Pleasant Hill • Concord • Martinez • Lafayette • Walnut Creek
AUGUST 2015 Reaching Over 50,000 Homes & Businesses
ourcommunityfocus.com
IN THIS ISSUE: • BACK TO SCHOOL • PEARLS OF WISDOM • INNOVATOR AWARD
There are over
550 * reasons
to choose the Flaskerud Team— Don, Norma and Erik— as YOUR Realtor!
*The number of homes sold in PLEASANT HILL by Don, Norma, and Erik!!
1 Realtor for ALL your Real Estate needs
Call Pleasant Hillʼs #
Don & Norma Flaskerud Erik Flaskerud
RE/MAX Today 367 Civic Drive #7 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 Visit them at www.PleasantHillRealEstate.com or email DonaldFlaskerud@Remax.net or EFlaskerud@Remax.net
925-338-2980 EXPIRES 8/30/15
Don, Norma, and Erik’s listings... 135 Lorenzo Dr, PH — $565,000 525 Patterson Blvd, PH — $785,000 11 Bartlett Ct, PH — $780,000
Call now to have your home featured here! CalBRE #s — Don: 00971602, Norma: 00867031, Erik: 01891688
Love, hope, success, family, security. Matthew C Rinn, Agent Insurance Lic#: 0F99232 www.myagentmatt.net matt@myagentmatt.net Bus: 925-671-0222
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State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL
Celebrating Another Milestone Our 6-Year Anniversary This issue marks our 6th year as publishers and 72 issues “off the presses.” We are reminded that our community is vibrant, dynamic, and loaded with exciting things to do and fascinating people who go above and beyond to make this an exceptional place to live and read about. This year we expanded our publishing horizons by partnering with the Clayton Pioneer and Concord Pioneer to launch a new quarterly publication, YUM! A Local Guide to Good Food. In May we also expanded our coverage further into Walnut Creek, with delivery to the Northgate community, bumping our total circulation to 50,000 homes and businesses.Look for your opportunity to vote for your local favorites, as we get ready to publish our 3rd Annual Readers’ Local Favorites. Voting begins in September. We are grateful for a gifted team of contributing writers, all of whom bring their talent and passion to these pages. The impeccable style of our graphic designer, Trish
ic LIVE Mus & FUN 6-8pm!
Heaney, is reflected on every page of every issue, while our copy editor, Alison Clary, who remembers all of her punctuation and grammar lessons, ensures that words flow smoothly. Contributing photographers Susan Wood and Tod Gomes bring professionalism, creativity, and authenticity to our publication. Reba Bower has worked alongside us for four years, building critical relationships with our advertisers, and we recently began work with Anne K. Wolf Consulting for help with sales for the YUM! guide and the newly formed Contra Costa Community News Group (CCCNG), a collaborative effort with three other local publishers. Finally, we rely solely on advertising revenue to survive and thrive. We have our advertisers to thank for six years of support; some have been with us since our very first issue. We hope you’ll join us in expressing your appreciation by shopping with the businesses that bring you the Community Focus.
Free!
Pictured LtoR: Becky Coburn, Elena Hutslar and Jennifer Neys. Photo by Susan Wood, cake by Bella Cakes.
sunset by the lake
summer concerts On the lawn by the lake at
Aug 2...MOFO d Rockin’ Blues Ban Ice cream sales by Boy Scout Troop 221
Pleasant Hill City Hall
Gregory Ln & Cleaveland Rd
Aug 16...Groove Doctors Variety Dance Party Band Restaurants tentatively scheduled to sell food:
Aug 2 Aug 16 Aug 30 Sep 6
Visit www.pleasanthillconcerts.com for all concert information.
Steel Smokin BBQ Drewski’s United Bites Steel Smokin BBQ
Aug 30...East Ba y Mu Classic Funk & So dd ul Beverage sales by Lucky 13 Beer & Wine
Sponsored by Pleasant Hill Civic Action Commission Sheila’s Daycare
RE/MAX Today
Series Sponsors
City of Pleasant Hill
Brin non-pe g items of ris to don hable food ate to the Crisis Center .
Don & Norma Flaskerud Erik Flaskerud Erin Springer Anderson Realtors DRE#00971602
Casey Strand Chiropractor Concert Sponsors Dallimonti’s Italian Restaurant Beer & Wine Truck
Sept 6
ourcommunityfocus.com • august 2015
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Julie Says
Necessity is the Mother of Invention BY JULIE ROSS Once again, I found myself with a weird collection of magazines to choose from in the doctor’s waiting room. Not in the mood for either golf or makeup tips, I selected the April 14 issue of Popular Science, which included the winners of the magazine’s 2015 Invention Awards. For those of you (or your collegebound offspring!) whose idea of home cooking means toasting up a frozen waffle or reheating take-out Chinese, there is hope for you with one of this year’s award-winning inventions. Huberto Evans, a chef and MIT engineer (really, both) is bringing to market “the next evolutionary leap in the kitchen.” His product is an educational frying pan, the Pantelligent, which promises to launch humanity into a new era of
stovetop enlightenment. A sensor in the smart pan’s handle accurately measures temperature and uses Bluetooth technology to communicate with a Pantelligent smart phone app. The cook is kept informed not only how hot the pan is, but also how hot it should be for the recipe being prepared. It helpfully tells the cook when it’s time to add ingredients, stir or flip. Voila! No more burnt pancakes, rubbery eggs, or inconsistent renderings of chicken adobo! If only you had planned ahead, you could be one of the lucky ones who will be getting their smart pans this month. People who pledged $199 or more to fund the project on Kickstarter are expected to receive their Pantelligents by August 15. As of the first of the year, $83,206 had been pledged by investors to make this frying pan dream a reality. (Because, evidently, that is the best thing
the 464 backers could think of to do with their money. Really, I am not making this up.) It’s not clear when the product is going to online sales or retail. However, if you or your loved ones happen to be food-prep challenged, you will be pleased to know the Pantelligent began testing July 10 for Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certification, which is required for all electronic devices in the United States. It’s probably safe to say this is the first frying pan to ever require an OK from the FCC. Are you curious about the other award-winning inventions? Among the top ten there is a medical lab in a music box, an artificial reef for any seafloor (even bumpy ones!), and a plane that folds up into a car. Note that the magazine states this last invention is not a flying car (which the editors imply is a tired sci-fi gimmick), but an airplane that
drives, which evidently is a completely different concept. And finally, if all this talk of inventions has caused a cartoon light bulb to appear over your head, I suggest you visit Quirky.com. Quirky is a community company with the mission of making invention accessible. The good people at Quirky believe everyone can be an inventor, and invention can happen anywhere. Good luck. Sorry the smart frying pan idea has already been taken. You can reach Julie at julieakross@ comcast.net.
SUBMIT A STORY Have something to share? Deadline for submissions is the second Friday of each month. info@ourcommunityfocus.com
Off To Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital? independent & locally owned
PUBLISHERS: Becky Coburn Jennifer Neys Elena Hutslar info@ourcommunityfocus.com ADVERTISING:
SPORTS: Sport Story Submissions info@ourcommunityfocus.com CONTACT INFORMATION: Community Calendar calendar@ourcommunityfocus.com Content & General Inquiries: info@ourcommunityfocus.com
Reba Bower 925-348-1724 Reba@ourcommunityfocus.com COPY EDITOR: Alison Clary
SUBMISSION DEADLINES: All articles must be sumbmitted by the 15th of each month. ONLINE: www.ourcommunityfocus.com
GRAPHIC DESIGN: Trish Heaney
MISSION STATEMENT The Community Focus is a free, independent, monthly publication dedicated to highlighting the vibrancy of the local businesses and residents while strengthening and building connections within our community.
6680 Alhambra Ave. Box #132 Martinez, CA 94553
(925) 335-NEWS (6397)
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Healthy Summer Vacations Are Just A Visit Away
INSIDE
5
In the Mix with Dan Ashley
19 Art in the Park
32
Torch Run
18 Hawks Win Big
26 As Russ Sees It
COVER: .............................................. Anniversary cake created by Cindy Gill of Bella Cakes. PHOTO BY: Susan Wood
..............................................
Joseph A. Thibedeau, DVM Louisa M. Asseo, DVM www.hillcrestvet.com 925-676-1909
The Final Leg
Photos by Susan Wood
Special Olympics Torch comes to Pleasant Hill On July 14, the city, police department, and the Pleasant Hill Police Officer’s Association partnered with the Special Olympics to bring the “Flame of Hope” to Pleasant Hill. One hundred and twenty-six members of the Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg Team passed through the city on their journey to
deliver the Flame of Hope to the Special Olympics World Summer Games Opening Ceremony in Los Angeles. Upon arrival at City Hall, a presentation was held which included emcee KTVU Channel 2 reporter John Sasaki, Pleasant Hill Chief of Police John Moore, and Pleasant Hill Mayor Ken Carlson, in addition
to personal stories from Final Leg Team members Special Olympics athlete Brett Laza from Southern California and El Cerrito Police Lieutenant Steve Bonini. The Games were held in the Los Angeles Coliseum on July 25, with 7,000
athletes and 3,000 coaches representing 177 countries – said to be the largest sports and humanitarian event in the world in 2015 and the single biggest event in Los Angeles since the 1984 Olympic Games.
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401 GREGORY LANE, SUITE 126 PLEASANT HILL, CA 94523 925.676.8485 FAX 925.676.0288 www.drjennifermartin.com ourcommunityfocus.com • august 2015
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Is Your Child Ready for Kindergarten? Here are ten kindergarten readiness skills to focus on as you work with your child over this final month of summer. Don’t be concerned if your child does not have them all down before the first day of school, as he or she will continue to work on them throughout the year. These fun activities will help build their skills and confidence before starting school. 1. Writing Help your child practice writing letters, especially the letters in his or her name, making the first letter in uppercase and the remaining letters in lowercase. Make practicing fun and more multi-sensory by writing letters in shaving cream in the bathtub or sprinkling salt or sugar in a cake pan. 2. Letter Recognition Play games to help your child recognize letters of the alphabet. Play hide and seek with refrigerator magnets rather than drilling your child with flashcards. 3. Beginning Sounds Make your child aware of the sound made by each letter. Find items around the house that begin with the same sound and identify the letter that makes each sound. 4. Number Recognition and Counting Count throughout the day. Point out numbers you see in your environment and have your child name them (e.g. the numbers found on food boxes or street signs). 5. Shapes and Colors Help your child recognize shapes such as diamonds and rectangles by showing how to draw them on paper and cut them out. Play games in which your child finds objects of particular colors and shapes around the house or in the neighborhood while in the car. 6. Fine Motor Skills Give your child several different writing options (colored pencils, crayons or markers) to make writing and drawing more interesting. Playing with play dough is a fun way to strengthen the muscles of the hand that will be used for writing. 7. Scissor Cutting Skills Purchase a good pair of child-safe scissors and let your child practice cutting old magazines or newspapers. Cutting play dough is also fun for children. 8. Reading Readiness Run a finger under the words you read to your child to demonstrate reading from left to right and top to bottom. Play games with rhyming words to help your child hear similar sounds in words. 9. Attention and Following Directions Read lots of stories and work up to one chapter each night or as long as he or she remains interested and focused. Give your child two and three step directions. For example: “Put on your pajamas, brush your teeth, and pick a book to read.” Play Simon Says with two or three step directions. 10. Social Skills Give your children opportunities to interact with other children in social groups or play dates. Role-play different situations your child might experience on the playground or at school. Remember to keep it fun and not stressful for you or your child. With just a little fun practice, your child will be prepared for his or her elementary school debut. Information gathered from Amy Wescott from TeachMama.com and Traci Geiser from Educaton.com.
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august 2015 • ourcommunityfocus.com
Ease Back to School Lunch Box Ideas Going back to school is an unnerving time in many young children’s lives. With back to school ideas that prepare for a new school year, your child will be able to walk to their classroom with confidence. Get Back Into a Routine Most kids thrive when they stick to a routine. A morning routine gets everyone out the door and into the car with as little stress as possible. A bedtime routine prepares them for the next day. In summer, though, we tend to cheat and let the kids stay up past bedtime. Inch your children back toward the time you want them to go to sleep during the school year by sliding bedtime back in 15-minute increments until you reach the ideal bedtime. Take a School Tour Visit your children’s school and classroom and learn the layout. They will feel more comfortable going back if they have a good sense of where everything is located. They might even run into their teacher and schoolmates. Continue to talk about the visit right up until the night before school starts to keep everything fresh in their minds. Create a Homework Space Set up a homework area before they come home with a pile of books and assignments to complete. Use some of their new school supplies to stock this special section of the house. The more involved they are in setting up their homework area, the happier they’ll be about going to school and studying at home. Prepare for Lunchtime Together The cafeteria can be one of the most daunting places at school. “Where will I sit?” “What if I have to eat all by myself?” But a lunchbox can be the keeper of all things that remind them of the security of home. Sneak a note into the lunchbox to say, “Hi! I’m thinking about you.” Let them help plan their own menu before school. The time you spend together in the kitchen at home will make them feel like you’re next to them right now, which can help block out the anxiety of being in a big cafeteria with so many children. Throw a Back-to-School Party Everyone loves a party and there’s no better way to say goodbye to summer and hello to a new school year than with a back to school bash. Throwing an inexpensive party before school is a great way for children to get reacquainted in a relaxed environment. The familiar faces from a party will be a welcome sight on the first day of school.
Tired of the traditional bologna and cheese? Try these! Trail Mix With a Twist Add unsalted popcorn to almonds, walnuts, and pecans that your child can eat straight from a sandwich bag. Add raisins or their favorite dried fruit to the mix too. Sliced Apples With Cinnamon Slice some apples and drop into water treated with a few teaspoons of lemon juice (to prevent browning). Remove, let dry, and sprinkle lightly with cinnamon sugar for a treat. Pizza Quesadillas Using whole-wheat tortillas, drizzle with pizza or spaghetti sauce and layer with pepperoni (or any favorite topping) and cheese. Top with second tortilla and brown on both sides. You can make these in batches and freeze. Ham and Cream Cheese Roll Up Mix crushed pineapple with cream cheese and spread on flour tortilla. Place thinly sliced deli ham on top and roll up. More Sandwich Alternatives • Pita bread filled with hummus, turkey and black beans. • Rice cake sandwiches using peanut butter, thinly sliced apples, and honey. • Tortillas rolled up with ranch dressing, chicken strips, bacon, lettuce, and tomato. • Cinnamon raisin bread with peanut butter and Granny Smith apple slices. • Pitas filled with meatballs or falafel, greens, and cheese. • Toasted bagel with a chicken breast, spinach, ranch or BBQ sauce, and cheese. • French bread pizza (it packs better than traditional pizza). • Cooked waffle sandwiches with cheese, mustard and ham. Heat in pan. • Use a waffle iron to heat a bread sandwich for a twist or create grilled cheese.
Backpack Drive Contra Costa Interfaith Housing (CCIH), a non profit organization providing permanent, affordable housing and vital support services to homeless and at-risk families and individuals, is collecting more than 150 backpacks filled with school supplies to ensure the academic success of low-income students. Many CCIH students do not have the resources needed to buy required school supplies every year and it is CCIH’s goal that every student in their homework clubs will feel ready and inspired to tackle the school year with the resources needed to succeed. CCIH is working with 91 children in elementary school, 53 in middle school and 18 in high school that are in need of supplies. If you, your congregation, or group is able to contribute backpacks and supplies please visit the wish list located on the Community Focus website at www.ourcommunityfocus.com. All items are due on or before August 11 and can be delivered at 399 Taylor Blvd #115 in Pleasant Hill. (Parking is off Lucille Lane). Please call Gloria Bertolozzi at (925) 944-2244, ext. 114, before making delivery. Your generosity and involvement would be very much appreciated. If interested in learning more about the CCIH organization, visit ccinterfaithhousing.org. Volunteer and Outreach Manager Gloria Bertolozzi can be reached via email at gloria@ccinterfaithhousing.org. ourcommunityfocus.com • august 2015
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Stand Out Above the Competition Take Note as the Market Changes BY GLENN ALLEN Are you concerned about the effect climbing interest rates could have on the recent seller’s market? With the median list price of properties up and inventories growing compared to last year, there is definitely some cause for concern. Prospective homebuyers have more homes to look at, and their dollar doesn’t stretch as far as it did before. With the added pressure of rising rates, they are bound to be more discriminat-
ing. Don’t let this information faze you, though. You can still get the price you want; you just need to be smart about it. Here are some proven ways to make your home stand out above the competition and give prospective buyers that extra incentive to make an offer on your home. Enhance and Stage The purpose of staging is to help the buyers visualize themselves in your home by creating an inviting and livable space. Staging isn’t just beautification. Done right, it removes obstacles that might trigger doubt and replaces them
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with solutions. For instance, investing in custom storage for a small but visible closet lets prospective buyers know they will have enough space for their own things. Some other tips: • Repair cosmetic damage, like cracks in the drywall, dingy paint, and a broken porch railing. • Make sure your whole house, including the windows, is sparkling. • Remove clutter. • Create “spotlight zones” that suggest innovative uses for the space. For instance, create a home office in a hallway vestibule or underneath a stairway. • Focus on curb appeal to make the buyer’s first impression a positive one. Have a Pre-Sale Inspection Done Making a pre-sale inspection of your property available to prospective buyers gives you a huge psychological advantage. Essentially, you are telling them, “I have nothing to hide.” It’s also a big advantage for you. The inspection may reveal problems with your home that you are unaware of. Knowing in advance what those problems are gives you the opportunity to address them before the property goes under contract, which can save you thousands of dollars.
Price Your Property Right There are few cases where a seller can afford to let their property just sit on the market, waiting for that perfect buyer. Most sellers need to make a quick sale. Moreover, properties that don’t sell within a month of being listed get “stale.” Prospective buyers and their agents lose interest, showings go down, and the result may be one or more price reductions. List at the right price by doing extensive research on comparable properties in your area and heeding your agent’s advice. Sellers can be their own worst enemies when it comes to pricing their home for sale, letting attachment to the property color their judgment. The agent is your trusted voice of reason. Go with an Experienced Local Agent Real estate experience matters the most in a changing market. Your agent should know how to act swiftly and decisively to get you the highest price possible. To find out more about how to develop a winning strategy for your home, please contact me at 925.709.1000 or visit www. TalkToGlenn.com. You can also read more articles about staging and pre-sale inspection at www.GlennCF.com.
List your home with Glenn and get
FREE STAGING
Glenn 925.709.1000 or visit www.EnhanceAndStage.com Lic.0506034
SUBMIT A STORY Have something to share? Deadline for submissions is the second Friday of each month. info@ourcommunityfocus.com
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august 2015 • ourcommunityfocus.com
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Innovator Creates Solar Cookers Wins National Energy Globe Award Solar cooker innovator Jack Howell, 78, wasn’t thinking about Afghanistan five years ago when he stopped to buy coffee beans at his local Peet’s coffee purveyor. That changed when he spotted a barista pouring beans from shiny Mylar bags into a bin, a common task in coffee shops all over the country. “Mylar is durable and expensive,” Howell said. “I soon discovered those used bags were ending up in a landfill. That gave me an idea.” The retired publisher and author whose books about solar cooking landed on the New York Times bestseller lists asked if he could have a few of the bags for experimentation. His tinkering set in motion a chain of events that eventually helped people in need over
7,000 miles away. Howell’s coffee shop brainstorm led to helping some of the world’s poorest people as well as the planet, and he was honored with the 2015 National Energy Globe Afghanistan Award. This year’s competition attracted more than 1,500 entries from 177 countries. The National Energy Globe Award recognizes outstanding performance worldwide in terms of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and resource conservation. Working with Trust in Education (TIE), a Lafayette non-profit that provides education, healthcare, and economic assistance to Afghanistan, Jack led a TIE effort involving hundreds of volunteers, from children to seniors, that transformed discarded Mylar bags
Insurance News
Pending Insurance Mega-Mergers BY COLLEEN CALLAHAN Rates will soon be released for the annual individual health insurance plans for 2016. Despite recent announcements of mergers in the health insurance market place, suggesting consolidation is necessary for companies to remain competitive, rates are expected to increase. The increased premiums correlate to more demand on the system. More people are insured, more people want expensive care, and insurance companies have to help us pay for that very expensive care. The pending mergers between Aetna and Humana, Healthnet and Centene Corp, and rumors about Anthem and Cigna mean lots of changes in the coming months. It looks like most changes will not start until next year. With open enrollment for individual medical plans and Medicare Part D in the fall, we should count our blessings; mergers take a while. I hope the resulting changes are bet-
ter for the clients, but I remain skeptical. In my experience, the larger the insurance company, the harder it is to speak to a person that has the authority to make a decision or correct an error. Most problems get passed on to someone else, and each time one contacts the insurance company about a claim issue or an approval, it is like starting over. I don’t think management has any idea what the average agent or insured faces when calling for help. I really hope these mega-mergers are more user-friendly than a local grocery chain merger. Aisles that were once safe are now over-crowded, resulting in dangerous intersections at each end, and you have to dodge obstacles, like displays of unhealthy, sugar coated cereals. What happened to the healthy choices? The new chain does not focus on health or healthy alternatives and wellness. At least insurance companies reward people for being well. Colleen Callahan Insurance Services is located in Pleasant Hill. Contact her at 925-363-5433 or ccallahan@callahaninsurance.com.
into more than 6,000 solar cookers. TIE then distributed these cookers to 19 refugee camps in and near Kabul, affecting the health and safety of more than 25,000 people. TIE’s solar cookers provide many benefits to Afghans, including clean energy from Afghanistan’s abundant sunshine without the cost of expensive fuels. The solar cookers also prevent the devastating effects of smoke inhalation, which annually kills more than 4 million people worldwide. In the U.S., TIE’s solar cookers have diverted 50,000 Mylar bags from American landfills to serve a useful purpose. The National Energy Globe award also recognizes Trust in Education for Howell’s innovative manufacturing technique for making WAPIs (Water Pasteurization Indicator), an elegantly simple device that helps Afghans determine when liquids have reached a temperature safe enough to drink. About half the drinking water in Afghanistan is contaminated. TIE has distributed more than 6,000 WAPIs with solar cookers and trained Afghans how to use them. For more information, please contact Jack Howell at 925-932-1383 or jdhowell@ix.netcom.com. To learn more about Trust In Education (TIE) visit them at www.trustineducation.org.
Pictured is National Energy Award recipient, Jack Howell
Afghan family making use of the Mylar solar cooker ourcommunityfocus.com • august 2015
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City of Pleasant Hill
Mayor’s Message Public Safety Protecting public safety is a commitment we all share. Having served as both mayor of Pleasant Hill and a police officer for many years, I understand the importance of public safety and first responder access to critical infrastructure. When PG&E first sat down with the City of Pleasant Hill last year regarding the company’s pipeline safety program, we were told that nearly 70 trees would need to be removed in our city due to safety concerns. The problem with PG&E’s approach to this program is that it did not appropriately balance
the need for safety with the need to preserve the beauty and character of our community. Fast-forward a year later. Thanks to PG&E’s willingness to work with us and other East Bay cities, we are in a much different and better place. PG&E has since amended its Community Pipeline Safety Initiative to include a much more detailed review of trees located near the pipeline. This new, more thoughtful approach guarantees we would only remove trees if they posed an immediate emergency access and safety concern. The city is in the process of working
Public Meetings Architectural Review Commission Aug. 6, 20 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Small Community Room, 5pm. Contact: 671-5209 Civic Action Commission Aug. 5 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Small Community Room, 6:30pm. Contact: 671-5229 City Council Aug. 17 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Council Chambers, 7:30pm. Contact: 671-5229 Library Task Force Aug. 10 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Large Community Room, 11am. Contact: 671-5229 Planning Commission Aug. 11, 25 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Council Chambers, 7:30pm. Contact: 671-5209 Education Commission Aug. 26 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Community Room, 7pm For Confirmation Visit: www.ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us
Chamber Calendar August 6 – Multi-Chamber Mega Business Mixer 5-7pm, Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Dr., PH. August 20 - “Wine at the Plaza” Summer Concert Series 6– 8:30pm. David Martin’s House Party, a fun and upbeat party music band. Downtown Plaza in PH. August 31 - July 27 - Green Business Committee 4-5pm at Daily Digital, 3440 Vincent Road, Suite I, PH. August 31 - Government Affairs Committee 5:30-7pm at Back Forty Texas BBQ, 100 Coggins Drive, PH. OFF THE GRID Food Trucks Wednesdays 5-9pm, Trelany Road, PH. Farmers’ Market Saturdays 9am-1pm, Trelany Road, PH. Save the Date! The ART, JAZZ & WINE FEST in Downtown Pleasant Hill, October 3 & 4. 10
august 2015 • ourcommunityfocus.com
Ken Carlson, Mayor of Pleasant Hill
with PG&E to review the information collected on trees located on streets and other public areas near the pipeline. Together we will determine which trees may stay in place and continue to provide beauty and shade to our city streets and neighborhoods without diminishing the primary focus of the program -- the safety of each resident. PG&E has committed to regularly monitor these trees to be sure they do not develop into a safety concern in the future. We’ll also be working closely with the utility on a plan for tree replacements and landscaping restoration to preserve our city’s beauty. I truly appreciate PG&E’s willingness to work with us and other community leaders to improve its community gas safety program. Protecting public safety and our city’s trees at the same time is something we can all be proud of.
National Night Out Keeping the community’s safety in mind, join me and the officers and volunteers of the Pleasant Hill Police
Department as we host the 7th annual National Night Out event on Tuesday, August 4, 6 to 8pm, on the lawn at City Hall. This event is a great way to showcase our community spirit and support community policing in Pleasant Hill. National Night Out was developed to strengthen neighborhood spirit and create partnerships between law enforcement and the community in an effort to lower crime. There will be free games, fun activities, food, and drinks for all the family. For more information, e-mail Shel White at swhite@pleasanthillca.org. Speaking of community policing, we can all help prevent crime in Pleasant Hill. Some common sense ways of doing this are: not leaving valuables in plain sight when your vehicle is unattended; remembering to lock your doors at home and close your garage at night; and joining one of the many Neighborhood Watch groups in the city. For helpful tips or more information on this program, contact Pam Mosher at (925) 288-4630.
City of Pleasant Hill
City News The 11th Annual Community Service Day The 11th annual Community Service Day will be held this year on Saturday, September 26. Organized by the Civic Action Commission, the event begins at Pleasant Hill Park, with registration and breakfast 7:30-9:00am. A volunteer registration page is now live on the city website at www.pleasanthillca.org/volunteer. All volunteers receive a free pancake breakfast (served by the Lions Club), and the first 600 volunteers to register at the park receive a free event T-Shirt, plus snacks and drinks to take with them to project sites.
PHIG Partners with Pleasant Hill Middle School Monika Olsen, teacher and master gardener at the Pleasant Hill Instructional Garden (PHIG), and other volunteers have recently completed construction of a four bin composting system. The purpose of the system is to recycle neighborhood and school green waste and to demonstrate the value of recycling and composting. This September, students at Pleasant Hill Middle School will be taking their cafeteria’s kitchen scraps and twice weekly salad bar discards to the composting system. “Students will be directed at the PHIG composting system by a trained PHIG volunteer, teacher, master gardener, or master composter on how to turn in the scraps and discards they have carried over from the cafeteria to begin the composting process,” explains Olsen. PHIG could use a parent or other volunteer to work with the students, as they want to keep this a regular and ongoing activity. This year, Las Lomas student Claire Yu from Girl Scout Troop #30686, will build a locked, rodent-proof cover and arbor for the composting system for her Gold Award project and will need lumber and other materials. To help her complete the project, please donate your used cedar, redwood, or treated lumber to PHIG. Contact Monika Olsen at phigarden@gmail.com or by voicemail: (925) 482-6670. PHIG is located next to the parking lot opposite Pleasant Hill Park ball fields and opposite the Pleasant Hill Middle School/Pleasant Hill Education Center. PHIG educates students, staff, and community members in water conservation with a demonstration garden using water recycling methods, drought tolerant and native plantings, and no pesticides.
Firecracker 5K Results The Firecracker 5K on July 4 had about 500 runners and raised just over $10,000 for Pleasant Hill schools. During the registration process, each registrant was asked to designate a Pleasant Hill school to receive the net proceeds of registration fees. The proceeds will be given to the school principals at the October 21 meeting of the Pleasant Hill 4th of July Commission. This year’s proceeds bring the total raised by the run to over $100,000 since the tradition began over ten years ago. To view the PDF document showing the race results, go to www.phjuly4.com and click on the 5K Run 2015 page.
Bike Challenge Still Time to Participate BY KIRSTEN RIKER Street Smarts Program Leader, 511 Contra Costa The Summer Bike Challenge is about challenging kids and families to get out of the car and on to bikes for trips around town. Participants are enjoying fun, healthy, no cost summer recreation while exploring their hometown on two wheels. Challenge destinations include public parks and athletic fields, the library, City Hall, farmers’ market, and Downtown Pleasant Hill. It’s not too late to get started! City Council Member Sue Noack participated in the Summer Bike Challenge with her son, Will, and his friend Patrick, both 8th grade students at Pleasant Hill Middle School. They took advantage of the Contra Costa Canal Trail to make their way across town to Downtown Pleas-
ant Hill. The weather was notably hot, so receiving a free frozen yogurt at Coco Swirl for participating was a great way to cool down and enjoy the summer day. Ms. Noack said, “I grew up on a bike, and now my son gets himself to school every day on his bike.” Ms. Noack, along with the rest of the Pleasant Hill City Council, has been supportive of promoting bicycling as a great way to get around town. Turn in completed Challenge Cards at the Pleasant Hill Library on August 11, 3 - 5pm, or Pleasant Hill Farmers’ Market on August 29, 9am - 1pm, and receive free kettle corn and other fun stuff for kids! The Summer Bike Challenge runs through August 29 and more information can be found at www.511contracosta.org/SBC or www. ourcommunityfocus.com.
City Council Member Sue Noack with her son, Will, (left) and friend Patrick (right) took part in the Summer Bike Challenge and biked to Coco Swirl on June 30.
The Top 10 5K Finishers Include: 1) Evan Molineux from Danville; 2) Luke Williams from Walnut Creek; 3) Austin Sanchez from Antioch; 4) Keith Lowry from Brentwood; 5) Laurence Seabrook from Walnut Creek; 6) Tori Tyler from Oakland; 7) Nicholas Chuman from Pleasant Hill; 8) Kelly Collins from Pleasant Hill; 9) Dan Stefanisko from Pleasant Hill; and 10) Luis Ramiez from Vallejo. Jessica Hill with daughters Cassidy, Alexis and out-of-state friend Sam biked to PH Aquatic Park on June 24. ourcommunityfocus.com • august 2015
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City of Martinez PHOTO BY STAHLBERG
Mayor’s Message On August 25 of last year, Mother Nature reminded us we live in earthquake country. A 6.1 magnitude earthquake, centered between Napa and Vallejo, caused major damage to homes and buildings. With earthquakes occurring so infrequently, and usually just as small shakers, it is easy to become complacent and slide back into the comfortable place of “not in my lifetime.” Seismologists maintain the San Andreas Fault has a major event of magnitude 6 or greater every 20 to 30 years. The 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake was a magnitude 7.2 and caused extensive damage throughout the Bay Area, including Martinez. Sixty-two people perished in that event, with many crushed by collapsing structures. Some of those lives could have been spared if old, unreinforced structures had been properly braced. This is why, after many years of study, public comment, and debate, the City of Martinez adopted a mandatory seismic retrofit ordinance in 2009. The ordinance set out a stepped process for identifying buildings that would be required to retrofit by developing the engineering and construction documents and performing and completing construction. An initial inventory of unreinforced masonry buildings (URM) was completed in 1989 after the Loma Prieta quake. A to-
tal of 60 URM buildings were identified, all of which were located in the downtown area. State law required the inventory to be sent to the Seismic Safety Commission, affected property owners be notified, and the city to adopt a mitigating ordinance. Cities and counties were allowed to adopt an ordinance that required mandatory retrofit, voluntary retrofit, or a combination of the two. Martinez adopted a voluntary retrofit ordinance in 1990. After 19 years, less than 40% of the URM inventory had been retrofitted, and it was decided that the city make the retrofit requirement mandatory and the remaining buildings comply within six years. The ordinance required property owners to submit engineered retrofit drawings by the 5th year (August 2014), with construction completed and final inspection by August 15, 2015. That date is only two weeks away. Throughout this entire process, there have been predictions that the required retrofitting would not be done because it wasn’t economically feasible for property owners. The city would then be red-tagging buildings, which would force businesses out and make downtown Martinez a ghost town. Just the opposite is happening. If you have not been to downtown Martinez in the last few weeks, come
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down and see for yourself. The work on many buildings has been completed, with work progressing on many others. Buildings that have sat empty for many years are now not only being retrofitted, but completely upgraded and remodeled. Some properties have recently been sold, and the new owners are making substantial investments in them, bringing opportunities for new businesses and residents. Downtown is in transition and there is a
sense of a kind of downtown renaissance. There remain a small number of properties that have made little or no progress in making these improvements. The city will be working with these property owners to find solutions for their particular situations while holding fast to the requirements of the ordinance. Human life is too valuable to not make every single URM building as safe as possible for its occupants and the general public.
SUBMIT A STORY Have something to share? Deadline for submissions is the second Friday of each month. info@ourcommunityfocus.com
Public Meetings
City Council Meeting Aug. 5, 19 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 7-11pm. Contact: 372-3500 Design Review Meeting Aug. 12, 26 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 4-5pm. Contact: 372-3500 Planning Commission Meeting Aug. 11, 25 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 7-11pm. Contact: 372-3500 Zoning Administrator Meeting Aug. 5, 19 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 4-5pm. Contact: 372-3500 For Confirmation Visit: www.cityofmartinez.org
Chamber Calendar If interested in attending ambassador meetings, call (925) 228-2345 or email Rachel@martinezchamber.com. 8/6 - Mega Mixer (Multi Chamber) 5-7pm, Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Drive, Pleasant Hill. Chamber members and guests are FREE! Bring a raffle prize and showcase your business. 8/13 - Chamber Mixer 5:30-7:30pm, Shell Oil Products, US-Martinez, 1635 Pacheco, Martinez. Great networking, food, and fun. Bring a raffle prize and have your business announced. Save the Dates: Martinez Martini Month. Call the office or visit www.Martinezmartini.com for information. 9/11 - Martini Happy Hour 5-7pm, Martinez Tribune, 725 Ward St., Ste. G, Martinez.
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9/26 - Martinis on the Plaza Gala 6:30-10pm, Plaza Ygnacio Fountain, Martinez.
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City News Annual Art in the Park The Martinez Arts Association (MAA) holds its 46th Annual Art in the Park on Sunday, August 16, at the tree-lined Susana Street Park. The event is 10am - 5pm, with live music provided by local singers and bands and original art/craft work on display, including ceramics, photography, and graphics jewelry. Proceeds from this event help support art education for local youth through MAA’s scholarship and grant programs.
City News Continued No reservations are required. Meet at the front gate of the John Muir National Historic Site, 4202 Alhambra Avenue (at the Alhambra Ave. exit off Highway 4). Bring the whole family! There will be something for everyone. Come with picnic blankets, lawn chairs, marshmallows, and a desire to have a good time. Rangers will direct you from the gate to the fire ring. Admission to the site is free of charge. For more information, please visit the park website at www.nps.gov/ jomu or call (925) 228-8860.
Upcoming CERT Basic Training Free disaster preparedness training is offered by the Martinez Area CERT. CERT will train you on preparing and responding to emergencies when your family, neighbors, and neighborhood need you the most. Two Locations: Saturdays, 8am – 1pm, September 19 & 26 and October 3 & 10, in council chambers, City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street in Martinez or Tuesdays, 6 – 9:30pm, September 15, 22, 29, and October 6, 13 and 20 at IBEW Hall, 1875 Arnold Drive in Martinez. To register, send an email to Martinez.CERT@gmail.com.
Ice Rink Headed to Downtown At the July 15 city council meeting, Terry Edwards, president of Main Street Martinez, provided an annual update and upcoming events schedule. “We are proud to announce that we have the Rockin’ by the Bay Music Festival on September 5, featuring musician Edgar Winter and others to be announced soon. Also, we have been working for over two years to bring a seasonal (ice) rink to downtown Martinez. We have raised the money needed to get the rink installed, and we are working with PG&E to bring the power to parking lot #4 (at the corner of Escobar and Ferry Street). We are very excited about this downtown ice rink. We have a lot of exciting things happening in downtown,” said Edwards.
Campfire Program at John Muir National Historic Site Join the National Park Service for a free campfire program on Saturday, August 8, at John Muir National Historic Site in Martinez. The program begins at 7pm and lasts roughly 1.5 hours. Rangers will lead the group in songs, skits and stories to celebrate the legacy of John Muir, one of the greatest naturalists and conservationists the United States has ever known.
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City of Walnut Creek
Mayor’s Message Increase in Publicly Available Parking Spaces Did you know there are over 10,000 parking spaces in our downtown that are located on private land and made available for public parking? This number doesn’t include parking spaces on private property that are not made available for public parking, and it doesn’t include the approximately 3,000 parking spaces owned by the city (on-street metered parking, garages, and surface lots). Moreover, when the Broadway Plaza garage at Broadway and Newell is completed in November 2015, there will be an increase of over 800 spaces from before the Broadway Plaza remodeling began, and there will be 3,275 parking spaces at the three Broadway Plaza
garages alone. This means the total number of publicly available parking spaces will be nearly 15,000! So how did it come to pass that there are so many publicly available parking spaces in our downtown? In the late 1990s, it was clear there weren’t enough, and there was no public land upon which to build another public garage. There were complaints about parking on private land, as different property owners treated the public differently. So, to address both issues, to give private property owners the incentive to open their lots to public parking and to provide a mechanism for handling complaints about parking, the city adopted an ordinance in 1999 that enabled private property owners to charge for parking,
Bob Simmons, Mayor of Walnut Creek
to provide a mechanism for enforcing it, and to provide a procedure for seeking administrative review of a parking fee invoice. Unfortunately, not very long ago, the California attorney general issued an opinion that questioned the statutory authority for such an ordinance. So, the City of Walnut Creek became the sponsor of legislation to provide this statutory authority, which Assemblymember Bonilla introduced on our behalf. Bonilla and I testified on two occasions in support of the legislation, as it is a critical component of the parking inventory in our downtown and for downtown parking in many cities. All of the votes, in both the assembly and the senate, were unanimous in support of the legislation. By the time you read this, we will know if the governor has signed it. The legislation is balanced because it has several important provisions to protect the public. A city must first pass an ordinance authorizing a private parking
lot program. The ordinance must require: 1) the private property owner clearly post signs with readable language that states violators may be subject to a parking invoice fee, 2) the parking invoice fee must include language describing the administrative review procedure in which the parking invoice fee may be contested, and 3) the invoice must clearly state it is not issued by the City of Walnut Creek. Finally, the private property owner is prohibited from contacting the Department of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of having DMV use its authority to collect unpaid invoices. Instead, after conclusion of the required administrative review, the private property owner may seek recovery in Small Claims Court. So, when parking on private land in our downtown, read the signage so you know whether it is okay to park there and the conditions that apply to parking at that location. Next month, I will write about some of the exciting technological changes affecting parking.
Chamber Calendar August 6 – Broadway Plaza Summer Concert Series 6-8:30pm, Broadway Plaza. August 30 – Paper Poppies Workshop 10am-1:30pm, Bedford Gallery, 1601 Civic Dr, WC.
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August 20 – Board of Directors Meeting 7:45-9am, 1280 Civic Drive, Suite 100, WC.
Public Meetings
City Council Meeting Aug. 4, 18 (cancelled) Council Chambers, 1666 North Main Street, 6-11pm. Contact: 943-5819 Design Review Meeting Aug. 5, 19 Council Chambers, 1666 North Main Street, 7pm. Contact: 943-5819 Planning Commission Meeting Aug. 13, 27 Council Chambers, 1666 North Main Street, 7-11pm. Contact: 943-5819 Park, Rec & Open Space Aug. 3 Council Chambers, 1666 North Main Street, 7pm. Contact: 943-5819 For Confirmation Visit: www.walnut-creek.org
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On Tuesday, July 14, food truck lovers came together in Walnut Creek and enjoyed the grand opening of Off the Grid food trucks, live music, and a wine and beer garden. Food trucks will be at 1380 N. California Blvd. at the old McDonald’s location every Tuesday, 5-9pm, with live music from 6-8pm. The rotating lineup of nine food trucks in Walnut Creek includes: Drewski’s Hot Rod Kitchen, Gyro Stop Kebab G, Lobsta Truck, Bacon Bacon, Curry Up Now, ADOruBOwl, and IzzyA’s Frozen Custard. You can find the full lineup at http://offthegridsf.com. Parking available in Walnut Creek’s garages: 1350 Locust Street (Above Lark Creek Restaurant); 1625 Locust Street (Next to the Lesher Center); and 1390 N. Broadway (North of Il Fornaio).
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WCPD Body-Worn Cameras Want to weigh in on the possibility of Walnut Creek police officers wearing body-worn cameras? The Walnut Creek Police Department is considering the benefits, challenges, and issues surrounding the use of body-worn cameras for patrol personnel. They would like to get an idea of how the community feels about officers in Walnut Creek wearing these cameras. Please take a few minutes to give them your feedback. Visit the City of Walnut Creek website at www.walnut-creek.org to complete the survey. The deadline for participation is 12:00am on August 7.
New Kiosk at City Hall The City of Walnut Creek has a new kiosk at City Hall/WCPD that allows citizens to do a variety of tasks in the lobby of 1666 N. Main St. Create an online police report, inquire about alarm permits, register your bike, or take a look at the city websites. There will be an additional kiosk at the WCPD Rossmoor Field Office (located in the Rossmoor Shopping Center at 1924 Tice Valley Blvd.) in upcoming weeks.
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Final Movie Under the Stars This year’s final movie under the stars is Big Hero 6 on Friday, August 7, at Heather Farm Park, Ballfield #2. Movies at Heather Farm Park are a suggested $2 donation. Movie begins at dusk (about 8:30pm). Bring picnic blankets, lawn chairs, and popcorn (but no pets, please).
Cool jazz, hot nights at the Lesher Center Jazz at the Lesher Center, presented by the Diablo Regional Arts Association, will return with a fourth season of phenomenal jazz performances this August. Kicking off the series on August 1 was the Big Band sound of the Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. Next up is the legendary jazz pianist Dick Hyman, appearing August 8. Cyrus Chestnut, proclaimed the greatest jazz pianist of his generation by Time Magazine, will continue the series August 22, and jazz guitar duo Martin Taylor and Bucky Pizzarelli will headline the closing concert on August 29. Shows will be at 5pm and 8pm. All concerts are in the 300-seat Margaret Lesher Theatre. For more information, go to: www.LesherJazz.org or call 925-943-7469.
3D Printer MakerSpace The 3D Printer MakerSpace Debut at the Walnut Creek Library on Saturday, June 20, was a huge success, with many curious residents in attendance. Library staff helped demonstrate this amazing new technology and experts discussed the evolution of 3D printing and the multiple machines available that demonstrated printing various objects. Those who wish to use the 3D printers will be required to attend an introductory class before using the new technology. Classes are currently scheduled for the following Tuesdays at 5pm: August 11, August 25, and September 8. Please call the library at 925-977-3340 for space availability. To view a 3D Printer Resource List, Frequently Asked Questions fact sheet, and User Policies, and to learn more about how you can get started using the Walnut Creek Library’s new 3D printers, visit: www.wclibrary.org/3d-printer.
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Estate Planning
What Does an Estate Planning Attorney Do? BY DANIEL DuREE An estate planning attorney does many different things at various stages of the planning process, but ultimately he or she provides peace of mind for you and your family. Listener: First, an estate planning attorney listens to clients to understand their situations, goals, and unique family dynamics. During the initial client meeting, an estate-planning attorney gets a sense of the client’s financial and family situation and what they wish to accomplish. Because every client situation is so unique, it is imperative that the attorney understands the issues at hand in order to suggest different options for accomplishing goals. Educator: Probably the most important function the estate planning attorney performs is that of an educator. Throughout the planning process, your attorney educates you first about issues that may arise and options for dealing with them and then, later, about how your estate plan will function. Since the ultimate goal is peace of mind for the client, the attorney must ensure the client understands how their particular estate plan will operate and how to achieve their goals. It is important that your attorney offers an in-office draft review meeting for this reason.
Drafting Attorney: After educating and listening to a client, the estate planning attorney drafts custom documents to address the client’s unique situation and to carry out their wishes. In California, this usually includes a revocable living trust, a will, a grant deed transferring a home into the trust, and documents addressing incapacity. It is important for your attorney to review drafts with you and make changes until your documents satisfy your goals. After reviewing and explaining the drafts and making any requested changes, the estate planning attorney will have you come in to sign your estate planning documents. The attorney will also record your grant deed, transferring any real estate into the trust. This, however is not where the relationship ends. Resource: An estate planning attorney is a resource for their clients going forward. They will answer questions that arise about new assets, beneficiary designation forms, and how to address changes in financial or family situations. I personally, and free of charge, always answer any questions my past clients have regarding estate planning. Because client peace of mind comes first, your estate-planning attorney must be an excellent listener, educator, drafting attorney, and resource for you and your family. The listening and educating process may take a few hours, but it is the part of the estate planning that al-
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august 2015 • ourcommunityfocus.com
lows you to sleep at night knowing with certainty that your assets and family will be protected once you are gone. For a complimentary in-office consultation about how to achieve this peace of mind, please call my office at
925-210-1400. Daniel L. DuRee is a third generation resident of Contra Costa County and a licensed attorney practicing in Walnut Creek. He can be reached at (925) 2101400 or visit www.DuReeLaw.com.
IN FOCUS
Law Office of Daniel L. DuRee This month we highlight Dan DuRee, the owner and managing attorney of the Law Office of Daniel L. DuRee. Dan is also a monthly contributor to Community Focus. He grew up in Contra Costa County and graduated from De La Salle High School. After spending some time in Southern California, where he earned his bachelor’s degree from UCLA, he returned to the Bay Area for law school, acquiring his Juris Doctor’s degree from The University of California Hastings College of the Law. Dan’s Walnut Creek based practice focuses almost exclusively on trusts, estate planning, and probate related issues. Dan expands on what drew him to this specific area of the law. “I really enjoy the client interaction and the ability to help people finish something they have often been putting off for a long time. Estate planning sometimes falls to the bottom of a person’s ‘to do’ list, but it is rewarding to see the relief a client feels when they get things properly set up and truly understand the plan they have in place and how it will function.” Over the course of multiple meetings, either in his office or at a client’s home, Dan listens to his client’s needs and explains different issues that will inevitably arise given their particular situation and family dynamics. It is this dedication to drafting a custom estate plan for every family that gives Dan’s clients peace of mind that things will be handled smoothly according to their wishes. Dan also assists clients with administering trusts and navigating probate if necessary when someone has passed away. Dan notes, “When you are working with clients in the trust administration and probate process, it really clarifies what the planning issues are.” Assisting clients who are managing a deceased person’s estate has made Dan a vehement advocate of proper planning. While estate planning sounds daunting, with knowledgeable guidance from an experienced attorney it can actually be a rewarding process. Dan feels blessed to have his practice located in the local community where he grew up and looks forward to serving his clients here for the next thirty years and beyond.
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17
In the Mix With Dan Ashley
BY PAUL COTRUVO Most of us know Walnut Creek’s Dan Ashley as the awardwinning anchor of ABC7 News, but did you know he is also the lead singer for the local rock band, PUSH? Breaking news! Dan Ashley can rock the house! PUSH is a classic rock band that does original music plus some covers. I had the pleasure of meeting Dan a few months ago while volunteering at an event he put on called “ROCK The CASA,” a benefit for Friends of Camp Concord and CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), two charities near and dear to Dan’s heart. I had no preconceived notions of who Dan
might be in real life, but I was genuinely touched by how passionate he is in person. His perseverance and dedication to this event were very inspiring. He not only talks the talk, but walks the walk. Dan is truly a great human being that we all should get to know. So, he graciously agreed to a little interview regarding his passion for music. PC: What inspired you to become a musician? DA: I’ve always loved music of all kinds. As a child and teenager, I had lessons in a variety of instruments: piano, guitar, and trumpet -- with no great success. I also sang in the kids’ choir. Over the years, I have attended musical events of every kind, from rock, to opera, to orchestra, and I enjoy them all. A few
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years ago, I decided to start taking singing lessons, and it progressed from there. PC: Who are some of your influences? DA: As a rock singer, I pay particular attention to Roger Daltrey of The Who and Paul Rogers of Bad Company, among others. For other styles of music, I try to learn from people like Tony Bennett and Rod Stewart. PC: How long has PUSH been a band? Are they the same original musicians? DA: PUSH has been around for five years now, with some terrific players and singers. The drummer, Gregg Solomon, and I are the only remaining original members. We’ve made changes and grown considerably. PC: Do you write most of your songs? Take me through that process. DA: We are an original band that also plays covers, so we do write a lot of material. We’ve had several past members who wrote songs that we still play today. I’ve written lyrics and melody on a number of our songs. It’s a collaborative process that begins with an idea and then the band fleshes it out. PC: What have been some of your favorite musical highlights? DA: As a band: opening recently for Eddie Money, performing to thousands at AIDS Walk SF the last several years and playing Yoshi’s. As a solo singer: performing the National Anthem at a Warriors game last season, performing with
my dear friend and three time Grammy winner, Narada Michael Walden, at his charity benefit, which included singing a song to legendary Dionne Warwick. PC: What is your take on the local Contra Costa music scene? DA: Contra Costa County has a great music scene with some nice venues and terrific events. There is a wide range of great bands and top-notch musicians performing all over the county. PC: If you were a song, what song would you be and why? DA: “Won’t Get Fooled Again” by The Who—it’s one of my favorite songs. I love the lyric and the attitude. Check out PUSH’s upcoming performances at: www.rockwithpush.com, and be on the lookout for next year’s amazing ROCK The CASA event! Quote of the Month Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy. – Ludwig van Beethoven
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August 15: The Von Trapps, Dallimonti’s, 1932 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill, 9pm August 15: Super Diamond, Dan’s Bar, 1524 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, 10pm August 16: Groove Doctors, Pleasant Hill Summer by the Lake Concert Series, City Hall,100 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill, 6pm August 20: Dave Martin’s Houseparty, Summer Concerts in the Plaza, Downtown Pleasant Hill on Crescent Drive, 6:30pm August 27: Native Elements, Todos Santos Plaza, Concord, 6:30pm August 29: Lady Bianca, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm August 29: Dr. D, Dallimonti’s, 1932 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill, 9pm August 30: The Sunday Paper, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 4pm August 30: East Bay Mudd, Pleasant Hill Summer by the Lake Concert Series, City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill, 6pm
Hawks Win Big at 680 Tournament The Pleasant Hill Hawks traveling baseball program had great success in the 680 Diablo League this season, culminating with an impressive finish at their league tournament. Three Hawks teams (9U, 10U, and 11U) all won the championship for their respective divisions. The Hawks 13/14U Blue and Red teams battled each other in the semi-finals for a chance to play in the championship game. The 13/14 Blue team prevailed, but came up just short in the final game with a respectable second place finish. Hawks celebrations were heard all around the tournament complex in the final hours of the day as each team clinched the championship. All teams were on hand to pull for the 13/14 Blue team that
serves as a model for the Hawks program. The Hawks have a long established tradition of competitive baseball that prepares youth for high school baseball. The Hawks 12U team plays annually at the Cooperstown Dreams Park National Invitational Tournament in Cooperstown, New York. The 12U team has the opportunity of a lifetime and it is an unforgettable baseball experience for boys who love the game. Guided by Commissioner Pat Curran and in the model set forth by retired 30-year veteran manager Paul Damhesel, the Hawks offer a brand of youth baseball that is second to none. Submitted by the Pleasant Hill Hawks Baseball Program.
9U Hawks team, front row (L to R): Scott Polasek, Ivver Vertuflo, Lucas Pieper, Jacob Laplante, Jaden Martinez and Charlie Malton. Second row (L to R): Sean Iglesias, Daniel Polasek, Jamie Mullin, Jason Olvera, Austin Alemania, and Dylan Christie. Back row (L to R): Commissioner Pat Curran, Coach Steve Malton, Coach Steve Christie, Manager Ron Polasek and Coach Josh Martinez.
12U Hawks Cooperstown team, front row (L to R): Zach Christie, Jacob Vines, Michael Garner, Jake Muegge and CJ Wigren. Middle row (L to R): Ian MacAskill, Matthew Andrade, John Curran, Ryan Bleeker, Aidan Dooley, Kevin Sharp, Johnny Hoffmeister and Anthony Giannini. Back row (L to R): Coach Jeff Muegge, Coach Steve Christie, Commissioner Pat Curran, Manger Rob Curran and Coach Brian Dooley.
10U Hawks team, front row (L to R): Evan Wells, Jake Davis, Sami Heita, Jeremy Cressio and Colin Sweeney. Back row (L to R): Luke Brooks, Alex Lisi, Nate Hufford, Caden Barger, Toby Schwing and Logan Wortman. Not pictured: Manager Brian Hufford, coaches Mike Cressio and Dave Sweeney.
13/14 Hawks Red team, front row (L to R): Andrew Hamant, Sean Norris, Zach McGlynn, Nicholas Jullien, Nico Ceresa, Matthew Glieden and Cameron Barger. Back row (L to R): Coach Bill Machi, Dom Dachauer, Nick Piro, Max Small, Johnny Poff, Cole Monroy and Manager Ryan Barger. Not pictured: Nic Doorlay.
11U Hawks team, front row (R to L): Cole McClaskey, Dominic Roca, Jack Mullane, Julian Martinez, Carter Vance, Kayleb Miller. Back row (R to L): Mike Barnett, Logan Algar, Coach Mike Mullane, Pete Berardini, Coach Carlo Roca, Dimond Loosli, John Peterson, Sean Railton and Manager Eric McClaskey.
14U Hawks team, front row (L to R): Logan Taylor, Jaden Reganit, Jack Harris, Gabe Osti, Conner Sullivan, Andy Hamat. Back Row (L to R): Coach Don Wildes, Joey Soberon, Logan Gowdy, Will VanHolten, Cole Monroy, Andrew MciIntyre, Jackson Mitchell, Nick Piro and Coach Doug Seandel. Not pictured are coaches Erik Hutslar and Juan Gil. ourcommunityfocus.com • august 2015
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Volleyball Champs Pacific Rim Wins Nationals
Pacific Rim Volleyball Academy of Pleasant Hill won its second consecutive national title, earning the top spot in the country. Pacific Rim was the first Northern California junior volleyball club to win a national championship in the Open division last year as U17s in Houston and again this year as U18s in Columbus, Ohio. Four players were named to the All Tournament 18 Team, including Jordan Ewert (Deer Valley High), Gage Worsley (Campolindo), Joe Worsley (Campolindo), and Micah Ma’a (Hawaii) who was named the tournament MVP. A number of the Pacific Rim Players have college scholarships for volleyball, including Jordan Ewert and Ryan Smith (Stanford University), Joe Worsley and Patrick Gasman (University of Hawai’i), Avery Aylsworth (Loyola University, Chicago), Micah Ma`a (UCLA), Jonathan Santos (UC Santa Cruz) and Jackson McDonough (Western University, Canada).
Strong-Willed Kaos The Girls U15 Heritage Soccer Club team, “Kaos,” participated in the Mid-Summer Classic in Turlock over the weekend of July 18. Kaos only allowed one goal in three games to make it the championship game against a very physical Gold team from Merced. The Merced team had dominated all three games in their bracket by an average score of 6 to 1. Kaos played with heart, passing well and making several scoring attempts with little time on the clock, displaying determination until the end. Kaos came in second place with a final score of 3 to 2. Submitted by Lia McCormick.
Bombers win Tourney Pictured from front row to back row (L to R): Jack Eisner, Avery Aylsworth, Gage Worsley, Jonathan Santos, John Whitman, Zevan Williams, Jodan Ewert, Micah Ma’a, Joseph Worsley, Akashdeep Dhothar, Jackson McDonough, Donna Ewert, Ryan Smith, Patrick Gasman, Roger Worsley, Sean Vaisima, Joseph Peacock, Stephen Buhl and Christine Worsley. Photo by Texas Star Photography. Submitted by Peter M. Crowley and Dipen Patel.
On July 3, 2015, the Pleasant Hill Blue Bombers competed in the San Bruno Dale Wilson 4th of July Tournament. The Bombers played ten teams in their division and faced Orinda in the championship game to bring home the winning trophy with a score of 17-9.
Martinez All-Stars On July 1, the Martinez 11-12 All-Stars completed their perfect run through the California District 4 softball tournament to capture the title. They advanced to the Delta Section Tournament and swept Gilroy, earning another championship title on July 7. The undefeated team is now headed to Live Oak to compete for the coveted state title. Submitted by Jenny King.
The Martinez 11-12 All-Stars holding up their California Delta Section Championship Banner: Back Row (L to R): Dom DelosReyes, Manager Craig Miller, Reese Miller, Audrey King, Caitlyn Leonard, Coach John Cave, Bella Lera, Mack Pray, Maddy George, Coach Mike George, Shannon Smith and Nina Moran. Front Row (L to R): Breanna Hatcher, Kammy Lee, Rhyanna Mechling and Maya Munoz. Photo by Marc Lera. august 2015 • ourcommunityfocus.com 20
Pictured front row (L to R): Alex Pence, Zack Norris, Ethan Leach, Ryder Short, Jerred Delatorre, Graham Tudor, Cooper Rubens, Peter deWit and Hunter Rosa. Back row (L to R): Ben Pence and Donny Khatami. Coaches (L to R): Mark Norris, Scott Tudor, Rich Barraco, Fred Leach, and Peddy Khatami. Submitted by Tiffiny Barraco.
The Importance of Recovery The Key to Consistent Performance in College Athletics BY LOGAN FRANDSEN, A Current College Athlete Being adequate in the weight room before entering college and knowing how your body works are key to maintaining a high level of performance in college, but recovery is the single most important and most overlooked aspect. Recovery is what keeps you on the field and keeps you fresh for the long and grueling days throughout the season in any sport. The early morning weights, class, practice, games, and, of course, studying take a major toll in college, unlike anything an athlete would or will ever experience in high school. The stresses build up quickly, and before you know it, you can’t keep your eyes open in class or you’re winded just warming up for weights or practice. One day leads into the next and then your body breaks down, causing injury or constant soreness, which is your body screaming out for help. I know this sounds extreme, but it’s as real as it gets. I have experienced it and so
have all my teammates through the years, and it is not the place you want to be. I guarantee it will happen to any athlete in college that walks on to campus and does not know how to recover. When I first stepped on campus, I was like any other 18 year-old kid, with no idea what recovery even was; all I knew was hard work. All along, I thought, more was better. Everyday I would work out in the morning with the team, go to class, go to practice, and after all that, I would go work out again. I treated the first month in college like any other high school day. And then the school part came, along with the mental and psychological challenges that every coach puts you through to make sure you’re the right fit for their program. By the second month it felt like I needed a wheelchair to get me through the day because my body was destroyed. I was constantly in the training room trying to get rid of the aches and pains. Then, soon enough, it started
affecting my play on the field because I was performing at about 50% of my ability. And once you get to that point, it’s a very steep battle to get back to performing at a high level because there is very minimal rest time in college athletics. All of this could have been avoided if I had known how to take care of my body in high school leading into college. I can’t stress enough the importance of ice baths, Epsom salt baths, foam rolling pre- and post-workout, stretching consistently, and, of course, the most important recovery tool, which is getting adequate sleep at night. I know all these steps are time consuming and boring, but if your main goal is to actually make a name for yourself at the college ranks, you better learn to like them so that you can maintain a high level of performance throughout the year. I am not saying don’t work hard or go the extra step to get better because I am all for that, but what I want an athlete to get out of this article is
the understanding that everything you do, from the classroom to the weight room or on the field, is considered stress. If the body accumulates too much stress, then it breaks down. In college, sometimes less is more because an athlete has proven they can play the game or they would not be there. The extra lifting session after a morning lifting session, 6-hour practice, and study hall is going to do nothing for you but speed up the body’s break down process. What I am trying to get across to college athletes is to be smart with what they choose to do to get better and have a good grasp of recovery before even stepping on to campus. I recommend making recovery part of your daily routine, even if you’re not sore at that given moment. In the long run it will pay off when your midseason and all the athletes around you can barely move and you’re still moving on all cylinders. It’s not a sprint in college athletics; it’s a marathon. Recovery is the key to consistent high level performance.
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In the Garden The All-Purpose Plum BY LESLEY STILES August resides well in the Diablo Valley. It’s when big, spacious, blue skies accompanied by blazing hot, dry days define the eighth month of our year. Conditions such as these bode well for tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, melons and stone fruits that thrive in loamy soil, occasionally drenched with some conserved, allotted water. The environment in the steamy side of the garden lets them soak up every sun bloated ray they can absorb to create amazingly big, fat, juicy fruits and vegetables for us to consume at will. As peaking produce overflows our yards and farmers’ market tables, canning and jamming take center stage in the kitchens of our summer lives. Just-picked cucumbers matched with astoundingly fragrant fresh dill heads and garlic from the vine or market table will be transformed in a matter of hours, with the help of salt, vinegar, and mystical alchemy, to glistening jade
jars of love. Tubs of peaches, nectarines and strawberries, washed and cut up, boiled in a sugar melted narcotic haze, combined with whatever else heat flustered minds can imagine to mix in, hold promise of the perfect piece of toast come winter. As my Satsuma plum tree encourages vast quantities of cascading fruit onto dry ground below, I am fraught with sweet memories of my own mom’s Satsuma plums, which is why I have one growing in my yard today. Drupe in familial origin, having a large stone pit encasing inner seed, plums are indeed a fruit engineered to provoke tender memories stemming from an age of earlier innocence. Plums date back centuries to milder climates of Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Americas, but Roman historian and scientist Pliny the Elder maintained plums originated in Armenia and were the first cultivated fruit known. Many cultures invest in the power of spring plum blossoms, all knowing at least half of those sweetly fragrant, showy blooms represent a plum to eat with
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juice dripping down the chin. Over the years, many crosses of plums have appeared in markets, probably none more identifiable than the Santa Rosa. Sugar sweet with creamy yellowish-pink flesh and tart skin, it’s pretty much the epitome of what comes to mind for a plum. Satsuma plums have deep, dark, richly mahogany red interiors, with a mysteriously herbal, tart-honeyed flesh, perfect for retrieving childhood images. Plum wines play a major part in several cultures for simple enjoyment as well as medicinal purposes, along with beautiful ceremonial displays. Fortunately for us, plums are still immensely popular with farmers continuing to grow and sell heirloom varieties along with any kind of cross imaginable, almost. Apriums are a 30-70 mix of an apricot and a plum, while pluots are a 70-30 mix of plum and apricot. Softly orange inside and out with a scant fuzz or deeply magenta, both perform due diligence to represent the plum family, owning tastes that are sublime. Available only from your yard or farmers’ markets, they are summer stone fruit at its best. Before frankenfruit visions scare you off, these inter- bred fruits are crossed, not genetically modified, and as safe as a Blenheim to devour. Fresh plum salsa with chopped plums, scallions, cilantro, jalapeño, and garlic tossed with lime juice and a shot of fruity olive oil is incredible accompanying freshly grilled fish and a light shower of sea salt. Slice plums and toss with arugula, pine nuts, veiny blue cheese, and thick balsamic. Plums set the stage for an amazingly simple
MAY 2 thru NOV 14
crisp, slurped hot with vanilla ice cream slowly melting on top. Plums pureed and simmered with fresh ginger, garlic, honey, rice vinegar, and soy sauce create a dip worthy of the most royal dumpling or skewer. Plum jam assures summer in the winter and looks so good in their jeweled jars they can be used for home décor year round. Beyond simple to prepare, all efforts pay supremely for months. 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.
Plum Jam INGREDIENTS 8 cups chopped Satsuma plums 3 tablespoons fruit pectin 2 cups turbinado sugar 1 tablespoon vanilla extract Peel and juice from one big, juicy lemon DIRECTIONS Heat plums in a deep, heavy pan that won’t scorch. Mix ½ cup sugar with the pectin and stir into plums. Bring to a complete rolling boil that you can’t stir down and add the rest of the sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla. Bring back to a rolling boil that you can’t stir down. When you reach that point, set your timer for 2 minutes and boil for 2 minutes. Turn off heat and place into sterilized half pint jars. Close lids tightly. Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Makes 6 to 8 half-pints.
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Pair Up Summer Tart
BY MARIA TERRY Blistering hot days, relaxing warm nights; the summer heat makes me want foods that are simple and refreshing. How about a pizza appetizer with a fresh salad on top? Zesty, herbaceous chicken and pasta? A sweet fruit tart at
Prosciutto, Asparagus and Arugula Pizza INGREDIENTS (2) frozen puff pastry dough crusts, approx. 10”X 9” TOPPING ¼ cups mascarpone cheese ¼ cups ricotta ¼ tsp. dried thyme ½ tsp. prepared horseradish ½ tsp. coarse-grained mustard 6 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto ¼ cup shredded mozzarella SALAD ½ pound thin asparagus, blanched, biascut 3 cups arugula 1 tsp. lemon juice Pepper Salt Lemon zest DIRECTIONS Pre-heat oven to 400°. Fold dough in half and roll out to a rectangle, approximately 6”x12”. Create a border by docking the dough, 1” from edge, all the way around. Inside the border, dock the dough in a lattice pattern. Pre-bake for 10 minutes. Mix cheeses with thyme, horseradish and mustard. Spread filling evenly into unbaked crust. Top with prosciutto and sprinkle with mozzarella. Bake at 425° for 15 minuites until just browned. Allow to cool 2-3 minutes and cut each pizza into (12) 3”X 3” rectangles. Toss asparagus and arugula with lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Top warm pizza with cool salad and finish with lemon zest. Yield: 6-8 Servings
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the end? Refreshing drinks to go with it all? Sounds good to me, let’s begin! Start off your evening with Prosciutto, Asparagus and Arugula Pizza. These little squares are just the right amount of salty and cheesy offset by crisp greens. The creamy ricotta and mascarpone has a touch of tangy mustard and is perfectly complemented by thinly sliced prosciutto. Then, on top, arugula and asparagus tossed with tangy lemon. This pizza will go with just about any unoaked white wine. Or, try the non-alcoholic recipe for Ginger Lemonade listed here. While you are sitting outside enjoying your pizza, grill some chicken. Try Herbed Marinated Chicken (www. lasommelierre.com Pair Up, July 2011) with a green salad, and Lemon Orzo with Toasted Pine Nuts (recipe at LaSommelierre.com and ourcommunityfocus.com). These bright flavors are
Ginger Lemonade INGREDIENTS 10 ounces fresh ginger 2 cups sugar 10 cups water, divided 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 15 lemons) DIRECTIONS Peel the ginger and chop into roughly 1/4inch pieces. Combine the ginger, sugar, and 4 cups of the water in a medium pot over high heat. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to medium, and simmer for 45 minutes. Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve, pressing on the ginger with the back of a spoon. You should have about 3 cups of syrup. Cool to room temperature. Combine the lemon juice and remaining 6 cups water in a large pitcher or pot. Stir in all of the ginger syrup. Chill before serving or serve over ice. Adjust the amount of simple syrup based on your personal taste. Consider storing the leftover ginger pieces in the fridge to eat throughout the week or add them to your favorite muffin recipe. Yield: 10-11 Cups
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best with white wines like Sauvignon or Chenin Blanc that have moderate to high acidity and can stand up to the lemon and herbal flavors. Or, because of the smoke from the grill, you can choose a white wine that has a little oak aging, like some Chardonnays. End the evening on a sweet but light note by picking up a fruit tart from your favorite bakery. Consider pairing it with a Deutscher Rieslingsekt. Sekt is Germany’s term for sparkling wine. A Deutscher Rieslingsekt is a wine made from Riesling grapes that have been grown in Germany. The high altitudes and low temperatures in Germany allow the grapes to ripen, yet retain acidity. The classic flavors of the Riesling grape
are stone fruits like peach and apricot. Also, it has honey and white flower notes. These aromas and flavors will pair beautifully with the fruit tart. If you can’t find a German sparkling Riesling, just about any sweet sparkling will do. Look for words like Doux on French wines, Off Dry or Sweet on American wines, or, if you love Italian wines, try a Prosecco or Moscato d’Asti. Because the bubbles cleanse the cream layer from the palate, sparkling water with some fresh fruit will work if you want to end the evening alcohol-free. So, go on. Pair Up! Maria Terry is a Certified Sommelier and Wine Educator in the San Francisco Bay Area, www.LaSommelierre.com.
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Pearls of Wisdom
First-Hand Advice for a Successful College Freshman Year As our recent high school graduates gear up for college, the Community Focus surveyed some of our community’s college students, home for summer break after completing their freshman year, about their first-year experiences and what suggestions they would give to our entering college freshman. We identify them by school and major, but withhold names. Leaving for college means your parents no longer wield complete control over you, unless they provide financial support. Students are on their own when it comes to time-management, problem solving, and laundry sorting. The demands of midterms, finals, meeting new people, and fitting in were top responses when it came to questions about the anxiety of starting college. “Everything stressed me out my freshman year. I was either behind on a project, had a midterm coming up, or both of these, and my friends wanted to go to the beach. It was stressful knowing I was missing out on an experience because of my school work, but by studying and getting my work done I was able to feel a sense of accomplishment by the end of the day,” said a Cal Poly SLO statistics major. When it came to stress management and staying healthy, our respondents turned to exercise and outdoor activities. “I stayed active. I joined the club rowing team, played intramural sports, and went on hikes on the weekends if I had time. I also made sure that I got as much sleep as possible,” said an undeclared University of Portland student. In fact, staying healthy and in shape was a top priority. Most joined a gym and everyone discovered the healthy dining options on and off campus. When asked about the college party scene, our undergraduates clearly enjoyed themselves; some admitted to carousing every weekend while others only occasionally, and none said it affected their studies. One University of Arizona prebusiness major revealed, “I partied a lot more in the beginning of the year than I 24
did towards the end. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday are all pretty big nights to go out in college. I don’t think it interfered with my studies that much. I was always pretty good about getting any assignments done I needed to before I went out. There are definitely going to be nights where your friends will go out but you have a ton of work to get done. Don’t be afraid to skip going out a night to get work done. Chances are you’ll be at a party and the cops will come after 30 minutes anyway.” Regardless of how an incoming freshman believes he or she is “ready” for college, homesickness is likely. All the students surveyed attend college at least 100 miles away from home and a majority did find it difficult to be apart from family at the outset. “I definitely was homesick at first. There wasn’t a whole lot to do besides try to calm down and get absorbed into the new experience. Calling home was nice, but too much just made me more homesick!” responded a Cal Poly SLO political science major. Another college certainty is dorm life, and dorm roommates are like a box of assorted chocolates: you never know what you’re going to get. Whether sweet or nutty, a roomie can be infuriating or a friend for life. It’s all in how you manage your roommate situation. As one UC Santa Barbara biology student explains, “I had two roommates that I selected before going to school, and we became very close. At first, it was difficult to adjust to sharing such a small space and we all had to learn to be more flexible and respectful of each other’s living habits and boundaries. But they were my first two friends at college and we are very close now.” There is an assortment of clubs and activities to try your freshman year. For some, just trying to navigate the campus, keep up with schoolwork, and find time to sleep was challenging enough, but for others, the more involvement the better. “I rushed in the beginning of my freshman year, and I realized it was the best decision I made all year. I instantly had 220 new sisters; 220 girls I could say ‘hi’ to when walk-
august 2015 • ourcommunityfocus.com
ing to class, or ask for help while studying for a test, or offer me a home cooked meal when I was sick of the dorm food. I met some of my best friends through rushing,” said the Cal Poly SLO statistics major. There is a tendency to romanticize college -- the endless opportunities and nonstop fun. Was the reality of college what they expected it to be? As a Cal Poly SLO economics major observed, “It’s a lot less fun than in the movies, but a lot better than high school. College met my expectations of fun, higher learning, and meeting a bunch of new and, hopefully, lifelong friends.” “My expectations for college were pretty different from the reality, but for the better. I expected the classes to be much more intimidating and difficult than they were. The reality of college is needing to keep a balance between study time and whatever sort of fun you like. Keeping yourself happy is so necessary for the first year,” said the UC Santa Barbara biology major. All the respondents said they developed friendships early on, which enriched their first year experience. “It was a lot easier to make friends than I thought it would be and my classes weren’t too hard,” said a Lewis & Clark College political science major. A UC Santa Cruz environmental studies major added, “I didn’t expect to find so many people who
shared my weird, random interests and were as passionate as I am about different subjects.” Here, are some parting words of encouragement from our rising sophomores: “Getting to know people in your classes is important. It’s not like high school, where you know most people in your class and can text 10 different people for help if you’re ever stuck. Especially in the beginning of the year, when the workload really starts to increase, its good to know people you can ask for help.” - University of Arizona pre-business major. “You should expand your circle and try to meet people. Also, join some club or organization so you can make close friends that way too.” - UC Santa Barbara financial mathematics and statistics major. “Don’t procrastinate on writing papers because they add up and it’s a waste of money to fail a class.” - Western Oregon University exercise science major. And finally, a perceptive piece of advice from the UC Santa Cruz environmental studies student we could all learn from: “Don’t be lazy about thinking. Now is your chance to figure out your opinions on all kinds of things. Don’t be afraid to question yourself. Be open and non-defensive about new ideas and other people’s opinions.”
Northgate Jazz Band
Honored to Play at Monterey Jazz Festival BY TAMARA HELFER For the second consecutive year, Northgate’s Jazz Band I has won the honor of playing at the world-renowned Monterey Jazz Festival in September. The band took first place in the high school big band division at Monterey’s highly competitive Next Generation Jazz Festival last March. “It was surreal hearing our name announced as the winning band for a second year in a row,” said Northgate Music Director Greg Brown. Northgate’s Next Generation win is its ticket to play at the Monterey Jazz Festival stage. “The other bands are such fine groups that you just don’t expect to come out on top in consecutive years,” Brown added. For junior Adam Hentschel, a bass and percussion player who was in the band for the first time this year, heading to Monterey means that “Northgate is not a one-hit wonder -- that there’s something special going on in the jazz program.” Sophomore Kevin Prough added, “Not only did we at least meet the
standards of last year, but we possibly exceeded them. I’m proud to be part of the group.” The trip to the 58th annual Monterey Jazz Festival is just as special for those veterans who are going back for the second year in a row. “Getting to go again is mind-boggling,” said trombonist Zac Robbins, one of six seniors who graduated from Northgate in June and who will return to play with the band in Monterey. “I get to meet my stars and play in the same festival they’re in. That’s crazy.” Jazz Band parent representative Karen Jenkins says that raising funds for the trip is a challenge, as the students will travel to Monterey during the city’s most expensive tourist weekend of the year. “It’s an amazing honor, but it’s an unexpected expense,” Jenkins said. “We need to raise $5,000 to cover transportation and one night’s lodging.” The Northgate Instrumental Music Boosters has launched a “Back to Monterey!” campaign and still needs to raise close to $3,000 before September.
Northgate High School’s Jazz Band I performs March 28 at the Next Generation Jazz Festival in Monterey. Photo by Susan Broehm.
To learn more, to watch a video of the band, or to make a tax-deductible donation to help send the students to Monterey, visit northgatehs-pfc.com/MontereyJF.html. Donations may also be sent to NIMB, PO Box 30232, Walnut Creek,
CA 94598. Northgate Jazz Band I plays at 4:30pm, Sunday, September 20, on the Night Club Stage in Monterey. Tickets are available at www.montereyjazzfestival.org.
High School News Receive MDUSD Text Messages If you have students in the Mt. Diablo School District, you can sign up to receive text message updates and information from MDUSD via Remind. Your information is private and you can opt out at any time. When you sign up you will receive a short text message with important information about the next school year. Simply text the number: 81010 and put the message: @MDUSD (be sure to use the @ symbol). To receive messages via email, send an email to mdusd@mail.remind.com.
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Art in the Park
Meet Dr. Soyster
Fine Arts, Food and Live Music
Pleasant Hill Family Dentistry
The Martinez Arts Association (MAA) presents the 46th Annual Art in the Park Sunday, August 16, at Susana Park in Martinez. Activities will run from 10am – 5pm and include a variety of fine arts and crafts created by local artists. Wine from Viano Vineyards and beer from Epidemic Ales, along with a selection of food truck vendors will be available. New this year will be souvenir wine and beer glasses for sale. There will be live music all day starting at 10:15am with Thomas Martin, followed by D’Anglique at 11:15am, Jessica Leia Thompson at 12:15pm, The King Cosby Group at 1:45pm, and ending with Caroompas Room at 3:30pm. Plenty of free parking will be available in downtown Martinez, with golf cart shuttles from the farmers’ market at the Starbuck’s plaza to Art in the Park. Don’t miss the silent auction of the Funky Flamingo Art Flock! Local artists transform pink flamingos into one of a kind, unique works of art. All proceeds benefit the MAA’s scholarship fund. For full details, visit www.martinezarts.org.
Dear Patients, Hello. My name is Dr. Mailene Soyster and I am pleased to introduce myself as the new owner of Pleasant Hill Family Dentistry. With long and careful thought, Dr. Kim has given me the great opportunity of taking over the practice. She and I share in the primary importance of patient care and wellness. The staff and I are committed in providing a safe and comfortable experience for our patients. Your specific needs are addressed in a caring and friendly way. First, I was awarded the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery in 2003 from the State University of New York, Buffalo. Then, I continued at Strong Memorial Hospital general practice residency in Rochester, New York. The residency was instrumental in giving me a strong foundation in oral surgery, anesthesia technique, post graduate restorative/ prosthetics and pediatrics. From there, I’ve worked in private practice and have attended many courses in cosmetics, root canal therapy and children’s dental care. We welcome all members of the family and are happy to see kids. We like to see many children in our practice as a way to improve oral healthcare in our community. Having three kids of my own, the practice is child friendly. In my free time, my husband and I enjoy taking the kids swimming, playing soccer, and traveling to the beach. We have three boys in the Lafayette
Mailene Soyster, D.D.S.
school district and live just 10 min from the office. The office is conveniently located in places my family and I live and play. My family and I are right at home in Pleasant Hill and the surrounding area. I am looking forward to being active in our communities and seeing all our friends and family. For your convenience, we now offer after work and weekend appointments. We know how challenging the schedule can be and we strive to be affordable and offer comprehensive care right in our office. Please feel free to call or email the office to speak to me. (925)689-1020 phfdent@gmail.com. I’d gladly answer any questions you may have. We are looking forward to seeing you at your next appointment. And thank you again for the privilege of being your dentist. Sincerely, Mailene Soyster, D.D.S.
Pleasant Hill Family Dentistry MAILENE SOYSTER, D.D.S. AND JEAN KIM, D.D.S. DR. FILIPPO CANGINI, PERIODONTIST AND IMPLANT SPECIALTY Our family friendly dental practice has been providing care in Pleasant Hill for over 40 yrs. We provide comprehensive, state of the art treatment options for children and adults right in office. We offer but are not limited to: • Children’s dentistry with kids movies, prize box, friendly and compassionate • Cosmetic porcelain crowns, white fillings, bleaching • Root canals, extractions, implants • Dentures, implant overdentures • After work and weekend appointments available • New patients complimentary xrays and exam
925.689.1020
www.pleasanthillfamilydentistry.com • phfdent@gmail.com 26
august 2015 • ourcommunityfocus.com
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Announcements and Events Sign Up for August Summer Camps! Fill the last days of summer with fun and adventure at PH Rec Summer Camps. Adventure Kids Camp (Youth), Endless Summer Camp (Youth) and Last Hurrah! Camp (Youth & Teens) are three of our most popular camps available this month. Sign up early to reserve space. Flexible full day, half-day, and weekly recreation programs are available to fit your summer schedule. Visit pleasanthillrec.com for details. American Iron Car Show Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District celebrates the 13th annual show! Take a walk down memory lane and enjoy gorgeous vehicles of yester-year. Free to the public. Participating car owners must pre-register and provide $28 car entry fee. To register pre-‘80s American car (space limited), please call (925) 682-0896 for more details. Sunday, August 9, 10am–3pm, Crescent Drive in Downtown Pleasant Hill. Friday Night Family Swim August 21, 6–9pm, PH Aquatic Park, 147 Gregory Lane. Public swim passes are valid for entry. Mount Diablo Dolphins Swim Team - Registration Now Open. Mt. Diablo Dolphins is a registered USA Swim Club. Swimmers compete in USA swim meets in the fall (short course season). Age group is determined by swimmer’s age for the 2016 summer season. Register online at pleasanthillrec.com or call (925) 682-0896. Practice starts September 14. Tennis Lessons for Whole Family (age 4 & up) www.phrecsports.com/tennis.html. Fall Adult Sports Leagues - Registration Now Open Softball,| 5x5 Soccer, Cornhole Bag Toss, Flag Football, 3x3 & 5x5 Basketball and Volleyball. For a team registration packet, go to: www.phrecsports.com or call Sheila at 925-682-0896 or email sgeorge@pleasanthillrec.com. NFL Sponsored Fall Youth Coed Flag Football - Registration Now Open For grades 3-8. Begins October 10; 6 weeks of play. $145 or $130 for PH residents. Register at www.phrecsports.com/youth-flag-football.html or call (925) 682-0896. NFL Sponsored – Punt, Pass, Kick – Free Event (Coed, 8–13 yrs) Saturday, September 19, 10am (sharp) at Pleasant Hill Park Field, 147 Gregory Lane. This program is a national skills competition. Come show off what you can do! Birth certificate required. Tennis shoes only. Teen Center Open House Wednesday, August 19, 6-7:30pm. Interested in Teen Center programs but not sure what it has to offer? Come check it all out! Meet the staff, check out the games and activities, and enter our prize drawing! Signups for after-school program, classes, and activities. Pleasant Hill Community Foundation Golf Classic September 28, 9:30am registration, 11am shotgun start at Contra Costa Country Club. This fundraiser benefits the Pleasant Oaks Park Youth Playground and the Community Foundation Youth Grants. Contact Bob Berggren to register your foursome at (925) 682-0896, Ext. 18 or email bberggren@pleasanthillrec.com. Supported by Bay Alarm, Critical Solutions, Law Office of Curtis S. Kidder, PG&E, Pleasant Hill Community Foundation, Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District, and Republic Services. NEW Adult Classes this Fall! Art of Floral Design Flower arranging for the beginner/ advanced to the professional and those interested in preparing arrangements for special occasions. Instructor: Lloye Shears. Positive Thinking Workshop Learn how to lead with your strengths and find the good in life. Turn around negative thinking by understanding why you discourage yourself and what to do instead. Instructor: Julie Levin, MFT. Raising Emotionally Secure Kids Workshop Learn about the three pillars of emotional security from the field of Attachment Psychology. Learn how you can apply this research to foster emotional security in your own kids. Instructor: Julie Levin, MFT. Summertime Celebration Rentals Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District has the perfect indoor and/or outdoor venue for your summertime parties and events. Contact Ryan Herriman at (925) 676-5200.
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Remembering Ellen Stevahn Rodgers Ranch Founding Member BY DENISE KOROSLEV When Steve and Ellen Stevahn moved to Pleasant Hill in 1969 with their children, Laurie and Mike, Ellen immersed herself in her passions as a mother, educator, and historian. Her experience as a high school and college physical education teacher enabled her to instill her love of the outdoors to her own children and all children she came in contact with over the years. She supported and participated in the local Camp Fire program, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Luther League, and Little League, and she developed the Rodgers Ranch Round Up program, which gave children a chance to experience life on a farm in the 1800s. When her children were grown, she became an active member of the Pleasant Hill Historical Society, serving as president for many years. She
co-chaired a task force to develop the Cultural Resources Management Ordinance by the City of Pleasant Hill, and she served as a member of the Community Action Network and Pleasant Hill Historical and Cultural Center Consortium. In 1986, when plans of a development on the Rodgers Ranch property included the demolition of an 1867 farmhouse and wheat barn, Ellen and a group from the Pleasant Hill Historical Society fought to save the structures. Under her guidance and research, they were able to put it on the National Register of Historic Places. She then helped form Friends of Rodgers Ranch, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising money for the restoration of the site. Her dream was to see these buildings restored and used as an educational center for children and adults about the
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history of the area along with a demonstration farm. Ellen also served as a Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce ambassador and was very active in St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, serving as superintendent of Sunday School, youth chaperone, liaison to the Friends Outside organization, and a member of the Social Ministry Community Outreach Committee. She was recognized for her efforts by the Pleasant Hill and Concord soroptimists as a “Woman of Distinction,” received the Pleasant Hill Mayor’s Award, and was honored in 2003 as the Pleasant Hill Citizen of the Year. Ellen’s dedication to her family, church, and community will live on in her accomplishments and in the people she touched. Her 5’1 stature never kept her from being a powerhouse when it came to completing a project, and
Pictured is Ellen Stevahn.
her smile lit up a room and melted the hearts of the young and old. Ellen passed away peacefully on May 30. She will be missed.
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august 2015 • ourcommunityfocus.com
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Martinez Senior Activities 818 Green Street, Martinez 925-370-8770
August 9 - Pancake Breakfast 8-11am. This delicious breakfast includes pancakes or toast, sausage, eggs, orange juice and coffee. Cost is $4.00 for adults/$2.50 for children 10 and under. Handmade crafts will be on sale during the breakfast. Always open to the public. August 21 – Bunco Introduction & game rules 11:30am/Lunch served 12pm/ Games begin 1pm. Join us even if you have never played the game. You will catch on quickly and have so much fun. Cash prizes will be awarded. Serving lunch at noon and dessert bar during break. Donation: $12. August 28 - CHP - Age Well/Drive Smart Presentation 9:30– 11:30am. This presentation is for drivers from 20 to 120 years old to stay driving longer and safer. Free. Public welcome. Sept. 4 - Vagabond Players presents Flamingo Court. This two-part “slice of life” takes place in two condos of an apartment complex where many retirees live. This play promises uproarious laughter, great entertainment, and a must-see theatrical event for audiences of all ages. Appetizer buffet served after the play. Cost: $10 members, $12 non-members. Sept. 11 & 18 - AARP Driver Safety Training Program 10am – 2:30pm (with a 30minute lunch break). This course is designed for motorists over the age of 50 to help driver’s refine existing skills and develop safe, defensive driving techniques. Fee is $15 for AARP members/$20 for non-members. Payment must be paid at time of sign-up. Only 20 spaces are available. Call for availability.
SENIOR CALENDARS SPONSORED BY:
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Reverse Mortgage Specialist 925.348.4267 • TALK2LW@yahoo.com
IN FOCUS
Hire My Husband Got a “Honey Do” List?
Would you like your Saturdays back? Wouldn’t it be great to find someone to take care of those items on that growing list of “Honey Dos”? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to work with a company that returns your phone calls, shows up on time for jobs, and cleans up after themselves? And wouldn’t it be even more terrific to have that company navigate the labyrinth of your local home improvement center to get the supplies needed for your job? Let the “husbands” at Hire My Husband Quality Painting & Home Repair take care of your “Honey Do” List. We specialize in small jobs, collaborating with you on all the important details. Established in 2002, we provide expert interior painting, drywall repairs & texturing, door repair & replacement, trim molding installation, minor plumbing & electrical repairs, closet organization, window treatments, picture hanging and wood fence & gate repairs. We will even act as your project manager if you have larger projects going on and need a capable coordinator. Hire My Husband Quality Painting & Home Repair was awarded the Community Focus Readers’ Local Favorite for 2014. Hire My Husband was also awarded Angie’s List Super Service Award Winner three years in a row, an award given out only to the top 5% of their service providers. We are licensed, bonded, and carry all required insurance coverages. We pride ourselves on the trustworthy team we send to your home to help you. Call us for a complimentary estimate appointment with “the Wife” at 925-9690133 or 707-746-7958, or visit our website for photos and more information at www.hiremyhusband.com.
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Pleasant Hill Senior Activities 233 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill 925-798-8788 August 13 - Care Management Series 2pm. CMP Series presents “If I Drink That Much Water, I’ll Have to go to the…” presented by Chateaus of Pleasant Hill in the senior center dining room. Learn which fruits and vegetables provide as much hydration as water. Samplings of said produce will be available as well as recipe ideas. Presentations are free, but space is limited, so please call (925) 798-8788 to reserve your spot. For more info, call Dana Krider, care manager, at 798-8788. August 14 - Special Polynesian Chef’s Lunch 11:30am. Chef’s Lunch is taking you to the islands! Susan and her crew will whip up a delicious Polynesian lunch, complete with a pig roast, Hawaiian potato salad, island macaroni & shrimp salad, fresh fruit, Caesar salad, and various tropical desserts. Tickets are presale only: $8/ each—on sale now! * Chef’s Lunch Punch cards cannot be used. August 18 - Show and Tell 1-3pm. Do you collect something unique? Did you inherit a piece of history? We are holding a first ever Show & Tell event here at the center. Come see what some of our members collect or contact us if you have something interesting to show. Event is free to all ages. Call Holly at 798-8788 if you have something you would like to showcase August 25 - Learn about the benefits and ease of using the BART Clipper Card 1:30-3:30pm. A Clipper card offers discounts on monthly passes, ride books, tickets, cash value fares, and transfers. Apply for a Clipper Card at presentation and walk out with one in hand! Learn how and where to load your card. Your clipper card is FREE! Pre-register at the front desk or call (925) 798-8788. Must be 65 years and older to qualify. Bring a valid driver’s license, passport, or CA ID for birth date verification.
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ANTS • SPIDERS • MICE • RATS • FLEAS • 1 TIME SPRAY OK ourcommunityfocus.com • august 2015
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SUPPORTING OUR LOCAL
Proudly Sponsored by Les Schwab Martinez
ORGANIZATIONS
Humane Society’s Fundraiser
Supporting MEF
In an effort to keep up with the times, Contra Costa County Humane Society’s (CCHS) annual gala dinner/auction, Noah’s Ark-tion, has been renamed Coming to the Rescue and is set to be an even grander event this year. The evening will include an elegant buffet dinner, with cuisine from Diamond Cut Catering and a large selection of silent auction items, including tickets to restaurants, fun items for dinner guests and their pets, and entertainment tickets. Live auction items include fun vacation packages and top of the line sports equipment. There will also be an opportunity to win an extraordinary wine and chocolate package featuring more than two-dozen fine wines and chocolate treats. Fine wines, ales, and lagers from some of the best vintners and brewers in the Bay Area will be available, including the Lagunitas Brewing Company, and the popular Bay Area combo, The Lost Cats, will provide live rhythm, blues and jazz music. Proceeds from Coming to the Rescue support CCHS programs and services, including CCHS’s Kitty Corner free roaming cat shelter; AniMeals, providing pet food and supplies for families who can’t afford to feed their companion animals; a subsidized spay/neuter assistance service; and CCHS’s dog and cat foster programs. Join us for an evening of fun and surprises, and you’ll also be helping CCHS save the lives of the county’s neediest dogs and cats. Coming to the Rescue will be held Friday, August 21, 6 – 8:30pm, at the Perera Pavilion in the Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Dr., Pleasant Hill. Tickets are $50/per person and may be purchased online at www.Comingto theRescue.eventbrite.com or by calling (925) 279-2247 ext. 306. For information about sponsorship and donation opportunities, please contact Leeann Lorono at (925) 259-2247. Ext. 306.
Martinez continues its generous support of the Martinez Education Foundation (MEF) by making a generous donation in the amount of $1,500.00. MEF would like to recognize Les Schwab Tire Center and Dwayne Glemser for their outstanding citizenship in the Martinez community and for their continued support of Martinez public schools and Martinez students. MEF encourages Martinez businesses, parents, teachers, students, and other community members to patronize Les Schwab Tire Center in Martinez and express their appreciation and thanks the next time they do business with any Les Schwab Tire Center team member.
Pictured (L to R): Dwayne Glemser, manager of Les Schwab Tire Center, and Larry Lippow, MEF Busi-Kids committee chairperson.
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3800 Alhambra, Martinez • (925)370-6382
august 2015 • ourcommunityfocus.com
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Read My Mind
Disaster Prep
BY MICHAEL G. HARRIS, OD This month’s column features books by two women about two women. First, meet Addie Baum, The Boston Girl. Addie is the heroine and narrator of Anita Diamant’s latest novel of the same name. You might remember Diamant as the author of The Red Tent, her previous bestseller that also showcased a remarkable woman. In response to her “favorite” granddaughter Ava’s question, 85-year-old Addie tells the story of “how I got to be the woman I am today.” (By the way, like any good grandmother, Addie claims that every one of her grandchildren is her “favorite.”) From that singular question, we are treated to the amazing tale of a woman whose life is filled with great heartbreak and even greater joy. While Addie’s voice is the only one we hear in this charming and heartwarming book, we can picture all of the people who shaped her life. Diamant’s narrative is so rich and true that I could imagine Addie was my grandmother telling me the story of her life. Addie’s father and older sisters immigrated to Boston from Russia in 1896. Her mother came three years later, and Addie was born in 1900. Her story begins in 1915, while her family is living in Boston’s multicultural North End. That’s when joining a neighborhood girl’s library club changes the 15-year-old’s life forever. Here, the naïve adolescent “found her voice” and the friends that would transform her into the very definition of a “modern woman.” In the course of her journey, Addie makes the mistakes of youth and learns to become much more than she could have ever imagined. We see Addie’s wit and wisdom in lines like: “Being eightyfive gives you perspective. It also gives you arthritis.” The book also follows the events that shaped how women were viewed in much of the 20th century. Some may find the book Pollyan-
BY JIM BONATO Many of us in the Baby Boomer generation have aging parents (or are aging ourselves) who prefer to live at home instead of moving into a senior community with graduated care. In supporting such living preferences, we may have contracted with a caregiving agency to provide the day-to-day care that is required. Some of us have family members who are mobility challenged or have needs that require special care. In such cases, we have found special persons who provide needed care. Have we questioned them, however, about whether they are prepared to be able to provide that care if an earthquake or other catastrophic event cuts off access to water, power, and communications? In continuing my “avocation” for preparedness, I recently came upon a “Full Circle of Care Caregiver” website (www. fullcirclecare/caregiverissues/disaster/ personprepare.html) that serves as a very helpful guide for you and your family member’s caregiver to become better prepared for that unexpected event. As a sidelight, this website also contains extremely helpful information on a number of other caregiver issues. It is one of the better sites I have come across. As you progress through the website, you will begin to identify the current needs of the person being cared for: food, transportation, a safe living environment, mobility devices, special oxygen equipment, aids that are used to help with the activities of daily living, etc. You then are asked to imagine what difficulties might be encountered if the caregiver had no power, no water for giving medications, washing bedclothes, or providing personal hygiene, and no source of heating or cooling. What kinds of challenges would a caregiver face in order to continue proper care during a disaster? As you continue your progress through the website, tips are given to the caregiver on how to keep water safe for drinking
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Terrific Reads by Two Women naish, but I found Addie’s story to be charming and an “engrossing and captivating” account of “a life fully lived.” It’s an endearing book, with wonderful lessons for today’s young people. I hope parents will read it with their children. They won’t be disappointed. In a definite change of pace, meet Rachel, The Girl On The Train, in Paula Hawkins’ bestseller. The story starts slowly, but don’t be discouraged. Once it gets going, this thriller has turns and twists that will remind you of Gone Girl. Every day Rachel rides the same train back and forth to work. And every day, the train stops at the same switching signal where Rachel breaks her monotony by watching a young couple on the deck of their house. She becomes so enthralled with them that she even names them – “Jess and Jason.” (Real names: Megan and Scott.) They seem to have the perfect life. One day she sees something that will change their lives and hers forever. Is it a coincidence that their house is on the same block where Rachel lived with her husband Tom before her drunkenness destroyed their marriage? Should she report her suspicions to the police or will her alcoholism make her an unreliable witness? Did she really see something shocking, or is she just imagining it in a drunken stupor? Rachel narrates most chapters, but we also hear from Megan and Tom’s new wife, Anna, who feels constantly harassed by Rachel. How these women’s lives are tied together makes for fascinating reading. When Megan suddenly disappears, the story becomes a heartthumping mystery that will have you second-guessing yourself just when you think you finally figured out “who done it.”
Are Caregivers Prepared?
and continuing physical care, keeping food safe when power is lost to a refrigerator and freezer, using generators or charcoal grills indoors for heat in view of the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning, and the very real problems families and caregivers may have with communicating about the condition and safety of loved ones. Compounding these issues is the reality that most caregivers have families too, and they will also be very concerned about their own loved ones’ safety. If a caregiver is called away, will a neighbor or friend living nearby be able to be called upon temporarily while the caregiver is tending to his/her family? And will they know what to do and how to do it? You may find it hard to think about these things now, but it will be far harder following a major quake if plans are not in place. Caregivers are truly “guardian angels” who provide love, reassurance, and assistance to those we love when we are not around. Let’s give them an extra hand by helping them become prepared for the unexpected with confidence that “everything is going to be ok.” When you have a moment, check out this website and also my “go to” website: www.ready. gov. By the way, if your Saturday mornings are free in September and October, sign up for the next Pleasant Hill CERT class. It begins September 12 for six Saturdays. Information is available at www. pleasanthillcert.org. Jim Bonato is the Pleasant Hill CERT Program Manager.
ourcommunityfocus.com • august 2015
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New Leadership
As Russ Sees It
Carlton Senior Living Changes David Coluzzi, a senior care executive with more than 26 years of industry experience, has joined Carlton Senior Living as president. The company owns and operates senior communities on Pleasant Hill Road, Patterson Boulevard, and Cleaveland Road in Pleasant Hill. “We are pleased to have Dave join our team,” said Don Engle and Tom MacDonald, partners in Carlton Senior Living, after a nationwide search to select a new leader of the company’s executive management team. “He has a tremendous history of leadership in growing organizations.” Engle said Carlton Senior Living is planning to add to its portfolio of eleven Northern California independent living, assisted living, enhanced assisted living, and memory care communities. Prior to joining Carlton Senior Living, Coluzzi served as chief executive officer of the Esquire Group, a senior living and apartment company with 1,200 units in seven communities in New Jersey. While there, he led efforts that resulted in an
increase in revenue through rebranding, new program development, and accountability matrix systems. Coluzzi was vice president of operations at Classic Residence by Hyatt. He directed the management of a portfolio consisting of ten luxury continuing care retirement communities while leading the start-up of two new communities and an extensive expansion which resulted in more than 4,000 independent, assisted living, memory care, and skilled units in California, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, South Carolina and Florida. Coluzzi served in the United States Air Force and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in health care administration from the University of Arizona in Tucson. Carlton Senior Living communities offer an array of programs, including award-winning diabetes management, fall awareness, and caregiver training. To learn more about Carlton Senior Living, log onto the website at www.CarltonSeniorLiving.com or call (800) CARLTON (227-5866).
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“Senior” Developments BY RUSS CARROLL So, I know I am getting old...lots of available evidence. I think my memory is shot, but I can’t remember. I look for the closest parking spot. Taking the dog for a walk qualifies as a workout. I am getting AARP information in the mail. I wear slippers. I knew it would happen one day and it did. I showed up to grocery shop in my slippers and, as luck would have it, I ran into people I knew. Although they were kind enough not to say anything, I could see them checking out my slippers with a bit of “are you in assisted living, Russ”? I have not yet succumbed to a robe, but it’s just around the corner. I am good with 18 holes of golf -- 9 on Saturday and 9 on Sunday. My vitamin jar says “senior” on it. All the noises I used to make having sex I now make getting out of the car. A new “senior development” is that I
wake up with a song in my head. I would not complain except for the music selections made by my subconscious. I could live with some Zeppelin or Springsteen or some Dylan. No such luck. I woke up the other morning to “100 Bottles of Beer on the Wall.” A few days later, I was rewarded with “BINGO is My Name-O.” Lowest water mark...”S.A.T.U.R.D.A.Y. Night.” Where the heck did that come from? I’ll survive this unless “Kumbaya” comes into play. I should have known the jig was up when the gal at the movie theatre asked me if I wanted a senior ticket. And when my kid said, “We shouldn’t start too early Dad, you might need some extra time.” Or when Costco seemed like Disneyland. When getting four new tires felt like I won a national championship. When watching golf on TV became interesting. So I say, “Let’s rally.” Let’s think about this, sleep on it, and then get ready to get ready...but, that’s just how I see it.
Local Success Story CD & Power Celebrates 30 Years CD & Power, the Martinez diesel generator service company, celebrated 30 years in business at a customer appreciation event on June 30. Charles (“Chuck”) Uischner established CD & Power in 1985 from a small shop in Concord. Chuck was a diesel engine specialist and built the business centered on diesel generators. He had a knack for spotting the potential in people, which has been an important factor in the company’s success. During the celebration, Chuck’s daughter and current CD & Power president, Jill Collaro, expressed heartfelt thanks to her family and her team. “I am so grateful that my father started CD & Power 30 years ago,” she said. “From the start, his primary mission was to put our customers first. He also believed in hiring smarter people, and our general manager, Lisa Carter, is just that. When my brother [Vice President,
Donald Uischner] joined the team, we were complete. Together, our vision has never strayed from being the best generator service organization that we could be. We worked to build our skills and to build the trust of our customers. Thirty years has empowered us with great knowledge and strong relationships that have made us the largest independent generator service company in Northern California,” she said. Chuck and his wife, Jannett, are still active in the business, but have stepped down from their management roles. CD & Power operates three locations: its headquarters in Martinez and shops in Sacramento and Modesto. With a staff of 44, CD & Power serves power users throughout all of Northern California. For more information on the company, contact CD & Power at 150 Nardi Lane, Martinez by calling 925229-2700 or visit www.GotPower.com.
Wild and Raucous! Travel Trends And the Award Goes to...
The Crow BY NORMA BISHOP You see and hear them everywhere—jostling each other in parks, strolling brazenly through mall parking lots, waking you in the morning—crows! The very word “raucous” sounds like a crow. Not just rowdy, however, they are among the most intelligent and intriguing of birds. Some consider them pests: nuisances that chase other birds from feeders and sometimes prey on the young of other birds. And there are the literary references to “a murder of crows.” But, as the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology points out, crows are only one of a number of predators that may kill songbirds. (Feral and domestic cats are far more devastating songbird predators.) At Lindsay Wildlife Experience, one of the nation’s oldest and largest wildlife rehabilitation hospitals, we’ve treated many crows this season. People who share a fondness for these personable creatures bring them in. As if we needed proof that wildlife is more in danger from humans than we from them, our first crow patient was a gunshot victim with a shattered wing. Most of the 179 crows brought in this season were found alongside a road and likely injured when struck by a car. (You may also have seen a car deliberately seem to swerve to hit a crow scavenging on the road.) Their injuries are most often broken wings and legs.
Unfortunately, only 44 of this season’s crow patients are likely to be successfully treated and released. Crows are difficult to treat, partly because they are so intelligent and social. Crows have been known to “hospice” sick or injured individual birds. Juveniles of the previous season frequently tend younger birds. Without the parenting and social nurturing of their own kind, young birds may become imprinted on human caretakers, further complicating their treatment and release. The crow is a fascinating rapscallion, a creature that can make us pause, watch, and perhaps come to understand the complex world we share with him. In many ways, crows are like us—social, intelligent, playful, and predatory at times. Take time to observe them at play, using tools, socializing, and you’ll learn more about crows and, perhaps, yourself. If you’d really like to be amazed by crows, read Lyanda Lynn Haupt’s Crow Planet. For more about other corvids (the corvidae family of crows, ravens, jays, and magpies) and the geniuses of the bird world, explore Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology’s website, www.birds. cornell.edu . If you’d like to help Lindsay save crows and other California wildlife, there are opportunities to volunteer and donate at www.lindsaywildlife.org. (Please know it is illegal to make pets of crows or any native wild bird.)
BY MARGARET MINER The Daily Grind. Rather Monotonous, Isn’t It? Even if you aren’t independently wealthy and/or live a life of leisure, you probably have a job that allows you to put a roof over your head and pay the bills. Perhaps you are putting your kid(s) through college. Maybe, just maybe, you are even able to save a bit. But then what? What do you do to treat yourself? Do you do it regularly? Do you wish you did it more? When you hear about other people living their dreams, are you filled with a sense of awe or envy? We all have a “wish list”: things we want to do, people we want to spend time with, professional feats we want to accomplish. Invariably, there is a “places to see” section that gets relegated to the “someday” category. Nobody ever says that they wish they had more stress in their lives or more to worry about. There’s a blurb floating around social media that says something like this: none of us are getting out of this life alive. Go out and live it! So, instead of earning that “Best Actress” award for your personal performance in the daytime drama that is life, think about what your role (even a small cameo) would be in a completely attainable alternate genre: • Best Supporting Actress in an Action
Adventure goes to (insert your name here) for her role in “The Galapagos Islands by Land and Sea.” • Best Photography/Cinematography goes to (insert name here) for his outstanding contribution to “The Magical Blue Danube: A River of Enchanting History, People and Culture.” • Best Solo Performance is awarded to (insert name here) for her stunning portrayal in “7 Nights in the Southern Caribbean: A Culinary Journey of Epic Taste aboard the Newest Mid-Size Cruise Ship.” Are you getting the picture? Margaret Miner is the owner of VinoCruising, a full-service travel agency. She currently stars in “Go See the World: Helping Others Cross Exciting Destinations Off Their List!” She can be reached at mminer@cruiseone.com.
ourcommunityfocus.com • august 2015
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P L E A S A N T
H I L L
C H A M B E R
O F
C O M M E R C E
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.
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Sunday, October 4th 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
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Need more Information? Call: (925) 687-0700
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Welcome Stacy & Ramona! The Chamber Office Has Grown!
L to R: Ramona MacIntyre, Ann Luke & Stacy Corr
Ann Luke, President & CEO, is very pleased to introduce two new members of the Chamber staff. Stacy Corr joined the Pleasant Hill Chamber Team on July 6th as Membership & Events Manager, a new staff position. Ramona MacIntyre began working for the Chamber on July 13th and will be replacing Ana Allec in the position of Administrative & Membership Coordinator. Ana has been been accepted into Law School at Golden Gate University in S.F. and will start classes in August. We will miss her, but wish her all the best in her new career path! You are invited to say hello to Stacy & Ramona and goodbye to Ana at our Hello & Goodbye Party on Monday, August 3rd, 5:30 - 7pm at Magoo’s Grill, 1250 Contra Costa Blvd., P.H. Ana Allec
Treblemaker Entertainment Jessamyn Photography, Inc. Solar City Severns Insurance - State Farm Monument Impact Oh My Quads Fitness Fashion Pleasant Hill Orthodontics Pleasant Hill Smiles Dentistry
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Gary Lawhon Jessamyn Picton George Romero Sallie Severns Mike VanHofwegen Carlos Filho Greg Miller Tom Heitkamp
august 2015 • ourcommunityfocus.com
(844) 266-5762 (925) 698-4058 (505) 453-3728 (925) 945-1541 (925) 682-8248 (415) 226-8733 (925) 322-0005 (925) 363-4455
91 Gregory Lane, Suite 11 • Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 • 925.687.0700
www.pleasanthillchamber.com
BLUES & BREWS
Lively Moments from the 2015 Pleasant Hill Blues and Brews • Photos by Susan Wood
ourcommunityfocus.com • august 2015
35
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august 2015 • ourcommunityfocus.com
Moving You On To Better Things
New Treatments Available New Hope for Gioblastoma Patients BY CHRISTINE CHUNG, MD While it’s not a silver bullet, there is an interesting new treatment available for patients with recurrent glioblastoma called “Optune.” It does not involve surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, but instead relies on generating low-intensity electrical fields in the brain called Tumor Treating Fields (called TTF). The TTFs seem to disrupt the ability of cancer cells to divide so that the tumor cannot grow. Patients getting TTF have to shave
their hair and place electrical transducers (similar to EKG pads) on their scalp for at least 18 hours a day. These transducers are hooked up to a device that generates electrical fields. This treatment is a tradeoff; while patients can avoid some of the side effects of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, they have to be willing to wear an apparatus on their head and carry around a 6-pound device. The FDA approved Optune in 2011 for patients with recurrent glioblastoma based on a study that showed comparable survival between patients treated with chemotherapy versus TTF. Patients in the TTF group
reported fewer side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. The most common side effect was skin irritation on the scalp due to the transducer pads. Then, last month, researchers presented an analysis of 700 newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients who were assigned to one of two groups: 1) those who received TTF and temozolomide (chemotherapy) or 2) temozolomide alone. Patients treated with TTF had an improved median survival of 19.4 months, compared with 16.6 months for patients treated with temozolomide alone. The FDA is currently reviewing the data, but Optune may become a treatment for newly diagnosed
glioblastoma patients in the future. Optune shows promise as an alternative to conventional treatments or as a potential supplement to them. It has different side effects that many patients may find more manageable and may help to extend patients’ lives in the future. Christine Chung, MD is a board certified radiation oncologist with Diablo Valley Oncology & Hematology Medical Group and practices in Pleasant Hill and Berkeley. Dr. Chung and her colleagues are certified providers of the Optune treatment therapy. For more information, please call 925-6775041 or visit www.dvohmg.com.
Common Condition Time to Change Hermaturia - Blood in the Urine
Healthy Water Drinking Habits
BY JEREMY LIEB, MD Blood in urine, known medically as hematuria, is a symptom that is often painless and can come and go. Because of this, many individuals delay making a doctor’s appointment. However, this symptom should be taken seriously, as it may be a red flag that something is wrong in your urinary tract. Hematuria is most often caused by kidney stones, bladder infections, or prostate problems. Symptoms associated with kidney stones or bladder infections usually include a burning sensation when urinating and pain in the back, sides, lower abdomen, or groin. Serious urinary tract infections usually cause pain, but sometimes patients do not have any discomfort and may only experience fever, chills, nausea, vomiting or rash. Enlarged prostate or chronic prostate infections usually have symptoms such as loss of urine control, difficulty passing urine, or frequent urination. Some medications and foods can change the color of urine to pink, red, maroon, or even a dark, smoky color. Rifampin, pyridium, phenolphthalein, some laxatives, and vitamins B and C can
BY TONYA AMOS The sun is high in the sky, it’s hot outside, and we’re most likely thirsty. Because we notice our thirst more readily during the summer, it’s a great time to change our water drinking habits. Water is part of who we are on this planet. From oceans, to plant life, to those of us who sit in traffic, it’s part of the great continuity. Depending on our age and gender, humans are made up of 50-75% water. It’s integral to our survival, health, and quality of life. From the sea, to swimming pools, showers, steam rooms, and ice cubes, water in all its forms gives us joy, health, and comfort. Water is at the very basis of our survival and our ability to thrive. It’s essential for metabolism, digestion, body temperature regulation, transport of fluids, and dispelling of wastes from the body. It gives us energy, increases athletic performance, and decreases post exercise fatigue. It supports weight loss and joint health. It helps our focus and concentration, improves skin clarity, prevents headaches, provides hangover help, and generally improves mood. Many vegetables and fruits, such as cucumbers, celery, radishes, watermelon, and strawberries, are rich in water, and they
make urine red or orange. Beets, rhubarb, blackberries, and large amounts of red food coloring can turn urine red also. Prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and kidney cancer are less common reasons for blood in urine. Symptoms that typically accompany these conditions include unintentional weight loss, severe bone pain, and unusual fatigue. If kidney disease is the reason for blood in urine, the associated symptoms can include ankle, hand, or face swelling; sudden bloating or weight gain; new high blood pressure; and unusual headaches. If you notice blood in your urine and are not eating food or taking medications that can change the color of urine, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. It is important for you to have a medical evaluation to determine the reason for hematuria so that treatment can begin. Dr. Lieb is a Board Certified Urologist with Pacific Urology. He has extensive experience in treating all urologic conditions. Dr. Lieb has a special interest in treating pediatric urology, female urology, and cancers of the prostate, bladder, and kidney. Pacific Urology has offices in Walnut Creek, Concord, San Ramon Brentwood, Livermore, Fremont, and Antioch. 925937-7740 or visit www.PacificUrology.com
have great nutrition. Sometimes just adding a little bit of flavor to water makes a big difference in how much we are able to drink. Blending a bit of fruit with water makes a healthy version of agua fresca. A sprig of mint or a slice of ginger shifts its personality. Adding a squeeze of lemon, lime, orange, or a non-caffeinated, fruit-flavored tea bag also changes its appeal. Remember to always carry your refillable water bottle with you, as you’ll drink more frequently. Consciously shifting your habits when you’re hot this summer will set you up well for the rest of the year. Tonya Marie Amos owns Aspire Pilates Center in Concord. For more information, please call (925) 680-4400 or go to www. AspirePilatesCenter.com.
Tropical Pilates Retreat March 5th - 12th, 2016
7 Nights Relaxation for Body & Mind Pilates, Cooking & Spanish Classes This is your chance to escape!
www.MexicoPilatesRetreat.com
ourcommunityfocus.com • august 2015
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Make Some Plans august
august 9
august 18
august 24
Fridays on the Main & Market
Uncorked
Star Gazing at Fernandez Ranch
Mini Monday- Critter Care, Lindsay Wildlife
Sponsored by John Muir Land Trust in partnership with the Mt. Diablo and East Bay Astronomical Societies and Chabot Space and Science Center. 6:30-9:30pm, http://jmlt.org/ stargazing2015.
Animal encounters, activities, and crafts help connect your child to our natural world and all its wonders. $10 for the first child ($20 for non-members), $6 for each additional child ages 2 and up,10am-12pm, ages 2-5 + Adult.
august 12
august 20
august 29
Botanica: All Things Plant Life
Herbs to Grow, Love and Use
The Colors of Tea
Reception 3-5pm, $5, wine and hors d’oeuvres, featuring a roster of over 100 artists creating artwork that explores plant life in a diverse reach of media. Bedford Gallery, Lesher Center, Walnut Creek.
Sustainable Living Workshops, third Thursday of every month, 10am – noon, Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center, 315 Cortsen Rd. Pleasant Hill, $20, includes materials and refreshments.
A presentation by local tea expert John Vander Kamp, Saturday, 2pm. $20 (children 12 and under $10), Grace Episcopal Church, 130 Muir Station Road, Martinez. 925.682.0660 or e-mail tutumerio@gmail. com. Seating is limited. Purchase tickets by Aug. 24.
august 4
august 21
september 13
PH Garden Study Club
Coming to the Rescue
Pancake Breakfast
Steve Andrews presents “Managing Soil During Drought.” Free, guests welcome, potluck dinner at 7pm, speaker at 8pm. PH Community Center, 320 Civic Drive, PH. 925.944.4898 or www.phgsc.com.
Benefit for the Contra Costa Humane Society. Dinner, fine wines and local brews, live and silent auctions, and live music. Perera Pavillion, PH Community Center, 320 Civic Drive, Pleasant Hill, 6-8:30pm. Purchase tickets at Comingtotherescue.eventbrite.com, 925.279.2247.
Benefits Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services’ Fall Prevention Program. Vice Mayor Tim Flaherty will emcee this fun and tasty event. 8:30-10:30am. Adults $5; children under 10 $3; under 4, free. PH Senior Center, 233 Gregory Lane, 925-954-8736.
through Sept. 11. The Farmers’ Market is in the Main Street Plaza, 4-8pm. The Cruisein, live music, and vendors are on the 600 and 700 blocks and the Main Street Plaza, 6pm-8pm. 1st Fridays, Beer & Wine Garden, 6-8pm. Visit www.fridaysonthemain.com.
Benefitting the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano and featuring live music, delectable food, and of course great wine! Tickets are $40 and can be purchased at www.foodbankccs.org/uncorked. 1-4pm, GV Cellars, 1635 Mason Road, Fairfield.
august 4, 11, 18
august 15
october 5
Toddler Art Classes
Road Map to the Sky!
Hosted by local Artist Julia Linsteadt. 8/4: Magic Salt Paintings; 8/11: Clay and Wire Sculptures; 8/18: Summer Sunset Paintings. All classes at 10am, Hobby Lobby, 1280 Willow Pass Rd., Concord.
Join National Park Service rangers for a stargazing adventure. This free 1½ hour program takes place at John Muir National Historic site, 4202 Alhambra Ave., Martinez. No reservations required. 925.228.8860 or http://www.nps.gov/jomu.
Dan Ashley’s Golf Tournament
august 7-9
august 17
august 21
Trail Building Weekend
Sons in Retirement
Many Faces of Prostate Cancer
Join John Muir Land Trust volunteers to help build the trail at Franklin Canyon. Register at http://jmlt.org/trailbuilding or call 925.228.5460 for more information.
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Guests welcome at monthly luncheon. Speaker: Ms. Rosemary Robles, driver safety manager, from the Oakland DMV, 11:30am, $15 includes lunch. WC Elks Lodge, 1475 Creekside Dr. Call 925.322.1160. www. Branch116.org.
august 2015 • ourcommunityfocus.com
Round Hill Country Club. Our goal is to send 300 underserved kids to Camp Concord in Lake Tahoe. Website: www.friendsofcamp. com.
Join an engaging panel they discuss the latest in prostate cancer care. 7-8:30pm, Walnut Creek Library, Oak Room, 1644 North Broadway. No charge. Reservation recommended, 925.677.5041.
Business Directory Buck Shot & Any Reason
Local Qualit y You Can Trust!
Pleasant Hill
Fun "LIVE" Music from the 50’s thru 80’s For Any Occasion
COLLISION
Collision Repair & Painting • Frame Straightening Insurance Claims • Glass • Customs
Special Shows for Assisted Living, Convalescent Homes & Hospitals
www.PleasantHillCollision.com • email phcollision@aol.com 925-939-1160 • 1581 Oak Park Boulevard • Pleasant Hill
Contact Buck• 925-787-6149 www.buckshotozoneband.com
ADVERTISE • Reach over 40,000 local customers! • Largest circulation of any local paper! • Get more for your advertising dollar!
One Dog At A Time • Call for Same Day Appointments • Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat and Sun • 8am - 4pm and Some Evenings • Drop in nail trimming Sunday & Monday's
melonie jackson • 925-822-7858
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Advertisers Academy Water Polo Agent 2000, Derek Knapp Aspire Pilates Center City of Pleasant Hill Cold Stone Creamery Colleen Callahan Insurance Services Colorz Hair Gallery County Connection Deja Vu Boutique Diablo Valley Oncology EcoMulch
Ellinwood Exterminators El Tapatio Flaskerud - RE/MAX Today Forma Gym Glenn Allen Team – RE/MAX Hagin’s Automotive Hammer’s Heating and A/C Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital Hire My Husband Home Detailers Housekeeping Irvin Deutscher Family YMCA Jack’s Restaurant & Bar Jennifer L. Martin D.D.S. Kobe Japan
Law Offices of Daniel L. DuRee Law Offices of Lauren Smykowski Les Schwab Tires Linda J. Weihofen Martinez Arts Association Matt Rinn – State Farm Insurance Maureen Ingalls - RE/MAX Accord Moulding Company Nash Iron Works Pacific Coast Famers’ Market Pacific Urology Parkway Smiles Dental Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce Pleasant Hill Family Dentistry
Pleasant Hill Rec & Park Samuels Construction SAFE Credit Union Senior Helpers Shell Western States Credit Union Shell Oil SkinScience Medical Spa Stat Med Urgent Care Suzanne Looker, Pacific Union International Transform FX Fitness Trio Skincare Inc. Waters Moving and Storage Wealth & Tax Planners Wence’s Restaurant
Summer Cleaning Special
8/31/15
ourcommunityfocus.com • august 2015
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13th Annual Support our Schools!
Race Day Registration 7-8 am Run Hotline (925)313-5562
Sunday October 4, 2015 Register online at – www.martinezedfoundation.com Run begins at 8:30 am on Main St
Martinez Family Fun Night
Saturday, October 3, 2015 ! 6-8 pm Sponsored by Martinez Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs Shell Clubhouse $15 per person (current MUSD students are free with paying adult) ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE MUSD SCHOOLS 40
august 2015 • ourcommunityfocus.com