales Price Inventory of Homes for Sale

2016 2017 16 16 16 7 11 10 27 15 $744,859 $757,800 27 20 2016 2017 2 2 2 1 1 0 29 0 $540,000 0 2 2

LAFAYETTE Homes New Listings Pending Sales Closed Sales Days on Market Until Sale Average Sales Price Inventory of Homes for Sale Townhouse-Condo Attached New Listings Pending Sales Closed Sales Days on Market Until Sale Average Sales Price Inventory of Homes for Sale

Homes New Listings Pending Sales Closed Sales Days on Market Until Sale Average Sales Price Inventory of Homes for Sale Townhouse-Condo Attached New Listings Pending Sales Closed Sales Days on Market Until Sale Average Sales Price Inventory of Homes for Sale

2016 2017 36 34 22 30 23 30 31` 27 $1,519,196 $1,679,863 48 46 2016 2017 4 1 3 1 0 0 0 0 $0 $0 5 6

2016 2017 35 39 26 33 24 26 14 22 $759,696 $815,351 26 32 2016 2017 12 16 14 9 14 5 24 12 $515,871 $423,000 8 13

HOMES For Central Contra Costa Homeowners & House Hunters

2016 2017 71 64 40 50 56 42 17 32 $586,244 $679,561 91 77 2016 2017 25 10 12 11 12 14 12 14 $396,121 $$441,161 15 10

WALNUT CREEK

80,000 COPIES DELIVERED MONTHLY

Central County

2016 2017 150 140 105 118 97 88 26 19 $595,321 $624,033 157 114 2016 2017 47 44 37 34 21 27 17 15 $296,133 $306,759 44 23

MARTINEZ

PLEASANT HILL Homes New Listings Pending Sales Closed Sales Days on Market Until Sale Average Sales Price Inventory of Homes for Sale Townhouse-Condo Attached New Listings Pending Sales Closed Sales Days on Market Until Sale Average Sales Price Inventory of Homes for Sale

Source: www.ccartoday.com

2016 2017 81 72 59 75 56 55 23 16 $1,040,554 $1,140,500 76 47 2016 2017 40 49 39 32 47 33 16 16 $569,583 $587,773 34 39

PUBLISHERS

ADVERTISING CONTACTS

Tamara Steiner

Community Focus info@ourcommunityfocus.com 925-335-6397

CLAYTON & CONCORD PIONEER

Elena Hutslar & Becky Coburn COMMUNITY FOCUS

GRAPHIC DESIGN Trish Heaney

COPY EDITOR Alison Clary

Pioneer CCHomes@pioneerpublishers.com 925-672-0500 oï¬&#x192;ce 925-285-8612 cell

CENTRAL COUNTY HOMES | SEPTEMBER

Featured Listing 120 Lance Court, Martinez

“Pleasant Court Location + Pool” 4 Bedrooms 3 Full Bath 2,716 SqFt. Swimming pool Asking: $879,900

Come Home to Martinez! A Great Place to Live!

Maureen Ingalls (925) 370-1680 CalBRE: Maureen #00894262

RE/Max #01491373

1 8/29/14 12:46 PM VISIT: WWW.MartinezHomes.com

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Moving You On To Better Things

Cornhole

It’s Not Just a Backyard Game It is believed the game of cornhole originated in Germany in the 1800s and several decades ago found its way to midwestern states, particularly Ohio and Kentucky. For years this game was played in backyards, parties, and tailgating prior to sporting events. Fast-forward several years and, believe it or not, the game of cornhole has become a nationally recognized sport and made it to national television networks such as ESPN. The basics of cornhole are simple. Players take turns throwing 16 oz. resin filled bags (similar to corn) at a raised

board with a hole in the far end. Boards are placed 27 feet apart. A bag in the hole scores 3 points, while bags left on the board score 1 point. Just a few weeks ago, the City of Owensboro in Kentucky hosted the American Cornhole Organization’s 12th Annual World Championships of Cornhole. Attending the event were seven Bay Area residents, all of whom are nationally ranked players, with most holding at least one state title in their respected divisions. Blake Demale, Ken Jones, Nick Renevitz, Ron Stokes, Brett

Tahoe Running Camp

Holland, Jon Richards, and Kelly Lyle all made the trip to Owensboro to compete with the world’s best players in the fiveday event. As usual, the competition was fierce, but Ken Jones and Nick Renevitz were able to achieve a well-respected 9th place finish in the doubles division, well ahead of several previous state and world champions. This accomplished group of Bay Area residents plays for West Coast Cornole (WCC), an organization created several years ago in the East Bay by Pleasant Hill and Lafayette residents Ron Stokes and Ken Jones. Ron Stokes said, “The group’s main goal is to create a fun environment

for everyone that plays.” Currently, WCC not only runs tournaments, leagues, fundraisers, and corporate events but also assists in the development of players to get them to that professional level if they wish. Starting in September, Ron Stokes along with the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District kick off their seventh season of league play. The indoor cornhole league is held on Sunday afternoons and caters to players of all levels, ensuring a good time for all. For more information on cornhole events, contact Ron Stokes at ron. stokes@westcoastcornhole.com.

Fifteen College Park Cross Country runners attended the Tahoe Timber Trail Running Camp. Athletes spent an inspiring week running amidst majestic redwoods, winding rivers and serene lakes. The camp was an opportunity for experienced and new runners to train with coaches and bond with their teammates. Runners participated in endurance and speed developments intended to elevate each participant’s level of performance and enjoyment in the sport. The squad strengthened bonds between teammates and coaches and established goals for the up-coming season. They also played volleyball, soaked in the pool, and had nightly campfires. Chaperones watched these amazing runners battle the altitude and average 10 miles a day! They formed small teams and competed for points and bragging rights. At the end of the camp, Dylan Cook came in 1st place, earning him a day at Diablo Rock Gym. Kylie Tseng came in 1st for the girls. All 15 runners formed a special bond and wonderful memories from their week in the woods. Kids who attended: Alec Herrera, Adam Anderson, Bjorn Thorsen, Chloe Beardsley, Dylan Cook, Dylan Viale, Dylan Woodhall, Ethan Gaigalas, Jake Heinlein, Julia Parks, Kylie Tseng, Nick Wood, Nico Ceresa, Parker Grube, Tayler Hall. Coaches Gil Llacuna and Miguel Castro. Chaperones: Lorraine Tseng and Donovan Heinlein.

West Coast players attend Cornhole Championship in Kentucky (L to R): Brett Holland, Ron Stokes, Kelly Lyle, Ken Jones, Nick Renevitz, Doug Rippy, John Richards, Scott Phillips and Blake Demale.

Once a Viking Now a Bear Former DVC baseball coach Mike Neu has been named head baseball coach at Cal Berkeley. Mike Neu served as the head baseball coach at Diablo Valley College from 2009-11. During his time at DVC, Neu led the Vikings to an 87-41 record and two Big 8 Conference titles. In 2011, the Vikings were ranked No. 1 in Northern California, and DVC pitchers led all California community colleges with a 2.13 team ERA. Neu is a former Major League Baseball pitcher for the Oakland Athletics and Florida Marlins. He was the pitching coach for four seasons at the University of California, Berkeley, from 2012 to 2015, prior to becoming the head coach at University of the Pacific, from 2016 to 2017. ourcommunityfocus.com • september 2017

College Park Principal Welcome to the 2017/2018 School Year JOSEPH G. ALVAREZ PRINCIPAL, COLLEGE PARK HIGH SCHOOL As principal of College Park High School, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 20172018 school year. We are excited to have students back in our classrooms. Please know we consider it our deepest privilege to have you entrust your students to us so we can help put them squarely on the path to success and opportunity and help them develop a unique and valued sense of self. We are grateful to be able to partner with you to achieve this as a family and as a team. We completed another successful walk-through process. Simply put, we could not have executed such a smooth process without the countless hours and power of our fantastic community volunteers. Thank you so very much to all who helped. A special thank you to Slow Hand BBQ and Jimmy John’s Sandwiches for their continued support and donations in feeding our volunteers. As we embark on the new school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on some of the highlights from last year – accomplishments we could not have achieved without our exemplary staff and supportive and engaged parents and community: a successful six-year Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation; a rigorous and ongoing review of the quality of education provided by MDUSD schools; more students completing A-G college entrance requirements; rapidly advancing numbers of students demonstrating digital proficiency and becoming digital thought-leaders; and a very high teacher retention rate. Teachers and staff want to be here. We want to be part of your students’ lives and high school experiences. We look forward to building on these successes and making even more progress in the 2017-2018 school year. This year, our key goal is to implement WASC strategies to ensure that all stakeholders understand 32

our WASC goals, strategies and monitoring systems. More information on that will be coming soon. We set high goals, and we work hard to achieve them. But I want to assure you that this work goes well beyond numbers, test scores, and data. We know each student is an individual who brings unique talents and needs to school every day. We work hard to provide a wealth of opportunities to help each student succeed. These opportunities are included in our academic programming, which ensures that each student is challenged appropriately while building a foundation of knowledge and skills. In addition to basic core subjects, students have access to electives, extracurricular activities, and other resources (such as the library and extensive, state-of-theart technology) that help them develop their strengths, interests, and talents, whether it’s in the arts, history, athletics, science, art, technology, engineering, mathematics, languages, or service learning. We offer a wide range of services that support the total child, including social/ emotional support, counseling, tutoring, and more. We are always looking to the future, searching for new strategies to help students succeed and preparing them for what comes next. This work is not easy. But College Park High School is a community of professionals. We all—teachers, administrators, school counselors, support staff, and the many others working with us—collaborate to create a safe, supportive, welcoming learning community where all students are treated fairly and have the optimal school environment and no limit of opportunities to reach their full potential. Families and other community members play a critical role as partners in supporting students at home and at school. As a start to this partnership, we hope you will join the PTSA, have critical conversations with your students about their learning and their goals and dreams, and participate in the many family-based activities the school and the District have to offer. We encourage you to sign up for the Homelink parent/guardian portal, if

september 2017 • ourcommunityfocus.com

you haven’t already, and plan on participating in the upcoming college and career information night. To stay up-to-date on what’s happening throughout the year, please sign-up for our weekly Falcon Flyer, regularly visit our website, and follow us via twitter at @ CPHSfalcons. College Park High School is a wonder-

ful learning community. I feel so privileged to be a part of it. This is a very special place, and my colleagues and I appreciate the trust you’ve shown in us by sending your children here every day. We will do our best to ensure they have a fulfilling, happy, and safe year. I am looking forward to a great school year.

Eagle Scout Rank

Nicolas Anthony Cutaia, a recent College Park graduate and current freshman at Diablo Valley College, was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout on July 30, at Church of the Resurrection in Pleasant Hill. Cuatia is from Boy Scout Troop 405 under the guidance of Scout Master Michael McDowell. For his Eagle Scout project, Nicolas created an educational tree walk at the Markham Regional Arboretum in Concord by numbering posts and cementing them in front of their respective trees. Photo by James Brian Studios.

Free Bus Passes SchoolPool is a program that encourages students in grades 6-12 to use public transit instead of a car to get to and from school. The program offers complimentary introductory County Connection Transit bus passes for up to three (3) students per household. If your child attends primary or secondary school in the Central Contra Costa communities, you are eligible to apply. A parent or guardian must complete the application and pledge that their student will ride the bus to and from school instead of being driven by the parent/ guardian. Each eligible student will receive a bus pass good for 20 rides. You may apply for bus passes now through September 29, while supplies last. For more information and to apply, visit https://511contracosta.org.

New Options at MDUSD Exciting and Innovative New Programs Students in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District will have more options than ever before for a rich educational experience, with extensive opportunities to engage in challenging instruction in science, the arts, languages, technology, and project-based learning to help prepare them for the future and global world. International Baccalaureate School Ygnacio Valley High School is MDUSD’s first International Baccalaureate School (IB World School, Diploma Program), an assessed program for students aged 16 to 19 that is respected by leading universities across the globe. Founded in 1968, the International Baccalaureate is a non-profit educational foundation offering four highly respected programs of international education that develop the intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills needed to live, learn and work in a rapidly globalizing world. The curriculum in the Diploma Program (DP) is made up of six subject groups and the DP core, which is comprised of theory of knowledge creativity, activity, service, and the extended essay. Through the DP core, students reflect on the nature of knowledge, complete independent research, and undertake a project that often involves community service. The Diploma Program was established to offer students a balanced, global education that facilitates geographic and cultural mobility and promotes international understanding. The school will offer 14 different IB courses this fall and offer YV students exclusive onsite and remote access to a vast collection of databases through Gale, a global online research resource. The District is working to have Oak Grove Middle be the second IB school under its Middle Years Program (MYP) for students ages 11-16, and hope to establish an IB Primary Years Program as well. New Regional Magnet Schools Holbrook Language Magnet Academy in Concord As a language magnet, Holbrook

will be offering an exciting Two-Way Dual Immersion program for Transitional Kindergarten to 5th grade students that places English-dominant speakers with Spanish-dominant speakers. Students will receive instruction in both languages. The school will follow a 50/50 model, in which students spend 50 percent of their day learning to read and write in English and the other 50 percent learning to read and write in Spanish. The goal of the program is to develop academic language proficiency in English and Spanish, master grade level core standards, and develop cultural proficiency. Students at all grade levels will be offered opportunities each week to learn a variety of languages. Holbrook had been closed in previous years and has undergone extensive modernization work and technology upgrades for the new year. Sun Terrace Elementary STEM Magnet School, Concord In a STEM learning environment, powerful critical thinking and exploration practices commonly used in high-performing science, technology, engineering and math classrooms will be drawn across disciplines and connected by cutting-edge technology and extensive hands-on experiences. In the Sun Terrace STEM Lab, students are encouraged to tinker, create, play, and explore without the constraints of an objective or directions to follow. Students also engage in design challenges and activities that offer opportunities to meet California’s Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in an engaging and exciting hands-on environment. Wren Avenue Elementary Visual and Performing Arts Magnet, Concord Research has shown that what students learn in the arts may help them master other subjects, such as reading, math, or social studies. MDUSD states that the evidence is clear: study of the arts contributes to student achievement and success in school and beyond, and it empowers students to excel and thrive as creative, innovative and flexible

thinkers, ready to meet the demands of the 21st century. Along with a rigorous academic program, Wren Avenue will offer dance, theatre, music, and visual arts experiences to all students, both as independent classes and as interdisciplinary subjects integrated into all core content

areas with state-of-the-art technology. Wren Avenue’s philosophy for students is that they are the artists at the school, whether as visual artists or performers. Not surprisingly, the school’s orchestra and band performances are highly popular.

Shell/MEF Run for Education Join us for the 15th Annual Shell/MEF Run for Education on October 1. The walk/ run includes a 5K and 10K course and the opportunity to have a great time while raising money for the Martinez Education Foundation (MEF) and Martinez schools. The walk/run is the major fundraiser for the MEF each year. All proceeds from entry fees, sponsorships, and the September 30 Martinez Family Fun Night at the Shell Clubhouse go to Martinez teachers in the form of grants that enhance their classroom teaching, particularly in the area of technology. Ann Notarangelo, external relations manager for the Shell Martinez Refinery, says, “It’s rewarding to know that since 2003 the Run for Education has raised more than $650,000 for our teachers and students. We love the community spirit that surrounds this event, and we’re aiming to break the $100,000 dollar fundraising mark this year.” The Run for Education committee is still accepting sponsorships and inviting more runners and walkers. All ages are welcome, and prizes are awarded for the overall winners as well as in various age groups. To sign up, go to the MEF website: http:// martinezedfoundation.com/run-for-ed The Run for Education is the signature community project of the Shell Martinez Refinery. The refinery provides financial and logistical support, staffing, and volunteers for the event. In addition to playing the lead role in underwriting the run, Shell will match the first $20,000 in registration and sponsorships.

ourcommunityfocus.com • september 2017

Local Artist Pop-Up Show Amazing things transpire when Concord artists get together. The best part of being involved in our local arts community is the friendship. It’s one thing to sit in a room filled with people who all geek out the same way about watching an artist create a little magic, but it’s another thing altogether to find and connect with truly kindred spirits. These connections are powerful and meaningful on so many levels - personally, emotionally, intellectually, and creatively. Here’s a perfect example of the positive, collective energy we can whip up in a matter of minutes. A few weeks ago, a small group of us were enjoying wine at a gallery reception in downtown Concord and Sharon Petersen said to me, “You know, we should get a group together for a pop-up art show this fall, like maybe in someone’s front yard on a busy street.” I agreed that it was a great idea to get in front of all the holiday shows, and the word spread through

the gallery like wildfire. Within a day or two, three artists had offered their homes, twelve artists were confirmed to participate, and a whirlwind of group emails ensued. This is what I love about Concord artists - our mutual support. We promote each other’s shows and classes, we hit those “like” buttons, and we look forward to opportunities to get together. We deeply appreciate those organizations who make space for us (and our art!) to gather in Concord, including the public library, businesses in our rotating gallery program, I Heart Art Studio, B8 Theater, aRt Cottage, and Raquel Amaral Gallery. Artists and art supporters are working together to build a stronger community! Our pop-up art show is on Sunday, September 17, 11am-5pm, at I Heart Art on 15 Vivian Drive in Pleasant Hill. Bring the family, enjoy free refreshments, marvel at the creative space, and chat with our ever-so-friendly and talented local artists.

GRAND OPENING SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24th — 10am

Celebrate the Grand Opening of our new location! After serving Pleasant Hill since 2011, we’ve finally settled into a permanent home. Gen Church is a place where people of every age will be encouraged and equipped to grow as we discover God’s purpose for our lives… So come celebrate with us and experience some life-giving hope! *We are located directly behind Hospice of East Bay

WE SAVED A SEAT FOR YOU! • Encouraging and engaging children’s program provided for nursery - 5th grade. • Café 78 will be open - specialty coffees for first time guests are free! • Refreshments will be served - So let’s party!

GENERATIONS CHURCH OF PLEASANT HILL 3474 BUSKIRK AVENUE, SUITE A

(925) 464-7165

generationsinfo.org | facebook.com/GenerationsChurchPH 2016 Pleasant Hill Community Service Award Winner! 34

september 2017 • ourcommunityfocus.com

A Spin on DIY All Natural Pampering

BY REBECCA SEIDENSPINNER I like to paint my nails every Sunday before I go to bed. I have a big basket of nail polish in my bedroom, and I choose a color that will give me inspiration to get me through the busy week. It’s not that I’m too frugal to pay for a manicure; I just can’t find the time to pamper myself. My last haircut was given to me by my mother (who is not a hairdresser) and my husband the time before that. Yikes. After spending the summer in the sun, my skin is dry and feels like it needs a spa treatment. I have an all natural recipe that will revitalize and replenish your skin, and all you have to do is collect the ingredients from your kitchen. Ready to be energized? Here is the simple recipe.

Lemonade Sugar Scrub • ½ cup coconut oil (the best and most inexpensive place to buy coconut oil is at Grocery Outlet) • 1 ½ cups sugar • 2 tablespoons honey • 10 drops of lemon essential oils or the juice of a lemon Mix these ingredients until the consistency is that of wet sand. That’s it. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy. This scrub can be used on your face, body, hands and feet, anywhere. Take it with you in the shower and scrub away. This simple scrub in a Mason jar also makes a great party favor or hostess gift. Who doesn’t love something that smells great and moisturizes your skin? You can also add lavender oil to the scrub to make you feel relaxed or peppermint oil to awaken your senses. These all natural ingredients are good for your skin and smell so incredible that you just might want to take a bite, but don’t. Happy scrubbing.

How I Spent my Summer Vacation College Students Gain Real Life Experience In Internships

Pleasant Hill resident and Whittier College English major Sabrina Marshall spent her summer as an intern for the Community Focus, where she has written several articles and given us a jumpstart on multiple projects. Before she headed back to school, Sabrina caught up with a few of her college-age friends who also spent their summers hard at work at internships in their fields of study.

Gina Quinlan:

Dance major at Drexel University in Pennsylvania When not choreographing new dance sequences across the country as a senior dance major at Drexel University in Pennsylvania, Gina Quinlan spends her summers back in the Bay Area teaching dance to adults with disabilities. At the College of Adaptive Arts (CAA) in San Jose, Quinlan worked as a dance professor in their School of Dance, helping the college “prove that everyone is capable despite their differences.” She taught a variety of dance styles such as jazz, ballet, and contemporary, and she stepped in as a coach assistant for latizmo hip-hop. “While my goal is to work in a clinical setting with children,” said Quinlan,“teaching dance to these adults has been one of the greatest factors in cultivating my philosophy on art and ability.” Along with teaching, she got the chance to choreograph as well, crafting contemporary pieces to music as well as assisting with theatre choreography for the college’s many productions. Quinlan got acquainted with CAA through sjDANCEco’s National Dance Week Festival, where she and others were invited to perform. “I took this position two years ago for the summer quarter,” said Quinlan, “and came back in 2017 as part of my cooperative learning experience for Drexel University.” Quinlan will complete her Bachelor of Science in Dance this coming year and will continue on at Drexel to pursue her Master of Science in Dance/Movement Therapy. “These students’ successes inspire me every day,” said Quinlan. “They accomplish learning new dances, staying active, and developing physical and cognitive strength.”

Derrick Lewald

Mechanical Engineer at UC Davis Despite balancing a heavy course load as a mechanical engineer at UC Davis and working as a shop assistant with Unitrans, Derrick Lewald took on a new opportunity this past spring and summer at an engineering student co-op. Working out of the Contra Costa County Sanitary District (Central San) in Martinez, Lewald was particularly involved with the Capital Projects Division of the district, helping improve the performance of the plant overall. Learning about the opening wasn’t difficult for Lewald, who came across Central San at UC Davis’ Engineering Job Fair last year. He was not accepted then but reapplied this year and was brought on. Although he started in January, the summer months were significantly more exciting. “When we had more summertime employees, we went out with them and explored the plant, which had a large underground network of tunnels. The older and obsolete parts of the plant are still labeled and everything’s still mapped out, so you can see how the older parts used to work.” Lewald, who is determined to graduate from Davis early, is glad he took the time away from school and the Unitrans shop to experience a different side of engineering, even if it meant staying in college longer than anticipated. Being “more excited about sewage than most” and with a reaffirmed need for an Engineer-In-Training (EIT) License, Lewald surmised, “Working a job helped me learn more about what I’m going to do in college and what I’m going to study and specialize in. It gives you a taste of what you’re in for.“

Laura Furtado

Marine Biology major at UCSD An incoming senior at the University of California, San Diego, Laura Furtado studies marine biology along the coast of California. This summer, Furtado worked as a lab assistant at Burton Lab at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. As part of a team assisting a PhD student with a thesis project, she studied small crustaceans called copepods. “I was creating hybrid crosses between different populations,” said Furtado. “We had samples from eight different locations down the Pacific coast. The northern populations have less heat tolerance than the southern ones, so we were trying to see if their children would have a higher heat tolerance if we crossed them together.” Getting involved in the lab was easy for Furtado because she knew the professor who ran the lab and a friend working in the lab gave a recommendation. She learned a lot that could easily be applied to other types of research; however, she particularly enjoyed using all the special equipment, especially the NanoDrop, used to measure the quality of a DNA sample. The team got to see up close the DNA they were extracting, creating, and sequencing. Along with the multitude of research experiences, the lab was a great place to network among colleagues and mentors. “The people I met there were all very helpful and said, ‘Hey, if you ever need a recommendation letter, I’d be happy to help,’ or ‘If you’re interested in something else and if I know someone else at Scripps, we can set you up with them.’ It’s a lot of really helpful connections.” Furtado will be returning to the lab to hopefully continue the copepod hybrid research after spending a quarter abroad in Brisbane, Australia, to broaden her marine familiarity.

ourcommunityfocus.com • september 2017

Not Just for Humans Read My Mind

Enriching Activities for Our Pets

The Hillbilly & The Crime

BY DR. LOUISA ASSEO It’s back to school time for our kids, but what about our companion animals? Shouldn’t they be learning too? Providing learning opportunities for pets and captive animals in zoos and educational programs is called “enrichment.” The benefit of behavioral enrichment is improvement of the overall physical and emotional welfare of animals in our care. The goal is to design games and tools for pets that enhance the normal behaviors of the species. Enrichment lowers stress, minimizes destructive or unwanted behaviors, and lowers anxiety-driven behaviors. In addition, it helps strengthen the bond you share with your pet through closer interactions and fun activities you can share. There are simple ways to enrich the lives of our dogs and cats. Simple daily acts like taking your dog on a walk are one way, but go a step further and offer toys that make your dog think and solve puzzles. Agility training, traveling, hiking, sports, and interactive play with other dogs (for dogs that enjoy this) are some other well-known ways we can add fun and learning to their daily routines. Cats like interactive toys that encourage normal hunting instincts. Climbing structures, high shelving, and scratching trees can help satisfy normal cat behaviors as well. Providing treat dispensing toys and teaching your cat “tricks” can also encourage a cat to “hunt” in order to be rewarded with a treat. When we share our lives with other fun species such as rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, birds, reptiles, and even fish, enrichment sometimes takes a little creativity. Foraging is a great and simple way to help add enrichment. Foraging is a term used to describe the normal behavior of an animal in search of food, shelter, mates, and other necessities. Instead of offering healthy foods in

BY MICHAEL G. HARRIS, OD The title of this month’s book review column comes from two recent memoirs by remarkable men, one a hillbilly and the other a “crime” (to be explained later) who overcame poverty to become successful and admired individuals. The hillbilly is J.D. Vance, raised in poverty in the hollers of Appalachia. The “crime” is Trevor Noah, raised in poverty in apartheid South Africa. Born on opposite sides of the globe, these two men share much in common. J.D. Vance’s Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis opened my eyes to the plight of poor white Americans who live in squalor and despair in the coal mining regions of our country. J.D.’s grandparents moved from rural Kentucky to the Rust Belt of Ohio to “escape the legacy of abuse, alcoholism, poverty, and trauma,” so common in their part of the country. But try as they may, they couldn’t overcome their upbringing. Alcoholism was a major factor. J.D.’s mother was an addict who couldn’t raise her children. Her problems were complicated further by the numerous husbands and boyfriends she “discarded like Dixie cups, and endless screaming matches, bonechilling threats, violence, and dizzying disorder” her children had to endure. J.D.’s memoir focuses on his relationship with his grandparents, Mamaw and Papaw, who actually raised him. Mamaw was “as foul-mouthed as Tony Soprano and nearly as dangerous” but showed J.D. unconditional love and the nurturing that instilled him with grit and determination. It took these strong parental figures, a combination of “tough love and personal responsibility” and his own intellect to overcome his upbringing, graduate from Yale Law School, and become a successful and productive parent and lawyer. The lessons of this book are especially important as we try to understand

a bowl only, try offering food in new ways. Adding toys that encourage them to open a box, solve a puzzle, or root under objects to find a morsel of food is both fun and healthy for all exotic species. This also encourages more activity and can promote healthy weight. Each exotic species has its own set of natural behaviors, so enrichment can be offered in different ways. For example, providing nesting material and blank substrates allows your pet to “make his bed.” Other ideas include playing toys with them, teaching fetch and other interactive games, and allowing safe and supervised time out of their enclosures. Our pets add so much enjoyment to our lives; by adding some enrichment activities to theirs, we are truly helping them to live happier and healthier lives. Dr. Louisa Asseo, owner of Oasis Veterinary Hospital, can be reached at (925) 954 – 8087, 6635 Alhambra Ave, Suite 100, Martinez, or visit oasisveterinaryhospital.com.

Oasis Veterinary Hospital proudly sponsors the

PET ADOPTION CONNECTION www.ourcommunityfocus.com

september 2017 • ourcommunityfocus.com

why so many poor whites are struggling. For a more extensive look at their problem, I recommend White Trash. The 400-Year Untold History of Class in America by Nancy Isenberg. I’m not much of a fan of late-night TV talk shows. They come on way past my bedtime. But I have seen snippets of The Daily Show with Trevor Noah on YouTube and Facebook. He’s extremely clever and very funny. So I was drawn to his memoir, Born A Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood, when I saw it on the New York Times bestseller list. It is an amazing story of a young man who was born into the worst possible circumstance in apartheid South Africa and becomes a megastar. The title comes from the fact that his mother is black and his father is white, and it was a crime in South Africa for different races to marry or comingle. Abandoned by his father, Trevor was raised by his poor but stern working mom who understood her values and conveyed them to her son. As a youth, whether selling pirated CDs or buying items on sale and then selling them illegally at a mark up, Trevor was always in and out of trouble. But his mother made sure that he learned lessons from every one of his transgressions. A stellar example happened when Trevor got arrested for driving someone else’s car that the police thought he had stolen. (The white South African police had no use for Trevor, who was of mixed race, and his explanation or sense of humor.) His mother would not post bail and made him rot in jail for a week before coming to his rescue. The lesson was learned. You can either go to school and get an education or remain a kid on the streets and end up in jail. Fortunately, Trevor chose the former, and the rest is history.

kids 12 and under

FOXTAIL SEASON Dr. Jim Beebe and Dr. Jill Oliveira want to remind all pet owners that foxtail season is upon us. Be careful

HALLOWEEN COSTUME PHOTO CONTEST

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Funniest

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Email a favorite photo of your kids in their best costume (past or present) to

info@ourcommunityfocus.com by October 15.

Winners announced in the October 30 Community Focus.

SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE 925-335-6397 www.ourcommunityfocus.com ourcommunityfocus.com â&#x20AC;˘ september 2017

National Night Out Pleasant Hillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Night Out event was held on August 1 at Pleasant Hill City Hall, where visitors interacted with first responders, sat in police cars, fire engines and ambulances and watched a demonstration of the police K9s. Families enjoyed a bounce house, face painting, burgers and hotdogs, and even cotton candy. Photos by Susanwoodphotography.com

Something For Everyone At The Y!

IRVIN DEUTSCHER FAMILY YMCA Special Enrollment Offer - Valid 9/1-9/4 2017

september 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ ourcommunityfocus.com

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T: 925-687-8900 www.IDFYMCA.org

Pair Up Veggie Break

BY MARIA TERRY After a long summer of BBQs, I like to dedicate a day to meat-free eating. I want something different than the usual salads that accompany grilled meats,

Ratatouille INGREDIENTS 1 can (28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 large eggplant (1 pound), cut into 1-inch pieces Coarse salt and ground pepper 2 large yellow onions (1 pound total), diced large 1 head garlic, cloves smashed and peeled 2 bell peppers (any color), seeded and diced large 2 large zucchini (1 pound total), diced large 1 bay leaf 1 tbsp. fresh marjoram or oregano leaves 2 to 3 tbsp. red-wine vinegar DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place tomatoes and juices on a rimmed baking sheet and use your hands to break tomatoes into 3/4-inch pieces. Drizzle with two tablespoons oil and bake until thickened, 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a colander, toss eggplant with 1½ teaspoons salt. Let sit 20 minutes, then squeeze out excess liquid. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat four tablespoons oil over medium. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, five minutes. Add garlic and cook until onions and garlic are soft, five minutes. Add peppers and cook, stirring, until crisp-tender, four minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, bay leaf, and marjoram to pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture comes to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, partially cover, and cook at a gentle simmer until vegetables are tender but not mushy, 15 minutes. Season to taste with vinegar, salt, and pepper. Remove bay leaf before serving. Yield: 10-12 Servings

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and I want these foods to burst with a variety of flavors: sweet, sour, salty, savory, and even a little bitter. A real umami tsunami! Since September is often the hottest month in the San Francisco East Bay, I still find myself craving cold soups. Gazpacho is one that makes you want to smack your lips when you take a spoonful. It is the perfect way to take advantage of the last of the sweet summer tomatoes and crisp cucumbers. I love it with a creamy dollop of sour cream as a garnish, and sometimes I throw in a jalapeño with the bell peppers if I am craving a little spice. (Find recipe at www.LaSommelierre.com.) To pair, Grüner Veltliner is the highly sought after grape from Austria that immediately comes to mind for these intense vegetal flavors. Grüener has flavors of lime zest and white pepper, with a searing acidity that stands up to the acid in the soup. If you can’t find a Grüener, a Sauvignon Blanc will work; however, do try to seek out this unique wine. If you have never had Grüener before, I think you will be surprised at how exciting it is, and it may even become a new favorite. I could get lost in a main course of ratatouille, a Southern French country dish, accompanied by some really good French bread and a bottle of Southern Rhone red wine. My husband would probably boycott dinner if I didn’t serve some kind of meat alongside, so for those folks who are inclined, just about any grilled meat will go nicely. For me, the earthy flavors of eggplant, peppers and zucchini mingled with tomatoes, garlic and fresh herbs spiked with a hit of red wine vinegar provide enough texture and flavor to satisfy my appetite. As for the wine, this is a perfect time to keep things regional. Look for a Southern Rhone red made from a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. Southern Rhones tend to have flavors of bright red fruit that are deepened by notes of dark earth and an herbaceous quality that mimic those exact flavors ratatouille.

Finish off your meal with a Pinot Noir from your favorite wine growing region and the Candy Cap Mushroom Cheesecake (Find recipe at www.LaSommelierre.com.) A candy cap mushroom doesn’t taste like any other mushroom you’ve ever tasted. It tastes more like French toast, pancakes, or waffles with

maple syrup. And, when used in the recipe online, it takes on a savory, sweet quality that works with the earthy, savory, and sweet fruit flavors in the Pinot. So, go on. Pair Up! Maria Terry is a Certified Sommelier and Wine Educator in the San Francisco Bay Area. www.LaSommelierre.com.

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ourcommunityfocus.com • september 2017

In the Garden

Plant Winter Crops as Summer Ends BY LESLEY STILES September has to be peak season for tomatoes, especially heirlooms and my all time favorite, Sun Gold tomatoes, which are so crazy on the vine -- they look yellow instead of green. Padron peppers, guajillo peppers, ghost chilies, and habaneros are also popping out and growing to picking size daily. It’s hard to keep up but oh so satisfying to have that as a problem! Most peppers come into season in the later summer, developing into an amazing array of different hues only gifted to the patient grower who does not pick them green in June. Tomatillos start their parade into the blender as the summer wanes, calling out for garlic, lime, and cilantro for a simple but astounding salsa to put in and on everything. I have seen so much squash and so many

lemon cucumbers that I could start my own farm stand. Summer vegetable garden bounty is an awe-inspiring series of picking, watering, and weeding events that never cease to amaze the gardener. I have discovered that I hold chicken manure dear to my heart as the nitrogen content makes my vegetables predictably greener and fuller right before my eyes. It is time to start that winter garden once your summer garden begins to slow down. Winter crops like a little heat at night to get them started, and temperatures rarely drop below fifty degrees, ensuring that tender roots get plenty of time to develop before the cold sets in. You will have stronger plants and get an earlier and longer harvest by planting now. As soon as your earliest tomatoes start to turn brown and leggy, take them out and put in broccoli. As the sun starts to change position in the sky, you will notice shade in different parts

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of your otherwise blazing hot yard. Plant new lettuce and arugula as the shadows deepen for a nice, long run of succulent, garden fresh greens from yard to table. Just remember to amend your soil liberally and generously with your favorite compost -- either your own, your favorite manure, or both. Besides having an incredibly positive effect on your culinary delicacies, your garden will also calm your mind and work your muscles. There is really nothing quite like turning over a nice big square of soil to ease a burden of anger or sorrow in your life. When you see the result of what you have done, nothing else really matters as much as it

Syrian Fatoush Salad INGREDIENTS 1 head of romaine lettuce, washed and torn 2 medium sized cucumbers, peeled, seeded and diced 1 basket of cherry tomatoes cut in half 1 small red onion, sliced into small half moons ½ bunch of fresh mint, chopped fine ½ bunch fresh cilantro, chopped fine ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled 1 cup of pita chips ½ cup pitted kalamata olives, chopped. DIRECTIONS Toss all together in a large salad bowl with Lemon – Cumin Vinaigrette Serves 8

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september 2017 • ourcommunityfocus.com

did when you started out. Consequently, burning calories and strengthening muscles does not feel too bad either. Once in the garden, toiling away, before you know it, hours have passed and the sun is waning. Oops…was it my turn to cook dinner tonight?? Have campfire food by the BBQ! Experience summer garden by-products with al fresco patio dining a la minute. As the sun dips into the ridge, wine in hand, cook while discussing day’s events with loved ones as your gaze lights on a particularly amazing bloom. Bon appétit! 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.

Lemon-Cumin Vinaigrette

INGREDIENTS ¼ cup of fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons of seasoned rice vinegar ¾ cup of extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons of freshly toasted and ground cumin seed 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh garlic DIRECTIONS Whisk all together in a bowl and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

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In the Mix

Live Music Still Thriving to Ease You Into Fall BY PAUL COTRUVO In the summertime when the weather is hot/ You can stretch right up and touch the sky. – “In The Summertime” by Mungo Jerry So here we are, nearing the end of the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love. What a summer it’s been. I still can’t find that White Rabbit, but I think I did see a lot of girls with flowers in their hair. Far out! The music scene has been thriving in our neck of the woods, and everyone seems to have had a groovy time. So many different festivals and concert series over the summer have enriched our community. Summer of Love celebrations included Lafayette’s month of music, Pleasant Hill Blues and Brews, Walnut Creek Art & Wine Festival, Moraga Concert Series, and many other cities with live and free music on Thursday nights. Who knew Thursday would be the new Friday? One of my favorites this year has been the Downtown Martinez Music and a Movie. Hope they do that again next year. Great concept and family-friendly. We need to keep this summertime thing going as long as possible, so I thought I’d give you some recommendations to put on your calendar and ease you into fall. Kind of an extended Paul’s picks! Concord The 29th annual Music and Market, held in Todos Santos Plaza on Thursday Nights in downtown Concord, never disappoints. The legendary singer Annie Sampson closes out the series on September 14. An amazing singer who performs anything

from gospel to rock. Show begins at 6:30pm. Pleasant Hill Pleasant Hill continues to make your Sundays a little better with their annual Summer by the Lake Concert Series on the lawn in front of City Hall, at the corner of Gregory and Cleaveland. You will always find quality music and a fun atmosphere. The Groove Doctors close out this series on September 3. Dancing on the lawn is required. Show starts at 6pm. Also in Pleasant Hill, the First Thursday Summer Concert Series continues. September 7 features the funky East Bay Mudd. These guys bring it every time. Bring your dancing shoes! Show starts at 6:30pm. Antioch September also has two of my favorite events. On September 16, the 19th annual Delta Blues Festival, held in Waldie Plaza in Antioch, always brings quality blues music. This year will be no exception, with performances by Chris Duarte Group, Terrie Odabi, Lionel Young, Brad Absher & Swamp Royale, featuring Might Mike Schermer (oh yeah), Ron Hacker, and Roharpo the Bluesman. Show begins at noon. And it’s free! Lafayette And in Lafayette, on September 22 (my, how time flies), the Lafayette Art & Wine Festival will be held on the weekend of September 16 and 17 (see details on the back page). It’s always one of the best festivals in the entire Bay Area, not only because the wine, beer and food is great, but the music lineup is always stellar! This year will feature many tribute bands such as Foreverland, The Bell Brothers, Zebob, East Bay Mudd, The Sun Kings, and The Big

Summer by the Lake Concert Series in Pleasant Hill. Photo by SusanWoodPhotography.com

Jangle. For the times and schedule, check out www.lafayettefestival.com. And, finally, over at the Historic Town Hall Theatre in Lafayette, there will be two great events going on. On September 1, the one and only Will Durst brings his political humor (we need this more than ever), and on September 2, local band Dream Posse will be performing songs from their upcoming CD, plus a bonus special set celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love. Opening this show will be The Lost Weekend, featuring the amazing Stephanie

Rickher. Go to www.townhalltheatre.com for more information. Have you filled your calendar yet? Get out there, fly your freak flag, and support local music and venues. I know I have not put my lava lamp, granny glasses, and Nehru jacket away yet. Peace! Quote of the Month: Come on people now/Smile on your brother/ Everybody get together/Try to love one another/Right now. Written by Mich Hansen, Jonas Jayberg, Phillip Jackson

Paul’s September Picks September 2: Lavay Smith & the Red Hot Skillet Lickers, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm September 3: Groove Doctors, Pleasant Hill Summer by the Lake, Gregory & Cleaveland, 6pm September 7: Dream Posse, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm September 7: Sin Silver, Rocco’s Pizzeria, 2909 Ygnacio Valley Rd., Walnut Creek, 8pm September 9: Kyle Jester, Roxx on Main, 627 Main St., Martinez, 7pm September 22: Garageland Rodeo, Roxx on Main, 627 Main St, Martinez, 7pm September 24: The Sunday Paper, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 4pm

EXPIRES 9/30/17

ourcommunityfocus.com • september 2017

The Kid Tree

Bark Holds Secrets of Visitors Past BY SHEREEN MOTARJEMI In the bank of a creek just off Pleasant Hill Road stands an old tree bearing evidence of visits by children over the years. There are dozens of etchings and initials carved into the bark in numerous styles. This was a popular kid place! Many of the carvings date back to the 1960s and ‘70s, when Pleasant Hill was more rural and children freely roamed its creeks. Kids from that era knew that creeks are special places. There are pollywogs to catch and rock dams to build. There are trees to climb and critters to watch. But one of a creek’s greatest draws is what is absent from it: grownups. It’s one of the few places where a kid can be free. “Meet at the tree,” was all a kid had to do to find friends in those days. Once kids are hanging out together, someone is bound to try carving initials into

a tree. It’s easy to look at the tree now and understand that these kids etched their names in order to announce to the world: “I AM ME and I AM HERE!” That’s understandable. After all, aren’t we doing exactly the same thing nowadays on Facebook? In those days, parents were less concerned that children were out of earshot the whole day. Moms were confident their kids would be home when they got hungry. In 1968, Joel Primrose lived on Mercury Way near Grayson Creek and spent his summer days “from 6:30am to sunset,” exploring the fields, orchards and creeks in Pleasant Hill. Joel loved the outdoors, but that’s not all he loved. His heart belonged to beautiful Katie Clark with the freckles and dark hair. He tried to do all the things an 11-year-old could do in order to woo his beloved, like carrying her books

home and carving their names into the tree. But Katie’s heart could not be warmed, and she rejected his overtures again and again. Today, they are both in their late 50s, happily married to other people. Even though they lost touch decades ago, each remembers the other from that time in 5th grade when Joel secretly carved “Joel LOVES Katie” into an old buckeye tree next to a creek. If you would like to see the tree for yourself or share your creek memories, please feel free to email me at shereen56@yahoo.com.

Initials cut into bark like hieroglyphic messages from years past.

If this old Buckeye could talk ...

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www.HallLawGroup.com 925-230-9002 Jonah and Barrett Lawson search for pollywogs during their expedition through Grayson Creek. september 2017 • ourcommunityfocus.com 42

As Russ Sees It Glad That’s Over!

BY RUSSELL CARROLL Well, summer is almost behind us, and although I am not a big fan of rainy, cold weather, I am a big fan of the clothing it allows me to wear. I would much rather wear a pair of sweatpants and a hoody over a T-shirt. Now, if it is wet outside, I will opt for tennis shoes. If it’s dry, I’ll look a bit like an Eskimo wearing flip-flops. I believe flip-flops are a year-round option. Now, it’s not that I necessarily enjoy sweats and hoodys more than a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. It’s just that at this juncture of my life, I happen to look a lot better all bundled up than dressed down. Shorts expose my chicken legs. I once had someone ask me if I felt safe walking around on them. He was a bit surprised that these chicken legs could even hold me upright let alone allow me to move from point A to point B. An ex-friend of mine once said, “So, you played sports with those legs?” Well at the time of the comment he was a friend of mine, but I unfriended him faster than an ex unfriends a spouse on Facebook. The hoody does a great job of a couple of things, mainly hiding my bloated belly, which I am certain stems from an undiagnosed medical condition. My doctor tends to think it is from my food and beverage choices and a lack of exercise. I mean, whatever happened to “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all?” Another positive func-

tion of the hoody is it covers my rippling biceps, which were once described as resembling a baby’s bottom. This person was quickly unfriended as well. I wouldn’t mind hitting the gym and pumping some iron if it weren’t for all the mirrors. Nothing strips me of my motivation faster than a mirror at the gym. Why don’t they put the mirrors at the far end of the gym so the people in great shape can simply walk down to the mirrored end and take a selfie? What would be great is if a gym had those mirrors that change your shape and size like at a carnival fun house. Then we would all be on an equal playing field because we would all look stupid. If I could get a corn dog and a beer at the gym like I can at a carnival, I might just show up. Or, perhaps, have a section with mirrors and a section without mirrors. I guess that wouldn’t work in our hyper-vigilant, everything needs to be politically correct world. Does going to the gym and cruising around with sweat pants and a hoody while talking with people you know count as a workout? It should count for something... at least I’d be at the gym. Baby steps. Finally, the hoody allows me to toss the hood over my head and do my impression of Darth Vader or a character out of Assassins Creed. Regardless, it’s almost time to put away the shorts and T-shirts in favor of cold weather gear. If I don’t get into sweats and a hoody soon, I may run out of friends or the energy to unfriend them all. After all, I am out of shape. But…that’s just how I see it.

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Home Repairs Helping Seniors

Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach get Help from Home Depot and MOWA

Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services (MOWSOS) is proud to announce it was awarded a grant from Meals on Wheels America (MOWA) and The Home Depot Foundation. The grant recognizes the work being done to support low-income seniors needing home repairs. MOWSOS was honored at the national MOWA conference in Denver this past August. “Minor home repairs can be the difference between an older adult needing to leave their home or remain living in a safe environment. We are often called upon to repair stair railings or install wheelchair ramps and fall safety devices. We are thankful to The Home Depot and MOWA for supporting our work. The

recognition, the opportunity to network with other programs across the country, and the award check will make our program stronger,” says Elaine Clark, chief executive officer. MOWSOS operates the only countywide fall prevention program for low-income senior adults in Contra Costa County free of charge. The program identifies those in need and brings together occupational therapists, physical therapists, contractors, community partners, and nursing students to improve the lives of seniors and make their homes safe. Nine percent of clients are veterans of the armed services, and all clients are significantly in need of help. Allowing

Rotary Awards Youth At their August 17th lunch meeting, the Pleasant Hill Rotary Club honored their 2017 scholarship winners. The winners and their families were invited to have lunch, meet the members, and talk about their plans and goals. Alyssa Gaigalas won the Rotary General Senior Scholarship for outstanding academic achievement and leadership. Olivia Hunter-McElroy won the Will Fulton Interact Memorial Scholarship, given to an outstanding student in honor of the first president of Interact Club. Makenzie Wernholm was awarded the Jim Nunes Performing Arts Scholarship for a student pursuing studies in performing arts. Byran Hernandez, Valley View Middle School, and Natalie Ferrero, Pleasant Hill Middle School, were nominated by their principals to receive the Joseph A. Ovick Scholarship for outstanding 8th graders going into high school.

someone to remain in their home saves thousands of dollars, preserves independence, and often improves health. The MOWSOS Fall Prevention program has been credited with reducing falls by 52%. Home modifications are a huge part of the program. To learn more information about MOWSOS, please visit www.mowsos.org. Meals on Wheels America (MOWA)

together with national Meals on Wheels programs consistently strives to become stronger, more sustainable and able to better meet the growing demands of the most vulnerable among us. Federal and local governments, healthcare systems, businesses and communities are asked to come together to change the way this country cares for its seniors, and this change starts at every level.

Martinez Senior Activities 818 Green Street, Martinez 925-370-8770

Contra Costa Senior Legal Services Contra Costa Senior Legal Services is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free civil legal services to Contra Costa County residents who are 60 or older. The Martinez Senior Center provides legal services to seniors. Services include simple wills, estate planning, housing, debt, elder abuse and small claims. Appointments are offered twice a month. Sept. 10 - Pancake Breakfast 8-11am. The Martinez Senior Center Club puts on a pancake breakfast the 2nd Sunday of every month. This breakfast is open to the community and includes eggs (made to order), sausage, pancakes, orange juice and coffee. The delicious breakfast is $4.00 for adults and $2.50 for children under 10. Martinez Senior Center Bingo Bingo is offered every Thursday at the Martinez Senior Center. Bingo is open to the public and starts at 1pm. Sales open at 12pm. $5 per pack, $30 guaranteed minimum prize for 10 regular games. This also includes 3 warm ups and half time special games (prize dependent upon sales). Come join the fun!

Pleasant Hill Senior Activities 233 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill 925-798-8788 Aug. 30 - Advanced Care Planning is for Everybody 1-3pm. Don’t wait until a crisis to think about your health care preferences. Start the conversation today. The East Bay Conversation Project (EBCP) is a community coalition focused on educating the public and health care professionals of all ages about advance care planning. EBCP offers information and training on key issues and how to make sure that your preferences for end-of-life care are documented, known, and honored. Come learn about resources for advance care planning. RSVP by calling 798-8788. Free to attend. Sept. 3 - Pancake Breakfast 8:30-10:30am. All ages welcome! Enjoy a stack of pancakes, eggs, sausage and orange juice and coffee. Adults (11+): $5, children (5-10): $3, 4 & under: free! Sept. 6 - “Amistad”- Spanish Resource Group 9:30am. Learn about resources in the area for our Spanish community every Wednesday. Facilitator: Cloty Ulrich. Location: Arts & Crafts Room.

Makenzie Wernholm, Alyssa Gaigalas, Byran Hernandez, and Natalie Ferrero. Olivia Hunter-McElroy was unable to attend. Photo by SusanWoodPhotography.com 44

september 2017 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Vendors needed for Holiday Boutique and Craft Fair. Selections are made by a committee, based on a number of criteria, including the number of like items. Limited number of non-handmade items will be accepted. Holiday Boutique & Craft Fair is on Saturday, November 18, from 9am to 3pm. Contact Kendra, kluke@pleasanthillrec.com or Holly, hfrates@pleasanthillrec or 925-798-8788.

Immunotherapy and Ovarian Cancer therefore, there is a tremendous need to have more effective treatments. There have been recent advances in the area of chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Targeted therapy is a newer type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to identify and attack cancer cells. They often have fewer side effects. Bevacizumab is a targeted therapy approved for recurrent ovarian cancer. Poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) are enzymes that are key regulators of cell survival and cell death; therefore, drugs that inhibit PARP can be important drugs to fight ovarian cancer. The PARP inhibitors, Olaparib and Rucaparib, are approved for women with recurrent ovarian cancer with BRCA mutation positivity, having had previous lines

of chemotherapy treatment. Niraparib was recently approved for maintenance therapy for women who have platinum sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer after platinum chemotherapy. Women who are BRCA positive or negative can both benefit from this therapy. Immunotherapy is also being actively studied in gynecologic cancer. There have been clinical trials looking at various immunotherapies, including vaccine therapy, immune cellular therapy, and immune checkpoint blockade. Objective response rate reported in these small trials have not been very impressive; however, complete and durable remissions have been observed. Additional efforts are being made to understand molecular and immunological

NITY FO MU C M

BY GIGI CHEN, MD In 2017, an estimated 22,440 women will receive a new diagnosis of ovarian cancer and about 14,080 women will die from it. A woman’s risk of getting ovarian cancer during her lifetime is about 1 in 75. The treatment of ovarian cancer often includes a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. It is common for ovarian cancer to be diagnosed at a more advanced stage. A woman should be evaluated by a gynecological oncologist for surgery. After the initial surgery and chemotherapy, a woman is usually observed. The risk of recurrence can still be high;

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characteristics so we can select patients who are most likely to benefit from this particular treatment strategy. Join Dr. Chen and other medical experts at the Many Faces of Gynecologic Cancers on September 19, 2017, from 6:30-8:30pm, at the Lafayette Library. For more information or to register for the program, call 925-677-5041 x260. Gigi Chen, MD is a medical oncologist and hematologist with Diablo Valley Oncology. She sees patients in Pleasant Hill, Rossmoor, and San Ramon. She has expertise in the treatment of all tumor types, with a special interest in treating gynecological malignancies, lung and breast cancer, and hematologic disorders. SPONSORED CONTENT

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Pleasant Hill Rec & Park Ruth Bancroft Garden Samuels Construction Senior Helpers Spavia Day Spa Stokley Property Management Services Susan Wood Photography The Moulding Company Tish Kanat, Dudum Real Esate Veronica Hildalgo, Dudum Real Esate Waters Moving and Storage Wence’s Restaurant WiseGirl Ristorante Italiano & Cocktails Zio Fraedos

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Make Some Plans august 30

september 5

september 16

september 21

Pleasant Hill Historical Society

Pleasant Hill Garden Study Club

History Talk and Book Signing

Sustainable Workshop

PHHS quarterly meeting at 6:30pm, Rodgers Ranch, 315 Cortsen Road, Pleasant Hill.

Monthly meeting with tomato tasting with speaker Ernesto Sandoval, from UC Davis Botanical Conservatory, 7pm. Guests are always welcome and free. PH Community Center, 320 Civic Dr., PH. (925) 323-9314 or www.phgsc.com.

The CCC Historical Society presents author and educator Dan Hanel. He’ll speak about his novel, which alternates between a teacher’s present day adventure and historical accounts of Dr. John Marsh, an historic figure in CoCoCounty and California. Free, 1-3om, 724 Escobar Street, Martinez, www.cocohistory.com

september

september 9

september 17

september 23

Thursday Music and Market Series

Madness on Main Street Car Show

Levi Strauss Presentation

Save the County Jail Fundraiser

For twenty-nine years, the Music and Market series has built community and commerce in downtown Concord, Todos Santos Plaza. Enjoy fresh food and line dancing, 6:30-8pm. View schedule at www.cityofconcord.org.

The 21st annual car show has over 200 cool cars, trucks, and bikes in downtown Martinez. Free for the public to attend, 10am-3pm. Music from DJ Tony Pichardo. All makes, models, and years welcome! www.mainstreetmartinez.org

Re-scheduled presentation by the Martinez Historical Society, 1pm, with Lynn Downey on “Levi Strauss, the man who gave us denim.”Veteran’s Memorial Hall, 930 Ward Street. Light refreshments served. Downey is the past director of the Levi Strauss collection for Levi Strauss Company.

Architectural Preservation Foundation of CCC is raising money to stop the demolition of the 1903 Old County Jail. Enjoy live music by Ancestral Water. Light snacks provided and no host bar, $25, 2-4pm, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista Blvd., Martinez.

sept. - nov.

september 17

september 22 - 24

Hunger Study Volunteers Needed

Artists in Motion

Eat Real Festival

Concord artists Lisa Fulmer, Rashmi Rajesh, Amy Eikner, and Sharon Petersen will hold a pop-up art show, 11am-5pm, at I Heart Art, 15 Vivian Drive, Pleasant Hill. Bring the family, enjoy free refreshments, and chat with the artists.

Annual celebration of good food featuring sustainable, local ingredients, with a focus on artisan food crafts, street food, craft beers, local wines, and delicious cocktails. Jack London Square: Friday, 1-9pm; Saturday, 10:30am-9pm; and Sunday, 10:30am-5pm. Free. http://eatrealfest.com

The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano is looking for volunteers to interview clients for a hunger study to help improve programs and services, raise awareness, and advocate for public policy change. Visit foodbankccs.org/ hungerstudyvolunteer for more information.

Final workshop in series: Home Canning and Preserving, 10am-12pm. Cost: $20. Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center, 315 Cortsen Rd., Pleasant Hill. http://sustainablecoco.ning. com

september 2

september 10

september 19

september 30

New Art Exhibit: “Anything Goes”

Fight Cancer with Your Fork

Many Faces of Gynecologic Cancers

Artists Supporting Animal Shelters

The gallery showcases local established artists as well as new and emerging Bay Area artists. Opening reception is 2-6pm at the Raquel Amaral Studio/Gallery,1856 Colfax St. #6, Concord. https://raquelamaral. wordpress.com/home/

Learn what the scientists say about diet and cancer prevention. Free lecture by Susan Silberstein, PhD, author of Hungry for Health and Hungrier for Health, 1:30pm, at Renaissance ClubSport, 2805 Jones Rd., Walnut Creek. For reservations, contact Gina Bowen, gina@ginabowen.com, 925-222-0875.

Panel of medical experts offers insight into ongoing screening guidelines, latest treatment options, advances with minimally invasive surgery, and menopausal issues faced by gynecologic cancer survivors. Q & A session to follow. 6:30-8:30pm, Lafayette Library. RSVP at 925-677-5041 x260.

Over 40 artists, small business owners, and vintage collectible vendors. Winslow Center, at Taylor and PH Road, Pleasant Hill, 9am -3pm. Vendors participate for $25/booth. Contact Dee Assael at deecassael@gmail.com.

september 3

september 14

september 20

september 30

Sunset by the Lake Concert

Free Advance Health Care Directives

Like Magic?

2nd Annual Harvest Festival

Free Sunset by the Lake concert on the Pleasant Hill City Hall lawn, 6-8pm, featuring the Grove Doctors. Arrive early to grab a good spot.

Contra Costa Senior Legal Services will prepare an AHCD for any senior, 60 or older, residing in Contra Costa County. Please call Concord Senior Center, (925) 671-3320, for appointment.

The Society of American Magicians Assembly #112 meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month, 7pm, at Veterans of Foreign Wars, 1919 Wendell Lane, Pleasant Hill. Open to all! Contact Mark at (510) 701-7207.

A free, family event, with pumpkin carving, games, activities, food, and music. 10am4pm, Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center, 315 Cortsen Road, Pleasant Hill.

ourcommunityfocus.com • september 2017

Saturday, Sept. 16th 10-7 PM

Sunday, Sept. 17th 10-6 PM

Downtown Lafayette

ua n n a d n 22

• Admission • Parking at BART

Presenting Sponsor

• Shuttle to event • Bike Valet Parking

Festival Sponsors

LAFAYETTE A CHAMBER

BENEFITING

16 & 17

Lafayette

Minuteman Press Lafayette y

4 THE SUN KINGS • STEVEN YBARRA BAND • THE SPAZMATICS • EAST BAY MUDD • NEON VELVET THE BIG JANGLE • THE BELL BROTHERS • FOREVERLAND • ELECTRIC HEAD BAND OTHER PEOPLE’S MONEY • 3DAY WEEKEND • BOB ATHAYDE • ZEBOP • COVERS CUP FINALISTS TROUBLE WITH MONKEYS • THE RIPPLERS • THE TUNERIDERS • EXTRA LARGE For further information, please visit our website: www.lafayettefestival.com. 48

september 2017 • ourcommunityfocus.com