Diablo Gazette March 2016 Digital

Diablo Gazette • MARCH 2016 • Page 2 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette •(925)-298-9990

Diablo Gazette is Changing Lives

from the publisher

by David King

It’s true. I labor over a computer for days at a time, so my wife has designated Sunday nights as my bath night. The whole family is happy about that.

Journey-Man columnist John Cooper sits down with a bottle of wine while preparing his article. It’s his favorite night of the month. He’s hoping we become a daily.

Clayton Mayor Geller called. He says he loves the Diablo Gazette. But he didn’t get one on his doorstep last month, or his driveway, or even the yard. So he picked one up hopefully at one of the 135 locations around the area where we make them available, and not from the

neighbor’s driveway. Of course, had he done that, his secret would be safe with us -- we don’t report crime, we only tell the good news. He was very friendly. The Mayor reminisced the days that he used to publish the Clayton’s paper, years ago.

This transitioned to pointing out that last month we made a typo in the Clayton Valley Charter Principal’s name. Sorry Mr. Eben. Then he offered me his wife… for editing, people. As I said, he was very friendly.

If you want a life changing experience too, join in. Write, edit, collect ads, submit photos, or share a story, it’s all welcomed.

Call or email me at diablogazette.com.

Pothole Pitfalls

What Really Matters

by Dan Ashley, ABC-7 News Anchor http://abclocal.go.com

Hit any potholes lately?

If you’ve been in a car in the past twenty-four hours, I’m willing to bet that the answer is a teeth-rattling “yes”.

The state of the roads in our state is deplorable, among the very worst in the nation. Some of the roads we are subjected to are more like cobblestone streets from another era. It is as shameful as it is costly.

Around town, or out on the highway, our crumbling roads are costing us a lot of money in several ways. In San Francisco alone, the annual maintenance cost to individual drivers is more than one-thousand dollars, a figure that is twice the national average. A new study just released finds that the top twenty-eight most-traveled bridges in the county considered structurally deficient are here in California. Yes, ours is a big state with millions of cars and trucks beating-up our roads every day. But this is also a wealthy state, the eighth largest economy in the world and our roads are a vital part of that economic engine. Flat tires, bent rims, and ruined shocks all cost valuable time and money. Sidelined vehicles, missed delivery deadlines, time spent

waiting for tow-trucks and repairs are all a drag on California commerce. Travel to many other parts of the country and the difference is immediately clear.

Certainly, the great recession has a devastating effect on the state budget which resulted in deferred maintenance on roads and highways, but that was years ago and the economy has improved considerably. Like keeping up with repairs at your home, if you get too far behind, it becomes extremely difficult and expensive to catch-up quickly.

The poor condition of California’s roads is also costly beyond wasted money and time. What Really Matters is the lost luster for a state that prides itself on being a shining example of how things can be done. That is a price we cannot afford to pay.

Dan Ashley is an anchor at ABC-7 News and can be seen weeknights at 5, 6, and 11 p.m. on ABC-7 and at 9 p.m. on KOFY TV20. Or, follow him at www.

Facebook.com/Dan AshleyABC7.

St. Patty’s Day

by Carolyn McArdle One of my favorite things about living in the Diablo Valley is the sense of community. Every year I am reminded in March about how amazing the Diablo Valley is.

I'm half Irish but when St. Patrick's Day rolls around every March, I'm not the person that goes around telling everyone "It's MY holiday." You’ve seen those people, haven’t you?

The reason I love St Patrick’s Day is because of Ed's Mudville Grill in downtown Clayton. It’s as simple as that.

Every year, Ed starts the countdown on a digital clock on the wall in his restaurant that tells us how many days are left until St. Patty’s Day. Then, the day of, he turns the restaurant into an Irish extravaganza! There's green beer and cabbage and Guinness beer aplenty! The place is packed whether you're inside surrounded by the 10+ TV screens or outside on the wooden deck with heat lamps keeping you warm on these cold March nights.

It feels like community.

It IS community.

It’s why we love living here so much.

Sure there are people that travel from more than 20 miles to attend the celebration, but most of us live in the Clayton/ Concord/Walnut Creek area. St. Patrick’s Day at Mudville’s feels like a big block party with your neighbors, some of whom you have yet to meet. More times than

not, you will run into someone that you used to go to school with or play on a sports team with and you will reminisce about the old days. There’s even a good chance that your kids are now all the same age!

You get that feeling as you stand on the wooden deck in front of the restaurant, hanging onto your cold green beer with the heat lamp keeping the rest of you warm, that you have something in common with everyone else on that deck. You all live in this awesome community. You have a common bond. There is a very good chance that the person to your left knows where Rodie’s is and the person on your right has either eaten or knows someone that has eaten a “Prego Pizza” at Skipolini’s at some point. Think about it. If you went to San Mateo or San Jose or Marin and asked people if they’ve ever picked up a pumpkin from the Clayton Valley Pumpkin Farm, there’s a strong possibility they’ve never heard of any of those places.

That’s what makes our tight-knit community OURS. This year whether you're standing on that wooden patio at Ed's or you're celebrating somewhere else in the Diablo Valley, take a minute to appreciate where we live and how great our community is.

We are darn lucky.

Happy St. Patrick's Day.

Carolyn McArdle is the morning radio show host weekdays from 6am-10am on Big 103.7

The Ides Of March Are Upon Us

by Edi Birsan,

Concord City Councilman

Some two thousand years ago the political discourse of the then greatest republic came to a sudden and bloody end with the assassination of Julius Ceasar under the knives of his Roman Senators. The period leading up to it saw a series of great decline in the civility of the discourse and the growing inability of the society to deal with the challenges of the perceived need for authority and the counter balance of both accountability and peaceful multiple leadership changes.

We have a chronic disease in our public discourse. We have lost the facade of civility and focus on the aspects of issues in favor of extended conflicts of personality, demonization and downright rudeness.

Our democracy requires at times a congenial consensus as well as an adversarial approach in developing the aspects of an issue. We need to be able to take the position that we have so much respect for our colleagues that we cannot allow their positions, which we fundamentally disagree with, to stand unchallenged and thus the opportunity for them to self correct be lost.

In the heat of the politics under a microscope of media, social or otherwise, it becomes harder for one to avoid the occasional foot in mouth syndrome and this

has encouraged the era of political correctness to run wild with too much practiced mellow almost legalese responses.

Is it any wonder that on a national level the rapid fire stream of consciousness in a daily continuous series of outrageous attacks on everything from the heroic courage of a long term prisoner of war, to a woman’s menstrual cycle, grabs all the attention? What is needed is not sharp biting comments on character, what is needed is bold, focused issue development and an appreciation of the process of democratic discourse where both sides start with the concept that there are valid arguments on both sides and then work to develop theirs as simply superior to the alternative.

I fear for us as we lose the basis that supports democracy and wonder if we are not approaching the Ides of March.

Diablo Gazette • MARCH 2016 • Page 3 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette • (925)-298-9990

Spring Decor with DIY Moss Covered Pots FrugElegance

by Carol and Randi The Frugirls

www.frugelegance.com

We wanted to add some spring beauty to our table with moss covered pots but the selection out there has been either too expensive or poor quality. That’s the perfect FrugElegant challenge and we think we hit a home run!

Have you taken notice to how popular moss covered decor is right now? The stores are all carrying it. This spring, from high end to discount stores, moss

covered decor is hot, hot, hot! Do you like the website Pinterest? Type in the search box “Spring Decor Moss Covered” and see the page full of moss covered bunnies, baskets, eggs, birds, letters, wreaths & so much more.

Supplies Needed: three small 4” ceramic pots and one package of artificial moss sheets, a little soil, small spring plants, scissors and a glue gun. We prefer to use a glue gun because the glue dries in seconds. But use it with caution, because it’s hot. Also, you can vary this project to your preferences, size of pots and style of moss and flowers, etc. We purchased the moss at our local craft store and the ceramic pots at the local hardware store.

Here’s a quick tip for shopping at your local craft stores, 20-50% off coupons are available online for just about every store. Michael’s will even accept competitors’ coupons as long as they have a valid expiration date. We used a Hobby Lobby online coupon for 40% off for a large roll moss since we have a few more projects coming up.

•We cut a strip of moss, from the roll, that will fit the height of the ceramic pot.

Glue one side to hold in place and wrap around the pot. Cut excess moss and glue, and then attach the moss around the top rim of the pot.

•Our ceramic pot had a lip at the top, so we needed to cut some of the moss so that it would lie smoothly onto the pots form. If the cuts weren’t made, you can get buckling spots.

•Consider this when gluing the edges.

Moss has some areas that can stretch slightly, so we make our edges uneven around the edges of the pot. Perfectly imperfect. With some ceramic showing, it looks like the moss is growing onto the pot.

•Next, fill with soil and a small plant.

There you have it, a perfect spring decor for your table, mantle, party center-

pieces and so much more.

We hope you come visit us at our blog www.frugelegance.com for more detailed instructions and pictures for this project.

We also have many more FrugElegant DIY (do it yourself) spring decor projects and recipes. Have you tried our Spring Hummingbird cake recipe?

Diablo Gazette • MARCH 2016 • Page 4 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette •(925)-298-9990

Over 1,200 Plants Delivered on 'Blossoms for Barbara' on Valentines Day This past Valentines Day, the Clayton Valley Garden Club delivered 1,230 flowering plants as gifts of love and compassion as part of its annual “Blossoms for Barbara” event. All the festively decorated flowering plants were delivered and gifted to those under hospice care, shut-in patients in assisted living and convalescent locations, battered Woman’s Shelters, a Veterans Hospice, and the elderly and shut-in recipients of Meals on Wheels in the Contra Costa area. This is the 5th year for “Blossoms for Barbara”.

The first “Blossoms for Barbara” event started Valentines of 2012. Club members were requested to bring in one flowering plant. “I expected we would be delivering about 50 plants to patients at one hospice care facility for Valentines Day. I spread the word about our quest, and plant and monetary donations poured in,” said Linda Karp , the founder of the event.

For those not familiar with this event, Linda offered this background for the Diablo Gazette to share. “I created this event in loving memory of my mother Barbara Manss who passed away in November 2011. We named this event 'Blossoms for Barbara' in her memory. I wanted to bring a little joy to those who were dying , and their families which were dealing with the horrible grief of loosing someone they loved. Together with donations from businesses, hospice agencies, organizations including our own Clayton Business And Community Association, individuals and families - in these past five years we have been able to touch the hearts of 3,080 recipients; not counting for the wonderful impact bestowed on their families, friends and care

Delivery to assisted living location in Concord.

Above, CVGC volunteers, and Laurie from Gentiva Hospice Agency who happily came from Pleasanton to pick up the plants for their patients.

Below, Eleanor is in an assisted living location in Concord and is 105 years old.

givers. When this venture started we were hoping to put a smile on much deserving faces. We never anticipated the smiles, joy and happiness it would bring the care givers, nurses, ministers, and counselors who were helping to deliver the flowers.”

Letters of appreciation have been received from the recipient organizations, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the recipients themselves and their families. “This event makes such a wonderful impact and is such a huge success,” Linda wrote.

Every year many articles are written about it in local publications, Meals on Wheels Hospice and convalescent newsletters. Last February Linda was honored by to do a television interview with San Francisco's KPIX Channel 5 News Anchor Frank Millacoat for his Bay Sunday show about our event.

'Blossoms for Barbara' event continues to surpass her wildest expectations . Last year Linda was honored to receive the California Garden Clubs Inc. first place award for outstanding community impact. “We hope to continue to touch even more hearts and gift even more flowering plants to those so much in need of a little love and kindness. This touching event was so very appreciated by so many these past five years ... It’s hard to

believe how much love and joy one little flowering plant can bring.”

If you would like to support the event, consider making a donation. Linda hopes to continue her quest to deliver gifts of love and compassion for as many future Valentine’s Days as possible.

Diablo Gazette • MARCH 2016 • Page 5 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette • (925)-298-9990

The Games We Play

By Micah Over Presidents Day weekend I attended my first board game convention, DundraCon in Sam Ramon. This year will mark its 40th anniversary as the longest running game convention on the West Coast. Many publishers demonstrated their latest offerings while up and coming creators play-tested their latest game ideas with the public. Several rooms were set up for players to converge. A dealer’s hall featured crafters and game sellers.

Various seminars ranged from topics on chain-mail fabrication to the fundamentals of game design.

Not long ago, the mere mention of the role playing game Dungeons and Dragons (D & D for short) carried with it images of unwashed, overweight male adolescents leaning over a crowded table throwing dice to determine whether or not a Vorpal blade will strike the killing blow

to an irate Ork. But as of 2012 there has been a greater acceptance, and resurgence, in popularity of board games and role playing games, aka RPGs. For this, we can credit “Star Trek the Next Generation” celebrity Will Wheaton’s broadcast of his YouTube presentation “Tabletop”.

Each “Tabletop” episode features Will and a small group of friends playing through various RPGs and board games.

Gaming skyrocketed. Parents discovered a new way to interact with their children.

Small D&D gatherings emerged from the shadowy corners of a garage and became weekly café functions open to any interested parties.

With this renaissance came an influx of creativity. Publishers began to explore a vast array of subjects and play mechanics in designing new

LARPers battle outside.

games. Some are simple and elegant. Others invoke sensitive historAbove left, a game for the generations, above, a little ical subject matter. For LARPer. Below, games aren’t just for the young. example, the game “Freedomthe Underground Railroad” is a co-operative card driven game where players work together for the Abolitionist Movement to help bring an end to slavery.

While the term “game” tends to carry with it the idea that such things are solely for juveniles or children, I watched a senior veteran implement his knowledge of battlefield tactics during a game of Axis and Allies, a strategy game based on World War II, and wipe his younger opponents off the map defending Europe. ducing where in the dateline the subject took place. This simple memory game Another game, Timeline, can also opened several gateways of discussion as give seniors an advantage. Timeline is we attempted to figure out whether the a simple game where you build a timetelegraph was invented before or after the table around inventions, discoveries, or disposable razor. historical milestones by placing illustratPlaying board games is an easy, ened cards between dated events while dejoyable way to spend time with friends or family and a great way to make new friends. In truth, I find the physical interaction of a board game to be a much more fulfilling experience over that of an electronic window. If you are curious, the internet offers many websites where reviews from consumers can be browsed and discussed with like-minded players: BoardGameGeek.com and CoolStuff.com are two popular places to start. You can also watch game play demos and walkthroughs on YouTube.

As my photos indicate, this convention was all fun and games. I left Dundracon’s 40th Anniversary event with a clear message, play more games.

Above, we’re not sure, but it looks like Guy Fieri has gone bananas? Below, players of all ages, men, women and boys and girls compete in a variety of board games inside the San Ramon Marriott for Dundracon 40th anniversary.

Diablo Gazette • MARCH 2016 • Page 6 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette •(925)-298-9990

Resident Tales Sponsored by the Diamond Terrace 55+ retirement community in Clayton.

Don’t Mess with the Nest Egg!

By Marge Crawford The year when my beloved husband died, the winter was grey and cold and stormy, both weather-wise and emotionally. I was slowly adjusting to widowhood keeping busy getting my finances re-jiggered, beginning to downsize possessions and getting my condo ready for sale. It was a surreal time in my life!

So, when my daughter, Jennie, granddaughter, Anna (15 years old), and Anna’s friend invited me to accompany them on a jaunt to Florida, I jumped at the chance!

What a welcome break that would be in the dreary winter.

So, off we went.

Jennie parked her car in the Cincinnati Airport garage and we flew to St. Petersburg, rented a car and drove to the hotel where Jennie had made reservations.

Almost as soon as we arrived at the hotel it became obvious that all of the other guests were college-age boys and girls deep in to partying their way through Spring Break. They were a rowdy, noisy, unruly bunch of people -- getting sick in the parking lot, etc. It was a total disaster! We checked out immediately after we checked in and fled the whole area.

We spent several hectic, fruitless hours searching for some place to stay, but none was available. Finally, a desk clerk/ manager where we sought a room noticed our fatigue and general sorry state. She phoned ahead to a facility nearby. She found us a place to stay!

After some more bumbling around in the gathering darkness, we found our perfect little cabin on a quiet, short road facing the Gulf waters. There were several similar cabins neighboring it. It was clean and beautifully decorated, with all the comforts of home. It even had a basket of fresh fruit and a bouquet of flowers to greet us! Our relaxing retreat from our humdrum lives had begun.

We spent the week playing in the sun, sand and water and generally doing as we pleased. By the end of our stay we were a really refreshed and satisfied little band of people. We had enough soothing, silly and beautiful memories to sustain us through the rest of the winter. We flew back to Cincinnati Airport and headed over to the parking garage. Of course, Jennie’s car was there waiting for our return. We piled our luggage in it and jumped in ourselves. But there was a strange anomaly, at the base of the windshield and intertwined with the

windshield wipers was a perfect little bird’s nest. Jennie got out of the car to investigate and found four little robin’s eggs, blue eggs nestled in there. She tried to remove the nest so as to leave it near our parking place on the half-wall. However, the nest was so firmly anchored to the windshield wipers and the glass of the windshield itself, she couldn’t budge it.

That’s when she attacked! Mama Robin had returned to her nest to find this terrible being tampering with it! She flew at Jennie in a rage. Jennie scrambled into the car and slammed the door. We sat there discussing: “What next?”

Finally, we decided that we had to leave the parking garage. So, off we went out

of the garage, off of the airport property, onto the road which would access a large highway and on to our way to my home in Hamilton, Ohio. Mama Robin flew after us for miles until she could no longer keep up with our pace. At first she had circled around the car attacking it from every angle as if to kill the monster which was stealing her nest and its precious cargo. Eventually we left Mama Robin behind.

At the first place along the road where Jennie felt she could pull over, she did so. She hopped out of the car, forcefully yanked the nest from the car, ran to a little tree near the road, placed the nest in the crotch of the tree and ran back to

the car and hopped in. Just then Mama Robin arrived on the scene and renewed her attacked on the car. But she seemed utterly confused when she saw that the nest was no longer there. She soon sensed where it was! And off she flew to her little nestling’s house in the crotch of the tree.

The remainder of our trip home was uneventful. Our good humor and calm were restored again plus we had some wild, adventure stories to tell our loved ones for years to come.

The moral of this little story is: Never mess with anyone’s nest egg(s).

Diablo Gazette • MARCH 2016 • Page 7 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette • (925)-298-9990

Ice Cream or Bust The Latest Scoop on Diablo Valley Creameries Richard Eber In an era where few people can be found without an IPod or smart phone, one aspect of classic American culture that is still going strong is the neighborhood ice cream parlor. These relics of yesteryear have managed eternal popularity by converting customers into families full of smiles. As Phyllis Diller once said, “A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.”

I decided it’s time to find the cream of this creamery crop. So I went on an exploratory mission, searching beyond the 31 flavors worlds. My goal, to identify Diablo Valley’s most preferred purveyors of this creamy intoxication. Where are these titans who tantalize our taste buds with palatable perfection?

Fortunately, I didn’t have to go far. In Concord, Walnut Creek, and Pleasant Hill, I found several locales that offer ice

Kat Martin is making waffle cones at Lotties.

cream enthusiasts a satisfying selection of unique flavors and textures.

Rick’s Rather Rich in the Willows Shopping Center in Concord is one of those places. They began producing high quality product in Palo Alto in 1956 using a rich cream base (which is why they call themselves Rick’s Rather Rich) using milk from local dairies. The rest of their formula consists of high quality ingredients such as rose syrup imported from India, saffron imported from Spain, pure vanilla imported from Indonesia and Madagascar, nuts and fruits grown locally in California and E. A. Guittard chocolates from Burlingame .

Rick’s is a mixture of new and old.

Known for their original recipes such as Salty Caramel, Industrial Chocolate and Coffee Molasses Chip, Rick’s team is always cranking out new flavor experimentations. Some of their most recent are: Masala Chai, Mango, and Toffeeness.

They try to cater to all ages and ethnicity. Choices such as Lavender Honey, Kulfi (Indian flavor made with rose water and spices) appeal to different ethnic populations. Rick’s prepares several flavors especially aimed for kids. Most notable are Blue Moon, which tastes like fruit loops, Cotton Candy, and Red Velvet cake, thus tackling the basic flavors of today’s breakfast cereals. You can peruse their entire menu of 48 flavors of gourmet ice cream and sorbet on their website at www.ricksicecream.com.

For a totally homemade experience, we have Lottie’s Creamery on 1414 North Main in Walnut Creek. The brainchild of Deb Philips, Lottie’s has been around for three years. Virtually everything in the shop including the waffle cones is made in house. Ice cream Chef Alex Logemann delights in demonstrating the many steps involved with making each flavor.

Organic heavy whipping cream mixed with half and half from Strauss Dairy provides the base for their popular Vanilla Salted Almond Toffee, which contributes about one third of their sales. The almond toffee component is made separately by

Above, Diema Manor-Ellingberg and Alex Logemann serve ice cream at Lottie’s.

Below, (L to R) Loard’s owner Nancy May, Monica and Ben.

hand each day and is added when the ice cream is near completion. Oh man, it’s really “out of this world”. I think that might even be understatement.

Because of their obsession with quality, Lottie’s produces their product in small 14 quart batches. They offer but a few flavors at a time due to their dependence on seasonal ingredients. Lottie’s also makes several sorbets for those who want fewer calories to feel guilty over.

On to Loard’s. Loard’s is a real throwback in time. Located at the square at Todos Santos in Concord, the décor and style reflects how ice cream parlors are remembered 100 years ago or more. In addition to selling cones and sundaes, Loard’s also features candy and accessories from a different era.

Co-Owner Nancy May puts special emphasis in pleasing children and families.

The staff wears colorful outfits and puts an enjoyable focus on their presentation of each order. Most premium ice cream is hard because of the 15 percent content of butter fat. However, Loard’s offerings are creamy, soft and very flavorful.

Some of Loard’s more unique flavors include Mocha Almond Fudge, Fresh Banana, Purple Colored Ube Yam (from the Philippines) and the ever popular Rocky Road, overrun by marshmallows and crunchy nuts.

With my mission near completion, there ias one last notable performer Guanatos. Guanatos is unique in that it features flavors appealing to Latin tastes.

Located inside Los Montanas on Monument in Concord and at the shopping Center at Treat and Bancroft, you will find south of the border flavors such as Mango, Guava, Tequila, Coconut, Papaya, Mexican Chocolate and Tamarind.

Guanatos manufactures their ice cream at their facility in Pittsburgh. Using fresh fruit ingredients blended with the richness of the ice cream, Guanatos stands out and is rewarded with a long parade of return visitors. They also make several

varieties of tropical ices and specialty bars, each having a special flavor and texture consistent with the quality associated with Guanatos traditional offerings.

While these local places attract many visitors, there is plenty of competition.

The franchise “Cream” which has a store in downtown Walnut Creek is soon scheduled to open a store next to Pete’s Coffee on Salvio in Concord. Rather than merely serving cones, Cream features different combinations of ice cream sandwiches which are made to order.

There you have it. With the determination of a Lewis and Clark expedition, I blazed a path to ice cream parlor paradise. These are my picks for some of the best gourmet ice cream parlors in the area. I’m sure some of you have your favorites that I failed to mention. Feel free to make your recommendations on our website, www.diablogazette.com. We’d love to hear from you.

Diablo Gazette • MARCH 2016 • Page 8 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette •(925)-298-9990

Dear Easter Bunny Edi Birsan I am in receipt of a series of inquiries and comments by younger constituents and their elder associates in regard to your activities in our fair city.

1. The concept that you are laying eggs has caused some problems in the concept of origination. The Elders do not want to get into the subject due to the sensitivity that it may bring in Sex Education of a Trans- Species type (they cannot handle trans-gender in many cases). The alternative rumor that the eggs were 'taken' and redistributed brings serious concern to the local police who frown upon such things and the One Percent of the community that sees this as a threat to the current status quo.

2. What is it with these colors and writing on the eggs? Do you realize that the potential little chick inside may not think favorably upon emerging into a graffiti laden shell of a house? We do have municipal code rules against such things.

3. This hiding of the eggs routine seems to imply that you are ashamed of these eggs, and may relate to item one above.

Please reconsider this behavior pattern, further the banking lobby would like you to refrain from this as it is a threat to their 'deposit boxes' fee revenue stream.

They simply cannot have goodies stashed in the bushes.

4. There is a tendency to have fake eggs made with plastic and filled with obesity screaming substances that can inflict sugar addiction and tooth decay. Whereas the dental lobby has been suspected

of unsavory donations to this behavior, there are those that do like the use of plastic since it may start to fill up the middle of the Pacific Ocean causing great confusion to the sea birds wondering whose eggs were these anyway?

5. The occasion of Easter relates to a rather somber resurrection from the dead and the promise of life ever after and assorted other themes in a religious regard.

Somewhere the image of a little smiley bunny hopping around with colored eggs, hiding them from children and then encouraging them to gorge themselves with chocolate doesn’t seem to be the marketing tool I would use, though it would be interesting to team it up for a 30 second super-bowl ad.

So please, take a serious look at your activities, and I am sure there is a self help class at the senior center that can assist you in reformation of your confusing and destructive behavior.

President Joseph Campbell Retires From Contra Costa Water Board

Mayor Laura Hoffmeister presents Joseph Campbell with an award at the Concord City Council Meeting in February in recognition of his well-earned retirement as President of the Water board, which he has served for nearly a quarter century. He is credited with helping to build Los Vaqueros Reservoir to assist in providing needed storage for Contra Costa Water District Clients.

President Campbell became an active

representative on water issues well before he was elected into the Division 3 seat in November 1990. He took office in January 1991 and has been a recognized and respected community leader on local, regional and statewide water policy issues. In 24 year's, President Campbell has not missed a single Board meeting.

His retirement became effective February 26. We wish him well.

The Clayton Jail –131 years ago

A Walk Through Time

By Misty Bruns, Clayton Museum docent

On February 4, 1884, L. C. Wittenmeyer, Contra Costa County Clerk, filed a petition of Robert Hastie and others for a local jail at Clayton.

"To the Hon. Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County The undersigned Residents and Taxpayers of Township four Contra Costa County hereby respectfully represent to your Honorable Board the necessity of having a Jail in the town of Clayton, for the temporary keeping of criminals arrested. Said town of Clayton is remote from our county seat, and the arresting officer is at present obliged to take the prisoner to Martinez causing inconvenience and extra expenses, besides delays.

Your petitioners respectfully ask your Honorable Board to allow a sum sufficient for the creation of a Jail here."

On February 21, 1887, A. Lobree, Constable, filed a petition for at least two pairs of blankets and a water bucket for the jail in Clayton.

In the year 1903, Mrs. Kirkwood Clare took a photo that showed our jail located on Oak Street across from the old Endeavor Hall near the school bridge.

Photos from a Trette family album and the Louis Stein Collection also show the jail in this location.

In the 1940's Constable Chapman sold

Clayton Jail on Oak Street, 1937.

the "no longer in use" jail to Oak Street property owner Tony Gomez. He added an extension and used it as the family garage. Later, this land was purchased by the City of Clayton and the jail was given to the Clayton Historical Society. It was moved to its current site at the Clayton Museum in 1976.

To return the jail to its original design, the Gomez garage addition was removed.

A new door was fabricated with a hasp and bolt saved by Will Frank from a discarded door at Clayton's old Mt. Diablo Winery. A concrete foundation was laid, the roof replaced, electricity installed.

The jail was opened to the public October 8, 1995, at a reception for visitors from Buxworth, England, the birthplace of Clayton City founder, Joel Clayton.

Source: Clayton Historical society and museum, www.claytonhistory.org

Diablo Gazette • MARCH 2016 • Page 9 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette • (925)-298-9990

The Diablo Gazette’s

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Daylight Savings Time – March 13 St. Patricks Day - March 17 Easter March 27 April Fools Day - April 1

Family Events Diablo Valley Lines – Train lovers can check out hundreds of model trains from mid-20th Century through the present at weekend shows each month, year-round.

March 19-20. 11am-6pm. $3 adults, $2 ages 6-12, under 6 FREE. Larkey Park, 2751 Buena Vista Ave., Walnut Creek.

925-937-1888. wcmrs.org.

Eggstravaganza for Kids Saturday, March 26, 2016, 9 a.m. Location: Danville Community Center, 420 Front Street, Danville, CA Must pre-register at danvillerecguide.com, fee. 9:30 a.m. - 1: 30 p.m. Danville annual Eggstravaganza invites kids to come hunt for brightly colored plastic eggs and enjoy face painting to arts and crafts. A fun-filled morning of egg hunts organized by age so every child has equal opportunity to find eight treasure-filled eggs is arranged by the town Parks & Recreation department.

High School Students Minister Through Music Berean Christian High School’s advanced mixed choral group went on a Southern California music tour during the last week of February. In the annual tour, the Abundant Life Singers ministered through music by singing and visiting with residents at a veterans’ home and a women's shelter in Fresno and at retirement homes in the greater Los Angeles area.

The group also visited the Cal Baptist and Biola University music programs, where they performed and received instruction.

The Abundant Life Singers is an advanced choir for mixed voices, composed of sophomores, juniors, and seniors at Berean Christian High School.

The school’s music program consists of three choirs, a worship band, and two guitar classes, in which more than 130

The Berean choir visits veterens.

students gain valuable performance skills along with an appreciation and understanding of music. Four-hundred students are enrolled in Berean Christian High School in Walnut Creek.

Bring your camera and take your little one's picture with the Spring Bunny. Rain or shine. No refunds will be given due to inclement weather. Pre-registration is required. Registration for this event is online or mail-in only. www.danvillerecguide.com

Pleasant Hill Easter Egg Hunt.

March 26, 2016, 9:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.

Pleasant Hill’s Eggciting Hunt rain or shine. Pre-registration required, Strawberry Fields perform live music. Pleasant Hill Park 147 Gregory Lane. Cost: $6 per child. All who attend will come away with a goody bag and a smile at this annual egg-citing event. Bring your camera & your baskets so you can enjoy visits with the bunny. Have fun with face painting and other activities that include finding the Golden Ticket in your egg and winning a special prize. Pleasant Hill Express train runs all day with entertaining rides for youngsters. Entertainment and music begins at 9:30 a.m. Times: Age 0–3 yrs 10:50am sharp; 4–6 yrs 11:15am sharp; 7-10 yrs 11:3 am sharp. Easter Events are subject to change at discretion of event planners. Please confirm before going! Registration required on website

by March 25. www.pleasanthillrec.com

Diablo Gazette • MARCH 2016 • Page 10 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette •(925)-298-9990

Home & Garden/ Farmers’ Markets Concord Tuesdays, 10am to 2pm, year-round, rain or shine, Todos Santos Plaza. •Concord Thursdays, 4pm to 8pm, odos Santos Plaza. Clayton, Saturdays 10am - 2pm Galindo Home and Gardens - 1721 Amador Avenue, Concord CA (map) Visit the fully-restored 1856 Victorian home of Francisco Galindo, one of Concord’s founding fathers, and his wife, Maria Dolores Manuela (Pacheco) Galindo. This includes the 1875 addition by Francisco Galindo’s son, Juan “John” Galindo.

Tours are Sundays 1pm – 4pm and by appointment. For further information, contact the Concord Historical Society www.concordhistorical.org Martinez Farmers Market, Sundays, 10am to 2pm, year-round, Main St. and Estudillo.

Walnut Creek Diablo Valley Farmers Market Saturday 9a.m. - 1 p.m. Shadelands Business Park, N. Wigett Lane and Mitchell Dr.

The Gardens at Heather Farm’s Adult Education Series, “From the Ground Up” kicks-off this month. The full schedule of classes is as follows: Mar. 4 – Propagation with Brian Larsen (9:30). Classes typically range from $15 to $30. Visit www.gardenshf.org or call (925) 947-1678 for more information, fees and member discounts.

Walnut Creek First Wednesdays Street Festival This family-friendly evening includes live music, a street full of local vendors, arts and crafts, and the aroma of tasty treats, both sweet and savory, under festive Tivoli lights as families stroll down Cypress. Free hot chocolate and apple cider are available to warm up the winter night. Every first Wednesday through June 2016.

Admission: Free! Cypress Street, closed for foot traffic only between N. Main Street and Locust Street. Go to www. walnutcreekdowntown.com for more information.

Contra Costa Certified Farmers Market Sundays 9 am - 1 pm, Year Round, North Locust St between Giamona and Lacassie St. (925) 431-8361 http://www.cccfm.org

7th Annual Winter/Spring Brews Festival Returns to Concord The Brewing Network’s Winter Brews Festival returns to Todos Santos Plaza in Concord to celebrate its seventh year as one of the best craft beer festivals in the Bay Area April 2nd from noon to 4 pm.

Usually held in January, the event ran into conflicts this year, not the least to mention, El Nino. Had the event kept its original January date, it would have been held in the rain.

Fortunately, everyone was accommodating. “We’re bringing the same great lineup of amazing beer as in past events” Justin Crossley, the event organizer. “It will be an awesome day for beer lovers to be in Concord.”

This year’s event benefits the TSBA Arts Foundation, which helps fund the summer music program in Todos Santos Park, as well as youth music programs around Concord. Speaking of music, the event will feature headliner Forrest Day, and opening with Purple Haze, a Jimi Hendrix Tribute Band.

The four-hour event features two

Support Group Al-Anon Family Group 7:30 p.m.

Mondays, St. Martins of Tours Anglican Church & Preschool, Concord. 932-6770 or www.ncwsa.org.

Alcoholics Anonymous - 939-4155 or www.aa.org.

Bereavement Support Group:1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, 4:30 - 6:00 pm. pre-registration. Call (925) 887-5681

bands, 100+ craft beers to taste, and unlimited pours from over 50 craft breweries. All attendees must be of legal drinking age.

The Brewing Network is a multimedia resource for brewers and beer lovers since 2005 providing craft beer entertainment and information with live beer radio, podcasts, video, events and more.

Tickets are $50 at the gate and include a commemorative glass. You can save $10 and buy them in advance online for $40. Admission for designated drivers is just $5.

The Festival is just two blocks away from the Concord BART station. Put this in your calendar. For tickets or more information on the event please visit www.

BNbrewfest.com.

The Bridge A bi-weekly program that provides support in a safe place where grieving children, teens, adults can share their experiences using art, play, journaling, music and conversation. The Bridge program starts and ends with each school year, running for approximately 9 months. pre-registration. Call (925) 887-5681 Cardiac Care Support Group - 7 p.m. second Thursdays, John Muir Walnut Creek or Concord. 947-5206.

Fibromayalgia Support Group - 2nd Friday of each month. 11A.M. - 1 P.M. Concord Library, 2900 Salvio St. Concord. More info: Call Joyce 925-671-2779 Hearing Loss and Cochlear Implant Wearers Support Group - 7 p.m. 1st Wednesdays, Walnut Creek United Methodist Church. HLAADV@hearinglossdv. org or 264-1199.

HIV/AIDS Support Group - 7-9 p.m.

2nd & 4th Thursdays, John Muir Concord. 925- 674-2190.

Leukemia Society Family Support Group - 7 p.m. first Thursdays. 9474466, ext. 32797.

NAMI Connection Peer-led Support Group Living with a Mental Illness?

Join. Saturdays 1:00 - 2:30 pm Held at John Muir Behavioral Health Center 2740 Grant Street Concord. Call 925-9420767 or www.namicontracosta.org Nar-Anon - 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, John Muir Concord. http://naranoncalifornia. org.

Pet Loss Support Group, Second Tuesday of the month, 5:30-7PM. (925) 887-5681. Pre-registration required.

Retired & Senior Volunteer Program 472-5777.

Stroke Support Group of Contra Costa County will hold its meeting on November 9th in the Sterns Conference Room at John Muir Medical Center Walnut Creek Campus (1601 Ygnacio Valley Road) from 7-9 p.m. Contact Ann Dzuna at 925-376-6218. Meetings are free and open to the public.

Diablo Gazette • MARCH 2016 • Page 11 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette • (925)-298-9990

Club/Support Group Events

Diablo Ballet Celebrates its 22nd Season with Robert Dekkers Return to the Stage

The Clayton Valley Garden meets the second Wednesday of the month. Speakers: Wednesday, March 9 7PM: Rose Loveall from Morningsun Farm "Herbs".

April 13, 7PM: Kelly Marshall "Bring Back the Native Plants" Contact: www.claytonvalleygardenclub. org February 9: Clayton Valley Woman’s Club will welcome Joan Morris as their guest speaker. Ms. Morris is the pets and wildlife columnist as well as garden writer for the Bay Area News Group. Ms. Morris will be talking about ways to coexist with wildlife in our gardens. The Clayton Valley Woman’s Club meets at 10 AM at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 5555 Clayton Road, in Clayton. Anyone who would be interested in hearing Ms. Morris or would be interested in the Clayton Valley Woman’s Club.is invited to attend. Meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday of each month.

For more information call Sheila t 925672-7947 or visit http://www.claytonvalleywomansclub.org Clayton Valley Womens Club meet at 10:00 am on the second Tuesday of each month, January through May and September through November at St. John's Episcopal Church Fellowship Hall, 5555 Clayton Road, Clayton.

March 12: Mt. Diablo Branch of the California Writers Club (CWC) C.S.Lakin will present a workshop on “The Fatal Flaws of Fiction Writing” at the next luncheon meeting of the Mt. Diablo Branch of the California Writers Club (CWC) on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant, 611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill.

Ms. Lakin will discuss common flaws overwriting, weak construction, POV violations, telling instead of showing, too much backstory, and description deficiencies and excesses. C.S.Lakin is the author of twenty-two fiction and non-fiction books and is an award-winning blogger at LiveWriteThrive.

Check-in is from 8:30 to 9:00 am. The workshop is from 9:00am to 12:00pm, followed by a luncheon. The cost is $40 for CWC members, $50 for guests. Reservations are required and must be received no later than noon on Wednesday, March 9th. Contact Robin Gigoux at ragig@aol. com, or phone 925-933-9670. The California Writers Club Mt. Diablo Branch web address is: http://cwcmtdiablowriters. wordpress.com/ Martinez CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) Training starts this month. Classes are on Tuesday Evening March 15 or Saturday Morning April 9. The 20 hour classes will teach you how to get prepared for a disaster and emergency response when an event occurs. CERT is sponsored by the Martinez Police Department to provide free training to residents so they will become self-sufficient in a disaster or major emergency and not a victim. This Class is available to any resident of Pacheco or Martinez and individuals who work in either location. For more information or to register for classes send a e-mail to Martinez.CERT@gmail. com Check out our web site for more information on class session schedules. www.Martinezcert.org March 31: Mt Diablo Amateur Radio Club - Ham Radio General Class License

Training starts Thursday at 06:30 pm (This is the second level Ham license) The Salvation Army Corps, 3950 Clayton Rd., Concord CA 94521, Fireside Room.

Registration required - Email: HamRadioClass@gmail.com

Outdoors

DANVILLE: First Sunday of every Month: Cars ‘n Coffee, On the First Sunday of every month, automotive enthusiasts gather in the parking lots of the Blackhawk Automotive Museum to share their vehicles and admire the other fabulous classics, exotics, rods and anything else with wheels and a motor.

There is no fee for Cars & Coffee. Also, the Museum opens at 9am on Cars & Coffee Sundays. 8am-10am , Blackhawk Museum • 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle • Danville p:925.736.2280 • museum@blackhawkmuseum.org, http:// www.blackhawkmuseum.org/carsncoffee. html 22nd Season Celebration Performance Photo by: Bérenger Zyla

On March 17, Diablo Ballet will celebrate its 22ndAnniversary with a special performance at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek. It will also mark Robert Dekkers’ return to the stage after a year-long absence.

The celebration will feature stunning works from the Ballet’s 22-year history with a few surprises thrown in! The performance includes the return of the company’s first world premiere in 2011, Tears from Above by renowned dance maker Val Caniparoli. The ballet is set to the music of “A Phoenix Story,” a composition for two cellos by Uzbekistan-born, Australian composer Elena Kats-Chernin, which will be performed live. Also on the program for the evening is the solo from Gary Master's Diablo Opus, which he originally created on Diablo Ballet in 1999 and set to the music “Caro mio ben” composed by Giordani.

Also included in the performance is Sérénade pour Cordes et Corps by dynamic award winning Canadian choreographer Sonya Delwaide. Set to Ernö Dohnányi’s “Serenade in C major for String Trio,” a trio of musicians will play live for the performance. Diablo Ballet first presented this ballet as a World Premiere in February 2015. Also included is the romantic pas de deux and finale from La Fille Mal Gardée, staged by Lauren Jonas based on choreography by

Marius Petipa.

The celebration also features a new breathtaking film by Robert Dekkers in collaboration with filmmaker, Walter Yamazaki and composer Jacob Wolkenhauer featuring the entire company. The film is inspired by the cyclical nature of life and relationships. The evening will also feature Pitch Pause Please, created and danced by Dekkers, marking his return to the stage after he suffered a leg injury last March.

“I am humbled and thrilled to be celebrating Diablo Ballet's 22nd Anniversary and I am incredibly pleased that Robert will be back on stage dancing with us for this performance," says Artistic Director, Lauren Jonas. The ballet premiered in the Summer of 2015 at Post:Ballet and features an original score by Samuel Adams who is the current Mead Composer-in-Residence with Chicago Symphony.

The performance is immediately followed by a Gala at Scott’s Garden in Walnut Creek. Guests will be treated to wine tasting by Las Positas Vineyards, a silent auction and dinner with the dancers. All proceeds benefit Diablo Ballet and our PEEK Outreach and PEEK Extension Programs.

If you’d like to purchase tickets to the gala only or for both the performance and gala call (925) 943-1775 or visit www. diabloballet.org.

Concord: Todos Santos Park OFF the Grid Mondays Registration opens this month for adult softball leagues. This popular program serves hundreds of residents each year with leagues to accommodate all skill levels. Or try Pickleball, a new addition that combines badminton, tennis and table tennis. Pickleball classes start in March for beginners or intermediate players.

Pickleball drop-in hours are available at the Willow Pass Tennis Courts five days a week. Call(925) 671-3423 for information.

Walnut Creek: Off the Grid Every Tuesday; 1380 N. California Blvd. from 5-9pm; Live music from 6-8 pm featuring, Quinn Deveuax , Food truck lovers rejoice! The community of Walnut Creek can come together to enjoy a variety of Off the Grid food trucks, live entertainment, wine and beer garden, and lots of tasty reasons to come back every Tuesday with family and friends for this ongoing weekly event.

The rotating lineup of nine food trucks in Walnut Creek will include: Drewski’s Hot Rod Kitchen, Gyro Stop Kebab G, ADOruBOwl, and IzzyA’s Frozen Custard Find the full lineup available at http://offthegridsf.com.

7th Annual Winter/Spring Brews Festival, Saturday April 2nd 12n -4PM at Todos Santos Plaza in Concord to celebrate its seventh year as one of the best craft beer festivals in the Bay Area April 2nd from noon to 4 pm.

This year’s event benefits the TSBA Arts Foundation, The four-hour event features two bands, 100+ craft beers to taste, and unlimited pours from over 50 craft breweries. All attendees must be of legal drinking age. Tickets are $50 at the gate and include a commemorative glass. You can save $10 and buy them in advance online for $40. Admission for designated drivers is just $5. http://bnbrewfest.com/ Bay Area Craft Beer Festival, April 16th, Martinez. Live music, food, fun.

50 Breweries, and 100 craft beers. $35 in advance, $45 at the door. Designated drivers $5 or $10 at the door. http://www. bayareacraftbeerfestival.com THE SPRING CONTRA COSTA CRYSTAL FAIR APRIL 23-24. Saturday 10am – 6pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm Civic Park Community Center, 1375 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek $10.00 (children under 12 free accompanied by adult)

Diablo Gazette • MARCH 2016 • Page 12 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette •(925)-298-9990

Government 2016 East Bay Women’s Conference March 7 . The Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau is thrilled to announce our keynote speaker Mavis Nicholson Leno, Chair of the Feminist Majority Foundation’s Campaign for Afghan Women and Girls and keynote speaker Leslie Blodgett, Beauty Industry Magnate and Creator of bareMinerals.

Also appearing is featured speaker Anne M. Mahlum, Founder and Former CEO of Back on My Feet. ABC 7 News Anchor Dan Ashley will emcee. Breakout sessions focused on contemporary issues, exhibitor booths, and a few surprises. The $195 ticket price includes continental breakfast, gourmet lunch, and afternoon reception. Don’t be disappointed, the East Bay Women’s Conference has sold out each year since inception. (925) 934-2007 for assistance.

Local Dignitaries Delivering Meals for “March for Meals” "March for Meals" is a nationwide celebration of the successful collaboration between local Meals on Wheels programs and government, faith and community-based organizations, businesses and concerned citizens.

Several community champions have volunteered to deliver a meal and a smile to home bound seniors along with Meals on Wheels Senior Outreach Services (MOWSOS) volunteer drivers.

We should all applaud Supervisor Federal Glover, Supervisor Karen Mitchoff, Clayton Mayor Howard Geller, Pleasant Hill Mayor Sue Noack, Martinez Mayor Rob Schroder, Orinda Mayor Victoria Smith, Walnut Creek Mayor Pro Tem Rich Carl-

ston, and employees of AMR (American Medical Response), and Lt. Paul O'Mary from the Sheriff's Department, and two of his deputies for volunteering in this important endeavor. It is truly an admirable display of community citizenship.

If you are interested, you too can volunteer. Meals on Wheels Senior Outreach Services invites you to volunteer just for a few hours a week. Volunteer with a friend and see for yourself what a difference a five-minute visit and a meal can make.

They need the support, and you will find it gratifying. Contact Leigh Shughrou, Public Affairs, at lshughrou@mowsos. org, or 925-937-8311, ext. 133.

Concord City Council, 1st, 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 6:30 pm, Council Chambers, 1950 Parkside Dr, Concord. Or watch online at http://www.ci.concord.ca.us/ citygov/agendas/council/

Walnut Creek City Council, 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 7 pm. Or watch online at http://www.walnut-creek.org/services/ citizen/granicus.asp Pleasant Hill City Council, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 7:30 pm, Council Chambers of the Pleasant Hill City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. Or follow online at http://www.ci.pleasant-hill. ca.us/media/

Fundraisers Pancake Breakfast - Supporting Veterans of foreign Wars – 2nd and 4th Sundays includes eggs, pancakes, sausage, beverage. 8 – 11 a.m. Willow Pass Road, Concord $5, $3 Children under 12. www.vfwpost1525.org Ygnacio Valley High School Athletic Boosters Banquet - Support YV students by attending the biggest fundraiser of the year. All proceeds support YV sports teams! Saturday, March 12, 6:30pm-10:30pm at St. John Vianney Church, 1650 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. Adults Only.

Dinner, Auction and Raffle. Items such as tickets to Disneyland, Gourmet Dinners, Reserved Graduation Seats, and much more! Catered by Kinder’s BBQ

Rummage Sale for Ygnacio Valley High School Instrumental Music Boosters . Saturday, March 12, 2016 8 am til noon. Ygnacio Valley High School Multi Use Room .755 Oak Grove Road

Save the Date for the GFWC Clayton Valley Woman’s Club “Eleventh Annual Festival of Tables & Fashion” event. The proceeds from the luncheon and fashion show will go to selected community charities and scholarships. The date is Saturday, April 23, 2016, at 11:00 am and the location is the Concord United Methodist Church at 1645 West Street in Concord.

Fashions are by Talbots of Walnut Creek.

Luncheon by Rick’s On Second. Seating is limited and the event was sold out last year. For reservation information ($40), please call Judy Disbrow at 925-6850394. For more information about the Clayton Valley Woman’s Club, go to www. claytonvalleywomansclub.org

Visual Arts/Theatre/ Music

Concord Planning Commission 1st and 3rd Wednesdays 7 p.m. Concord Chamber, Concord Civic Center 1950 Parkside dr. www.cityofconcord.org Clayton City Council, 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 7pm. Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Rd, Clayton. http://ci.clayton.ca.us Martinez City Council, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays. City Hall, 7 pm, 525 Henrietta Street, Martinez. Or Listen online at http://www.granicus.com/ streamingMediaHelp/minimumSystem. htm, http://www.cityofmartinez.org

No Host Beer/Wine Bar. Tickets: $40

aRt Cottage- March1 – 26. Plein Air Artist Mark Jezierny Exhibit. aRt Cottage is located at 2238 Mt. Diablo St. Concord. All are welcome to the artist reception March 5 from 1pm – 5pm.

This is free event.

Have an event coming up?

Email your event info to: diablogazette@gmail.com

Solo Opera’s The Computer Kid’s Magic Night, a family oriented opera that your kids will enjoy, is scheduled for two performances at the Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. March 4, (Fri) at 7:30 pm, March 5, (Sat) at 2:00 pm. Tickets $25 Youth, $ 30 Seniors, $35 Adults. Purchase tickets by phone (925) 943-SHOW; or at the Lesher Center box office. For more information, visit www.SoloOpera.org.

Diablo Ballet 22nd Anniversary Celebration Performance March 17, at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek. Enjoy a montage of stunning works from the Ballet’s 22-year history, including Tears from Above by renowned dance maker Val Caniparoli, the solo from Gary Master’s Diablo Opus, Sérénade pour Cordes et Corps by dynamic awardwinning Canadian choreographer Sonya Delwaide, the romantic pas de deux and finale from La Fille Mal Gardée, and a new Film by Robert Dekkers, filmmaker Walter Yamazaki and composer Jacob Wolkenhauer. The evening will also feature Pitch Pause Please, created and danced by Dekkers, marking his return to the stage. Following the performance will be a Gala reception, wine tasting by Las Positas Vineyards, a silent auction and dinner with the dancers at Scott’s Garden Thursday, March 17 at 6:30 pm. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, 8:00 pm Gala at Scott’s Garden 1333 N. California Blvd in Walnut Creek. For ticket information: (925) 9437469 or visit www.diabloballet. org

Diablo Gazette • MARCH 2016 • Page 13 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette • (925)-298-9990

Celebrating 25 Wonderful Years Practicing Family Dentistry In Concord lifetimeofsmiles Dr. Robert Waldman If you see a lot of healthy smiles walking around town, we can thank Dr. Rob Waldman, D.D.S. for that. Dr. Rob and his wife Marci are celebrating their 25th year of his dental practice in Concord.

We can thank Loma Prieta Earthquake for getting him here.

With his father and grandfather both being dentists, dentistry has been a part of Dr. Rob’s entire life. Rob graduated from the School of Dentistry at Loyola University-Chicago in 1982. After graduation, he did a one year dental hospital residency at the VA Hospital of Chicago while teaching prosthodontics to dental students.

After Rob completed his residency, he Dr. Rob, Marci, Jenna, and Brittany.

needed to get some experience before joining his father’s practice in Chicago.

Rob’s older brother, also a dentist, was already practicing in Oakland and coincidentally, Marci’s sister was pursuing a PHD at Berkeley. The decision to come to the Bay Area was easy. They moved to Walnut Creek and Dr. Rob began his profession with his brother in Oakland.

He was there for eight years.

Then Loma Prieta Earthquake happened. It caused considerable damage to the office. Dr. Rob decided it was time to work closer to home. So he bought a practice in Concord. That was 25 years ago.

This is what Dr. Rob had to say about his 25 year milestone.

“Thank you Concord, thank you Clayton, thank you Walnut Creek, thank you Pleasant Hill, thank you to all the surrounding suburbs. In celebrating 25 years of serving our community, I have a lot of people to thank. I will start with Dr. Vincent Wood, his wife, Gail and family. Dr. Wood and his partner built this office on the corner of Clayton Road and 5th Street in 1958. In 1980 two of Vince’s children, both dentists also, built an addition to the building and also practiced in this office for 6 years. That’s what I call “Family Dentists”. I too have many dentists in my family. My grandfather, my father, my brother and my uncle were all dentists! I have heard it said that dentistry is a very nepotistic profession.

Anyway, on March 1, 1991 I purchased the practice from Dr. Wood and began the wonderful and rewarding journey of

taking care of his patients and adding new patients to our “Dental Family”.

Without a doubt my biggest thank you goes out to my patients. I am proud to say I have continued to care for a good 90% of the ongoing families, some of whom have retired and moved to surrounding states yet still come back to the area to visit family, Rob Waldman DDS, wife Marci, and daughters Brittany and Jenna friends and their “famenjoy champagne to celebrate Dr. Rob's 25th year of dentistry in Concord. ily dentist”- me. It also gives me great pleasure to our patients and treat everyone with to say that I have four, 4th generation kindness and respect. families in my practice to date and many I can truly say practicing dentistry 3 generation families. continues to excite me. There are many It is also very important to thank advances in the field of dentistry which my staff. Unlike most businesses who help make diagnosing and treating dental experience continual staff turnover, many disease less invasive and more comfortof my staff has been with me for over able. My ultimate goal is to connect with 20 years. Recently one of my hygienists my patients for the long term and educatretired after 23 years with me. Talk about ed them on how to prevent disease and big shoes to fill! I interviewed many offer many alternative choices on how to wonderful candidates to replace her but treat any disease which may occur. joked with them that I’m not very good Wishing you a bright and healthy at interviewing since I only have to hire smile, and as always don’t forget to swish, someone ever 23 years! floss, brush and swish again at least twice Lastly, I need to thank my wife of 36 a day. years! We married while I was a dental Please visit my website at roberthwaldstudent and she has taken on many immandds.com to find out more about my portant roles in our practice and togethpractice. er we strive to make our dental office -Dr Robcomfortable, provide excellent dental care See his ad on p4.

3D Printing is Hot, but Is It Soup Yet? Computer Corner

question is when will I get to do something useful on a home 3D printer for under a thousand dollars?

Home 3D printers come in various sizes, shapes and price ranges, with the typical home printer that could, possibly, maybe someday soon, print something, well

By William Claney, Computers USA useful. The biggest issues are still complexity and cost.

If you want to print a comb, costing, well a dollar at the There sure is a lot of hype around 3D printing these Dollar Tree and you don’t mind the 2 or 3 dollars in madays, and why not? 3D printers can print human body terials you will use, and two or three hours of your time parts like skin, ears, bones, a toucan’s beak, jet engines setting up the print and waiting for the job to finish, and even cars. then this is for you.

3D technology is truly amazing stuff for sure. But, Typical home printers deposit a tiny amount of melted when will useful 3D printing actually come to the home plastic on a flat bed, then it repeats the process to build user? For that answer we look to the recent past and fast layer on layer to the programmed shape. The whole forward to today while keeping an eye, not 3D printed, thing is controlled by a computer program, it takes on the future. hours.

Printers the size of small cars and costing many hunAccording to Wiki, “… In 3D printing, successive dreds of thousands of dollars are suited for doing useful layers of material are formed under computer control jobs from printing body parts to jet engines. The big to create an object. These objects can be of almost any shape or geometry and are produced from a 3D model or other electronic data source. A 3D printer is a type of industrial robot.”

Is it all hype or is it soup yet?

From what I can tell, as far back as 2013 MoneyWatch reported, “For some time now, it appears that 3D printing -- the technology that builds physical objects on a small "printer" by progressively depositing layers of melted plastic -- is on the verge of going mainstream.

Prices for 3D printers are Home ready, 3D printers are not. plummeting, with units available for $1,000 or less.”

For a few weeks, I tested what is considered a typical consumer version of a 3D printer, the XYZDavinci Pro. This 3D printer represents the state of the art for our time. But it is too hard to use, extruders get jammed, filament won’t feed, setup time to start a print job is over 15 minutes. Completion will take another hour. Just hope the filament doesn’t jam.

Home 3D printing? Not ready yet.

Diablo Gazette • MARCH 2016 • Page 14 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette •(925)-298-9990

Wreckage

bookends

Blue Mountain State: The Rise of Thadland

by Jill Hedgecock,

Program Coordinator Mount Diablo California Writer’s Club Wreckage (2015, Lakeside Publishing, an Amazon Imprint, paperback $10.76, 304 pages) by Emily Bleeker is a mix of Gilligan’s Island and an adult rendition of The Lord of the Flies by William Golding.

Lillian Linden, a stay-athome mother, embarks on what is supposed to be a relaxing beach vacation with her mother-in-law, Martha.

Because Martha had won the trip from the Carlton Yogurt Company, Dave Hall, an executive from Carlton, along with the pilot and a flight attendant, accompany the two women on a four-hour private plane ride to a remote island off of Fiji. When one of the engines malfunctions, the aircraft loses altitude, dives into the heart of a storm and crashes into the ocean.

What happens to the survivors over the course of the two years they were stranded on an uninhabited island in the South Pacific unfolds during a tell-all television interview. The reader receives both Dave and Lillian’s perspectives on what exactly transpired during their ordeal. TV journalist, Genevieve Randal, suspects there is more to the story and seeks to uncover what really happened to the castaways.

Throughout the book, Bleeker explores ethical dilemmas not only regarding the costs and sometimes good intentions of lying. She also tackles the issue of reporters who manipulate ordinary people who become victims of circumstance and have been forced into the public limelight.

According to Bleeker, "WRECKAGE explores how facing a crisis can change and challenge a person's preconceived notion of right and wrong including the question of when it is acceptable or even necessary

moviemavericks

by Jason Rugaard www.moviemavericks.com

to lie to protect the people we love."

The title itself, Wreckage, conveys a double meaning: the physical destruction of an aircraft and the damage to the survivor’s and their families’ lives in the aftermath of the crash. Bleeker reports that most people either love or hate the ending of her debut novel, but I landed in the middle. For me, the conclusion fell short of the mark because it wasn’t properly set up. While the tight little bow ending landed far south of believability and lessened my overall experience of this otherwise compelling story, Wreckage is a good novel to curl up with on a rainy day because it is bound to stir up self-reflection on the subject of white and not-so-white lies. Better yet, take this novel with you to the beach. But if your sunny destination includes plane travel, it might be better to flip open the book after a safe landing at your destination.

FOLLOW US ON: www.facebook.com/DiabloGazette

Blue Mountain State successfully makes the jump from cult classic television show to theatrical feature film.

Anchored by the original cast, and the invaluable comedic timing of lead actor Alan Ritchson–BMS is a worthy follow-up for fans that have longed to see just what happened to Thad’s NFL ambitions?

Self obsessed Thad (Alan Ritchson) has moved-on from the hollowed grounds of his Alma mater Blue Mountain State.

Left behind are second-string quarter back Alex Moran (Darin Brooks), and his mentally questionable sidekick Sammy (Chris Romano).

As the institution’s Dean vows to do away with the school’s goat house (the football teams’ frat house). Alex, in need of a fix so that his anticipated senior year isn’t shot, approaches former line-backer standout Thad, now a rampaging ego-maniac run amok in the pro ranks.

Thad’s running through his money at an alarming rate, purchasing 97 guns, a tank, and even a zoo.

So, it doesn’t take much to get him to agree to his former teammates request,

with one caveat, they have to rename the house Thadland, and conduct the biggest, baddest party in memory. The cost of the operation and the house? A cool $5 million dollars, which Thad willingly donates in his own vanity.

The epic bash includes raining cocaine, mojito hot tubs, and all the drugs east of the Mississippi.

During the bash, Alex must rebuke the advances of a pretty co-ed that his lesbian pal Mary Jo (Frankie Shaw) has the hots for.

Thad exposes one of the squad as gay, and coach McDaniels crashes while making out with a chick on his motorcycle.

Aided by his scene-stealing cousin, Dick Dawg–Thad sets out to reclaim his position as king of Blue Mountain State.

Blue Mountain State is probably the funniest show you never watched. It’s surprising that a successful kick-starter campaign has produced this very amusing sequel to the series that is in keeping with the show’s themes and established character personas.

Director: Lev Spiro Stars: Darin Brooks, Alan Ritchson, Chris Romano

Diablo Gazette • MARCH 2016 • Page 15 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette • (925)-298-9990

Bolinas, CA – A Reluctant Paradise journey-man’sjournal

by John Cooper Since this is just between us, and my employer isn’t aware that I write a monthly travel article for the Diablo Gazette, I decided to play hooky from work yesterday and take a day trip to the small coastal community of Bolinas, CA. Located just 65 miles from downtown Clayton, and a short 15 mile drive up Highway 1 from Stinson Beach, Bolinas is an eclectic place and an interesting destination for an outing.

My first challenge of the day was finding

Smiley’s.

the town of Bolinas as there were no roadside or directional signs pointing the way. After years of having roadside signs torn down by the local citizens, a ballot measure was passed and signs would no longer be placed by the roadside to guide travelers into town. Although that is still the case today, armed with a GPS map in my jeep and a nose for adventure, I was not deterred as I made my way to Olema-Bolinas Road, the main road leading to the center of town.

Like a step back in time, Bolinas is a very quiet and charming community largely built during the 1850’s to 1920’s and most of the structures are still intact lending itself to a very comfortable and laid back atmosphere. The community itself is known for its reclusive nature, and I really got that sense when walking around town. It’s political, it’s organic, it’s artsy; in a way, it’s Haight Ashbury meets Mendocino. In fact, in November 2003, Bolinas voters adopted a ballot measure declaring Bolinas "A socially acknowledged nature-loving town". “I knew I should have worn a tie-dye shirt,” I thought.

Just outside of town there are occasional

peace signs hanging in old farm windows, and handmade signs offering farm fresh eggs and honey for sale by the side of the road.

The downtown area is small and quaint with a small post office, library, grocery store, surf shop, a few churches and other local retail shops.

The real draw however is Smiley’s Saloon, the oldest continuously operating saloon in the state of CA (1851). “Not even during prohibition” did Smiley’s close, the bartender was happy to tell me. Smiley’s is the perfect place to get a taste (literally) of the local flavor, and following a short walkabout through town, that’s where I made my way to learn more about the town and its famous saloon.

As I sat in the Saloon with a cool breeze blowing through the open doors and the sun shining out in the street, I watched as young families took their children to the local beach, teenagers carried their surfboards in hopes of catching a good wave, middle-aged hippies chatted in the park, and older gentlemen headed to the local dock for a day of fishing. I couldn’t help but think what a unique place Bolinas is, and it’s located just off the beaten path. Bolinas is a place you need to visit, but please don’t tell the locals I sent you.

Above, a Bolinas farmhouse.

Below, a local speed-regulation sign

Diablo Gazette • MARCH 2016 • Page 16 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette •(925)-298-9990

Local Plein Air Artist and Teacher is Anything but Plain

by Frogard Butler, aRt Cottage

Take a close look at these images.

Mark Jezierny, a local art teacher and popular artist, is a plein air artist who does much of his work on location. He is very textural. So much so that some of his pieces are actually three dimensional.

Mr. Jezierny is also a very active teacher. He currently teaches at Acalanes, Martinez and Mt. Diablo Adult Education programs, Walnut Creek Civic Arts and the Lafayette Community Center. He teaches a plein air painting class and gives private lessons. Yet he often finds

time to give painting demonstrations to art organizations. He has taught a variety of art classes in the Bay Area including Moraga Parks and Recreation and the Danville Fine Arts Gallery.

When time and weather permits he goes out for a day of plein air painting.

He enjoys painting in the hills and along the waterways of the Bay Area Mark paints primarily in acrylics or oils on canvas. His paintings of Northern California landscapes, buildings and industrial scenes are done with both bush and/or palette knife. He creates an impressionistic style with an approach that is unconventional yet boldly realistic. He uses color to convey mood, atmosphere and perspective with an energy that depicts the overall spirit of the subject matter. Texture and shading are effectively used to emphasize the forms’ density and richness.

Since 1987, his paintings have been exhibited in numerous solo, group and juried shows throughout Northern California. From 1992 - 2001 he was represented by the Barlett Fine Arts Gallery in Pleasanton. He has shown at the Epoch Gallery in Berkeley and the Lyons Head Gallery in Carmel. He has been represented by the Epperson Gallery in Crockett.

Mark graduated as an Art major from St. Mary’s College in 1987 with a B.A. in Liberal Arts and received his Masters of Fine Arts degree in painting from the San

Francisco Art Institute.

You can enjoy the works of Mark Jezierny and his STUDENTS through March 26 at the aRt Cottage in Concord. You can meet Mark March 5th at an Open House Artist Reception. This is a free event. aRt Cottage is open to the public on Tuesday -Fridays from 11 to 5 and Saturday from 1 to 5.

Diablo Gazette • MARCH 2016 • Page 17 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette • (925)-298-9990

New Thermostat Laws Threaten HVAC Safety

An A/C Contractor snapped this photo of a thermostat that reportedly caught fire after being improperly installed in a home by an alarm company. Courtesy of ACHRNEWS.

Desire Medlen New thermostat laws are being proposed that HVAC contractors, HVAC manufacturers, and the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) oppose. This new bill now allows alarm system companies to install, replace, and repair thermostats.

Automation companies, including AT&T and Comcast, have been including thermostats into their smart home setups. However, problems are arising from this kind of setup because many alarm and cable installers do not have the appropriate training or knowledge to install thermostats.

An improper install and setup of a thermostat can lead to costly system inefficiency, HVAC equipment failure, to creating a fire hazard.

According to Todd McAlister, Executive Director of ACCA-Texas, “The greater issue is whether the consumer’s HVAC system is operating as it should. We submit that a phone technician or alarm technician is ill-equipped to understand if the HVAC system is operating as it was prior to their arrival. Is the two-speed fan operating? Is the multi-stage compressor working? Is the emergency heat operational? Is the unit operating in both cooling and heating on a heat pump system? Does the thermostat operate the zoning system that was installed?”

If the phone or alarm technician tries to diagnosis a problem, they are doing what some states consider to be un-licensed air conditioning contracting work.

We recommend that if you are in need of a thermostat repair or a thermostat upgrade, contact a trained HVAC contractor. Our trained and certified HVAC technicians can assist with any thermostat needs.

Desire Medlen is the Communications and Admin Coordinator at Clean Air HVAC in Pacheco.

Diablo Gazette • MARCH 2016 • Page 18 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette •(925)-298-9990

Down to the Root of Spring Planting

Gardenwise

By Brian Larsen Garden Manager at The Gardens at Heather Farms

Spring has sprung! For many of us, this is a breath of fresh air. It’s time to put away the down jackets, release some winter tension and begin enjoying our gardens again. When you get out in the backyard, you might find your garden needs a “fresh face” for the season, and a great way to do that is by putting in some new plants.

Fortunately, all of the major nurseries are bringing in fresh stock. However, too much information and too many choices can make plant shopping overwhelming.

Here are some tips to find success with your garden refresh.

Bigger isn’t always better: Don’t fall victim to one of the biggest mistakes shoppers make when purchasing plants in a container. An overly-large specimen may mean it has sat in its container for an extra season (or longer). This can be a major flaw, especially in woody plants.

You will be hard pressed to find plants in a plastic container in

nature. They’re meant to be growing in the ground, and should only be in pots for a short time.

Get down to the roots: Potted plants often bring with them serious root defects that could derail your planting success. When searching for the right plant, I recommend looking at plants from the bottom up. Don’t focus on the height or number of leaves; pull off the pot and inspect the root system. The roots are the key to a plant’s survival. If you find seriously bound roots (all knotted up together and filling the pot) or stem girdling roots (circling around the base of the plant), put that plant back and grab another.

Root issues likely won’t make a difference for a few seasons, but they can cause serious damage down the road. At that point, it can become both costly and painstaking to deal with the problems. Shop smart, shop early, and continue to enjoy your plants for the totality of their lifespan.

Get more tips on selecting plants at our Spring Plant Sale on April 9th from 8am12pm. www.gardenshf.org.

10-Minute Home Projects Jennifer Stanovich Realtor You’re probably familiar with the idea that little things add up to a lot. But did you ever stop to think about how that can be applied to the upkeep of your home?

One of the responsibilities of ownership is keeping up with regular maintenance and repairs. While it may sometimes feel overwhelming, there are simple, tenminute projects that you can do that will make a huge difference in your quality of life at home. There’s no need to call a handyman or your brother-in-law to help.

These are easy fixes you can complete by yourself. Fit them in between episodes of your favorite Netflix binge, and you’ll feel like you’re hardly putting in any effort at all.

Fix a squeaky door. If you’re tired of the squeaky kitchen door alerting your spouse to your midnight snack attacks, spray some WD-40 on the hinges and work it in. You can also try petroleum jelly.

Lubricate sticky windows. Don’t let hard-to-open windows keep you from enjoying a nice summer breeze. Spray silicone lubricant (found at home improvement stores) onto a rag and wipe into the track of a plastic, wood or metal window frame. Dry lubricants like PTFE spray can be used on a vinyl window.

Silence a squeaky floor. Sprinkling talcum powder into the cracks between

floorboards will help to temporarily silence those noisy floors.

Replace a broken toilet lever. Pop open the back to make sure the chain is still attached. If it’s broken, buy a replacement toilet lever kit. Don’t worry. Installation is very simple and won’t take you more than ten minutes.

Keeping up with regular home maintenance chores will help avoid costly repairs due to negligence. These projects are so simple you have no excuse to put them off.

Regularly change the filters on your air conditioning unit and furnace.

Replace batteries in smoke detectors once a year. Clean lint from your dryer exhaust with a long, flexible brush or a vacuum. Flush the garbage disposal in your sink once a month with a mixture of baking soda and hot water. Check fire extinguishers. Make sure your garage door reverses automatically when there is an obstruction. Vacuum the coils on your refrigerator once a year. Clean the filter on your stove’s range hood. It can get quite greasy, but cleaning it is easy.

Keeping up with the small tasks around your home will go a long way towards making sure everything stays in good working order. And when it comes time to sell, you’ll have much less to worry about. So take ten minutes to complete one of these easy tasks. You’ll be glad you did! Compliments of Virtual Results.

Visit my blog for more home tips at www. jenniferstojanovich.com. See her ad right.

Diablo Gazette • MARCH 2016 • Page 19 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette • (925)-298-9990

Miramonte High Named Contra Costa County’s High School Mock Trial Champion JONATHAN LANCE Contra Costa County Office of Education

Miramonte High beat Acalanes High in the final round of the 35th Annual Contra Costa County High School Mock Trial inside the Bray Courthouse, in Martinez.

Contra Costa County Presiding Judge Hon. Steven Austin was on hand to congratulate all the participants, and hand out the Mock Trial awards. “I’ve been involved with Mock Trials for 16 years, and it’s still so much fun to watch your hard work and talent come together in our courtrooms. At work, I often hear my fellow judges, who volunteer with Mock Trials, speak so highly of how well you all did. We are all so impressed! The skills you honed for Mock Trials will certainly be an asset to you, and you’ll carry them for the rest of your lives!”

The top four teams finished in this order:1) Miramonte 2) Acalanes 3) Heritage 4) California. Miramonte High School will now represent Contra Costa County at the California State Mock Trial competition, held in Sacramento, March 18-20. California state finalist team will then compete in the National Mock Trial Competition, held in Boise, Idaho, May 12-14.

Most of the teams begin their Mock Trial training at the start of the new school year, which makes Mock Trials. For the past four weeks 15 Contra Costa County high school Mock Trial teams have been battling it out with each other inside the superior courthouse courtrooms of Martinez.

GJEL Accident Attorneys underwrote this year’s Mock Trial and CCCOE Mock Trial Scholarship programs.

Lucy Portnoff, Miramonte High; Izabel Rodriguez, Kennedy High; and Kelly Wong, Richmond High each were awarded $1000 scholarships towards their higher education expenses.

Miramonte High School Mock Trial team coached by Luke Ellis (top row - left), assisted by teacher coach Jamie Mather (far right).

Mock Trial is an academic event for high school students coordinated by the Contra Costa County Office of Education, and sponsored by the Constitutional Rights Foundation. The purpose of this program is to teach students about the law and the workings of the legal system. To prepare, the students conducted legal research and received guidance on courtroom procedures from their schoolteachers and volunteer attorneys and judges, to acquire a working knowledge of the judicial system.

An impressive 102 Bay Area practicing and retired

attorneys, senior law students, and sworn judges volunteered their time to serve as Mock Trial Attorney Scorers and Judges. Also assisting were non-profit, public, private, and corporate attorneys and senior students from five Bay Area law schools.

For all the team and individual results, visit the Contra Costa County Office of Education’s Mock Trial web page http://www.cccoe.k12.ca.us/supe/events/mocktrial.htm

Campolindo Wins 2016 East County Regional Academic Decathlon Campolindo High School won the 2016 East County Regional Academic Decathlon for the sixth straight year and will represent Contra Costa County in the California State Academic Decathlon competition. Las Lomas High School, took second place, and Dublin High School finished in third place.

This contest has become to be recognized as the most prestigious high school academic team competition in the United States. The Academic Decathlon provides an opportunity for high school students to compete as individuals and teams in a series of ten academic tests and demonstrations. The subjects in the competition include art, economics, literature, mathematics, music, science, social science, essay, interview, and speech (prepared and impromptu)–plus the popular SuperQuiz™.

Participating high school students have been studying and preparing for this event with their coaches since September.

This year’s Academic Decathlon theme was India.

High school teams consist of nine students, grades 9-12, with a maximum of three students in each of the following divisions: Honors (3.75-4.00 GPA), Scholastic (3.00-3.74 GPA) and Varsity (2.99 GPA and below). The contest pits high school teams from Acalanes, Campolindo, Clayton Valley Charter, Dublin, Freedom, Irvington, Las Lomas, Miramonte, and Pittsburg .

This was Campolindo’s sixth consecutive year as Contra Costa County’s Academic Decathlon championship. Last

year, Campolindo went on to become the National Academic Decathlon winner in the Medium School Category.

The Campolindo team will represent Contra Costa County at the California State Academic Decathlon, to be held in Sacramento, March 17-20. Alameda County will be represented by Dublin’s team in the state Academic Decathlon competition. This year's National Academic Decathlon will be held in Anchorage, Alaska, April 28-30.

Campolindo High School also won this year’s East Bay Regional Academic Decathlon SuperQuiz™.

Individual Gold Awards Top Scoring Individual Varsity Category: 10th grade, Abraham Anderson , Las Lomas; 11th grade, Justice Krugman , Pittsburg; 12th grade, Holden Kolner, Campolindo Top Scoring Individual Scholastic Category: 9th grade, Janely Oseguera, Freedom; 10th grade, Ellen Si, Campolindo; 11th grade, Bennett Coates, Campolindo; 12th grade, Prathamesh Nagnoor, Las Lomas.

Top Scoring Individual Overall Awards Honor Category: 9th grade, Jennifer Liu, Dublin; 10th grade, Ashley Zhang, Campolindo; 11th grade, Zoe Portnoff, Campolindo; 12th grade, Uma Gaffney, Campolindo.

The Academic Decathlon is directed by the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) with the assistance of community volunteers. Congratulations to these schools and students.

Diablo Gazette • MARCH 2016 • Page 20 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette •(925)-298-9990

Fabulous Fava Beans farmerfresh

by Debra Morris,

Pacific Coast Farmers Market http://www.pcfma.org/concord

Young fava beans are perfect right now.

Shelling them can be time consuming but worth the effort for the delicious beans inside.

First, bring a pot of water to a boil before you start opening the pods. Break open the bean pods. Sometimes you can slide your finger along one side, opening the seam as you would a zipper, but other times you just have to break the pod apart in pieces.

Once the water is boiling, blanch the

favas in the boiling water for one minute, then scoop them out and plunge them into a bowl of ice water. This will loosen the skins for easier removal.

Favas have one wider, slightly flattened end with a scar where it was attached to the shell. Grasp the fava between your fingers with the scar facing up, and with the thumbnail of your other hand, tear into the scar end and peel back. Pinch gently and the fava will slide out.

These early spring favas do not need the skin surrounding the bean removed.

Later in the season you will want to peel off the membrane from older favas for a milder flavor.

How about a nice chianti with your favas?

Braised Young Favas

2 tablespoons quality olive oil 2 whole cloves of garlic, crushed 1 pound young small favas, cleaned of stems and stringy pieces Kosher salt and freshly ground Black pepper to taste Lemon juice to taste Cup of water Starting with a cold sauté pan, slowly bloom* the crushed garlic in olive oil. Add salt and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Add fava pods, a splash of lemon juice, water, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook for 2030 minutes. Check for done-ness after 15 minutes. Add additional lemon juice and zest if you’d like. Transfer to a warmed plate. Recipe: PCFMA Cookin’ the Market Chef Mario Ishii Hernandez *To bloom garlic is to cook it slowly at low temperature until it puffs up, leading to a nice mild flavor and avoiding burnt taste that cooked garlic can often get.