June 2016 Community Focus

COMMUNITY

FOCUS ourcommunityfocus.com

JUNE 2016 Reaching Over 50,000 Homes & Businesses

IN THIS ISSUE: • CHALK ART ELEPHANTS • QUADRUPLETS PLUS ONE • 2016 GRADUATES

PLEASANT HILL • CONCORD • MARTINEZ • LAFAYETTE • WALNUT CREEK

Julie Says

(Borrowed) Advice for Graduates

SMALL TALK WITH TERI

by Teri Norbye

Meet Caitlyn, a Starbucks manager at the Virginia Hills Safeway in Martinez. She’s a resident of Martinez and has been working at the Safeway Starbucks for 6 years. When asked what she likes about her job she replied, “ My customers!”

When asked what she likes to do when not working she responded, “I like to play with my son. He likes to be outside so we are always outside.

We like to go walking in Briones. I also like to take him to the park. We go to Golden Hills Park a lot. I just bought him a bubble machine and it was the best $10 of my life.”

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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.

COVER:

Local artist Mark Lewis Wagner sits “atop” the 3-D elephant he created on the Valhalla Elementary School playground.

PHOTO BY: Nicole Sylvester

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june 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

INSIDE

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Hats off to the Grads

19

Snakes and Pets

16 Book Review

Strand in Hall of Fame

23

29

Esperanza

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6680 Alhambra Ave. Box #132 Martinez, CA 94553

925-335-6397

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BY JULIE ROSS

I want to take this opportunity to impart words of wisdom to our community’s graduating seniors. I know none of you stooped to plagiarizing from the Internet during your high school career, so I will do that for you here, in this column.

In the course of an Internet search, I came across a list of 100 pieces of advice an economics teacher put together for his students. I am repeating my favorite 25 from among these because it is way easier than coming up with my own list.

The 25 pieces of advice I have selected carry the list’s original numbers. To see all 100 pieces of advice, just type “economics teacher advice” into your browser and you will be provided several links to the full list. Here we go: 1. There are plenty of ways to enter a pool. The stairs is not one of them.

4. If a street performer makes you stop walking, you owe him a buck.

6. When entrusted with a secret, keep it.

8. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.

11. If you’re staying more than one night, unpack.

17. Never lie to your doctor.

24. Don’t linger in the doorway

-- in or out.

29. Never eat lunch at your desk if you can avoid it.

33. It’s never too late for an apology.

34. Don’t pose with booze. It’s unbecoming.

38. Never push someone off a dock.

39. Under no circumstances should you ask a woman if she’s pregnant.

41. Don’t make a scene.

44. Don’t gloat.

46. Make time for your mother on your birthday. It’s a special day for her, too.

47. When opening presents, no one likes a good guesser.

49. Give credit. Take blame.

50. Suck it up every now and then.

52. Don’t stare.

55. If you’ve made your point, stop talking.

59. Thank the bus driver.

74. Be a good listener. Don’t just take your turn to talk.

77. Carry your mother’s bags. She carried you for nine months.

85. Don’t litter.

93. You are never too old to need your Mom.

There. What else could you possibly need to know?

I wish the best of luck to every one of you, whatever path you choose.

Onward!

You can reach Julie at julieakross@ comcast.net

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Chalk Art at Valhalla Elementary A Collaborative School Project

On May 17 and 18 Valhalla Elementary students were treated to a visit by chalk artist Mark Lewis Wagner, internationally known for his chalk drawings on school playgrounds throughout the Bay Area. Students joined Mark to create their own elephant themed drawings. “The resounding amount of focus and attention given to each drawing was a great reminder of the important role art can play in education by allowing students to have multiple ways to express themselves,” said Principal Marji Calbeck. Students were excited to present their artwork to friends and family during Open House on May 18. Wagner is a professional digital and traditional artist and founder of the nonprofit Drawing on Earth. To learn more visit his website at: www.heartsandbones.com.

Wagner worked with students to produce elephant-themed chalk art for Open House.

Valhalla Visits PH City Hall

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In May, Pleasant Hill Mayor Sue Noack and Vice-Mayor Michael Harris hosted third graders from Valhalla Elementary School for a tour of City Hall and a mock city council meeting.

Student Mayor McKinley Brandow and Councilmembers Michael Borokhov, Roland Johnson, Melanie Limon, and Andy Woo, ably assisted by their staff, heard arguments for and against items critical to Valhalla students from other third graders.

Ms. Kaput’s class discussed “Should Valhalla students have homework?”

Speaking in favor was Tanner Carle.

Speaking against was Keira Carlton. The motion passed 5-0.

Mr. O’Connell’s class discussed “Should Valhalla students have laptops?”

Speaking in favor were Cohen Endsley

and Anaya Khan. Speaking against were Josh Northrup and Trent Lanza. The motion failed 3-2.

Ms. Snitselaar’s class discussed “Should Valhalla have a four-day school week?” Speaking in favor was Chase Strand. Speaking against was Maggie Volway. The motion failed 3-2.

Mr. Thomas’s class discussed “Should Valhalla students wear uniforms?”

Speaking in favor was Andrew Jiminez.

Speaking against was Meredith Hom. The motion failed 5-0.

So, next year at Valhalla, students expect homework and a five-day school week but no laptops or school uniforms.

The parents in the audience agreed with Mayor Noack and Vice-Mayor Harris that the council and all the presenters did a terrific job.

By Alison Clary

The Joy of Quadruplets Plus One Pleasant Hill Quads are 10 Years-Old

D

id you know if you have quadruplets you’ll accumulate 1460 bedtime kisses in one year? You’ll also clip 80 tiny finger and toenails in one sitting and change 9068 diapers in a year. Some fun facts sent to me by Pleasant Hill’s Natalie Allen, mother of five children, including a set of quadruplets, commonly referred to as quads.

Big sister Sierra was about 1½ years old when the Allens welcomed fraternal twins Alyssa and Zachary and identical twins Katelynn and Kylee on Mother’s Day, ten years ago. Sierra is now 11 and the quads are now 10. Raising five kids is no easy feat, but when four of them come all at once, it’s a different matter altogether.

Natalie and Pete Allen wanted children right away, and with the aid of fertility treatments, they knew multiples were a risk, but they never dreamed the ultrasound for the latter pregnancy would reveal four embryos, a 1 in 800,000 chance. Although Natalie said she and Pete were shocked and terrified, they declined selective reduction as an option after she met another local mother with 9 month-old quads and realized she could do it.

The newborn quads attracted plenty of local media attention as well as curious onlookers. People stopped them on the street to take pictures and ask questions. Unsolicited commentary ranged from supportive to offensive.

Recalling the staggering equipment needs of four babies (plus one toddler), Natalie lists multiple cribs, a four-seat stroller, and her favorite item, the “quad table,” where the quads were fed and read to, brushed their teeth, and engaged in other activities, bringing to mind illustrations from the Madeline children’s books. The four sisters now share two bunk beds in the home’s master bedroom, the brother has his own room, and the parents have the third. Natalie admits, “It’s tight, but we make it work.”

Although the Allens feel extremely

Zachary & Alyssa. Back row is Sierra, Katelynn , Natalie , Pete & Kylee. Photo Credit: Laurel Z. Photography

Pete with daughter Sierra and Natalie holding their new quadruplets.

The newborn quads attracted plenty of local media attention as well as curious onlookers. fortunate for the continued assistance of friends, family, and online support groups, they’ve never received much outside help other than some initial

donations and discounts from baby supply companies. Naturally, Natalie says the #1 question they get is “How do you do it?” She drops the kids off at

school on the way to work and handles most of the after-school activities and sports in the evening. She has Wednesdays off for appointments and catching up. Pete works nights, picks the kids up after school, and does most of the grocery shopping and cooking. Family and friends help watch the kids and provide kid-free nights on occasion. The couple has gone through some hard times, like when Pete had spinal fusion surgery in 2009 and Natalie had to take night classes to get health care certification and go back to work. In spite of daunting challenges, Natalie says their goal is to raise kids who are kind, respectful, and loving, without expecting anything in return. “They enjoy doing random acts, such as delivering goodies to local police and fire departments every Christmas.”

Natalie describes the personality and interests of each child with pride.

Katelynn loves fashion, enjoys basketball, is a great listener, and “does nice things without me asking.” Kylee likes soccer, music, and hiking, and is “super friendly with a very big heart.” Alyssa, the eldest quad, loves softball, baking, and playing on her own. “She’s pretty relaxed and makes friends easily.” Zachary, who says its hard being the only boy sometimes, loves soccer, nature, and swimming. “He’s our little comedian. He loves to make people laugh and has a big heart.” The quads’ big sister is Sierra, and she loves softball, singing, and swimming. Natalie describes her as “sassy but funny at the same time.” The siblings say they love having a big family because there is always someone to play with and talk to.

Natalie reflects on how much her kids have taught her. “I’ve learned to be more calm, patient and relaxed.” One of her favorite expressions is “You think my hands are full; you should see my heart.” To learn more about the Allens, visit their Nor Cal Quads plus One Facebook page. ourcommunityfocus.com • june 2016

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IN FOCUS

Martinez Auto Body

Martinez Auto Body has been a mainstay of the downtown Martinez community since its inception in 1952 at 412 Ward Street. The present owner, Gary Hernandez, became an employee in 1975 and purchased Dan Provinse, Gary Hernandez (owner) and Sean Langer the business later that year when the previous owner retired. Growth under Gary’s leadership created the need for more space, so the business made three location changes over the years, and in 1996 they moved to their current, permanent location at 615 Alhambra Avenue, at the corner of Alhambra Avenue and Escobar Streets.

Gary says, “We strive to keep our prices competitive. Nevertheless, we believe that our continued success and growth depends primarily on quality. Our prices reflect quality materials and quality workmanship by trained technicians. Our customers know that and depend on that.”

Martinez Auto Body offers precision frame straightening and collision related repair services using current, relevant technology, including a state-of-the-art frame rack, the most advanced electronic measuring software available in the industry, and a computerized color matching and mixing system used by factory trained paint technicians to precisely match the original color of a damaged vehicle.

Gary believes customer service extends beyond delivering the vehicle, and that personal contact with his customers is paramount. “I try to call each customer after the delivery of their vehicle to reinsure our commitment to quality and satisfaction.”

Martinez Auto Body also employs a third party to perform independent customer surveys to ensure their high standards of quality are achieved. Performance Gateway, LLC calls every customer after delivery of their repaired vehicle and reports the results of the survey directly.

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Call (925) 228-3689 or visit www.martinezautobodyshop.com.

Estate Lessons The Prince Probate

BY DANIEL DuREE

“Life is just a party and parties weren’t meant to last.” Prince, 1999

Unless you have been living in a cave with bad cell phone reception or in one of those extended stay hotels without free Wi-Fi, you have undoubtedly heard about the sad and untimely death of music and entertainment luminary Prince. Unfortunately, media focus shifted within 48 hours from Prince’s incredible artistic accomplishments to the epic battle over his assets and control over his legacy.

He sold one hundred million records worldwide, won seven Grammys and an Academy Award, and had a reputation for being fastidious about his art as well as the business of entertainment that led to a fortune estimated at roughly three hundred million dollars, the fate of which will eventually be decided by a probate judge. In spite of all his accomplishments, Prince did not seem to leave even a simple will or engage in any sort of estate planning. The following avoidable issues were caused by his team’s failure to plan properly.

Prince’s family lacked access to funds for day-to-day expenses

Entertainer George Lopez lent Prince’s family a reported twenty thousand dollars (although it may have been

more) to pay bills because they didn’t have access to funds. If Prince had a living trust, the successor trustee would have immediate access to funds to pay his ongoing and final expenses.

No named person in charge

Prince’s longtime bank Bremer Trust has been named special administrator and may become permanent executor of the estate. We do not know Prince’s wishes, but multiple parties will surely contest such a lucrative appointment.

Disposition of assets and control of the Prince legacy is unclear

Prince currently has multiple siblings, and one incarcerated man in Colorado claims to be his child, vying for his assets. By spelling out his wishes in a living trust, Prince could have decided who gets what and who controls his art without a public probate proceeding.

None of us has the artistic legacy or assets of Prince, but with basic estate planning we can avoid the issues that will face his family for years if not decades to come. If you have any questions about California probate law or how you can properly document your wishes, please don’t hesitate to call for a free consultation.

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) 210-1400 or visit www.DuReeLaw. com.

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TRUSTS • WILLS • PROBATE

Snakes and Pets Rattling is a Warning

BY DR. LOUISA ASSEO

As the weather warms up, a lot of us, including our local wildlife, head outdoors to play and enjoy the sunshine. Native Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes emerge from hibernation in the spring and are frequently seen sharing our hiking trails and even our backyards. The familiar sound we associate with a rattlesnake strikes fear in some and intrigue in others. The rattlesnake’s rattle is a unique appendage at the tip of the tail formed of keratin (like our fingernails).

Rattlers add a new rattle to their tail with each shed, sometimes reaching 10-20 rattles long. They hold the tail vertically and vibrate it to create the rattle sound.

It is important to remember that rattlesnakes are not aggressive snakes. They are, in fact, quite docile and timid animals.

The telltale rattle sound is the snake’s way of communicating fear. It is his way of warning others he feels threatened and wants us to back away. This sound is so effective at warding off threats that other snakes have tried using this technique.

Although lacking a rattle, snakes, such as the non-venomous California King Snake and the Gopher Snake, will vibrate their tails in leaves or brush to mimic the sound of a rattlesnake. If the warning is not heeded and the snake is provoked, he will strike in defense. Rattlesnakes, like most snakes, can strike a distance equivalent to 2/3 of their body length. For example,

a 3-foot snake can strike at a distance of 2 feet. So if you hear a rattle sound, it is best to give the scared animal a wide berth.

While we know to heed its warning, the sound of a rattle is often too intriguing for a lot of our canine companions to pass up. As a result, rattlesnake bites commonly occur on the muzzle of a curious dog investigating the rattle sound or on the paws or underbelly of an exuberant dog running over a snake without seeing it.

To the casual observer, it may be difficult to identify a rattlesnake from one of its non-venomous “cousins.” For this reason, all snakebites and suspected snakebites should receive immediate emergency veterinary care. It is helpful to know the hours and locations of nearby veterinary hospitals if you are hiking in an unfamiliar area.

Have fun enjoying our beautiful outdoors this summer, but please respect our wildlife. Remember, our outdoors is their home.

Dr. Louisa Asseo, owner of Oasis Veterinary Hospital, can be reached at (925) 954 – 8087, 6635 Alhambra Ave, Suite 100, Martinez, or visit oasisveterinaryhospital.com.

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7

Summer Travel and Insurance

Protection for Loved Ones

BY COLLEEN CALLAHAN

It is travel season.

Summer vacations, graduation trips, family reunions, and weddings are plenty of exciting reasons to hit the road or take to the skies. As part of your pre-trip planning, make sure to have a copy of your insurance card with you, download the mobile app for your insurance company, and review how to look up locally contracted doctors and hospitals.

On a recent trip to Maui, I used my card for a doctor visit and a trip to the pharmacy. I got sick and hurt on vacation! For four days I only saw the inside of a condo. It looked pretty outside. My husband was kind enough to empathize with my discomfort as he headed out the door for walks, reading by the pool, and swimming.

I learned a little about health care in Maui. Fortunately, the pharmacy was contracted, but the urgent care clinic was

BY TUYA LUTBAYAR

For the last two months, I’ve written about guaranteed growth without market loss, financial protection, higher interest rates on your money, and legally cutting out taxes. Many people say, “I should have saved my money under my mattress,” thinking it would be better than making money through their investments.

My previous articles focused on retirement and savings, but this one focuses on protecting your family. Do you know you can upgrade your family protection with a new term insurance policy that includes “living benefits”?

My business partner, Barbara G., who is 45 years old, purchased insurance with a $250,000 death benefit, and last November she was diagnosed with cancer. Guess what? She was able to receive $225,000 as a living benefit even though she only had the policy for 10 months. Her 10-month total paid premium was under $200 dollars, however, she was able to access 90% of the death benefit while still alive. Can you imagine how nice it would be not to struggle financially while battling cancer? She is better and happier now.

Benjamin Franklin said, “In this world nothing can be said to be certain,

not. I now have to follow a special process to submit my non-network claims to my insurance carrier so I can receive credit towards my deductible. Nonetheless, I am grateful for the coverage I have.

For those of you travelling outside the United States, please check your coverage for international travel. If you are on Medicare, remember, you have very limited international coverage. A travel plan might be your best bet. Additionally, if you have a dependent that will be travelling, working, or teaching abroad, I recommend a travel plan. They can be customized to fit the parameters of the trip and give you the peace of mind you need. As you might expect, we offer travel insurance. Kelly Nicoll is the go-to person in our office for that. Please feel free to give one of us a call. Have a wonderful summer, and I wish you safe travels.

Colleen Callahan Insurance Services is located in Pleasant Hill. Contact her at 925-363-5433 or ccallahan@callahaninsurance.com.

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IN FOCUS

Oral Care Tips from your Family Dentist

Summer is finally here and we are all excited for some family fun!

However, let’s not forget to maintain our oral health, which may be a struggle with busy schedules.

Here are some tips from your family dentist to maintain or even improve your oral health management.

Home Care • Even if you stay home for most of the summer, be consistent with your oral care routine. Brush at least twice a day and don’t forget to floss!

• It may be time to replace your worn-out brushes for fresh ones. We recommend changing your brushes or brush heads at least once every 3 months.

When the bristles fan out, they’re not doing their job.

Away from Home • Being away from home can interrupt your oral care routine, but let’s not forget your health is important anywhere, all the time. Pack your toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and rinse!

Snacking • More free time may mean more time to eat. Try choosing healthier options like fruits and vegetables, and stay away from packaged, sugar-filled, processed foods.

Summer Heat • Keep hydrated but stay away from those sugary drinks. Drink plenty of water.

• Try keeping a lip balm with SPF to protect your lips from the sun’s harmful rays.

While moisturizing and hydrating your lips, you are also reducing your risk of developing cancer.

Dental Visits • It may be time for your dental check-up and cleaning. Note your next dental appointment on your calendars. Parkway Smiles Dental welcomes new patients.

Give us a call to schedule an appointment.

Visit us at ParkwaySmilesDental.com for more information.

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

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Guys Night Out $400

WiseGirl Ristorante: Bourbon and Steak Night for Dad & 3 buddies!

Livermore Wine Trolley: 2 Tickets for Downtown/Winery shuttle service ($50 value) Sirens Sandwich Shop: $50 gift card Community Focus: $50 Yalla gift card UPS Store, Arnold Drive: $50 Pep Boys gift card Bill’s Ace Hardware: $50 gift card

Eat, Sip and Run $395

Lafayette Chamber: Entry for 4 to the Reservoir Run 10/30 ($130) Wences: $60 gift card PH Chamber: Art, Jazz, Wine 4 premium wine tent tickets & 2 glasses ($55) Beaver Creek Smoke House: $50 gift card Community Focus: $50 Yalla gift card Bill’s Ace Hardware: $50 gift card

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Waterworld: Family Four-Pack of Single-Day Admission ($150 value) Matt Rinn, State Farm Insurance: $50 Jack’s Taps gift card Community Focus: $50 Yalla gift card Les Schwab Tires, Martinez: $50 toward product or service Bill’s Ace Hardware: $50 gift card Winners will be contacted by email on Friday June 17 and will be announced in the July issue of Community Focus.

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9

City of Pleasant Hill

Mayor’s Message Pleasant Hill – A City that is Safe

Not long ago, the city council held a special public meeting to update the city’s goals and objectives. Our number one goal is to have “A city that is safe.” As part of this goal, a key objective is to ensure adequate public safety. The council adopted a number of action items to meet this objective, which included working with Neighborhood Watch, working with Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), and using social media to engage with the community. We also agreed to expand the school outreach program, improve traffic safety around schools, and continue to fund crossing guards at various school locations. The police department is also constantly working on developing strategies and programs to reduce crime and increase public safety.

Discussion with Police Chief John Moore

I sat down with Police Chief John Moore last week to discuss the issue of public safety. Pleasant Hill is 8 square miles with 115 miles of streets. At present, we have 40 police officers and are recruiting to bring that number up to 44. During the day, we typically have six officers patrolling the city. These officers do a great job focusing on heavily travelled areas and areas where speeding has become a consistent issue.

Year-to-date, over 1,761 traffic citations have been issued, yet traffic issues persist. I have a son who rides his bike to school every day, and it worries me when I see speeding cars,

sometimes running red lights, and drivers texting or talking on the phone.

I would ask everyone to consider a number of things before they get behind the wheel of a car: • Put your phone away. Put it somewhere where you won’t be tempted to make a phone call or respond to a text. I was walking across an intersection the other day and three drivers of cars at the intersection were bobbing their heads up and down, clearly reading and texting.

• When there is a stop light or stop sign, stop when you get to it. If traffic and pedestrian traffic allows, then turn right on red. Look both ways, though not just where traffic is coming from. The pedestrian may be coming from the other direction.

• Give yourself enough time to drive the speed limit. So much of our driving in this town is in residential neighborhoods. It could be your child playing ball in the front yard and chasing it into the street.

• Teach your children bicycle and pedestrian safety.

The second topic Chief Moore and I discussed was property crimes. Pleasant Hill is fortunate to have very little crime against people; and while property crimes are a bit higher, they have decreased. Property crimes are mostly crimes of opportunity.

Someone in need of money may see a laptop, an iPhone, or money in an empty car.

Please make sure all valuables are removed when leaving a car, whether it is in your driveway or elsewhere. Other tips from the

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june 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Sue Noack, Mayor of Pleasant Hill

police include: • Never leave the keys in your vehicle.

• Always lock the doors, even when you are away from the vehicle for a short time.

• Remove items (purses, phones, etc.) from the vehicle when possible. If you can’t take them out, make sure they are out of sight.

• Park in lighted areas.

Similar tips to reduce property crimes at home include: • Make sure your garage door is closed, especially at night.

• If you are at home and someone unfamiliar

knocks at your door, either indicate you are there but unable to answer or contact the police. This has been used to find out if homes are empty in order to enter undetected.

• Get to know your neighbors. They can be the eyes and the ears of the neighborhood and identify potential suspicious activities.

If you are interested in forming a Neighborhood Watch, please contact Pam Mosher of the Pleasant Hill Police Department. She can be reached at 925-288-4684 or by email at pmosher@pleasanthillca.org.

Public Meetings Architectural Review Commission June 2, 16 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Small Community Room, 5pm. Contact: 671-5209 Civic Action Commission June 1 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Small Community Room, 6:30pm. Contact: 671-5229 City Council Feb. June 6, 20 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Council Chambers, 7:30pm. Contact: 671-5229 Library Task Force June 13 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Large Community Room, 11am. Contact: 671-5229 Planning Commission June 14, 28 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Council Chambers, 7:30pm. Contact: 671-5209 Education Commission June 22 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Community Room, 7pm For Confirmation Visit: www.ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us

Chamber Calendar June 3 - Ambassador Meeting 8:30-9:30am, City Hall Community Room, 100 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill June 5 - “Wine at the Plaza” Summer Concert Series 6-8:30pm, Downtown Pleasant Hill Plaza June 7 - Young Professionals Network Group 5-7pm, Hyatt House “H” Bar, 2611 Contra Costa Blvd., Pleasant Hill June 16 - Pleasant Hill Chamber Board Meeting 8-9am, City Hall Community Room, 100 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill June 27 - Government Affairs Committee 5:30-7pm, Back Forty Texas BBQ, 100 Coggins Drive, Pleasant Hill 680 Business Networking 2nd & 4th Wednesdays or Thursdays, 8:30-10am, JFK University, 100 Ellinwood Way, Pleasant Hill OFF THE GRID Food Trucks Wednesdays, 5-9pm, Trelany Road, Pleasant Hill Pleasant Hill Farmer’s Market Saturday’s, 10am-2pm, Trelany Road, Pleasant Hill

City of Pleasant Hill

Pleasant Hill City News 5-year Capital Improvement Plan Update

The city council will hold a public hearing on the proposed City of Pleasant Hill’s fiscal years 2016 to 2021 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) update on June 6. The CIP includes a range of roadway improvements, maintenance of public facility projects, landscape improvements, storm water drainage improvements, and other miscellaneous projects.

The CIP inventories proposed capital improvement throughout the city over this period, including a range of public works and infrastructure projects that would enhance the quality of life for local residents and visitors. Capital improvements include the rehabilitation of existing capital facilities as well as the construction of new facilities.

Giant Used Book Sale

The next parking lot used book sale is at the Pleasant Hill Library on Saturday, June 18, 10am to 3:30pm. Bargain prices for everyone: $1.00 hardbacks, 50¢ paperbacks, and 25¢ children’s books. Clearance sale hour is 2:30–3:30pm, with general books $3/bag and 50% off better books. Members’ early bird entry begins at 9:30am.

Volunteers always needed and greatly appreciated. For more information, visit PHLibraryFriends.org.

Library Summer Reading Program The Pleasant Hill Library is excited to kick-off this summer’s reading and activities

This summer’s theme is STEAM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics, and the library will be having events, activities, and reading lists on these themes for all ages. The program runs June 1 through July 30.

Get started by signing up online, then track your progress, earn badges, and win prizes. Track time spent reading and doing other summertime activities and earn prizes upon completion. Everyone who completes Summer Reading will be entered in to countywide and local drawings for exciting prizes, including Kindle Fires, BB-8s, and more. This is an all-ages program and anyone can join - even babies! If you prefer to track your progress on paper instead of online, you can pick up a program record at your local library, otherwise, visit guides.ccclib.org/SRF and get reading!

City News Continued to receive the net proceeds of registration fees. Register by 9pm on June 19 to order a T-shirt! Check the website www.phjuly4.com for updated information about online registration and the day’s activities.

Ditch the Car & Grab Your Bike!

Summer Bike Challenge Returns to Pleasant Hill!

511 Contra Costa’s second annual Summer Bike Challenge returns to Pleasant Hill.

The program, also expanded into Martinez, begins in June and runs through August.

Free and open to everyone, the Summer Bike Challenge encourages residents to explore their hometown from the seat of a bicycle. Cross off squares by riding to parks, schools, downtown, City Hall, the library, farmers’ market, and a neighboring city to complete the challenge. Participants can pick up free treats from select locations on certain dates, and those who complete at least 12 squares can enter to win the iPad Mini grand prize drawing.

Pick up your Pleasant Hill Challenge Card in person at the Pleasant Hill Library; Teen, Senior, and Community Centers; Pleasant Hill Pool; Pleasant Hill City Hall; Crescent Drive Coco Swirl; YMCA; or online at www.ourcommunityfocus. com or www.511ContraCosta.org/sbc.

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July 4 Festivities

The 4th of July commission members are planning lots of fun activities for the 40th annual celebration! This year, the parade’s grand marshal is Sam Chen. Sam, raised in Pleasant Hill and a Sequoia Middle School student, has been a reporter for the Pleasant Hill City Channel for 2 years.

Parade entries are coming in, and the entertainment, food vendors, children’s games, petting zoo, and activities for the Party in the Park have been confirmed. Pleasant Hill Rec and Park will add to the party by having the park’s sprayground and swimming pools open free to kids from 11am-1pm.

Once again, the spectacular fireworks show will be held at College Park High School. Prior to the show, the band Fast Times will provide entertainment, Slow Hand Barbeque will offer food, and IzzyA’s will sell frozen custard ice cream. For information about planning or volunteering, visit phjuly4.com, or send an email to Chris Tipton at ctiptonph@yahoo.com.

Firecracker 5K Fun Run

Online registration is open and the whole family can participate in the Firecracker 5K Fun Run on the parade route in downtown Pleasant Hill at 8am. Runners make three laps around the course. Check-in station is at 45 Crescent Drive, in front of the clock tower. Each participant can register for either the 5K run/walk or the 100-yard dash for youngsters 7 years and under. All registration net proceeds will be donated to Pleasant Hill schools. Each registrant will be asked to designate a Pleasant Hill school

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ourcommunityfocus.com • june 2016

11

City of Martinez

Mayor’s Message

The City of Martinez finally has a new city manager. Last month the Martinez City Council ratified the contract of Brad Kilger as city manager, effective June 13, 2016. Brad has over 30 years of experience in city management, most recently as city manager of our neighboring city across the Carquinez Straits, Benicia.

It has been a difficult 2 ½ years, with a parade of interim city managers after the departure of Phil Vince in October of 2013. All of the interims, including Anna Gwyn Simpson, Assitant City Manager Alan Shear, and Interim City Manager Jim Jakel, provided excellent leadership in a very volitile environment.

They kept the city on track and moving forward.

I would especially like to thank Jim

Jakel for his service to Martinez. Jim was city manager of Martinez in the mid 1990s and has a real love for Martinez.

He has served as interim city manager several times over my tenure on the city council and provided a climate of stability and calm that allowed us to move forward in difficult times. I have enjoyed working with Jim and thank him for his service. He really cares about the city where he started his career in public service.

I am looking forward to Brad taking over the leadership of City Hall so we can restart many projects that have been on hold. His experience and demeanor will be a very valuable asset to city residents and city employees.

Long time Assistant City Manager

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june 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Rob Schroder, Mayor of Martinez

Alan Shear recently left the city for a career opportunity in Burlingame. He has taken a position as the administrative services manager working with former Martinez City Manger Marcia Raines, currently city manager in Burlingame.

And after over a decade of service to Martinez, Finance Director Cathy Spinella retired last month and is now living in Arizona. We have been very fortunate to find an excellent replacement, Martinez resident Cind Mosser, who has worked in municipal finance in Marin County, Walnut Creek, and most recently, Pacifica.

She enjoyed all of those positions but is thrilled with her new Martinez assignment and short commute.

Once Brad takes over leadership at City Hall, he will rebuild his management team and move forward to institute the goals that the city council has outlined in its strategic plan.

My short term goals are: • Complete and adopt the general plan

• Master plan the waterfront, including the marina and landside development • Complete the paving and infrastruture projects, currently in the pipeline.

• Place a sales tax initiative on the November ballot to be used to pave our streets, replace our sidewalks, and rebuild the waterfront.

• Complete Waterfront Park and remaining Measure H projects.

• Finalize the earthquake retrofit projects and provide incentives for downtown housing opportunities in the downtown core.

• Provide private water transportation service from the Martinez Marina to San Francisco and other Bay Area ports.

Progress has been slow during this period of management instabilty in City Hall. I am convinced that with the leadership and experience of new City Manager Brad Kilger, Martinez is on the cusp of tidal change. These are exciting times for our city.

Public Meetings

City Council Meeting June 1, 15 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 7-11pm. Contact: 372-3500 Design Review Meeting June 8, 22 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 4-5pm. Contact: 372-3500 Planning Commission Meeting June 14, 28 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 7-11pm. Contact: 372-3500 Zoning Administrator Meeting June 1,15 City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, 4-5pm. Contact: 372-3500 For Confirmation Visit: www.cityofmartinez.org

Martinez City News New City Manager

On May 4 the Martinez City Council appointed Brad Kilger to the position of city manager. “Brad brings to us the perfect blend of professional experience and creative leadership,” said Mayor Rob Schroder. Mr. Kilger was selected from a pool of about 40 candidates. He has over 37 years of professional municipal government experience working for large and medium‐sized jurisdictions, with specific expertise in city management, economic development, and land use planning.

City of Martinez City News Continued

City News Continued

Summer Bike Challenge

of Waterfront Park that includes the expansion of Field 3 for “championship” use and the flexibility to add bleachers. The city currently plans on renovating the four existing fields at Waterfront Park. The fields are laid out in a cloverleaf configuration and Field 3 will be expanded and improved to meet higher level baseball needs. Space is being dedicated around the field for the future installation of bleachers to accommodate approximately 600 spectators. The other fields will be renovated to continue to provide facilities for little league and softball use. City Engineer Tim Tucker said, “If, down the road, we garner a semi-professional team, we could certainly put in a grass infield at that time.” Additional improvements include lights for the softball fields, renovation of pathways, and ADA improvements. The project also includes renovating the group picnic area and park lighting. The renovated concession stand will stay in its current location.

Due to success of the program in Pleasant Hill last summer, 511 Contra Costa’s Summer Bike Challenge is expanding into Martinez! The challenge, free and open to everyone, begins in June and runs through August, and encourages Martinez residents to explore their hometown from the seat of a bicycle. Print out your game card (similar to a Bingo game card), then cross off squares by riding to parks, schools, downtown, City Hall, the library, farmers’ market, and a neighboring city to complete the challenge. Participants can pick up free treats from select locations on certain dates, and those who complete at least 12 of the 16 challenge squares can enter the grand prize drawing to win the iPad Mini.

Pick up a Martinez Challenge Card at Rankin Pool, Martinez City Hall, Martinez Library, the Boys & Girls Club, Martinez Senior Center, Saucie’s Bakery & Café, Main Street Sweets, or online at www.ourcommunityfocus.com or www.511ContraCosta. org/sbc.

Kids can turn in their completed challenge cards at any of the seven events listed in the challenge by August 29 to be entered in the iPad Mini drawing or enter the drawing online at www.511ContraCosta.org/SBC. The winner will be notified on September 6.

Private Ferry Service Coming to Martinez Marina

The City of Martinez and Prop SF, a private charter business out of Alameda, have been in discussion regarding the potential for Prop SF to operate a private ferry service out of the Martinez Marina. The ferry service would involve the private charter of two Catamaran vessels; each is equipped to transfer 49 people from the guest dock of the Martinez marina to San Francisco and back. In addition to the use of the guest dock, Prop SF has requested a non‐exclusive right to use up to 50 parking spaces in the public parking areas between the hours of 5am and 5pm, Monday through Friday.

The initial term of this agreement would be from August 1, 2016 to August 1, 2021.

Prop SF would not provide compensation to the city or Almar Marina Management (the private operator of the Marina) for use of the guest dock during this initial charter phase of operations. They have, however, agreed to construct a simple upgrade of the handrail to the dock in order to allow safe use of the guest dock for these purposes.

On May 4, city council approved authorizing the interim city manager and city attorney to prepare an access agreement with Prop SF and Almar to allow use of the Martinez Marina guest dock and a portion of the parking area for the private charter ferry by Prop SF. Staff will bring a final agreement back to the council for formal approval on June 1.

Establishment of this ferry service could provide economic development opportunities for the city and the downtown area. If a demand for the service is demonstrated, more conversations on expanded service to the public and funding for a ferry terminal and other infrastructure improvements would be forthcoming. Mayor Schroder addressed Prop SF’s founder and CEO James Jaber at the May city council meeting and expressed, “I’m really excited about this. I think it is something this city has been looking for for many years. Even though this is going to be a private operation to begin with, you have visions of it growing and becoming more public. You are really filling a gap that water emergency transit authority is not willing to fill at this point or can. I think it’s a great thing for the City of Martinez, and it has tons of potential to help us revitalize our waterfront and downtown.” Councilmember Mark Ross was equally enthusiastic and added, “Martinez has to start becoming the city that CAN do things and not the city that CAN’T do things, and this is an opportunity to bolster that.”

Beaver Mural Project Almost Complete

Earlier this year, the Parks, Recreation, Marina and Cultural Commission (PRMCC) received a request from resident Heidi Perryman of the organization Worth A Dam and muralist Mario Alfaro to create a mural, inspired by the beavers and other wildlife living in the creek. The PRMCC helped define and develop the design, and the concrete wall of the Marina Vista Bridge at Alhambra creek was determined as the most appropriate location for the 32” x 28’ mural.

City council approved the design concept and location on the Marina Vista Bridge, and on May 4 Alfaro commenced the project, which is expect to take a month to complete.

Worth a Dam and other donations will fund the cost. Perryman founded Worth A Dam in 2008. The nonprofit is an educational organization dedicated to the value, importance, and contributions of beavers in the ecosystem.

July 4 Fireworks

Fireworks will light up the night at Martinez Shoreline Park, Monday, July 4th.

Join the crowd at the waterfront or head over to your special viewing spot before 9:15pm. Pyrotechnics begin around 9:30pm and will last approximately twenty-five minutes. Waterfront Park will be for parking permit only and vehicles with boats. Limited handicapped parking is available, so arrive earlier in the day.

Championship Field at Waterfront Park

At the May 4 city council meeting, council voted to approve the current design ourcommunityfocus.com • june 2016

13

City of Walnut Creek

Mayor’s Message Broadway Plaza Renew. Refresh. Reveal.

Over the last few years, the 64-yearold shopping center has made some changes, including the addition of new retail, expanded parking, enhanced pedestrian spaces, and better traffic access.

Broadway Plaza is an important resource for the Walnut Creek community, which is why we invested to enhance its appeal for local residents, visitors, shoppers, and retailers over many years to come.

With traffic always a high concern for Walnut Creek residents, improving access and parking is top of the list in terms of priority. And enhanced pedestrian areas also contribute to something in high-demand: maintaining the charm and appeal of Broadway Plaza.

What work is Broadway Plaza doing?

• Construction began in March 2014 and was followed by new retail and center upgrades opening in phases beginning in fall 2015 and running through 2018.

• Phase I of the project’s master plan included the demolition and rebuilding of parking garages on South Broadway; expansion of the Macy’s for Women store; face-lift, remodel and/or expansion of many existing stores on the east side of the property between Macy’s and Nordstrom; and improvements to traffic flow, pedestrian areas, and parking garages.

• Phase II plans include construction of two new two-story buildings on the west side of Broadway Plaza, where the former Macy’s for Men location once stood, along with upgraded facades as well as new landscaping. The Macy’s for Men’s store consolidated into the newly expanded Macy’s for Women’s location in November 2015.

What has been done to date?

2014 • The South Broadway Parking Garage on the Nordstrom side opened in November 2014, adding over 550 parking

Now More Than a Newspaper, a Community Hub!

COMMUNITY FOCUS ONLINE

Click on our online calendar to see local events happening in our community, and you can add your own event for free!

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www.ourcommunityfocus.com

Loella Haskew, Mayor of Walnut Creek

spaces to Broadway Plaza just in time for the holiday season.

2015 • The first phase of retail began opening in November 2015. By year’s end, 14 new stores opened at Broadway Plaza.

• Macy’s expansion and renovation was complete in November 2015. Macy’s underwent a complete store renovation and expanded by 57,000 square feet, taking the store from 183,000 square feet to 247,000 square feet.

• The South Broadway Parking Garage on the Macy’s side opened in November 2015, adding 2,000 more parking spaces to that side of the property.

2016 • The second phase of retail will be opening in June 2016. By summer’s end, over 20 new stores plus two kiosks will be open.

• The entire South Broadway Parking Garage will be complete, with a total of 2,500 parking spaces.

• Broadway Plaza Street, façade, and hardscape work will be complete by June 2016.

• The new event plaza, water features, and other shopper amenities will open in June 2016.

• Phase II of the project will start to open with a two-level Zara store in the former Macy’s Men’s location, as well as a new driveway connection between the Main Street Parking Garage and Broadway Plaza Street. This is scheduled to open

Holiday 2016.

2017 / 2018 • A second two-level building in the former Macy’s Men’s location is slated to open, and new retail is also scheduled to open in the promenade area. More info to come in the future.

The New Stores Opening This Summer (June 2016 – August 2016):

Arhaus, Bath & Body Works, Boudin, Clarks, Cocola Bakery, GAP, Godiva, H&M, Hanna Andersson, J Jill, Lucky Brand Jeans, Papyrus, See’s Candies, Solstice, Soma Intimates, SoulCycle, Starbucks, Teavana, True Food Kitchen, True Religion Brand Jeans, Victoria’s Secret and White House Black Market.

New Kiosks (August): Oceane and Wetzel’s Pretzels New Stores Opening This Fall/Holiday (September – December)

Aritzia, Everything But Water, Tommy Bahama and Zara

As Phase I of Broadway Plaza’s renovation comes to an end, the celebration begins with two very special events coming this September. Mark your calendars for Party In The Plaza (Sept. 1) and Night of Thanks (Sept. 9).

Safety tip for June: School is out.

Drivers, please pay special attention to youngsters who may be playing near the street. Running after a ball that escapes to the street might cause a child to be less than careful about oncoming cars.

Public Meetings City Council Meeting June 7, 21 Council Chambers, 1666 North Main Street, 6-11pm. Contact: 943-5819 Design Review Meeting June 1, 15 Council Chambers, 1666 North Main Street, 7pm. Contact: 943-5819 Planning Commission Meeting June 9, 23 Council Chambers, 1666 North Main Street, 7-11pm. Contact: 943-5819 For Confirmation Visit: www.walnut-creek.org 14

june 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

City of Walnut Creek

Walnut Creek City News Movies Under the Stars Returns

Bring your family, friends, a picnic, and some popcorn and watch the stars come out over Walnut Creek, both on and off screen! This year, movies will be screened at Heather Farm Park and Civic Park on Civic Drive. Civic Park events include live music before the movie, beginning at 7pm. Movies begin at dusk (about 8:30pm).

Schedule: Friday, June 17, Clark Swim Center, Surfs Up; Friday, July 29, Heather Farm Park, Ballfield #2, Inside Out; Friday, August 19, Civic Park, Aladdin; and Saturday, September 10, Civic Park, Toy Story. All movies have a suggested $2 donation. Please do not bring pets. For further information: (925) 943-5858 or WalnutCreekRec.org.

North Downtown Specific Plan Committee Formed

Over 40 people attended the introductory open house on the North Downtown Specific Plan on April 18. The city received many comments and ideas to consider during the planning process. Based on community feedback, membership eligibility was expanded for the North Downtown Advisory Committee to include residents and property and business owners in adjacent neighborhoods. At the May 17 city council meeting, a North Downtown Specific Plan Advisory Committee was established. An Advisory Committee will be an important resource to the consultants and to city staff throughout the drafting of the new Specific Plan.

The first Advisory Committee meeting is scheduled for June 27 at 6:30pm at City Hall.

The city received a $656,000 grant from the Contra Costa Transportation Authority to pay for technical studies, project management, and public outreach. The city is contributing staff to collaborate on this plan. North Downtown’s proximity to BART, the trail system, and the 24/680 corridors make it highly attractive for future development. The Specific Plan is a holistic approach to creating a comprehensive long-term vision that outlines what to protect and what goals to pursue as development occurs.

June Wine Walk

On June 15, from 6-9pm, stroll through Walnut Creek, sip local California wines, and savor the local restaurants and businesses at the 2016 Wine Walk in Walnut Creek. Featured Wineries: JC Cellars, Frog’s Tooth Winery, Fenestra Winery, Concannon Vineyards, and Lynda Tranel Vineyards. Tickets are $30/advance (before June 15) and $40/at the door. Tickets are available at walnutcreekdowntown. com/winewalk. Starting location is Patioworld, 1628 Mt. Diablo Boulevard. Must be 21 or older to participate in tastings.

Community Gardens are Growing

On April 4, the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission (PROS) moved to recommend the development of community gardens, community farms, and/ or urban orchards at Heather Farm Park, Arbolado Park, and San Miguel Park.

The Community Gardens Task Force (CGTF) recently spent time turning community gardens in surrounding cities to review the various features and management models. The task force then established site selection criteria and evaluated seven potential garden sites, including Alma Park, Arbolado Park, Heather Farm Park, Rudgear Park, Lar Rieu Park, San Miguel Park, and Sugarloaf. The sites were then reduced to three based on amenities already existing, parking size location, high density housing, water, and underutilized areas.

City News Continued

The top three sites were proposed to the community via a survey last March to gain feedback and gather the community’s level of interest on this issue. The survey had over 400 responses, with overwhelming agreement that Walnut Creek should have more urban agriculture. Most respondents chose Heather Farm Park as the top location for a community garden. After an in-depth look at all factors, the CGTF recommended Heather Farm Park, Arbolado Park, and San Miguel Park as the priority community garden sites, with Heather Farm Park the initial garden site. There is currently an existing relationship between the city and the Gardens at Heather Farm, which will provide a non-profit that is willing to manage the site. This community garden site is also surrounded by high density housing, with amenities such as restrooms, parking, and irrigation. This was the number one priority for both the CGTF and the polling results.

The Parks, Recreation, Open Space Commission recommends a phased in approach, with Heather Farm Park as phase one, using 50 plots and offering 5’ x 20’ and 5’ x 10’ size boxes. After some light grading, creation of pathways, planter box construction, and other preparations, the time frame for community gardening would be early next year.

Phase two would explore Arbolado and San Miguel Parks. Both of these sites will need additional community outreach, and site evaluations may be required to get a full understanding of the needs and impact to the parks. In addition, there will be further consideration of more parks for community gardens beyond Arbolado and San Miguel.

At the May 3 council meeting, council approved the development of community gardens, community farms and/or urban orchards at Heather Farm Park, Arbolado Park, and San Miguel Park, using a phased approach.

Northgate Attendance Boundaries

During public communications at the May 3 city council meeting, representatives from the Northgate community spoke to council about the Mt. Diablo Unified School District’s April 25 unexpected decision to extend the attendance boundaries for Northgate High School to include Clayton and areas of Concord (to include students in the Clayton Valley Charter High School attendance area who do not want to attend Clayton Valley Charter). They asked for city council’s help in repealing the board’s decision. Northgate resident Alisa MacCormac said, “That was a shock to us. Nobody knew that this was the plan of action and we are very concerned, not only with the thought of overcrowding - we are full right now - but adding even 25 more students would be a problem for the high school, and envisioning this happening for subsequent years is just beyond us — how it impacts our students, our teachers our faculty, our roads, our neighbors, parking lots -- it’s a huge impact.”

Responding to the news, Councilmember Cindy Silva said, “I think this is an opportunity for us to have a dialogue with our colleagues on the Mt. Diablo governing board, and at the very least I think the public works department and our traffic engineering division needs to really be looking at this.” As a result of the city council discussion, Mayor Loella Haskew composed a letter to the board asking that they reconsider. “The city council adds its request that the board of education rescind its decision to alter the feeder pattern related to Northgate High School and reconsider its options once the analysis has been completed and the public has further opportunity to review the results and provide input to the board.”

On May 9, after tremendous community protest, the MDUSD School Board rescinded their action to increase the boundary area for Northgate High School.

ourcommunityfocus.com • june 2016

15

Grad Announcements

Blake Johnson, Alhambra You have exceeded all our expectations.

Can’t wait to see what the future holds for you! GO Bears! Love, Mom, Dad, Emily, Molly, Grandma, Gretchen, Gus, Charlie & Rey

Cole Hutslar, College Park You’ve left your mark and now the future is yours to explore and discover. We look forward to watching you blaze your next trail. With love and pride, Mom, Dad, Dane, Brandon and Devin

Emili Howard, Alhambra Congratulations! We are so proud of the awesome young lady you have become.

Your future is bright! Remember to always follow your dreams.

We love you, Uncle Craig & Auntie Reba

Jacob Armosino, Alhambra You set your goals and reached them all, and now you are off to be a Sun Devil at Arizona State. We are so proud of all your accomplishments. Love, Mom, Dad, Josh & Jaycee

Caleigh Silva, College Park Our Sunshine Girl- The future is yours. You are smart, caring, dedicated, and beautiful.

We cannot wait to see what the next journey holds for you. We are looking forward to watching you play soccer at LPC. We are so proud of you and will always love you!

Love - Dad, Mom, Casandra, and Courtney

Coleman Shess, De La Salle Congratulations on your successes and achievements these last four years! Your family is extremely proud of you and excited for your next adventure at Chico State. Love, Mom, Dad & Jackson

Hailey Bower, Alhambra Congratulations! You are our sunshine and have grown into an amazing young lady.

We’re so proud and excited to see where the next chapter will take you. With your determination you’ll go far! Follow your dreams. Love, Mom and Dad

Michael Avansino, College Park Congratulations Michael Avansino! We are so proud of you and your accomplishments! Much Love, Mom, Dad and Harley

Claire Ciabattari, Carondelet Congratulations Claire Ciabattari! Good luck in your journey to Oregon State University in the fall to study Bio Health Sciences.

Eleanor Campbell, College Park Happy 2016 Graduation! We are very proud of how hard you have worked. You are truly amazing! Congratulations and enjoy Gonzaga University in Washington!

Love, Mom, Dad, and Camille

Jack Downing, College Park Congratulations on your academic and athletic success. We’re so proud of your hard work and determination. Your future looks bright. Looking forward to your next step in the journey called life. Love, Mom, Dad and Megan

Nicholas Ertola, Alhambra We are very proud of you and look forward to seeing what the future has in store for you. We know you will do great things! We love you, Mom, Dad, Anthony and Kelsey

16

june 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Ryan Jones, College Park Ryan, you are a three sport varsity athlete with NCS Scholastic Honors in each, a rare accomplishment. Keep reaching for the stars and pursuing what makes you happy. Your family loves you very much!

Tyler Kelso, De La Salle We are so proud of the remarkable young man you have become and your accomplishments. Congratulations on a job well done. Enjoy your next exciting adventure at Ole’ Miss! Love, Mom and Lucas

Thomas Jordan, College Park Congratulations! We are so proud of you and excited for you to begin this next chapter of your life. Have a fabulous time at UNR. We’ll all miss you! Much love, Dad, Mum, Max, Holly & Oscar xx

James Doty, College Park We’ve had the privilege of watching you grow into a young man and we look forward to watching you achieve your goals and reach more milestones. We are proud of you. Love, the Hutslar family

Congratulations!

Today is your day.

You’re off to Great Places!

You’re off and away!

You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself any direction you choose.

You’re on your own.

And you know what you know.

And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go.

- Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You’ll Go!

ourcommunityfocus.com • june 2016

17

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june 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

BY NORMA FLASKERUD

This may sound counterintuitive, but for those looking to purchase a home in a seller’s market, I recommend working with an agent who represents lots of sellers. They have a depth of knowledge regarding what sellers are looking for in an offer and what it takes to write the winning bid.

Yes, money talks, and sellers usually sell to the highest bidder. But many other issues play into their decision when they have several offers up for consideration.

Have your agent contact the seller’s agent to ask, “Besides price, what are the sellers looking for? Long close? Quick close? A rent-back? As-is? Are there reports and disclosures we can review in advance, sign off on?”

All buyers need pre-approval for a loan to be taken seriously. But what if you have a home to sell first? An offer contingent on your own home sale closing might work. An offer contingent on a home selling that isn’t in contract yet won’t generate much interest in today’s seller’s market. So, how do you buy without selling first? A good Realtor and/or

lender can review a few options with you.

Each situation is unique and benefits from personal attention. If you are a renter with flexibility in your moving/occupancy date, this can be very appealing to the seller.

If you cannot offer all cash, are you figuratively dead in the water? Not at all.

All-cash buyers are in the minority. Most local buyers have something between a 3.5 - 20% down payment. Obviously, the higher your down payment, the more appealing your offer will be. But you can make an offer for more money to make your low down payment offer more appealing.

Contingencies are usually for loan, appraisal, inspections, and review of HOA documents in a condo or townhouse.

Should you waive any of these in advance as you write your offer? Doing so takes serious consideration. Again, an experienced agent can help you analyze if doing so is right for you. When you can, it certainly makes your offer more attractive to the seller! If you find yourself continually beaten in multiple offer situations, it might be time to seek out a more experienced agent.

Norma Hawkins Flaskerud, Realtor and owner of REMAX Today, 925-676-5859 NormaFlaskerud@remax.net.

Martinez Gallery Exhibit

The public is invited to the opening of the Martinez Art Gallery’s latest exhibit, Nature, with a reception on Friday, June 10, 6-8:30pm. Stop in and meet the artists, see the new work, and enjoy light refreshments.

Recently, four new artists were juried into the gallery: Cheyenne Clarke (watercolor), Jackie Gerry (ceramics), Jane Russell (mosaics), and Diana Violante (oils). Their work will be part of the Nature exhibition.

The gallery is located at 610 Court Street (corner of Escobar Street). Visitors to the gallery will see a variety of artworks, from painting, photography and art glass, to jewelry and fabric art, and they will have the opportunity to meet and chat with one of the artists who regularly staff the gallery. A wide range of fine art and affordable gift items are

offered.

The artist co-op and gallery was founded in 2007 and is made up of members who have been vetted by a jury of their peers. The non-profit gallery is a branch of the Martinez Art Association (MAA) and donates 15% of sales as art grants to local schools.

The Gallery is open Monday-Saturday, 11am-3pm. For additional information, visit http://maagallerymartinez.weebly. com or call 925-370-6270.

Read My Mind

©

Art & Wine Festival

Minor Disappointments

Get Your Groove On!

BY MICHAEL G. HARRIS, OD

Life is full of minor disappointments.

While not earthshattering, they can nonetheless ruin a perfectly good day. As a book reviewer, I try to read bestsellers, critically acclaimed books, and others recommended by friends, but I’m disappointed when, on occasion, these highly touted books just don’t make the grade. Here are some examples of “minor disappointments” from my recent reading.

John Grisham is called “the master of the legal thriller.” His latest book, Rogue Lawyer, is the tale of Sebastian Rudd, a lawyer who takes cases no other lawyer wants. His unorthodox style has him working on the seedier side of the legal system, defending drug addicts, Satan worshipers, accused molesters, and crime lords. Sounds like the premise for a great book, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, Grisham attempts to weave too many disconnected stories into this book. It certainly is hard to find Rudd as a sympathetic hero; he’s nothing of the sort. While Grisham does a good job of explaining the ins and outs of the legal system, he fails to do the one thing he’s known for: he fails to make the story suspenseful. While it’s an OK read, I walked away unfulfilled and disappointed.

The President’s Shadow is Brad Meltzer’s latest follow-up to The Inner Circle and The Fifth Assassin. It follows the adventures of Beecher White, a staffer at the National Archives by day, and a member of the Culper Ring, the secret society formed to protect George Washington and all future presidents, by night. Meltzer’s previous books have been complex mysteries that made for exciting pageturners. With The President Shadow, Meltzer has gone to the well one too many times. When you don’t care what happens to the hero, you know the author has lost his edge. Even the discovery of a severed arm and a mysterious note buried in the White House Rose Garden isn’t enough to

Calling all SummerAti!* Kickoff summer at the 35th annual Walnut Creek Art & Wine Festival on Saturday, June 4, and Sunday, June 5. Admission is free! Heather Farm Park will be filled with more than 250 arts and crafts booths, live music, craft brews, wine tasting, dozens of food options, a Kids Zone and more. This year, everything gets kicked up a notch with several new features, including Keith Sayers’ highflying, freestyle motocross performances all weekend. Guests will also enjoy Premium Collection, a new fine art area coupled with fine wines and a collection of single malt scotches for tasting.

Get your groove on with nonstop live music from local favorites on both festival days: Mustache Harbor, Fito Reinoso, Big Band Beat, Neon Velvet, Lumberyard, PUSH, JC Smith Band, and Civic Arts Jazz Band. New this year, the Rising Stars Stage will showcase upand-coming talented performers. From Studio A Dance Team and Mystique Ballroom to High Five Music Academy, Stars 2000, and Diablo Women’s Chorale, the Rising Stars Stage will provide non-stop

make this story exciting. Meltzer is too talented to waste his time on another story in this series.

Judy Blume is best known for her children and young adult books. Her latest book, In the Unlikely Event, is her first real venture into adult fiction. The story focuses on teenager Miri Ammerman and her friends in Elizabeth, New Jersey, in 1952 when they witnesses three airline crashes in a matter of weeks.

They reflect back on these tragedies during the 25th anniversary commemoration of the disasters. While Blume does a great job of portraying them as teenagers, she fails to develop them as adults. With one exception, we’re hard-pressed to see how the tragic events of 1952 shaped their lives. As expected, Blume is better at describing them as teenagers than as adults.

Career of Evil is the third Comoran Strike crime novel Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling has written under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith. The contrived plot centers around a woman’s severed leg sent to Strike’s investigator Robin Ellacott.

Comoran and Robin investigate the four likely suspects while several subplots detract from their investigation into whose leg it is and who murdered her. The story has lots of possibilities but falls short of the excitement generated by Rowling’s previous books.

Elizabeth Strout’s fifth novel, My Name is Lucy Barton, has been described as a “book of deep insight and delicate feelings.” While hospitalized, the mother she hasn’t seen in decades visits Lucy and they reflect on her childhood. Unfortunately for me, their reflections were dull and boring. I couldn’t wait for the book to end.

While none of these books were bad, all were “minor disappointments.” Let’s hope your “minor disappointments” are few and far between.

entertainment throughout the festival.

Olympic Champions Walnut Creek Aquanuts will make a “splash” with two special appearances.

Youngsters of all ages will enjoy the Kids Zone, loaded with activities. New this year, a 90-foot super slide will provide super high sliding fun for all ages.

Children are also invited to participate in a festival favorite dubbed Water Bobbles, as well as gemstone mining, a climbing wall, face painting, and a plethora of carnival games. The conductor of the delightful Art & Wine train will take passengers for scenic tours around the lake.

Free, continuous shuttles are available from Shadelands Business Park.

BART riders, take the free shuttle from the Walnut Creek BART station. Paid parking is available on site.

*Are you the SummerAti? Sum´mer · a´ ti, noun (plural): connoisseurs of summer who guide the artistic, social, and gastronomic elements required for serious summer fun.

For more information, visit www.artwinefestivalwc.com or call 925.934.2007.

ourcommunityfocus.com • june 2016

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Curtain Call

Much Loved Teacher Retires

I’ve heard this so often: “Working on the show was the high point of my high school years!”

After 23 years of teaching, College Park’s Joan Lopate is retiring this month. Her career in education includes English and film studies, but it wasn’t until 2010 that she took on the role of drama teacher. “I avoided teaching drama because I knew how much work was involved in producing the shows.

For many years I taught freshman English with a maximum class size of 22 students. In 2009, the number went up to 33, and that was what decided me to take on drama,” she admits.

Although she is proud of every school production, Joan’s greatest satisfaction came from directing shows like Anything Goes, Arsenic and Old Lace, Little Shop of Horrors, and her final show last April, She Loves Me. She looks back on her drama productions and recalls some of the highlights, saying, “Anything Goes had wonderful singers and choreography, Little Shop had an enormous man-eating puppet, the acting in Arsenic was superb, and She Loves Me was charming and polished.” The most successful productions involved working side-by-side with the students: “The Rocky Horror Show in 2015 was co-directed with a senior student, Sam Vargen, and aside from it being quite daring, we produced it without the support of our orchestra and choir directors. A junior, Christy Lopez, directed the singers and band, and the show was hugely popular, with people coming back to see it again and again.”

Joan also enjoys knowing that her

students are pursuing theatre beyond high school, including current sophomore Tommy Lassiter, who had the lead in April’s She Loves Me. Joan CP’s Joan Lopate said, “He has been singing and dancing for years, but he’d never acted before. He now says he’ll do musical theatre every chance he gets.” She also praises former student Christian McCooey for his performance in Anything Goes. She said, “He’s another brilliant talent. He had his first role in Anything Goes, and he’s now taking lead and supporting roles in shows all around the Bay Area.”

Although Joan arrived late to the teaching profession, in her mid-40s, the desire to serve and make a meaningful difference in her life was well-defined. “This career has given me endless opportunities to be creative, which is something that sustains me. I was never bored, I felt needed, and I bonded with so many students. I’ll miss them visiting me years after they’ve graduated, telling me about their accomplishments, marriages, and parenthood. I’ll miss the hugs they give me!”

Joan and her husband, Nolan, will be moving to the Sacramento area. They are looking forward to exploring the states and traveling to other countries and will continue their involvement in theatre. “At 67, there are so many projects just waiting for my attention. I can’t wait!”

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Northgate Vote Rescinded

On April 25, the Mt. Diablo Unified School District Board took formal action and approved Northgate High School as the designated high school for students residing in the Diablo View Middle School (Clayton) and Pine Hollow Middle School (Concord) attendance areas, potentially adding over 300 more students into Northgate next year. In 2011, Clayton Valley High School converted to a charter school. This conversion left the feeder pattern without a formal, designated district high school.

The vote was 4 – 1 (Board Member Mayo voted against) to approve the feeder pattern. The decision also fulfilled the district’s responsibility to ensure that all students have a designated high school.

After learning of the board’s action, Northgate area residents took to social media and other outlets to express their outrage over a lack of advance notice or public input in the downplayed decision. Their concerns ranged from further overcrowding at the high school and the likely increase in traffic along Ygnacio Valley Road and Oak Grove Road in Walnut Creek.

Board Member Brian Lawrence quickly responded to questions and comments on his Facebook page and Nextdoor.com to correct any misinformation posted on the sites. However, the burgeoning movement by the community and even Walnut Creek Mayor Loella Haskew to repeal the board’s decision led Board Member Lawrence to submit a request that an item to rescind the action be placed on the Board’s May 9 agenda. The subsequent vote was 3 – 2 to approve to rescind the prior motion made on April 25, with board members Cheryl Hansen and Barbara Oaks voting against.

Board Member Lawrence expressed, “My belief is that we needed to allow the community to fully weigh in on this potential change to the feeder pattern. We still need to provide a home high school for Pine Hollow and Diablo View middle schools. We also need to understand how we missed on communicating and make sure that doesn’t happen again.” Students from Diablo View and Pine Hollow still don’t have an assigned high school, but retain priority transfer status for Northgate.

“At some point in the relatively near future, I believe a new staff recommendation will be brought to the board. There will be an informational item at one meeting and an action item at another. Public comment will be allowed at both meetings. School administrators at all impacted schools will be notified in advance of the proposed changes. “These things happened previously, but there should be greater communication about what the potential change will entail,” he continued.

Lawrence agrees Northgate is already overcrowded and has stated that at least three new portable classrooms will be placed in the fall, but a more permanent solution is needed. “It is not acceptable to have students attending class in a cafeteria or any other substandard environment,” he said. In the 2015-2016 school year, there were 354 transfer students to Northgate, and of those, 91 came from Clayton Valley Charter. According to Lawrence, the transfer numbers into Northgate from Clayton Valley next school year are already at 82 requests, compared to 50 in May 2015.

Northgate currently has 1,597 students enrolled.

The question as to why students in the Clayton and Concord areas aren’t offered either Concord or Ygnacio Valley, since they are closer and less impacted, remains unanswered. “I’m open to looking at those schools when the issue comes back,” Lawrence added.

Writing Champions

Three College Park juniors won top honors in the 19th Annual Peace and Justice Art and Writing Challenge: Jonathan Orellano, 3rd place and $100 for his essay; Sara Jalali, $250 for her creative writing; and Corey Rumbaugh, $500 Grand Prize for his essay on the environment. These three winners were chosen out of 500 district students. The topic for 2016 was “Cherish these natural wonders.” The winners were recognized at an awards dinner on May 21.

Carondelet 50th Anniversary A Two-Day Community Celebration

BY DR. ROSANNE SIINO, CLASS OF 1980

Hundreds of members of the Carondelet High School community, including alumnae, students, past principals, board members, supporters, faculty, and parents, as well as the school’s founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, gathered on May 5 and 6 for special events to celebrate Carondelet’s legacy and look towards its future as the school’s 50th anniversary year comes to a close.

The two-day celebration began on Thursday, May 5, with a mass and dinner honoring the Sisters of St. Joseph, whose vision of educating young women for lives of leadership and service continues to infuse Carondelet’s curriculum and spirit. On Friday, events included a prayer service for the student body, faculty, and staff; a lunch for the graduating class of 2016 with

the Sisters and special guests; and a festive evening reception for all alumnae, parents, faculty, and the greater community.

Sr. Kathleen Kelly, CSJ, one of the three Sisters of St. Joseph who opened the doors of the school in September 1965 with three laywomen, traveled up from Southern California for the celebrations. She assisted in the final blessing at the student prayer service and spoke to the class of 2016 at the luncheon on Friday. During the evening reception, she shared memories of the school’s early days and reflected on the exciting changes that move Carondelet forward.

“It was an exciting and challenging task to start a school and set the traditions and spirit that would be Carondelet’s foundation, and we had to do it with a hundred 13-year-old freshmen,” Sr. Kathleen laughingly recounted. “But

the students really stepped up to help establish those traditions. They were impressive, as are our students today.”

“As Sisters of St. Joseph, we emphasized that your education is not just for you; it’s about what you can give

back to the world,” she continued. “I am happy to say that is something I have seen lived out by Carondelet’s alumnae through the years, and that is still very much alive in our current students. I could not be prouder.”

Alumnae from the Class of 1972 reunited at Carondelet’s 50th Anniversary celebration May 6.

ourcommunityfocus.com • june 2016

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Too Young for Strength Training?

Safe Guidelines and a Myth Debunked

BY KEVIN ARNDT, FORMA TRAINER

When should kids start strength training? I am asked this question on a weekly basis because I work primarily with youth. Age 13 is usually my answer, but it’s more complicated than that. If the kid is truly a high caliber athlete, and not just in Mom and Dad’s eyes, then I might say closer to age 10 or 11. It can vary so much from kid to kid because they develop at such different rates, but one thing that doesn’t vary is the parents’ concern for injury, and I completely agree with that.

No kid should be injured while strength training, especially younger kids. Tweaks will happen, but those only last a couple of days. I have parents waiting to bring in their 17 year- old son or daughter for strength training before going off to college, but after a couple of months, the parents and kids always say, “I wish we had done this earlier.”

Never have I heard “Yep, we were right. This was too dangerous.” There is a gap between

what is myth and what is truth when it comes to strength training for kids.

One of the biggest myths is that early strength training will stunt growth by messing with growth plates. This simply isn’t true. I’ve trained many kids starting at age 13 who’ve grown to well over six feet. My boss started training his son at 10 years-old, which most parents would consider far too young. On a good day, my boss is 5’4”.

His son grew to be 6’4”. Obviously, neither strength training nor genetics affected his growth. In addition, growth plates fuse at different rates. Most males’ shoulder blade growth plates don’t fuse until age 20-25.

Does this mean we can’t do strength training until that age? Try arguing that with D1 and pro-level coaches.

Growth plates in kids’ shoulders usually don’t mature until they are around 19.

Parents don’t want them strength training because it might stunt their growth, but some won’t hesitate to have them pitch year-around from the age of eight. Pitching is the single fastest movement in sports, which puts more stress on a kid’s shoulder

Drew Pitcher Makes Waves

College Park alum, Drew Pitcher finished his final swim season at DVC on a high.

Drew, Brandon James, Jake Frigard and Garrett Middleton made up the men’s 200 medley relay team that repeated as state champions with a time of 1:31.30, beating runnerup Orange Coast (1:32.35) by more than a second. He was also part of the same team for the 200 freestyle relay that won in a state meet-record time of 1:21.52. Pitcher also placed 3rd in the 50 freestyle with a time of 20.54.

Rick Millington, DVC swim coach said, “Drew Pitcher surpassed all expectations by his accomplishments this year. He is now the second fastest 50-meter freestyler in DVC history.” Drew is still deciding which college to attend in the fall.

than lifting ever does. Kids play football.

Wouldn’t the force of hits put more stress on growth plates? While we are at it, we might as well take jumping out of basketball since that can produce 10 times the weight of the body on legs. Maybe we should prevent running and jumping in playgrounds; the body of a five-year-old is one big growth plate.

Sports Highlights Alhambra NCS Champions!

On May 20, the packed Alhambra gym erupted in cheers as fans stormed the floor to congratulate the mens volleyball team after defeating Las Lomas, 3 games to 1, in the NCS Division II Volleyball Championships. This historic win is Alhambra’s first NCS championship for the volleyball program.

Northgate Baseball & Girls Track DVAL Champions!

Congratulations go to the Lady Broncos track & field team and baseball team for winning their respective Diablo Valley Athletic League regular season titles. The girls track team, led by freshman Amy Christensen, won the DVAL title, hosted at Ygnacio Valley HS, then moved on to the TriValley NCS meet on May 22. Christensen, along with Ellora Easton, qualified for the Meet of Champions. The slugging Broncos won the DVAL title after sweeping Concord HS, earning the automatic North Coast Section bid into playoffs.

Alhambra Alum Drafted to NFL

The Green Bay Packers drafted Trevor Davis, Alhambra alum from Cal Berkeley, in the 5th round of the NFL Draft. Davis plays recover and kick returner and was the 163rd overall selection. Some experts feel that Davis is a steal for the Pack and has been called a “lateround” gem. He could potentially compliment star receiver Jordy Nelson, who will be returning from injury. He can also give Green Bay some desperately needed speed on the outside. Davis ran 4.37 in the 49-yard-dash at the NFL Combine.

Broncos Swim Fast Drew Pitcher at the State Championship Meet in Los Angeles with his parents, Doug and Talli Pitcher.

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june 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

At the end of the day, strength training is 100% percent safe for kids, as long as it is performed with a good strength coach and progressed in a systematic way. If your child’s goal is to play a sport at the next level, keeping them out of strength training is a huge disservice because sports are too competitive now and kids take them more seriously than ever. Let the kids lift.

Reigning CIF Champions Northgate returned to the state meet with 9 qualify-

ing swimmers. Coming off the North Coast Section swim meet, the Broncos had multiple relays entered and seeded very high, including Andrew Rodriguez swimming the 200IM and 100 butterfly. DVAL MVP Max Bottene, who qualified for 4 races, focused on the relays along with Cole Welsh, Connor Seip and Alex Litvinov. The lady Broncos, who were seeded #6 in one of their relays included Taylor Cossu, Bryn McGowan, Danielle Arauzo and Emma Smethhurst.

Emma also swam the 100 breaststroke.

Falcon Track and Field

College Park had 11 athletes qualified to compete at the North Coast Championships.

Congratulations to the following NCS athletes: Senior Gabriel Ruhter (61.45.70) qualified to compete in the 400M. Sophia Llamas (2:25.10) and Kylie Tseng (2:26.70) both earned their “personal best” and secured two of the three spots at the championship to compete in the 800M. Chloe Beardsley (5:21.63) in the 1600M and Emily Orellana (11:47.67) in the 3200M - both took 2nd in their respective events and earned a spot at NCS. Shamiya Pappas (14-10.50) in the long jump and Caleigh Silva (26-01.00) in shot put - both took 3rd in their respective event and secured their spot to compete at NCS. Amber Lanza vaulted 9-00.00, took 2nd, and secured her spot at NCS. Spenser Grinbergs took 2nd in the 400M (52.45) and 1st in the 800M (2:02.60) and qualified for NCS in both events. Noah Hurley headed to NCS after he took 1st in the pole vault (14-00.00). In the sprint event, Brandon Menjivar took 3rd in the 200M (23.50). NCS results were unavailable at press time.

Casey Strand

Wrestling Hall of Fame Inductee

Former College Park athlete Casey Strand was inducted into the California Wrestling Hall of Fame on May 21 in San Jose with family by his side. Casey was proud to be mentioned with the current and past honorees, commenting, “Being inducted into the California Wrestling Hall of Fame is a huge honor for me because California has such a rich history of great wrestlers and is one the top states in the country for the sport of wrestling.”

Strand was a four-time league champion and three-time NCS Section Champion at College Park High School.

Casey was also a three-time finalist and two-time State CIF Champion, and in 1994, his senior year, he went 68-0.

At the state tournament, he was also named the Champion of Champions.

Most memorable to Strand was setting the national record for most wins in a high school career, totaling 228. He was the ASICS, AWN, USA Today, WUSA, and USAW All-American and represented Team USA in the Dapper Dan Classic in Pennsylvania. Casey wrestled for Arizona State University and was a two time PAC-10 Champion and a NCAA Division I All American, with 126 college

(LtoR): Casey Strand, Sr., Chase Strand, Casey Strand, Jr., Helena Encarnacion-Strand and Michelle Strand.

wins.

Casey continues to be involved with the sport, coaching at the Pleasant Hill Wrestling Club. When asked if his sons will follow suit he replied, “My sons Casey Jr and Chase are competing in wrestling and football now, but they are writing their own stories. They are both very talented athletes and I can honestly see them competing on the biggest stage of whatever sport they choose if that’s what they decide to do.”

A Dramatic Transformation

The College Park Girls Lacrosse team completed its best ever regular season in the DVAL, finishing in 2nd place with a formidable 9-3 league record. The girls lacrosse program at College Park, founded just four years ago by coach Andy Alkire, has grown from a couple of girls who had played club lacrosse and a large number who came out to see what the sport was all about, to three teams totaling 60-plus girls. The varsity team has won 11 of its last 13 games, beating out teams such as Bishop O’Dowd, Berkeley, Northgate, and Clayton Valley, who have much longer traditions.

Coach Andy Alkire’s daughters, Megan and Olivia, and Coach Brad Latson’s daughter Paige played on the varsity team during its first three years, and these coaches have quietly built a very strong program in just four years. The team features a talented group of juniors led by Brooke Bechter, Maddy Gorham, Kelly Seto, and Emily Fleck, along with senior goalie Molly Ferrari, who has been turning back shots on goal all season. The high point for the team so far this year was beating nemesis Bishop O’Dowd, 8-6, on the College Park field on the strength of Bechter’s five goals and terrific defense, coordinated by Molly Ferrari’s 12 saves. This game solidified College Park’s hold on 2nd place in the DVAL.

College Park’s girls lacrosse program’s dramatic transformation began in 2013 with a brand new program and some patient coaches. That team did well in getting four wins in its initial season and has since developed, steadily improving its record each successive year and making the NCS playoffs last year for the first time. This year’s varsity team, at 13-6, is awaiting its selection to the NCS D1 playoffs. What the team may lack in years of experience makes up for in athleticism, with girls who play various sports, such as soccer, cross country, water polo, basketball, and volleyball. Lacrosse is one of fastest growing sports in the country. Alumni of the Lady Falcon program are playing on college club teams currently at Arizona, Alabama and Concordia.

Up and Coming Falcons

The College Park Frosh/Soph Lacrosse Team ended their season with a win against Granda High School,11-9.

Falcon junior Brooke Bechter scoring her 5th goal vs. Bishop O’Dowd. Photo by Andrei Uyehara

Alhambra Baseball

Pictured,1st Row (LtoR): Elyssa Her, Lauren Sabio, Allison Lucha, Zoey Nylund, Jennalynn Agustin, Ashley McNutt, Ana Perez. 2nd Row (LtoR): Evita Gutierrez, Emily Hughes, Desirae Mabunga, Rylee McCormick, Amanda Rovner, Grace Rovner, Morgan Latson. 3rd Row (LtoR): Coach Brad Latson, Francis Pham, Jessica Cudd, Quinn Patterson, Gabby Moscoso, Jessica Taul, Paula Frassinetti, Hailey Salomone, Ariella Perez. Missing from photo: Jessica Rosas, Journey McGowan, Marissa Mulholand. Submitted by Lia McCormick.

Alhambra seniors’ final baseball season comes to an end. Back row (LtoR): Zach Elliott, Gavin Duncan, Tyler Peters and Josh Abraham. Front row (LtoR): Jeremy Therssen, Dominic Pruett, Matthew Beck and Jacob Armosino. ourcommunityfocus.com • june 2016

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CP Mens Lacrosse

Success in Comstock Congratulations to three PHMSA AYSO teams for a successful weekend at the Comstock Tournament in Carson City, Nevada, April 16-17. Under clear but cold skies, all three teams came in 2nd place in their respective divisions against highly ranked Nevada club teams. Avalanche represented the Girls U10 Gold division, allowing only 3 goals through 5 games. Infinity competed in the Girls U11 Gold division, with 3 shutouts to their credit.

Reckless took 2nd in the Girls U13 Gold division, losing 2-3 to the Elko Indar Futbol Club.

U10 Avalanche, coached by Kevin Crossman and Jon Hoppe, pictured (LtoR): Abby Wood, Jessica Kozlowski, Allie Watkins, Ryan Hoppe, Sydney Sopenoff, Mikka Sopenoff, Ava Salazar, Sophia Hall, Kylie Long, Katelyn Crossman. Photo by Jacob Kozlowski, Sr.

On May 11, Falcon senior Luke Beasley (#23 center) celebrates College Park’s home NCS playoff game win, 13-12, over the Davis Blue Devils. Photo by Tod Gomes.

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U11 Infinity, coached by Eric McGee, Adam Barrett and Caleb Amberson, pictured (LtoR): Nichole Abudayeh, Summer Jellum, Malia Amberson, Ella McGee, Kira Barrett, Megan Young, Brielle Duarte, Hailey Hallford, Molly Harrison, Sara Cutright, Erica Salazar. Photo by Andrea Barrett.

Martinez resident Nick Ballentine won the 2016 California State Skeet Championships, held in Los Angles on May 13,14 and 15. Ballentine, a junior at College Park, also won the junior champion award. His hard work and dedication to the sport is payingoff. Nick is also on the California State Open Team and is captain of the 2016 California Junior Team. www.lesschwabmartinez.com • 3800 Alhambra, Martinez • 925-370-6382 24

june 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

U13 Reckless, coached by Bob Puljiz and Denis McCarthy, pictured (LtoR): Riley Lins, Mallory McCarthy, Kate Philson, Isabella Lopez, Carly Shuken, Thea Winterich, Amanda Philson, Casey Briethaupt, Kaeli Griffin, Jessica Cortez, Joselyn Hom, Mia Puljiz, Taylor Chow, Kaitlyn Chang, Sierra Barker. Photo by Christina McCarthy.

On Top of Their Game

The young Alhambra softball team with just one senior is 21-2 overall and undefeated in the league. As of this printing they are awaiting their NCS playoff schedule. The Dogs have won the last two Division 11 titles and are hoping for a third. Alhambra’s league game scores resemble football tallies, with final scores like 40-2 over Campolindo, 24-2 over Miramonte, and 18-0 over College Park.

Two heavy hitters include 2nd baseman and captain, junior Karlee Sparacino, and shortstop and captain, junior Briana Perez. Sparacino’s season stats include a batting average of .634, on base percentage of .682, 45 hits, 54 RBI’s, 47 runs, and 7 home runs. Perez is batting .632, with an on base percentage of .694, 43 hits, 35 RBIs, 52 runs and 5 home runs. The team total for home runs is 23.

Look for the Lady Bulldogs’ NCS game schedule on MaxPreps via the Community Focus at www.ourcommunityfocus.com. Photos by Greg Jungferman

KAOS Takes Second

Heritage Soccer Club U15 Girls Team KAOS competed in the NorCal Premier Soccer 2015-2016 State Cup. After being seeded Number 1 in their bracket, they won their next three games to land them in the Championship Match played on May 14 at Cosumnes River College against the Santa Cruz Jaws. After nearly 80 minutes of play and with the score tied at 0-0, Santa Cruz edged out KAOS with a list minute goal to end the game at 1-0. KAOS has been together for the last 4 years and has enjoyed much success both on and off the field.

Top Row (LtoR): Head Coach Matt Kendall, Katie Paredero, Sarah Becker, Isabel Dumapit, Gianna Sarrasin, Katey Jo Wohlers, Maggie Avila, Gabby Darden, Haley Friel, Assistant Coach Oscar Inclan. Bottom Row (LtoR): Abigail Castaneda, Brianna Nevares, Olivia Bielskis, Rylee McCormick, Chiara Gaspari, Kylie Lynn, Sammy Sutton. Not pictured: Ruth Acevedo, Ana Carabez, Hannah Eales, Vanessa Kaminska

Silver for RIOT Briana Perez

Karlee Sparacino

Swim Team Success

Going into their state cup berth, MPHFC U14 team Riot was the decided underdog but kept proving everyone wrong by hanging on and winning two of their four knockout games by penalty kicks to get them to the championship match. With only one sub on their bench, they battled a team from Clovis but were outscored in the final 5 minutes.

The final score was 2-1. The girls were very proud to have made it so far. Congratulations!

The College Park mens swim team won the DVAL Championships at the Northgate Aquatic Center, April 30, the first time since 2012.

At NCS, the men set a school record in the 200-medley relay, which included Matt Lanzara, Matt Wilcox, Jordan Fetterman, and Coleman Carpenter. Swimmers that qualified to swim individual events at NCS included: Coleman Carpenter (Jr): 50 Free, 100 Back; Jordan Fetterman (Jr): 200 IM, 100 Fly; Matt Fetterman (Fr): 200 IM, 500 Free; Logan Heaney (So): 500 Free; Matt Lanzara (Fr): 100 Back; Caden Tattenham (Sr): 100 Breast and Matt Wilcox (So): 100 Breast. Jordan Fetterman qualified for the CIF State Meet in the 200 IM. (LtoR): Coach Jason Roche, Makayla Clauson, Payton Heaney, Jenna Lindenau, Amanda Philson, Hannah Alves, Teeny Osmundsen, Lexi Alford, Jane Roche, Kaylee Gorham, Kate Philson, Thea Winterich, Riley Hadfield and Coach Scott Alford. Not pictured: Coach Dan Hadfield.

Special Event, Aviation & Adventure Photographer in Pleasant Hill, CA

San Francisco Bay Area photographer, Susan Wood chases light from land, sea & sky, delivering high quality images to corporate and non-profit clients, families, and individuals. Shooting with passion and high energy, her ability to “capture the moment” shines through in the wide variety of photographs she delivers.

(LtoR): Jared Freet, Bryce Ulrich, Matt Lanzara, Coach Vicky Dewey, Logan Heaney, Coach Joe Kaput, Coleman Carpenter, Jordan Fetterman, Matt Fetterman and Caden Tattenham. Photo by Cathy Lanzara.

2015

(925) 939-7060 | SusanWoodPhotography.com | susanwoodphoto@hotmail.com ourcommunityfocus.com • june 2016

25

Rankin Aquatic Center Now Open Swim Program for Summer 2016 is Released

The City of Martinez has released the 2016 Swim Program for the Rankin Aquatic Center (RAC). The pool is open now with limited hours for lap swimming, water aerobics, and the Martinez Community Swim Team. The facility opens to the general public for swimming the first two weekends in June. Daily operations begin Tuesday, June 14.

The RAC swim program includes hours of operation, along with information on swim lessons, lap swimming, water aerobics, pool parties, a junior lifeguard program, and the Water Safety Mermaids.

Parents can now sign‐up for affordable, one-week swim lessons for infants, toddlers, and children. Swim lessons are 30 minutes long and are held over four days.

Morning lessons are Tuesday – Friday. Afternoon and evening lessons are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Lap swimming has limited hours through June 9. The summer lap schedule begins June 10, and

a minimum of two lanes is available when the pool is open to the public. Season passes are now available, and this year, non‐residents are able to purchase a pass.

Water aerobics is always a party in the pool. Great instructors and great participants make for a fun hour of water exercise. Water aerobics is held Thursdays, 3:15 – 4:15pm, and Fridays, 5:20 – 6:20pm, until June 9. June 13 – October 28 water aerobics is held at 5:20 – 6:20pm, with additional deep water and Saturday schedules.

Pool parties are extremely popular, with many options to choose from throughout the summer, including rec swim and private pool parties. Dates are filling up; to reserve a party, call Martinez Recreation at 372‐3510.

Not old enough to become a lifeguard but would like to work at the pool as a volunteer? Sign‐up for lifeguard camp and learn life-saving skills. Once a student graduates from the program, they can

volunteer to assist lifeguards during open swim, or to assist instructors at swim lessons. Volunteers earn sweatshirts, T-shirts, and other junior lifeguard gear.

The city is pleased to have the water safety ambassadors, the Water Safety Mermaids, out and about teaching preschoolers how to remain safe in and around

the water. The Mermaids visit the schools dressed in colorful “old time” bathing suits, and they read stories, discuss swimming rules, and show the children how to wear a lifejacket. For more information on the Rankin Aquatic Center, contact Martinez Recreation at 372‐3510 or 372‐3551. Contact the pool in June at 370‐6451.

PH Residents Want Services

Pleasant Hill residents want to protect local funds from state takeaways, restore maintenance to vital roads, and provide a seismically safe library, according to a recent public opinion research survey. The survey, conducted in April 2016 by the opinion research firm Godbe Research, also shows that residents are interested in providing additional funding to ensure local control of local funds for local needs.

Based on interviews with over 400 randomly selected residents, the independent survey found that over 69% of respondents would be interested in providing funding for essential city services that is controlled locally and can’t be seized by the state. Basic and essential city concerns topping the list included: fixing potholes and repairing neighborhood streets (77.4%); maintaining neighborhood police patrols (73.9%); repairing and maintaining sidewalks (70.3%) and storm drains (70.8%); and providing a library that meets current health, safety, fire and seismic standards (66.9%).

“We have a backlog of over $15 million dollars in street maintenance and over $9 million in needed storm drain upgrades that

we cannot address with our current funding levels,” stated City Manager June Catalano.

“By maintaining public safety services and improving street maintenance, Pleasant Hill will remain attractive to businesses, visitors, and homebuyers.” Catalano also noted that the Pleasant Hill Library, the most heavily used library in the county, is more than 50 years old and does not currently meet earthquake standards for libraries built today.

The public overall is very happy with the city, with nearly 85% stating they were satisfied with the job Pleasant Hill is doing to provide services. But the results do show those residents are interested in maintaining and enhancing local investment in local services, particularly in regard to safety. Over the coming months, the city will continue to solicit community input on what essential city services should be maintained and resident views about locally controlled options. Residents can provide their feedback through an online survey at www.pleasanthillca.org/survey.

For questions regarding survey methodology, contact Bryan Godbe with Godbe Research at (650) 479-1127.

Martinez Recreation

HAS IT ALL! Rankin Aquatic Center $31 Group Swim Lessons $21 Parent Tot Lessons

Affordable Playground Program Daily drop-in fees

Lego & Sports Camps

Visit www.cityofmartinez.org or call Martinez Recreation at 925-372-3510

26

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ourcommunityfocus.com • june 2016

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ROAD TRIPS presented by Les Schwab in Martinez Lavender Month in Sonoma Wine Country

Each June, Sonoma County blossoms with lavender and celebrates with lavender festivals, lavender sales, and even lavender-inspired dining.

The Sonoma Lavender company opens its barn/ warehouse to the public at the Sonoma Lavender Open House on June 18-19 & June 25-26, 12-4pm. You can cut fresh lavender and peruse hundreds of lavender products, including hot/cold wraps, lavender bath & body products, diffusers, candles, gifts, sachets, and bouquets.

To get there, take CA-37 W to CA-121 N to CA 12 W. The 8 picturesque miles on CA 12 from Sonoma to Kenwood is littered with wineries, big and small, providing many places to stop and explore. Midway between Sonoma and Kenwood is Glenn Ellen, a quaint town to stop for lunch or hike at Jack London State Park. Your final destination, the Sonoma Lavender Barn, is located at 8537 Sonoma Highway (Hwy 12), Kenwood. Turn east at Chateau St. Jean winery and follow the signs. For more info, visit www.sonomalavender.com or call 707-523-4411 ext. 2.

FREE PRE-TRIP CAR CHECK

Tires, Alignment, Brakes, Battery, Struts/Shocks, Tire Air Pressure No purchase necessary, must present coupon.

Dwayne Glemser Manager

www.lesschwabmartinez.com

3800 Alhambra, Martinez • (925)370-6382

Travel Trends Dear First Time Cruiser

BY JEREMY CARLSON, VINOCRUISING

I am excited you are getting ready to jump into the wonderful world of cruising and have chosen me to assist with your travel plans! Cruising opens up the world in ways that typical air and land travel do not.

First, there’s the ease of the cruising travel experience. There is nothing better than getting onto your ship, settling into your stateroom, and unpacking one time, for the entire course of your vacation! When travelling on land, moving from hotel to hotel and living out of a suitcase can be less than ideal.

The second great thing about cruising? Welcome to your floating resort. It is not often that you get the chance to walk through a small city (or hotel), eat what you want when you want, be entertained with musicians and Broadway caliber shows, and have it all included in your sail price. Meals and entertainment typically are not included in land travel.

The third and probably best part of cruising? Going to bed in one place and waking up somewhere new. Most traveling is done while you sleep (with

the exception of sea days, of course), and that entire time you’ll completely relax. Think about it: you could get on an airplane or shuttle and possibly be at the destination sooner, but oh, the packing, the security lines, the travel time. Travelling to the next port while on the ship allows more time to truly enjoy a vacation you worked so hard to make happen. Remember, when cruising time stops for you, your priorities change, you begin to relax, and you move at your own pace.

I hope you find these three reasons to cruise just as exciting as I have. Remember, cruises can also be an excellent locale to host a family reunion, girl’s getaway, honeymoon, or any special occasion. Cruising is a fun and exciting way to see the world: from tropical locations in the Caribbean to adventurous treks to Alaska, from cruising the Mediterranean to a mid-summer cruise through the Arctic Circle, your cruise ship is your front porch to the world.

The world is waiting for you - go out and meet her.

Bon Voyage, Jeremy Carlson Vacation Specialist

2015

EXPIRES 6/30/16

Mark Ellinwood, Owner

ANTS • SPIDERS • MICE • RATS • FLEAS • 1 TIME SPRAY OK 28

june 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Martinez Campbell Theatre High Seas Musical Adventure, Esperanza

Onstage Repertory Theatre sets course for a high seas adventure with the world premiere of Esperanza, by Gretchen Givens and Linda Gregg. It runs through June 5 at the Martinez Campbell Theatre.

Onstage Artistic Director Helen Means, long known for fostering new works, is excited to take on this project, which the writers have been developing for over a decade. Founded by Means in 1978, Onstage has produced over 30 world premieres in Pleasant Hill, Concord, Walnut Creek, and Martinez. She says, “Our audiences love being a part of seeing a new work thrive.”

Givens, a local writer/composer from Martinez, has been working long dis-

tance with Gregg, a transplanted Californian now living in Hereford, England. The two met 45 years ago while in a Wyoming theatre. According to Givens, Esperanza is a tale of high seas adventure, complete with romance and pirates. The story starts in the mind of Maggie, a member of a romance writing class who finds herself bouncing back and forth between romance in the fantasy world and romance in the real world.

The title character’s name, Esperanza, is Spanish for hope, and Givens is hopeful about the premiere: “It’s a must-see for anyone who ever dreamed of living the lives we were meant to lead, not the ones we sometimes settle for. This has been

truly a labor of love, and it’s difficult to overstate our excitement watching the show come to life.” Givens added she and Gregg are fortunate “to live a dream we had once only imagined,” and they are thankful “to have two extremely creative directors in Mark (Hinds) and Helen, as well as a very talented cast and imaginative technical crew.”

Musical direction for Esperanza is

by Jene’ Bombardier, choreography is

by Anne Baker, and the cast includes Rhonda Joy Taylor (Pleasanton), Mitchell Munroe (Martinez), Jene’ Bombardier (Martinez), Lisa Luttinger (Pittsburg), Matthew Martin (Pleasant Hill), Sal Russo (El Sobrante), Martin Ashe (Martinez), Linda Sciacqua (San Ramon) and Remington Stone (Pinole).

In addition to Esperanza! A Pirate Romance, Gretchen and Linda have written three other musical stage plays: Leaving Limbo, Canyon Road, and We Don’t Know Jack. They also wrote the screenplay for Doublejack and a book about their experiences trying to get iconic Hollywood star Jack Nicholson to read their screenplay.

Hinds is also the Campbell Theatre’s managing director, and he is optimistic about the Campbell’s contribution to revitalizing downtown Martinez. “Our

Rhonda Joy Taylo plays the title character, Esperanza

audiences are growing, and they have appreciated the new works produced here. Many patrons are visiting the area’s restaurants and coffee houses before the shows. The theatre is truly helping bring people downtown in Martinez.”

Means said that Esperanza has a dash of adult humor and is rated “AARRGGHH” for steamy fun, so it is not recommended for children.

Esperanza performs through June 5 at the Martinez Campbell Theatre, 636 Ward St., Martinez. Tickets at the door are $22 general, $18 seniors and students, and they may be reserved by calling (925) 518-3277. On Bargain Night Thursdays, all tickets $15. For more information, visit Onstagetheatre.homestead.com.

For the Home You’ve Always Wanted...Call Us Today

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2015

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Local Works East Bay Event

Calling All Artists, Crafters & Up-Cyclers

Support Local Artists, Makers, Craftspeople and Small Businesses!

Event Date/Time: July 9th, 2016 from 10 AM to 2 PM Event Location: The Winslow Center 2590 Pleasant Hill Rd. Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 This Event is FREE to attend!

For news and more “Like” us on Facebook at Facebook.com/LocalWorksEB Interested in representing your art, crafts, or small business?

Visit us on facebook or email LocalWorksEB@gmail.com for more information.

Space is limited!

Local Works East Bay’s first event will be held Saturday, July 9, in the parking lot of the Winslow Center, from 10am to 2pm.

We’re hoping to attract local people who create, craft, up cycle, restore or provide a service – in other words, the “starving artists” who are passionate about their art or hobby. For those who sink their time, money, and energy into whatever it is they do, Local Works East Bay is a place they can come and showcase their craft.

If you enjoy the art festivals that abound in the summer and fall, mark your calendar for July 9 and come out and support our very first event. We will have a special raffle, so please pick up a ticket upon entering.

A few months back, I met a woman who has a small home business called Lifting the Dream. She creates really fun, inspirational, and whimsical fitness T-shirts, and we got to talking about women who create out of their homes. I told her about

wanting to have a giant art show highlighting people’s arts and crafts, especially those who do it for the love of it and who might not know where to showcase their creations. We discussed where to have our show, and I recalled that after 9/11, I held a giant fundraiser/garage sale in the parking lot at the Winslow Center. They were generous with allowing us to use the space for a minimal amount. We ended up raising over $2500 for the American Red Cross. I thought the Winslow Center would be the perfect location for our event, and with the community’s support, it will be.

So, to all you wonderful artists, crafters, makers, and small-business people, come show AND sell your creations!

The future of Local Works East Bay depends on the interest from the community and the success of our first event, however, if I can inspire people to create something from an old piece of wood or reimagine the use of something destined for the trash pile, then a big part of my dream will be “lifted.” Fortunately, there’s a big movement happening now to repurpose cast off items. Just check out Pinterest for great ideas! That sort of “art” is a boon for the planet and future generations.

Dee Assael and Malia Warren welcome questions about Local Works East Bay. Please email them at LocalWorksEB@ gmail.com.

Sunset Ridge Gives Back

An ice cream social was held at the Sunrise Ridge Community in Martinez for the residents and owners. After learning that the Contra Costa Food Bank needs are greater during the summer months than at other times of the year, the Sunrise Ridge Social Committee collected over 125 pounds of food and donated it to the food bank. The ice cream social enhanced goodwill within the community and benefited local families in need.

to the Four Lucky Winners of the Community Focus Mother’s Day Giveaway

Sherry Quintana, Lea Harrington, Carolyn Oliver & Sara Calhoun

NITY FO MU C M

US

Congratulations

CO

4 Lucky Winners!

COMMUNITY SPONSOR

PROUDLY SUPPORTED

BY THESE COMMUNITY SPONSORS Businesses Invested in the Community

SPONSORED BY:

Don and Norma Flaskerud Broker/Owners Flaskerud Team

Rinn a Community Sponsor.

Learn about the benefits ofMatt becoming Contact us at info@ourcommunityfocus.com 30

june 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

Clarinet Fusion Returns

Clarinet Fusion, the Bay Area’s premiere clarinet choir, returns to the Pleasant Hill Senior Center on Friday, July 1, at 7pm to present “Fun in the Sun!”

In this performance, the ten members of Clarinet Fusion perform a variety of favorites that includes marches, jazz, Latin, patriotic, Irish, and more! This is Clarinet Fusion’s fourth concert at the Pleasant Hill Senior Center, as past audiences continue to call for the group’s return for more of their fine and varied music.

The talented musicians of Clarinet Fusion thoroughly enjoy the great reception they receive from an audience that spans all ages. Bring your children and grandchildren. Let them see and hear six different kinds of clarinets, from the high-pitched 19” E flat soprano clarinet to the low-pitched 9-foot double B flat contra bass clarinet.

What a great way to introduce budding young children to the wonders of music and encourage them to learn to play! Clarinet Fusion will have a display table full of unique clarinets to be viewed by all, and they will also be available to answer questions from young and old alike.

This very talented group is made up of musicians throughout the Bay Area who rehearse weekly in Pleasant Hill at the home of Karyn Weber, founder of the group. Clarinet Fusion just recently performed at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco as part of the San Francisco Symphony’s Community of Music Makers chamber music workshop program.

Please join Clarinet Fusion for some Fun in the Sun! Doors open at 6:15pm; concert is 7 – 8:15pm. Refreshments served prior to the concert. Presale admission $5 or $8 at the door.

For more info and to purchase tickets, call 925-798-8788. For more information about Clarinet Fusion and to view videos, visit www.clarinetfusion.org. You can also contact Tom Weber, the group’s business manager, at clarinetfusion@sbcglobal.net.

SENIOR CALENDARS SPONSORED BY: MICHAEL BRIONEZ

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

925-288-0477

michael@michaelbrionez.com

Martinez Senior Activities

818 Green Street, Martinez 925-370-8770 June 7 - Consult With an Attorney Program 1-3:30pm. Sarah, Attorney At Law will cover topics such as housing, consumer debt, restraining orders and conservatorship.

Senior Legal Services provides FREE legal assistance to seniors, 60 or over, and current residents of Contra Costa County. Call the center for an appointment.

Tuesdays & Thursdays Yoga with Linda 8-9am. Linda Burkard has studied extensively in various styles of yoga, specializing in yoga therapy. She is trained to work with seniors and those with special health circumstances. Wear loose fitting clothes and bring a yoga mat. $5 drop in fee.

Wednesdays - Community Quilts 1-4pm. Learn to quilt a community quilt using our fabric and equipment to learn some simple quilt patterns. Quilts will be donated to help out our community. Free.

June 12 - Pancake Breakfast 8-11am. Pancakes or toast, sausage, eggs, orange juice and coffee. Everyone welcome. $4 adults/$2.50 for children 10 and under. Handmade crafts for sale. Always open to the public.

SENIOR CALENDARS SPONSORED BY:

Linda J. Weihofen

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

Pleasant Hill Senior Activities

The Caregiver Experience

The Alzheimer’s Association, in partnership with Rehabilitation Services of Northern California (RSNC), is pleased to present a free day of pampering and resources for caregivers at the Centre Concord, 5298 Clayton Road, Concord, on June 14, 9:30am - 2:00pm.

The theme of the day is “Relax…Rejuvenate…Recenter,” because a caregiver at their best can provide the best care. Mini sessions focus on self-nurturing skills, such as deep relaxation techniques, guided imagery, Zentangle, and more. Among the speakers are Ruth Gay, who will discuss Alzheimer’s disease and what it means to be an advocate and a caregiver, and Jacques Bernou, who will address “Healing the Healer.” A free catered lunch and snacks are provided.

To register for this free event, go to www.rsnc-centers.org/the-caregiver-experience/ or phone Bonnie Price at (925) 682-6330 X110.

Sons of Italy Summer BBQ

The Sons of Italy Diablo Valley Lodge #2167 is having a summer BBQ, June 5, 11am to 3pm, at the Viano Vineyards, 150 Morello Avenue, Martinez. The public is invited to join in!

This event is catered by Steel Smokin’ BBQ of Pleasant Hill. Wine may be purchased at Viano Vineyards. Reservations are required and seating is limited. This is an adults only event.

Cost is $20 per person for non-SOI members and $15 for SOI members. For reservations, contact Anne Mobley by phone, 925-788-8824, or email whiterabbit531@sbcglobal.net

by June 1. This chapter of the Sons of Italy meets once per month at the Chilpancingo Vista Apartment Complex, 102 Chilpancingo Parkway, Pleasant Hill, on the third Thursday of the month at 6pm.

233 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill 925-798-8788 June 3 – Vagabond Players present Fabulous Follies Decades at 1:30pm. A musical revue of the songs and dances of the decades! Pre-sale tickets: $10, day of: $15. Chateau Room, Senior Center.

June 5 - Pancake Breakfast 9:30-10:30am. All ages welcome! Enjoy a stack of pancakes or French toast, eggs, sausage, orange juice and coffee. Adults (11+): $5, children (5-10): $3, 4 & under: free.

June 9 - Care Management Series 2-3:30pm. “If I drink that much water, I’ll have to go to the bathroom” presented by Lori Bastian, Carlton Senior Living. Free. Reserve spot: (925) 798-8788.

June 22 - First-Aid & CPR/AED Workshop 9am-3pm. Comprehensive American Heart Association course covers CPR, AED use and general first-aid for adults, children and infants. Great for caregivers, coaches, troop leaders, outdoor enthusiasts, babysitters and anyone wanting to be prepared for emergency situations. Card available upon successful completion. Bring lunch. $140/$125 (Dist. Res.). Register at pleasanthillrec.com.

Father’s Day 3

ENTER

2016

Luc ky

Giveaway Contest winners ourcommunityfocus.com TO WIN ourcommunityfocus.com • june 2016

31

In the Garden

Summer Riches: Berries, Stone Fruit and Tomatoes

BY LESLEY STILES

Local ridges fade and deepen to a golden brown with alarming swiftness after El Niño’s rains impart her last hydrating drops. As you hike in the hills, fat coyotes, cows and squirrels happily hide and rustle in tall oats and wheat, sending nerves up your spine as you prepare to jump in anticipation of a rattler, interrupted while sunning. Seldom seen, they share their homes with us, and caution should be taken when hiking as the mercury climbs. Hike early and often to avoid heat and snakes.

The massive benefit of rising temps is an incredibly lush local produce season: tomatoes, peppers, stone fruits and more explode onto the farmer’s market scene.

Any kind of berry you can imagine is available at the local farmers’ markets or, better yet, while you’re out walking on a beautiful trail. Sweet strawberries sit next to equally precious armies of blueberries, raspberries and fat blackberries, waiting impatiently for rich, lemony pound cake, lavishly draped with vanilla scented whipped cream. We have blackberry bushes all over my neighborhood, and bushes are filled to drunken blue jay capacity with elderberries proudly waiting to be picked by human or avian.

Raspberries, white or red and shining with nectar, entice with intoxicating scents as you stroll by bowed tables, heavy with fruit that lures you with visions of pies, tarts, crisps, and jams.

Restless with this amazing profusion of berries, scientists in all their curiosity and stamina created the amazing, fat, juicy olallieberry. Pronounced “oh-la-leh,” it is a dainty cross between the loganberry and

PCFMA.ORG 32

the youngberry, each a cross among blackberries, raspberries and loganberries. Could get confusing, but placing said olallieberry on your tongue and closing your eyes as it melts into your taste buds should alleviate all doubts of origin. This berry will probably only be found at your farmers’ market.

The explosive simplicity of eating a berry on its own during early season can be the purest form of flavor gratification, but as you get deeper into berry mania, other forms of culinary berry satisfaction are easily achieved. Top short cakes (pound or biscuit) with berries macerated in a drop of sugar, which pulls out the juices, along with a touch of water and Grand Marnier.

Set aside and forget for a few hours, then drape over cake, and top with sweetened, whipped mascarpone. In a word, heavenly. For a salad fit for any party table, toss berries into fresh market greens with feta and toasted, chopped almonds, then dress with lemon juice and olive oil. Mixing into any seasonal fruit combination makes for a tasty salad, but mixing into granola and yogurt topped with honey defines early morning breakfast splendor.

Antennae perk up as fat heirloom tomatoes burst through their skins and greedy hands push through lines to procure the best for Caprese salad or buttery grilled tomato and havarti sandwiches, possibly with thick, crispy slabs of bacon. Almost perfect in smooth, cool simplicity are every manner of cucumbers, from Japanese to pickling. They swarm, tendrils entwined, into shoppers’ bags and await salads tossed with feta and cherry tomatoes or jars with savory vinegar concoctions.

Stone fruits command their own continent among the many countries of summer produce. There are enough choices to eat a

1.800.949.FARM

june 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

10:00am 2:00pm

different one daily for six months, but when human beings glom onto a favorite, we do tend to wear it out. Early in June, white or yellow apricots emerge as cherries winnow to a close. Recently, certain varieties of cherries, such as Corral, have been created to last a bit longer, but by June’s end, local cherries become a sweet memory, as do most local apricots. A lot of the fruit grown at the farmers’ markets hail from the Central Valley, and as it gets a bit hotter there than here, fruits ripen and peak more rapidly, relenting to season’s end with sometimes alarming swiftness. As the month reaches toward the longest day of the year, we are blessed with peak perfect peaches and nectarines and consume them in various ways. My favorite is leaning over a sink, with juices dripping down everywhere. From white to yellow, tropical to tart, varieties abound enough for even the pickiest palettes.

Picking fruit hot from your trees is best, but second best is the farmers’ market, where they are trucked in after being picked for

Yellow Nectarine Spinach & Feta Salad INGREDIENTS 2 pounds of cleaned, trimmed spinach 2 or 3 nice big nectarines ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese 3 tablespoons good olive oil 2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar DIRECTIONS Tear spinach into a salad bowl. Peel and pit nectarines and slice into salad bowl.

Toss in feta cheese. Sprinkle on olive oil and vinegar. Toss and season with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper if desired.

Serves 4.

..........................................................

GREGORY DR at TRELANY RD

just a day or two of travel, as opposed to the supermarket, with weeks or months of travel and storage. Our local Pleasant Hill Produce Market has produce that’s awesome, local, mostly from Brentwood and sometimes from family trees, and should not be over looked. Like it or not, summer has arrived with a bang in the Diablo Valley.

Embrace where we call home and eat well while getting out on the ridges to burn it off!

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.

Fresh Peach Cake INGREDIENTS 5 tablespoons butter, softened 2 eggs ¾ cup sugar ½ cup flour 1 teaspoon each baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt 2 teaspoons freshly ground cinnamon 2 cups peeled and chopped peaches 1 cup fresh blueberries ½ cup chopped toasted walnuts DIRECTIONS • Preheat oven to 375*. Grease and flour a 9-inch baking pan.

• Cream together butter and sugar. Add vanilla and eggs. Sift together dry ingredients and add to wet ingredients. Add fruit and nuts. Mix together. Spoon into prepared pan. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. This cake is rich and nice by itself or you can frost with a powdered sugar glaze.

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June 11: All Day - CPR demos, by Heart 2 Heart Solutions.

10:30am & 11:00am - Tai Chi demos and classes, by Taoist Tai Chi Society.

June 25: 10:00am - “Story Time”, by Pleasant Hill Library.

In the Mix What Song are You?

BY PAUL COTRUVO

A few issues ago, I asked a few local dignitaries, “If you were a song, what song would you be and why?” I do not ask this question lightly, nor am I trying to channel my inner Barbara Walters. I truly believe music can shape our lives and inspire all of us to be better human beings. The answers are always interesting and revealing. And let me tell you, this is an extremely hard question to answer. I was asked this question a few years back when I was interviewed. The song I chose was, “With a Little Help From My Friends.” I still think it’s my first choice, but when I think about it again, I can come up with three or four more that might define who I am. So let’s see what some others answered.

Lafayette City Council Member Brandt Andersson had this to say: “Very interesting question. I’ll give you a couple of them. ‘Life is But a Dream (it’s what you make it)’ by The Harptones.

We’re all dealt different hands in life, but what matters is what we do with the hand we’re dealt. ‘Someone to Watch Over Me’ by George and Ira Gershwin.

I’m never sure if I identify with the person watching or the one being watched over, but what’s important is that we watch over one another. ‘Always Look on the Bright Side of Life’ by Monty Py-

thon. Unwavering optimism in the face of adversity is a fundamental quality of any public servant.”

Martinez Mayor Rob Schroder chimed in: “After discussing this with my daughter, we decided I would choose ‘Deacon Blues’ by Steely Dan. When my daughter was very young, she and I would listen to Steely Dan and dance in the living room. Those memories of her childhood days are special to both of us (she is now 24). Although the actual lyrics have references to a musician expressing him/herself, I relate to the song not only because of the memories and melody, but also the message of breaking out of a mold and expanding the view of our purpose and universe.

Being an elected official, I am expected to conduct myself in a certain manner, which I do. But there are other facets to my being that the public will never know.”

I thought I would also ask the “Community Focus Ladies,” the wonderful publishers of this newspaper, the same question. Jennifer Neys said, “This was a TOUGH one, but I came up with ‘You Learn’ by Alanis Morissette because life is one enormous classroom!

Becky Coburn said, ““Dance Me to the End of Love.’ The pop girl in me likes Madeleine Peyroux’s version. For me it’s a beautiful song about lasting love and how the ‘dance’ keeps love steady, strong, and sweet through years of

Paul’s Picks June 4: Frankie G. & The Conviction, Wise Girl, 1932 Oak Park Blvd. Pleasant Hill, 9pm June 8: The Lost Weekend, Zachary’s Pizza, 140 Crescent Dr, Pleasant Hill, 6pm June 10: Ticket to Ride, Rock the Plaza, Lafayette Plaza, Lafayette, 6:30pm June 10: The List, Wise Girl, 1932 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill, 9pm June 11: Caroompas Room, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pm June 12: The Groove Doctors, Summer by the Lake Concert, Pleasant Hill City Hall, 6pm June 17: The Big Jangle, Rock the Plaza, Lafayette Plaza, Lafayette, 6:30pm June 22: The Bell Brothers, Zachary’s Pizza, 140 Crescent Dr., Pleasant Hill, 6pm June 25: Sin Silver, Rocco’s Pizzeria, 2909 Ygnacio Valley Rd., Walnut Creek, 8:30pm June 26: Sunday Paper, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 4pm June 26: Stung, Summer by the Lake Concert, Pleasant Hill City Hall, 6pm June 29: Garageland Rodeo Duo, Zachary’s Pizza, 140 Crescent Dr., Pleasant Hill, 6pm

sharing a life with someone and all that that entails. It’s incredibly romantic. My poor husband is bound to feel some pressure when he reads this.” Elena Hutslar said, “I came up with ‘Morning Has Broken” sung by Cat Stevens. I grew up listening to a lot of Cat Stevens and this song has special memories of family vacations, specifically a camping trip when one early morning we heard

someone playing his guitar and singing this song. Then and now, this song fills me with peace and gratitude for the simplest of things that life offers. Every morning is a new day and a blessing.”

So, what song are you? Not as easy as you think.

Quote of the Month: “The song is ended, but the melody lingers on.” -Irving Berlin

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ourcommunityfocus.com • june 2016

33

Pair Up Dad’s Dinner

BY MARIA TERRY

I grew up in a house where parties were the norm. Even though my mom was generally the main cook, my dad is no slouch. He is the master of the grill and a great bartender. Also, on some occasions, he can be found in the kitchen whipping up one of his specialties.

My dad taught me how to make authentic guacamole. When his father’s work took the family to Mexico, his mother became an expert at tacos, enchiladas, and many other traditional Mexican favorites. He explained to me that the simplest recipes are often the best. For guacamole it is all about highlighting the delectable avocado. He adds just a little garlic for kick and some salt to bring out the flavor. Every once in a while, if he’s feeling a little spicy, he adds some serrano pepper. When he does bring the heat, a Mango Margarita is a great pairing partner. Its fresh, fruity sweetness tamps down the spice in the guacamole, and the icy cold cleanses the palate of the rich oils found in avocado.

The main course for this meal needs to be something that goes well with my dad’s favorite wine, Zinfandel.

It is an approachable red wine that has bright berry fruit and soft, supple tannins. What would my dad pair with this wine? A fantastic cut of meat seasoned with plenty of salt and grilled until just barely warm in the center. For the starch, he loves baked potatoes. He eats the whole thing, skin included. His trick to creating a baked potato with a delicious skin is to scrub it well, slather it with olive oil, and sprinkle it with salt.

Finally, for a green vegetable that goes with red wine, he’ll roast some fresh asparagus drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar and season it with salt, pepper and chili powder. You will find that roasting reduces the bitterness found in asparagus, and the balsamic vinegar and chili powder accentuate the berry fruit in the wine.

I have never known my dad to bake, but he loves dessert. I found this recipe for Nectarine Upside-Down Cake and felt it would be just up his alley. It is a little rustic, incredibly moist, and has those crunchy edges of caramelized sugar that come with an upside-down cake. Caramelized flavors are great with late harvest dessert wines. Although just about any white dessert wine will work with this cake, I particularly like the idea of a late harvest Sémillon. It has a honeyed quality with stone fruit

2015

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flavors and aromas that will echo the nectarines in the cake exactly. Sémillon is a thick-skinned grape often grown in regions where the vineyards are blanketed in a morning mist. This is the ideal climate for cultivating Botrytis cinerea, which is also called noble rot.

The Botrytis desiccates the berries and

magnifies their sweetness. Some of the most wonderful dessert wines in the world, like Sauternes, are affected by Botrytis.

So, go on. Pair Up!

Maria Terry is a Certified Sommelier and Wine Educator in the San Francisco Bay Area. www.LaSommelierre.com.

Guacamole

Nectarine UpsideDown Cake

INGREDIENTS 2 avocados 2 garlic cloves, chopped fine or crushed ½ serrano pepper, ribs and seeds removed, chopped fine (optional) Salt to taste DIRECTIONS Mash everything together. Serve immediately with tortilla chips.

Yield: 2-3 Cups

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Mango Margarita INGREDIENTS 2 limes 2 tablespoons coarse or regular sugar Two 20-ounce jars mango chunks, drained Ice, for blending 1 1/2 cups tequila 1 1/2 cups triple sec 1/2 cup granulated sugar DIRECTIONS Begin by zesting the limes. Pour the coarse sugar over the lime zest and toss with your fingers to combine. Set aside.

Throw the mango into the blender.

Top off the blender with ice. Pour the tequila and triple sec. Add the granulated sugar and squeeze in the juice of the limes. Blend until completely smooth, adding more ice if necessary to get it the consistency you want.

Use a piece of one of the limes to moisten the rim of the glasses. Dip the rims of the glasses in the lime sugar.

Serve immediately.

Yield: 8 Servings

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INGREDIENTS 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature 1/2 cup brown sugar 4 cups nectarines, cut into bite-sized pieces or 1/4 inch slices 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt 3/4 cup granulated sugar 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 325ºF. Place 4 tablespoons butter in a round 9-inch cake pan and melt in oven. When melted, sprinkle brown sugar evenly over top.

Arrange nectarines in one even layer in bottom of pan.

In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, beat 6 tablespoons butter until light and fluffy, add sugar and beat until combined, beat eggs one at a time and mix in vanilla. With the mixer on low, add flour mixture in three parts, alternating with yogurt until combined.

Pour cake batter over nectarines and bake until cake is dark golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean, about an hour and 10 minutes.

Let cool 15 minutes, run a knife along the edge to loosen and invert cake onto a serving plate.

Yield: 8-10 servings

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CS Cake Ad February 2015.pdf

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Logo Chosen

Shell/MEF Run Logo Contest

Congratulations to Miguel Gonzalez from Alhambra High School for designing the winning logo for the 14th Annual Shell/MEF Run for Education. The run is scheduled for Sunday, October 2. Fifty-four entries were submitted from the four Martinez Unified School District elementary schools, Martinez Junior High, and Alhambra High School. Four runner-ups were chosen because it was such a challenging decision: Yuxin Shi from Alhambra High, Ashirvad Neupane from MJHS, Tyler Allan from Morello Park Elementary, and Sophie Broderick from John Swett Elementary. These designs are on display through June at the MUSD office on Susana St. Thanks to all who crafted a logo design! Mark your calendars for the run on October 2.

201 5

Miguel Gonzalez from Alhambra High School.

MOVING & STORAGE, INC. First place logo design with the four runner-ups.

Eagle Scout Award

College Park junior Derek Jon Sorensen, 16, of Boy Scout Troop 277 in Pleasant Hill, was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout on May 22 at the Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony, held at the Hope Center Covenant Church in Pleasant Hill. For Derek’s Eagle Scout project he supervised 24 volunteers to repackage over 6,000 prosthetic hands for the Ellen Meadows Prosthetic Hand Foundation. His project allows his beneficiary to easily ship prosthetic hands in uniform boxes. The first five repackaged boxes were sent to India. His Scoutmaster is Frank Powell and former Scout Masters include Mike Warriner, Don Hinton and Mark Paulson.

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35

Juneteenth

A Celebration Through Dance

What do Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Martha Graham Company, The Metropolitan Opera, and Broadway all have in common? Grown Women Dance Collective! This breathtaking dance company presents their 7th annual production of Fallen Heroes, Rising Stars: A Juneteenth Celebration Through Dance, June 25, at 2pm and 8pm.

Grown Women Dance Collective is the brainchild of Tonya Marie Amos, owner of award-winning Aspire Pilates Center in Concord, and uses dance to build community bridges. Tonya leverages her many years as a New York professional dancer to assemble a cast of heavy-hitting, internationally respected dancers and musicians to celebrate dance, music, and American history. These awe-inspiring performances celebrate the ending of slavery in the United States, with a powerhouse lineup of tributes to fallen musical artists whose contributions will impact us for many generations. Over 45 cultural icons, includI’m not in trouble anymore!

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ing Whitney Houston, Natalie Cole, Phife Dawg, Michael Jackson, Maya Angelou, and Prince are celebrated, with beautifully crafted pieces danced by former soloists of major New York dance companies and Broadway shows.

Juneteenth is the oldest, nationally celebrated commemoration of African American liberation from slavery. The tradition dates back to June 19th, 1865, when Union soldiers informed enslaved people in Texas, two and a half years after President Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation, that slavery had “ended.” Today, Juneteenth celebrates African American freedom and encourages self-development and respect for all cultures.

Through the power of dancers in their 40s and 50s, this uplifting, inspiring, can’tsit-still –in-your-seat celebration of who we are as Americans will have you singing to yourself for weeks. The concert is outrageously fun, educational, and perfect for

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the entire family.

Fallen Heroes, Rising Stars: A Juneteenth Celebration Through Dance is presented at the Oakland Impact Hub at 2323 Broadway, Saturday, June 25, at 2pm and 8pm. To purchase tickets, go to www.

BrownPaperTickets.com or call (800) 8383006. For more info, visit www.GrownWomenDance.org or call (925) 680-4400.

Grown Women Dance Collective was founded in 2009 to provide a positive and nurturing environment for mature female dancers to create beautiful work that is relevant and accessible to diverse audiences. GWDC creates cross-cultural, cross-generational bridges through the arts, introduces concert dance to new audiences and underserved communities,

and challenges the stereotypes of aging.

Grown Women Dance Collective is fiscally sponsored by 501(c)3 Dancers Group.

Practice Makes Perfect

BY SRAVANA CHENNUPATI, MD

A recent analysis found that patients with advanced prostate cancer who are treated at higher volume treatment centers have a statistically improved overall survival rate after a follow up of over 6 years.

For surgery, there is an established correlation between practices with higher surgical volumes and patient outcomes.

Examples include hernia repair, prostatectomies, and Whipple procedures. Benefits have been shown with regard to the success of the treatment as well as minimizing complications. This makes sense; the more one performs a procedure, the better he/she becomes at doing it. So, it stands to reason that cancer centers that treat more prostate cancer patients have better outcomes. But why?

Caring for prostate cancer patients requires a multidisciplinary approach, including input from urologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists. Higher volume centers are likely to better coordinate care, particularly for those patients that require multiple forms of treatment. In addition, these centers are likely to have increased

communication among specialists, leading to more streamlined and consistent treatment for patients. Such centers are more likely to have specialists meet and review cases together as well as keep each other up to date with advances.

In the modern era, radiation oncology is increasingly a team sport. Radiation oncologists collaborate closely with a treatment team that includes dosimetrists, therapists, and nurses. This collaboration ensures that planning is done correctly, patients are set up accurately, and treatment is delivered precisely as planned. In addition, a radiation oncologist must be familiar with pelvic anatomy to determine which areas should be targeted or avoided to minimize toxicity. Patients requiring treatment for prostate cancer should consider the overall experience of their treatment team when deciding where to receive care.

Dr. Chennupati is a board certified radiation oncologist and practices at Diablo Valley Oncology’s high volume prostate cancer treatment center in Pleasant Hill.

His practice incorporates a team of highly experienced prostate cancer specialists who offer advanced diagnostic tools and treatment technologies for their patients.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 925-825-8878.

P L E A S A N T

H I L L

C H A M B E R

O F

It’s Your Business.

C O M M E R C E

June 2016

The Pleasant Hill Chamber Of Commerce Welcomes New President & CEO The Pleasant Hill Chamber Board of Directors & Chamber staff, are delighted to welcome Steve Van Dorn as the new President & CEO. Steve brings over 20 years of experience in the Chamber of Commerce Industry to the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce, most recently as Corporate Affairs Manager for the California Chamber of Commerce and President and CEO of the Santa Clara Chamber of Commerce and Convention-Visitors Bureau. Steve represented the California Chamber in the Silicon Valley and the Bay Area regions and he oversaw a team of 62 employees at the Santa Clara Chamber of Commerce & Convention-Visitors Bureau where he managed the Chamber, Convention & Visitors Bureau and Convention Center.

"When we first began the search for our next President & CEO, our committee worked diligently to first fine-tune the job description to make sure we were aligned with the chamber's near-and longer-term goals, and then focused on finding the best person possible to fill this important position. We met with government and community leaders, the chamber staff, member representatives, and others to gain their insight and recommendations into the qualities they would recommend as we searched for our new chamber leader. As we worked through the process, we felt that our efforts were not in vain, and we learned much from the meetings with these individuals. When we began our search and vetting process with folks who were interested in pursuing the position, we had a very good idea of the qualities we were looking for in our new president and CEO. We are very excited to have Steve on our team and look forward to continuing our work with him in making Pleasant Hill the place for business to grow and prosper." ~Julie McCoy, Board of Directors, Chair

“I’m thrilled to join the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce as its new President and CEO and can’t wait to get to work.”

Pleasant Hill is where my wife and I celebrated our wedding over 30 years ago and it will always hold a special place in my heart. I look forward to this

During his leadership in Santa Clara, chamber membership revenue grew steadily year over year and he was part of a successful team in bringing the 49ers and the 50th Super Bowl to Santa Clara. Steve also lead the formation of a Tourism Improvement District which generated additional funds to boost the marketing and sales of Santa Clara as a meeting and visitor destination.

incredible opportunity.” ~Steve Van Dorn

“Increasing tourism to Pleasant Hill is a focus area for the Chamber and City and with Steve’s leadership and experience, I’m confident we will be able to bring more visitors to our city bringing additional economic impact and contributions to our community.” ~Chris Thomas, Board of Directors, Past Chair While at the Santa Clara Chamber, Steve was a member of the CalChamber Board of Directors from 2013-2014 serving as the representative for the Western Association of Chamber Executives during his terms as chairman-elect and chairman. He received the Hospitality Achievement Award from the Silicon Valley Concierge Association in 2012 and a Certificate in Organizational Management in 2002 from the US Chamber of Commerce.

He has been married to his wife Lori for over 30 years and they have raised three sons aged 27, 25 and 23 in Dublin, CA.

Welcome New Members

photo by Susan Wood

Love & Sweet Nectar Event & Beauty Boutique Orchard Supply Hardware TravelCenter Tours and Travel Got Watts Electric Navellier Farmers Insurance Lamps Plus Colonial Life Family Matters Meadowbrook Design Walnut Creek Magazine

Stephanie Rickher & Natalie Puljiz Jim Denzine Joyce Gengler Jeremy Carlock Mia Navellier Azher Khan David Joslin Kim Falahati Dennis Murray Pam Kessler

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Please feel free to contact Steve via email steve@pleasanthillchamber.com, or call the Chamber office at (925) 687-0700.

91 Gregory Lane, Suite 11 • Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 • 925.687.0700

www.pleasanthillchamber.com

ourcommunityfocus.com • june 2016

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Law Offices of Daniel L. DuRee Law Offices of Lauren Smykowski Les Schwab Tires Linda J. Weihofen Local Works East Bay Martinez Auto Body Matt Rinn – State Farm Insurance Maureen Ingalls - RE/MAX Accord Michael Brionez, J. Rockcliff Moulding Company Oasis Veterinary Hospital Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Assoc.

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Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce Pleasant Hill Rec & Park Renew Cryotherapy Samuels Construction Senior Helpers Shell Western States Credit Union Susan Wood Photography Tuya Lutbayar Trio Skincare Inc. Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce Waters Moving and Storage Wence’s Restaurant WiseGirl Ristorante Italiano & Cocktails

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june 7

june 11

june 18

Summer Camp Registration

Pleasant Hill Garden Study Club

3 on 3 Basketball Tourny

Corvette Car Show

Summer fun guaranteed! Pleasant Hill Rec & Park summer camps; trips & adventures; sports & aquatics; nature & science; Legos; art, music, dance & more. Register at www. pleasanthillrec.com. 925.682.0896.

Speaker Rose Loveall-Sale, owner of Morning Sun Herb Farm, “Herbs for Our Climate.”

Guests are welcome and admission is free.

7pm at Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Drive, PH. 925.323.9314, or www.phgsc. com.

5th annual CF Shootout 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament will be held at the DVC Gym, 9am-1pm. The event will help raise funds to cure cystic fibrosis in honor of 5 year-old Ellie, with special guest appearances by former NBA players Harold Pressley and LaSalle Thompson! www.facebook.com/CFShootout.

now - sept 16

june 11

june 20

Fridays on the Main

Citywide Garage Sale

Sons in Retirement

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

Sponsored by: www.mainstreetmartinez.org.

Sign up online at www.pleasanthillgaragesale. com to host a garage sale. Co-sponsored by Republic Services, Berkshire Hathaway, and the PH Civic Action Commission.

Branch 116, a non-profit social organization intended to facilitate the enjoyment of retirement through activities and fellowship.

Monthly luncheon begins at 11am, Monday, $15. WC Elks Lodge, 1475 Creekside Dr. Call 925.322.1160, www.Branch116.org.

46th annual Corvette Car Show Diablo Valley Corvettes feature 130 classic, custom, stock cars. Vendors, raffles. Free admission. Awards 3:30pm. Register cars, $35 for Western States Corvette Council, $40 nonmembers. 8am3pm Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. http://www.diablovalleycorvettes.com.

ongoing

june 14

june 25

Buchanan Fields Golf Club

Home in Harmony

Evening of Sinatra Music

Live with less stuff. Learn practical ways to organize, de-clutter, and get your home in shape, plus, sustainable ways to recycle discarded items. Rogers Ranch Heritage Center, 6:30-9:30pm, 315 Cortsen Rd., Pleasant Hill. www.sustainablecoco.org/workshops.

This gregarious NCGA member club is looking for men and women at all playing levels to join their group. The club has three standing tee times each week. Visit www.buchananfieldsgolfclub.com or contact 2016 president Fred Arras, 559.709.8256.

Performed by Mark Shaw, presented by Martinez Rotary. Includes 2 wine, sparkling wine or beer tickets, heavy hors d’oeuvres and sweets. Saturday, 7pm, Shell Clubhouse, 1635 Pacheco Blvd., Martinez. Tickets: www. martinezrotary.org

june 4 & 5

june 11

june 15

july 1

Walnut Creek Art & Wine

Texas Hold’em

Mass Incarceration Discussion

Fun in the Sun!

Enjoy two fun-filled days of free family entertainment with over 250 arts and crafts booths, live music, and a wide variety of food and drink concessions. 11am-7pm, Heather Farm Park, Walnut Creek. www. artwinefestivalwc.com.

Cards Fly For Foster Youth, Texas hold ‘em poker tournament raises funds for programs serving traumatized children, former foster youth. 5:30pm, Texas Back Forty BBQ, 100 Coggins Drive, Pleasant Hill. $65 buy-in for starting chips, food, parking. www.youthhomes.org/Home.

june 5

june 11

june 18

july 16

USS Potomac Talk

Future of Community College System

Giant Used Book Sale

Document Shredding Fundraiser

Martinez Historical Society is hosting a short movie & talk about the USS Potomac (the yacht owned by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt) on Sunday, from 1-3pm, at the Veteran’s Memorial Hall, 930 Ward St. Snacks will be served. www.martinezhistory.org.

Retiring chancellor of Contra Costa Community College District shares experience in higher education, perspective on future of community college. 11am-noon, Lafayette Community Center, Cedar Room, 500 St. Marys Road.

925-283-2235, www.lwvdv.org.

Professor Jonathan Simon, UC Berkeley School of Law, will discuss restoring criminal justice in an era of mass incarceration. Sponsored by Diablo Valley Democratic Club. 7pm, Ygnacio Valley Library, 2661 Oak Grove Rd, Walnut Creek. 925.946.0469 or www.dvdems.org.

Pleasant Hill Library, Saturday, 10am-3:30pm.

Bargain prices for everyone: $1 hardbacks, 50¢ paperbacks, and 25¢ children’s books.

Clearance sale is 2:30–3:30pm, with general books $3/bag and 50% off better books. PHLibraryFriends.org.

Clarinet Fusion, the Bay Area’s premiere clarinet choir, returns to the PH Senior Center on Friday, July 1, at 7pm. Doors open at 6:15pm; concert is 7 – 8:15pm. Presale admission $5 or $8 at the door. For more info and to purchase tickets, call 925-798-8788, www. clarinetfusion.org.

1-3pm, 400 Taylor Blvd. Pleasant Hill. Bring tax returns, bills, business records, bank statements and other documents containing personal information for shredding onsite.

(No x-rays.) Donation benefits Cancer Support Community. More info call: 925-677-5041.

ourcommunityfocus.com • june 2016

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Free!

sunset by the lake

summer concerts

Pleasant Hill City Hall Gregory Ln & Cleaveland Rd LIVE MUSIC & FUN! FOOD & BEVERAGE sales!

On the lawn by the lake at

6-8 pm

e Doctors Jun 12...Groov rty band Variety dance pa

Jun 26...S A tribute to tung the Police

Jul 10...The Bell Brothers Hot country rock & roll

Jul 24...Ja me Elvis impers s Clark onator

Aug 7...Sugadady nd A cover dance ba Sponsored by Pleasant Hill Civic Action Commission Visit www.pleasanthillconcerts.com for all concert information.

Aug 21...East Bay Mudd Classic fun & soul

Sep 4...Queens & Thieves High energy dance band

Oasis Veterinary Hospital

Restauran ts scheduled tentatively to sell foo d: Jun 12 M eson Aztec Jun 26 S o teel Smokin Jul 10 BBQ Slice of Ita Leigh Jul 24 Steel Smo kin BBQ Aug 7 Steel Smo kin BBQ Aug 21 M eson Aztec Sep 4 Steel Smo o kin BBQ

Club of Pleasant Hill

Pleasant Hill Citywide Garage Sale Don't trash it — Sell it!

Saturday, June 11, 2016

If you’re a buyer...

• Register the address of your sale by going online and entering your information at the webite www.pleasanthillgaragesale.com.

• Go to www.pleasanthillgaragesale.com to find households taking part in the citywide garage sale.

• You may also register your garage sale by calling (925) 671-5806.

• Start early but not before the listed times.

Experienced shoppers come early to find the best buys.

• Bring a reusable bag, which will allow you to carry heavier items more easily and to protect fragile objects.

• Deadline to register is Thursday, June 9, 2016.

Questions?

Online: www.pleasanthillgaragesale.com

Phone: (925) 671-5806 Email: abaker@republicservices.com

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june 2016 • ourcommunityfocus.com

If you’re a seller...

• To direct traffic to your sale, post street signs (not in public rights of way) and advertise online or in newspapers. Please take all signs down after your sale.

A joint effort by the City of Pleasant Hill & Republic Services to protect the environment and conserve resources through reuse.

Sponsoring Businesses: