September 2016 by Community Focus

COMMUNITY

FOCUS

SEPTEMBER 2016 Reaching Over 50,000 Homes & Businesses

ourcommunityfocus.com

IN THIS ISSUE: • COMMUNITY SERVICE DAY • BOHEMIAN HIGHWAY • SCHOOL NEWS

PLEASANT HILL • CONCORD • MARTINEZ • LAFAYETTE • WALNUT CREEK

Julie Says

Fringe Benefits

BY JULIE ROSS Have you seen a mathematician at play, performing uncanny feats of lightning calculation and mind-boggling mental maneuvers? If not, are you ever in luck. The amazing and appealingly geeky Gregg Tobo, who recited 1,149 digits of Pi from memory in 2015, is starring in a theatrical production aptly named, A Mathematician at Play. A Mathematician at Play is just one of 150 shows from 38 indie theatre groups featured in the 25th Annual San Francisco Fringe Festival, September 9-24. There are numerous Fringe Festivals around the world, each offering unique performances in dance, spoken word, puppetry, music, film, theatre, and, apparently, math. And if you typically have spent (or have said, “no way am I spending”) $100-plus for a theatre ticket, you will be pleased to know every show in the festival is only $12 per ticket, or $14.99 if purchased in advance online. If literature is more your thing than math, you might want to catch A sentence is inside itself (lower case intended; these people are seriously arty), which celebrates Gertrude “there is no there there” Stein along with the essence of avant-garde novelist, playwright and poet Samuel Beckett, famed for his themes of insanity and chess. If you find the Stein/Beckett pair-up an odd choice, please try to reserve judgment until you see the play. And when I tell you this performance combines “obscurity with enlightenment,” using only three actors, three hats, three stools and an accordion, I know you won’t want to miss it. Atomic Cabaret features physicist and performance artist Lynda Williams, also known as the “Physics Chanteuse,” who obviously struggles with making a career choice. Lynda’s show is a multimedia performance examining human apathy throughout the world as 2

SMALL TALK WITH TERI by Teri Norbye

a response to nuclear threats, blending political satire, science exposition and musical comedy. Please note that the following warning is in the promotional copy: MATURE CONTENT, FOR PEOPLE OVER 12. (Hmmm, just how mature can this content be?) San Francisco Fringe Festival performances will be held at the EXIT Theatreplex at 126 Eddy Street and at the Piano Fight Theatre, right around the corner at 144 Taylor. All are small, intimate studios and theatres with 36 to 90 seats. September brings San Francisco’s best weather combined with lower, offseason hotel rates, so you might want to consider making an overnight or weekend of it. There are plenty of hotels in the Union Square area within walking distance of the theatres. For more information (plus volunteer opportunities!!!), go to the website at sffringe.org. You can find more about the EXIT Theatre at theexit.org. I will leave you with a parting teaser from the write-up of another mustsee Fringe Festival show, Awaiting the Podiatrist, which offers Songs! Puppets! Inner Torment! That just has to be worth 12 bucks. You can reach Julie at julieakross@ comcast.net

september 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Meet Jennifer Byrne, who works at the Loard’s Ice Cream shop at Todos Santos Park in Concord. According to Jennifer, their most popular ice cream flavors are chocolate, vanilla, and mint chocolate chip. People also love their bubble gum flavor because it’s nostalgic. Jennifer’s personal favorite is mocha almond fudge. What do you like to do when you’re not working? I like to hang out with friends and go shopping at the mall and at local thrift shops. I also enjoy walking around in Walnut Creek. What is one thing most people don’t know about you? I really love music. When I was a kid I wanted to be a singer. Now that I’m an adult, I know it’s not practical. And I’m very shy, so I wouldn’t do well in big crowds. What is your greatest challenge in life? I’m 24 going on 25 and my greatest challenge has been growing up and learning to adjust to the adult world. When I was a kid, a lot of adults would say, ‘in the real world...’ and I didn’t get what that meant. Now I have a concept of what it’s like to be an adult and have responsibilities.

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COVER:

Volunteers at last year’s Community Service Day in Pleasant Hill. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY: Martin Nelis

CONTACT INFORMATION: Community Calendar calendar@ourcommunityfocus.com Content & General Inquiries: info@ourcommunityfocus.com

Reba Bower 925-348-1724 Reba@ourcommunityfocus.com

INSIDE CPHS Band Trip

23 25

Beer Here

Early Bird Medical Group

16 Festival Season

32 Book Review

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6680 Alhambra Ave. Box #132 Martinez, CA 94553

925-335-6397

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ourcommunityfocus.com • september 2016

Real Estate Trends

IN FOCUS

Front Room Martinez

By Marty Ochoa A favorite restaurant of locals and visitors, Front Room Martinez has crafted a richly satisfying dining experience that features a menu of seasonal and local ingredients, complimented by an inspired wine list recognized for its value. Front Room takes great pride in continuously providing customers the very best and is grateful to be a part of the vibrant community and neighbors from near and far. Whether you’ve come for lunch, dinner, or wine, you will experience exceptional, friendly service and dine at a price you can afford. As you walk in, you are met with warm, friendly smiles and the aroma of the day’s specials, along with fresh baked bread. The enriched flavors of American nouveau cuisine offer a mouthwatering menu. Garden fresh salads, such as Shrimp Louie or Chef Salad, top the list of six salads and are served with homemade dressings and freshly baked bread sticks. Eight pasta dishes are offered, including the favorite Seafood Linguini, made with succulent scallops, prawns and mushrooms in a clam sauce. If your palate craves chicken, try the Drunken Chicken, sautéed with onions and mushrooms and topped with a brandy white cream sauce. How about seafood, such as prawns, trout, and cioppino? Or beef dishes such as Pepper Steak, Sirloin Tip, and a Front Room favorite, Surf and Turf? Front Room Martinez also offers 14 varieties of half-pound burgers and much more. All burgers and sandwiches come with your choice of onion rings, French fries, or minestrone soup. Front Room Martinez also takes pride in being recognized as “The Best Pizza in Town,” offering 23 fresh toppings for a “make your own style” pie. From the 7” personal to the 16” large, pizza is always the family favorite, offering regular, thin crust, or the dynamic deep dish. If you need catering for a social occasion at home, business, or wedding celebration, with creative food, artful presentation, and attentive service, the Front Room Martinez is ready to assist you. They can also host private functions and accommodate groups up to 50. The Front Room Martinez emphasizes fresh and fine dining for all ages. The atmosphere is friendly, airy, and chic, and the food is a combination of the finest fresh ingredients for subtle American dishes with distinctive flavors of European influence. There is a large open kitchen for everyone’s viewing, and patio seating is available. Open Tue - Sun, 11am-8:30pm. 802 Main St., Martinez, 228-7792 frontroommartinez.com

Featuring Daily Specials • Steak & Lobster • Fried Seafood Combo • Portabella Mushroom

with Prawns / White Cream Sauce

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Expires 8/31/16

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Tuesday-Sunday 11:00am-8:30pm • Closed Monday 802 Main St., Downtown Martinez

www.frontroomartinez.com

september 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

BY NORMA FLASKERUD Like the ocean, real estate trends ebb and flow. This analogy might be applied to current home sale prices, and the million-dollar question: Is it high tide or low tide, and is it coming in or going out? We have seen some house bids go up to the stratosphere this year, breaking through to prices never seen before in our area. While this is fabulous for the seller, it raises the benchmark for the next home and erodes affordability for buyers. So, the neighbor decides to list and thinks if that house sold for THAT much, mine must be worth THIS much! It trends towards overpricing and puts the brakes on the house selling. All across the county and Bay Area, Realtors are counseling sellers not to fall into that trap. Do they listen? Some, yes, others, not so much. While composing this article, we sourced an article with the same theme in East Bay Times on 8/19/16 (“Home Sales Still Slipping While Prices Are Sky High”). While you probably are not planning to sell your home today or even in the near future, you may know someone who is. Spread the word! Year after year, home sales fell for the 6th straight month in the Bay Area. Contra Costa CoreLogic shows July sales were down 16.9% (# of units sold, not prices). CoreLogics’ Andrew Le Page attributed it to waning affordability, tight housing inventory, and moderately strict credit regulations. These same forces pushed the median home price for the region upward in July, 5% higher than a year ago, to $735,000, and by 8 percent to $540,000 in Contra Costa County. The trend is a softening market, which is a bit of a transition. Sellers’ agents need to advise clients that a house may be on the market longer, may not get multiple offers, or needs to be priced conservatively. If we go aggressively high, it will just sit there. Meanwhile, buyers feel the softening shift. They want to get a discount, but sellers still feel they should get their 10% over asking price, and it can cre-

ate gridlock. Most often the seller will find that one motivated, qualified buyer who is willing to pay the premium to finally buy and own a house. But the intensity of the spring market is in our rear-view mirror. Often we are asked if this is another bubble. With lending requirements as stringent as they are, this is not 2008 all over again! Plus, we have strong regional job growth and employment, creating a strong buying base. In closing, sellers must set realistic prices to sell. And it is ok if rapid price escalation slows. Too many buyers have been priced out! Every Realtor has one or more trying to buy, and it is so sad to see them unable to. A more level market is a healthier market for all concerned. Speaking of affordability, we have two new listings coming up in Pleasant Hill that offer fix-up equity creation with upside potential. Both are on Maureen Lane. The cosmetic fixer is a Creekside rancher on 598 Maureen Lane for $660,000, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths. The other is a Brookside rancher at 522 Maureen Lane, 3/2, a bit smaller, in dated but wellcared-for condition, and coming soon in September. Watch for them! Both feed into Strandwood Elementary and have walkability to town, canal trail and schools. For your real estate needs, call the Flaskerud Team, representing home sellers and buyers since 1987. We can be reached at 925-338-2980 or e-mail: DonandNorma@gmail.com.

AiN’s Trunk or Treat

Come Volunteer

Annual Community Service Day Pleasant Hill’s Community Service Day, launched in 2005 by former Mayor Michael Harris and the Pleasant Hill Civic Action Commission, is a day where members of the community of all ages come together to volunteer their time for a variety of worthy causes and projects. Last year more than 1,000 volunteers worked on dozens of projects throughout the city. Over the past eleven years, we as a community have donated over 40,000 volunteer hours to improve the place we call home. Together we have: • Cleaned up neighborhoods, schools, parks, creeks and churches • Planted scores of beautiful trees • Repaired over 1,000 bicycles for donation to children • Donated blood to save dozens of lives • Collected over 10 tons of food for the

In Loving Honor of Rebecca Shirley

Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano • Helped children and seniors in need The 12th annual Community Service Day will be held on Saturday, September 24, and begins at Pleasant Hill Park, with registration and breakfast from 7:30am to 9am. There will be over 20 projects at school sites, parks, Ellinwood Creek, and others to choose from. All volunteers receive a free pancake breakfast (served by the Lions Club), and the first 600 to register at the park receive a free event T-Shirt, plus snacks and drinks to take to the project sites. To register your project or to sign up to volunteer, visit www.ci.pleasant-hill. ca.us/index.aspx?NID=514. For more information, contact Martin Nelis at (925) 671-5229 or email him at mnelis@ pleasanthillca.org.

On October 22, from 4-5:30pm, All in Need’s (AiN) 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat will provide a supportive environment for children with special needs to participate in the same holiday activities that many neuro-typical children take for granted. All the children will have access to the different trunks, even if they are in a wheelchair. Those who cannot handle wearing costumes, but want to participate, can join in the fun in this caring and understand-

ing environment. Trunk or Treat takes place at Oak Park Christian Center, 2073 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill. The cost is $15, and you must register your child for this event at, www. allinneed.org/sign-up. AiN is also looking for sponsors and volunteers to hand out candy! Contact Autumn Green at greena@allinneed.org and sign-up as a sponsor at www.allinneed. org/donate/.

Photo by Susan Wood Photography

Make a dif ference where you live! You're Invited to the 12th annual

Pleasant Hill Community Service Day Saturday

September 24

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.) FREE! T-shirt and other giveaways (first 600 Volunteers)

Register at www.pleasanthillca.org/volunteer Organized by Pleasant Hill Civic Action Commission and supported by local businesses

City of Pleasant Hill

For more information contact Martin Nelis at mnelis@pleasanthillca.org or phone (925) 671-5229. ourcommunityfocus.com • september 2016

Estate Planning

Protecting Your Estate from Medi-Cal Claims BY DANIEL DuREE More and more often, end of life care, including long-term care, exhausts a substantial portion of a person’s assets. To add insult to injury, in certain circumstances, Medi-Cal can make a claim against the estate of a deceased person for services provided to that person while they were at the end of their life. With proper planning, certain assets can be legally transferred out of the estate without disqualifying the transferor from Medi-Cal eligibility. Generally, in order to protect the property from a later claim by Medi-Cal, the primary residence is the asset that is transferred. The following is a cursory treatment of how this can work. Please consult an experienced attorney before you make any such decisions. There are certain assets that are

exempt for purposes of Medi-Cal eligibility asset testing. If an asset is transferred while it is exempt, it does not disqualify the transferor from receiving Medi-Cal benefits. A primary residence is exempt for Medi-Cal purposes if either the benefit recipient currently resides in the house or is in long-term care but intends to return to the home. If either of these criteria are met, a Medi-Cal applicant or recipient may transfer the home out of their estate and effectively eliminate the possibility of a later claim against that asset by MediCal. Generally, this is done by transferring the home to their children but in a very specific way. If you decide that transferring your home out of your estate is advantageous, how do you then protect yourself to ensure that you always have the right to reside in your home if you no longer technically own it? This is accomplished with the assistance of an experienced es-

tate planning attorney and involves the use of a grant deed with an irrevocable life estate reserved in favor of the grantor. Concurrently, all of the grantees also sign an “acknowledgement and agreement of grantor’s right to return home.” If executed properly, a primary residence can be transferred out of an estate while still maintaining Medi-Cal eligibility and keeping the home safe from a later Medi-Cal claim.

This is a very basic overview of the topic. Please contact a licensed attorney regarding your particular situation. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call and schedule a free consultation with me in my office at 925-210-1400. 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) 2101400 or visit www.DuReeLaw.com.

Pleasant Hill CERT BY JIM BONATO The next class for Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training for Pleasant Hill residents begins Tuesday evening, September 13. The training will be held alternatively at two locations – initially at the Pleasant Hill Police Department and, thereafter, alternating at the large community room at City Hall. Classes are 6-9:30pm for six Tuesday evenings and emphasize preparedness, first aid, small fire suppression, light search and rescue, disaster psychology, and supplies to have on hand. Most importantly, the training guides individuals on preparing themselves, their homes, and their families for the effects of a major earthquake and safely and effectively dealing with its aftermath. Following a major disaster, our police and fire departments will likely not be able to respond to all calls for help immediately as their efforts will be focused in areas that have been more severely impacted. In communities impacted by disasters,

it is “neighbors helping neighbors” that we rely upon to “pull us through.” THAT is what CERT is all about. We have trained over 500 local residents already. Do you know if you have CERT trained neighbors? If not, how about taking the first step and join us for some great training that will give you the confidence to react safely and effectively, not just for earthquakes, but for those other emergencies that may enter your life. Residents aged 14 and older are encouraged to sign up at www.pleasanthillcert.org. Join a dedicated group of local residents who truly are dedicated to helping our neighbors and our community. Contact Jim Bonato at 938-5433 for additional information.

THE LAW OFFICE OF

DANIEL L. DUREE Estate Planning Attorney

925.210.1400 1535 North Main Street, Suite 240 • Walnut Creek

www.facebook.com/TimFlahertyForPHCityCouncil 6

september 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Please call today for a complimentary consultation at my office or in your home.

www.DuReeLaw.com

TRUSTS • WILLS • PROBATE

WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Early Bird Medical Group

Early Bird Pediatrics 925-849-6110 425 Gregory Lane #201, Pleasant Hill earlybirdpediatrics.com nightowlurgentcare.com

Primary Pediatric Care in Pleasant Hill The finest in pediatric primary care is now conveniently available near you in Pleasant Hill. Early Bird Medical Group, a sister company of Night Owl Pediatrics Urgent Care, is currently accepting new patients for primary pediatric care. All of our physicians are Board Certified pediatricians. Early Bird Medical Group is committed to fulfilling your needs and meeting your expectations. Our primary care physicians listen to your concerns and involve you in all your health-care related decisions. They cheerfully provide comprehensive, high quality healthcare in a friendly environment. Early Bird Medical Group offers a wide range of services, including preventive and health maintenance care for newborns and children through the age of 18. Services include: • Well care for newborns, children, adolescents, and teens • Annual health and wellness exams • Nutritional counseling • Routine vaccinations • Sports and camp physicals • In-office X-rays • TB testing • Vision testing • Hearing testing • Coordination of care for complex conditions • Flexible daytime, evening

Susan Holton, Dr. Elizabeth Nuti and Corinne Rezentes

and weekend care • Referrals to outside specialists when specialized medical care is required. Our commitment to excellence is demonstrated by providing personalized care that meets your needs. A healthy start in a child’s early years will define their health progress throughout their lifespan. The doctors at Early Bird Medical Group help ensure your child’s best chance for a bright and healthy future. Our physicians really care about their patients!

Thank you for voting us your local favorite, 2 years in a row!

As children grow and move through infancy and childhood into their teen years, our physicians understand the importance of being there when they are needed. You will receive expert advice and opinions by talking with our caring doctors. Your children will become the best they can be with the exceptional support of Early Bird Medical Group. Our goal is to provide safe, effective health care for families within the community we serve. We strive to make

your appointment go smoothly and quickly. We accept most major PPO health plans, several HMO plans, and Contra Costa Health Plan. Cash, debit and credit cards are accepted as forms of payment. Early Bird Medical Group is located at 425 Gregory Lane #201, Pleasant Hill. Please call to schedule an appointment 925-849-6110. We look forward to seeing you and establishing a strong doctor patient relationship with you and your child.

KIWANIS CLUB of MARTINEZ 4th Annual Hidden Treasures

RUMMAGE SALE

tel. (925) 229 8890

Antiques, collectibles, furniture, jewelry, And so much more!

1029 Arnold Drive, Suite 9 Martinez, CA 94553 (between Walmart and Home Depot)

Fri. September 9 - 7am to 4pm Sat. September 10 - 8am to 4pm

General and Family Dentistry JANET CONCEPCION-MANALO, D.D.S.

www.parkwaysmilesdental.com

New patients are welcome! In-Network with most PPO plans Specials available for non-insured patients

750 Allen Street (Corner of Allen and Ferry) ourcommunityfocus.com • september 2016

september 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ ourcommunityfocus.com

IN FOCUS Matt Rinn State Farm Insurance Over the last eight years, Matt Rinn has built a thriving State Farm agency in Pleasant Hill and become a well-known face in the community, dedicating time to civic events, business and service organizations, schools and youth sports leagues. Matt and his wife, Ashley, moved to Pleasant Hill with their two young daughters, Madison and Emily, shortly after he began with State Farm in 2010. He recalls, “Spending so much time working in the city, it started to feel like home and a perfect, caring community to raise my family. We relocated from Dublin and have been loving it ever since.” Matt has garnered a reputation as a trusted business leader by serving on multiple boards, as past president of the Pleasant Hill Rotary, and in several roles within the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce, including chairman of the board. He credits his familiarity with community leaders and the business culture for the easy transition and success in working with the various organizations and committees on which he has served. “I already interact frequently with most of the people I serve with,” he says, “so we have a good working relationship and can get a lot accomplished.” Volunteering is a way of life that Matt and Ashley are passing on to the their daughters. The girls are very proud of the work they do locally and often point out things the family has worked on together. “We hope we’re teaching them that when you volunteer you can really learn a lot, [he crosses his fingers] and that giving back to our community just makes it a better place.” When not volunteering in the community, Matt is busy in the insurance world running his agency. He really enjoys helping people navigate the complexities of insurance. Like his recent bus stop advertisement on Gregory Lane says, “He speaks fluent insurance.” So, if you need a quote or help, give him a call anytime at 925-671-0222 or visit myagentmatt.net.

Over 600 homes sold in Pleasant Hill Choose the Flaskerud Team— Don, Norma and Erik—as YOUR Realtor!

Call Pleasant Hillʼs #

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Realtor for ALL your Real Estate needs

Don, Norma, 118 Hardy Cir, Pleasant Hill — $778,000 593 Maureen Ln, Pleasant Hill — $660,000 and Erik’s 522 Maureen Ln, Pleasant Hill — $675,000 listings...

1948 Lucille Lane, Pleasant Hill — $629,000 1201 Monument Blvd #76, Concord — $193,900

Coming Soon: 1985 Maybelle Dr, Pleasant Hill — $650,000 20 Marlee Rd, Pleasant Hill — $850,000

Don & Norma Flaskerud Erik Flaskerud

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

925-338-2980 CalBRE #s — Don: 00971602, Norma: 00867031, Erik: 01891688

ourcommunityfocus.com • september 2016

City of Pleasant Hill

Mayor’s Message New Tax Measure Pleasant Hill City Council Places Sales Tax Measure on November ballot At the August 1 city council meeting, we voted to put a ½ cent sales tax measure on the November ballot. The increased revenue to the city will allow us to significantly improve our residential streets, create new bike paths and sidewalks, reduce our deferred maintenance on storm drains and streets, and build a new library. If approved by Pleasant Hill voters this November, Measure K would provide $4 million of additional funding each year for the city to make all of these vital improvements. The additional sales tax would end after 20 years. Measure K requires the establishment of a Citizens Oversight Committee, appointed by city council, to review the collection and expenditure of sales tax revenues and ensure that the money is spent appropriately. It also requires mandatory annual financial audits of all monies collected and spent on city programs and services. It’s all about streets, roads, sidewalks and storm drains No one, including me, likes to increase taxes, but sometimes it is necessary and prudent. As a result of state pullbacks and economic recession, Pleasant Hill faces about $15 million in deferred maintenance on streets and sidewalks and

about $9 million in deferred storm drain maintenance and needed upgrades. In addition, we have over $42 million in other unfunded capital improvement projects. Addressing our deteriorating neighborhood streets now is extremely important as the costs to repair them later can more than double if allowed to deteriorate further. Imagining the new Pleasant Hill Library While road and storm drain maintenance is important, it is not necessarily exciting. A new library on the other hand is something to get excited about. What does the “library of the future” mean to you? While the Pleasant Hill Library provides traditional library services, it also provides important programs and community activities. These programs stimulate creativity, learning and innovation. Speaking from personal experience, we now have a very large telescope occupying a corner of our family room as a result of my husband and son attending an astronomy evening. Other programs and special events include music, multimedia art and design, coding, robotics, book clubs, eco-sewing and Lego building. Evening events such as Maker Mondays, Tinker Tuesdays and A Night of 1,000 inventions inspire hundreds of kids. Attend one of Pleasant

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Sue Noack, Mayor of Pleasant Hill

Hill’s famous Storytimes, and you will see what excites so many young children (and parents)! A new library would have flexible space to expand its programs and reach out to residents, businesses, and local groups in need of meeting spaces, conference rooms, and state of the art technology. It would have an expanded children’s and family area with hands-on activities for learning; a separate teen area ensuring a safe and social environment while making after school more fun for youth; an open floor plan with tens of thousands

of collections; and a Friends of the Library bookstore. While these are just some of the features that we could see in a new Pleasant Hill Community Library, I would love to hear your suggestions and ideas on what you would like to see in a new facility. You can email me at mayor@pleasanthillca.org. Of course, in order make the new building a reality, we need you to pass the sales tax measure this November to give us the necessary funding for much of our deferred street maintenance and the library facility.

Public Meetings Architectural Review Commission Sept. 1, 15 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Small Community Room, 5pm. Contact: 671-5209 Civic Action Commission Sept. 7 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Small Community Room, 6:30pm. Contact: 671-5229 City Council Sept. 12, 19 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Council Chambers, 7:30pm. Contact: 671-5229 Library Task Force Sept. 12 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Large Community Room, 11am. Contact: 671-5229 Planning Commission Sept. 13, 27 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Council Chambers, 7:30pm. Contact: 671-5209 Education Commission Sept. 28 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Community Room, 7pm For Confirmation Visit: www.ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us

Chamber Calendar Sept. 1 – “Wine at the Plaza” Summer Concert Series 6-8:30pm, Downtown Plaza, Pleasant Hill Sept. 8 - Chamber Business Mixer 5-7pm, El Tapatio Restaurant, 40 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill Sept. 14 - Business Runway John F. Kennedy University, 100 Ellinwood Way, Pleasant Hill Sept. 15 - Ribbon Cutting/Grand Re-Opening PH Coin & Jewelry Exchange 5pm, 324 Buskirk Ave., Pleasant Hill Sept. 21 - MEGA MIXER, 5-7pm, Concord Pavilion, 2000 Kirker Pass Road, Concord 680 Business Networking - 2nd & 4th Wednesdays or Thursdays, 8-9am, JFK University, 100 Ellinwood Way, PH OFF THE GRID Food Trucks - Wednesdays, 5-9pm, Trelany Road, PH Pleasant Hill Farmer’s Market - Saturdays, 10am-2pm, Trelany Road, PH

City of Pleasant Hill

Pleasant Hill City News Anti-Hazing Awareness Month At the August 1 city council meeting, council designated September as “Anti-Hazing Awareness Month” in the City of Pleasant Hill. Many young Pleasant Hill residents will be headed to college this month. According to statistics on the AHA! Movement (Anti Hazing Awareness) website, approximately 67% of college students that join a club or organization will be hazed, whether or not their club or school condones it, and 47% of students have been hazed prior to going to college. In addition, since 1969, hazing deaths have occurred every year. Mayor Noack presented the certificate to Debbie Smith, MM, founder and CEO of AHA! Movement. More information about the anti-hazing awareness movement can be found at www.ahamovement.org.

Durant Not Seeking Re-Election An emotional Councilmember David Durant announced at the August 1 meeting that he would not be seeking re-election. “In advance of every campaign or election, I’ve taken the time to look deep inside myself to decide whether I wanted to run again -- whether I still had the fire, the passion, the interest and the desire to do so. Today, I’m announcing that after a long period of thought and conversations, reflection and soul searching, I will not be seeking re-election to a 5th term on the Pleasant Hill City Council.” Durant was elected to the Pleasant Hill City Council in 1999 after serving as a planning commissioner (serving as chair from 1998 to 1999) and a Redevelopment Advisory Committee member (serving as chair in 1994). Since 1999, Durant has served as mayor (2001-02, 2006-07 and 2010-11) and as the Redevelopment Agency chair (1999-2000, 2003-04, 2004-05 and 2009-10).

City News Continued Measure K would provide funding to be used for important city services including: • Repaving neighborhood streets and fixing potholes • Maintaining and upgrading the city’s storm drains • Adding new sidewalks and bike paths • Constructing a new community library • Funding other city projects and services that Pleasant Hill residents have identified as key priorities. Measure K would establish a Citizens’ Oversight Committee to ensure all voter-approved funds are spent appropriately. In addition, the measure requires mandatory financial audits and reports to the community regarding all revenue collected and spent on city projects and services. If approved by the voters at the November general election, the sales tax would take effect April 1, 2017.

Community Service Day You can now register for the 12th Annual Community Service Day in Pleasant Hill at www.pleasanthillca.org/volunteer. The event takes place on Saturday, September 24, beginning at 7:30am at Pleasant Hill Park with a free pancake breakfast after you check in. Volunteers get a free event T-Shirt, snacks and drinks also. You can check out projects that have already been posted atwww.pleasanthillca.org/volunteer.

Upcoming PH Elections

PLAN INCLUDES:

With Councilmember David Durant not seeking reelection, incumbents Tim Flaherty and Ken Carlson will face Matthew Rinn and Jonathon Feit. The city treasurer position is also up. The incumbent is Mark Celio who was elected to the office in November 2008.

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Food Scraps Recycling Program Beginning Monday, October 3, Pleasant Hill residents can start recycling food scraps using the green waste cart provided to every home. The week prior to that, Republic Services will deliver 3-gallon food pails to every household in the city. These food pails are ideal for storing food scraps in the kitchen before emptying the contents into the green waste bin. The green waste and food scraps (known as ‘organics’) will be taken to a composting facility in West Contra Costa County. In addition to the new organics recycling, residents will be able to receive up to one cubic yard of free compost per year. Republic Services and the city will notify residents when this giveaway is scheduled. In order to minimize the cost to residential customers for this new service, the city is covering the cost to implement the organics program for the initial period of October 3 through December 31. The city is also paying for food pails for every household. There will be a rate adjustment on January 1, 2017, capped at five percent, which includes the annual CPI increase as well as the cost to implement the organics service. Most businesses will also begin organics recycling over the next two years. For more information, contact Martin Nelis at mnelis@pleasanthillca.org or call (925) 671-5229.

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ourcommunityfocus.com • september 2016

City of Martinez

Mayor’s Message At the July 20 meeting of the Martinez City Council, a public hearing was held to discuss the possibility of placing a sales tax measure on the November ballot that would be dedicated to maintaining and improving the streets and roads in the city. The second reading and final adoption of the ordinance to place the issue before the voters was acted on in early August. In those public hearings, city staff reported the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) of roads and streets in the city had an overall rating of 51 out of 100. According to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, this is the second worst rating in all of Contra Costa County. In order to just maintain this PCI level of 51, we would need to spend up

to $17.6 million over 5 years. To increase the PCI by 5 points to 56, we would need to spend $24 million over 5 years. The current deferred maintenance backlog is now $36.6 million. With an annual paving budget of $640,000 from recurring sources such as Measure J and gas tax, we will continue to fall further and further behind. Over the years, we have allocated additional funds from our unrestricted reserve account (rainy day fund) for infrastructure repair, and we have also received funding from federal grants and state proposition funding for roads. These federal and state funds are no longer available, and current proposals to fund road maintenance through an increase in the gas tax or registration fees are going

VOTE FOR

NORALEA GIPNER for Martinez City Council

ENDORSED BY: Councilmember Lara DeLaney, Commissioner Dylan Radke, Contra Costa Community College Board Trustee Tim Farley, Former City Councilmembers Harriett Burt, Ken Dothee, Albert Turnbaugh, Jim Thelen, and Bill Wainwright, and President of Martinez Youth Baseball and Softball Phil Raines. 12

september 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Rob Schroder, Mayor of Martinez

nowhere. Since 2005, we have completed almost $12 million of street improvements, including six paving rehabilitation projects, six paving projects, and two major street improvement projects. At the beginning of fiscal year 2015, the city council set aside $1 million of reserve funds for infrastructure to augment the meager gas tax we receive. These funds have not yet been allocated to any specific improvement projects. After lengthy discussion and public comment, the city council voted unanimously to place a ½ cent sales tax measure on the ballot dedicated to road and street maintenance and repair. The tax will expire in 15 years and will be monitored by a Citizen Oversight Committee. The measure will require a 2/3 majority approval of the electorate. If successful,

this ½ cent sales tax will generate $2.1 million per year, tripling our budget for paving, and it can be used for no other purpose than maintaining and improving our streets and roads. Getting a 2/3 vote on any issue is very difficult, especially with all of the other competing tax measures on the November ballot. But if we are going to make any headway in improving our streets and roads (especially in our residential neighborhoods), we have to rely on ourselves to fund those projects. Many of our neighboring cities have done so successfully. From now until the November election, I will do everything I can to educate our citizens about this issue and to answer any and all questions. Please feel free to email me at rschroder@cityofmartinez. org with any comments and/or questions.

Public Meetings City Council Meeting Sept. 7, 21 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 7-11pm. Contact: 372-3500 Design Review Meeting Sept. 14, 28 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 4-5pm. Contact: 372-3500 Planning Commission Meeting Sept. 13, 27 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 7-11pm. Contact: 372-3500 Zoning Administrator Meeting Sept. 7, 21 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 4-5pm. Contact: 372-3500 For Confirmation Visit: www.cityofmartinez.org

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the Brittany Hills, Parkside, and Shannon Hills. An ad hoc subcommittee comprised of Mayor Schroder and Councilmember DeLaney will create the argument in favor.

First Responder Appreciation Event

Measure H Updates

On Tuesday, September 6, the anniversary of the death of Sgt. Paul Starzyk, come express your appreciation for those who put their lives on the line daily to keep us safe. There will be special recognition for the families of the fallen officers of Martinez and an opportunity to say thanks directly to representatives of the Martinez Police Department, Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, CHP, and Contra Costa County Fire. You can also express thanks on a butcher-paper mural or thank you card and donate items for officer care bags. Learn about organizations that support first responder families in times of need. There will be a limited amount of blue lights and blue tape supplies for folks to decorate their homes. The event is from 6 – 7pm in the plaza in front of City Hall.

Sales Tax Measure on November Ballot Martinez Road Maintenance and Improvements Transactions and Use Tax The special tax proposed in the ordinance would be a one-half percent (0.50%) transactions and use tax, beginning April 1, 2017, on retail sales in the City of Martinez, with a 15-year sunset clause to March 31, 2032. The tax would be collected in the same manner as sales tax is currently collected. The ordinance will become effective if it is approved by two-thirds of voters. It is estimated that a one-half percent (0.50%) special roads transactions and use tax would produce $2.1 million in revenues annually. This additional funding would allow the city to address critical paving projects in our residential roadway network and major thoroughfares such as Center Avenue, Pine Road, Glacier Drive, Howe Road, and Arnold CS Cake February 2015.pdf 1 1/26/15 2:50 PM Drive, along withAdpreventative maintenance in newer residential developments such as

Hidden Lakes Soccer Field: Construction on the Hidden Lakes soccer field that began on April 11 is substantially complete. The field infill material includes a layer of virgin rubber Nike Blend. This material is similar in color to the cool play surface. Because of the high demand for the cool play topping, the material is back ordered and will be installed at the end of September. This will not affect the play, safety or warranty of the field. Landscaping and pathways will be installed concurrently with the turf installation. The field should be available for use by September 1 and ready for the upcoming AYSO soccer season. Recreation staff will coordinate a ribbon cutting in early October. Soccer Field Rental Fees: According to the Martinez Parks, Recreation, Marina, and Cultural Commission, no fees have been developed for the use of the new Hidden Lakes soccer field by rental groups and for profit camps. AYSO has stated that they would be interested in increasing the athlete use fee or providing additional monies to help maintain the new field. Co-sponsored Martinez youth group costs are: $3 per athlete in 2016; $5 per athlete in 2017; $7.50 per athlete in 2018, and $10 per athlete in 2019. The current per hour fee for rental groups for the old Hidden Lakes soccer field is $16.50 per hour. Waterfront Park: The consultant is currently completing the CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) portion of the project, and it is being reviewed by East Bay Regional Park District Staff. The Joint Shoreline Committee will likely be reviewed by the project in September. It is planned to bid the project in January of 2017.

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City of Walnut Creek

Mayor’s Message The Traffic. Oh, the Traffic Summer recreation and vacations are over. September is when people return to their regular lives. That means traffic also returns to its regular, congested, frustrating levels. So, it is only logical that this month’s report focuses on how Walnut Creek deals with its traffic issues. With Walnut Creek at the crossroads of Contra Costa County, that’s a big job. Traffic generated by a population of 67,000 plus pass-through drivers makes the job nearly impossible. For example, Walnut Creek sees some 120,000 cars pass daily through its two main east-west roads, Treat Boulevard and Ygnacio Valley Road. The count is 12,000 cars at peak hours. Thanks to technology and teamwork, we are up to the challenge.

Rafat Raie (winner of the Institute of Transportation, San Francisco Region’s 2016 Professional of the Year award) mans the helm and oversees a high-tech system that keeps traffic moving. He uses tools such as the Intelligent Transportation System, composed of a grid of computers that orchestrates 100 traffic signals in and around Walnut Creek. The synchronized lights can adapt to changing demand in real time to maximize traffic flow and reduce backups. Our team of traffic signal technicians supports this process by making sure all those traffic signals work properly. The city is at the forefront of using web apps to fight the clog. Walnut Creek is busy building its “smart city” infrastructure, which sends information about park-

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ing availability to mobile phones—and ultimately directly to cars—to eliminate the need to circle endlessly for a parking spot. Walnut Creek is the first Bay Area city to adopt the EnLighten app, which alerts drivers when the closest light is about to change. Cameras along our main arterials are constantly sending information about traffic flow to our Traffic Signal Master at City Hall. From this room, traffic professionals can see when backups happen and make adjustments to signal timing to get traffic moving again. Information from the sensors can be used to develop new ways of safely managing traffic. Imagine a world where cars no longer run red lights because the car and the traffic signal talk to each other using these new technologies. Planning for safe neighborhood streets is very important to us. This year, we have been working with parents and faculty at Walnut Acres Elementary School

and Foothill Middle School to make changes that will keep kids safe as they walk and bike to school. The real challenge is to convince people to drive less. That’s where widening bike lanes and creating pedestrianfriendly crosswalks and boulevards come into play. “It’s a societal thing,” Raie says. “We’re gradually normalizing other modes of travel.” Given that he’s the city’s traffic guru, does Raie have any secret shortcuts he uses to get to work? “Most days,” he says with a grin, “I walk.” Safety Tip: Speaking of traffic lights, a yellow traffic signal light means caution, the red traffic signal light is about to appear. When you see the yellow traffic signal light, stop if you can do so safely. If you cannot stop safely, cross the intersection cautiously. Pedestrians legally can only cross when the green walk figure is on. Entering the intersection after the countdown is started is jaywalking.

Public Meetings Park, Recreation, and Open Space Commission Sept. 5 Council Chambers, 1666 North Main Street, 6pm. Contact: 943-5819 City Council Meeting Sept. 6, 20 Council Chambers, 1666 North Main Street, 6-11pm. Contact: 943-5819 Design Review Meeting Sept. 7, 21 Council Chambers, 1666 North Main Street, 7pm. Contact: 943-5819 Planning Commission Meeting Nothing Scheduled for August Council Chambers, 1666 North Main Street, 7-11pm. Contact: 943-5819 For Confirmation Visit: www.walnut-creek.org

Walnut Creek City News A Lower Speed Limit Near Schools There’s something new coming to Walnut Creek schools this fall – a lower speed limit. The City Council in July unanimously approved lowering the speed limit to 20 mph near 12 public and private schools to enhance the safety of children walking and bicycling to work. New signs with the reduced limits will be posted over the next several weeks. The schools with reduced speed limits are Bancroft, Buena Vista, Indian Valley, Valley Verde, Walnut Acres and Walnut Heights elementary schools; Walnut 14

september 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

City of Walnut Creek City News Continued

City News Continued

Creek Intermediate School; Foothill Middle School; Northgate High School; Berean Christian School, Contra Costa Christian School and Walnut Creek Christian Academy.

has successfully raised and disbursed more than $600,000 to youth-related organizations and programs.

Pay by Cell Phone App ParkMobile On August 1, the City of Walnut Creek, in partnership with Parkmobile, LLC, launched a pay by phone option for all 1,500 parking meters downtown. Customers can pay to park on-the-go using Parkmobile’s app for iPhone, Android, Windows, Amazon, and Blackberry phones, or by calling the toll-free number on the green meter stickers. Customers first must register by downloading the mobile app in their phone’s app store or online at www.parkmobile.com. Once registered, they may use the mobile app, Internet, or the toll-free number listed on green meter stickers to pay for parking. After setting up their account, customers can immediately start using the system with their registered mobile phone. You simply enter the zone and meter number located on the green meter sticker, select the amount of time you would like to park, and “start parking.” The app allows parking sessions to be extended by phone without returning to the meter as long as the parking session has not hit the hourly limit. There is a $0.35 convenience fee paid by parking customers. The city plans to add the ability to use Park Mobile in the city’s three garages in the future. For more information about how to register and use the app, please visit www.parkmobile.com.

Upcoming Broadway Plaza Events Party at Broadway Plaza On September 1, come celebrate the grand opening of the “new” Broadway Plaza, with the ultimate “Party In The Plaza,” 4pm - 9:30pm. Enjoy a special concert with Pop Rocks, featuring Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray. This center-wide street fest also includes both musical and strolling entertainment, food trucks, a special Kid’s Korner and more, leading up to a surprise finale! Night of Thanks As a thank you to the community for its support during renovation, Broadway Plaza is hosting a special “Night of Thanks” at 6 – 9pm on Friday, September 9. Broadway Plaza will offer an exclusive one-night only celebration that includes in-store retailer sales and events, in-mall activations, musical and entertainment performances, fashion shows, food and beverages, and more.

Walnut Creek Welcomes Off the Grid Every Tuesday The community of Walnut Creek can come together to enjoy a variety of Off the Grid food trucks, live music, wine and beer garden, located at 1380 N. California Blvd. from 5-9pm. Lots of tasty reasons to come back with family and friends for this ongoing weekly event. Parking is available in Walnut Creek garages: 1350 Locust Street (above Lark Creek Restaurant), 1625 Locust Street (next to the Lesher Center,) and 1390 N. Broadway (north of Il Fornaio).

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Community Service Day Community Service Day 2016 is October 8. King Walnut will make an appearance and more than 50 projects are looking for volunteers. For example, if you love dogs, you can help build a dog obstacle course for the dog-park and Heather Farm Park. At Rudgear Park, community members can help create new picnic stations next to the pickle ball and tennis courts.

Civic Pride Foundation Grants After a few-years’ hiatus, the Civic Pride Foundation will re-launch its Community Grant Program this fall. Grants ranging from $500 to $2,000 will be offered for community-based recreation, cultural or educational programs, and services provided by Walnut Creek non-profits. Grant applications will be available beginning September 15 on the Civic Pride website: www.WCCivicPride. org. The Walnut Creek Civic Pride Foundation was founded in 1992 as the Walnut Creek Fountain for Youth Foundation by a group of business, civic, and community leaders with one specific mission: to raise funds for organizations and projects that support the youth of Walnut Creek. Since that first year, the foundation

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CP Band to Travel to Washington DC Two Fundraisers:Bacchus to Bach and Raising Dollars with Selfies College Park High School is home to a concert band, symphonic band, wind ensemble, and jazz band, as well as a string orchestra, chamber orchestra and symphony orchestra. Our bands and orchestras consistently earn high marks at festivals across northern California. In spring 2017, College Park High School’s Concert Band, Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble travel to Washington DC on a performance tour that includes exchange concerts, clinic with a university music educator, performance by the National Symphony at the Kennedy Center, and touring and performing at one of our national monuments. They are currently fundraising to make this trip possible. Bacchus to Bach: Great Wine for Great Music This event features more than 20 top producers and 100 wines from the finest wineries around the world. This tasting promises to be an evening of delightful wine, food, music, and fun. The event begins at 7pm on September 24 at St. Andrews Presbyterian’s Celebration Hall. All wines featured at the tasting will be available for purchase at special pricing while supplies last. All proceeds from the event benefit College Park High School Instrumental Music. This rare opportunity is not to be missed! Some of the featured wineries include Hess, Napa; Chateau

Montelena, Napa; Hope Family, Paso Robles; Frescobaldi, Tuscany; Donna Fugata, Sicily; Greywacke, New Zealand; Hall, Napa; Oberon, Napa; and While Hall Lane, Napa. The public is invited to this fundraising event. Tickets are available at a special early purchase price of $40 per person until September 20, after which tickets will be $50 at the door. Tickets may be purchased by downloading an order form from the College Park Instrumental Music website http://www.cphsmusic.org or purchased on Square Market at http://mkt. com/cpimb. Raffle tickets for the chance to take home an Instant Wine Cellar will be available at the event! Raffle tickets are $10 each, 6 for $50, and 15 for $100. Contact the boosters at CPIMB.falcons@gmail. com for more info. Raising Dollars with Selfies: Worlds Greatest Race with Adventure and Clues The “World’s Greatest Race!” returns to Pleasant Hill! WGR is a family friendly selfie adventure race that takes place throughout downtown Pleasant Hill. Each team must solve clues that lead to downtown destinations where they take group selfies. Smartphone assistance is allowed for solving these quirky clues. The first team to the finish line with photo evidence that all clues were solved correctly is the

september 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

winner! The entry fee is only $10 for the chance to be crowned grand champion of The World’s Greatest Race! The World’s Greatest Race! takes place

Saturday, October 8, and the entire community is encouraged to come out and join in the fun! For more information, contact wrgselfie@gmail.com.

Back to School

Community Supporting Students

BY SUPERVISOR KAREN MITCHOFF, CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, DISTRICT IV The heat of summer is still upon us, but for many District IV families the season is changing from the fun-filled days of summer to the exciting new adventures of back-to-school. The coming month will be filled with anticipation as students get assigned new teachers and embark on new schools and classrooms. For most, this is a joyous time of year, but for some members of our community, it can also be a time wrought with stress and anxiety. School supplies and clothes can be a heavy financial burden and lead to difficult choices for local households. To lessen this worry, numerous public agencies and non-profits have risen to the occasion to provide assistance and supplies. One such organization, Volunteer & Emergency Services Team in Action (VESTIA), annually hosts Project Ready-to-Learn, which provides backpacks full of supplies to Contra Costa County students in Kindergarten thru 12th grade. VESTIA was created in partnership with the Contra Costa Em-

ployment & Human Services Department, and many of these backpacks will benefit our county’s foster youth. In 2015, VESTIA distributed over 1,200 backpacks, helping every student feel more prepared for the upcoming school year. A similar effort occurs at the Monument Crisis Center in Concord, where last year they distributed 1,400 backpacks during a large community event in midAugust. The Assistance League of Diablo Valley, another organization close to my heart, annually conducts Operation School Bell, a project aimed at providing new school clothes and uniforms to students. Since 1994, Operation School Bell has helped more than 50,000 schoolchildren. I am proud to say that staff in my office have continually participated in Operation School Bell and are looking forward to doing so again this year. It’s inspiring to see local organizations meeting the needs of our community with such ingenuity, as even simple projects can have great impact. I hope everyone enjoyed their summer and our District IV families begin the school year prepared and ready for the new opportunities ahead.

OCTOBER 2, 5K/10K

It’s time for runners, walkers and education enthusiasts to lace up their shoes for the 14th Annual Shell/MEF Run for Education. This year’s run through downtown Martinez will be held Sunday, October 2. The community tradition raises money for the Martinez Education Foundation (MEF) and Martinez Unified School District schools. The run is the major fundraiser for the MEF, and all proceeds from entry fees, sponsorships, and the October 1 Martinez Family Fun Night at the Shell Clubhouse go to Martinez teachers. The grants awarded enhance classroom teaching, particularly in the area of technology. Ann Notarangelo, External Relations Manager for the Shell Martinez Refinery says, “Coming from a family of teachers, I know the challenges our educators face to create the classroom experience they want for their students. Last year’s Run for Education was enormously successful, and all of us at Shell are delighted and proud to know that all the proceeds raised go to teachers and their students.” All ages are welcome in the run -- and you can even walk! There are both 5K and 10K courses. Prizes are awarded for the overall winners, as well as in various age groups. You can use the registration form on this page. The Run for Education is the signature annual 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 2016

New Leadership at MUSD Cammack Intends Success BY JAKI JONES The Martinez community welcomes CJ Cammack as the new Martinez Unified School District Superintendent, replacing Rami Muth, who departed last June after serving for 10 years. Cammack has a wealth of experience in education, having worked at MJHS as vice principal, at Las Juntas Elementary as principal, at Morello Park Elementary as principal, and the district office as director of student services and asst. superintendent. “ I knew firsthand how great our teachers, administration and sup-

port staff are in MUSD. I also knew that the general community and parents of Martinez Unified were groups of people that I would be honored to work with. I was aware that Rami would be retiring in the near future, and I absolutely wanted the opportunity to earn this position, and I am grateful the board of education has provided me such an opportunity,” he stated. Cammack intends to continue the momentum of implementing the Common Core standards, using technology to enhance student learning and incorpo-

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rating more computer science into the schools. “One of the goals this year will be to allow staff across our district to collaborate with each other, receive timely support, and share their best practices to maximize student achievement,” he said. The field of education is dynamic and demanding, and Superintendent Cammack looks forward to meeting the challenges of a diverse student population. “My goal is for each child, regardless of their personal circumstance and/or abilities, to be provided the access and the environment within our schools to maximize their individual academic potential and support their social emotional development. I believe we can provide the optimal learning conditions for all our students to reach their highest potential.” Last year, three of the four Martinez elementary schools were recognized as California Gold Ribbon schools, and the new superintendent intends to foster the

leadership role of MUSD within the county and state as a district on the forefront of education and establish programs and practices that support student learning, inclusion, and acceptance. From a 5th grade teacher and high school baseball coach to former principal at multiple schools, Cammack is devoted to education. “It was clear to me that if I were a successful principal, I could provide a positive impact for kids on a larger scale. That same core belief has led me to the position of superintendent. If through teamwork and collaboration we provide the right environment for cultivating positive culture, trust, and accountability across an entire district, we will be able to facilitate the work of so many talented individuals who provide the direct connection to positive outcomes for students.” Cammack is a graduate of Saint Mary’s College and is married with two children, ages 9 and 5.

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Carondelet Athletic Complex

High School Updates

The Walnut Creek Planning Commission conducted a study session on August 11 to review a proposal to repurpose Club Sport Valley Vista, located at 3737 Valley Vista Road in Walnut Creek, from an existing private tennis club to an athletics complex that would be owned by Carondelet High School for supporting the school’s outdoor athletics programs, including tennis, softball, soccer, lacrosse and aquatics. The proposal includes the removal of 13 of the existing 19 tennis courts and an eight-lane swimming pool to make way for a 10-lane swimming pool and deck, one softball field and one combination lacrosse/soccer field. Other site improvements include additional lighting for night use, the installation of three scoreboards, a PA system, fences, and bleacher seating. The planning commission reviewed the proposal and provided feedback regarding the project’s proposed outdoor recreation use, requested rezoning, tree removal, as well as traffic, parking, noise, and lighting aspects of the application. The proposal would amend the existing site layout and, therefore, requires city council approval of a rezoning to a new planned development. Because Carondelet would primarily be using this new Complex Monday through Friday after school for its competitive athletics program, the school is interested in serving the greater Walnut Creek community by making its new facilities accessible during the day and on weekends to the surrounding neighbors and youth programs through formal lease agreements. The site would be made available to these programs when not in use by the high school. Carondelet’s main campus is situated on a 9-acre campus in Concord with facilities that support only two of its 13 sports teams. “This state-of-the-art facility will provide our young women with a true home field advantage – a place to practice, compete, cheer on one another and strengthen their bonds of sisterhood,” said Carondelet President Bonnie Cotter.

Khaund Running for MDUSD School Board Cherise Khaund, who lives in the Northgate community, is running for MDUSD School Board. There are two seats up for re-election this November: Brian Lawrence and Barbara Oaks. Khaund stated on her Facebook page, “I’m running for MDUSD school board to help bring all our communities together to make the best decisions we can for all our students.” She is a parent of 3rd and 6th grade students who attend MDUSD elementary and middle schools. “As both a parent volunteer and a literacy program director for Buena Vista Auxiliary, I have spent hundreds of hours in MDUSD classrooms, witnessing firsthand the powerful effects of education on our students’ young minds. I am passionate about education, and I believe the best decisions are made when teachers, parents, and community members come together to find the best solutions for all students.” 5k Walnut Run - Fundraiser for WC Schools The Walnut Run on September 11 will begin at 8am for both the 5K and the 10K. Runners/walkers should make their way to the start line around 7:15am to hear pre-race announcements, opening words from the mayor, and the national anthem. Those who are looking to register on race day should allow additional time for registration. Booths will be open at 6am. The starting line will be located at 1231 S. Main Street in front of the Giants Dugout Store. This section of Main Street will be closed to vehicles throughout the duration of the event. There will be a new finish line/event area for 2016, located along Broadway Plaza, and the event area will be on Broadway Plaza near Nordstrom’s. The 5K course will be one complete loop of the course, and the 10K course will include a second loop. The Walnut Run was started by a group of local Walnut Creek residents who share a love for health and community. They created an event where the net proceeds are donated back to local participating Walnut Creek schools, as well as the Walnut Creek Education Foundation and P.E.A.K. Education Foundation. The money is distributed each year by the percentage of affiliated participants from each school. For more information, visit www.thewalnutrun.com. New CP Principal and Vice Principal On August 8, the MDUSD board approved Joe Alvarez as the new principal at College Park High School. Joe has experience in districts such as MDUSD, Pittsburg Unified, and Napa Unified as a teacher, counselor, vice principal, principal, and director of student services in Napa. The MDUSD board also approved the hiring of David Miles as vice principal of CPHS. David comes from Oak Grove Middle School with a background as an English teacher and AVID coordinator. Movie Screening for Teens Saint Matthew is thrilled to present SCREENAGERS: Growing Up in the Digital Age, a documentary about the biggest parenting issue of our time. SCREENAGERS reveals how tech time impacts kids’ development and also offers solutions on how adults can empower their kids to best navigate the digital world to find balance. Join fellow neighbors, teachers, parents, and students to view the film on Wednesday, September 7, 7 - 9pm, at Saint Matthew Church, 399 Wiget Lane in Walnut Creek. Student admission is free with a valid school ID. Tickets can be purchased online for $5 per person. Go to www.eventbrite.com and type “screenagers” in the search bar. Tickets purchased at the door will be $10 per person. To learn more about the film, visit www.screenagersmovie.com. MDUSD Superintendent’s Contract Extended The Mt. Diablo Unified School District Board of Education completed Superintendent Nellie Meyer’s annual evaluation, noting that Dr. Meyer exceeded expectations, and they have extended her contract for a third time. The evaluation was approved at the August 8 board meeting, where Board President Cheryl Hansen described how “extremely pleased” the board was with the superintendent’s performance. Based on the evaluation, Dr. Meyer’s contract, originally effective from August 2013 through June 30, 2016, is now amended to extend through June 30, 2020.

Northgate Initiative For two years, Northgate CAPS (Community Advocacy for our Public Schools) has been working toward splitting from MDUSD. Currently, Mt. Diablo is one of the largest school districts in the state of California, with over 56 school sites and programs. The advocacy group wants local control of education at the community level, believing that a smaller school district would be more responsive to the needs of the students and educators. The new district would include the 5 public schools in east Walnut Creek: Northgate High, Foothill Middle, Bancroft Elementary, Valle Verde Elementary, and Walnut Acres Elementary schools. They are currently seeking endorsements from the community, businesses, and civic leaders. Although Northgate CAPS has tried unsuccessfully to break from MDUSD in the past and join with the Walnut Creek and Acalanes School Districts, this effort is different. According to their website, www.northgatecaps.org, “In this proposal we are creating a new district independent from any other existing district.” In addition, they have completed a draft report confirming that the proposal meets the nine criteria required by the California Department of Education guidelines for District Organization. Last July, they began a campaign to collect endorsements in support of a new Northgate Unified School District, and an informational meeting was held at the Ygnacio Valley Library on August 17. A Northgate CAPS spokesperson said, “The focus was to collect signatures from the households that are directly within the proposed attendance area for the new district which encompasses all the areas where students currently attend a Northgate feeder pattern school. As such, all of the families currently attending Bancroft would be included and they would no longer be split. It also includes the Lime Ridge and Crystal Ranch areas if their students currently are in the attendance area for Northgate feeder pattern schools. The target start date for petition gathering for community support is September 10.” The petition is the next step in the process to establish a new district.

ourcommunityfocus.com • september 2016

Panthers Pounce

PHMSA National Team

The Pleasant Hill Panther 14U B team took the championship August 7 at the Bee Sting Tournament in Sacramento undefeated, winning all five games.

Congratulations to the U10G National Team’s second place finish at the 2016 AYSO National Games, July 10, in West Palm Beach, Florida. The girls weathered 95º heat to play two Soccerfest games and eight tournament games over the course of five days against teams from Hawaii, Florida, Pennsylvania and California. With a 5-2 record, the girls advanced to the final consolation round championship game. The girls’ brilliant teamwork put them in a position to score early, but the shot just missed, bouncing off the left post. The score remained tied 0-0 deep into the 4th quarter until the winning goal found its way into the net, with less than two minutes remaining in the game. The girls left it all on the field and completed their journey by playing their hearts out in an amazing game of phenomenal passing and teamwork. Congratulations to these girls!

(L to R) Front row: Coaches Robert Booth, Richard Valladao, Kevin Emkjer, Mark Rolandelli, Chris Raynor. Middle row: Ashley Rolandelli, Mia Bustamante, Madison Valladao, Holly Booth, Maise Stiles. Back Row: Hannah Platt, Marissa Raynor, Kalina Elliott, Cassie Heine. Photo credit: Noel Emkjer.

Football Season

Falcon football players receive their jerseys and prep for their groundbreaking season under the new lights at College Park High School. Photo by Sherri Morrison.

(L to R) Front row: Allie Watkins, Mikka Sopenoff, Sydney Sopenoff. Middle row: Katelyn Crossman, Jessica Kozlowski, Paige Larson, Ava Salazar, Kylie Long, Gabby Berringer, Ryan Hoppe. Back row: AYSO National Director Mike Hoyer, Coach Kevin Crossman, Coach Jon Hoppe. Submitted by Kevin Crossman

Heritage Takes 1st Carquinez Century Ride Join us on Saturday, September 24, for a bike ride along both sides of the scenic Carquinez Strait. Ticket sales benefit The Rotary Foundation of Martinez and its efforts to improve lives in Martinez and beyond. Choose a challenging 100K ride or an easier 40K ride, each beginning and ending at Martinez Waterfront Park (in the parking lot next to the bocce courts.). Tickets include t-shirt (guaranteed for pre-registered riders, and on a first-come, firstserved availability for day of registrants), beverages, snacks, mobile aid stations, and an after-party, featuring live music by Jeff Ricketts & the Dirt Road Band, and lunch catered by El Ranchero Taco Truck. Adult beverages for sale at the finish line. After-party is open to the public. 40K/25 mile ride: $40 ($35 before September 10), and $75 for the 100K/65 mile ride ($70 before September 10.) For ride maps and registration, visit www.martinezrotary.org. 20

september 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Heritage took home the Pacifica Coast Cup Tournament trophy for the second consecutive year on August 21. After a 2-3 loss to Castro Valley, Heritage came back in the championship round to tie them with less than 5 minutes left on the clock, defeating Castro Valley 3-2 in overtime.

(LtoR) Top Row: Vanessa Kaminska, Maggie Avila, Hannah Alves, Holly Jordon, Coach Jose DeLaTorre, Gianna Sarrasin, Sloane Sullivan, Courtney Silva, Payton Heaney. Bottom row: Stefania Villanueva, Chiara Gaspari, Ryleee McCormick, Brianna Nevares, Sabine Sullivan, Ruth Acevedo, Isabelle Dumapit. Not pictured are Kylie Lynn, Yaznelly Guendulay, Teeny Osmundsen, Chloe Capanis. Submitted by Lia McCormick

County Swim Championship

Individual Results: Dimond Loosli (12), Larkey Sharks, 7th in 25yd Free, 25.55; Jamie Wanket (18), PH Dolfins, 7th in 100 Free, 54.89; Nicholas Austen (8), Larkey Sharks, 1st in 25yd Breast, 18.51; Tori Hargrave (9), Larkey Sharks, 9th in 50 Breast, 38.78; Donovan Swann (9), Larkey Sharks, 5th in 50 Breast, 37.76; Grant Silva (10), Scottsdale, 3rd in 50 Breast, 36.46; Logan Silva (10), Scottsdale, 4th in 50 Breast, 37.54; Connor Glasgow (10), PH Aquatics, 8th in 50 Breast, 38.15; Willie Brown (10), Larkey Sharks, 10th in 50 Breast, 38.84; Soren Stanton (11), PH Aquatics, 6th in 50 Breast, 33.92; Dimond Loosli (12), Larkey Sharks, 7th in 50 Breast, 34.05; Tyler Fonseca (14), WCSC, 13th in 50 Breast, 27.77; Ali Silva (15), Scottsdale, 2nd in 100 Breast, 1:07.92; Lainey Stiefvater (16), WCSC, 9th in 100 Breast, 1:10.99; Matthew Wilcox (16), PH Aquatics, 2nd in 100 Breast, 57.64; Caden Tattenham (18), PH Aquatics, 5th in 100 Breast, 1:01.01; Tony Puthuff (12), Scottsdale, 3rd in IM, 1:03.81; Tyler Fonseca (14), WCSC, 1st in IM, 56.91; Daniel Viscia (13), Scottsdale, 4th in IM, 58.70; Enzo Ariana (14), PH Dolfins, 5th in IM, 1:00.72; Carlie Polkinghorn (17), Scottsdale, 2nd in IM, 1:01.46; Emily Bachman-Ferreira (18), Larkey Sharks, 3rd in IM, 1:01.50; Ali Silva (15), Scottsdale, 4th in IM, 1:02.58; Jamie Wanket (18), PH Dolfins, 5th in IM, 1:02.97; Mattthew Wilcox (16), PH Aquatics, 3rd in IM, 54.13; Katherine Kracht (8), Scottsdale, 3rd in 25 Back, 17.99; Jed Johnson (8), Scottsdale, 1st in 25 Back,17.81; Bella Fonseca (10); WCSC, 8th in 50 Back, 33.86; Joey Ravarino (9), Scottsdale, 5th in 50 Back, 33.45; Tommy Roder (12), Scottsdale, 4th in 50 Back, 28.54; Camilla Schumacher (14), PH Dolfins, 6th in 50 Back, 29.35; Emily Bachman-Ferreira (18), Larkey Sharks, 6th in 100 Back, 1:01.18; Tyler Rosselli (16), Scottsdale, 3rd in 100 Back, 53.92; Zach Ledesma (15), Scottsdale, 4th in 100 Back, 54.18; Katherine Kracht (8), Scottsdale, 3rd in 25yd Fly,15.81; Madeline Roder (8), Scottsdale, 4th in 25yd Fly, 15.83; Felix Taylor (8), PH Aquatics, 6th in 25yd Fly, 16.38; Jenna Ravarino (12), Scottsdale, 2nd in 50 Fly, 28.07; Tommy Roder (12), Scottsdale, 3rd in 50 Fly, 27.10; Emily Adamson, PH Dolfins (17), 8th in 100 Fly, 1:03.04; Peyton LeGate (18), Scottsdale, 9th in 100 Fly,1:03.16; Rebecca Proctor (17), Scottsdale, 10th in 100 Fly, 1:104.20; Ryan Fowler (18), Martinez Community, 2nd in 100 Fly, 51.36; Nicholas Austen (8), Larkey Sharks, 1st in IM, 1:20.32; Donovan Swann (9), Larkey Sharks, 10th in IM, 1:17.09.

SUPPORTING

Dwayne Glemser Manager Proudly Sponsored by Les Schwab Martinez

LOCAL YOUTH

Martinez Medal Winner The annual Junior World Skeet Championships was held July 20-23 at Forest City Gun Club in Savannah, GA, the oldest gun club in America. Seventeen year-old Nick Ballentine, a Martinez resident and honor roll student at College Park High School, won the tournament. He was one of over two hundred shooters from all over the United States to enter the prestigious competition. Nick’s proud grandpa remarked, “The competition was fierce and the battle for High Over All (HOA) was a hard fought battle for the young competitors. Nick’s shooting was phenomenal.”

www.lesschwabmartinez.com • 3800 Alhambra, Martinez • 925-370-6382

ourcommunityfocus.com • september 2016

As Russ Sees It William Tell She’s Not

BY RUSSELL CARROLL Recently, a woman shot her fiancé in the neck with a flaming arrow. Now, this could easily be the secret dream of many a married woman, however, this little gem took place on national television on the popular TV show, America’s Got Talent. The woman was supposed to shoot a flaming arrow into a bugle shaped tube her fiancé held in his mouth. Well, she missed and shot him right in the neck. Although I let out a bit of a groan when I watched it on YouTube, I was also thinking, “That was awesome!” So, after shooting her soon-to-behusband in the neck with a flaming

arrow, what do you think that car ride home was like? I imagine there was a fair amount of silence, followed by apologies and possibly false claims of understanding. Perhaps he broke the silence with a robust, “Are you kidding me? You shot me in the neck!” (By the way, in multiple rehearsals, the woman had never missed that shot.) Now I am wondering if the guy is thinking, “Did she do that on purpose? Did she wait until we were on national TV to humiliate me? None of my past girlfriends ever shot me in the neck with a flaming arrow. Perhaps we should eliminate this portion of our act. Or, perhaps we can switch it up and I can shoot the arrow at her. Or, perhaps, I should call off the wedding. The potential finale that we have been discussing where she shoots

AHA! News

September Anti-Hazing Month BY ALISON CLARY On August 1, the Pleasant Hill City Council proclaimed September as AntiHazing Awareness Month. Mayor Sue Noack read and signed the proclamation, and people came wearing red in memory of Matt Carrington, who was tragically killed in a hazing incident in Chico in 2005. Debbie Smith, MM, Matt’s mother, is the CEO of the AHA! Movement (Anti Hazing Awareness), and hazingprevention.org recently announced that she was the 2016 recipient of the Hank Nuwer Anti-Hazing Hero Award. Hazingprevention.org is a national organization that arms people with education and resources to prevent hazing through initiatives such as National Hazing Prevention Week, the Novak Institute for Hazing Prevention, and education courses that teach people how to change the culture of organizations that unwittingly enable hazing rituals to occur. Smith was instrumental in getting a California law passed by former State Senator Tom Torlakson to amend the California Education Code and California Penal Code to allow prosecution of non-students on 22

felony charges for hazing rituals. The bill was signed into law in 2006 by former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and called Matt’s Law. The goal of the AHA! Movement is to prevent humiliating and potentially lethal acts related to hazing practices from occurring. Through education outreach programs and presentations, this organization increases awareness of this insidious but pervasive issue in social clubs, especially throughout the high school and college years. The AHA! Movement is proud to announce that Paul Zingg, just retired as president of California State University, Chico, has joined the AHA! Board. Debbie says Zingg has supported her from day one when Matt was killed, and he has championed their efforts with kindness, generosity, humbleness, and wisdom. For more information on Matt Carrington’s story, go to www.wemissyoumatt. com. To make a donation to the AHA! Movement, go to www.ahamovement.org. For more information on Hazingprevention.org, go to info@hazingprevention.org.

september 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

a gun at me and I catch the bullet with my teeth is a definite no go. I’m glad we eliminated the knife throwing option.” Now, I am sure that this was just an accident, but if I were him, I would sleep with one eye open and stay away from any beverage she prepares that she doesn’t drink. This leads me to her thoughts. How bad must she feel? I mean, one way or another she had to be feeling a bit guilty. If it truly was an accident she must be thinking, “God, I’m so sorry. I’ve never missed that shot. Maybe the nature of the big event cracked my concentration.” Now, if this mishap was her goal, she’s thinking, “Well, you blew your big chance there. I had him right where I wanted him, on his knees with that stupid bugle tube in his mouth, looking like an overweight Christmas ornament, and I blew it. Odds are I will never have that chance again. Oh well, back to the draw-

ing board. Maybe a poisoned Moscow Mule will do the trick.” I’m certain it was just an unfortunate accident that contained no malice. Regardless, it was great theatre. I am sure all the happily married readers out there thought, “Oh my, I hope this doesn’t have any negative impact on their future.” For anyone out there that may not be quite so happy, your thoughts might be a tad different. Guys, if you are wondering where you fit into this picture at home, you might want to question that skydiving trip she has planned or that trip to the alligator farm. Any letters addressed to your wife from Lorena Bobbitt should be steamed open. Marriage is hard enough without your spouse getting any ideas from a silly TV show. But….that’s just how I see it. Russ can be reached at russcarrollemail@gmail.com.

PH Residents Show the Love BY SHEREEN MOTARJEMI What do you do if you want to express gratitude to someone? You send a thank you card! And that’s just what dozens of grateful Pleasant Hill residents did to show their appreciation for the work of the Pleasant Hill Police Department. The idea, proposed by Tammy Rieser and shared on NextDoor.com (the website that allows neighbors to connect) took off, with more than thirty handwritten letters pouring into the station. In addition, the Pleasant Hill Dolphins Swim Club created a large poster, signed by all participants, which expressed deep gratitude for the services of the PHPD. (This poster now covers a wall that formerly held pictures of perpetrators wanted by the police.) Master Officer Todt Clark said, “It is a really good feeling to know that the public appreciates what we do. It makes it all worth it.” He mentioned how touched the department was that people in this day and age bothered to handwrite

all the notes and put them in the mail. Some cards were accompanied by sweet homemade treats. Long-time resident Donna Patterson remembers Pleasant Hill before we had a police department. She appreciates “…more than I can say, how wonderful our police department is and always has been.” Chief of Police John F. Moore wrote his own thank you to well-wishers who singled out a special officer for commendation. In it he said, “We are very fortunate to serve a community that supports and appreciates our efforts. Members of the Pleasant Hill Police Department strive to provide effective personalized service to all community members. Our personnel genuinely appreciate feedback from the community members we serve, and I have shared your kind comments with our police department staff members.” Will this wonderful idea spread to other towns? Imagine if Pleasant Hill became ground zero for a much larger gratitude movement!

F E ST I V A L S

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Lafayette Art & Wine Festival

Top 7 Reasons the Award-Winning Lafayette Art & Wine Festival is So Popular Lafayette Art & Wine Festival, scheduled for September 17, 10am-7pm, and September 18, 10am6pm, is big time fun with a small town feel. Here are the top 7 reasons this festival, now in its 21st year, remains so popular: 1. Location: Beautiful downtown Lafayette, steps from BART, near bike trails (valet bike parking provided), 2 blocks off Hwy 24, and an easy walk/shuttle from free festival parking. 2. Continuous Music & Dancing - no cover charge: Features Bay Area’s best headliner cover bands, including The Spazmatics, Evolution, SuperHuey, Life in the Fast Lane, Other People’s Money, Queens & Thieves, Zebop!, Extra Large, East Bay Mudd, Lumberyard, Savannah Blu, Long Train Runnin’, and Bay Bridge Beat. 3. Unique Wine & Beer Offerings: Popular wines, beers and ales are served throughout. Look for high-end wines and unique craft beers in the Premium Wine & Craft Beer Pavilion. 4. Food: Choices everywhere, including festival food and Lafayette’s restaurant row favorites. 5. Original Fine Arts & Crafts: 260+ local and regional artists’ booths, including the “Local Artists Alley,” which showcases Lafayette, Moraga, and Orinda fine artists. 6. Family + Dog Friendly: People move to Lafayette for the family-friendly lifestyle, so it’s no surprise that this is a family-friendly festival, starting with a large KidZone, Kids’ Stage, and water bowls for the family dog. 7. Budget Friendly: Festival proceeds support Lafayette Chamber’s community programs, Lafayette Partners in Education (LPIE), and other local non-profits, but much of the festival experience is free, including music, parking, and bike valet. Sponsors include Sungevity, Xfinity, BMW of Concord, Yelp, and Mechanics Bank. See www.lafayettefestival.com for full list. Flip to the back page for all the details!

Greek Food & Wine Festival

WELCOME or, as the Greeks say, KALOS ORISATE! St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church invites you to the 38th Annual Greek Food and Wine Festival at 1955 Kirker Pass Road, Concord, on September 16, 17 & 18. Come and enjoy a meal Greek-style. Food and wine are traditional Greek art forms, and we are blessed to have the best artisan chefs in the world -- our Greek grandmothers, nounas, aunties, etc. We proudly call them the YiaYia Sisterhood. They are all dedicated to cooking the best Greek food, using the freshest ingredients and authentic recipes. All our savory dishes are lovingly prepared right here on our church premises. The Greek Festival is about community, and we call the friends & family who flock to it and spread the spirit “keffee” (meaning “possessed by the spirit of happiness”). Keffee can be felt from the enthusiastic volunteers to the festivalgoers who experience an undefined, easy feeling as they leisurely stroll around the many food booths and exhibits. We also offer an assortment of outstanding Greek wines. Our wine bar offers rich reds and delightful whites from the Greek Isles. Pair them up with your favorite Greek dishes offered in our dining room. As you enjoy the food and wine, live bands and lively Greek dances will entertain you. Feast your eyes on a variety of Hellenic arts, crafts, and treasures. Make sure to visit our Byzantine style church, with its hand-carved icon screen and five-foot tall egg-tempera icons. Each year the festival gives back to the community by donating 10% of its proceeds to local charities. The Contra Costa Greek Food & Wine Festival offers a collage of Greek experiences: music, dancing, art, cuisine, wines and hospitality. Come have a taste of Greece. Yassou! Festival times: Friday, 5 – 11pm; Saturday, noon – 11pm; and Sunday, noon – 8pm.

Martinis on the Plaza Gala The Martinez Chamber of Commerce presents Martinis on the Plaza Gala, celebrating the official birthplace of the martini and the rich history of bayside Martinez! Martinez’ most acclaimed social event is held around the fountain at Ignacio Plaza, located at the steps of City Hall under twinkling white lights, with the gaiety of the post-Depression and World War II era. It is a remembrance of all that is good in America, a revitalization of swing

dancing, the advent of the Rat Pack, and music that makes everyone want to dance. The event features fabulous food from regional restaurants and 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 did not have champagne, the bartender offered him a “Martinez Special,” known today as the Martini. Saturday, September 17, 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.

Bay Area Blues and Car Show Madness on Main Street Car Show The 20th Annual Madness on Main Street Car Show runs from 10am-3pm on September 10 in downtown Martinez on Main Street. Over 200 cool cars, trucks, and bikes will be on display. Free for the public to attend. Show off your vehicle! Pre-registration is $20 and includes Dash Plaque. Event day registration is $25-cash only, from 8-10am. Awards are given at 2pm. The 6th Annual Bay Area Blues Festival The festival will be held Saturday and Sunday, September 24 and 25, from 10am to 6pm on Main Street, Alhambra to Court Streets. The event features blues music on two stages, arts and crafts exhibitors, gourmet food booths, local restaurants, community booths, kid’s activities, a farmers’ market, craft beer and fine wines, and of course, chalk art! Kids can also purchase chalk to create their own designs and have some creative fun. This is a free festival.

ion

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Parkin g $5 per ca r daily

Greek Food • Wine Tasting • Live Music

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

SEPTEMBER 16, 17 & 18 10% of proceeds donated to local charities ourcommunityfocus.com • september 2016

14th Annual

presents

Saturday Evening Concert featuring East Bay Mudd 6:30 - 8:45 pm Visit the Expanded

Saturday, October 1st 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Sunday, October 2nd 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Discover local craft brews in the

In Partnership With

Event Sponsors Your Preferred Community Lender

september 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ ourcommunityfocus.com

FESTIVALS Walnut Festival

80th Annual Invitational Twilight Parade Every September, the Walnut Festival Association presents fantastic events to celebrate the community. At 6pm on Saturday, September 17, the annual Twilight Parade takes place on Main Street in downtown Walnut Creek. The parade, which begins on Mt. Diablo and ends on Civic Drive, invites local high school bands, business owners, and community organizations to participate. The Twilight Parade is a sanctioned event and is judged by the Pacific Judging Association. High school bands are awarded points and prizes for their participation in the parade. The parade is free of charge, so be sure to get there early to reserve the best viewing spots. Walnut Festival – Sept. 22-25 Thousands are expected to descend on Heather Farm Park, starting Thursday, September 22, through Sunday, September 25, for the Walnut Festival. The four-day festival offers family-friendly entertainment, two stages of live music, a large carnival with more than 30 rides, Kid Zone, a showcase of amazing local and regional talent, including artists, craftsmen, designers, jewelers, builders, food specialties, craft beer garden, and more. The cost of admission is $7 per person and 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 $6. Hours for the festival are: 5-10pm, Thursday; 5-11pm, Friday; 11am-11pm, Saturday; and 11am - 8pm, Sunday. You can purchase pre-sale coupons for $25 starting Monday, September 12, thru Tuesday, September 20, at the Walnut Festival office, located in Heather Farm Park at 500 N. San Carlos Drive, 9am and 4pm, Monday - Friday. “Pay One Price” ride bracelets will be available, providing full access to all the festival’s great rides Thursday, September 22, or Sunday, September 25, after 4pm. Fishing Derby Before the festival, children can learn to fish at a free fishing derby at the Heather Farm Park lake, 7 – 11am, Saturday and Sunday, September 24 - 25. Poles and bait provided. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Suggested donation: $5. To register, visit www.thewalnutfestival.org or call (925) 935-6766.

Pleasant Hill Art, Jazz and Wine Mark your calendars for Pleasant Hill’s signature event! It’s time for the 14th Annual Art, Jazz and Wine Fest in Downtown Pleasant Hill on Saturday, October 1, 10am to 6pm, followed by an evening concert at 6:30pm, and Sunday, October 2, 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 and craft brews. Best of all, general admission is FREE! Live Music Enjoy two full days of live music, starting Saturday, with Breedloves, Jackson & the Immortals, The New Frantics, and Queens & Thieves. Back by popular demand, East Bay Mudd performs at the Saturday evening concert, 6:30 - 8:45pm. Sunday’s line-up features Jinx Jones and the King Tones and The Bell Brothers. Wine, Arts & Crafts on Crescent Drive “Stroll down Crescent Drive and shop at more than 70 booths, featuring handmade crafts, fine art, textiles, jewelry, and more,” says Steve Van Dorn, President & CEO of the Chamber of Commerce. “And don’t miss a visit to our Premium Wine Pavilion, featuring award winning California wines. Representatives from Napa, Sonoma and Livermore wineries offer insights to their regional varietals, showcasing their finest wines and answering your questions.” Craft Beer Garden The Craft Beer Garden will have live entertainment and is very popular with both singles and families because of its proximity to the family entertainment at KidZone. KidZone at City Hall Lawn This year, look for exciting and fun events in our ever-expanding KidZone. Children enjoy the bounce house and can walk, crawl or run in the water balls activity. Popular children’s entertainer Samantha Samuels presents the children’s stage entertainment, including Studio A Dancers, Village Music School, Dae Han Martial Arts, and Boswick the Clown on Saturday, and Puppets of Praise, Pleasant Hill Library Storytelling Time, and Pleasant Hill Starquest on Sunday, plus more! For more information, visit www.pleasanthillchamber.com and keep up to date on our events schedule, wine and beer list, art vendor updates, and special offers! Don’t forget to like us on Facebook for your chance to win FREE tickets for wine and craft beer. See you there! ourcommunityfocus.com • september 2016

24 & 25

www.BayAreaBluesFestival.com • www.mainstreetmartinez.org 925.228.3577 26

september 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Pair Up

THE CARS CAN'T TALK BUT WE CAN!

Beer Here

BY MARIA TERRY A cold, refreshing beer is a frequent “go-to” beverage when the weather is warm. Like sparkling wines, the effervescence in beer gives you a textural experience on the palate. Beer is a terrific match for food because of the complexity of its flavors and its ability to complement many foods. Even before the meal, the hops in the beer stimulate the appetite by opening up the taste buds. For these reasons and more, beer is a great pairing beverage. The Blue Moon Brewing Company makes a wide variety of beers with interesting flavors like fruits, spices, and even pumpkin! Their flagship Belgian White wheat ale is brewed with Valencia oranges and coriander, the seed of cilantro plant that has a bright, herbal flavor. The coriander flavor makes the perfect pairing with a green salad dressed lightly with the Coriander Vinaigrette here. Consider including some blue cheese and bacon to match the slightly heavier weight of the ale, as well as a meaty, earthy quality. Additionally, adding Mandarin oranges and candied walnuts will complement the sweet citrusy flavors of the beer.

Quick Pickled Onion INGREDIENTS ½ cup apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon sugar 1½ teaspoons kosher salt 1 red onion, thinly sliced DIRECTIONS Whisk first three ingredients and one cup water in a small bowl until sugar and salt dissolve. Place onion in a jar; pour vinegar mixture over. Let sit at room temperature for one hour. Can be made two weeks ahead. Cover and chill. Drain onions before using. Yield: 1/2 Cup

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India Pale Ales (IPAs) are fresh and herbaceous, and they often have a very high level of bitter hops. Blue Moon’s White IPA will serve as a classic pairing for the all-American hot dog. As an added bonus, unlike wine, beer can handle more intense flavors. So, load up your dog with almost any topping you like. One possibility is this Quick Pickled Onion. The earthy flavor of the onion matches the herbaceous notes in the beer, and the sugar in the pickling liquid balances the bitter hops. For a sweet, spicy ending, try the Cinnamon Horchata ale. This beer got its inspiration from the ancestral roots of the brewmaster at Blue Moon. His interpretation of this delicious Latin beverage has flavors of cinnamon and caramel and is brewed with natural long-grain rice. The spicy cinnamon flavor and creamy texture of the beer is fantastic with this crunchy, nutty Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. So, go on. Pair Up! Maria Terry is a Certified Sommelier and Wine Educator in the San Francisco Bay Area. www.LaSommelierre.com

Coriander Vinaigrette INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 tablespoons crushed coriander seeds 6 tablespoons white wine vinegar 1 shallot, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/2 cup chopped cilantro 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil Kosher salt Pepper DIRECTIONS In a small skillet, toast the coriander seeds until very fragrant, about 2 minutes. Transfer the seeds to a medium bowl and add the vinegar, shallot, garlic and cilantro. While whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in the oil and whisk until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper. Yield: 1 1/4 Servings

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UPCOMING EVENTS SEPTEMBER 1 8

PUBLIC DAY

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting INGREDIENTS CAKE 1 pkg. (2-layer size) spice cake mix 3 large carrots, grated (about 2 cups) 1 can (8 oz.) crushed pineapple in juice, drained 1 cup pecans, chopped, divided FROSTING 1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened ¼ cup butter or margarine, softened 2 to 3 teaspoons milk 1 teaspoon vanilla 4 cups powdered sugar DIRECTIONS Heat oven to 350°F and prepare cake batter as directed on package; stir in carrots, pineapple and 3/4 cup nuts. Pour into two greased and floured 9-inch pans sprayed with cooking spray. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool cakes in pans 10 min. Remove from pans to wire racks; cool completely. Frosting: In medium bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, milk and vanilla with electric mixer on low speed until smooth. Gradually beat in powdered sugar, one cup at a time, on low speed until smooth and spreadable. Fill and frost layers with frosting. Sprinkle reserved nuts on frosted cake, if desired. Store in refrigerator. Yield: One Two-Layer Cake

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Buses every 10 - 15 minutes. Tour guides on buses. Allow 2 or more hours for the Tour.

Martinez Historical Society

HISTORIC HOME TOUR

See interiors of 6 - 8 homes. Live music. Demonstrations. Vintage cars. Complimentary beverages.

Saturday October 8th 2016 10 am -- 4 pm

Tours begin at the Shell Clubhouse in Martinez. Visit the website for more Tour information: www.MartinezHomeTour.com Advance purchase of discounted tickets is available. Please support the Tour sponsors which include these local businesses:

Shell Credit Union Shell Martinez Refinery

Shell Chemical

Free!

sunset by the lake

summer concerts On the lawn by the lake at

6-8 pm

Pleasant Hill City Hall

Gregory Ln & Cleaveland Rd

LIVE MUSIC & FUN! FOOD & BEVERAGE sales!

Sep 4..Queens & Thieves High energy dance band Food sales by Steel Smokin BBQ

Ice cream sales by BSA Troop 221 Enjoy a special encore concert on Sunday, September 11th from 6:00 to 8:00pm at City Hall, the 15th Anniversary of 9/11. There will be a brief ceremony prior to the music. The concert performance will be given by Galaxy from the US Air Force Band of the Golden West. Featuring powerful vocals and intricate musicianship, Galaxy will perform a wide variety of musical styles; playing rock, pop, and country hits from the past to today's top 40.

Sep 11...Galaxy Rock, pop and country

Club of Pleasant Hill

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Garden Rocks

ROAD TRIPS presented by Les Schwab in Martinez The Bohemian Highway

Boulders Big & Small Provide Benefits Incorporating stone in your succulent garden can provide many benefits. Boulders, for instance, have many applications. They can be used individually as a focal point, a platform for yard art (no plastic flamingos please), or even a seat for you or your local lizard population. When used in clusters of varying sizes, a wall or natural formation can be created to showcase your succulents in a more vertical plane, as opposed to the traditional horizontal plane. Adding boulders in groups also allows the gardener to build berms for superior drainage, enhancing the visual appeal of the plantings and making for happier and healthier plants. One of the major benefits of using boulders is their ability to regulate microclimates in their immediate vicinity. Boulders and large stones absorb heat during the day and slowly release it during the evening. This is especially helpful during the winter months, when frost proves problematic for succulents such as Echeveria and Aeonium. The gaps between stones and

boulders allow roots to stay cool, preventing stress and ensuring happy plants. Smaller stones also make for great mulch in the succulent garden. Often referred to as “top dressing,” decorative pebbles are used to cover exposed soil and are tucked up under succulents whose leaves come into contact with the soil. Avoid using pebbles with smooth rounded shapes as they can roll off the berm and create a nuisance. Instead, look for varieties with irregular and angular edges, as they will stay in place. Why not just use bark as mulch? Bark absorbs and retains moisture much better than pebbles. This is great for a garden of perennials, shrubs, and trees, but it is a problem for succulents, as they prefer good, dry airflow around their stems and lower leaves. For inspiration, plants, and design assistance, visit the Ruth Bancroft Garden and Nursery. We’ll be happy to help you succeed.

The two-lane roadway known as the Bohemian Highway winds across 10 miles of western Sonoma County, through towering redwoods, serene pastures, rocky ravines, and the tiny towns of Monte Rio, Occidental, and Freestone. This relatively short stretch of roadway is one of the most scenic and pastoral drives to be found in California. You will find organic farms and wineries, specialty nurseries, and all kinds of innovative shops and restaurants. It’s also a gateway for superb outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, zip lining, and more.  Driving the Bohemian Highway can take less than an hour or several days, depending on your pace and number of stops. Attractions to consider: the towns of Forestville and Guerneville along the Russian River, Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve and Korbel Champagne Cellars. From US 101 N, take the Occidental Rd and Graton Rd exit towards the Bohemian Highway in Occidental.

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In the Garden

Still Enjoying Tomatoes and Welcoming Butternuts and Peppers BY LESLEY STILES September, month nine of our year, has arrived long before it logically should have, and I for one am scratching my head with wonder and curiosity at how the summer flew by so swiftly. School is back in session after a too short play break, along with a diminishing lazy traffic pattern, as students and parents swarm the streets, reconnecting to the long-time practiced ballet of learning and leaving off. Grapes and apples reappear on farmers’ market tables, just in time for sweet treats in little lunch boxes. A semi new variety of grape, Thomcord, seamlessly blends the ever-popular Thompson seedless grape with iconic grape jam flavors of the Concord grape, combining the lush, juicy sweetness of both, without the seeds. This is unquestionably one of the most brilliant combinations of salubrious flavors and textures to cross our palate-pleasing paths for a while, and they are perfect for snacking on at any time or any age.

September mornings can be deceptively chilly, but afternoons warm up hot and fast followed by rapid cooling come dusk -- a weather pattern that produce loves as it matures, but is not so great for starting summer crops. Perfect, though, for starting winter crops such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbages, onions and garlic, carrots, radishes, greens of all kinds, and well-used and loved cool weather herbs such as cilantro and parsley. In the produce crossover month of September, we are also blessed with summer bounty, e.g. white nectarines and peaches. As winter crops begin to flood the markets, one of my all time favorites, butternut squash, will sit next to heirloom tomatoes and basil. This can, in a twisted culinary craw such as mine, conjure a salad of roasted butternut tossed with said tomatoes and basil, drizzled with fresh pressed olive oil and plopped chunks of fresh mozzarella, all doused in balsamic glaze and eaten at room temperature with grilled fish and a glass of sharp, crisp white wine. Unquestionably, autumn’s sneaky, most delightful surprise is that it is peak season for peppers. Newer to the table, Guindilla pep-

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pers hail from the Northwestern Basque region, flow south to La Rioja region of Spain, and even spread over to Bilbao towards the amazingly beautiful coast, growing in lush fields and providing a main staple in Spanish fare. Unlike Padron peppers, eating Guindilla’s is not like Russian roulette, waiting for that one incendiary pepper to blow your head off. Extremely similar in flavor, these lovely, long, thin, squiggly, bright yellowgreen peppers have the entire piquant, crazy addicting flavor palette of the Padron, without the chance of incinerating your taste buds. Farmers in Northern California began growing Guindilla peppers specifically to provide aficionados of the Padron with a safer version of an incredible tasting pepper to consume. Guindilla peppers are quite simple to grow in your own backyard if you are really on a pepper mission. Plant pepper plants in loamy, well fed soil in late spring for an early autumn harvest. Cooking Peppers Grassy tasting and packed with mysterious pimento characteristics, these peppers make a fabulous addition to most dishes, but as with the Padron, simplistic prep is best. Heat a sauté pan, adding olive oil as it heats, and get that pretty hot, but not smoking. Carefully place peppers in, totally whole, clean and dry, and let them brown and blister well on all sides before cracking sea salt over them and removing from heat. Eat as soon as possible, holding the stem and putting the rest into your mouth. Discard the stems. Prepare to eat and serve a lot. Not inexpensive for sure, mostly six to seven bucks a pound, but worth every penny as well as very impressive to other food freaks at a party. Classic Spanish Gambas Al Pil-Pil takes on a gracious articulation with the addition

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of the Guindilla. Sauté copious amounts of chopped garlic in olive oil, add chopped raw pepper to caramelize a bit before throwing in prawns to pink up, and hit with lemon juice and salt, deepening a salient relationship with the esteemed capsicum. Cover a bowl of peppers laced with sliced onions with hot rice vinegar and enrich with a dollop of honey, leaving to macerate for a bit purposely to provoke an emerging, brilliant, pepper pickle condiment. Chopped in entirety raw and added to soups and stews will perk up early autumn fare sans the tongues on fire. 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.

Kale Salad with Stone Fruits and Tomatoes

INGREDIENTS 1 large bunch kale of any kind, sliced and washed 2 tablespoons olive oil Juice and zest of 1 to 2 lemons 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes 2 stone fruits, chopped 1 bunch green onions, sliced Sea salt and pepper to taste or Braggs Amino Acids to taste DIRECTIONS Toss kale, tomatoes, fruits and green onions in a large salad bowl. Drizzle on lemon juice, zest, and olive oil and toss well. Season w/ Braggs or salt. Let sit a few minutes to gently “cook” the kale for a few minutes or up to an hour before serving. Serves 4 to 6.

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September 3: Tai Chi demos & classes at 10:30a.m. and 11:00 a.m., by the Taoist Tai Chi Society. Alhambra Valley Beef and Pears are back with their legendary dry-farmed Bartlett pears.

In the Mix

Interview with Diane Kamrin BY PAUL COTRUVO Theatre is alive and well in our community, and a large part of that is due to the one and only Pleasant Hill resident Diane Kamrin. Diane is one of the founders of STARS 2000, a fantastic teen theatre company that was created to help young actors hone their craft. Throughout the many years, Diane has worked tirelessly to not only direct and produce shows with the kids, but to keep theatre alive right here in our little neck of the woods. I have known Diane for many years. One of my first ever gigs as a musician was to play guitar with her husband, Terry. I have never forgotten it, as they really opened my eyes to many different styles of music. Diane was mentoring back then, and she probably didn’t even know it! So, I thought it was time you got to know a little about this wonderful human being. PC: What inspired you to get into show business? And who are some of your inspirations? DK: Actually, my father was a singer and amateur performer. Watching him (and my mom) perform in amateur productions and then being old enough to join them made a real impact. Having the opportunity to see live musical theatre growing up in San Francisco gave me the chance to see many Broadway stars - all of who were impressive. I think perhaps

Rita Moreno, a local gal, is most inspirational. PC: Do you remember the first show you were in? DK: First, I was in dance recitals starting from the age of five or six. My mom said because I was such a ‘klutz’ it might help me from running into walls when I danced around the front room. My high school didn’t do musicals, but I was performing with the dance department and vocal music department in all their showcases. Later, in college at San Francisco State, I was given the opportunity to perform in several shows. I think my first production was Once Upon A Mattress, which I have since choreographed at least five times! My all-time favorite, West Side Story, really made an impact on me. I was so thrilled to finally get the rights to produce this iconic American show with STARS 2000 last year. PC: How long have you been directing and producing shows? DK: I actually choreographed my first show as a special project while I was in college. (I won’t tell you how long ago that was!!) When Terry and I moved to “the country” from S.F., I got involved in Mt. Diablo’s Fine Arts Summer school - now long gone. I found a home with the Diablo Light Opera Company as a performer and then founded STARS 2000 in 1992. PC: Can you tell us some of your moments of your career so far?

DK: Probably the first time STARS 2000 produced Les Mis in 2008 was incredibly special: a major undertaking, including the turntable stage and challenging vocal music. And then, we did it again last summer! With every show, I feel we’ve made an experience for our young actors that they can take with them into the world, be it in the arts or just in life. One of the most exciting experiences is going to New York and watching our former young actors star on Broadway. PC: What is your opinion of the arts here in our community? DK: I so wish we could find a performing arts center for Pleasant Hill - one that would be financially feasible for local non-profits and high school theatre programs and productions. We also need help in advertising our production to the community. Funding for companies like ours is minimal; production costs use most of our capital. PC: Are you really Michael Harris’s sister? Any inside scoop? DK: Sorry to say, yes, Mike is my big brother. Mike has been very supportive of me throughout my life - and also very protective - like a second dad. It is hard to tell that we’re relatives, though, because he can’t carry a tune! However, that never stopped him from singing! PC: If you were a song, what song

would you be and why? DK: That’s really a hard question! The first one that comes to mind is John Lennon’s “Imagine,” especially because of what the world is facing right now. On the musical theatre side of it, maybe “There’s a Place For Us” from West Side Story or possibly “Happiness” from You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. Check out the lyrics - life should really be that simple! Thanks Diane! Please check out their website at www.stars2000.azurewebsites. net and look for their next production, or just give a donation! Quote of the Month: “Great theatre is about challenging how we think and encouraging us to fantasize about a world we aspire to.” -- Willem Dafoe

Paul’s Picks

September 3: Grace Leer & The Golden Harvest, WiseGirl, 1932 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill, 9:30pm September 4: Queens & Thieves, Summer by the Lake, PH City Hall, Gregory Ln. & Cleaveland Rd., 6pm September 9: Stung, Dan’s Bar, 1524 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, 10pm September 17: Delta Blues Festival, Waldie Plaza, Antioch, 12pm September 17: 18 – 21: Annual Lafayette Art & Wine Festival, Downtown Lafayette, 10am September 23: Frankie G. & The Convictions, WiseGirl, 1932 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill, 9:30pm September 24: Fast Times, Dan’s Bar, 1524 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, 10pm September 25: The Sunday Paper, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 4pm September 29: Chuck Prophet, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm

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Prostate Cancer Survival

BY DR. STEPHEN TAYLOR, Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis and the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States for men. Early detection is one of the most effective methods for getting the upper hand. I encourage patients to begin discussion with their physician when they turn 40. If you are African-American or have a relative who’s had prostate cancer, you are at a higher risk and should consult with your doctor to determine screening frequency. As with most types of urologic cancer, there are often no obvious symptoms, making early detection even more critical. However, those experiencing urinary pain, discomfort, or change in frequency should see a doctor immediately. There are two primary diagnostic tests for prostate cancer. Doctors often perform a digital rectal examination to feel for abnormalities in the prostate gland. If the prostate is normal, it will be soft like a sponge. An abnormal prostate will be hard like a marble and require further testing. The second test is a blood test. Having an elevated PSA (prostate-specific antigen) in your blood does not necessarily indicate you will develop prostate cancer, however, it may lead to further diagnostic tests or a more regular screening schedule. Just a few short years ago, if a PSA test was elevated and/or a nodule was present on the prostate, doctors would immediI’m not in trouble anymore!

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ately proceed to a biopsy. Today, elevated PSA levels or the presence of nodules may result in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the prostate, which is highly reliable (90% accurate) and eliminates roughly 60% of unnecessary biopsies. Prostate cancer is by no means a death sentence. Thanks to effective, minimally invasive treatment options, men with prostate cancer are living longer, healthier lives, with fewer treatmentrelated side effects to either their urinary or sexual functionality. Diagnosing prostate cancer in its earliest stages is imperative. Consult with your doctor, get the facts, and make the most informed decision about your personal course of action. Dr.Taylor is a board certified urologist with Pacific Urology. He is involved with the Prostate Cancer Center of Excellence at Diablo Valley Oncology in Pleasant Hill. For more information, call 925-937-7740 or visit www.pacificurology.com Join Dr.Taylor and other prostate cancer specialists for an educational seminar: The Many Faces of Prostate Cancer on September 29, 6:30-8:30pm, Lafayette Library and Learning Center. To reserve, please call 925-6775041x272.

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Fall Medical Needs

BY DR. ARMANDO SAMANIEGO, FOUNDER, STAT MED URGENT CARE This is a busy time of year for the many individuals and families we serve that are juggling back to school, work, and family. As a physician and father of three young adults, I often hear from friends and neighbors about the challenges of scheduling school or team physicals, immunizations, and necessary laboratory tests. It is a welcome surprise for them to learn STAT MED Urgent Care is a quality option for those more routine needs, alongside more serious immediate medical issues. While our dedicated physicians have years of experience in busy emergency rooms treating unexpected illness and injury, STAT MED is an outstanding option for any of the routine care you seek, either when your primary physician is not available or if you don’t have one. As the health care landscape continues to change, determining where to seek immediate medical care when you need and want it can be confusing. Primary care

practices are increasingly stretched, and ‘minute clinics’ are very limited in their clinical capabilities. We know from experience that 60-80% of visits to an ER can be handled at an advanced urgent care like STAT MED. With all these changes taking place, STAT MED’s goal is to consistently provide fast access to top quality medical care while ensuring an outstanding patient experience. STAT MED has opened a brand new location in Pleasant Hill/Concord by Sunvalley Mall, with on-site x-rays and labs to expedite diagnosis and care, as well as private treatment rooms for dedicated time with your physician. As you prepare for fall, STAT MED Urgent Care is here for you, whether you want a flu shot or a physical or experience an illness or injury. Learn more at statmed.com or call 925-234-4447. Most insurance plans are accepted.

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TOURNAMENT september 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Read My Mind

Presidents Past

Since this is a presidential election year, I though it would be interesting to review books about past presidents, great and not so great. One of our greatest presidents, Thomas Jefferson, is featured in two recent books. Anita Gordon-Reed and Peter S. Onuf have captured Jefferson’s brilliance in Most Blessed of the Patriarchs: Thomas Jefferson and the Empire of the Imagination. This is “an absorbing and revealing character study that dispels the many clichés about our third president” and shows him to be “a patriarch of the Enlightenment, but neither hypocrite nor saint.” Brian Killmeade and Don Yaeger have focused their attention on Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates: The Forgotten War That Changed American History. Weeks after his inauguration, Jefferson decided to use a naval blockade to declare war on the Tripoli pirates who had been kidnapping American ships and sailors. Remember the lyrics to the Marine Corps Hymn, “From the Halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli?” This book captures the forgotten war that led to those lyrics and helped make America a world power. Franklin Delano Roosevelt was another of our greatest presidents. He brought us out of the worst depression in our country’s history and secured victory in World War II. Two recent books highlight his incredible contributions to our history: Jay Winik’s 1944: FDR and the Year That Changed History and Susan Butler’s Roosevelt and Stalin: Portrait of a Partnership. Butler examines the relationship of these “strange bedfellows,” bound together by a common enemy, and how they “saved the world from Nazi tyranny.” Winik describes the “titanic events” of 1944 that lead to this victory, “but with a fateful cost.” Both are fascinating reads. No man entered the presidency with more experience in international

affairs than John Quincy Adams, son of our second president. His amazing preparation for the presidency is subject of Phyllis Lee Levin’s The Remarkable Education of John Quincy Adams. “The Greatest Traveler of His Age,” JQA was a seasoned diplomat who met with leaders of France, Holland, and Russia. He was admired by George Washington and praised by JFK as the man who “held more important offices and participated in more important events than anyone in the history of our nation.” Levin’s book helps us understand the great impact this lesser-known president had on shaping our country. Bob Woodward of Watergate fame “provides one of the last pieces” of the Nixon presidency in The Last of the President’s Men, an account of Nixon’s “greatest secret,” as revealed by longtime aide Alexander Butterfield. Very insightful. Jon Meacham has written the first thorough account of one of our more recent presidents in Destiny and Power: The American Odyssey of George Herbert Walker Bush. Born into a family of great wealth and power, Meacham paints a vivid portrait of Bush, decorated war hero and controversial president. Historian Nathaniel Philbrick has documented one of the most notorious acts of treason in our country’s history in Valiant Ambition: George Washington, Benedict Arnold and the Fate of the American Revolution. We learn that Washington wasn’t always a brilliant general, and Arnold was both hero and villain. There’s even a great book for kids to learn about our presidents, Mike Henry’s Tell Me about the Presidents: Lessons for Today’s Kids from America’s Leaders. Each chapter tells an unusual fact about a president that kids will find fascinating. Did you know that President Washington loved the circus and President Obama collects comic books? You’ll even learn how the term “OK” originated with President Van Buren. What a great way to learn about our history!

Impacting Wildlife An Apple a Day Canary in a Coal Mine BY DR. CHERYL M. MCCORMICK, PH.D. Executive Director, Lindsay Wildlife Experience Just as miners once used sensitive canaries to warn them of the presence of toxic gases in mines, wildlife can tell us a lot about our impact on natural ecosystems. From accelerated climate change and habitat loss to the introduction of invasive species and persistent pollutants, our environment is subjected to the negative effects of human impacts, many of which remain invisible, such as changes to nutrient cycles. Since we can’t “see” it, we don’t give it much thought. In general, though, we do care about wildlife, and alterations to the environment are becoming a concern for the survival of many species. Like the unfortunate canary, birds are considered to be “environmental indicators.” The presence, absence, abundance, and assemblages of birds can reveal the health of an ecosystem. Birds played a role in igniting the environmental movement with the publication of Rachel Carson’s 1962 classic Silent Spring. In it, Carson described the devastating impacts to birds by DDT – either indirectly by shell-thinning or directly by consuming prey such as insects sprayed with the pesticide. Amphibians, such as frogs and salamanders, are especially sensitive indicators because their thin, moist skin absorbs contaminants, such as agricultural and industrial chemicals. Dramatic declines in amphibian populations have been docu-

mented worldwide since the 1980s, with associated increases in the invertebrate pests that amphibians eat – pests that damage crops and carry human diseases. Sadly, our feline companions bring the most immediate danger to wildlife. Domestic (and feral) cats kill between 1.3-4.0 billion birds annually, and that’s just the beginning. My former colleague, Dr. Sonia Hernandez from the University of Georgia, states that domestic cats’ main prey is reptiles (lizards, snakes, frogs). My message isn’t intended to be a finger-wagging lesson about how humans are destroying the planet. As an ecologist (and cat lover), I believe every individual can make changes to his or her lifestyle to protect wildlife. Whether through informed consumer choices, voting for advocates of environmental issues, making backyards wildlife friendly, or simply keeping kitties indoors – each of us can protect the wildlife that depend upon us for survival. The canary-in-a-coal mine metaphor is still relevant. In an age where life moves at an astounding pace, will we recognize the significance of what we’re losing before it’s too late? The alternative is a world devoid of bird song, frog peeps, and cricket chirps. I cannot imagine looking into a child’s eyes and explaining how we missed the signs that surrounded us. The Lindsay Wildlife Hospital is located on the west side of the Lindsay Wildlife Experience building at 1931 First Avenue in Walnut Creek. For more information, go to the website at www.lindsaywildlife.org

Pets Promote a Healthy Lifestyle

BY DR. LOUISA ASSEO I witness it every single day. I see it on the faces of my incredible team at Oasis Veterinary Hospital, with my clients, and with strangers on the street. I experience it personally with my patients and when I get home from work. Animals make us smile. They make us laugh. They increase our happiness. But did you know that animals can actually have a positive influence on our health? Pets can be part of a heart-healthy lifestyle. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute of Health (NIH) have proven that having pets can lower blood pressure and triglyceride levels. Studies have also shown that having pets can help people with heart disease live longer lives. This is thought to be because of the innate way pets have of lowering our stress level. Pets, especially dogs, can help us stay fit. The NIH has shown that people who routinely walk with their dogs are less prone to obesity. Studies have shown that people with dogs get more physical activity than people without dogs. They can also help keep us in a fitness routine and stay motivated. When a stressful day leaves us less than interested in hitting the gym, hooking up the leash to your pooch can be just as beneficial to getting up and moving. Who can resist the sweet pleading eyes of a dog waiting for his morning

walk or afternoon jog? Pets can help boost our mood and combat depression and loneliness. They can give a person a sense of purpose – someone that depends on them. Years ago, I shared my life with a very special cat named Lacey. As a certified animalassisted therapy cat, he visited retirement homes and hospitals frequently with me. It was amazing to see what an impact he could have on those he visited. People gathered around for the chance to pet him, and they would tell stories of their own pets. I would see their faces light up and their pain lessen for even a moment. It was one of the most rewarding times I can remember. Of course, caring for a pet isn’t for everyone. There is a huge responsibility that goes along with providing for animals in our homes. But if you have opened up your home to a furry, scaly, or feathered friend, enjoy every moment, and remember that you both are benefiting from happier – and healthier – lives together. 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

2015

Mark Ellinwood, Owner Amphibians such as California Tiger Salamanders are especially sensitive indicators.

ANTS • SPIDERS • MICE • RATS • FLEAS • 1 TIME SPRAY OK ourcommunityfocus.com • september 2016

SENIOR CALENDARS SPONSORED BY: MICHAEL BRIONEZ

Your Neighborhood Realtor Looking for a single level home? Call Michael!

925-288-0477

michael@michaelbrionez.com

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

Sept. 11 - Pancake Breakfast 8-11am. Pancakes or toast, sausage, eggs, orange juice and coffee. Everyone welcome. $4 adults/$2.50 for children 10 and under. Handmade crafts for sale. Always open to the public. Sept. 9 & 16 - AARP Driver Safety & Refresher Courses. Beginner Course (2-day) from 10am-2:30pm. Course for drivers age 50 and older to help update driving skills and knowledge of the rules and hazards of the road. Learn about normal age-related physical changes and how to adjust to compensate. Sign-ups available in person one month prior to class date. Space is limited. Current drivers license required for sign–up. Payments made day of class. Sept. 16 – Bunco (Training or Refresher) 1:45-4:30pm. Join us for quarterly Bunco, a dice game that is easy to play. No previous experience needed. Prizes go to the most buncos, most wins, second and third most wins, and a booby prize. Whether you are a seasoned player or you are just learning, join us for an afternoon of fun and lots of laughs. Light refreshments will be provided. $8.

SENIOR CALENDARS SPONSORED BY:

Linda J. Weihofen

Reverse Mortgage Specialist 925.348.4267 • TALK2LW@yahoo.com Helping you to understand the NEW Reverse Mortgage

A Taste of Fall

Pleasant Hill - Martinez AAUW Please join Pleasant Hill-Martinez AAUW (American Association of University Women) at their October fundraiser, A Taste of Fall. Enjoy hearty appetizers, tasty desserts, local wines, a 50/50 raffle, and a silent auction while listening to a local high school jazz band. Mark Saturday, October 1, 3 – 5pm, as an afternoon to relax with friends and support academic scholarships for women. This event is held in a lovely private garden in Martinez. The silent auction includes many handmade items as well as theme baskets with gift cards from local businesses. Many thanks to the following merchants who have donated items, wine, or gift cards to this event: Steve & Genene Welch’s Rancho Las Juntas Vineyard, Bray Vineyards, Viano Winery, Massage Envy, California Magic Dinner Theater, Ian’s Yogurt, Baskin Robbins, Sloats, Kinder’s Pleasant Hill, Safeway, Home Depot, OSH, Nob Hill Grocery, Ace

Hardware, Urban Plates, Jack’s, Bagel Street Café, Savanh, Lemongrass, El Tapatio, Contra Costa Stadium Cinemas, Peet’s, Starbucks, Lipary Collectible Gallery, States Coffee, Main Street Sweets, Char’s Florist, Haute Stuff, BEVMO, Lily’s nail salon, High Edge Beauty, Youphoria, Beaver Creek Smokehouse, ROXX on Main, and White Rabbit. Sherrie Moore and Marlene De Laurenti are co-chairing the event, along with the help of AAUW Taste of Fall committee members. All proceeds from this fundraiser go towards local scholarships for high school seniors, 7th grade girls attending Tech Trek camp, and the AAUW fund. Tickets are $40.00. Please make your reservations by September 26. This wellknown popular event sells out, so buy your tickets soon. To purchase tickets, call Gayle Miner (349-6795), Joy Barden (935-7118), Marlene Maksel (689-5439) or Marilyn Thelen (228-2600).

Pleasant Hill Senior Activities 233 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill 925-798-8788 Sept, 21 - Men’s Conversation Group (Spanish Speaking) 9-10:45am. Interim Facilitator: Cloty Ulrich. Group meets 3rd Wednesday each month. Meet in the Center’s game room. Sept. 23 - PHSC Anniversary Party 12-2pm. Celebrating 61 years! Join us for a delicious lunch with entertainment provided by Hula Dancers from Island Breeze. Menu includes: Huli Huli Chicken, Teriyaki Pork with Pineapple, jasmine rice, macaroni salad, cucumber salad, marinated shrimp, fresh fruit & dessert. Call Center for tickets, $15 members, $20 general. Tickets not available day of event.

NITY FO MU C M

Call for Craft Vendors Join us for our 3rd annual Holiday Boutique & Craft Fair. All items must be hand-made. Vendor applications available at www.phseniorcenter.com. * Senior Center, Nov. 19, 9am2pm,

The AAUW of Pleasant Hill-Martinez, hosts Taste of Fall. Front row (L to R): Gary and Sherrie Moore, Susanne Rheingruber, Suzanne Salter, Gale Miner, Marlene de Laurenti. Back row (L to R): Margie and Lou Pruitt, Dan Salter, Bob Bass.

Now- Sept. 30 - Buy a Brick Before It’s Too Late. Last chance to leave your mark on the pathway of the Senior Center. In honor of this final order we will be having a SUMMER SALE and selling bricks for $125… that’s $75 off the normal cost. Pick up a form at the front desk of the Center and turn it in no later than Friday, September 30.

COMMUNITY SPONSOR

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Now More Than a Newspaper, a Community Hub!

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Forma Gym Front Room Martinez Hagin’s Automotive Hammer’s Heating and A/C Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital Hire My Husband Home Detailers Housekeeping Irvin Deutscher Family YMCA Jack’s Restaurant & Bar Jennifer L. Martin D.D.S. Kiwanis Club of Martinez Kobe Japan Lafayette Chamber of Commerce Law Offices of Daniel L. DuRee Law Offices of Lauren Smykowski

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Les Schwab Tires Linda J. Weihofen Main Street Martinez Martinez Auto Body Martinez Chamber of Commerce Martinez Historical Society Matt Rinn – State Farm Insurance Maureen Ingalls - RE/MAX Accord Michael Brionez, J. Rockcliff Moulding Company Noralea Gipner for City Council Oakmont of Concord Oasis Veterinary Hospital Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Assoc. Parkway Smiles Dental

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september 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce Pleasant Hill Rec & Park Ruth Bancroft Garden Samuels Construction Senior Helpers Shell Oil Shell Western States Credit Union Stat Med Urgent Care Susan Wood Photography Tim Flaherty for City Council Walnut Creek Downtown Walnut Festival Association Waters Moving and Storage Wence’s Restaurant WiseGirl Ristorante Italiano & Cocktails

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Make Some Plans september

september 10

september 12

september 22

Martinez CERT

Northgate March-a-Thon

Valley Stitchers & Fiber Artist Guild

PH Community Service Day

Northgate High School’s award-winning marching band energizes Walnut Creek with its annual March-a-Thon on Saturday, 9am to noon. Parade includes Northgate HS to Snyder Ln., Quiet Place Dr., Natchez Dr., Springfield Dr., & Meander Dr. Tax-deductible donations fund NGHS music programs: www.northgatehs-pfc.com/donateall.

General meeting open to the public from 10am-12pm at Faith Lutheran Church, 50 Woodsworth Ln., Pleasant Hill. Speaker: Trish Goldberg, Bay Area tapestry artist. Visitors welcome and encouraged to join. $5/meeting.

The 12th annual event begins at 7:30am at Pleasant Hill Park on Gregory Lane. Volunteers receive a free pancake breakfast and the 1st 600 receive a free t-shirt! Register a project or volunteer at www.ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us. For more info, contact Martin Nelis at mnelis@pleasanthillca. org, or call (925) 671-5229.

Are you ready to help your family and neighborhood in a disaster? CERT Basic Training begins in September. Saturdays, 8am – 1pm, Sept. 17, 24, Oct. 1, 8. Tuesdays, 6 – 9pm, Sept. 13, 20, 27, Oct. 4, 11, 18. For locations, information, or registration, email: Martinez.CERT@gmail.com, or visit www. MartinezCERT.org.

now - september 16

september 17

september 24

Fridays on the Main

Meet and Greet

CCC Historical Society

Featuring the Farmers’ Market on the 800 block of Main St., 4-8pm, and Cool Cars & Music on the 500, 600 & 700 blocks of Main St., 6-8pm. Free to attend! Restaurants are open! Sponsored by www.mainstreetmartinez.org.

Community Coffees with Supervisor Federal Glover to bring residents together and discuss county issues. 10am at Starbucks, 504 Muir Station, Center Ave., Martinez.

Author Dean McLeod talks about the first natives of Diablo Valley, the Chupcan Tribe, who resided in a village near 2748 E. Oliver St. until 1805. RSVP to mkting@cocohistory.org. Free parking. $10 suggested donation. 11am-1pm, Willow Pass Community Center, 2748 E. Olivera St., Concord. 925-229-1042, www.cocohistory.com.

september 6

september 10

september 24

Pleasant Hill Garden Study Club

2nd Annual #HERSMILE Gala

Carquinez Century Ride

General meeting open to the public, with their special Tomato Tasting event at Pleasant Hill Community Center, 7pm. Free. Details: 925323-9314 or www.phgsc.com.

Funds raised help families who have suffered the loss of a child or the loss of a parent with dependent children. To date, #HERSMILE has provided support to over 35 local families. For sponsor and ticket info, visit www.hersmile. org or call (925) 209-7538.

Join us for either a 100k or 40k ride along both sides of Carquinez Strait. Includes T-shirt, beverages and snacks at mobile aid stations, LIVE MUSIC, and choice of 4 delicious Mexican lunches (including vegetarian.) For all information and to register online, go to www.martinezrotary.

september 7

september 20

september 29

First Wednesday Street Fest

Bariatric Fashion Show

The Many Faces of Prostate Cancer

Walnut Creek First Wednesday Festivities include live music & entertainment, arts & crafts, shopping, treats & more! Enjoy FREE parking on Wednesday nights after 5pm! Cypress Street, between Main & Locust.

Spotlights patient models who lost significant weight through surgical weightloss procedures. At J.Crew on Broadway Plaza, 6-8pm. Free. Door prizes and refreshments. Call 925-933-0984 or visit www.680bariatrics.com.

Medical experts discuss latest information regarding screening, risk factors, and advances in treatment, followed by a Q & A session. 6:30-8:30pm, Lafayette Library and Learning Center, Community Room, 3491 Mt Diablo Blvd, Lafayette. 925-677-5041 x272.

september 7

september 10

september 21

october 9

Contra Costa Children’s Chorus

Movies and Music Under the Stars

Diablo Valley Democratic Club

Blessing of the Animals

Free placement interviews for the 2016-17 chorus year begin Wednesday 9/7 at 4pm. Open to boys & girls 6-17 years old. Tuition based on chorus level. To register, visit www.childrenschorus.org or email frontdesk@childrenschorus.org.

The Last Minute Band performs at 7pm, followed by the showing of Toy Story at Walnut Creek Civic Park. Enjoy dinner downtown at one of the many delicious restaurants, or grab your dinner to go and eat at the park!

Lucia Ray of Community Violence Solutions discusses forms of human trafficking in the county, whom it affects, and how to combat it and help victims. 7pm, Ygnacio Valley Library, 2661 Oak Grove Rd, Walnut Creek. 925.946.0469 or www.dvdems.org.

Pets are welcome to attend worship at 10:30am in the church sanctuary with their humans. Blessing follows worship service. Pet needs to be leashed or crated. Stuffed/plush toy animals are also welcome. Hillcrest Church, 404 Gregory Ln., Pleasant Hill. 925-689-8260, hillcrestucc.org.

ourcommunityfocus.com • september 2016

Saturday, Sept. 17th 10-7 PM Sunday, Sept. 18th 10-6 PM Downtown Lafayette ual

21st ann

FREE

•Admission

•Parking at BART •Shuttle to event •Bike Valet Parking

e Tak

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17 & 18

• THE SPAZMATICS • EAST BAY MUDD • LUMBERYARD • • SAVANNAH BLU • BAY BRIDGE BEAT • OTHER PEOPLE’S MONEY • • EVOLUTION • BOB ATHAYDE • JUKE JOINT • ZEBOP • EXTRA LARGE • SUPER HUEY • RED HOUSE JAM • QUEENS & THIEVES • LONG TRAIN RUNNING • • LIFE IN THE FAST LANE • THE RIPPLERS • BISTRO MUSTACHE • Presenting Sponsor

Presenting Sponsor

Festival Sponsor

6100 State Farm Drive Rohnert Park, CA 94928

INC

Minuteman Press Lafayette Minuteman Press Lafayette

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september 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

6100 State Farm Drive

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