COMMUNITY
FOCUS
OCTOBER 2020
ourcommunityfocus.com
IN THIS ISSUE: • PUMPKIN PATCHES & FALL RECIPES • REMEMBERING RON DALLIMONTI • LOCAL REAL ESTATE
PLEASANT HILL • CONCORD • MARTINEZ • LAFAYETTE • WALNUT CREEK
SMALL TALK WITH TERI independent & locally owned by Teri Norbye PUBLISHERS: Becky Coburn Jennifer Neys Elena Hutslar info@ourcommunityfocus.com ADVERTISING: Community Focus info@ourcommunityfocus.com COPY EDITOR: Alison Clary GRAPHIC DESIGN: Trish Heaney
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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:
INSIDE &4
6
Mayors’ Message
16 Local History
21
Real Estate
8& 10 Rodger’s Ranch Awarded
20 Students Soar
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6680 Alhambra Ave. Box #132 Martinez, CA 94553
Enjoying the thrill of picking the perfect pumpkin.
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Meet Alex Khodadad who lives in Pleasant Hill with his wife and two kids. He’s a real estate broker and owns Delphi Realty, which he started in 2005. Alex created a Facebook group called “In and Around Pleasant Hill Food and Drinks,” which has around 6,500 members. It helps local restaurants survive and gives them much needed exposure. What have you learned from this pandemic? This is a wake-up call to live below our means, take care of our health, be grateful, and live in the moment. My problem as an entrepreneur is that I was always thinking about the future and wasn’t living in the moment. This pandemic has absolutely changed me! Alex’s Story: I lived in Iran until I was 10 years old. I witnessed the Iranian revolution and the war. From Iran, my mom and I escaped to Turkey and lived there for six months. And then we came to America on March 25, 1982. More about Alex: 1. I like all sorts of food. I love Persian food. The only thing I can’t eat is lamb. 2. On the weekends, I love to have one or two drinks of Tito’s vodka. 3. What I miss the most is going to the movies. Thursdays were family movie nights. Now we go to the drive-in, which isn’t the same, but it’s fun.
Julie Says Wiggle Like a Fish
BY JULIE ROSS I just read an article in the New York Times with the captivating headline, “Dentists Are Seeing an Epidemic of Cracked Teeth. What’s Going On?” The author of the article, Tammy Chen, is a dentist in New York City. She reported seeing more patients with cracked teeth in the six weeks her practice re-opened in June than in the past six years. She attributes this trend to a couple of different factors. First, many people moved to working at home, using makeshift set-ups on couches and countertops. These non-ergonomic workstations encourage awkward body positions, with shoulders hunching forward and the spine curled. Chen says that because nerves in the neck and shoulders lead into the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull, poor daytime posture can lead to grinding the teeth at night. Second, she notes that insomnia and restlessness caused by coronavirus stress can lead the body into a continuous jaw-clenching “flight or fight” re-
sponse. So, what does Chen advise her patients to do to avoid fracturing their teeth? Set up a proper workstation. Don’t just sit there staring at a screen for nine hours. And, at the end of the workday, “Wiggle like a fish.” Her instructions for this clearly professional medical procedure are to lie on the floor with your arms extended above your head and flop back and forth. This evidently will serve to decompress and elongate the spine, release and relieve tension and pressure, and, I imagine, alarm family members. If wiggling like a fish does not sound like a workable option for you, the Internet has plenty of other, less physically active suggestions. These include: blowing on your thumb to slow its pulse (thumbs have their own pulse?), making a fake smile to trick your brain into thinking you’re happy, or simply sitting with your palms facing upwards. Try this last one – can you feel how it automatically rolls your shoulders back and allows you to take deep, calming breaths? Nice. Thank you, Internet. My favorite suggestion comes from psychologist, therapist, and anxiety
coach Margaret Wehrenberg. She suggests that when stressful thoughts run rampant, call out, “Self! Stop it!” That’s also probably a sensible thing to yell
while on the floor wiggling like a fish. Stay sane and well, everyone. You can reach Julie at julieakross@ comcast.net
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Real Estate
What is an ADU?
BY NORMA FLASKERUD Almost overnight, our homes became our everything. But after forcing everyone inside, the pandemic laid bare the inadequacies and shortcomings of our homes. Families with children cooped up in two-bedroom apartments and people stuck in crammed studios had to live their entire lives out of their living rooms and kitchens. Needless to say, this sudden change in lifestyle had a major impact on homebuyers’ needs and expectations. Nationwide, Pandemic Caused Massive Changes in Buyer Behavior When comparing the housing priorities of home seekers before and after lockdown, the changes are obvious: buyers want more space, more outdoor features, and amenities like pools and gardens. The post-lockdown home seekers are not willing to compromise on anything – and they are willing to pay the (higher) price to get it. Granite countertops, stainless-steel appliances, and hardwood floors are a must, no matter the price. Natural light and more defined spaces are a high priority. Of course, affordability remains an important advantage, too. Defined spaces, more bedrooms, and more bathrooms are important Imagine the nuclear family life of the past: Dad and Mom went off to work during the day while the kids went to school. Fast-forward to mid-March 2020 and ALL of them are suddenly at home, working and going to school via online Zoom. They all need to find a space to sit and do their work at a desk, a dining room table, or a kitchen counter. Child size desks nationwide are mostly sold out. Laptop computers are in low inventory. Well, the same thing happened for homes! More defined spaces are needed for each one in the family to work and study! Sure, at first, the pandemic stopped
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have been known by many names: granny flats, in-law units, backyard cottages, secondary units, and more. No matter what you call them, ADUs are an innovative, affordable, and effective option for adding much needed housing in California. ADUs have grown exponentially in number as more cities, counties, and homeowners become interested in increasing the supply of affordable housing. What are the benefits of ADUs? • ADUs are an affordable type of home to construct in California because they do not require paying for land, major new infrastructure, structured parking, or elevators. • ADUs can provide a source of income for homeowners. • ADUs allow extended families to be near one another while maintaining privacy. • ADUs can provide as much living space as many newly built apartments and condominiums, and they’re suited well for couples, small families, friends, young people, and seniors. • ADUs give homeowners the flexibility to share independent living areas with family members and others, allowing seniors to age in place as they require more care. In October 2019, California Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 68 (AB68) into law making it easier and more affordable to build accessory dwelling units. Summary of new, recently enacted ADU rules in California: • Faster ADU plan review times • Local agencies are prohibited from imposing strict requirements that exceed state mandates. • More flexible ADU size and set back requirements • Allows both regular size and “junior” ADUs on the same property • Allows ADUs for multi-family units and duplexes • Prohibits local agencies from charging “impact fees” for ADUs under 750 sq. ft. Regardless of its physical form, an ADU is legally part of the same property as the main home it resides near. It cannot be bought or sold separately as a condominium might. The owner of the ADU is the owner of the main home. Installing an ADU in your backyard will certainly increase your property value. After all, it is an additional permanent living space on your lot. To discuss your options and see how these new rules can help you, contact your Central Contra Costa County resource, ADU4You, a one stop shop that handles the entire project at a fixed, affordable cost. 925-979-5516 or sales@ADU4You.com.
How’s the Real Estate Market?
4 | OCTOBER 2020 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM
our world and home sales slowed dramatically. In fact, sellers were not sure if buyers would even look and held off selling. But then, bam! The demand surprised everyone, and sales skyrocketed! Interestingly enough, our area has been in very high demand since mid-April! Contra Costa County has always been more affordable than San Francisco, the Peninsula, and the Silicon Valley. We have benefitted from well-employed buyers coming here to buy a suburban home in a lovely town. With people working from home, our area is in higher demand than ever! The commute to The City or down to Silicon Valley is not happening! BART trains practically run empty. Car batteries go dead while people work from home and kids attend school from home. The projections are that many won’t return to their offices any sooner than June 2021, if then, and so there is a high demand for larger homes on nice lots. Historically, low interest rates make larger mortgages more affordable, supporting this trend. In conclusion, life changed for all of us and the ripples of the waves of change affect us in many surprising ways. Call the Flaskerud Team for all your real estate needs! Norma Flaskerud: 925766-6679; Erik Flaskerud: 925-381-7276. PleasantHillRealEstate.com NormaJ49@ gmail.com or Erik.Flaskerud@gmail.com Remax Accord DRE# 00867031 SPONSORED CONTENT
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BY PETE SABINE Our local real estate market is one of the hottest I have experienced in my 35 years of selling real estate. The current real estate “seller’s market” trend is driven by a lack of supply of available homes for sale, low home loan interest rates, and strong buyer demand for homes in our area. How long will this trend last? Most likely through the remainder of 2020 and into the first quarter of 2021. Beyond that requires a crystal ball. Here is the formula for selling your home between 10 to over 20 percent above the fair market value list price… Preparation. Presentation. Pricing. Preparation prior to offering for sale. Obtain property inspection
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reports. Complete recommended repairs related to systems operation (appliances, mechanical, etc.) and safety hazards. Obtain a proposal from a professional home staging company. The proposal should include recommendations for interior and exterior paint colors, landscaping, light fixtures, flooring, plumbing fixtures, and cabinet hardware. Beware of Realtors who “selfstage” homes. Hire a professional with liability and workman’s comp insurance and controls their own inventory of staging furniture and accessories. Follow the recommendations of the staging proposal to update your home. Have your home professionally cleaned, including windows, and tune up your landscaping. Presentation preparation. Have your Realtor hire a professional photographer and videographer to capture the essence of your home. Home buyers scan for homes online and your home must present well with a high level of emotional appeal or most buyers will not make the effort to visit your home. No showings equals no sale. Price your home strategically. Review recent Sold Properties that are nearby and “like-kind” in size, location, and condition characteristics. This data will set the current “fair market value”
of your home. Review Pending Properties of similar homes that recently went into escrow. Focus on the List Price of these properties to provide insight on the price point that attracted buyers to make an offer. Review Active Properties currently for sale in your targeted price range. Determine how well your home will compete with homes priced 10 percent above and below your target List Price. A buyer’s decision to buy a home is based on the home’s emotional appeal and the perception of the List Price being a fair market value when compared to other available homes for sale with similar intrinsic qualities. Set an Offer Date to review purchase offers 7 to 10 days from your MLS debut date. The offer date strategy ensures that all buyers currently in the market will have a chance to view and bid to purchase your home. It sets the stage for multiple offers with offer prices above your List Price. Hire a skilled negotiator. Your Realtor should have a proven track record. We have been selling homes in your area since 1985, with over 1000 successful sales. Call us to win with us! Pete Sabine & Leslie Whitney. Compass. License #01866771 SPONSORED CONTENT
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Community Service Day will look different this year, but the goal will remain the same: COMING TOGETHER TO MEET THE NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITY!
How to donate
ill
leasant H
City of P
ity Commun ay Service D
1 – Contactless Food Drive at Pleasant Hill Park. Put your donation in the trunk of your car—drive up to the collection site at Pleasant Hill Park, 147 Gregory Lane, pop your trunk, and we'll take it from there! 2 – Pop-up Food Drive at local grocery stores. When you're doing your morning shopping, buy some extra items and drop them in the Food Bank bins in front of the store between
How to help (volunteers needed)
October 10, 2020 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Requests for food have increased by 50% due to COVID-19, according to the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano.
www.pleasanthillca.org/csd
9 a.m. and 1 p.m. (just look for the signs and friendly volunteers). Thank you to the following stores for supporting this: Grocery Outlet, 1671 Contra Costa Blvd Safeway, 600 Patterson Blvd Safeway, 707 Contra Costa Blvd Safeway, 1978 Contra Costa Blvd 3 – Virtual Food Drive at https://give.foodbankccs.org/PHCSD2020
Sign up at www.pleasanthillca.org/csd
1 – Organize a food drive. Distribute bags (provided by the City!) to neighbors, family and/or friends in advance, and then collect bags and bring them to Pleasant Hill Park between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10. Sign up by Friday, Oct. 2; bags will be available for pickup at City Hall by appointment. 2 – Staff a “pop-up food drive” at one of our local grocery stores. We'll set up a station with chairs, a table, signage and Food Bank food bins. Volunteers will answer questions, hand
out the “most needed food” flyers if asked, and direct people to put donated food in the nearby Food Bank food bin. Needed: 3 people per 2-hour shift (9–11 a.m. or 11 a.m.–1 p.m.) 3 – Volunteer at the “contactless food drive” at Pleasant Hill Park. Donors will drive up and pop open their trunks; volunteers will unload the food and place it in Food Bank food bins. Needed: 5 people per 2-hour shift to collect food from cars, direct traffic (9–11 a.m. or 11 a.m.–1 p.m.)
CITY NEWS
Mayor’s Message Pleasant Hill’s Community Spirit Remains Strong During Social Distancing. On September 22, we celebrated the people, businesses, and organizations that enrich our quality of life at the 48th Annual Community Awards. The event was a little different this year. Instead of gathering at the Community Center or other venue for social hour, dinner, and a program, we logged on to our computers or tuned into the City
Channel on cable TV to watch from our individual houses. Thanks to the magic of Zoom graphics, Vice Mayor Sue Noack and Councilman Ken Carlson emceed from what looked like the set of the Oscars, complete with a resplendent red velvet curtain in the background. A slideshow featured photos of all the nominees, and when each winner was announced, she or he was able to go “live” on the screen to accept the award. While the awards could have seemed impersonal due to the fact that
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everyone was sitting in their own home in front of a computer, the opposite was true. Each winner’s acceptance speech was heartfelt, the camaraderie between the emcees was apparent, and I believe a good time was had by all. If you missed the show, you can still see it at pleasanthillca.org/PHAwards. Congratulations to the winners and ALL the nominees! Citizen of the Year: Jill Scheidel. Also nominated were Nader Jazyeri, Buddy Scauzzo & Minako McMahon, and Susan Wood. Mayor’s Award: The Gregory Gardens Community Crew (accepted by Nader Jazyeri). Non Profit of the Year: Pleasant Hill Lions’ Club. Also nominated were the Friends of the Pleasant Hill Library, Hillcrest Church UCC Outreach Ministry, and the Bay Area Bike Project. Business of the Year: Amy’s Hallmark Shop. Chamber Board Appreciation Award: Susan Hurl of Republic Services Teen of the Year: Olivia Llamas. Also nominated was Kai Arellano. Education Supporter of the Year: Mary Gray Teacher of the Year: Kirsten Tharalsen, Valley View Middle School. Also nominated were Valon Beriginn, College Park High School; Dylan Bland, College Park High School; Nicolette Bornstein, Fair Oaks Elementary; Laima Haider, College Park High School; Khoa Phan, College Park High School; and Jeanette Shearer, Valhalla Elementary. Recreation and Park District Board Appreciation Award: Rob Curran, Pleasant Hill Baseball Association Green Award: Friends of the Pleasant Hill Creeks Volunteer of the Year: Bob Goldner, sales manager for Friends of the Pleasant Hill Library Community Service Day Citywide
Food Drive A perfect time to show your community spirit is Saturday, October 10, when the Civic Action Commission will be hosting a Citywide Food Drive for Community Service Day. Hunger is a growing problem in our community due to the ongoing impacts of Covid-19. Requests for food are up by 50 percent, according to the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. How can you help? Organize a food drive on your street or with a group of friends, church, or service club. You line up the donors; we supply the bags! Bring collected food to Pleasant Hill Park the morning of Community Service Day. Contactless Food Drive at Pleasant Hill Park. Put your donation in the trunk of your car, drive up to the collection site at Pleasant Hill Park, 147 Gregory Lane, between 9am and 1pm, Saturday, October 10, pop your trunk, and volunteers will take it from there! Pop-up Food Drive at local grocery stores. When doing your morning shopping on October 10, buy some extra items and drop them in the Food Bank bins in front of the store between 9am and 1pm (just look for the signs and friendly volunteers). Thanks to the following stores for their support: Grocery Outlet, 1671 Contra Costa Boulevard; Safeway, 600 Patterson Boulevard; Safeway, 707 Contra Costa Boulevard; and Safeway, 1978 Contra Costa Boulevard. Virtual Food Drive Can’t donate food? Consider making a donation online at our special Food Drive webpage. https://give.foodbankccs.org/ PHCSD2020 For questions about any aspect of the Community Service Day Citywide Food Drive, call Community Relations Manager Gayle Vassar at 925-671-5229. Thank you, everyone! Be well, and stay connected! Matt
CITY NEWS
Pleasant Hill City News Ballot Boxes County election officials have installed a secure Vote-by-Mail box right outside the front doors of City Hall. You can drop off your ballot any time between 8am on Monday, October 5, and 8pm on Tuesday, November 3. County Elections Office workers will collect submitted ballots on an ongoing basis.
Tinkers & Thinkers – Largest Online Event Submitted by Senior Community Library Manager Patrick Remer On Saturday, September 12, Pleasant Hill Rec & Park District and the Pleasant Hill Library co-hosted the fourth annual Tinkers & Thinkers Innovation Faire. While this free family-friendly festival of STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, and Math) is typically offered at Pleasant Hill Park, the need for a social distanced celebration led to an epically experimental 2020 event. In effort to maintain the hands-on experience of past events, over 1,000 “maker” kits were packed with projects and distributed free to participants in the run-up to a two-hour gathering on Zoom. With registration filling up days before the event, an estimated 1,800 children and family members tuned in to Saturday’s activities - the largest online event ever for Pleasant Hill. Kicking off with an unboxing of STEM surprises in each kit, younger makers crafted wearable LED creations, while older tinkers wired up a walking robot. The second half of the program featured full-scale Star Wars droids, the College Park High School Robotics Club, inventor Mike Meneghetti’s tornado machine and spooky animatronics, hands-on chemistry with DVC, interactive sound science with the Exploratorium, and Lego challenges. According to a post-event survey, more than two-thirds of participants were new attendees to Tinkers & Thinkers. Respondents overwhelmingly reported that the kits were fun, interesting, and challenging. Participants were eager to share ideas for next year’s event: “I want to build a bed-making robot.” Others were eager to “be in person” again. Although Tinkers & Thinkers will hopefully return to the park in 2021, this year’s faire offered STEM inspiration for teachers and families who are now reinventing education in the home. The event was sponsored by The Friends of the Pleasant Hill Library and Republic Services.
Sisters Charlotte (L) and Ava (R) Smith enjoy their hands-on S.T.E.M. projects during the online Tinkers & Thinkers Innovation Faire on September 22.
Requests to the Food Bank of Contra Costa have jumped by 50 percent this year due to the economic impact of the pandemic. There are multiple ways (and locations) to donate food, including a “Virtual Food Drive” for those who prefer to help from home. Please consider volunteering to help at the various food donation sites on October 10. See ad on page 7 to find out how to donate or volunteer.
Groundbreaking for New Library A small and social distanced groundbreaking ceremony was held on September 18 for the new Pleasant Hill Library to kick-off the construction project. The Pleasant Hill City Council selected BHM Construction, Inc. as the general contractor. A grand opening is expected in spring 2022.
Pictured (LtoR): City Councilmembers Ken Carlson and Michael Harris, Mayor Matt Rinn, Karen Mitchoff, Sue Noack, and Tim Flaherty.
It is my great honor to continue to work for the citizens of Pleasant Hill for another 4 years.
Community Service Day Citywide Food Drive Join us on Saturday, October 10, and make a difference in the fight against hunger Community Service Day will have a new look for 2020. Mindful of the need for social distancing, organizers are pivoting from sponsoring many hands-on projects to rallying around one BIG project: fighting hunger. The need is great. OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | OCTOBER 2020 | 9
CITY NEWS
Mayor’s Message For the last few years, the new Contra Costa County Administration Building has been under construction in downtown Martinez. This modern, four-story building is located between Escobar Street, Marina Vista, and Pine Street. This building replaces the adjacent 13-story high-rise monstrosity that has blocked views of the water from residents living on the east side of downtown. The new building is state of the art, with green building materials, high efficiency climate controls, and high tech communication equipment. It is a very attractive addition to the downtown. The plan for the old administration building is to remove it piece by piece. Unfortunately, because of the building materials that were used when it was
built back in the early 1960s (lead, asbestos, etc.), the building cannot be imploded. Construction on the new center has been completed, and the building is now occupied and open for business. You will need to wear a face covering to enter. On Saturday, September 5, a small structure fire broke out in the Rankin Aquatic Center’s storage area on the second floor of the main building. Fire and EMS services responded and rescued an individual who had been trapped after breaking into the room a few hours earlier. The individual suffered from burns and smoke inhalation and was airlifted to UC Davis for treatment. The storage space was the only damaged area, and the center reopened a few days later. The recent poor air quality in Sep-
Rob Schroder, Mayor of Martinez
tember forced the closing of the pool for about a week but allowed repairs due to the fire to be completed. The pool heaters were also repaired. The pool has since reopened and city staff continues to monitor daily air quality for the safety of the public. The downtown outdoor dining program continues to be popular, but the heat and smoke in September kept many diners away. Now that summer is over and we are heading into fall, the weather will be cooling and, hopefully, the rain will begin. In anticipation of the changing weather, city staff has been working with several local companies regarding the rental of tents, canopies, and umbrellas to provide protection and comfort to restaurant patrons. We are also looking into expanding the use of I’m not in trouble anymore!
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outdoor dining platforms and investing in “K rails” to protect diners from automobile traffic while they dine. The “K rails,” which are not expensive, are made of heavy-duty plastic and are very difficult to move when filled with water. They provide excellent protection from a slow moving vehicle. These “K rails” will also be useful for special events after the county heath directives are lifted and indoor dining is allowed. The last six months have been hard on everyone: families, small business, non-profit organizations, and even government. We all need to do our part and continue to wash hands, use face coverings, and stay six feet apart outside of our “bubble.” This pandemic will never subside if we don’t all look out for our own welfare and the welfare of others.
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CITY NEWS
Martinez City News CCHS Prepares for Upcoming Flu Season With flu season approaching, public health officials across the nation are worried about a “double surge” of both flu and COVID-19 that could overwhelm local hospitals. It is possible to become infected with flu and COVID-19 at the same time, which may increase the risk for severe illness. Contra Costa Public Health and CCRMC & Health Centers will begin offering flu shots in October. Contra Costa Health Plan members can go to walk-in clinics throughout October and early November. Public Health is working with community partners to host a series of one-day mass flu-vaccination clinics. The mass flu vaccination clinics will be free and available to anyone regardless of insurance or immigration status. CCHS is working with its partners to promote these clinics. Starting in October, at least five county COVID testing sites (Antioch, North Concord, Concord Monument, Richmond and San Ramon) will offer free flu shots to people coming in for tests.
Martinez Adobe Closed for Repairs After a thorough analysis of structural and seismic information, the staff at John Muir National Historic Site has determined that the Martinez Adobe must be closed until structural repairs and stabilization can occur. The analysis shows that in its current condition, it is highly unlikely the building would be able withstand a major earthquake on either the Hayward, Concord/Green Valley, or San Andreas faults, with the Hayward and Concord/Green Valley faults being the most threatening to this structure. For safety reasons, access to the Martinez Adobe is blocked off from the public and remains closed for all use until the structure is stabilized. Currently, there is no timeline for the repairs to be completed. The Martinez Adobe houses the only permanent bilingual exhibit about the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. The Anza Trail commemorates the route taken by Spanish Colonists in 1775-76 to found the Mission and Presidio of San Francisco. For more information, please visit the park website at www.nps.gov/jomu or call (925) 2288860 x0.
Utility Box Art Beautification Project The City of Martinez is proud to announce the launch of its Utility Box Art Beautification Project to spruce up utility boxes with local art and enhance the beauty of downtown and the Alhambra Avenue central corridor for years to come. Perceiving
“Metamorphosis” by Louise Belle on the corner of Alhambra Ave & F St.
the dull metal boxes, used for encasing wires and machinery, as opportunities rather than eyesores, the city’s Park, Recreation, Marina, and Cultural Commission (PRMCC) recommended that the city transform the boxes into metal canvasses to showcase public art. City staff and the PRMCC collaborated to inventory 54 of the city’s utility boxes and select seven for a pilot project based on ownership, location, size, and visibility. To promote community input and involvement during the selection of the artwork, the city held 11 public meetings earlier this year with the PRMCC and city council to incorporate feedback into the drafting of the Call for Artists to solicit design concepts, locations of the pilot utility boxes, and final artwork selections. After receiving 64 design submissions from 24 artists, all of the applicants were invited to present their designs to the PRMCC Cultural and Arts Subcommittee and the public. Following a robust discussion and some difficult decisions, the PRMCC recommended a mix of graphic art and hand-painted designs to reflect diverse art styles for Martinez residents and visitors to enjoy. The final designs were then approved by the city council. If this pilot project is well received by the community and additional funding is identified, the city may publish a subsequent Call for Artists to expand the number of beautified utility boxes. Utility Box Locations and Artists Utility Box Beatification Piot Project Locations are: “Kites” by Alexandra Riddle at the Corner of Marina Vista Ave. & Las Juntas St.; “Metamorphosis” by Louise Belle at the Corner of Alhambra Ave & F St; “Love is Key” by Colleen Gianatiempo at Alhambra Ave. & K St.; and “Interlock” by Lollie Ortiz at Alhambra Ave. & Paso Nogal Dr.
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Estate Planning Do You Really Need a Trust? BY JEFFREY HALL, CPA, JD Probate / Trust Attorney Although many people equate “estate planning” with having a will, there are many advantages to having a trust rather than a will as the centerpiece of your estate plan. While there are other estate planning tools (such as joint tenancy, transfer on death, and beneficiary designations, to name a few), only a trust provides comprehensive management of your property in the event you can’t make financial decisions for yourself (commonly called legal incapacity) or after your death. One of the primary advantages of having a trust is that it provides the ability to bypass the publicity, time, and expense of probate. Probate is the legal process by which a court decides the rightful heirs and distribution of assets of a deceased through the administration of the estate. This process can easily cost thousands of dollars and take between several months and up to more than a year to resolve. Of course, not all assets are subject to probate. Some exemptions include jointly owned assets with rights of survivorship as well
as assets with designated beneficiaries (such as life insurance, annuities, and retirement accounts) and are payable upon death or transfer on death accounts. But joint tenancy and designating beneficiaries don’t provide the ability for someone you trust to manage your property if you’re unable to do so, so they are an incomplete solution. And having a will does not avoid probate. Of note, if your probate estate is small enough - or it is going to a surviving spouse or domestic partner - you may qualify for a simplified probate process in your state, although this is highly dependent on the state where you live and own property. In general, if your assets are worth $166,250 or more, you will likely not qualify for simplified probate and should strongly consider creating a trust. Considering the cost of probate should also be a factor in your estate planning as creating a trust can save you both time and money in the long run. Moreover, if you own property in another state or country, the probate process will be even more complicated because your family may face multiple probate cases after your death, one in each state where you owned property even if you have a will. Beyond the cost and time of probate, this court proceed-
GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE
ing that includes your financial life and last wishes is public record. A trust, on the other hand, creates privacy for your personal matters as your heirs would not be made aware of the distribution of your assets, which could cause conflicts or even legal challenges. A common reason for creating a trust is to provide ongoing financial support for a child or other loved one who may not be able to manage assets on their own. Through a trust, you can designate someone to manage the assets and distribute them to your heirs under the terms you provide. Giving an inheritance to an heir directly and all at once may have unanticipated ancillary effects, such as disqualifying them from receiving some form of government benefits, enabling and funding an addiction, or encouraging irresponsible behavior that you don’t find desirable. A trust can also come with conditions that must be met for the person to receive the benefit of the gift. Furthermore, if you ever become incapacitated, your successor trustee - the person you name in the document to take over after you pass away - can step in and manage the trust’s assets, helping you avoid a guardianship or conservatorship (sometimes called a “living pro-
bate”). This protection can be essential in an emergency or in the event you succumb to a serious, chronic illness. Unlike a will, a trust can protect against court interference or control while you are alive and after your death. Trusts are not simply just about avoiding probate. Creating a trust can give you privacy, provide ongoing financial support for loved ones, and protect you and your property if you are unable to manage your own assets. Simply put, the creation of a trust puts you in the driver’s seat, like a judge, when it comes to your assets and your wishes as opposed to leaving this critical life decision to others. To learn more about trusts and estate planning in general, including which type of plan best fits your needs, call your neighborhood estate planning attorney, Jeffrey Hall, at (925) 230-9002 to schedule an appointment, or you may visit his website at www.HallLawGroup.com. We are a veteran owned, veteran friendly law firm. Disclaimer: This article is not intended to be relied upon as legal advice nor the establishment of an attorneyclient relationship. SPONSORED CONTENT
Experienced Estate Planning Attorney
JEFFREY HALL, MBA, CPA, Esq.
The Law Office of Jeffrey Hall, Inc., is an estate planning law office serving Contra Costa county in a wide range of estate planning matters, including:
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Medi-Cal Planning Trusts and Wills Trust Administration Trust Litigation Probate
www.HallLawGroup.com 925-230-9002
Halloween Pumpkin Patches LIVERMORE • Joan’s Farm and Pumpkin Patch: 10am to 6pm, daily except Mondays, Oct. 3-31, 4351 Mines Road. Pumpkins and limited activities. www.joansfarm.com/ OAKLAND • Speer Family Farms Pumpkin Patch: 10am-9pm, daily through Oct. 31, 1911 Telegraph Ave. Pumpkins, four-story ship slide, petting zoo, pumpkin shooter, giant zorb balls, and more. Limited capacity at attractions to maintain proper social distancing. Free admission. http://www. speerfamilyfarms.com DIXON • Silveyville: Noon to 6pm, Tuesday through Friday, and 10am to 6pm, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 2-31, 6248
Silveyville Road. Modified activities include a pumpkin village and pumpkin kingdom play areas, duck pond, and walking path for up-close encounters with goats, hens, roosters, lambs, and other farm critters. In addition, there is a duck ride to the duck pond, as well as an ATV Train for a sightseeing farm tour. Free admission. www.silveyvilletreefarm.com/ pumpkin-farm/ HALF MOON BAY • Arata Pumpkin Farm: 9am - 6:30pm, Sunday through Thursday, and 9am-10:30pm, Friday and Saturday, through October, 185 Verde Road. Browse the pumpkins, explore a Minotaur’s Labyrinth Hay Maze, and enjoy the six-acre cornfield, Pumpkin River, and more. Prices vary. www.
Pumpkin Bread Moist pumpkin banana bread sweetened with maple syrup, swirled with cream cheese, topped with sweet cinnamon sugar, and served warm. Perfect for all of the autumn weekends ahead! From Halfbakedharvest.com INGREDIENTS 3 medium, overly ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup mashed) 1 cup canned pumpkin puree 3/4 cup melted coconut oil 2/3 cup maple syrup 3 large eggs, at room temperature 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 3 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature 1/4 cup cinnamon sugar Salted Maple Butter 4 tablespoons salted butter at room temperature 2 tablespoons maple syrup INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 2 (9x5 inch) bread pans. 2. In a large mixing bowl, stir together
the mashed bananas, pumpkin, coconut oil, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla until combined. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Mix until just combined. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared bread pans. 3. Place the cream cheese in a gallon size zip-top bag. Snip a small opening off one corner of the bag. Squeeze out teaspoon size amounts directly into the pumpkin batter, using 4 ounces of cream cheese per bread pan. Gently swirl the cream cheese. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over top of batter. 4. Transfer to the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until center is just set. 5. Meanwhile, make the maple butter. In a small bowl, combine the butter and maple syrup. 6. Remove the bread and let cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting...or just eat it warm with a smear of maple butter (you should do this!). Enjoy!
aratapumpkinfarm.com • Farmer John’s: 9am-5pm, daily through Oct. 31, 850 N. Cabrillo Highway. Browse through a diverse variety of pumpkins, including the Atlantic Giant, which can weigh between 250 and 500 pounds. www.farmerjohnspumpkins.com/ PETALUMA • Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze: 10am6pm, Sunday through Thursday, and 10am-10pm, Friday and Saturday, through October, 450 Stony Point Road. Choose from among 50 varieties of pumpkins, squash and gourds, explore a four-acre corn maze and more. Free Admission. Corn Maze $7 -$10. http:// petalumapumpkinpatch.com SAN RAMON • Windmill Farms Pumpkin
Patch: 10am-7pm, Tuesday through Sunday, through Oct. 31, 2255 San Ramon Valley Blvd. Browse 20 varieties of pumpkins plus gourds, corn stalks, hay bales and Indian corn. www.windmillfarmsproduce. com/halloween-pumpkin-patch SAN FRANCISCO • Clancy’s Pumpkin Patch: 9am-9pm through Oct. 31, 2101 Sloat Blvd. and 1620 Seventh Ave. Closing at 5pm on Oct. 31. Large variety of pumpkins and gourds, corn stalks, and Indian corn. http://clancystrees.com/ SANTA ROSA • The Patch: Open Oct. 9-31, 5157 Stony Point Road. Ten acres of pumpkins. Check website for times and update on activities. http://santarosapumpkinpatch.com/
Spiced Pumpkin Maple Latte Autumn in a mug...made with just 4 simple, healthy, ingredients, all found in your pantry! INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 cups of your favorite full fat milk (coconut milk is my favorite) 1/4 cup spiced pumpkin butter, homemade or store-bought 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/3-1/2 cup brewed black coffee cinnamon, for serving MAPLE CREAM 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream or coconut cream 1 tablespoon real maple syrup INSTRUCTIONS 1. Combine the milk, pumpkin butter,
and vanilla in a medium pot and bring to a simmer, heating the mixture until it is steaming. When the mixture is steaming hot, remove it from the heat. Using a small whisk or a fork, whisk until frothy. 2. Pour the hot coffee between 2 mugs and then pour over the frothed pumpkin milk. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon...or cinnamon sugar. MAPLE CREAM 1. Using an electric mixer, whip the cream until soft peaks form. Add the maple syrup and whip once more until combined and fluffy.
OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | OCTOBER 2020 | 13
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Rodgers Ranch Receives Grant Funding Will be Used on Ongoing Restoration Projects BY HAROLD JEFFERY The Pleasant Hill Historical Society, which had a donor advised fund with the Pleasant Hill Community Foundation, awarded a substantial grant to the Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center. The Society, which had to disband earlier this year, requested the award from the fund because they felt the funds would help with ongoing restoration projects at the Ranch farmhouse and increase support for the Center’s mission of creating community by preserving the history of Pleasant Hill. The historical society’s president, Dana Matthews, and other members of its board were instrumental in identifying Rodgers Ranch as a worthwhile recipient, and the Foundation’s board of directors agreed with the purpose of the request and approved the award from the fund. On September 14, in front of the Rodgers Ranch farmhouse while observing social distancing and required masks, Ron Quinn, vice president of the Pleasant Hill Community Foundation, presented the grant award check to Aloma Levine, president of the Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center. All Rodgers Ranch board members attended and applauded the proceedings.
(L to R) PHCF VP Ron Quinn presents grant check to RRHC President Aloma Levine and RRHC Board members (second row) Lynn Spatz, Christian Rousset, Marian Woodard, (third row) Christine Holm (treasurer), John Matthesen, and Alison Clary (secretary).
Join us as we recognize our veterans with a drive-by!
HAPPY
VETERANS DAY REMEMBER AND HONOR
2020 version!
A Salute to Veterans!
The Rotary Club of Pleasant Hill will be honoring all of our Veterans, driving by as many homes of our local Veterans as possible. There will be representa�ves from our local police, fire department, and various branches of the armed services. All par�cipa�ng Veterans will receive a commemora�ve flag, along with a gi� card in our gra�tude for their service to our country!
If you are a Veteran or know a Veteran who would be interested in having us drive by and th honor them on the 14 , please reach out to our club at the email below.
Saturday November 14 9:00–11:00am Thank you to our sponsors
Club of Pleasant Hill 16 | OCTOBER 2020 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM
City of Pleasant Hill
Contact Michael Moore at veteransday2020@gmail.com
Read My Mind
©
“The Answer is...”
BY MICHAEL G. HARRIS, OD Long time Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek has written The Answer Is…A Reflection on My Life, a memoir about his life and time on the popular TV game show. You should find this charming little book delightful even if you are not a Jeopardy! fan. But if you are, like I am, it will be an utterly fascinating read. I had the opportunity to listen to the audio version of the book, with Alex narrating small parts and all-time Jeopardy! champion Ken Jennings narrating the rest. Jennings’ narration is a real treat for true Jeopardy! fans. Trebek, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last year, tells the story of his early life, his entry into broadcasting, and his 36 years as Jeopardy! host. It should be noted that he calls himself a host, not a star. The stars of the show are the contestants. Alex grew up in a small town outside of Toronto, Canada, and had what he called “an uneventful childhood.” A life-altering event happened when he started the Royal Canadian Air Force military college as a teenager. After three days, he “dropped out when he learned the college planned to buzz his luscious head of hair.” He went to college, studied philosophy, and got a job as a DJ because he was bilingual. Being bilingual was a major factor in securing a later job with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. In the early 1970s, Alex decided to move to LA to pursue his television career. He got various gigs guest-hosting TV shows, including some quite unsuccessful quiz shows. His big break came when he was offered the chance to host a re-launch of Jeopardy! in 1984. He’s been in the job ever since, becoming one of the most recognized faces on television. He’s able to balance a family life and work because he only tapes Jeopardy!
shows twice a week. They are hectic and long days, taping five episodes a day, but leave Alex plenty of time to spend with his “soulmate and wife, Jeannie, and their two grown children. Now, I’m a huge Jeopardy! fan, and I love trivia. I take great pride when I can answer the Jeopardy! questions before the contestants do, especially when I get the final Jeopardy! and none of the contestants do. I’ve been a longtime fan of Jeopardy!, dating back to its original airing in 1964. During its initial black and white run, the host was Art Fleming and the prize money wasn’t nearly as high as it is today. Initially, the questions were valued at just $25$250. The original network show went off the air in 1979. The value of the questions and the amount the contestants could win increased dramatically when the show was re-launched in 1984 with Alex as host. Jeopardy! was created by entertainer and late night host Merv Griffin. He’s also credited with creating Wheel of Fortune. Griffin was looking for a new type of game show after the quiz show scandals of the 1960s. His wife had a great idea. Rather than asking contestants the questions, give them the answers and let them figure out what the questions are. That would avoid the cheating scandal that plagued quiz shows like Twenty-One and The $64,000 Question, where the shows’ producers provided answers to favorite contestants. Griffin, a former bandleader, composed the Jeopardy! theme song in less than a minute. That 30-second ditty is played in every show between the reading of the final Jeopardy! answer and the contestants time to respond. Griffin, and now his estate, gets a
royalty every time the tune is played on Jeopardy! That’s at least five days a week, 52 weeks a year, for over 40 years! The estate also gets a royalty any time that tune is played on other TV shows, radio shows, and movies. Over the years, royalties from the theme song alone have brought in over $80 million! The value of the questions and the amount contestants can win increased dramatically when the show was relaunched in 1984 with Trebek as host. Good news for Jeopardy! fans – new episodes of the show started airing this September, with Alex as host and
Ken Jennings as his sidekick. The show went on hiatus when Alex underwent chemo treatments. What many don’t know is that he lost his hair and was fitted with a perfect wig by the show’s make-up artist. The wig is so realistic, most don’t even know it’s fake. In spite of his illness, Alex has not lost his sense of humor and does not appear to be afraid of dying. “I’ve lived a good, full life, and I’m nearing the end of it. The thing that might bother me is if I pass on before I have grandchildren (hint hint).” The answer is…absolutely delightful!
Medicare-Eligible? Or Are You Moving Soon? BY KELLY NICOLL, COLLEEN CALLAHAN INSURANCE SERVICES Whether you were thinking of relocating to another state previously or the pandemic has ignited the idea, make sure researching medical insurance options is on your to do list. Insurance is state-specific and can even vary from region by region, so it may not be as simple as calling your insurance company and updating your address. With proper planning, you can have a successful transition. What do you need to know? Timing is important! You will have a short window following your move to make a change. This will vary by state but is typically 30-60 days. Acting quickly may help you secure coverage without medical underwriting. It will also help avoid late enrollment consequences. For Part D Drug coverage, a gap of more than 60 days can lead to permanent penalties - 1% of the national average premium for each month you were without coverage. You
also must wait until the next enrollment period if you miss your qualifying event. Your options may be different. Medicare Supplements, named by letters A-N, are standardized across most states, so you may be able to keep your same plan. Medicare Advantage and Part D drug plans may have differing benefits and formularies. Be prepared for a change in premium. Plans are priced by region within a state. While your plan may be available in your new state, the monthly rate will be different. Hopefully, it is lower! Is your move only temporary? Medicare Supplements don’t have networks, so they may provide more flexibility in accessing care away from home. Ready to talk? A Medicare-certified agent can help you explore your options at no additional cost to you. We would be happy to help! Colleen Callahan Insurance Services is located in Pleasant Hill. Kelly Nicoll can be reached at 925.363.5433 or knicoll@callahaninsurance.com. SPONSORED CONTENT OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | OCTOBER 2020 | 17
PAIR UP
Pasta Party!
Two Perfect Recipes for Halloween BY MARIA TERRY Pasta is great comfort food, and since it can often be served warm or at room-temperature, it makes a good “party” food. These two pasta recipes are perfect for a Halloween party. Serve them with a basket of bread and your guests can help themselves all night long. With lots of flavorful arugula, this first pasta dish can be considered a salad. This is one of those recipes where you just toss everything together; it is very simple to make. And while most salads don’t play nicely with red wines, the cheese, nuts, and balsamic vinegar are
all components that complement red fruit flavors and soften the tannic qualities of red wines. A Hermitage wine from France’s Northern Rhone wine region is a wine worth splurging on for this dish. The unique tobacco notes bring out the earthy qualities of the Gorgonzola cheese, toasted walnuts, and arugula. If you can’t find a Hermitage Syrah, a Syrah from just about anywhere else will do. Pappardelle with Pancetta and Wild Mushrooms is also robust and can be served at room temperature. Pair it with a Salice Salentino from southern Apulia. It’s made from Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera grape varieties; Negroamaro has a rich bitterness similar to dark choc-
olate, while Malvasia Nera softens the blend. It’s excellent with salty pancetta and buttery sautéed mushrooms, but go easy on the chili flakes or you may unbalance the wine by increasing the perception of the tannins. If you want your pasta to be spicier, try a less tannic Pinot Noir. Pinot is always welcome to a party that includes mushrooms. When the kids come home with their bags of goodies, see if you can fish out a Tootsie Roll or two. The hint of orange adds just a bit of sophistication to the chocolate flavor and goes nicely with a sweet wine made from the Muscat grape. Muscat’s mandarin orange, mango, and honeysuckle aromas bring out those citrus notes, and its sugar level will hold up to the sweet candy. So, go on. Pair Up! Maria Terry is a certified sommelier and wine educator in the San Francisco Bay Area. www.LaSommelierre.com.
Pasta Salad with Gorgonzola and Walnuts
JENNIFER L. MARTIN, D.D.S. Specialist in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
401 GREGORY LANE, SUITE 126 PLEASANT HILL, CA 94523 925.676.8485 FAX 925.676.0288 www.drjennifermartin.com
INGREDIENTS 1 pound farfalle, cooked al dente 8 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (plus extra for drizzling) 2 cups Gorgonzola cheese (cut into 1 cm cubes cold) 1 cup walnut halves 10 cups arugula (aka rocket) 2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar Salt & pepper DIRECTIONS Place the Gorgonzola, walnuts, and rocket in a large bowl. Pour 8 tablespoons of the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar over it and season with salt and pepper; mix thoroughly. Add the pasta to the bowl and gently toss everything together to allow the flavors to combine. Serve immediately or keep in a sealed container in the fridge for the following day. Do not keep longer than 48 hours and eat it at room temperature. Yield: 4 Servings
.......................................................... 18 | OCTOBER 2020 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM
Pappardelle with Pancetta and Wild Mushrooms INGREDIENTS 1 pound pappardelle pasta ( fresh or dried) 4 ounces thinly sliced pancetta, cut into strips 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter 1½ Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1.25 pounds mixed mushrooms (chanterelles, bluefoot, oyster, etc.), brushed clean, trimmed, and halved or chopped if large 5 cloves garlic, finely chopped ½ teaspoon fine sea salt 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh thyme leaves Pinch of crushed red chili flakes, or to taste 1/3 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese shavings, divided Freshly ground black pepper to taste DIRECTIONS Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving ¼ cup cooking liquid. Meanwhile, put pancetta in large, deep skillet and place over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until pancetta is browned and crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove pancetta with a slotted spoon, leaving drippings in pan; set pancetta aside. Add butter and olive oil to skillet and cook over medium heat until butter melts. Add mushrooms, garlic, and salt; raise heat to medium-high and cook, stirring frequently, until mushrooms release their juices and brown, about 10 minutes. Add pasta, pancetta, thyme, chili flakes, 1/4 cup pasta cooking liquid, and half the Parmesan and stir until noodles are coated. Serve topped with fresh pepper and remaining Parmesan shavings. Yield: 4 Servings
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Remembering Ron Dallimonti
IN THE MIX
Honoring the Legend of Dallimonti’s Restaurant BY PAUL COTRUVO Our community lost an incredible man last month. The wonderful Ron Dallimonti passed away. He and his wife, Christy, ran the extraordinarily successful Dallimonti’s Restaurant in Pleasant Hill, where Ron was a legend. Ron was instrumental in bringing live music to Pleasant Hill. His love and passion of music created a music scene that was, for the most part, nonexistent in Pleasant Hill and surrounding communities. Without Ron, I do not think we would have a music culture in this area. And what an environment he and Christy created! Nowhere else could you step through the front door and have the band on your immediate left and dancing on your right. I compare it to having a live band playing in your living room. Where else could you dance next to the bass player? Or share the mic with the lead singer? He created a fun and intimate environment. I will always be eternally grateful to Ron, who took a chance on many unknown bands and musicians and gave them a chance to perform. I have so many memories -- too many to share in this article -- but one of my favorites is when he hired a band I was in called Sunstorm to play New Year’s Eve in 1999-2000. As most of you remember, we were all nervous about Y2K. None of us knew what would happen at midnight. Would we lose power? Would the world end? But as soon as the clock hit midnight, I looked over at Ron and he just gave me that big smile of his, hopped over the bar, and joined in singing with the band. Another wonderful memory is when Ron had a jukebox in the early days. My brother and I had recorded a single (a 45rpm record, the one with the big hole in the middle, for all you millennials). He had added the single to the jukebox, and just about every time I came in, he would run over to the jukebox and play our record. It is extremely hard for me to think that Ron is gone, but I know his legacy will live on.
A few of Ron’s friends wrote these memories and thoughts: The legendary David Martin: That smile could light up a room and fill up your heart. Ron Dallimonti was a man who had a giving, loving, positive spirit. He adored his immediate family and chose to embrace his immediate community (wherever he might be)! Ron’s choice was to share himself and his life with people in the private and public domain - and always to be of service and support. For me, it was a joy to watch him run his cherished Pleasant Hill restaurant with his wife, Christy, note his uncanny ability to “work a room,” marvel at his energy and technique behind a bar, adore his love for music and laughter, see him celebrate being Italian and a San Francisco native, respect his work ethic and total commitment, and feel his true camaraderie with most everyone he met, knew, or would soon be introduced to. Ron’s energy was often like a big, young, beautiful lab dog, and at other times he was your kindest, sensitive, and most sincere confidante. Of course, somehow, he was never far away from a microphone, ready to sing at a moment’s notice. Music flowed through his being and he truly cared for and embraced musicians. He understood the fever. Ron’s life ultimately reflected an authentic impact on thousands of people over too short a lifetime; so many of us are eternally grateful for having shared his unforgettable energy and bicycled a little bit along the journey with him. The ability to appreciate the simple, “in the moment” pleasures of life is the foundation of memories, lessons, and inspiration that I will always associate with Ron Dallimonti ... and that smile! Salud!” Another great local musician and one of the first people to play at Dallimonti’s, Ken Cooper: Ron always loved coming up to sing with the band, and with years of doing it together, we had a tight act. Ron used to say, “I think we’re ready to take it on the road.” Sometimes, to start his set, he would face into the band. We would start playing and he would start
singing and then turn around to the full dance floor in front of him! It never got old. Good times, always. Pleasant Hill City Councilman and neighbor Tim Flaherty: One night I brought my dad and mom to Dallimonti’s for dinner. We had a lovely meal, and when the bill came my dad, as usual, insisted on paying and presented his San Francisco fire credit union Visa card to our server. A few moments later, Ron came running up to our table asking who the San Francisco firefighter was. Ron looked at me and I looked at him and introduced him to my Dad, a retired assistant chief in the SFFD. Ron and I were shocked that after all the many hours we had spent speaking across the bar and sharing our experiences growing up In San Francisco, we never informed each other that our fathers were firefighters. Ron had many questions for my dad about his father who had died when Ron was a teenager. My father was able to share with Ron his personal experiences with Ron’s dad at the firehouse and also identified all of the people in many of the photographs that Ron had of his father at the firehouse. It was a special moment that created a bond between Ron and me that endured. Some years later after my father passed away, I invited Ron to a memorial lunch, where I was able to introduce Ron to other retired firefighters who were also acquainted
with Ron’s dad. It was a special time and a special moment that Ron and I often revisited. I will leave you all with this wonderful quote by Irving Berlin, “The song has ended, but the melody lingers on.”
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From the Contra Costa County Historical Society
Cauliflower Fields in Ygnacio Valley? J.L. Claghorn Ranch in the 1900s BY MARJORIE NEWTON Yes, it is true! In the early 1900s, farmers grew cauliflower in their fields in Ygnacio Valley. According to an article in the Concord Transcript in 1923, the first shipment of cauliflower was dispatched to eastern markets from Meinert Station, with 25 carloads of the vegetable being sent by rail to points east of the Mississippi. According to a column by Nilda Rego published in Days Gone By Volume 1, the demise of cauliflower cultivation in Ygnacio Valley and Contra Costa County agriculture in general was due to the opening of the Caldecott Tunnel in 1937. Cauliflower found a more hospitable home in fields near Salinas, where it is grown year round. The size to which a head of cauliflower grows is affected by the temperature in the region. Today, it is important to processors to have fairly uniform sizes for
packing and shipping. The cauliflower is stripped of its green leaves when it is still in the field. California produces 88 percent of the cauliflower grown in the United States. When I was growing up, the dreaded cauliflower would show up infrequently but always with the admonishment, “Eat your cauliflower; it will put hair on your chest.” To this day, I do not know why anyone would think I would want hair on my chest. Today, one can hardly recognize cauliflower; it has taken so many new forms and colors. It can be purple, orange, or green. Colored cauliflower is more nutritious than white. Plant pigments are powerful antioxidants and anti-cancer agents. There are recipes for baking, frying, roasting, and puréeing cauliflower. It is used for pizza crust and taken on the shape and appearance of mashed potatoes. Cauliflower steak,
popcorn, and Shepard’s Pie are some of the more popular recipes. Be careful what you eat; you may discover hair growing on your chest! A History Note is presented by the Contra Costa County History Center, 724 Escobar St., Martinez, using materials from the Society’s collections. Nor-
mal open hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays, from 9-4, and the first & third Saturdays of the month, from 102. The History Center is currently closed due to the coronavirus. Updates can be found and queries and orders made on the CCCHS website: www.cocohistory. org.
P.H. Senior Center
Classes and Virtual Programs Oct. 8 - October Senior Meal Deal Back Forty. Treat yourself to BBQ and don’t worry about cooking dinner on Thursday, Oct. 8! Choose from either BBQ Chicken or Sliced Turkey. Both entrees come with seasonal vegetables, baked beans and a dinner roll. $15 (price includes meal, tax and tip). Pick up at 4pm at the Senior Center on Oct. 8. Orders must be received by 10/2. Call 798-8788 to reserve meal. Oct. 15 & 29 - Parking Lot Bingo 9-11am. $5 for Bingo Pack (10-game play pack, dauber, & pattern sheet) No cash prizes but winners will get a choice of fun prize options. All participants will remain in their vehicles and play along through their FM radio. Radio station will be provided once you arrive. Sponsored by Beacon Home Care. HONK when you get a Bingo! Registration required, space will be limited. Register by calling the front desk or online at www.pleasanthillrec.com. Senior Center restroom will not be available for use. Restroom in the park will be open. Please plan accordingly and use the restroom before you come. Oct. 20 - Mystery Cooking Challenge 2:30pm. Pick up a mystery bag of food items to use in the challenge. Make something delicious from items in your home and the mystery bag. We will meet later via Zoom to see what everyone creatively made. Mystery Bag pick up will be Tuesday, Oct. 13, between 10am-1pm, and we will meet via Zoom at 12:30pm on Tuesday, Oct. 20. $5 to participate. Oct. 28 - Halloween Costume Trick or Treat Drive 1-1:30pm. Don’t let everything going on ruin your Halloween spirit! Hop in your car and head to the Senior Center for drive-thru Trick or Treating. Your favorite staff will be in costume and tossing a special treat into your car. We would love to see you in costume—even if it’s just a silly hat or mask. Sponsored by Kensington. Event is free but please register so we know how many to expect. We can’t wait to see you and your Halloween spirit! To register for anything, call (925) 798-8788 or visit www.pleasanthillrec.com.
233 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill 925-798-8788 Register for classes and events at www.pleasanthillrec.com 20 | OCTOBER 2020 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM
Each One Teach One
Teens Offer Hope and Support One Student at a Time BY CYNDY GIFFORD-PALERMO Finding hope and optimism in a pandemic can be difficult, but connection, collaboration, and community are possible. A group of local teens are working to break the stereotype that all teens are lazy, pajama wearing slugs. Gabby Thomas, a senior at College Park High School, has not spent her time in quarantine idly. Instead, she has recruited a group of over 45 volunteers from nine different high schools to offer free
virtual tutoring sessions a few hours a week to elementary school students. Gabby calls her project “Each One Teach One” because each volunteer acts as a mentor for just one younger student. The weekly FaceTime or Zoom sessions provide academic help that is tailored to the individual. Interested parents complete a short survey on the project’s website and outline exactly what they want their child to accomplish during their sessions. Gabby uses
Lucas Gomes starts his first day of distance learning with a special gift from tutor Gianna Cota, freshman at Clayton Valley. Photo by Caroline Gomes
this information to match each child with an older student who is best suited to his or her needs. Spanish help? No hay problema. Peter Jumper, varsity volleyball player at College Park, completed AP Spanish last year and was the perfect fit. Math expert? There are plenty to choose from, but Lauren Stone, varsity dance team member, advanced trigonometry student, and junior at Carondelet High, was the perfect match. Reading practice? Teenage bookworm, senior, and Alhambra High School’s National Honor Society president Dream Lopez to the rescue. Before the first day of school this year, each participating student found a goodie bag had been dropped on their front porch filled with pencils, candy,
and an encouraging note from their new older friend. While the first goal of “Each One Teach One” is to provide academic enrichment, the teens are equally committed to easing parent stress and being positive role models. If parents are interested in enrolling their children in the program or local teens are interested in volunteering, more information can be found at Gabby’s website, https://eachoneteachone. netlify.app/, or on the @eachoneteachone.ph Facebook page. The program is expanding each week as more teens and families join forces. Gabby’s team of tutors proves that teens do have the power to positively impact our community, even if they are stuck at home and even if they are in their pajamas.
Gabby Thomas, founder of Each One Teach One, pictured at Pismo Beach. Photo by Isabella Silva
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Stronger Than You Know
The Domino Effect Challenge BY DENA BETTI Now I am guessing for a lot of you this is probably not the first time you’ve heard of the domino effect, but HOW the dominos have fallen in your life is what’s important. The first thing I want to mention is if you’ve failed at achieving your big goals in the past, it’s not your fault. If you’re concerned about not being able to reach your big goals around health, wealth, and relationships, I want to put those fears to rest. You can achieve great heights. You just need to be given the secret on how to topple the dominos in your favor. I’m sure you’ve gathered evidence that proves how difficult it is to achieve your big goals. I care about your success and genuinely want to see you living the life of your dre ams and thriving in all areas. So, that’s what we’re here for. I know you have a dream to have it all and make an impact on this life you’ve been given, and I want to show you how to make that happen during this month’s article. My goal of the following short story is to help you walk away with one tool you can instantly start using so you can win each day moving forward. I recently
refinished an antique piece of furniture. I woke up early to start the project. I thought about flipping the dresser upside down and starting with painting the bottom first. It was important to me that I execute the project with as much excellence as possible. When I was young, I wouldn’t have been so detailed because I didn’t understand the power of tipping over the domino and how little actions add up to big actions. Have you heard of Stephen Morris? He’s a PhD in geophysics and conducted a pretty cool research test with a series of 13 dominoes, each roughly one and a half times the size of the one knocking it over. The first domino is so tiny, only 5 millimeters tall and 1 millimeter thick -smaller than a Tic Tac, that it needs to be set up with tweezers. The 13th is more than three feet tall and weighs about 100 pounds. In his test, he proved that a domino the size of a Tic Tac could cause a chain reaction that resulted in toppling the 100-pound domino! So let’s think about this from the perspective of your life. What if you focused on completing, to the best of your ability, one small thing each morning? Do you think it would be kind of like the little Tic Tac domino that eventually led to the 100-pound domino being knocked over?
Do you think how the little things you do each day can affect how you achieve the big things? I’m betting you will be amazed at the results you get! For the next 30 days, I challenge you to pick one small task each morning and do that task to the best of your ability. File that one piece of paper, make your bed, clean one thing in your house, send that important email, exercise, etc. Pick one thing. When you accomplish your first
task of the day, you will have pushed over the tiniest of dominos. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task, and another, and another. Dena Betti is a graduate of the University of San Francisco, executive director of #hersmile Nonprofit, and a certified advisor and iSoulify Podcast co-host. For more information, email dena@strongerthanyouknow.com.
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Our Podcast Mission is to lift up inspirational woman and magnify their voices! Join us for a light hearted hour of personal stories that inspire! Download iSoulify on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, Google Play, Spotify, or RSS!
Fire Season
Essential Tips to Keep Your Family Safe BY SUPERVISOR KAREN MITCHOFF Fire season has come in full force — from fast moving blazes across our state, to record-setting heat, to smoke clogging our skies — it is now more important than ever to be prepared. September is national preparedness month, and in this article, I will share some essential tips and guidelines to keep you and your family safe this wildfire season. The best place to begin preparations for wildfire is at home. Starting outside, CalFire recommends that homeowners create defensible space around their property by removing dead and dry vegetation from roofs, gutters, and decks. Additionally, be sure to cut back trees and limbs so they are at least ten feet away from any structure. If you have grass, weeds, or brush on your property, make sure to regularly cut and clear these fuels within 30-
100 feet of your home. Moving indoors, make sure that all your smoke alarms have fresh batteries, and regularly check to make sure they are in good working order. Additionally, if you live in a zone at risk for fire, it is essential that you pack a go-bag with everything you would need in case of an evacuation. If you have pets, make sure you pack a go-bag for them too, and keep kennels or crates close by in case you need to leave home quickly. Back your car into the driveway as well to help with quick loading of your belongings. Last but not least, consider collecting memorable items, photo albums, hard drives, and other important keepsakes in a central, accessible location so you can evacuate in a hurry. With both the indoors and outdoors prepared, the next phase of preparation is to make a plan should you have to evacuate. Some things to consider: Where would you evacuate to in the event of a fire near your home? What route would you use to leave? If
cell reception is disrupted, make sure to have an agreed upon meeting point if members of your family work outside the home and are unable to make it home prior to an evacuation. Lastly, the Contra Costa Community Warning System (CWS) has changed the Caller ID used to issue alerts as a result of new federal rules. The old Caller ID was 000-000-0000 and has been
changed to 925-655-0195. To make sure you answer the phone for a CWS alert, add this number as a new contact in your mobile device and label it “Community Warning System.” Text alerts will continue to come from a 5-digit short code. To learn more about how to prepare for wildfires, visit cccfpd.org/ResidentsWildlandFireGuide.
Mother Hips Cruise-In Concerts At the Solano County Fairgrounds October 31
Mr. Hat Presents a very special Halloween Cruise-In Concert featuring two rockin’ sets from The Mother Hips at The Solano County Fairgrounds along with The Mad Alchemy Liquid Lightshow. Ticket and hotel packages are available. Stay down the street from the show and make a weekend getaway of it! Very limited Gold Circle Passes available. Gold Circle Pass holders get prime close-up placement, early admission, and a free, limited edition, commemorative poster by Katie Kincade Designs. Attendance is limited and this show will sell out quickly, so get in where you fit in! View ticket page: https://e.sparxo.com/HipsHalloween Cruise-In concerts utilize an array of safety measures to achieve zero transmissions. All attendees must wear a mask and socially distance from other groups when outside their vehicles, and each vehicle and
its occupants (up to 4 adults) are assigned a 15x20 foot area in which you can park and dance or hang out on the driver’s side. Restroom attendants limit crowding and disinfect surfaces every half hour. There will be a high-quality FM broadcast as well as a PA system, so you can listen inside your vehicle. Food and beverages can be ordered via phone (full bar and two food trucks with vegan options). A safety team and security ensure that people remember to follow these guidelines. (No Covidiots!) Originally signed by Rick Rubin while still students at Chico State, The Mother Hips have spent two-and-a-half decades at the forefront of a new breed of California rock and roll—equally informed by the breezy harmonies of the Beach Boys, the funky roots of The Band, and the psychedelic Americana of Buffalo Springfield—and
established themselves as “one of the Bay Area’s most beloved live outfits” (San Francisco Guardian) through countless headline shows, massive festival appearances, and dates with everyone from Johnny Cash and Wilco to Lucinda Williams and The Black Crowes. The New Yorker lauded the band’s ability to “sing it sweet and play it dirty,” and Chorus is perhaps the finest example yet of that intoxicating dichotomy, a richly melodic album firmly rooted in gritty rock and roll with the kind of evocative storytelling that The Mother Hips do best. The Mad Alchemy Liquid Lightshow is an Analog Liquid Light Show in the great San Francisco tradition of Bill Ham, Brotherhood of Light, and Glen McKay, with highlights from the heyday of the Bay Area’s ‘60s Psychedelic Ballrooms. Principal Lance Gordon has been involved and performing
this art form since 1971. To learn more, visit madalchemy.net. By purchasing this ticket and attending this event, you agree that you will not attend if you have or have been exposed to the COVID virus, and you release Mr. Hat Presents and the Solano County Fairgrounds Association from any liability from any harm you may suffer, knowing that every precaution is being taken to protect you. You may stay in your car with the windows up if you wish and enjoy the show via FM radio. No pets, no RVs, no monster trucks. Acts, date, and venue is subject to change. No refunds. Social distancing from those not in your group and mask wearing is required. Please only attend with folks in your social bubble. Sponsored by Hella Dank, a small Bay Area Family Business. Check them out at Helladank.co. OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM | OCTOBER 2020 | 23
General Manager’s Message No Tricks. Just Treats. By Michelle Lacy General Manager, Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District
Hello October. sin I sincerely hope you surprise us with only delightful treats this year because frankly, all the nasty tricks in previous months are getting really tiresome. Covid-fatigue is real and I think we’re all feeling it. In spite of this, my staff continues to push forward and amaze me at every step. Not only are they nding ways to adjust and add back new recreation programs the minute public health orders allow, but they are also conjuring up new activities and events for the community this fall. The Tinkers & Thinkers Innovation Fair on September 12, for example, was the most epic online experimental event ever in Pleasant Hill. This free community event brought together an estimated 1,800 children and family members online via Zoom to engage and learn about Science, Technology, Engineering and Science (STEM) through collective hands-on activities and presentations from local educators, students and organizations. While a bit crazy with so many people online at once, the overall event feedback was overwhelmingly positive and the participation absolutely phenomenal. It felt amazing to be able to bring one of our most popular events back, albeit in a new way, this year. Visit event
website at www.phtinkersandthinkers.com for more information. Both the staff at Pleasant Hill Rec & Park and the Pleasant Hill Library (co-hosts) look forward to bringing Tinkers and Thinkers back in 2021 with all of us together in Pleasant Hill Park. Fingers crossed! With Tinkers & Thinker success under our belts, Rec & Park staff is forging ahead and planning a few more experimental events to help us kick off the fall season, this time with some in-person, social-distanced Halloween fun. Please see more information on our Trick ‘R Treat Drive-Boo! and Spellbinding Halloween House Decorating Contest in the right column or visit our website at pleasanthillrec.com. I can’t wait to see what Halloween surprises they come up with this year. On a less surprising note given all the media attention, the November 3 election is just around the corner. I wanted to take this opportunity to remind everyone in our community to vote. There are ballot drop boxes located at Pleasant Hill City Hall at 100 Gregory Lane and at the Pleasant Hill Community Center at 320 Civic Drive or you can nd your in-person voting location by visiting: http://bit.ly/CCCVoterInfo2020.
pleasanthillrec.com
This election, Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District will be on the ballot with a Board of Directors election for two board positions. I thought it would be helpful to provide some background both on the District and information on the role of the Board. Pleasant Hill Rec & Park is a Special District, an independent government agency, separate from the City of Pleasant Hill and other government agencies. For more information about special districts in our state, visit https://www.csda.net/special-districts/learn-about. Rec & Park is governed under the Public Resources Code of the State of California and an elected Board of Directors. Established in 1951 before Pleasant Hill was officially a city, Pleasant Hill Rec & Park was a grassroots organization formed by citizens who desired recreational opportunities and park facilities in their community. Almost 70 years later, Rec & Park continues to fullll the founding mission by pr viding and managing extensive District-owned parks, facilities, open space, and recreation programs and events throughout District boundaries including Pleasant Hill and some areas of unincorporated Contra Costa County. The Rec & Park District Board of Directors is made up of ve elected officials who set policy for the District. They are elected by residents within District boundaries during the general election of the even years in November. Each member
serves a four-year term and the terms are staggered so as to have three members' terms expire in one election and the remaining members on the alternative date. The list of current Board members is as follows: Sandra Bonato, 2020 Member, Bobby Glover, 2020 Member, Jennifer Ortega, 2020 Chair, Andrew Pierce, 2020 Vice Chair and Zac Shess, 2020 Secretary. In 2020, the 4-year term for two Board members will expire and there are three candidates interested in serving on the Rec. & Park Board and have declared themselves as candidates. The candidates are as follows: Quy Tran, Sandy Vincent and Derrek Wurst. Information about each candidate may be found in your ballot information or visit: http://bit.ly/PHRecBoardCandidates2020 No matter what dark and scary tricks this month may bring, I’m conndent my team will continue to shine in the darkness. With that said, let’s hope for no tricks. Just treats.
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