Diablo Gazette January 2016

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

From the Publisher David King

Happy New Year This is the time we vow to start the year fresh, make a new resolution or two to become a better person, make life more comfortable, successful, healthy and enjoyable. Of course you can make these at anytime. It just feels more official to start in January.

January 1st is like a starting block at a track meet. Anyway, now is a good time to start if you haven’t already.

So to help you along, this edition is chock-full of New Year’s resolutions, tips, lists and things to consider for 2016.

Speaking of new, we welcome our new contributors, Concord Vice Mayor Ron Leone, and a restaurant and food reviewer Richard Eber.

Inside, he lists 10 restaurants to try in 2016. We printed five of them. The rest you can read on line at www.

Diablogazette.com.

About the cover, Sean Andrade

and Mike Ryan are two Certified Master Chefs that live and work in Walnut Creek. There are only seven in all of California. They both work at AWG Private Chefs which Sean owns. This dynamic duo is preparing exquisite meals in your home, event, company or party. Now, as a poplar alternative, busy residents, executives, etc. are ordering the meal and they deliver it prepared.

The story is on page 3. We will be giving away a gift certificate this month. Wouldn’t that be something to have in time for Valentines Day? The details will be on our facebook page. So, if you haven’t already liked us, now is a good time. Like us on Facebook. www.facebook.com/ diablogazette.

David King

Countdown of Top 5 Stories of 2015 A lot happened in 2015. The county has grown quite accustomed to relying on Claycord.com to be informed and sometimes comment.

Diablo Gazette did a little research with the help of Google Analytics to find the Top 5 stories of 2015 based on their landing page stats. #5 “Today is the 30th Anniversary of the Tragic plan Crash at the Sun Valley Mall,” 30 years ago. a twinengine Beechcraft Baron slammed into Concord’s Sunvalley Mall, killing the pilot, two passengers and four people on the ground. The crash also seriously injured and burned close to 100 Christmas shoppers in the crowded mall. 12/23/2015 #4 “Another Shooting on Highway 4” -- Near Bay Point, gang activity played a role in a shooting that killed a 19-year-old Concord woman, the second fatal drive-by in four days near Highway 4.

6/23/2015 #3 “Mystery Vans Around Town, What Are They Doing?”–Driverless Vans were photographed by readers and posted on Claycord. Another international story, as virtually all media speculated on its significance, especially the tech industry media.

The cars were leased by Apple, although their purpose was kept secret and speculation went from mapping to Apple entering into the auto industry. 2/03/2015

#2 “Child Actor from ‘Even Stevens’ Now Working in Concord’s Sunvalley Mall” - Steven Anthony Lawrence, who played the role of “Beans” on the Disney Channel Original Series Even Stevens, was working at the Sunvalley Mall with Santa Photo display.

Once the story broke, the line to be photographed with “Beans” was sometimes busier than the line to see Santa. Is Disney bigger than Santa Claus? 12/02/15 #1 by a long shot: “VIDEO: Tables Turned! Man Takes Package off Porch, Victim Takes Purse Out of Car” This story went viral internationally, as victim’s home security captured the homeowner chasing the thief away, reaching into thief’s car as he sped off and grabbing a purse. This eventually led to the suspect’s capture.

Ironically, the suspect was captured two years earlier on video committing a similar theft that was also posted on Claycord. 9/26/15 There you have it, the five most popular stories on an extremely popular local news blog. How popular is Claycord? In 2015, over 1.75 million unique users, made over 7.6 million separate visits to Claycord. com. Dates listed are the original post date of each story. All of these stories can be found in Claycord’s archives.

2015 is done. Stick a fork in it. On to 2016.

Things I Learned From my Dad

by Edi Birsan Concord City Councilman As we go forward with the new year, I am reminded of some of the things I learned from my dad.

He was actually my step-father, but since the age of 4 he was dad, my actual father having been divorced, he then abandoned all contact. “Dear Ole' Dad” passed away suddenly in 1972 at the age of 57, I was 23, but some of the quirky things I still recall: 1. Life is unfair, but it is the only one you get.

2. If you are an only child, don't blame things on your sister.

3. Wear soft leather shoes so when you put your foot in your mouth you don't break any teeth.

4. You can make it in life if you are good; some can make it if one is bad, but it is harder. No one makes it if they are stupid.

5. Until the day you die, you will have survived through all things and all people.

6. The truth is the best solution to a bad memory, and no one has a good enough memory to be a great liar.

7. Your enemies can only defeat you. It is your friends that can destroy you.

8. You cannot change what you had for breakfast, let alone yesterday.

9. You cannot drive faster than the car in front of you except by accident.

10. Mankind is a great concept, except that people screw it up all the time.

11. History never repeats itself, only bad historians, politicians and your mother's cooking.

12. If you are afraid to say no, then you had better say no and blame it on your mother or me.

13. A college degree is important, not because of what you learned, but that it shows that you can learn.

14. Ninety-five percent of a job is: show up, shut up and put up. What you actually do is the other 5 percent.

15. If you live in a desert, don't save money for a rainy day, invest in getting the hell out of there.

I still miss you Dad...

Time Flies Whether You’re Having Fun or Not What Really Matters

By Dan Ashley

As we begin a new year, I am thinking a lot about a precious commodity; time.

Each of us is only allotted so much of it on this earth.

If we are among the fortunate, we get our full amount of time—a long life than ends in old age. The unlucky are cut short. None of us knows which way it will turn out, at least not until an accident of some kind or bad news from the doctor. Until then, most of us go blithely along with little thought to the potential outcomes.

When I was younger, I remember hearing older folks talk about how time moves faster as the years go by. I never really understood that until I hit my fifties, but now I am discovering what they meant. Time is definitely gaining speed now. It is

hard to believe that 2016 has already arrived, 2015 raced by at break-neck speed as did the past decade and a half since the millennium.

When my kids were little, I remember hoping that I would live at least until they became young adults so that they would not bear that scar for the rest of their lives. Now, I’m greedy and hope to make it until they have children who become young adults as both my parents have been able to do, thank goodness. Time is one of the few things that most of us seem willing to waste as if there will always be more. That is not guaranteed, of course.

What Really Matters is to make the most of every possible moment, we can’t get a single one back.

Happy New Year!

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

Popular Walnut Creek Private Chef Service May Be Best in California There’s a lifestyle trend rapidly growing these days, private chefs.

Walnut Creek’s Sean Andrade is a Certified Master chef and owner of AWG Private Chefs. He and Certified Master Chef/Patissier Mike Ryan are two of only seven master chefs in all of California, both are working at AWG. No wonder the business is thriving. This was Sean’s passion from childhood.

Sean Andrade first started his culinary beginnings at the early age of 4 years old, sitting on the kitchen counter, helping his mother tear lettuce for a salad, or stir a sauce on the stove, in his parents home in Walnut Creek. His mother raised him by the “no son of mine isn’t going to know how to cook, clean, do their own laundry, and take care of themselves …”

“I think the best gift that my mom ever gave me was the essential life skills of cooking, and not just ‘throw together cooking,’ but she actually taught me the basics of how to eat healthy, well balanced meals, that were not only good for me, but also tasty as well.”

By age 11, Sean was preparing most of the family meals and helping his

parents with the grocery shopping, meal planning and preparation. His love for cooking never died. And his parents encouraged him to follow his dream to become a chef. Growing up, Sean worked in a myriad of restaurants from pizza to fine dining and everything in between, always starting at the bottom and working his way up from the dishwasher, to prep cook, to line cook, to sous chef, and finally earned his Executive Chef title in 2001. A graduate of Walnut Creek’s Northgate High School, Sean earned his next title “Certified Master Chef,” a title currently held

only by six other chefs in California this summer at Accademia Cucina di Pandolfini Culinary Academy in Florence, Italy.

“Going for the Masters was something that I had only dreamed of, and certainly I never thought I was good enough to make it.” Thirty days of intense training, sometimes 18 hours a day, on your feet can really put you through the ringer, but it was all worth it in the end. The only way to be a great chef, is to pour your entire being into your food, to give every ounce to your guests, because they are the ones that you work for, not the restaurant, not the boss, the people who are eating your food, they are the ones that deserve nothing but the best!

AWG Private Chefs is a Walnut Creek based private chef service, specializing in fully customized inhome dining experiences, tailored to exactly what the client desires.

“When you cook for someone in their home, it is a very intimate thing, you are cooking exactly what they want, down to the smallest detail, and they take that first bite, and the smile goes across their face, that is what being a

private chef is all about.

When I work with a client to design a menu for them, I want to make sure that they understand that the dining experience we will embark on together is one that is all about them.

Once Chef Sean and his client decide on a menu that fits, he gets to work on sourcing the ingredients for the meal. I pride myself on using locally sourced, organic, GMO free, and sustainable ingredients from small family owned farms right here in the Bay Area, in my cooking. The chef then arrives to the clients’ home 2-3 hours prior to their desired dining time, and prepares the meal fresh in their home kitchen. “We shop, we cook, we serve, and the best part, we even do the dishes and clean up the kitchen when we are all through” providing a full service dining experience is what AWG Private Chefs is all about.

In January, AWG Private Chefs announced freshly prepared meal delivery service as a part of their fully customized dining choices. Now our clients that are always on the go, can have healthy meals, prepared fresh daily in our commercial kitchen, and delivered to them same day. I love to pamper our clients’ palates by insuring that each meal has their favorite flavors, paying special attention to dietary concerns, food allergies, and lifestyle choices such as gluten-free, paleo or low-carb.

See their ad left.

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Pleasant Hill Artist Helps Heal Brain-Injured Local Man The Mario Scharmer Story

Mario Scharmer was an energetic young man, social and wild, and looking forward to his future.

But a tragic auto accident left him in a vegetative state that changed his life forever. Through years of recovery, the help of a dedicated mentor and art therapy, Mario’s is painting again. In fact, he is an award winning abstract painter. Here is his remarkable story of recovery.

Mario Scharmer was born at Walnut Creek Kaiser Hospital in 1983. He was raised in Martinez and graduated from Pittsburg High School.

Mario was a very social person. He knew how to encourage good conversation and the women always gathered around him. He and his brother Miguel were known for being wild and crazy. “We could rev up the life of any social atmosphere with our presence,” states Miguel. After graduating, Mario planned to share an apartment with Miguel, and go to Diablo Valley College together. But before this all happened, they wanted to enjoy a “kick-ass” summer.

That summer ended abruptly. Mario sustained a traumatic brain injury from a solo auto crash that left him in an induced coma for 21 days and a persistent vegetative state for 141 days.

Thus began his long and difficult journey towards recovery and becoming an aspiring artist.

Mario wanted to take art lessons, but finding a good class was presenting a challenge. Night classes were not good for David Brooks and Mario. him and Diablo

49ers by Mario.

Valley College would be too difficult, given his mental and physical disabilities. Mario refused to give up. He prayed for a teacher.

David Brooks, is a retired contractor and lifetime artist. While meditating “Mario appeared to me and I got a feeling that I should find out if Mario had any interest in doing art classes.”

David knew Mario from meeting him at the Unity Center of Walnut Creek where they both attend on Sundays. David asked both Mario and his mother about offering private art lessons. They were surprised, delighted, and expressed gratitude that David was an answer to their prayers.

They meet at David’s house in Pleasant Hill every Tuesday. Mario squeals and laughs when he paints. Over the past fifteen weeks he has completed seven paintings! “Mario is tremendously creative.” David says that Mario has taught him to “be more patient, slow down, and look closer.”

To David, Art is healing. “When we are able to express that inner world and be a co-creator with the Great Creator, it heals. If you are alive you are creating art on some level. That is our purpose.

So go within to find your art form. Is it music, dancing, cooking, painting or singing? There are so many forms of art.”

With David mentoring and art therapy, Mario’s paintings have been shown in many venues throughout the bay area, including Kaiser Hospital, Shelby’s Restaurant in Orinda, East Bay Artist Guild Exhibits at the Diablo Valley College library and Pleasant Hill Senior Center, the de Young

Mario painting at Art Cottage

Museum Art Slam Event and more. Mario was awarded the 2011 Arts Recognition Award from Contra Costa County.

Mario is very active in his local community and continues to inspire others through his love and work. Mario still paints once a week for two hours with David. Mario paints with water bottles filled with paint, brushes, and tape to block out negative space. aRt Cottage is featuring many of Mario Scharmer colorful abstracts through January in an exhibit called “Healing with HeART”. There will be a closing artist reception with Mario on January 23, from 2pm-5pm. It is a free event and the public is invited. “Mario is a really cool guy and loves everyone! You will want to support him by purchasing a piece of original art for your home,” says Fro Butler, owner of aRT Cottage. “Everyone should have at least one.” The aRt Cottage is located at 2238 Mt Diablo St in Concord.

Make Your New Year Plan to Get Healthy ‘If it Hurts, You’ve Waited Too long’

A Lifetime of Smiles

By Robert H. Waldman, D.D.S How much dental care will you need in 2016? How much dental care can you afford in 2016? Some people are fortunate enough to have the ability to put pre-tax dollars away for future dental care: a cafeteria plan or a health savings account, to name a few. Many people just rely on their dental insurance and can predict how many out-of-pocket dollars they will need to maximize their insurance benefits.

Most dentists practice Managed Care, not to be confused with managed care insurance products.

Our job as dentists is to tell you what’s going on in your mouth. You will need to decide when, where and how much to spend on your dental health. We are still a generation of people who believe, “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.” However, most dentists agree if you wait until it hurts or breaks you have waited too long. Most dentists also agree that if you would just come in a couple

times a year for cleaning, many of your problems can be managed with the goal of reaching optimal dental health.

Sometimes the easiest way to view your aging dentition is by making a 4-year plan. This is treatment which is not time sensitive but is being suggested to you by your dentist to improve your overall dental health.

Each year, plan to repair a quarter of your mouth: the upper right, the lower right, the upper left, the lower left. It’s best to make your plan early in the year; however, if you have dental insurance, you may wish to complete your treatment in the last quarter of the year, leaving benefits open for any unforeseen emergencies. Discuss the timing of dental treatment and area of treatment with your dentist.

Also, if your Dental Insurance Plan has changed for 2016, and your dentist is not on the list of providers, don’t assume that you have to change

your dentist. Call your dental office and confirm that you have to change dentist. Most PPO dental plans allow you to go to an out-of-network dentist.

Find out what’s going on in your mouth and make a plan to get healthy. Remember, people don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan. See

your dentist and take control of your dental health.

Wishing you a bright and healthy smile, and as always don’t forget to swish, floss, brush and swish again at least twice a day.

-Dr. Rob See his ad below.

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

My New Year’s Resolution: Skydiving Journeyman’s Journal

By John Cooper

I’ve always loved this time of year, not so much for the holidays, but because it’s a great time for reflection; it’s a chance to look back and evaluate what you achieved over the past year and where you fell short. The approaching New Year offers a time of renewal, setting goals and making New Year’s resolutions.

When preparing my list of New Year’s resolutions, I have always tried to include a special trip or adventure, something to look forward to in the New Year and something that’s worthy of being on a bucket list.

While I prepared my New Year’s resolutions a few years ago, I struggled to find something meaningful to include, something that was relatively easy to achieve and something without a lot of fuss.

Sure I could have included sailing single-handedly to Hawaii, or riding a bike across the United States, but those goals seemed so daunting, and not realistic. Then it dawned on me, why not go skydiving? I’ve always been interested in skydiving, but the right opportunity had not yet presented itself. So the matter was settled, skydiving was now on my bucket list….for someday.

Early one Friday morning, a song came over the radio; it was “Live Like You Were Dying” by Tim McGraw. I loved the song’s lyrics, which in part went like this: "I was in my early forties, with a lot of life before me, and a moment came that stopped me on a dime…when it sank in that this might really be the real end, how’s it hit you when you get that kind of news. Man, whatcha do?”

And then the chorus continued with “I went skydiving, I went Rocky

Mountain climbing, I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fu Manchu.

And I loved deeper, and I spoke sweeter, and I gave forgiveness I'd been denying…someday I hope you get the chance to live like you were dying." I’ve heard the song before, but it meant something different that Friday morning, and acting completely on impulse, I decided that that was the day to go skydiving.

After I brief internet search I discovered Bay Area Skydiving Located in Byron on the east side of Mt. Diablo, it was a convenient location. So off I went, not to jump, but to find out more about it, pick up a brochure, etc. Then the flight instructor introduced himself and basically said “Why not do it now.”

After filling out the customary disclaimer forms, watching a short video on basic protocol, and getting fitted for a flight suit and harness, we began to board the small plane.

It wasn’t until the engine roared to life and the pilot announced our departure that it really sank in; that it was actually happening.

We slowly climbed to an altitude of 13,000 feet and made our preparations to jump. I began second-guessing my decision. What if my parachute doesn’t open? What if I freeze and forget to pull the rip cord? And why is “RIP” even mentioned before the word cord?

There’s only one other meaning of those letters “R.I.P.” that I was familiar with and I didn’t like the idea of it being connected to my cord.

Less than 1% of the estimated 2 million jumps a year end in tragedy, and since I’ve largely been a lucky guy most of my life, I thought for

sure I would fall with the other 99%.

There’s something fundamentally wrong with jumping out of a perfectly functioning airplane, I thought as I slowly inched my way toward the open door.

The instructor gave me a thumbs-up, and before I could protest, out the door I went.

With wind in my face, a lump in my throat, and terror in my eyes, I was free falling. Although Mt. Diablo provided a spectacular backdrop, it was not the view I was concerned with that day. There was something about falling at 125 mph towards the earth that kept me focused on the task at hand.

Without much fanfare the shoot opened, and for the first time, while suspended in mid-air, I viewed all the green and brown landscape below. It was a remarkable sight. I could no long tell I was descending until it was time to land. It was a rough landing that day, not like the ones you see at an air show or at a professional sporting event. Mine was more akin to tripping and falling over a gopher hole, or maybe like falling down a flight of stairs, but it was a successful landing nonetheless.

For the day, I was not Alan Eustace, the Google executive who jumped from space at 135,890 feet high, nor was I falling at 822 mph in a specially designed and pressurized spacesuit as he did, but I was a guy checking off another bucket list item, and there was no other place I wanted to be that day.

I must confess, that in terms of New Year’s resolutions, it was much more exciting than committing to a weight loss routine or deciding to join a gym. Skydiving was terrifying and exhilarating, and everything I had hoped for, but once was enough for me. My bucket list has far too many open items and time is wasting.

So what’s your New Year’s resolution going to be?

Diablo Gazette • JANUARY 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.

Vira and the Caps

By Elizabeth Sanches, Activity Director, Diamond Terrace

Vira Olson, a Resident of Diamond Terrace Retirement Community in Clayton, CA, has been a very busy lady. Originally from Brooklyn, Vira understands the biting-cold that winter can bring. That, mixed with her genuine love of crocheting and caring nature, has led to a very productive hobby. Vira crochets caps to keep herself busy, sometimes

creating upwards of two to three per day. For years Diamond Terrace has received donations of yarn, and before Vira moved in, had half a dozen bins full of all different colors of the beautiful material. Now the yarn’s been put to good use, but what to do with all the caps? After giving one to each of the staff members, she still had many left over and wanted them put to good use. The friendly staff at Diamond Terrace was now on the search for a worthy cause that would happily accept the donation of

beautiful hand-crafted caps.

Then one day, Patti Kennedy, from the Bay Area Crisis Nursery came into Diamond Terrace to have lunch with a friend. She was told about Vira and her caps, and was ecstatic to accept the donation of over 50 adult-sized caps for their Christmas baskets that are given to the BACN families. “We receive many donations for the infants, but it’s the adult family members who are often forgotten,” Patti told Vira that the caps would be a wonderful addition to the baskets and truly appreciated for the families in need. The Bay Area Crisis Nursery’s mission is to prevent the abuse and neglect of children by providing support to the families who are in stress or crisis. Their primary

service is providing a warm, loving, homelike environment for children from birth through eleven years of age by offering 24-hour residential care. This service is free, confidential, and voluntary. They also provide a Respite Care Program which is designed to be an ongoing support to families after the immediate crisis.

It consists of planned pre-arranged

two to four day stays. This service plays an important role in improving family coping patterns and reducing the risks of child abuse. The BACN has been in operation for 32 years, receives 1,000+ admissions annually, and is 100% non-profit, with no government funding. They are “for parents who care but temporarily can’t cope.” If you would like to learn

more, visit their website, www.bacn. info, or call them at (925) 685-8052.

Now Vira can continue to keep herself busy, crocheting away, knowing that each one of her caps is going to a good-home, for someone who truly needs it.

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The Diablo Gazette’s

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Government Martin Luther King Day, Monday, January 18: Concord offices will be closed.

Mayor's State-of-the-City address Mayor Laura Hoffmeister will present her State-of-the-City address at the 2016 Mayor's Luncheon on Thursday, Jan. 28 at the Hilton Concord, 1970 Diamond Blvd. Tickets are available from the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce. The Mayor's address will subsequently be broadcast on Concord Cable TV channel 28 (Comcast), 29 (Astound), and AT&T U-Verse 99.

•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/ 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 •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/

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Holocaust Author Speaking in Walnut Creek and Pleasant Hill The courage and compassion to do the right thing – it’s the prevailing theme that resonates with audiences when they hear San Mateo author, Marty Brounstein, talk about his book, Two Among the Righteous Few: A Story of Courage in the Holocaust.

This, his ninth book, thrusts Brounstein into the interfaith business, as he tells the story of a Christian couple, Frans and Mien Wijnakker, who saved the lives of over two dozen Jews in the Netherlands during World War II’s Holocaust. This true story has all the elements of intrigue, complete with hiding rooms and Nazi soldiers showing up on doorsteps.

This remarkable story has a personal connection to Brounstein, one he’s been revealing to standingroom-only audiences across the country at nearly 400 speaking events.

“My goal … is to leave the reader and audience with important messages that they can apply in their lives,” said Brounstein. “Those include

demonstrating ethics and doing the right thing, treating others with respect as consistent practice … and recognizing that care and empathy are qualities to nurture and develop.”

Efforts are underway to turn A Few Among the Righteous Few into a feature film. In the meantime, Brounstein will be telling his story and signing his books in the Diablo Valley this month.

• January 17, An Afternoon With Marty Brounstein, at 1:30 pm for Rossmoor residents and guests, in Rossmoor’s Peacock Hall, 1001 Golden Rain Rd. Contact Brian Pennebaker, bpennebaker@rossmoor.com or (925) 988-7732.

• January 20, The American Association of University Women, Annual Soup Supper Program, 6:30 pm at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 1601 Mary Drive, Pleasant Hill. Open to the public, RSVP Gayle Garrison, tarheel61@yahoo.com or (925) 798-7528.

Club/Support Group Events

Concord Ducati Bike Night, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on the fourth Friday of each month at Lazy Dog Café, 1961 Diamond Blvd, Concord.

925/849-1221 http://norcaldoc.com The Clayton Valley Garden Club resumes its meetings in February (the second Tuesday of the month, February through November).

Here are the details: Clayton Valley Garden Club - 7p.m. February 10, Diamond Terrace 6401 Center St., Clayton. Guest Speaker Troy McGregor – Garden Manager at The Ruth Bancroft Garden, and Australian native, will discuss “Bullet-proof Plants”. Contact: www. claytonvalleygardenclub.org First Year Mom’s Group -Friday, January 29; Parents of children ages 0-12mos can connect with other parents at this weekly group. Learn about topics such as breastfeeding and sleep schedules, etc. The group will be facilitated by a doula and childbirth educator.

11:15 storytime follows. Pleasant Hill Library Meeting Room, 1750 Oak Park Blvd. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Meets weekly. Free 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Meets weekly January 20, 2016 Dementia: Understanding Behaviors & Finding •Tools on how to have conversations about needs when denial is present •Giving you permission to “stretch the truth” for dignity, safety and selfesteem •Understanding the different types of dementia No fee. Advanced registration required. http://www.

EldercareAnswers.com info@eldercareanswers.com Galindo Home and Gardens 1721 Amador Avenue, Concord CA (map) DescriptionVisit 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 Free Sundays from 1pm-4pm and by appointment.

For further information, contact the Concord Historical Society www. concordhistorical.org

Diablo Gazette • JANUARY 2016 • Page 8 • 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 Baldwin Dog Park closed for maintenance. The Baldwin Dog Park at 2700 Parkside Circle will be closed for eight to ten weeks.

Residents can use the Newhall Dog Park at 1351 Newhall Parkway during the closure. Concord's dog parks are very popular, getting a lot of use. The annual maintenance program keeps the parks in good condition. Newhall Dog Park will undergo maintenance when the Baldwin project is complete.

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. Heather Farms Adult Education Series “From the Ground Up” Begins 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: Jan. 13 – Winter Blooming Plants with Kristin Yanker-Hansen (7pm) Jan. 16 – Rose Pruning with Marsha Hildebrand (10am) Jan. 23 – Succulent Arrangements with Diane Goldsmith (10am) Feb. 6 – Bath Salts & Salves with Hollie Lucas-Alcalay (10am) Feb. 19 – Floral Arranging with Najat Nicola (9:30 am) Feb. 26 – Floral Workshop with Najat Nicola (9:30 am) 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.

Homeschool at The Gardens Friday, January 29, 10am-Noon.

Winter is upon us! Investigate the signs of climate change, learn how to observe, measure, and predict weather conditions, and discover how to help keep Earth healthy. Gardens’ teaching staff will lead hands-on, multidisciplinary activities for a variety of gradelevels.

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

Clayton says Farewell Two former Clayton residents, Katie Grace Groebner, 13, and Violet Reichle, 102, each having once been on the cover of the Concordian have both passed away this past month.

Diablo Gazette offers its condolences to the families of each.

Katie Grace Groebner A little more than a year ago, Concordian wrote about Katie and her life's public battle with Pulmonary Hypertension after a successful and promising heart and lung transplant. Katie Grace Groebner, 13, passed on Christmas Day surrounded by her loving family.

A public memorial service was held on Sunday, January 10th at 4pm at the Diablo View Middle School Gymnasium in Clayton.

Violet Reichle once graced the cover of The Concordian when she turned 100.

She passed away peacefully Sunday, December 13, 2015 Violet was born January 9, 1914. She would have been 102 this January.

She was born in

Columbia, South Carolina and grew up in Fall River, a cotton mill town in Massachusetts. Later she lived in Pennsylvania, New York and San Francisco.

She spent much of her adult life volunteering for the Free Wheelers at St. Bernard Hospital, Meals on Wheels, the Cub Scouts and spent her weekends teaching Sunday School.

Violet's hobbies included sewing, hand-crafts, singing, gardening and globe trotting. Her travels took her to Germany, Alaska, the East Coast, Panama and Guatemala.

She will always be remembered as a very compassionate and kind woman who loved to smile, never finding fault with anybody or any thing. Her friendliness, laughter, and gracious attitude were contagious.

Violet is survived by her son, Doug, his family, and the family of another son, Tom, who predeceased her. There are six grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and a great-greatgranddaughter who shares the name of Violet.

A memorial service is pending at this time. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

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.

Feb 3: Wednesday Night Lights - A Super Community Celebration for the Big Game!"

Enjoy the rocking sounds of the Bay Area's own Mustache Harbor and celebrate the upcoming Big Game! Imagine a football field in the heart of downtown with games, food and festivities. Experience the escapades of iconic superheroes with this pumped-up collection of international artworks at The Bedford Gallery. Local cheerleaders will be handing out "Super Hero Bucks" to redeem that evening for free give-a-ways. Super Hero fans get ready to meet some of your favorite characters who are sure to make this an action packed adventure!

Pleasant Hill The American Association of University Women, Annual Soup Supper Program Presents Marty Brounstein, author of Two Among the Righteous Few: A Story of Courage in the Holocaust, 6:30 pm supper, 7:15 pm presentation, Wednesday, January 20 at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 1601 Mary Drive, Pleasant Hill. A true story of a Christian couple, Frans and Mien Wijnakker, who saved the lives of over two dozen Jews in the Netherlands during World War II and the Holocaust Open to the public, men and women, RSVP Gayle Garrison, tarheel61@ yahoo.com or (925) 798-7528.

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 The Great San Francisco Crystal Fair takes place at Fort Mason Center on February 27-28.

It's our 29th Anniversary. Crystal Fairs feature the crystals, minerals, beads, jewelry, metaphysical healing tools – and more. Fort Mason Center, Bldg A; 2 Marina Blvd. at Buchanan, San Francisco.

Hours: Saturday 10-6; Sunday 10-4: Admission $10 (good for 2 days - each in party) Children 12 and under free with parent. Contact info: Jerry@crystalfair.com; (415) 383-7837. www.crystalfair.com

Have an event coming up?

Email your event info to: diablogazette@gmail.com

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

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 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.

• An Afternoon With Marty Brounstein, for Rossmoor residents and their guests, Sunday, January 17 at 1:30 pm in Rossmoor’s Peacock Hall, 1001 Golden Rain Road, Walnut Creek. Contact Brian Pennebaker, bpennebaker@rossmoor.com or (925) 988-7732.

• The American Association of University Women, Annual Soup Supper Program Presents Marty Brounstein, 6:30 pm supper, 7:15 pm presentation, Wednesday, January 20 at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 1601 Mary Drive, Pleasant Hill. Open to the public, men and women, RSVP Gayle Garrison, tarheel61@yahoo.com or (925) 7987528.

Walnut Creek Wednesdays.

January 6, 5 - 8 p.m., and every first Wednesday through June 2016. On Cypress Street, between N. Main

Diablo Ballet Celebrates the New Year with George Balanchine’s Apollo Diablo Ballet presents the second program of their 22nd season celebrating the power of dance with Precision and Balance, February 5 & 6 at the Del Valle Theatre in Walnut Creek.

Diablo Ballet will open the performance with the full production of George Balanchine’s masterpiece, Apollo, staged

by Christopher Stowell, former San Francisco Ballet principal dancer who performed in almost every Balanchine production presented there during his sixteen-year tenure. Balanchine was only 24 years old when he created Apollo and regarded it as his artistic coming of age. The ballet premiered in 1928 at the Théâtre Sarah Bernhardt in Paris, the result of an extraordinary artistic collaboration between Balanchine, set designer André Bauchant, costume designer Coco Chanel and composer Igor Stravinsky.

The February program also features My Way, choreographed by beloved company alumna Tina Kay Bohnstedt and made famous by Frank Sinatra. First performed in 2011, My Way is a duet for two men, showcasing their virtuosity and will be performed to live music.

Also included in Diablo Ballet’s performance, resident choreographer and dancer Robert Dekkers, presents Milieu, set to a live performance of a commissioned score by Daniel Berkman. Milieu was created in 2009 for Novaballet in Phoenix, where Dekkers was the resident choreographer at the time. Dekkers explains, “This was the first of what would be much collaboration between composer Daniel Berkman and myself. We were both interested in responding as individuals and as a society to the constant growth and change we are seeing in the milieu of our lives."

Street and Locust Street. Celebrate the New Year with “Sweet ’16 on Cypress.” This Free, family-friendly evening includes Project 4 Band’s funky, soulful sounds, local vendors and tasty treats under festive Tivoli lights. Featuring Food Truck Mafia’s United Bites and Street Dogs, Pyramid on tap, Irish Coffee, a wine tent , and kettle corn. Free hot chocolate and apple cider. For kids, Interactive mobile art cart, meet ARF’s animal ambassadors and enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides.

For more information, visit www. walnutcreekdowntown.com.

Fundraisers

Precision and Balance will be presented at the Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd. in Walnut Creek. Friday, February 5 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday, February 6 at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Each performance is followed by an interactive Q&A up close and personal with the dancers and choreographers and includes a complimentary dessert & coffee reception.

Season subscription packages are still available. For more information, call the Diablo Ballet office at (925) 943-1775 or visit the website at www. diabloballet.org.

Diablo Ballet has been the awardwinning, professional dance company for Contra Costa County for 22 years.

It is committed to exposing youth to the arts through the renowned PEEK Youth Outreach Program, bringing arts education to over 5,000 elementary school students in underserved Alameda and Contra Costa counties each year. PEEK has been recognized by policy makers of the Senate, Congress and Assembly for its outstanding contribution to the community.

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

Visual Arts/Theatre/ Music Art Cottage – January. “Healing with HeART”, aRt Cottage is featuring many of Mario Scharmer’s colorful abstracts. There will be a closing artist reception with Mario on January 23, from 2pm-5pm.

It is a free event and the public is invited. aRt Cottage is located at 2238 Mt Diablo St Concord. For more information feel free to call the Gallery at (925) 956-3342 Where: aRt Cottage 2238 Mt. Diablo St. Concord When: all month - January 2016 Reception to meet the artist - Sat. January 23 from 2-5 Why: Because Mario is a really cool guy and loves everyone! You will want to support him.

How: By purchasing a piece of original art for your home. Everyone should have at least one.

Diablo Ballet 22nd season celebrates the new year with Precision and Balance, February 5-6 at the Del Valle Theatre in Walnut Creek with the full production of Apollo by George Balanchine, My Way by beloved company alumna Tina Kay Bohnstedt, set to Frank Sinatra, and Milieu by Robert Dekkers, set to a live performance of a commissioned score by Daniel Berkman. Each performance is followed by an interactive Q&A with the dancers and choreographers and includes a complimentary dessert reception, with an opportunity for the audience members to get up close and personal with the artists. February 5 at 8 p.m. and February 6 2 p.m. and 8p.m. at Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. RUNNING TIME: 1 hour, no intermission.

TICKETS: $24-$44 (925) 9437469; www.lesherartscenter. org,www.diabloballet.org

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

Movie Maverick: Double Feature Edition

By Jason Rugaard

The Big Short

Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the movies after space opera fantasies, along comes The Big Short. A film that harbors a palpable sense of disbelief at the unethical behavior displayed by the nation’s leading financial structures and their unregulated practices overlooked by the government.

Director/writer Adam Mckay has taken Michael Lewis’ (dry) account of the pre-market collapse and the resulting bailout chronicled in his bestseller and made the endeavor easily understandable and darkly comic and the same time. This is no easy feat and Mckay (mostly known for his Anchorman movies) proves himself a rich storyteller. Who knew?

That seems to be the theme of the tale outlined here and characterized by a dozen gifted actors portraying real-life fund managers that foresaw the burst of the housing bubble.

The Big Short chronicles the foresight of Michael Burry (Christian Bale), trader Jared Vennett (Ryan Gosling), and investment manager Mark Baum (Steve Carell) in the creation of the credit default swap market. Each of these individuals made a long-term investment, deemed insane at the time, to essentially bet against the nation’s economy. When the collateralized debt (CDO) bubble burst in spectacular fashion, that resulted in a

three-year financial crisis and these men profited greatly.

For a story with multiple layers of complexity, back story and dense financial jargon the screenplay is streamlined and told with such clarity that anyone can follow the legal con games happening. It’s not a revelatory notion that greed is bad, that American financial structures are in collusion with government agencies, that those institutes care about nothing but money, and that none of this is good news for those of us who don’t happen to work on Wall Street and earn high sevenfigure salaries. That being said, The Big Short is an atypical approach to material that was considered ‘not film-able’.

Frankly, I’m astonished that a movie of such intelligence, sly playfulness, and nihilism can come from the studio system in 2015. Rumor has it that Director Adam Mckay had to deliver Paramount Anchorman 2 before they green lit this riskier project.

The gamble has paid off handsomely as The Big Short is already looking like a box-office hit along with earning rave critical notices. If/ when this sort of collapse happens again I have a feeling that unlike Baum himself, there will be many to proclaim “I told you so.”

Director: Adam Mckay Stars: Steve Carrell, Christian Bale, Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt

Concussion

Will Smith is spot-on in his depiction of Nigerian-born pathologist Bennet Omalu.

However, the performance is greater than the movie, which is solid but not the memorable masterpiece that was teased in glimpses during the trailer. Concussion is a wellinformed and superbly acted truestory that never quite achieves the emotional impact that it is striving towards. Perhaps, this is due to the tangled real-life story not comfortably fitting into a three act structure.

When Steelers Hall-of-Famer Mike Webster dies of a massive heart attack, Omalu is the forensic pathologist assigned to the autopsy.

During the course of the procedure Dr. Omalu discovers abnormal proteins that have fused onto the brain. These unusual markings lead to the inaugural medical diagnosis of CTE, a condition that accrued during Webster’s 18 years playing professional football.

More cases begin to pile up and Bennet becomes increasingly vocal about his discovery and the dangers of impact/trama to the head. Naturally, the NFL becomes defensive about the news and then they act defiant in not accepting the scientific proof presented to them.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell

organizes a committee on player’s safety which dismisses Omalu’s published study.

This very public rejection comes with considerable pressure to back down from his efforts. Bennet’s boss (Albert Brooks) is subjected to a dubious prosecution on corruption charges, and his wife, Prema, loses their baby after being stalked and harassed. However, the conversation turns when former NFL Players Association executive Dave Duerson admits that Omalu’s findings have merit and commits suicide. This forces Congress to look at the issue, and directs the NFL to make changes and implement concussion protocols.

Will Smith is excellent. Albert Brooks, as Omalu’s cranky superior, Alec Baldwin as a former team doctor with a mountain of guilt, and David Morse as the mentally ill Steeler’s hero, Mike Webster all offer strong supporting performances.

While Concussion isn’t the surefire OSCAR contender that was speculated pre-release, it is a very earnest and engrossing film that deserves to be seen by every football player, fan and parent. If millions of weekly spectators cheer for their onfield glory, we must be prepared to not look away when the ramifications of such activities occurs.

Director: Peter Landesman Stars: Will Smith, Alec Baldwin, Albert Brooks

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

Five Restaurants to Try in 2016 Richard Eber

Coming up with a list of my favorite local eating establishments is not an easy task. The large number of quality restaurants makes it impossible to sample them all. This list is meant to be fun and based upon quality, value, price of my overall dinning experiences and is in no particular order.

1. 54 Mint 785 Oak Grove Concord (925) 9699828 & 1586 Locust, Walnut Creek (925) 476-5844 Co-owners Claudio Ricciolini and Daniele Carsano have created arguably one of the best restaurants for fine dining in the region. Their Nimon Ranch Porchetta (pork Belly), Risotto Al Funghi (mushrooms) and Scottadito, (Roman-style lamb chops) are part of seasonal fare that changes as fresh ingredients become available.

Claudio and Danielle took over a small bakery in Walnut Creek and have created a culinary wonderland. They make pastries, rolls, and focaccia bread on the premises. Their famous tiramisu is also served at their restaurant in Concord.

For lunch, 54 Mint offers pastas including lasagna and a collection of panini’s. Their Moderno which is a combination of Norwegian smoked salmon, arugula, stracchino cheese, and tomato is a show stopper. My favorite salad option, the Caprese, made with Farmer’s Market tomatoes and Burrata cheese from Italy.

They use custom dough of wheat, soy, and rice flour’s Wence’s seafood pasta.

imported from Italy to make extraordinary pizza.

The toppings consist of quality ingredients such as Genovese, Calabrese, Campana, and Finocchiona. A small beer and wine list makes 54 Mint in Walnut Creek a true bistro.

2. Zalla Afghan Grill 4743 Clayton Rd., Concord ( 925) 686-9923 If you like authentic Greek food you will like Afghan cuisine. Zalla is arguably the best of this genre. I recommend the Aushak, which are dumplings filled with leeks and topped with a ground beef sauce and yogurt or the Mantu, which could be described as Afgan ravioli.

Their main course items of chicken, beef, and Above, 54 Mint in Concord. Below, grilled lamb shanks at lamb kabobs are grilled to perfection. Try the Zalla Afghan Grill.

Zabzi Challow is lamb shank with spinach. Zalla also has a number of other original dishes ranging macaroni and from stuffed grape leaves (dolmas) to Buranni Kado cheese, baked in its which is fresh pumpkin cooked in cardamom and own caste iron skillet topped with house-made yogurt. and made with three 3. Naan ‘n’ Curry 2068 Salvio Street, Concord cheeses with panko (925) 825-6226 bread crumbs on Since Naan ‘n’ Curry opened their doors, this top. Their lobster inexpensive high quality restaurant has been packed variety is in a class at all hours serving their curry dishes, basmati rice, all by itself. and homemade Naan bread of plain, garlic and The Shrimp Louie is of Fisherman’s Wharf onion flavors. quality. They grill a perfect steak and have a They serve a large menu with lamb, chicken, delectable desert menu, a reasonable wine list, and shrimps , and a large vegetarian selection. For cocktails. chicken main courses try the various curry 5. Korean BBQ Plus 1450 Monument Blvd (at combinations including Gobhi (Cauliflower) Cholay Reganti) Concord 925 680- 9090 (garbanzo beans) Palak (spinach), and Tikka This restaurant offers some of the best Korean Masala. For lamb dishes, I recommend their Daal food in the area. At lunch time they serve cold glass Gosht (yellow lentils) and Kuna (lamb shank). The noodles to get things started followed by a cup of Biryani’s (fried rice) and Mango Lassi (yogurt drink) soup. are also popular. Diners are encouraged to share Entrées are served with approximately 15 small dishes. plates of goodies to accompany the meal. These 4. Wence’s 1922 Oak Pan Chan’s consist of small portions of Kiamichi, Park Blvd. Pleasant Hill cucumber salad, sea weed, Cole slaw, marinated (925) 566-8971 potatoes, spinach, fish cake, and bean sprouts to Everything this place name a few. offers is freshly made, Korean BBQ Plus is well known for their beautifully served, and barbecued short ribs, marinated in a special house an excellent value. I call sauce consisting of ginger, minced garlic, sugar, soy it gourmet café-diner sauce and scallions. food.

The Mae Un Doc Gu E (tender chicken marinated I order different items in a spicy sauce) is a popular choice. They also serve each time I go. They several types of soups, vegetarian, and sea food offer a large variety of dishes. I like the Nak Ji Boke-Um (sautéed octopus items from cooked& mixed vegetables with spicy sauce.) to-order burgers to The opinions here are exclusively that of the astounding high-end author’s and not necessarily the views of Diablo sea food dishes. Their Gazette. This is a condensed version of the original signature dish, is article. For the complete article with five more a homemade adult restaurant picks, go to www.Contracostabee.com.

The SIR Branch Announces 2015 Golf Champions The local SIR Branch 19 announced its 2015 Golf Champions. Players with an active NCGA handicap index compete in the various ongoing games at nearby courses. The winners were recognized at the annual golf awards luncheon. The 2015 Winners are: A Flight Champion – Jack Duncan B Flight Champion – Bill Boyer C Flight Champion - Jerry Burton D Flight Champion – Rich Peterson Match Play Champion – Gary Kaufmann The Sons in Retirement (SIR) is an organization for retired men focused on the enjoyment of their senior years. Members enjoy a variety of sporting and recreational activities.

The Branch meets monthly for lunch at Oakhurst Country Club featuring

interesting presentations from cultural and content experts.

Membership is free. Prospective members may attend as a guest at one of the monthly meetings. For more information email Bruce Persons at: brucep@astound.net, call 925-338-1996, or visit the website at www.sir19.org.

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

Winter Veggies: Broccoli Rabe Hearty and Healthy Easy Taco Soup FrugElegance Farmer Fresh

By Debra Morris, Pacific Coast Farmers Market

Now’s the time to visit the farmers’ market and pick up some marvelous cruciferous veggies. Winter is the time to gather broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and more. Try something new this year broccoli rabe, a cruciferous vegetable related to both the cabbage and turnip family. Also called Italian broccoli or rapini, it’s not actually related to broccoli, but is more closely related to the turnip. It is leafier than regular broccoli with thinner stems and smaller florets.

The flavor is slightly bitter and pungent.

Mostly used in Asian cooking, this variety of broccoli is delicious steamed, sautéed, braised and used as you would regular broccoli. It’s

also great in casseroles or gratins.

Pair it with salty, sweet or acidic foods that naturally reduce bitterness and enhance flavor.

It is a source of vitamin A, C and K, as well as potassium, calcium and iron. When purchasing, look for bright-green leaves that are crisp, upright, and not wilted. Avoid ones with leaves that are wilted, yellowing, or have dark green patches of slime.

To maintain crispness, refrigerate, loosely wrapped in a plastic bag or wrap for up to three days. Do not wash until ready to use.

Purchase broccoli rabe at your local farmers’ market. We’re sure you’ll like the tangy bitter flavor in many recipes.

From the Recipe Book:

Sautéed Rabe

2 tablespoons minced garlic 1 bunch broccoli rabe, chopped 2 tablespoons olive oil Red pepper flakes Rinse and trim 1/4-inch from bottom of stems. Cut stalks crosswise into 2-inch pieces and drop them into salted (optional), boiling water. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes and remove with slotted spoon.

Sauté the blanched rabe in a little olive oil and as much garlic as you like for 3 to 5 minutes until tender. Optional - Add a few dried red pepper flakes.

By Carol and Randi, The Frugirls

If your New Year's Resolution is to eat better, there's nothing like starting the year with one of our favorite soup recipes. Hearty and Healthy Taco Soup is a family favorite that’s quick and oh-so easy to make. (We almost feel guilty about that). It’s hearty and filling and yet also low calorie & healthy. Give it a try and don’t admit how easy it was to make… shhh, let's keep that between us!

These are the Soup Ingredients: •1 Chopped Onion •1 Package Ground Turkey 18 oz.

•1-2 cans of Diced Tomatoes (I used petite diced) •1 can Diced Green Chiles 4 oz.

•2 cans of Beans: kidney, pinto, black, white (use your favorite) or a mix •1 bag Frozen Corn •1 pkg Taco Seasoning •1 pkg Ranch Dressing Mix •1 box Chicken Stock 32oz.

Brown the ground turkey & diced onion. Season with taco seasoning mix. Add the rest of ingredients, bring to low boil and simmer for about 15-20 minutes.

Now the fun part, ladle into a bowl & add your favorite toppings. Or you can make a topping bar & let

everyone chose their favorites: Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream, Chopped Cilantro, Diced Avocado, Mild Picked Jalapeños, Tortilla Strips, Sliced Olives, Hot Sauce.

Enjoy!

We have posted several of our other favorite soup and crockpot recipes perfect through these chilly winter days. All are hearty, healthy and super easy to make. Just come on over to www.frugelegance.com and click on the recipes/soups and sides tab.

Travis Credit Union Offers Scholarship Program VACAVILLE, CA –Great news for college bound seniors – Travis Credit Union announced today that it will award twenty, $1,500 scholarships.

Travis Credit Union encourages all graduating seniors to apply. Each applicant must be a high school senior with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, bound for a two–or four–year college or university and a member

of Travis Credit Union in good standing. Students who live in Travis Credit Union’s twelve-county service region and are not yet members may join the credit union and apply for a scholarship at the same time.

“In the last 12 years, we have received a tremendous response from young members who have exhibited a commitment to academic excellence and community service. We look forward to recognizing even more of our deserving young members this year,” says Barry Nelson, Travis Credit Union’s president and CEO. The Travis Credit Union Board of Directors established the scholarship program in 2004 and named it the Mary Keith Duff Memorial Scholarship Fund in honor of a longtime board member, who passed away in December 2004.

Scholarship applications are available at any branch location or online at Travis Credit Union’s website at www.traviscu.org. In addition to a completed application, other requirements include: a 250-word essay, a certified high school transcript and a letter of recommendation from a teacher. Completed applications must be received no later than the close of business Monday, March 7, 2016.

Headquartered in Vacaville, Travis Credit Union is the 13th largest credit union in California with more than 177,000 members and more than $2.5 billion in assets.

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

From the Principal’s Desk

By Jeff Eden, CVCHS

There are many reasons why I was drawn to working in schools —with students being at the top of the list. Another key motivation is that each year has its own energy and identity. It starts fresh, allowing us to focus on yearly goals and then take a step away in the summer to re-evaluate our progress. In fact, the holiday break provides another opportunity to catch our breath as we prepare for the second semester push.

So, I have always bought into the idea of New Year’s resolutions in my life and my work as a way to stay focused both personally and professionally. As 2016 gets rolling, here are my top three resolutions for the Clayton Valley Charter High School Ugly Eagles: First, I resolve to lead the effort to continue making “Celebrating All Wins” a cultural norm. We want our students and school to be successful. We want high test scores, high graduation rates and high college admissions for our students and alumni.

We want school to be fun and want

our activities to be first class. The bottom line is we want our students to expect success from the minute they walk on campus to the day they earn their diplomas. We want high expectations to be a habit, and we must celebrate success on a daily basis to make it happen.

Second, I resolve to help our staff continue to be a well-trained, teamcentered, group of professionals who are proud to wear the CVCHS colors. As we go through the rest of this year, my first at the helm, I want to build relationships and support our collective growth so that we are a prideful bunch able to serve every need.

And finally, and selfishly, I want to have a rockin’ graduation for the Class of 2016. First, they are our inaugural group to have the charter experience for all four years. They are the group that sets the bar for all future classes, and they are my first seniors at CVCHS. They inspire our CVCHS school community and they deserve to go out in style.

Happy New Year from our school family to yours.

Tips for Selling in the Winter Jennifer Stojanovich Realtor

Traditional real estate marketing says homes sell better in the Spring and that if you haven't sold by the time school starts, you might as well wait until the weather warms again. But these days, real estate is anything but traditional.

In fact, some studies show that winter is now the best time to sell a home. Any time from December to May can be ideal for listing your home. February is often the best month to list with the highest reported home sales within 90 days of placing a home on the market.

Real estate professionals know that home shoppers venturing out in January and February typically are motivated and serious. That means less time spent on just lookers and more time spent negotiating with actual potential buyers. Some locations experience bidding wars during these months because fewer homes are on the market.

Prepping One challenge to selling during winter is that getting your home prepared to show is more challenging. While you might try major upgrades in the warmer months, if you want to sell in the winter months, consider simpler upgrades such as painting the front door a cheerful color or changing out the countertops for a solid surface top. You might opt for refinishing rather than replacing to give your home an upgraded look without the expense.

If you've decorated with brighter

paint colors, consider toning them down with some modern neutrals such as warm gray or café au lait.

Using low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints is easier on your family's respiratory system when painting during winter months. Since you are less able to open up the house to air it out, low-VOC paints allow you to freshen your walls without the odors and toxins that standard paints can release into your home.

Showing Tips If your home is going to sell in winter, you still need to remember the rules of curb appeal: Make your home warm (but not stuffy) and inviting by lighting up all the rooms and even lighting the fireplace (if you or your real estate agent will be present during the showing).

Remember that crystal clear, clean windows give the best first impression.

Cozy up your home with comfortable throws on the sofa, but take care to remove textiles that contain pet odors since indoor odors can be magnified in the colder months.

Be proactive about having doormats so that visitors can wipe their feet as they enter.

Call our office today for a consultation regarding known valueadded suggestions and preparations when getting your home ready to show to prospective buyers in the winter months.

Compliments of Virtual Results.

See her ad left.

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

No Taxation Without Representation?

City of Concord Still Blocked from Seat at CCTA Table Ron Leone Concord Vice Mayor

Should Concord voters support the new Measure J transportation tax in November if Concord continues to not have a seat at the CCTA table?

The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is a public agency formed by Contra Costa County voters in 1988 to manage our county's transportation sales tax funding of programs and to develop countywide transportation planning. Although the largest city in the county, the City of Concord has been blocked from having representation on CCTA for the past twenty-three years.

There are eleven CCTA board members, plus three ex-officio, non-voting members from AC Transit, BART and MTC. The voting board members are eight mayors or council members from their local RTCP’s (Regional Transportation Planning Committees), one representative from the Mayor’s Council, and two members from the County Board of Supervisors. These CCTA board members set the priorities and the funding of programs for our entire county.

Concord’s local RTCP is called TRANSPAC. There are five cities (Clayton, Pleasant Hill Walnut Creek, Martinez,

and Concord) plus Supervisor Mitchoff who have votes on TRANSPAC. TRANSPAC is allotted two representatives to serve on the voting body of CCTA. For the past nineteen years only three different people from TRANSPAC have been allowed to serve on the CCTA board. Walnut Creek councilmember Charlie Abrams served on CCTA for ten years, Pleasant Hill councilmember David Durant has now been on CCTA for nine years, and Clayton councilmember Julie Pierce has been on CCTA for twenty-three years.

The irony of this is that she is from the smallest city in the county, which doesn’t have BART, freeways, airport, or even a gas station and yet she is the longest termed CCTA board representative. All of the TRANSPAC cities should feel like equal partners. Ms. Pierce is a good person and has represented all of the cities well: however, the time has come for Concord to have the right to represent Clayton and the other cities too.

CCTA is currently discussing a potential county-wide half-cent transportation sales tax which would raise $2.3 billion over the next twenty-five years. With the future development of the Concord Naval Weapon Station property, it is essential to mitigate traffic issues for our city and neighboring areas. We must have the means to fund transportation projects. However, we not only need the funding, we also need a seat at the table.

City of Concord Updates

Clothes Washer Rebates: Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) and PG&E are offering rebates on new clothes washers. The HighEfficiency Washing Machine Rebate Program provides a combined rebate of up to $150 from the Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) and PG&E for district customers who purchase qualified high-efficiency clothes washers. The clothes washer must be a qualified Energy Star Most Efficient (ESME) model. For a qualifying products list, visit http://www. waterenergysavings.com/ Free sandbags and sand pick up is now available.

The 24-hour self-serve sandbag station outside the gates of the City Corporation Yard, 1455 Gasoline Alley off of Bisso Lane, has everything residents need to make their own sandbags. Filled sandbags are available for the elderly by calling (925) 671-3448 during business hours. Or bring your own bags and shovels to the two satellite stations at Lime Ridge and Hillcrest Park to pick up sand. Sandbagging Locations in Concord: 3701 Treat Boulevard, 3119 Grant Street, 1455 Gasoline Alley. Sandbag Purchase Locations (For Sale) are: 2090 Meridian Park Blvd.,1935 Arnold Industrial Way, 4451 Clayton Road, 1861 Arnold Industrial Way #1.

Report storm damage to Public Works With storms forecast for the next few months, residents who see downed trees, flooded streets or overflowing creeks on public property should notify Public Works staff.

Crews are standing by to address these issues 24/7. Call the Public Works office from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at (925) 671-3448 or the Police Dispatch line after hours at (925) 671-3333 to report a problem.

Baldwin Dog Park is closed for maintenance.

The Baldwin Dog Park at 2700 Parkside Circle will be closed for eight to ten weeks for maintenance.

Residents can use the Newhall Dog Park at 1351 Newhall Parkway during the closure. Concord's dog parks are very popular and getting a lot of use.

The annual maintenance program keeps the parks in good condition.

Newhall Dog Park will undergo maintenance when the Baldwin project is complete.

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

Abigail Bush –117 years ago A Walk Through Time

Dr. Samatha Francois for opening the world of “Women in history” to me.

By Misty Bruns, Clayton Museum docent On December 10, 1898 Abigail Norton Bush died.

Abigail was the first American woman to serve as president of a women’s right convention. She served as president of the second women’s right convention in Rochester in 1848. Abigail gained the trust and respect of Elizabeth Cady Straton and Lucretia Mott.

Abigail married Henry Bush in 1831(1833).

Henry and Abigail moved west seeking a more prosperous life in the California Gold Rush in 1850.

On Oct. 3, 1896, Susan B. Anthony had come to the Martinez Opera House to speak to a crowd.

Susan recognized the hard work that Abigail had done for the women’s suffrage movement.

Abigail and her husband were ardent abolitionists. While in Rochester, New York, their home became a station on the Underground Railroad. They helped and protected Fredrick Douglass during his escape from slavery.

In 1898, the Nation Women’s Suffrage Association held its 50th anniversary convention.

Abigail was honored during the “pioneering evening.” She was not able to make to make it to the convention, but she sent a letter with Susan B. Anthony. The letter contained her memories of her role in the 1848 Rochester convention.

“From that day to this, in all walks of life, I have been faithful in asserting that there should be 'no taxation without representation,'" she wrote. "It has seemed long in coming, but I think the time draws near when women will be acknowledged as equal with man. Heaven grant the day to dawn soon!"

Abigail Bush lived the last of her years with her daughter Mrs. Eva Jones in Vacaville.

Abigail is buried at the Alhambra Cemetery in Martinez.

Source: Find grave, articles by Bernard I freedman, and Martinez history.

A special thank you to my history professor

Great Graphics Aren’t Just for Professionals Anymore Computer Corner

By William Claney, Computers USA Do you know what a graphics card is and how it affects your computer choices? Certainly you get the idea that graphics hardware, i.e. chips and cards, push images to your monitor, screen or display. Usually one associates graphics with computer aided design (CAD), commercial graphic art and high intensity games and not with everyday displays like the Internet and movies.

The TV and movie industry have gone way past Hi-Def, past Blu-Ray and is quickly adopting a format called 4k. If you’ve seen a football game in regular definition and seen the same game in hi-def, you know

there is an amazing difference. 4k takes it a step further; now, not only can you actually see the players, you can see them sweat.

Graphics cards called GPUs, graphic processor units or just call them the graphic chips, are just like your CPU except they handle the images displayed on your screen or monitor. The CPU handles the programs and applications, and the GPU displays the images they produce.

In the old days (I believe that was last week), the GPU was part of a “chipset.” That means it was one piece in a set of chips that make up the core of the computer. Today, we have SoC or whole “Systems on a Chip” that are reducing the total number of chips down to one or two chips. So what? All this progress and miniaturization is great because we can pack more power into smaller spaces. Tablets and laptops have been the big benefactor of integrated GPUs and image detail has been enhanced. In other words, it looks better.

One might think that’s the end of this story. Well, hold on to your hats. I get the question frequently

that if graphic chips have made so much progress for laptops then they should be good for games and other displays. If the game is Tetris or cards, or the application is QuickBooks, then you’re okay. If the game you play is Final Fantasy, WarGaming, Call of Duty, Fallout 4 or other high end games or you edit

desktops. The development of GPUs (discrete graphic cards – meaning not integrated into the chipset) has been as robust as the improvements for tablets/laptops. The difference is the desktop versions are physically large because they contain three to 10 times the display ability of the tablet/desktop. Discrete graphic

Foreground is a discrete video card which is unable to be installed in laptop in background.

photos, video etc., then the graphic performance in a tablet/laptop will not measure up. All popular new games require high-end graphic cards because of the detail now demanded by the users. The Internet and other applications now need higher graphic power as well.

“I don’t play games,” is usually the response I get. Well, yes you do in a way. The same graphics resource requirements for games are now needed for high-end video and movies. This means that even though tablet/laptop graphics has improved greatly, it isn’t enough.

That’s why CAD users, high-end gamers and graphic artists use

cards (plug-in cards) take up space in your desktop so they can dissipate the heat created by such graphic power. This space isn’t available in a tablet/laptop.

In summation, graphics displays have made incredible progress over the years and smaller devices like tablets and laptops have benefited greatly. Evermore demand for detail, crispness and clarity in TV, Internet and game applications will stress a tablet or laptop, whereas a desktop can follow the trends by adding the latest innovations with a plug-in card, but the tablet/laptop can not.

Try making that out of a cola nut.

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

Daffodil Hill Project Seasonal Memorial Garden Honors Member’s Husband

Thanks to a generous donation by Gardens, at Heather Farms (GHF) member, Carla Preisler, the planting of 5000 Daffodil (Narcissus tazetta) bulbs of three different varieties has just been completed in the heart of the garden, in memory of Carla’s husband. Beautiful enough to inspire poetry, the Daffodil has long been a symbol of prosperity and new beginnings, often signaling the "rebirth" that follows the end of winter. Rows and rows of Daffodils will bloom sometime during the month of January, cascading down the hill between the grove of ash trees and the shade garden. It should be quite a show for a mid-winter stroll

later this month.

The Gardens at Heather Farm is a certified wildlife habitat and certified green business. The Gardens at Heather Farm (GHF) provides six acres of educational gardens and programs for youth, adults and persons with disabilities.

A qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit, GHF is self supporting through memberships, fundraisers, grants, private donations, facility rentals and program fees. The mission is to inspire and educate communities about sustainable gardening and stewardship practices that preserve and protect our environment.

Heather Farms Adult Education Series ‘From the Ground Up’ Begins The Gardens at Heather Farm’s Adult Education series, “From the Ground Up” kicks-off this month featuring practical lessons on developing gardens, then using the garden’s bounty to create table arrangements and specialties to enjoy around home & hearth.

The series starts with a class on Winter Blooming Plants, followed by a Rose Pruning Workshop with Marsha Hildebrand, and a class on arranging Succulents themed for Valentine’s Day. In February, attendees will learn how to make herbal-infused Bath Salts & Salves and exercise their creativity at a two-part Floral Arranging & HandsOn Workshop led by Najat Nicola.

In March, those looking to make their gardens grow will enjoy a class on Propagation with GHF Garden Manager, Brian Larsen.

The full schedule of classes is as follows: Jan. 13 – Winter Blooming Plants with Kristin Yanker-Hansen (7pm) Jan. 16 – Rose Pruning with Marsha Hildebrand (10am) Jan. 23 – Succulent Arrangements with Diane Goldsmith (10am) Feb. 6 – Bath Salts & Salves with Hollie Lucas-Alcalay (10am) Feb. 19 – Floral Arranging with Najat Nicola (9:30 am) Feb. 26 – Floral Workshop with Najat Nicola (9:30 am) 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.