•july 2014
Delivered to Over 50,000 Homes and Businesses
• Concord Mayor’s Message.......................... page 10 • Real Estate Update....................................... page 12 • Meet Your Local Experts............................. page 15 • Wence’s is a Standout................................... page 16
• NCS Champions.............................................. page 18 • Coach Paul Retires........................................... page 21 • Lemon Sunshine.............................................. page 24 • Community Announcements........................ page 34
Page 2
www.ourcommunityfocus.com
July 2014
There are over 535* reasons to choose the Flaskerud Team— Don, Norma and Erik— *The number of homes sold in as YOUR Realtor! PLEASANT HILL by Don, Norma, and Erik!! Call Pleasant Hill’s # Realtor for ALL your Real Estate needs
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Don & Norma Flaskerud Erik Flaskerud
RE/MAX Today 367 Civic Drive #7 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 Visit them at www.PleasantHillRealEstate.com or email DonandNorma@gmail.com or EFlaskerud@Remax.net
925-676-5859 Don, Norma, and Erik’s listings... 580 Little Rd, PH — $799,000 536 Maureen Lane, PH — $649,000 3055 Woodside Meadows Rd, PH — $775,000 1445 Saint James Parkway, Conc — $370,000 1 Lancaster Cr #133, Bay Point — $133,000
Coming soon... 111 Hardy Cr, PH — Price TBD 77 Janin Place, PH — Price TBD
Call now to have your home featured here!
CalBRE #s — Don: 00971602, Norma: 00867031, Erik: 01891688
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July 2014
o A t m f f erica! o S T A H
rth of Ju u ly Fo in
Family fun ALL DAY at Pleasant Hill’s 4th of July!
Pleasant Hill Fun entertainment ALL DAY on the stage & lawn!
6:30am
Registration for Firecracker Fun Run
National Anthem— Alexa Heine
8:00am
Start of the 10th annual Firecracker 5K Fun Run
9:30am
Start of Pleasant Hill’s famous hometown Parade
Twang Ditty—classic, simple, country alive and honest in the Bay Area
10:30am Party-in-the-Park Races, bean bag toss, water balloon launch, Angry Birds slingshot, tug-o-war, unicorn ring toss, scavenger hunt, face painting, crafts, water melon eating contest, kids' petting zoo. Refreshments and water available.
Sugadady—every song is a rock song Buttons Z Clown Giant Inflatables—Zorbs, Jurassic Park Dinosaur, 18-foot slide
11:00am FREE—Sprayground and pool open until 1:00pm 7:15pm
PLUS! Great food from:
Public Eye (rock and roll with tunes from the 70s to today) and Fireworks over College Park High School to follow (food available)
Back 40 Texas BBQ (in the park) Repicci’s Italian Ice (in the park) Slow Hand BBQ (6:30 at CPHS) Cold Stone Creamery (6:30 at CPHS)
THANK YOU...to all the businesses and individuals who made this possible! Grand Sponsor / Crackling Finale
City Arms East, LLC City of Pleasant Hill CSAA Insurance Group
Don & Norma Flaskerud/ RE/MAX Today Patrick & Shirley Campbell Foundation
Dan Chao Insurance Agency IBEW Local 302 Irvin Deutscher Family YMCA Pleasant Hill Lions Club
Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District Pleasant Hill Rotary Foundation
Pleasant Hill Coin & Jewelry Exchange Pleasant Hill Crescent Drive Investors, LLC Republic Services
Sponsor / Starburst William Patterson Wright Way Management Web Services
Patron / Kaboom Allen and Sandy Vinson Astound Broadband Back 40 Texas BBQ Cold Stone Creamery Concord Feed and Fuel, Inc
Councilmember Jack Weir Donaghu Graphic Designs & Mauna Wagner Dick’s Sporting Goods Councilmember David Durant Jim & Margi Alkire & Cindy Durant Kensington Place Contra Costa Country Club Pleasant Hill Dawn Block Consulting/ Chamber of Commerce Michael Harris Councilmember
Repicci's Italian Ice R.J. Gordon Construction Scott Davis, Magoo's Grill Sisters Hillcrest Drycleaners Slow Hand BBQ Zachary’s Chicago Pizza, Inc
Supporter / Oooooooh Advanced Eyecare Optometry Bill’s Ace Hardware C&M Party Props Cresco Equipment Daily Digital Imaging
David Deutscher Co., Inc Diablo Trophies & Awards Diablo Valley Endontic Specialists– Kenneth W. Tittle, DDS, MS Far West Sanitation
Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital– Joe & Jane Thibedeau Jessica A. Braverman, Esq– Braverman Mediation and Consulting
Jim & Sandy Bonato Safeway Seel & Wright, LLC Supervisor Karen Mitchoff
Donor / Aaaaaaah
Dallimonti’s Restaurant–Christy & Ron Dallimonti
Salon Innovations–Aloma Levine
Page 3
4th of July Festivities Martinez You’re invited to the 6th Annual 4th of July Parade in downtown Martinez. Over 40 entries, including many community groups, will march down Main Street. We will have the kids decorated bike parade again this year. All kids entered will receive an award. Come with a decorated bike and meet at the parade staging area at Court & Main St. Awards will be given immediately following the parade at the judges reviewing platform. Schedule of Events: 8am-10am: Pancake breakfast, sponsored by Roxx on Main, 627 Main St. 9am-9:15am: Flag raising ceremony, Veterans Memorial Building, 930 Ward St. 9am: Parade staging 10am: Hometown parade on Main St., beginning at Court St. & Main St. and ending at Alhambra Ave. & Main St. Pleasant Hill The theme for 2014 is “Hats Off to America.” Join us for the celebration of an old fashioned 4th of July. Schedule of Events: 8am: Firecracker 5K Fun Run! 100-yard dash for the little ones and a 5K run for the bigger folks. Commemorative T-shirts, prizes, bragging rights, local school support, it’s all right here for you. 9:30am: Parade on Crescent Drive with floats, bands, and marching units, with plenty of noise, music, and excitement. 10:30am: Immediately after the parade the fun begins at Pleasant Hill Park, with games, food, live musical entertainment, races, contests, educational displays, and many events to keep kids and grown-ups entertained for hours. 9pm: The Pleasant Hill fireworks show at College Park High School is a dazzling spectacular that brings ‘em back for more every year. Walnut Creek The Walnut Creek Centennial 4th of July Concert & Ice Cream Social is from 3-7:30pm. The celebration includes the annual 4th of July concert, performed by the acclaimed Walnut Creek Concert Band, at the steps of the Walnut Creek gazebo, in beautiful, tree-lined Civic Park. And this year, the celebration takes on a tasty twist: an ice cream social, hosted by the Walnut Creek mayor and former mayors, serving up root beer floats. Celebrants are encouraged to bring a blanket and picnic dinner - the floats are free! Walnut Creek’s Valley Art Gallery is hosting the first ever Walnut Creek Paint Out, with more than thirty samples of plein air art produced by local artists. Concord Come early to participate or cheer for those who are in the Stars & Stripes 5K walk/ run. The race and walk begins on the corner of Salvio Street and Grant Street (same corner as the stage in Todos Santos Plaza). Parade starts at Mt. Diablo High School on Grant Street, goes south to Willow Pass Road, and turns right to wrap around Todos Santos Park. The parade will then turn right onto Mt. Diablo Street and return to the rear of Mount Diablo High School at Galindo Street. Schedule of Events: 8am: 5K Kids Run 8:15am: 5K Run and Walk 10am: Parade. The winners will be judged and announced by the Concord City Council at a future council meeting. 4-10pm: Festival gates will open at Mt. Diablo High for the 1st Annual 4th of July Festival, with a kids carnival, food booths, vendor exhibits, and live entertainment, featuring The Fundamentals on stage. 9pm: The day concludes with a fireworks display that will not disappoint and keeps the tradition alive. Visit: www.concordjuly4th.com.
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Page 4
JULIE SAYS
Four Reasons Why You Should Read This By Julie Ross
Don’t worry. I have no intention of adding one more of those annoying lists of reasons/tips/ top picks/ways-todo-things to the over-abundance of recycled information already out there in bullet-point form. You know what I’m talking about: 10 tips for healthy living, 12 ways to end poverty (who knew it was so easy?), 5 foods to avoid, and 100 top-paying jobs. On my computer today: 5 ways to prevent blisters. Seriously! I did not click to read the list because common sense would suggest that a person should stick on a pair of gloves to do manual labor, avoid sunburns, and buy shoes that fit. That’s three ways right there. (You’re wel-
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come.) Are there really people out there who need a list to plan ahead for potential blisters? And, wait for it – 10 reasons why we like making lists. Yes, that’s available on the Internet too. Actually, I do understand why our brains like lists. It’s a way we can create a semblance of order out of the chaos that surrounds us. Many of us make practical use of grocery lists, packing lists, and to-do lists, for example. Crossing things off of a to-do list is satisfying. Sometimes, if I accomplish something that was not on my list, I will write it on there just so I can cross it off. (Neurotic? Perhaps just a teensy bit, but I don’t need 5 reasons why you think so.) There is nothing intrinsically wrong with lists. There are just way too many of them out there begging for our attention. This new journalistic format has become
the Hospital with the Family Touch.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
SPORTS EDITOR Chuck Nan martinezsportsed@aol.com
View the Focus online: www.ourcommunityfocus.com Community Calendar:
Reba@ourcommunityfocus.com
COPY EDITOR Alison Clary
ADVERTISING Reba Bower 925-348-1724
GRAPHIC DESIGN Trish Heaney
Cover photos from past Pleasant Hill 4th of July parades.
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Independent & Locally Owned
so popular that a name has been coined for it – “listicle,” a morph of the words “list” and “article.” Some of these “listicles” are not only unnecessary, but also rather disturbing. Care to find out who ranks among the top 10 celebrities without teeth and eyebrows, anyone? Egad. PUBLISHERS On the other hand, I will admit that Becky Coburn, Jennifer Neys, Elena Hutslar I intend to indulge in a few tempting lisinfo@ourcommunityfocus.com ticles I came across recently to fantasize A Monthly Publication delivered to about in the days ahead: 10 dazzling lakeover 50,000 Homes and Businesses in side hotels, 12 beaches that’ll take your Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Pacheco, breath away, top 5 mountain resorts….. Lafayette, Walnut Creek and Concord happy summer! You can reach Julie at julieakross@ comcast.net
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Pet Happiness Happy July Fourth from
July 2014
calendar@ourcommunityfocus.com
Content & General Inquiries: info@ourcommunityfocus.com
6680 Alhambra Ave. Box #132 Martinez, CA 94553 Phone: (925) 335 - NEWS (6397)
MISSION STATEMENT
Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital
Joseph A. Thibedeau, DVM
• Louisa M. Asseo, DVM
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The Community Focus is a free, independent, monthly publication dedicated to highlighting the vibrancy of the local businesses and residents while strengthening and building connections within our community.
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July 2014
Page 5
AAUW Scholarship Recipients
At the Pleasant Hill-Martinez AAUW May brunch, college scholarships and Tech Trek camp awards were presented to eight students from local schools. It is the mission of AAUW (American Association of University Women) to break down barriers for women and girls by promoting education and supporting their personal and professional growth. Members, family, and friends honored each scholarship recipient. Four very deserving high school seniors were recognized for excelling in their high school years, not only with excellent grades, but also in community service and leadership ability. They were each awarded a $1,000 AAUW scholarship in recognition of their achievements. This year’s recipients of Pleasant Hill-Martinez AAUW scholarships were: Kailynn Boyd and Krista Cave (Alhambra High) and Danielle
Zhou and Jenna Carroll (College Park). In the fall, Kailynn will attend the University of Oregon to study business; Krista is off to Pacific University and would like to become a trauma surgeon; Danielle is interested in biology and will attend UC Berkeley; and Jenna is headed to UCLA with a major in electrical engineering. Tech Trek is a math and science camp AAUW California started in1998 for girls entering eighth grade. Its purpose is to encourage girls to consider careers in science, math, engineering, or technology. The camp features hands-on activities in math, science, and related fields. All sleeping, eating, instructional, and recreational facilities where camps are held are on university campuses throughout California. Campers are exposed to programs in fields such as astronomy, engineering,
chemistry, marine biology, and environmental studies to enhance their learning experiences and introduce them to a variety of potential career areas. Last month, four girls from Martinez and Pleasant Hill attended the Tech Trek camp June 22 - 28 at Sonoma State University. The following outstanding,
seventh grade students were chosen because of their passion for math and science: Isabella Marazzani, Katelynn Massey and Rachel Snyder (Martinez Junior High), and Haley Kropf-Redenzo (Sequoia Middle). Congratulations to these amazing young women.
Tech Trek campers from LtoR: Isabella Marazzani, Katelynn Massey, Haley Kropf-Redenzo, Rachel Snyder, and Tech Trek Chairperson Katrinka March.
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Page 6
A Local Icon
Margherita Dominica Molino, longtime resident and icon of Pleasant Hill, passed away Saturday, May 17, 2014, at the age of 90. She touched many lives with her gentle spirit and care for the nourishment of others. Molino, along with her husband and his parents, Peter Sr. and Emilila Molino, operated Molino’s Ravioli for over 50 years until she fell ill in 2012, passing the business on to her son Jim and his wife, Cheyvonne, to continue the legacy that was handed to her. Margherita was born in Zeigler, Illinois, on May 14, 1924. Her early childhood was spent in Surveyor, West Virginia. In 1941, she and her family moved to Oakland, CA, where she attended Emery High School, was salutatorian of her class, and met Peter D. Molino Jr., the senior class president. They married October 2, 1943, and remained devoted to each other until his death in 1988. She is survived by son Jim (Chey-
vonne); daughter Rita Lanzarin; grandchildren Peter Scott (Holly), Michael James (Jennifer), Natalie (Phil), Jason and Jerrica; great grandchildren Ashlyn, Madison, Michael, Peter Gage, Peter D. III, Kaya, Kaylyn, and Callie; niece Lorraine; and nephews Michael and Mark. Peter, her oldest son, preceded her in death.
July 2014
Inspection Traps 11 Critical Home Inspection Traps to be Aware of Weeks Before Listing Your Home for Sale East Bay – According to industry experts, there are over 33 physical problems that will come under scrutiny during a home inspection when your home is for sale. A new report has been prepared which identifies the eleven most common of these problems, and what you should know about them before you list your home for sale. Whether you own an old home or a brand new one, there are a number of things that can fall short of requirements during a home inspection. If not identified and dealt with, any of these 11 items could cost you dearly in terms of repair. That’s why it’s critical that you read this report before you list your home. If you wait until the home inspector flags these issues for you, you will almost certainly experience costly
delays in the close of your home sale or, worse, turn prospective buyers away altogether. In most cases you can make a reasonable pre-inspection yourself if you know what you’re looking for and knowing what you’re looking for can help you prevent little problems from growing into costly and unmanageable ones. To help home sellers deal with this issue before their homes are listed, a free report entitled “11 Things You Need to Know to Pass Your Home Inspection” has been prepared which explains the issues involved. To order this FREE Special Report call toll-free 1-800-597-9215 and enter 1238. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get your FREE special report NOW to learn how to ensure a home inspection doesn’t cost you the sale of your home. This report is courtesy of East Bay Residential Realty, BRE 01245396. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. Copyright © 2013
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July 2014
Eagle Scout Awards Troop 820 recently honored Eagle Scouts Davey Bragg and Kyle Kinnear of Lafayette at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor at the Overlook Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In honor of their achievement, Scoutmaster Pete Whitbeck presented the award to both Scouts, along with a flag that had been flown at the U.S. Capitol Building. The Contra Costa County Sheriff ’s Office Honor Guard was also on hand to honor the new Eagle Scouts and conduct the opening flag ceremony. Both Davey and Kyle have been active in Scouting since they were Cub Scouts, and their recent achievements and associated Eagle projects reflect their dedication to both Scouting and
their local community. Kyle, along with his fellow Acalanes High School basketball team, conducted a basketball clinic for 8-12 year-olds. The entry price was a bag of canned food, which was donated to the Contra Costa County Food Bank. Davey built raised beds at Meadow Homes Elementary School in Concord. He worked almost seven months to coordinate the project with the school district and the public works department. The school used the raised beds to teach gardening as well as applied science and math problems to its more than 900 students! Troop 820 congratulates Davey and Kyle for entering the ranks of Eagle Scout!
Page 7
Instrumental Music Restored in 5th Grade
At the May 28 MDUSD board meeting, board members voted unanimously to restore the elementary instrumental music program at the 5th grade level for the 2014-2015 school year. In the past, a pullout instrumental music program was offered for 4th and 5th grades in all elementary schools. Due to budget cuts, the 4th grade program was eliminated by a MDUSD board action in March 2009, and three months later the 5th grade program was eliminated. According to the May 28 public board agenda, “The impact has been seen at the middle and high schools and includes a decrease in participation at local music festivals and a decline in enrollment in middle school and high school instrumental music programs. Additionally, the 2014-2015
school year will be the first year the high schools receive students in their music programs where students have not had any elementary instrumental music instruction.” The District has recommended that a committee be formed and made up of music educators, administrators, classroom teachers, and music education foundation members. The role of the committee is to “analyze exemplary music programs and recommend a model and curricular materials for our elementary music instruction that will best support our district music program.” The fiscal impact is $296,534 to the unrestricted general fund. In the coming months, the board will be looking at funding and restoring 4th grade music instruction for the 2015-2016 school year.
Girl Scout Troop Earns Silver Award
Pictured: Davey Bragg, Scoutmaster Pete Whitbeck and Kyle Kinnear. Photo and story submitted by Aaron Ogden.
Nine girls from troop 31061 in Pleasant Hill have earned their Girl Scout Silver Award. The award is nationally recognized as the highest award girls in their age group can earn; completion is done before entering 9th grade. Most of the troop has been together since first grade at Valhalla Elementary, and they are now finishing their freshman year at College Park. They are a great and talented group of girls, and their families are very proud of them! Congratulations girls, and go for the Gold!
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Pictured LtoR: Nicole Spinos, Sidney Helberg, Julianne Bhak, Marissa St.Marseille, Brooke Bechter, Emilie Fleck and Kelsey Rumbaugh. Not pictured are Kelly Crawford and Karina Dominguez. Story and photo submitted by Lori St. Marseille.
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Page 8
PLEASANT HILL CITY BUZZ
Hats Off to America and Hats Off to Pleasant Hill Volunteers We often talk about the small town feel of Pleasant Hill. Politicians’ stump speeches vow to preserve it. Long time residents bemoan it disappearing in the name of development. No doubt the town has changed since Lou Mangini planted his first row of corn or Mama Molino rolled out her first ravioli, but if you want to see and experience the small town feel of Pleasant Hill in all its glory, come to our Fourth of July Parade! Enjoy floats, classic cars, local drill teams, school marching bands, cyclists and the return of the Bar-B-Que Dads. And, of course, elected officials and prominent citizens. (My brother John will be driving me in his ’66 Dodge Dart GT. He has assured me it is in good working order and that at no point during the parade will I be mistaken for the mythological character Sisyphus*.) The theme this year is “Hats Off To America.” The July 4th events are organized by the all-volunteer Pleasant Hill Fourth of July Commission. In addition to the parade, the day’s events include a 5K run, a festival at Pleasant Hill Park, and fireworks. You can find out more about the parade and the day-long celebration at www.phjuly4.com. The Pleasant Hill Civic Action Commission (CAC) is working hard
July 2014
Mayor’s Message
Tim Flaherty, Mayor of Pleasant Hill to put the finishing touches on its float sign up online at www.pleasant-hill.net/ ent that Phoebe was not enjoying herself for this year’s parade. Building off the and acting uncharacteristically shy. She csd. theme of the day, the CAC float is titled was not smiling or waving to the crowd, In closing, I want to share a story “Hats Off to Pleasant Hill Volunteers!” despite her mom’s encouragement. from the July 4 parade last year. I was I don’t know whether we will be treated Finally, my sister Maria asked, “Phoebe, honored to participate as your freshman to a mobile, giant, Smoky the Bear hat why aren’t you smiling and waving to city councilmember and asked my then like that of Pharrell Williams or a group 4 year-old niece, Phoebe, and her parents the people?” Phoebe replied, “Mommy, I of individuals waving red, white and to ride along with me. I know how much don’t know these people.” I almost fell off blue Uncle Sam hats, but the float is the back of the car laughing. kids, big and little, love parades and designed and built by members of the (* Sisyphus was condemned in Tartarus thought it would be a real treat. As we CAC (and their friends and families) began to move down Contra Costa Blvd. to an eternity of rolling a boulder uphill and will no doubt be overflowing with then watching it roll back down again.) waving to the crowd, it was soon apparenergy and fun. The float pays tribute to the many thousands of Pleasant Hill residents who have volunteered and participated in our annual Community Service Days (CSD). CSD began in 2005, and this year is the 10th anniversary of this event. In addition to the parade float, the CAC is planning to mark these ten remarkable years of local volunteerism by staging a photographic exhibit and producing a video, with footage from previous years, to air on the City Channel. The photo exhibit will feature the images of volunteers at work during the previous nine Community Service Days and will be on display in the City Hall lobby during September. The Tenth Annual Community Service Day is September 27, 2014. Mark your calendar now. The CAC will be giving away free commemorative T-Shirts, gardening gloves, and other goodies to the first 600 volunteers who Pleasant Hill Mayor Tim Flaherty took this selfie that includes the College Park class show up at Pleasant Hill Park on the of 2014 just before his speech at the baccalaureate ceremony held on June 8 at the morning of the event. If you want to Episcopal Church of the Resurrection. participate in this year’s CSD, you can
Mayoral Selfie
Public Meetings Architectural Review Commission July 17 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Small Community Room, 5pm Contact: 671-5209
Civic Action Commission July 2 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Small Community Room, 6:30pm Contact: 671-5229
City Council July 7, 21 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Council Chambers, 7:30pm Contact: 671-5229
Planning Commission July 8, 22 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Council Chambers, 7:30pm Contact: 671-5209
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July 2014
Page 9
Mayor’s Message
MARTINEZ CITY BUZZ
Rob Schroder, Mayor of Martinez cia since 1847. When Interstate 680 and Before the the bridge were completed, the State of freeway system was California deeded the Highway 21 right built in the East of way to the cities and towns it passed Bay, the main highthrough. Downtown Martinez and the way that ran from ferry landing were bypassed, and motorSan Jose to Marists buzzed across the bridge spanning the tinez was known Carquinez Straits in only a few minutes. as Highway 21. It Photo by Stahlberg It was not long until ferry service was terran up through Mission San Jose, Sunol, Pleasanton, San Ramon, Danville, Alamo, minated once and for all. Ferry service between San Francisco and Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, and Pacheco In the decades that followed, most Oakland, which had ended decades betransportation improvements were on the fore, was revived during the month-long and terminated at the ferry landing in roads and highways. Although the BART Martinez. In those days, we called it the closure of the Bay Bridge as an alternative system began operation in the 1970s, Danville Highway, which then became to the overcrowded BART trains. A ferry other passenger rail systems were shut Main Street in Walnut Creek, Contra terminal was built in Alameda, and the Costa Blvd. in Pleasant Hill and Pacheco, down and tracks were removed. It was Army Corps of Engineers dredged a suitlooking as if we were becoming almost and then Pacheco Blvd. in Martinez. In able ferry dock at the Berkeley Marina. exclusively dependent on the automobile, Out of this tragedy the Water Tranorder to get across the Carquinez Straits, at least until the Loma Prieta Earthquake you boarded a ferry boat which took you sit Authority (WTA) was born and then in 1989 and the collapse of a section of to Benicia. re-born as the Water Emergency Tranthe Oakland span of the Bay Bridge. After sit Authority (WETA). The system has Until the opening of the first span the earth shook for those 15 seconds, all of the Benicia-Martinez Bridge in 1962, now been expanded to include Vallejo, types of alternate forms of transportation water transport of some kind had been South San Francisco, Harbor Bay, Pier 41, became very important and appealing. operating between Martinez and BeniAT&T Park, and Angel Island. Plans are in the works for extensions to Redwood City, Richmond, Antioch, Hercules, and Martinez. WETA has been working on the exFood Truck Mafia New Schedule tension to Martinez for the last several The Food Truck Mafia will provide food sales once a month instead of evyears. In its current capital budget, WETA ery week. Food Truck Mafia requested a once a month event in order to continues to include $812,500 for Marmake it a larger and livelier occasion. It will be held on the third Saturday of every month. This month, the food truck will be at the Marina on July 19, tinez Environmental/Design, of which 11am-3pm, at the Martinez Martina, 7 North Court St. $212,000 has been spent with $550,500 Post Blues By the Bay Festival Update for work yet to be completed. According to Interim City Manager Anna Gwyn Simpson, the Blues Festi The Central Contra Transportation val at the Marina on May 10 was a great success. “We sold a total of 1,212 Authority (CCTA) is another transportickets, which was 81 percent of our goal of 1,500 tickets total. We had tation agency that has now started to 1,265 people that actually attended. Altogether we had 84 percent of our evaluate water transit in Contra Costa. goal in terms of ticket sales,” she said. The CCTA has undertaken its own study as part of determining CCTA future fiCarpet • Vinyl • Hardwood
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nancial support. The study is reviewing proposed capital costs, operation costs, projected ridership, and other elements of the proposed system. This study is now complete and has been presented to the CCTA Board for review and discussion. One of the challenges of bringing ferry service back to Martinez has been the projected ridership of the system. Originally, the numbers looked very strong and would support a terminal in Martinez. Subsequently, those numbers were revised and things did not look so good. But since the BART strike, things have radically changed. Over the four days of the BART shutdown, the Bay Ferry system carried 73,825 passengers, a 268% increase over average weekday volumes. The Alameda/Oakland run showed the most dramatic gains, with average increases of up to 500%. Vallejo (which is a similar route to what Martinez will be) saw increases of up to 60%. During the recent Bay Bridge closure, the numbers were not as high, but overall ridership was double the normal weekday passenger load with Vallejo being the most active. These developments are positive for bringing back ferry service to Martinez and other Contra Costa communities. I believe it signals that commuters are looking for alternatives to the high costs of driving and parking. Just like investing for your future retirement, it is smart to diversify and not put all of your assets in one place. We need to develop transportation alternatives to keep our population moving and economy growing, especially in times of crisis.
Public Meetings City Council Meeting July 2, 16 7pm-11pm Contact: 925-372-3500 Design Review Meeting July 9, 23 3-5pm Contact: 925-372-3500
Planning Commission Meeting July 8, 22 7-11pm Contact: 925-372-3500 Zoning Administrator Meeting July 2, 16 3-5pm Contact: 925-372-3500 City Offices Closed July 4
All City Meetings at City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, Unless Otherwise Indicated. For Confirmation Visit: www.cityofmartinez.org
www.ourcommunityfocus.com
Page 10
CONCORD CITY BUZZ
Today I want to give you a potpourri or medley of miscellaneous issues currently on my mind. In a sense, they do not adhere to a single theme, but they are all related. They deal with my job as mayor and staying totally focused on what is best for my city. This month, that involves many different topics or subjects. I hope you will find them of interest. Topping the list is the financial security of our city. The Fiscal Sustainability Ordinance, which received a unanimous affirmative vote of the city council, deals directly with the problem. It directs one-time funds and surplus revenues to be applied to high priority areas as identified by the council. We have no higher priority item than our unfunded liabilities. In addition, as mayor I have created an Ad Hoc Committee to investigate
July 2014
Mayor’s Message
Tim Grayson, Mayor of Concord responsibility in our police department. the financial impact of current health process to identify a master developer Multiple officers were awarded the Life benefits for councilmembers and make for Phase I implementation of the Conrecommendations concerning the modicord Reuse Project Area Plan. The proc- Saving Medal. Officer Sam Figeroa was recognized for his achievement as Confication of these benefits. ess has three distinct phases, the first We all know that a vibrant economy being a qualification review of interested tra Costa County Juvenile Delinquency Officer of the Year. Our police departis the key to securing sound fiscal susparties. A Request for Qualifications ment brings a holistic approach to their tainability. One way to achieve this goal (RFQ) was issued by city council, servmission of keeping our city safe. is to wisely manage our existing assets. ing as the Local Reuse Authority (LRA). A case in point is our recent contract Over one hundred individuals represent- It’s not all work and no play in Concord! We know how to entertain renewal with Live Nation to restore the ing twenty-two different development importance of our Concord Pavilion. companies and provisional service firms with the best. The Farmers’ Market lines the boundaries of Todos Santos Plaza Live Nation responded favorably to attended a mandatory pre-submittal the challenge and invested $4 million conference in January 2014. We received every Tuesday afternoon and Thursday evening. Free concerts attract large, up-front, earnest money to renovate eight qualification packages. A highly diverse crowds from our entire city on our facility. The new color scheme is qualified, eight-person review panel Thursday evenings, and Tuesdays in July designed to echo the harmony resonatindependently reviewed each submittal. will swing with the blues! Intermingled ing from the stage; it creates an energy The panel reached a consensus on are great activities that include the upbuzz from the front gate to the state-ofthe top four firms and concluded that coming Corvette Show and our July 4th the-art dressing rooms. Moreover, this there were significant differences in the Festival. upgrading means a doubling of highqualifications among the four firms belevel shows that will produce more selling recommended to proceed to the next Quality restaurants that deliver microbrews, steaks, raviolis, and hot out crowds than we have seen for years. level and the four firms not selected. dogs, all topped-off with a cappuccino Because of these improvements, I expect The next step in the process will narrow or espresso, surround our Todos Santos bonus revenues for our city. the field down to two firms competing Plaza. Need you ask for more? There is At the beginning of this year, our for the title of Master Developer. By the something for everyone. staff commenced a one-year selection middle of 2015, the LRA, acting for the Concord truly has become a great City of Concord, and the Master Developer, should be able to finalize the terms destination. Entertainment and the for the land transfer. We are very hopeful arts are found throughout the city. St, Concord Neighborhoods depict the uniqueness we will see the first transfer of land by Tuesdays: Blues Tuesdays that comes from a diversity of cultures. the end of 2015. Off the Grid Food Trucks Streets and parks are safe. Schools are Last week, our Concord Police 5-9pm & Music 6:30-8:30pm improving daily with the addition of Department had a ceremony where we JULY 1 academies and the restoration of school welcomed eight new sworn officers to Frank Bey & Anthony Paule resource officers. Our future is very our police ranks. Family, friends, and a plus Cool Concord Cars bright, and soon we will have a specific majority of the city council welcomed JULY 8 plan to maximize the development these new officers. We also promoted Frankie G & the Conviction of our downtown in keeping with the several deserving officers to the rank Contra Costa’s Blues Guitar Hero theme of Old California. of sergeant, a position of significant JULY 15 Chris Cain Jazz-Tinged Blues Guitar City Council Planning Commission Virtuoso July 1, 8, 22 July 2, 16 JULY 22 Civic Center, 1950 Parkside Drive Civic Center, 1950 Parkside Drive Jeffrey Marshall with the Delta Council Chambers, 6:30pm Council Chambers, 7pm Dogs and The Breedloves Contact: 671-3495 Contact: 671-3495 A Special Evening with a PerZoning Administrator Housing & Economic Development fectly Imperfect Blues Rocker July 28 July 9, 23 JULY 29 Civic Center, 1950 Parkside Drive Civic Center, 1950 Parkside Drive Annie Sampson Garden Conference Room, 5:30pm Council Chambers, 9am Contact: 671-3495 Contact: 671-3495 Concord’s Blues and Soul Diva All meetings take place at Concord Civic Center, 1950 Parkside Drive Concord.
Todos Santos Plaza Evening Events 2151 Salvio
Thursdays: Farmers’ Market 4-8pm & Music 6:30-8pm JULY 3 The TuneRiders Hits of 60’s/70’s Legendary Vocal Groups JULY 10 Puro Bandido Kings of Latin Rock JULY 17 The RaveUps A Live Tribute to the 1960’s Yardbirds JULY 24 Foreverland The Electrifying 14-Piece Tribute to Michael Jackson JULY 31 Concord’s Killer Karaoke Contest & Mayor’s Healthy Cookoff Contest • Show-stopping covers - Bay Area’s ultimate party band featuring PUSH with Dan Ashley
Public Meetings
For Confirmation Visit: www.ci.concord.ca.us
www.ourcommunityfocus.com
July 2014
GREATER CONCORD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Page 11
SkinScience Medical Spa
Please verify schedule at www.concordchamber.com • 925-685-1181
Every Thursday – Music and Market 6-8pm. Todos Santos Park. 7/10 – Women’s Networking Luncheon 11:45am-1pm. Concord Chamber office. 7/16 – 77th Annual Board of Directors Installation Luncheon 11:30am-1:30pm. Crowne Plaza Hotel, 45 John Glenn Dr., Concord.
$50 per person. 7/17 – You’re Social, Now What? Making Social Media Work For You 8:30-10am. Chamber office. Chamber members free, $10 nonmembers. 7/24 – Leads at Lunch 11:45am1pm. Chamber office, members only.
PLEASANT HILL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Please verify schedule at www.pleasanthillchamber.com • 925-687-0700
Our four 680 Business Clubs meet twice monthly. Please call the Chamber office for more information. Saturdays – Farmers’ Markets 9am-1pm. Trelany Road by City Hall.
7/18 – Blues & Brews Pre-Party Concert 6-9pm, PH Park. 7/19 – Blues & Brews Festival 12 – 6pm, PH Park.
7/6 & 7/20 – Sunset at the Lake Series 6-8pm, City Hall Lawn. 7/17 – Board of Directors Meeting 8-9am. PH City Hall, Community Room.
7/17 – Wine at the Plaza Concerts 6:30-8:30pm. Downtown PH.
7/28 – Green Committee Meeting 4-5pm. Back Forty BBQ, 100 Coggins Drive, PH. 7/28 – Govt. Affairs Committee Meeting 5:30-7pm. Back Forty BBQ, 100 Coggins Drive, PH.
MARTINEZ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Please verify schedule at www.martinezchamber.com • 925-228-2345
Ambassador Meeting – If interested in attending, contact us at (925) 228-2345 or email info@ martinezchamber.com.
working, food, fun and raffle prizes. Bring a raffle prize and have your business announced!
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7/4 – 4th of July Parade 10am, downtown Martinez. Activities begin at 8am. Visit www.mainstreetmartinez.org.
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SkinScience Medical Spa is a physician owned and operated medical spa in Pleasant Hill. Dr. Melissa Hubiak and licensed esthetician Stephanie Knight teamed up to offer a spa that is not only at the forefront of aesthetic medicine, but is also friendly, easily accessible and affordable. Dr. Melissa and Stephanie are a part of the community in which they work, and it is important to them to give their clients the best experience possible. Dr. Melissa is also an employee of the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center and works in the emergency department and telephone advice clinic. Molly Boudreault has just joined the team as a nurse practitioner who will be working with Dr. Melissa. Molly has a true love of aesthetics and is a wonderful addition! We offer many aesthetic services for all different skincare concerns, including facials, Botox, fillers (Juvederm, Restylane), chemical peels, laser treatments and more. Call us for a consultation. We look forward to meeting you! Located at 101 Gregory Lane, Suite #27. Call Dr. Hubiak @ 925.334.2210 and Stephanie @ 925.381.5627.
Gerlack Runs for Mayor
Gay Gerlack has announced she is running for mayor of Martinez in the upcoming November election. “I was asked to run by so many different individuals and groups that want change and felt I had the best chance. I am not a politician, but I am a leader,” she told the Community Focus. Gerlack was a member of the Citizens for Measure H, which secured a $30,000,000 bond to rebuild the swimming pool, renovate the library, and upgrade all the city parks. Among many other roles, she has
served as commissioner on the Park, Recreation, Marina and Cultural Commission of Martinez and as an executive member of the Alhambra Hills Open Space Committee. “We are beginning the campaign from ‘scratch.’ When I ran for city council in 2010, the remaining funds in the campaign were donated to a local non-profit group. I am very interested in what goals or hopes voters have for Martinez. Citizens working together can achieve great things, as Measure H has proven,” she continued. Official papers of candidacy can be “pulled” on July 14.
Mega-Mixer Join seven chambers of commerce - Lafayette, Concord, Moraga, Orinda, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek and Hispanic - for our summertime Mega-Mixer on Wednesday, July 9, at the Cal Shake’s Bruns Amphitheater in Orinda, 5:30pm-7:00pm. Parking for “Mixer” guests at Wilder parking lot. Shuttle will be provided. If you are coming to the mixer, you can get discounted tickets to see the performance of William Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors, 7:30pm - 9:30pm. Discounted tickets cost $37 + Eventbrite fee. July 3 is the deadline to order discounted pre-sale tickets online! Order online at http://bit.ly/1lsStGO.
www.ourcommunityfocus.com
Page 12
July 2014
Increased Inventory a Welcome Relief Across Contra Costa County, the inventory of homes for sale continues to edge upward, bringing much needed supply to the area’s eager and sizable population of homebuyers. The total number of detached homes for sale is up 21.5% compared to the same period in 2013 and up 5.7% from last month. Attached townhomes and condominiums are up a whopping 83.9% compared to last year and up 19% compared to last month. There is no need to sound any alarms about the condition of the market, as the increase is quite typical for the summer months. Additionally, this should not by any means be mistaken as an indication of a buyer’s market. Although homes are being offered for sale in greater volumes, enthusiastic buyers are still snapping them up quickly. The average days on market for homes is
By Nathan Hitchcock holding steady at 22 days, only two Associate with Alain Pinel Realtion is that, at best, it will act to level days greater than the lowest number tors and can be reached by phone at off the increasing sales prices, as buyer recorded in the last 12 months. demand is simply too great at this time 925.397.4000, via email at nathan@ In response to the strong demand, hitchteam.com or online at www. for any appreciable drop in values to average sales prices continue to rise, hitchteam.com. CA BRE Lic # occur in the near future. now standing at $952,571 countywide 01414254. Nathan Hitchcock is a Broker for single family homes and $467,906 for attached townhomes and condominiums, up 2.1% and 5.4% respectively, compared to the month prior. Even more telling of the strong market demand, despite a continued elevation in asking price, is the price We are Evolving to Better Serve your Real Estate Needs! home sellers have received. On average, it’s been 102.8% of their original asking price, the highest it has been so far this year. Sellers keep setting the bar higher, and buyers keep readily jumping over Hitchcock Realty’s Hitchcock Realty’s Property it. Sales & Purchasing Management Division is now Expect inventory to continue Division is now Hitchcock Properties, to rise steadily for the next couple The Hitchcock Team at a full service property months, possibly putting slight downward pressure on pricing. How strong Alain Pinel Realtors! management firm! the pressure will be depends on how readily buyers absorb it. My expecta-
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www.ourcommunityfocus.com
July 2014
ic s u M E LIV 6-8pm!
Page 13
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www.ourcommunityfocus.com
Page 14
July 2014
How Do You Hold Title to Your Home? Do you know in what form you hold title to your home? Most people do not know, but there are important legal consequences to taking title in different ways. Sole Ownership of Real Estate An individual will generally hold title to their home simply in their own name or in the name of a revocable living trust. The primary benefit of holding title in a revocable living trust is probate avoidance. An individual may put their child on the title as a joint-tenant to escape probate, but this creates many more problems than it solves. Co-ownership of Real Estate The landscape for joint ownership of real estate is markedly more complicated than sole ownership. Joint owners can hold title as simple co-owners, as joint-tenants with the right of survivorship, as tenants in common, or as trustees of a jointly settled revocable living trust. Tenancy in common
By Daniel DuRee revocable living trust. This is the clearly is most commonly used in multifamily and creates negative tax consequences and may lead to increased liability for the co-owners. preferred method from an estate planning commercial property ownership, so I will perspective. By using a trust, the spouses There are very few cases where joint-tennot discuss it here. avoid probate while maintaining maximum ancy is the best method for holding title in Co-owners Together as Individuals flexibility and avoiding the pitfalls of mak In California, individuals can hold title California. ing a child a joint-tenant. Revocable Living Trust to real estate in both names. Spouses can Daniel L. DuRee is a third generaalso co-own real estate as husband and wife The third common way of holding tion resident of Contra Costa County and as community property. These are the most title to real estate specifically as spouse coowners is through a jointly settled revocable a licensed attorney practicing in Walnut basic ways of holding title as co-owners. Creek. He can be reached at (925) 210living trust. The property is titled in the What distinguished them from joint-ten1400 or visit www.DuReeLaw.com. name of the spouses as trustees of their ancy is the lack of a “right of survivorship.” A non joint-tenant may leave property interest to any person upon death, while a joint-tenant interest automatically passes to the surviving joint-tenant(s). Estate Planning Attorney Joint-tenancy Joint tenancy is formally known as Please call today “joint-tenancy with the right of survivorfor a complimentary consultation ship.” The major feature of joint-tenancy is at my office or in your home. that when one owner passes away, their interest automatically passes to the surviving 925.210.1400 1535 North Main Street, joint-tenant(s). Because of this characterisSuite 240 • Walnut Creek tic, property held as joint-tenants avoids the scourge of the California probate process. communityfocus-ecomulch-ad-2014-2.pdf 1 2/18/14 4:01 PM However, holding title as joint-tenants
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Dr. Harper was raised in the East Bay and has been practicing orthodontics for 7 years. He received his doctorate in dental surgery from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry and his orthodontic certificate from the University of Nevada Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Harper has provided the highest quality orthodontic care using advanced braces since 2007. He offers a wide variety of treatment options ranging from self-ligating clear and metal braces, lingual braces (behind the teeth braces), Invisalign and retainer treatment. Being a fairly recent orthodontic grad, Dr. Harper tends to think outside the box in his treatment philosophy and only uses the most cutting edge technology as well as the most up to date equipment the orthodontic field has to offer. He believes in not only creating great results, but also building relationships with his patients and the community. He is an asset to his community and an avid sports fan. He donates to his patients sporting teams and will do anything for a plaque on his wall. Dr. Harper is board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics and is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists the Transbay Study Club, the Kiwanis of Martinez, and the Martinez Chamber of Commerce. He is committed to being the best in his field. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Lexie, and 4-month old son, Cade. He also loves to camp and hike. Harper Orthodontics is located across from Alhambra High School at 2805 Alhambra Avenue in Martinez. Contact him at (925) 228-8330 and visit www.harperortho.com.
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July 2014
Wence’s is a Standout at Oak Park Center Wence’s Restaurant in Pleasant Hill has a two-year anniversary this September and shows no signs of letting up in popularity. Recently expanded, Wence’s is a casual, family-run restaurant owned by Chef Gerardo Wence, a 20-year restaurant veteran, and his wife Sandra. Their beautiful daughter Alex is likely to be your hostess, seating you inside one of two spacious dining rooms, or outside in front. Service is excellent, and our friendly server Marie was delightful, competent, and knowledgeable about all items on the extensive menu. Wence’s has an upscale, neighborhood bistro vibe and represents California cuisine well with its emphasis on fresh ingredients, seafood, wine, and grilled items. From the bar you can order draft or bottled beers ($5), glasses or bottles of wine, house made sangria, and even light and refreshing cocktails made with Hans Soju sake wine ($7). Chef Gerardo makes three soups from scratch daily, and my husband
By Alison Clary ($15), an impressive “torte” of layered and I gobbled up a savory artichoke crabmeat, avocado, cucumber, with bisque ($4-6) with generous lumps of a tangle of crispy onion on top. For crabmeat – a great kick-start to the comfort food lovers, the white truffle meal. A classic Caprese salad ($9) mac ‘n’ cheese ($9) starter has quite a followed, beautifully presented as a following. flower of overlapping buffalo mozza By this point we were starting to fill rella cheese, heirloom tomatoes, olives, up, but still had room to split the grilled basil, and a balsamic reduction. It was pork chop ($22), an ample, 14 oz. almost too pretty to eat; the kitchen tender chop on the bone, topped with pays close attention to the appearance melted brie and colorfully presented of every dish. From the list of startwith crisp-tender vegetables and Fuji ers, we had the melt-in-your mouth, apples on a demi-glaze with caramel perfectly pan-seared jumbo scallops undertones and an appealing cakelet of arranged on a pool of not-too-spicy layered scalloped potatoes. This entrée Habanero and citrus sauce ($14). We was a satisfying and complex combinaalso split the grilled artichoke ($8), a tion of textures and flavors, and was novel departure from the steamed version. Served with two tempting aiolis of a treat for the eye as well, with micro roasted garlic and smoked chipotle, the greens and lovely garnishes. artichoke quarters were charred around Completely satiated, we’ll be lookthe edges, and we enjoyed plucking and ing forward to trying one of their house made desserts next time. In addition to dipping each crispy layer down to the serving lunch and dinner daily, Wence’s tender inner hearts. does brunch on weekends, and my hus We couldn’t resist admiring anband already knows he’ll try out their other diner’s order of the crab stack
Overall Best Restaurant
specialty, filet mignon eggs Benedict. Wence’s Restaurant, 1922 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill, (925) 5668971. Reservations accepted. Open M- F, 11:30 – 9pm; S – S, 10am – 9pm.
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Loan-to-value is based on the lesser of purchase price or appraised value. SAFE first and second mortgages must close concurrently. Credits for closing costs cannot be applied to discount points or loan-level price adjustments. New purchase, owner-occupied properties only. Not available for FHA or VA loans, or refinance of an existing SAFE loan. Subject to credit approval and membership eligibility. Offer only available to members who live or work in Contra Costa County. Complete application must be submitted by 7/31/14. Other restrictions may apply. See SAFE for details. 1 2
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July 2014
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FPHE Awards $30,000 to P.H. Schools In May, the Foundation for Pleasant Hill Education (FPHE) awarded $30,000 to support educational activities in Pleasant Hill public schools. The grants were funded through FPHE’s 2014 Annual Campaign and other 2014 fundraisers. Since 2009, FPHE has awarded over $186,000 and 230 grants to the eleven public schools within Pleasant Hill and the College Park High School feeder pattern. This year, the Foundation awarded 42 grants, and every school that requested a grant received one. FPHE grants are awarded based on a combination of criteria, including the number of students impacted and the contribution to or support of language arts, math, science, or other key curriculum areas. A detailed list can be found below. FPHE thanks and applauds all our 2014 donors and business partners for placing a high priority on local education and realizing that strong schools benefit the entire community. For more information about FPHE or to donate, visit www.fphe.org. 2014 Grant Recipients College Park High School: Geometer
Sketchpad software; Academic Success curriculum and supplies; AP biology lab kits; human rights course materials; weight room cage station; Indonesian batik program supplies; etching press; guitar program music and supplies; tap dance supplies; wireless microphones for drama productions. Pleasant Hill Middle School: XL.com math subscription service Sequoia Middle School: Arduino robot and programming kit; technology grants. Valley View Middle School: Classroom sets of books; Linkbot robotics/programming program; “Cooking to Learn” kitchen equipment; technology grants. Fair Oaks Elementary: More Starfall reading program; yoga PE program and equipment Gregory Gardens Elementary: math manipulatives; book room organization system Sequoia Elementary: grade level sets of books; Technology grants Strandwood Elementary: subscriptions to Scholastic Weekly Reader and Science Spin Valhalla Elementary: technology grants
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Community Foundation Grant Awardees The Pleasant Hill Community Foundation recently finished its annual Community Grant Award review and has disseminated awards to 13 community organizations. Funding was provided from the proceeds of generous donors to the Foundation. Organizations that provide recreational, educational, or cultural services to the residents of Pleasant Hill were eligible for consideration. This year’s awardees are: Adult Day Services Network of Contra Costa County; College Park High Grad Nite; College Park High School Peer Tutoring Intervention Program; Contra Costa Interfaith Housing; Friends of Pleasant Hill Library; Monument Crisis Center; Pleasant Hill Senior Center; Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District’s Aquatic Program; Project Second Chance; RES Success
(Redefining Educational Services); Rodgers Ranch Urban Farm and Teaching Gardens; Valley View Middle School’s Mouse Squad; and Walnut Creek United Methodist Church for the Bus Stop After School Program at Pleasant Hill Elementary School. Community Grant Chair Adrianne Roe states, “We received requests to fund such a wide variety of projects this year. We chose projects that we felt would be the most impactful. These projects included assisting frail adults, struggling students, low income families, and people trying to make a better life for themselves.” Visit the website at www. phcommunityfoundation.org for more information on the Foundation and the many organizations it has supported over the years.
Teen Council
Pictured below are the 2013-2014 Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District Teen Council members. Teen representatives from local middle and high schools plan activities, classes, dances, sports, and trips for students grades 6-college. It is an excellent way for teens to get involved in Pleasant Hill.
Back row L-R: Allie Naccara (CPHS, 9th), Breanna Klippel (CPHS, 11th), Trace Bechter (CPHS, 11th), Emily Dowey (CPHS, 11th), Marissa St. Marseille (CPHS, 9th), Sidney Helberg (CPHS, 9th), Rebecca Monroe (CPHS, 9th), Helena Encarnacion-Strand (Chair, CPHS, 12th), Mayuko Butterfield (CPHS, 11th) & Kevin Neys (CPHS, 12th). Front Row L-R: Adriana Guerrero (CHS, 10th), Melissa Torres (CPHS, 10th), Monica Rodriquez (CPHS, 10th), Katrina Hunn (PHR&PD Teen Supervisor), Katelyn Downing (PHMS, 7th), Ethan Tuey (PHMS, 8th) & TJ Tamura (CPHS, 12th) Not Pictured: Tyler Kelso (DLSHS, 10th), Ryan Hood (CPHS, 9th), Meredith Fore (CPHS, 10th), Matthew Cary (CPHS, 11th), Kayla Brooks (CPHS, 9th), Jessica Bracken (PHMS, 7th), Jaime Pitcher (VVMS, 8th), Cole Nixon (SMS, 8th) & Brad Thompson (CPHS, 12th).
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HOME TEAM
NCS Champions!
AHS Softball
The Alhambra Lady Bulldogs were crowned champions at the North Coast Section Division 11 Championship, beating Carondelet 5-0 at St. Mary’s College on May 30. According to the Martinez Youth Baseball and Softball Association’s Facebook page, 13 of the 15 athletes played Martinez Youth Baseball and Softball. Seven members of the team will continue to play in college next year.
From left: Assistant Coach Rick Bonasea, Nicole Curry, Miranda Nilson, Brielle Moeberg, Samantha Whitworth, Assistant Coach Ed Henderson, Erin Enke, Cara Dimercurio, Braelyn Marti, Coach Paul Bucellatto, Coach Sara Stenson, Courtney Kelly, Briana Perez, Kylee Perez, Madeline Cervantes, Hailey Sparacino, Karlee Sparacino, JoJo Kelly and KK Boyd. Photo by Greg Jungferman/MaxPreps.com.
CPHS Baseball The College Park Falcons won the NCS Division II Pennant after breezing through the playoff brackets into the finals where they defeated Marin Catholic 7-2 at Diablo Valley College on Saturday May 31.
July 2014
Sport Propels Student
College Park women’s lacrosse team is still in its infancy, but in its mere two seasons it produced a collegiate athlete. Victoria Peleras, a 2014 College Park graduate, will be attending Concordia College in the fall to play lacrosse. Victoria had never played the sport until Andy Alkire spearheaded the effort to bring it to College Park in February 2013. Victoria told the Community Focus she always had an interest in lacrosse, but never really had the opportunity to play. “I had never heard of any camps or club teams, nor did I have the time; I was always busy with other sports. Once I heard about a women’s lacrosse program at College Park, I got really excited! About 3/4 of the way through my junior year lacrosse season, Coach Alkire mentioned he had gotten in contact with the Concordia coach and gave her my contact information. I eventually spoke to her and stayed in contact with her throughout my senior year.” Victoria isn’t new to sports. She has accumulated nine varsity letters at CP, participating in basketball, volleyball, track, and lacrosse. Her advice for incoming freshmen: “TRY NEW THINGS. You never know if you’ll like something unless you try it. My favorite quote is by Steve
Nash (current point guard for the LA Lakers): ‘I’m uncomfortable being comfortable’. I love this quote because it reminds me to always try something new and to work hard. The extra hours and effort will pay off. That goes for academics and athletics!” Peleras wants to express her gratitude to her coaches and parents. “I would like to thank all three of my coaches: Andy Alkire, Shannon Algeo, and Brad Latson. They played key roles in my success, especially Coach Alkire, for giving me and the CP girls the opportunity to play lacrosse, for getting me in contact with the Concordia coach, providing all the tools and knowledge I needed to grow as a player, and for believing in me! I also would like to thank my parents for letting me play the sport and for supporting me throughout my entire high school career, especially in lacrosse.”
Panthers Take First
The Pleasant Hill 8U Panthers took first place in the Livermore Smoke Memorial Day Tournament, May 24-25, in Livermore. The Panthers went undefeated in the tournament, battling both the heat and great opponents. Great pitching and defense, along with timely hitting, led the way as the Panthers only gave up 5 runs in 5 games, while scoring 23 runs. The Panthers beat the Benicia Outlaws 5-2 in the championship game.
Back row, LtoR: Manager Jose Delatorre, Coach Heidi Hallford and Coach Mark Weiler. Front row: Myia Weiler, Jessica Delatorre, Stevie Fong, Hailey Hallford, Sofia Meyer and Alexis Sealey. Second row: Hailey Stripling, Morgan Bowdish, Ariana Rivera, Bella Montero, Liberty Lynch and Carly Short. Photo and article submitted by Jose Delatorre.
July 2014
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HOME TEAM
Pleasant Hill Hawks End Season Soaring High “Thou hast hawks will soar above the morning lark” is a line in William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. The same could be said for the Pleasant Hill Hawks travel baseball program of the Pleasant Hill Baseball Association (PHBA); they soared above the competition by showing program depth, solid play and competitiveness in recent tournaments over this season’s Memorial Day weekend, May 24-26, and the 680 Diablo League Championship, May 31-June 1. In summary, the 9U Hawks were runner-up champs playing in the 2014 Annual Bulldawg Brawl Memorial Day Tournament in Walnut Creek, followed by a competitive showing in the 680 Diablo League Tournament the following weekend. The 10U Hawks were also crowned champs of their age group in the 2014 Bulldawg Brawl Memorial Day Tournament and were also runner-up champs in 680 Diablo League Championships May 31-June 1 in Twin Creeks, Sunnyvale. The 12U Hawks mastered their opponents as champions of their age group in the 2014 Annual Bulldawg
By Bob Stern Brawl tournament in Walnut Creek, and sioner. “They had some great moments on they too played competitively in the league and off the field. And I, for one, saw many tournament. reasons why I believe the Pleasant Hill Congratulations also to the 13-14 Hawks is one of the premiere programs to Hawks Blue team. They were champions of the 2014 Rocklin Pony Memorial Day Tournament, going undefeated and outscoring all tournament opponents by a combined score of 33-0! Congratulations to both the Hawks 1314 Blue and Red teams for reaching the 680 Diablo League 13-14 Division Championship game. Lead by Paul Damhesel coaching in his final game as a Hawks manager, the Hawks 13-14 Blue team prevailed over the Hawks 13-14 Red team in the championship game to take the top prize. The 13-14 Red team also had good reason to be proud as they overcame early tournament challenges by winning two straight on Sunday of the 680 League tournament to reach the championship game against their fellow Hawks. “I wanted to congratulate all of our Hawks teams for a very strong year,” said Pat Curran, Pleasant Hill Hawks commis-
play baseball in our area. I’m also extremely happy with the w ay our players represented the Hawks program during the end of season tournaments. I am very proud.”
12U Hawks were the Champions of the Walnut Creek Bulldawg tournament held over Memorial Day weekend. Photo submitted by Matthew Gowdy.
CP Students Sign
Congratulations to these six College Park student athletes who signed athletic scholarships to participate in intercollegiate athletics: Romello Monjaras - Coe College, Iowa, for wrestling; Dimitri Salido - Northern Arizona University for football; Torez Ramsey - College of Saint Rose, NY, for soccer; Jessica Jordan - Sonoma State for soccer; Victoria Peleras – Concordia, Irvine, for lacrosse; and Parker Marson Western Oregon for cross country.
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July 2014
Page 21
Hawks Coach Paul Damhesel Retires
After a long career with PHBA, 2014 marked Paul Damhesel’s final season of coaching Hawks baseball. Coach Paul has managed 13-14 year-old boys for more than thirty years, shepherding over 300 teenagers on to high school baseball, as well as on to life as young adults. Paul’s final team finished strong and went undefeated this year, a first in the Hawks program’s long and proud history. When asked why coaching the 13-14 year-old team has been so meaningful to him all these years, Paul said, “I enjoy working with this age group because the high school teams are much more political. I have felt that I could have more control and do a better job of teaching the game of baseball at this age group. And being a former high school coach, I understood what is needed for a player
to make the high school team.” Aside from elevating players’ skills to ensure they would make their high school baseball teams, the culture of Paul’s program has consistently fostered character in his players, emphasizing respect and integrity, and honoring their commitments and responsibilities to themselves, their families and others. As one former player put it, “Coach Paul didn’t just want to turn us into better baseball players, but also into better men.” Paul’s coaching career was celebrated
Kids and Supplements By Kevin Arndt, Forma Gym Athletic Trainer take or not take? Just the other day we had Parents ask us an athlete come in with something along all the time about the line of Super Crazy Whey Jacked 3. supplements for their We definitely do not recommend any kids. Can they take of these crazy named, energy-boosting anything, should supplements. We really only recommend they take something? three different types of supplements: It’s hard to give a protein, carbohydrate, and creatine. There straight yes or no on are times when parents tell me they do this one; it is more of an “it depends” annot agree with me and they don’t want swer. There are many factors to take into their kids putting “fake” stuff into their account if we tell a high school athlete to body. That is fine with me, but consider put something into his/her body. that protein and creatine are the most re Never forget the meaning and purpose of supplements; they are designed to searched supplements in the fitness indussupplement your nutrition, not be the “go try, and they have yet to find any credible data to prove they are unhealthy. And to” way of feeding your body. We always here’s a little food for thought (pardon the strongly recommend that athletes try to pun): why won’t parents give their child get everything they can from food, but this isn’t always feasible. Some athletes just a supplement from a reputable company, but will take their kid to McDonalds or don’t have the time to sit down and eat a Taco Bell without thinking twice? balanced meal, let alone cook one. And At the end of the day, supplements lets face it, they’re teenagers. Chances are can be very beneficial and help the athlete. they aren’t really handy in the kitchen. If But before putting anything in your child’s we have an athlete that is eating enough body, ask a non-biased professional first. food to feed a small army and eating Please don’t go to the local supplement the right balance, but is still feeling tired shop on the corner or at the mall and or not gaining weight, and they are old ask them. Their only job is to sell, and enough (age 15 is what I’m comfortable with, depending on physical maturity), we undoubtedly they will try to sell you stuff your child doesn’t need and could be will recommend supplements. So, what supplements do our athletes unhealthy or dangerous.
on May 16 at his 2nd home on the Sequoia Middle School baseball field among current and former PHBA Hawks players, coaches and their families. “When I began coaching the Hawks in 1988, I never thought in 2014 I would still be here. I want to thank PHBA for allowing me to “stick around” for as long as I have. I love the game of baseball, and I love working with boys and turning them into young men by teaching them respect for themselves, families, and their teammates. I have enjoyed my years as a coach, and I know that I am
leaving the Hawks in good hands,” Paul continued. Though Paul and his wife (and biggest fan) Sue will leave for greener pastures in Texas, the legacy of highlyrespected, quality, competitive baseball that has become synonymous with the name “Coach Paul” will continue in Pleasant Hill as players and coaches he has mentored through the years return to carry on the traditions of PHBA Hawks Baseball. “We’ll miss Paul immensely and thank him for his dedicated service to the Hawks program,” said Pat Curran, Pleasant Hill Hawks commissioner. “While this is a great loss for the Hawks, we will take great pride to continue on his tradition of excellence well into the future. We congratulate Paul on his retirement.”
Student Chosen for EDGE Matthew Regner from Alhambra High School was selected to attend the EDGE (Explore, Develop, Grow and Empower) Youth Leadership seminar May 23 thru May 25 at UC Berkeley, Clark Kerr Campus. Each year, high schools are asked to nominate just one exceptional student who has demonstrated strong leadership abilities or potential. Over the past 11 years, EDGE has trained and encouraged thousands of young leaders in the region. Each year, the EDGE seminar gives young leaders a chance to meet with respected leaders in business, nonprofits, and government, pepper them with questions, and discuss important issues ranging from the environment to the future of education. The conference features speakers that encourage students to find ways to make a positive impact on their community through volunteerism. EDGE cultivates students’ communication, team building and goal setting skills with a variety of leadership exercises. When asked about his experience, Matthew said, “My experience at EDGE was amazing. I enjoyed many activities that included team-building skills and activities that improved my personal wellness. We were lucky enough to listen to a motivational speaker by the name of Scott Backovich, a great guy who had one
lesson for us: ‘Be a catalyst,’ meaning, be the person who makes the impact on other people’s lives and be the change. We also practiced public speaking skills with an activity called ‘Speak Up Listen Up,’ where we were given a random question and expanded on the answer for a whole minute. Another activity called ‘Secret Support,’ had us write down our biggest fears, flaws, and problems on a sheet of paper anonymously and then had us go around and write down solutions to that problem, the whole time being unaware of who wrote it. EDGE was a great place to meet new people and taught us to let ourselves loose with enthusiasm.” The conference is completely non-partisan and non-sectarian. Instead of teaching students what to think, they are encouraged to consider different views and draw their own conclusions. EDGE is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit, and the students all attend free of charge, thanks to funding from generous community organizations such as General Federation of Women’s Clubs, Kiwanis Clubs, Saratoga Rotary Foundation, and donations from individuals committed to encouraging young leaders to change the world. The organization relies completely on volunteers. For more information, visit the EDGE website at www.edgeyl.org or call 323-717-8793. Some information contributed by Kathryn Liu.
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July 2014
Pleasant Hill Rec and Park Activities
July & August Preschool Summer Camps Keep your youngest family members active and engaged. Three-day camp options available by age group (2 yrs 9 mos to 4 yrs; 3.5-5 yrs & 4-6 yrs). Visit pleasanthillrec.com/camps.html for more camp information. 4th of July Fun & Games in the Park 10:30am-2:30pm. Pleasant Hill Park, 147 Gregory Lane. FREE entertainment for the whole family, including stage entertainment, kids’ games, climbing wall, bounce events, community booths, and more. Food/beverages by Back 40 for purchase. 4th of July Cool Off at the PH Aquatic Park Pool! 11am-5pm at 147 Gregory Lane. FREE! Pool Safety Day July 11, 1-5pm. PH Aquatic Park, 147 Gregory Lane. Learn about pool safety from your local lifeguards, paramedics, firefighters, and
medical flight crew! Pools and sprayground will be open for public swimming. Pleasant Hill’s 5th Annual Blues & Brews Festival Tickets on sale now. July 18, 6-9pm & July 19, 12-6pm. Pleasant Hill Park, 147 Gregory Lane. Like blues? Like craft brews? You’ll love the 5th Annual Blues & Brews Festival. Enjoy live blues music and participate in the fine art of craft brew tasting. Join friends and family for a day of friendship and fun. For tickets and more information, visit www. bluesandbrewsfestival.com.
Keep Cool at Pleasant Hill Aquatic Park Summer hours for June 16 - Aug. 24: Mon–Th. 1:15-4:15pm and Fri–Sun 1-5pm. Family swim passes and 15-visit punch cards available. PH Aquatic Park includes 25-yard pool with two diving boards; 20-yard shallow water training pool; a sprayground; changing rooms with
showers and restrooms; and two picnic areas with BBQ pit and tables. Call (925) 682-0896 for picnic reservations.
Friday Night Family Swim July 18 and August 22, 6-9pm. PH Aquatic Park, 147 Gregory Lane. Public swim passes are valid for entry. Derby Day July 25 at 2pm. PH Aquatic Park, 147 Gregory Lane. Design a boat out of cardboard, recyclables and duct tape. All boats compete in races across the pools. Entry fee: $5/boater. Pre-register at pleasanthillrec.com/home/specialevents. html. American Iron Car Show August 10,
10am-3pm, Crescent Drive in Downtown Pleasant Hill. Free to public. Participating car owners must pre-register and provide entry fee. (925) 682-0896. Dolfins 50th Anniversary Reunion Festivities August 22-23. Celebrate 50 years of “Have Fun! Swim Fast!” All former team members and families welcome! For ticket sales and event details, visit pleasanthillrec. com/aquatics/dolfinsswimteam.html.
Summertime Celebration Rentals PHRec has the perfect indoor and/or outdoor venue for your summer time parties and events. Contact Ryan Herriman at (925) 676-5200.
What to do with Bored Kids this Summer By Mario Micanovic As the summer days get warmer and the lakes are unpaved, which gives them longer, there is one way to keep your kids quite a tranquil feeling. If you come early enough, you might get the chance to see entertained and your wallet from losing a deer or two, a fox, rabbit or even an otmore weight. ter. So if you find yourself wanting to do Take them to a park. Not just any something with your kids for free, why park. The newly remodeled Hidden not give this park a chance? It just might Valley Park is a gem all its own. It lies pleasantly surprise you. on 16-acres of land on Center Avenue at Redwood Drive in Martinez. It is relatively close to Interstate 680, and there are plenty of parking spaces. Aside from four reservable picnic areas and two firstcome-first-served ones, there are two large play structures for kids of all ages to climb, two ball fields, bicycle and jogging paths, a one mile exercise course, and a two-mile pathway leading to another park, Hidden Lakes Park. The real gem of the place is relatively hidden from view. It is a string of small lakes that give the region its name of Hidden Lakes. The lakes cannot be seen from the street or park unless one walks up to them. They are a real treasure for all nature goers. One cannot help fall in love with the beauty of the water fountain and shady corners. Some paths around
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CORKS AND FORKS
July 2014
Pair Up With La Sommelierre Maria Terry
Lemon Sunshine Lemon is an appealing flavor to me all year around, but somehow is even better on a hot summer day. This menu, based on lemon-flavored recipes, is fun and results in a meal that is packed with flavor. Lemonade and beer are a terrific flavor combination - sweet and sour from the lemonade, bitter and savory from the beer. This combination is commonly called a Lemon Shandy. Some breweries have their own bottled versions, but you can make your own with the recipe provided. Shandies are light and refreshing and go down easy on a hot summer afternoon. Additionally, the low alcohol, slight spritz, and yeasty/ lemony flavor combination make it a beverage that will go with just about any food. I like the idea of pairing it with a
cool yogurt dip that has an abundance of fresh herbs and a bright burst of lemon. This versatile dip is good for almost anything you can eat with your fingers, including vegetables, pita, and even chicken wings. This pairing will create a leisurely feel, perfect for a relaxing afternoon. My kids inspired the main course. They love lemon chicken at a local Chinese restaurant. I sought out this recipe (on the website) so I could make it for them at home. Deep-frying is better for keeping the coating on the chicken, but pan-frying leaves a little extra flavor in the pan for the sauce. Even if you lose a little of the coating, the result is very tasty. I like this recipe with steamed jasmine rice, pea pods, and a refreshing Albariño (a white wine from Spain). The Albariño grape makes a white wine
Limoncello INGREDIENTS 10 lemons 1 (750-ml) bottle vodka 3 1/2 cups water 2 1/2 cups sugar DIRECTIONS Using a vegetable peeler, remove the peel from the lemons in long strips (reserve the lemons for another use). Using a small sharp knife, trim away the white pith from the lemon peels; discard the pith. Place the lemon peels in a 2-quart pitcher. Pour the vodka over the peels and cover with plastic
wrap. Steep the lemon peels in the vodka for 4 days at room temperature. Stir the water and sugar in a large saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Cool completely. Pour the sugar syrup over the vodka mixture. Cover and let stand at room temperature overnight. Strain the limoncello through a mesh strainer. Discard the peels. Transfer the limoncello to bottles. Seal the bottles and refrigerate until cold, at least 4 hours and up to 1 month. Yield: 7 Cups
Lemon Herb Yogurt Dip INGREDIENTS 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek-style preferred) 1 tablespoon minced green onion, white and light green parts only 3 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives 1 tablespoon thinly sliced fresh basil 1 teaspoon sherry vinegar 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice Salt and pepper, to taste Fresh vegetables, pita bread, chips, and
crackers, to serve DIRECTIONS In a small bowl, whisk all ingredients together. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding salt and pepper to taste. Serve with your favorite fresh vegetables, pita bread, chips, or crackers. Cover and refrigerate leftovers and enjoy within 3 to 4 days. Note: For a slightly less tangy dip, feel free to substitute half of the yogurt for sour cream. Yield: 1 Cup
with peach and lemon flavors that cuts through the rich fat and stands up to the intense flavors of the chicken. However, if you can’t find an Albariño, a Riesling will be a fine substitute. For dessert, I got a little help from a boxed cake mix to bake a super quick, easy cake that is beautiful when sliced (recipe on website). What should be its
partner? How about an ice cold limoncello. When sipped alongside, it is like having a little extra glaze with a bit of an alcoholic kick. So, go on. Pair Up! Maria Terry is a Certified Sommelier and Wine Educator in the San Francisco Bay Area. www.LaSommelierre.com.
Lemon Shandy INGREDIENTS 1 cup sugar 3 cups water Four 3-inch strips lemon zest, removed with a vegetable peeler 1 cup fresh lemon juice 2 fresh mint sprigs Chilled beer, such as pale ale DIRECTIONS In a small saucepan bring sugar and 1 cup water to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved, and stir in zest.
Cool sugar syrup to room temperature. Transfer syrup to a small pitcher and stir in remaining 2 cups water, lemon juice, and mint. Chill lemonade until cold. (Makes about 4 1/2 cups lemonade.) Pour 1/4 cup lemonade, or to taste, into each of 4 chilled beer glasses and top off with beer. Yield: 4½ cups lemonade – 18 shandies
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July 2014
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THE GARDEN
Prolific Season for Fruits and Veggies By Lesley Stiles low. Whose idea was this anyway? I was trying to predict the weather there, as it is extremely similar to ours, but who knows? Will we hit a snowstorm as we trek over the Pyrenees? Will it be unbearably hot as we stroll along the Mezeta under the open sky through scenic vineyards? We are prepared for just about anything, as long as it fits into a backpack without displacing my makeup, and that is all you can do at this point. invented for. Take whole large leaves While I’m away, delightfully prolific of emerald love and stack on top of numbers of seasonal veggies will be ripeach other, rolling like a fine cigar. Slice ening in my yard, including tomatoes, from end to end, guaranteeing the most and, one of my favorite seasonal herbs, amazing basil ribbons for playfully tossbasil. For 5000 years, basil has been ing upon your edible treasures. proliferating every summer, completing Perk up any dish with an herb the sacred culinary trilogy of tomatoes drizzle by placing huge handfuls of baand mozzarella. Exhibiting excitably sil leaves in your blender accompanied enticing aromas from the mere touch of by as much parsley and tossing in a few a leaf and ranging from solid Genovese cloves of garlic. Add the juice and rind Italian to spicy purple Vietnamese, basil of two lemons with a nice pinch of salt. provides a nuance for every palate. BaWhirl on high, steadily streaming extra sil is what a chiffonade must have been virgin olive oil in. This secret sauce will win you culinary competitions among family and friends. Add tiny lemon basil leaves to halved grapes with luscious cubes of fresh pecorino and toss with good oil. Try Opal basil with cubed waBREAKFAST & LUNCH termelon doused with white balsamic, a sniff of vanilla extract, and lemon oil. Get kinky, showering crumbled feta 2 Eggs with your choice of over your bowl. Sweet or savory, the 1/2 waffle or 2 flapjacks, Country Cookin’ at its and 2 strips of bacon Old Fashioned Best or 2 sausage links or 1/2 ham
What a weird year for weather predictability. I can usually assure a bride of what to expect before a wedding, but the chance of a bridezilla meltdown has the amazing power to prevent me from opening my mouth on that subject evermore. July used to be the most predictable month -- always cold for 4th of July at College Park or the marina while reveling in patriotism -- but who knows anymore? I, along with a couple of equally insane pals, am off to walk the Camino de Santiago, aka “The Way” in Northern Spain through Basque country. The piece we plan to hike over several weeks from start to finish is about 490 miles. We’ll visit small villages, astounding historical sites, and many churches along the way. We vow proven methods of discovering a region and imbibing lots of local regional dishes and wines, reports to fol-
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mighty basilico is as enticing as a samba beat and everyone’s favorite summer crush. July is also a fabulous month for berries of all kinds. Farmers’ markets have achingly beautiful petite baskets artfully lined up on tables, and if you are a hiker or walker, there are blackberries galore wildly beckoning to stained fingers and tee shirts along many local trails. Huckleberries are another local wild treat. Tiny, rich, deep lavender berries make for fiddly eating, but they are nice to suck on as you hike a hot trail. Stone fruits are peaking in July, precisely at the same time as luscious melons burst onto the scene, spilling juice and seeds, but worth every drop of mess. Melons are one of those fruits that are sold all year long in the grocery store, but are truly amazing only two months of the year --July and August. Whatever your summer jones is, indulge it. And remember to walk early and often to beat the heat. Hasta Luego!! Lesley Stiles is a graduate of the California Culinary Academy, sustainable caterer and school garden educator. Contact Lesley at lesleystiles@comcast.net, www.lesleystiles.blogspot.com and visit her new website: www.lesleystilesfoods.com.
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Please go to our website www.KobeJapanRestaurant.com, and click Sign-Up for Our Birthday Club/Special Offers
Kobe Japan Family Night KIDS EAT FREE
Enjoy One free hibachi dinner from our kids’ menu per Adult hibachi entrée purchased. Offer valid on Monday and Tuesday for the month of June & July 2014.
With Coupon Only • Reservation Recommended
May not be valid for takeout orders or combined with any other offers.
1918 Oak Park Blvd, Pleasant Hill 925-705-7065/7066 (PHONE) • 925-705-7067 (FAX) www.kobejapanrestaurant.com
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July 2014
Meals on Wheels in Contra Costa County The story of Meals on Wheels began in England during the “Blitzkrieg” of World War II. Hospitals could not hold the high volume of civilian bombing casualties, so visiting nurses were deployed to treat people in their homes and bring them food. Meals on Wheels crossed the pond to America in the late 1950s and first appeared in some areas of Contra Costa County in the early 1960s, sponsored by Catholic Charities. Through the 1970s, there were as many as six separate nonprofit and public agencies delivering Meals on Wheels in our county. In 1980, the US Congress added a “Home Delivered Meals” component to the Older Americans Act Senior Nutrition Program, which was already providing nutritious daily meals to seniors in senior centers nationwide. The new funding was a welcome relief for beleaguered local Meals on Wheels programs,
By Gay Gerlack which then joined the countywide Senior Clubhouse, 1635 Pacheco Boulevard, Meals on Wheels Program, administered Nutrition Program, administered by the through the Public Health Department in Martinez, with doors opening at 6pm for County Public Health Department. dinner and the tournament beginning at partnership with three nonprofit agen Meals on Wheels of Contra Costa 6:30 pm. cies who coordinate delivery in separate currently provides 335,000 meals annu There is a $60 per player buy-in with regions of the county. They joined forces ally in Contra Costa County, delivered unlimited $20 re-buys the first hour and in 1990 to establish Meals on Wheels of mostly by volunteer drivers to 2,000 a one-time $40 add-on. The fee includes Contra Costa, Inc. as a charitable nonnutritionally at-risk homebound elders food from The Mecca; drink tickets, profit coalition to raise funds from the with no other viable means of receiving and tournament play. You can register at community to pay for the cost of the nutritious daily meals. Meals on Wheels mowcc.eventbrite.com or send a check meals and meals delivery. Donations are could not serve anywhere near the 1,300 made out to Meals on Wheels, c/o Funreceived through their website at www. daily homebound elders in our county draiser, 1220 Morello Avenue, Suite 210, MealsonWheelsofContraCosta.org or at without the commitment of hundreds of Martinez, CA 94553. P.O. Box 3195, Martinez, CA 94553. volunteer drivers and individual donors. Material provided by A. Paul Meals on Wheels of Contra Costa Forty percent of the funding loKraintz, Martinez Historical Society vice will be hosting a Texas Hold’em Funcally comes from individual donors in president and Meals on Wheels director. draiser on Friday, July 18, at the Shell our communities and grants from local charitable organizations; another 20% 818 Green St. (925) 370-8770 comes from homebound elders who actually receive the meals; and the remaining July 11 - Let’s Be Informed Series, “Want to save on your monthly PG&E and telephone bills?” 10:30am. Presented by Roland Es40% comes from federal, state, and local quivias, outreach officer for the California Public Utilities Commission government contributions. (CPUC). To put your name on the list, call (925) 370-8770. Today we have a single, countywide July 13 - Pancake Breakfast 8-11am. Breakfast includes pancakes or toast, sausage, eggs, orange juice and coffee. Everyone is welcome. Cost is $4.00 for adults/$2.50 for children 10 and under. Thursdays - Bingo 12pm. Open for sales at 12pm; games begin at 1pm. Wednesdays - Alzheimer’s Respite Program 10am-4pm. The Martinez Respite Group is for those with mild to moderate dementia who have an ability to care for their basic needs independently, such as using the restroom and feeding themselves. Activities to help group members function to the best of their ability include discussion groups, exercise, crafts, table games, and projects to maintain social skills. One-time $20 registration fee, with daily lab fee of $15 charged monthly, includes lunch. Sponsored by the City of Martinez. For information and registration, call (925) 370-8772.
Martinez Senior Activities
Pleasant Hill Senior Activities 233 Gregory Lane (925) 798-8788
Local senior receives a visit from Meals on Wheels volunteer.
July 4 - 4th of July Pancake Breakfast 8-10am. Celebrate Independence Day with a delicious stack of pancakes, eggs, sausage, OJ and coffee. All ages welcome. Adults (11+): $5, Children (5-10yrs): $3, 4 & under: Free! PH Senior Center: Chateau Room. July 10 - Care Management Series, “Keeping Cool & Hydrated” 2-3:30pm. Free series held the 2nd Thursday of each month. Presented and sponsored by The Chateau’s of Pleasant Hill. Pre-register, space is limited. RSVP required, (925) 798-8788. Next presentationAugust 14 – “Burial at Sea” presented by Neptune Society. Tuesdays - Basic Computer & You, Part 1 & Part 2 9:30-11am. Part 1, July 8-22: Get hands on experience in the Senior Center’s state of the art Computer Lab. Learn basic functions, including keyboard shortcuts and how to search the Web. Part 2, August 12-26: Build on your computer knowledge from Part 1. Learn some of the tools/utilities in Windows to improve your efficiency. $45 / $40 (senior center members). Register at phseniorcenter.com.
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July 2014
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Discover Downtown Martinez
www.MainStreetMartinez.org
Shell Oil Products US Martinez Refinery
Presents
Downtown Martinez
orks Firew ay Displ k s at Du
Friday, July 4th 2014
4th of July Parade
For schedule and more information visit MainStreetMartinez.org or call 925.228.3577
Fridays on the Main Farmers Market! and
ven Over 15 dor bo o 0 ths!
Sat. August 2
8:00am to 4:00pm - Downtown Martinez
Martinez Peddlers Faire featuring Antiques, Collectibles, Vintage and Arts & Crafts! John Humphries, collectibles author, radio and tv host, will evaluate your treasures (up to 3 carry-in items) for a donation to the Martinez Historical Society. Look for him on Ferry St. at Main St. - All Day!
A Main Street Martinez Event www.MainStreetMartinez.org • (925) 228-3577 Shell Oil Products US Martinez Refinery
Every Friday on Main St. Downtown Martinez
Now through Sept. 12 Market 4-8pm Music & Cars 6-8pm
Fresh, Local Produce Live Music • Cool Cars www.MainStreetMartinez.org 925.228.3577
Page 28
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July 2014
In the Mix with Hillary Lee By Paul Cotruvo, Cover2Cover and The Big Jangle Summer is officially here, and what better event in which to bask in the hot sun than the 5th annual Blues and Brews Festival, held in Pleasant Hill Park, on July 18 and July 19. I can’t thank the Pleasant Hill Rec & Park and the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce enough for keeping this event going. The best part for me is that the music portion of this day is free! If you are a blues fan or just a music lover, this year’s line-up is one of the best. Headlining is a group that call themselves JB and DEM Revue, which features none other than Jeff Tamalier, guitarist for Tower of Power for 15 years. He will bring an all-star group together to funk the place up! Also on this year’s bill is the incredible Frankie G. & the Conviction; the rockabilly sounds of Pleasant Hill’s own Jinx Jones and the Kingtones; an amazing group out of Martinez, Caroompas Room; and opening the show, the popular Loose Blues. Loose Blues is a solid rock’n blues band out of the East Bay. They feature an amazing singer, Hillary Lee, who I caught up with to ask a few questions. PC: When did you first get started as a singer? HL: In elementary school choir and musicals. (I’m preaching to the choir here, but the music programs at all the schools I went to had everything to do with my pursuit of singing). My first role was Glinda the Good Witch in my 5th
Dallimonti’s
grade production of The Wizard of Oz. My junior high school choir teacher, Mrs. Boomgarten, gave me solos, so I figured I must be a decent singer. I took classical voice lessons for many years after and did every musical thing I could possibly do through high school and college. My first band was at Blue Bear School of Music in San Francisco. My second band was Loose Blues! PC: Who were some of your influences? HL: I really enjoy local live music, so I’ve got to credit the great local blueswomen: E.C. Scott and Tia Carroll. Also, Etta James, Ella Fitzgerald, Susan Tedeschi. PC: Can you name some of the highlights so far in your music career? HL: All the blues festivals for sure, opening for Ana Popovic, playing with Carlos Reyes…we love performing out in the sunshine for folks who love the blues. PC: Why the blues? And what style do you prefer? HL: If people aren’t smiling and dancing, we’re not happy, so we lean strongly towards rockin’ blues. Loose Blues is play-
Restaurant
ing to its strengths with musicians from Chicago, Oakland, Leeds…and we find a lot of songs that we can have fun with. PC: Do you play any instruments? HL: Piano and guitar. I do best when I focus, though, and singing is what I most like to focus on in life! PC: What are your views of the music scene here in Contra Costa? HL: Kudos to Pleasant Hill and other
local communities who support live blues and other genres of music! I’d like to see that kind of variety grow to at least match the existing amount of tribute music in the area. PC: If you were a blues song, what would you be and why? HL: “3-Legged Man,” written by Doug Chapline and originally performed by a southern California blues band called Reno Jones. It’s a great dancing song with funny lyrics, and our fans love it. We cover it on our second CD, Road Hard. Of course I would want to be a song that everybody laughs with and loves! And I am sure you can get their merchandise on July 19. So as you can see, this is going to be a great day of music and should offer a different take on the blues. See you out there! Quote of the Month: “The blues ain’t nothing but a good man feelin’ bad.” - Leon Redbone
PAUL’S PICKS FOR JULY July 6: Zydeco Flames, Pleasant Hill Summer by the Lake Series, 6pm July 9: Frankie G., Zachary’s Pizza, 140 Crescent Drive, Pleasant Hill, 6pm July 12: Kyle Jester, Roxx on Main, 627 Main St., Martinez, 7pm July 18: Lumberyard, Blues and Brews Pre-Party, Pleasant Hill Park, 147 Gregory Lane, 6pm July 19: Blues and Brews, JB and DEM Revue, Frankie G. and the Conviction, Jinx Jones & the Kingtones, Caroompas Room, Loose Blues, Pleasant Hill Park, 147 Gregory Lane, 12pm July 23: Dan DeShara, Zachary’s Pizza, 140 Crescent Drive, Pleasant Hill, 6pm
Relax Refresh Renew
www.dallimontis.com
Come for the food stay for the music!
DON’T FORGET OUT SUNDAY BAR SPECIALS • MONDAY $6.00 BBQ TUESDAY FREE TACOS • SELECT WEDNESDAYS OPEN MIC 7/5 Cherry Bomb (Cover band) • 7/12 Country Weather w Dave Carter 7/19 The Famous Three-O • 7/26 Lumberyard • A Family Tradition Since 1982 • Open for Lunch & Dinner • Reservations & Take Out Available • Small Banquets Welcome • Full Bar & Wine List • A Touch of North Beach in your Neighborhood
1932 Oak Park Boulevard, Pleasant Hill. 925-944-5224
SUMMER SUNDAYS July 6 - August 31 9:00 & 10:30 AM LAFAYETTE-ORINDA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
LOPC.org
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July 2014
To Read or Not to Read By Zane Dundon
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood is an intriguing examination of a dystopian future in which women have become completely subordinate to men. In Atwood’s future, men hold all the power and women are valued only in their relationships to men as wives or daughters. Some women are treated as even less than wives or daughters, such as the protagonist, Offred, who is a handmaid. Handmaids are women whose only purpose is to bear children for the wives of men. The handmaids’ subordinate position is illustrated even in their names. For example, the protagonist’s name is Offred because her master is named Fred (she is Of-Fred). One way the society keeps women in a subservient position is to forbid them from doing any activity that could be intellectually stimulating. However, Offred’s master, referred to as “The Commander,” begins a relationship with her though secret meetings to watch her read, play Scrabble together, and allow her forbidden activities such as putting on makeup. The Commander’s wife, Serena, also begins to meet secretly with Offred. Offred is in the Commander’s house because he cannot get his wife pregnant and needs her
to act as a surrogate. However, after many attempts to get Offred pregnant, it becomes clear to Serena that it is, in fact, the Commander who is sterile, not her. Unfortunately, the patriarchal nature of the society places all blame on the woman when she cannot get pregnant, so Serena cannot tell the Commander of her suspicion. Instead, she convinces Offred to attempt to become pregnant from Nick, the Commander’s chauffeur, by giving Offred information about her daughter, who was taken from her when they tried to escape years ago. As Offred gets further involved in both the Commander and his wife’s separate schemes, she is put in greater danger from a society that wishes to keep her meek and powerless. Atwood’s writing is eloquent, yet clear, and not difficult to read. I found I could read it quickly for long periods of time without a problem. The Handmaid’s Tale is somewhat of a feminist version of 1984, and I would strongly recommend it to anyone who enjoys such dystopian novels as that one or Brave New World. In fact, I found the frightening world of Atwood’s novel even more believable and, therefore, more disconcerting than the dystopian futures of Orwell and Huxley.
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Read My Mind © Book Reviews by Michael G. Harris, OD
“The Triple Package” “The Tiger Mom” is at it again. Do you ever wonder why some cultural groups seem to be extremely successful at certain types of endeavors? Why are Mormons, like Mitt Romney, so successful in business? Why do Chinese-Americans and Indians earn more than the average American? How did Miami’s Cuban population overcome poverty in just one generation? And why are Jews so prominent in science and the arts? Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother author Amy Chua and her husband Jed Rubenfeld believe they have the answer in their recent bestseller, The Triple Package: How Three Unlikely Traits Explain the Rise and Fall of Cultural Groups in America. Despite the differences in these cultural groups, they have three important traits in common, and according to the authors, it’s these three “cultural forces” that make the difference between success and failure. First, they all have a superiority complex. This sense of superiority could be based on the group’s religious teaching, cultural upbringing, history, or descension from elite ancestors. While this goes counter to the idea that we are all equal, “every one of America’s extremely successful groups fosters a belief in their own superiority.” Take Indians and Asians, for example. How have these immigrant populations become such wizards in technology? Such cultures teach that they come from elite ancestors. That’s a great head start! As surprising as it may sound, the second trait is insecurity: “an anxious uncertainty about your worth or place in society.” Even though most of us feel insecure at times, it is endemic in certain groups to have feelings of inadequacy and a need to constantly prove themselves. Take Jews for example. Persecuted throughout the ages, they are always worried about the future of Jewish people. This is particularly true of the children of Holocaust survivors. They
have “lingering insecurities that drive them towards educational and occupational success.” While “insecurity” may seem to be contradictory to a sense of superiority, Chua and Rubenfeld point out that it is “this tense, unstable combination… that gives the Triple Package its potency.” The third and final trait is impulse control. This is “the ability to resist temptation” -- a real challenge in today’s age of immediate gratification. All these successful groups teach discipline to their children. For example, Asian children are often taught the discipline of playing a musical instrument at an early age. (Please see Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother.) And it pays off later in life. Mormons are a prime example of a group that practices impulse control. They refrain from the use of alcohol, coffee, tea, and tobacco. Many Mormons postpone college graduation, marriage, and careers until they have completed their church missions. According to Chua and Rubenfeld, acts of impulse control like these, along with the other elements of the Triple Package, “lead to the drive and discipline that brings success in later life.” What about America itself? Does today’s American culture have the Triple Package? According to the authors, the unfortunate answer is “no!” But that hasn’t always been the case. When our forefathers founded this country in a daring revolution, they did possess the Triple Package. We don’t have to go back centuries to find a time when Americans had the Triple Package. The generation that survived the Great Depression and won World War II could not have overcome these obstacles if they did not have the Triple Package. That’s why they remain “The Greatest Generation!” Many believe that America will not achieve the successes of these previous generations until we regain “The Triple Package.” Reading this provocative and eye-opening book could help.
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July 2014
Don’t Let Heat Injuries Steal Your Fun in the Sun Well, we got a taste of the “dog days of summer” a little earlier than expected this year, but those hot days gave us a sampling of the triple-digit days ahead. In the June edition of the Community Focus, I wrote about how heat illnesses can affect not only susceptible seniors and young children, but even those who are physically fit. As a reminder, we can prevent heat illnesses by seeking out shady spots; wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothing; wearing a wide-brimmed hat; drinking lots of liquids; and resting often. After taking all those precautions, some of us may still become affected with heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or worse yet -- heat stroke. Here’s how to identify each of these illnesses and how to immediately treat them. Heat cramps are brought about by the loss of salt and water through sweating, which may cause painful cramps or spasms in various muscle groups (usually the abdomen, arms, or legs). Take these immediate steps: Stop all activity and move to a cool, shady spot, loosen any tight fitting clothing, and drink water or a sports beverage.
By Jim Bonato, Pleasant Hill CERT Program Manager Seek medical attention if the cramps do likely red. Other symptoms are a rapid, areas. Offer clear fluids if the victim is not subside, if the affected person has a alert and able to drink, and get medical strong pulse, throbbing headache, heart problem, or if the person is on a assistance immediately. dizziness, confusion, or nausea. Take low-sodium diet. We all love the summer sun, but on these immediate steps: Call 911, move Heat exhaustion is the body’s hot days it is easy for the fun activities the victim to a cool area, and cool the response to an excessive loss of salt and victim rapidly (e.g., immerse in a tub of we enjoy to result in unexpected heat water through sweating. Symptoms illnesses, rapidly taking the fun out of cool water, place under a cool shower, may include muscle cramps; heavy our day. Enjoy the summer, but remain or spray with cool water from a water sweating; cool, moist surface skin; alert to these symptoms and how to hose). Another method is to apply rapid breathing; fast and weak pulse; treat them. icepacks to the neck, groin, and armpit paleness; tiredness; weakness; dizziness; headache; nausea; or fainting. Take these immediate steps: Move to a cool area, loosen and remove excess clothing, and drink plenty of water or a sports beverage. Further cool the body with cool, moist towels. As for heat cramps, if symptoms do not improve, seek medical attention. Heat stroke is extremely serious and is caused by the body being unable to cool itself through the sweating process. The body temperature will rise rapidly, and serious injury or death may result if emergency treatment is not provided immediately. Because With years of remodels behind us we look forward to helping you make your house the home you've always wanted. the sweating process has failed, symptoms of heat stroke are: no sweating and skin that is usually hot, dry, and
SAMUELS CONSTRUCTION ALL PHASES OF CONSTRUCTION PLANS AVAILABLE
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samcon60@gmail.com • 925.260.4448 1566 Violet Way, Pleasant Hill
MEMBER
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July 2014
P L E AS ANT
HI L L
CHAMB E R
O F
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CO MME RCE
It’s Your Business.
Consumers are more likely to do business with a company if it’s a member of their local chamber of commerce. FIFTH ANNUAL BLUES & BREWS FESTIVAL! Ever wonder what happens to your trash and recycling after it is whisked away from the curb? The Green Business Committee free public tours to Contra Costa Transfer & Recover Station Tour dates: Wednesday, July 16 at 10 am and Tuesday, August 19 at 10 am. ■
Pleasant Hill/Concord Recycling Center Tour dates: Wednesday July 23 at 9 am, and Tuesday August 5 at 9 am. ■
Space is limited; please RSVP to Anne Baker at 925-671-5806 or abaker@republicservices.com.
Welcome New Members
Atlas & Athena Interior Reflections Salon Avalon Farmers Insurance Friends of the Pleasant Hill Library Trina Swerdlow, BFA, CCHT Lamorinda Closets Off the Grid Martin Family Chiropractic Center Noni's Pet Boutique & Grooming The Jobson Group, Inc. Posy Inc. East Bay Google Business Views KOBE Japan Restaurant
Jay Underwood Vanessa Nielson Jim Frazier Mike Muskat Daniel Safran Trina Swerdlow Kevin Healey Benjamin Himlan Caitlin Zimmer Melanie Gomez Bruce Jobson Katie Irwin Mike Nooraei Terry Jiang
(925) 363-7855 (925) 595-4700 (925) 689-2868 (925) 676-9898 (925) 689-5452 (925) 285-5759 (925) 451-6436 (415) 339-5888 (925) 676-8200 (925) 687-1156 (925) 247-8566 (925) 787-2297 (925) 864-5432 (925) 705-7065
“Market your business to thousands of people at these upcoming popular Pleasant Hill events! ■ 5th Annual Blues & Brews Festival July 18th (6pm-9pm) & 19th (12 noon-6 pm) Pleasant Hill Park. ■ 12th Annual Art, Jazz & Wine Fest October 4th & 5th, Downtown Pleasant Hill To learn more, visit our website or give us a call today.”
Ann Luke Executive Director
91 Gregory Lane, Suite 11 • Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 • 925.687.0700
www.pleasanthillchamber.com
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July 2014
Mt. Diablo Family Resource Center
Mt. Diablo Family Resource Center, A Network of Holistic Practitioners, Announces Its Services For Parents on the Path From Pregnancy to Early Childhood Lafayette, Calif., June 25, 2014 - Families in the Mount Diablo and Lamorinda areas of the East Bay who seek holistic practitioners to guide them through the journey of parenthood,
from pregnancy to early childhood, have an accessible new resource with the formation of the Mt. Diablo Family Resource Network. The group consists of holistic professionals committed to supporting mothers, fathers and babies in their growth and development. The practitioners include psychotherapists, midwives, parent consultants, childbirth educators, homeopaths,
Get Fabulous Arms Without Weights By Tonya Marie Amos, Aspire Pilates People ask me what they should do to tone their arms. I’m often told that they hate doing push ups and don’t have time to go to the gym. Have you ever noticed a dancer’s arms? In general, dancers don’t lift weights and many avoid pushups like the plague, yet their arms are long, lean and sculpted. The “trick” is that dancers have to hold their arms away from their body for much of the day, working the muscles actively to keep them out in space. People with office jobs usually have their arms comfortably dropped at their sides, on an armrest, or in front of them at a desk. The only direct arm exercise that many of us get is carrying groceries and the occasional box, making it difficult to keep muscles toned as we age. Try this experiment: Lift your arm out to your side with fingertips just below your shoulder to keep the stress out of the joint. Count to 10 slowly. Notice how quickly the muscles fatigue? Starting with your arm in this side position, draw small circles with your arm. Do these small circles until you feel some work, then reverse. Rest, then do the same arm circles but with your arm slightly forward at a for-
ty-five degree angle, then reverse. Rest, then repeat with your arm angled behind you at forty-five degrees, then reverse. Like any new exercise program, check in with your doctor before beginning. If you feel any shoulder pain, reduce the size of the circle or lower your arm a bit. It’s simple to incorporate this exercise into everyday life such as whilechecking email or watching TV. You’ll marvel at its simplicity, and your arms will change shape quickly and gain new tone. Tonya Marie Amos is a fully certified Pilates instructor. For more information, please call (925) 680-4400 or go to www.AspirePilatesCenter.com.
SUMMER INTENSIVES: Pilates for Athletes • Pilates for Dancers Modern Dance
Core Strength to take your game to the next level.
naturopathic doctors, doulas, reiki and massage therapists, and life coaches. All are highly experienced in areas specific to families during their reproductive years. “We offer a wide range of services to parents and their babies and hope to make families and area doctors aware of this available local, holistic network,” says Gena McCarthy, RN, MFT, a perinatal psychotherapist and founder of the network. “We are a referral network who know each other’s work well and have confidence in the integrity of each practioner’s service.“ In addition to McCarthy, other psychotherapists in the network are Kimberly Kerlin, MFT, and Meri Levy, MA, CLE. The Reiki therapists are Meg
Sullivan, RN; Reiki Master, CIIM; and Linda Almond- Nichols, who is also an aesthetician. Both are certified infant massage instructors. The network also includes: homeopath Myra Nissen, CCH, RSHom(NA); midwife Lael Stimming; parent consultant Tosha Schore MA; life coach Gina Bartiromo, MA LE, and naturopathic doctor, Tara Levy, ND. Mt. Diablo Family Resource Network is a group of holistic practitioners dedicated to the support and growth of families from pregnancy through parenthood. The network has a resource directory that provides contact information for each practitioner. For more information, visit mtdiablofamily.com.
Pictured LtoR: Myra Nissen, CCH, RSHom(NA), Homeopath, Linda Almond-Nichols, Reiki treatment for Pregnancy and Postpartum, Gina Bartiromo, M.A., L.E. Life Coach, Dr. Tara Levy, ND, Naturopathic Doctor (holding Wes Levy), Meg Sullivan, RN, Reiki Master, CIIM, Gena McCarthy, RN, MFT, Perinatal psychotherapist
JENNIFER L. MARTIN, D.D.S. Specialist in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
401 GREGORY LANE, SUITE 126 PLEASANT HILL, CA 94523 925.676.8485 FAX 925.676.0288 www.drjennifermartin.com
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July 2014
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Medical Practice and Physicians Receive Awards By Sandy Goldberg Diablo Valley Oncology is very proud to announce that, for the fourth consecutive year, we have been named a Top Work Place by the Bay Area News Group and Workplace Dynamics’ list of Top Work Places in 2014. Out of 1,200 organizations, only 100 companies were ranked as Top Work Places after employees submitted surveys addressing company leadership, compensation and training, diversity/inclusion, career development, family-friendly flexibility, and values and ethics. Private companies and non-profits as well as publicly held businesses were included in the analysis. Our physicians and management team understand that in order for us to provide the best care for our patients, we must first provide the best for our employees. Their happiness and satisfaction enable them to pass on excep-
tional care to those we serve and make a difference in the lives of our patients,” shares Lori Orr, Chief Operating Officer. This physician inspired mission of providing the best for employees and patients explains why our doctors consistently receive the Patients’ Choice Award, a distinguished honor that recognizes physicians who have received high scores and excellent reviews by their patients. Our multispecialty group of medical oncologists, hematologists, urologists, and radiation oncologists were rated by their patients on various components of care, such as ease of appointment, promptness, courteous staff, accuracy of diagnosis, amount of time spent with patients, bedside manner, and follow-up care. They received a near perfect, four-star rating by their patients.
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Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics
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TELEPHONE 925.933.0435
We have received these awards because of positive feedback from employees and patients – that is what makes these two recognitions so rewarding and special. Two years ago, Diablo Valley Oncology and Hematology Medical Group and Pacific Urology merged to become the first multi-specialty group
of its kind in Contra Costa County. This merger created the opportunity for the practices to deliver a stronger continuity of care for patients and create programs like their comprehensive prostate cancer center and multispecialty cancer consultation service. For more information, contact Sandy Goldberg, Outreach Manager at 925-677-5041.
PAID ADVERTORIAL
A Non-Invasive Way to Remove Kidney Stones By Parminder Sethi, MD Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a technique for treating stones in the kidney and ureter that does not require invasive surgery. High-energy shock waves are passed through the body and used to break stones into pieces as small as grains of sand. Because of their small size, these pieces can pass from the body along with the urine. ESWL treatment is recommended when a kidney stone becomes too large or painful to pass on its own. The patient lies on a soft cushion or membrane through which the waves pass. About 3,000 shock waves are needed to crush the stones over a period of 30 minutes. The main advantage of this treatment is that many patients may be treated for kidney stones without invasive surgery. The disadvantage is that the patient has to pass the small fragments of the original stone. It is common to have some pain in the kidney and ureter as the small stone fragments pass. After treatment is complete, the patient can move about almost at once. Many people can fully resume daily activities within one to two days. Special diets are not required, but drinking plenty of water helps the stone fragments pass. Usually a lithotripsy patient is asked to strain his or her urine after-
ward to collect pieces for analysis and determine what the stones are made of. The passage of stone fragments may take a few days or a week and may cause mild pain. Not all kidney stone patients are candidates for this type of treatment. The size, number, location, and composition of the stones are factors that must be taken into account when exploring treatment options. Also, the stones must be clearly viewed by the x-ray monitor so the shock waves can be targeted accurately. If anatomical abnormalities prevent this, other methods of stone removal may have to be considered. Through examination, x-ray, and other tests, the doctor can decide whether this is the best treatment for the patient. In those patients who are thought to be good candidates for this treatment, about 70 to 90 percent are found to be free of stones within three months of treatment. Parminder Sethi, MD is a urologist with Pacific Urology. The urology group has partnered with John Muir Health to provide a dedicated, on-site Storz lithotripter machine at the Concord campus. Kidney stone patients can often undergo ESWL within 24-48 hours. For more information, please call 925-937-7740.
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July 2014
Community Announcements
Pleasant Hill Garden Study Club No membership meeting in July. For more information, call 925-944-4898 or visit: www.phgsc.com.
The Society of American Magicians Assembly #112 meets 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7pm, Veterans of Foreign Wars, 1919 Wendell Lane, Pleasant Hill. Open to all! Contact Fred at 925451-1292. Concord Antique Fair July 20 at Todos Santos Plaza in Downtown Concord, 2151 Salvio St., 9am-4pm. This yearround market is on the third Sunday of each month, when vendors line the perimeters of Todos Santos Plaza to sell items, including antiques, collectibles, one-of-a-kind treasures and handmade arts & crafts. Visit www.concordantiquefaire.com for more information. Music and Market at Todos Santos Plaza Thursday Night Music and Market series in downtown Concord through Sept. 11, with the Farmers’ Market in the plaza, 4 - 8pm, and music on the Todos Santos stage, 6:30 - 8pm. On July 17, the RaveUps perform hits by the Yardbirds, The Animals, and Cream. Foreverland, a Michael Jackson tribute band, performs July 24. For a complete schedule, visit: www. ci.concord.ca.us and click “Music and Market Series.” Tuesday Night Blues and Food Trucks Tuesday Night Blues Series in Todos Santos Plaza, 6:30 - 8pm. Bay Area food trucks from Off the Grid will bring “brews, blues and barbecues” to the plaza each Tuesday. Franky G. and the Conviction on July 8; Chris Cain on July 15; Jeffrey Marshall with the Delta Dogs and The Breedloves on July 22; and Annie Sampson on July 29. Rodgers Ranch Round Up Summer Heritage Days for ages 7-12. Experience life on a farm in the 1800s at Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center, 315 Cortsen Rd., 9am - 2pm. Session 3 July 22; Session 4 - July 24. $40 each session/$5 discount to R.R.H.C. family members. To register, call 925-9373677 or email: RodgersRanchHeritageCenter@gmail.com. Space is limited. www.rodgersranch.org.
Youth Art Camps Projects for all skill levels. There are limited spots, so sign up now with Martinez Recreation at 372-3510. Monday, July 7, to Thursday, July 10. Times: 8:45-10am; 10:30am1pm; and 2-4:30pm. Nancy Boyd Park, 90 Church Street. Fee for ages 4-6: $55 Martinez resident; $60 non-resident, with $25 lab fee. Fee for ages 7-14: $95 Martinez resident; $95 non-resident, with $25 lab fee.
CPHS Annual Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony Saturday, August 23. Sponsored by Falcon Foundation (a non-profit organization). No-host bar at 5pm, dinner at 6:30pm, St. Andrews Community Center, 1601 Mary Dr., Pleasant Hill. Catered by Slow Hand Bar-B-Q (vegetarian option available). Tickets: $6o per person (reserve by August 10). $70 at door (if seating is available). Contact Jerry Pollard, CPHS Hall of Fame Committee, at jerrypollard@yahoo.com or (916) 813-5401. This is a fund-raising event open to the public to benefit Falcon athletics and provide funding for those school disciplines adversely affected by the Mt. Diablo School District budget cuts. Honorees: Kevin Mullaney, 1970 Baseball; Mike Healey, 2005 Football; Cori Alexander, 2003 Soccer; Melissa Seidemann, 2006 Water Polo (CP’s first Olympic Gold Medalist); Wrestling Teams, 1993 and 1994; Cory Salmon, 1983-96 Varsity Wrestling Coach; Contributors Rose Marie and Anna Marie Lujan, 1969-present. Send checks to HOF Falcon Foundation, c/o Barbara Lannum, 109 Woodview Ct., Martinez, CA 94553. This event will be sold out, so please reserve your seats early. Thank you for your support. (Tax exempt ID #20-8908484, please check with your tax adviser.) Hillcrest Church “Kidz Camp” Hillcrest Congregational Church, located at 404 Gregory Lane in Pleasant Hill, is holding its annual Kidz Camp on August 4 – 8, 9am to 12 noon, for children ages 5 to 12. Join the fun and have great experiences as campers celebrate God, the Great Spirit, and the Circle of Life. Activities center on taking care of our earth and all of its inhabitants. Contact
the church at 925-689-8260 or www. hillcrestucc.org for more information and registration forms.
Library Summer Reading Program, “Paws to Read,” through Aug 23. Sign up for “Paws to Read” program this summer, and use the log to track time spent reading; earn prizes upon completion. Pre-readers may share a book with a parent, sibling, or friend. Visit the library to pick up your reading records. Babies, children, teens, and adults are all encouraged to read this summer. Win prizes just for reading! For more information, visit: www. ccclib.org. Pleasant Hill’s 5th Annual Blues & Brews Festival Friday, July 18, 6-9pm, and Saturday, July 19, 12:00-6pm, Pleasant Hill Park, 147 Gregory Lane. Enjoy a day of draft brew tasting, delicious food and free live blues music! For more information, visit: bluesandbrewsfestival.com. Blood Donations Needed A Red Cross blood donation opportunity is coming to Martinez on July 8, 12 - 6pm, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 940 Palisade Drive. For more information, call 1-800 RED CROSS. Park Dayz Food fun, Bible hang time and lawn games and races for any middle school or high school youth July 25 & August 29, from 6-8pm, at Pleasant Hill Park. You can come and go anytime. Supported by the Creek Covenant Church. For more information email sabbymama@yahoo.com or text Sabrina Gilliam, youth director, at 925-4086306 or visit creeklife.org. Picnic with your Pooch Contra Costa Humane Society’s Picnic with your Pooch is on Sunday, July 20, at Pleasant Hill Park picnic area, 147 Gregory Lane, 10am – 1pm. Enjoy a walk around the park, demonstrations, games and more. Enter to win a pet contest or a raffle prize, play musical chairs, enjoy a massage and goodies from the vendor booths, listen to KKDV music, and then picnic with your pooch, courtesy of CCHS and Rubios. The person who walks the most laps wins a special prize. Tickets are $25 each, 13 and up; children under 13
and dogs are free. First 30 registered adult participants will receive a goody bag. Registration available in advance or at event. For information, visit www. cchumane.org or call 925-279-2247 x 306. Proceeds benefit CCHS animals and programs in Contra Costa County. Personal Emergency Preparedness Class “PEP” This free class is on Saturday, July 19, 10:00am to noon, Martinez City Hall Council Chambers, 525 Henrietta St. Spend two hours learning how to prepare yourself and your family to be ready when a major disaster strikes. We will cover what basic supplies you need, equipment you should have, and plans you should make to insure your family is ready to meet this challenging time. For more information, go to MartinezCERT.org. To register, go to Martinez.CERT@gmail.com. ART Demonstration Pleasant Hill Central Library, 1750 Oak Park Drive, July 10, 1-3pm. Ruth McMillin, a local artist, will show some examples and techniques of painting with waterbased media. The demo coincides with the display of McMillin’s artwork at the library throughout July. A Celebration of Fine Art and Community East Bay Artists Guild is happy to announce their first exhibit at the Pleasant Hill Senior Center. Opening on June 29, this EBAG art exhibit is the first of many, with each show running for three months. Come view original fine art created by talented, dedicated artists in our community. A reception for artists will be held on Sunday, July 20, 2 - 5pm. Refreshments will be served. The public is welcome! Texas Hold’em Fundraiser Support Meals on Wheels in its efforts to raise funds for frail, homebound elders in Contra Costa County. Friday, July 18, at the Shell Clubhouse, 1635 Pacheco Blvd. Doors open at 6pm for dinner; tournament starts at 6:30pm. $60 per player buy-in; unlimited $20 re-buys first hour & one-time $40 add-on. Includes food from The Mecca, drink tickets & tournament play. Register now at mowcc.eventbrite.com or send a check to Meals on Wheels c/o Fundraiser, 1220 Morello Avenue, Suite 210, Martinez, CA 94553.
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July 2014
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July 2014