2025 Editorial Calendar
Hello Neighbors
June is a month that feels like the world is blooming in full color. Summer is here, school winds down, and plans to spend more time with family, friends, and sunshine increase. But amid the beach days and backyard barbecues, June holds a special day worth pausing for—Father’s Day.
Whether you’re honoring a dad, stepdad, grandfather, father figure, or mentor, Father’s Day is a moment to reflect on the quiet strength and enduring guidance that dads often bring. This month, we celebrate those who have helped shape us with their wisdom, humor, and love. This issue, we are happy to welcome the City of Pinole, the vibrant city with many upcoming events this summer (see page 8).
Also, SLK Odd Jobs, three entrepreneurial high school seniors willing to do what it takes – from window or power washing to yard work and dump runs – to earn money for college (see page 28).
As always, thank you for reading and being part of our community. Here’s to strong roots, warm days, and
Susie | Jacqueline
Feature article developed, researched, and written by
Karen Walker
Be absolutely sure to have a signed, printed contract up front and pay attention to every detail. “ ”
WHAT IS THE BEST (OR WORST) HOME IMPROVEMENT ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED?
Thanks for submitting your savvy, valuable, even painfully humorous advice and ‘lessons learned’ regarding home improvements…
Betty DeOrian in Pinole was one of the first to respond, sharing that “Years ago, when my husband and I told the salesman at a kitchen remodel shop that we were ‘doing it ourselves’, he quickly smiled and responded ‘How strong is your marriage?’… We passed the test, barely!”
Mark McElrath cuts to the chase, “Hire experienced professionals!”
“Add 10% to every estimate,” says Robert Orellana.
GET THINGS IN WRITING UP FRONT. PAY ATTENTION
A Richmond resident who wishes to remain nameless agrees wholeheartedly, recounting some tough lessons learned.
“Basically talk is cheap, and being nice or friendly does not indicate professional quality and commitment,” she says. “They can be super nice and agreeable, then when they get to work it is completely different. Instead, observe what they DO. Do they show up? Or do they make excuses for not showing up or for not executing as promised? Do they substitute products such as tile, paint or plants with inferior alternatives or with colors you did not specify?”
“Be absolutely sure to have a signed, printed contract up front and pay attention to every detail. Include a Finish Date and, if needed, completion dates for various stages of a project. A friend of mine also includes a Penalty Consequence if any date is not met—such as a penalty that the contractor has to pay YOU for every day beyond the finish date that a project is delayed.”
She continues, "When we were doing our remodel about 15 years ago, it was supposed to take four months. Instead, it took more than two years and many things we discovered over time had not been done correctly!”
LESSONS LEARNED
“I’ve learned a lot with contractors. When you expect them to work on your project but they don’t show up, that’s a Red Flag, regardless of any good-sounding excuses! You also need to make sure that a contractor has the necessary experience and knowledge to do your job well.”
“This is true even for gardeners and landscapers,” she adds. “They have to be educated with plants. For example, I had a beautiful fern grove in a portion of our backyard. Every Fall it would die back and during Winter it would look like nothing but brown nubs, but then in Spring it would come back abundantly and look wonderful again.”
“That said, one person we hired to maintain our landscaping and garden removed the brown numbs. No more fern grove to enjoy! Another time he got rid of my flower bulbs that were hibernating in the ground. Obviously he did not know much about plants!”
“Painful memories, but I’m glad to share because maybe what I learned the hard way will help your readers ahead of disaster!” she concludes with a sigh and a big smile.
Lastly, Mr. Graham from Point Richmond shares that “since I’ve been a renter most of the time, it’s been hard to take on home improvement projects without permission from the landlords. That said, I’ve hired home organizers. That was one of the best things I’ve ever done. She did wonders with limited space and budgets, resulting in a much more peaceful and efficient living and working environment!”
Q. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR PRESERVING FAMILY MEMORIES?
Please submit your response by June 25, 2025 — including your name (as you’d like to see it in print) and city — to: sales@ccmarketplacemag.com NEXT QUESTION (Deadline: June 25, 2025)
SATURDAY EVENING
JUNE 14th 59PM
ON PURSUING A PASSION, ALWAYS LEARNING, AND FATHERHOOD
by Karen Walker
“Balancing
Meet Michael R. Nelson, a retired U.S. Marshal Chief Deputy, an award-winning artist, a husband and father, who also just happens to be Contra Costa Marketplace’s co-owner Susie Kessinger’s dad. That said, you may find inspiration and even elements of your own journey echoed in his.
From an early age Nelson knew he wanted to pursue a career in art, but the practical realities of life led him to achieve that passion via a most unexpected path.
After serving four years in the military, Nelson joined the Sacramento Police Department.
As for all of us, life was neither simple nor easy.
Now married and raising a family with his beautiful wife, Valerie, a Kauai kamaaina (born in Kauai, Hawaii), his life suddenly took a heart-stopping turn. In the line of duty, Nelson endured a serious bullet wound in the chest. Upon recovery he made a career change to become a U.S. Marshal, serving in the U.S. Marshals Service for 30 years until retiring in 1999, a highly decorated Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal.
“My career in law enforcement was dictated by my desire to support a family which I couldn’t do with my artwork alone. I loved my career, especially with the U.S. Marshals. The law enforcement community became like a second family. My deputies were like sons and daughters to me.”
“Unfortunately,” Nelson reflects, “at times there were conflicts between the two families with me being gone for weeks at a time on assignment. That absence made my real family even more special to me as I valued the time I had with them.”
Michael R. Nelson, retired U.S. Marshal Chief Deputy.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR THE GOOD, WHEREVER YOU ARE ALONG LIFE’S JOURNEY
Last year, the U.S. Marshals office in Sacramento dedicated a room to Nelson as the “Chief Michael R. Nelson Training and Gallery.” They have seven of Nelson’s paintings, both U.S. Marshals themes and landscapes, on permanent display in the room.
“It was a real honor,” Nelson says, “especially since they still remembered me after 25 years of retirement. They’re still my second family.”
SO, WHAT ABOUT THAT PASSION FOR ART?
At the urging of his wife, Nelson later began developing his artistic talent. He enrolled in evening painting lessons at a local high school, but… “I was bored to death,” Nelson laughs. “They wanted me to paint little brown bowls of fruit. So I quit.”
Instead, he was intrigued by landscapes and seascapes. Meeting acclaimed artist Gary Langdon from Madera, California, was a game-changer for Nelson.
“I remember showing Gary several of my poor attempts at oil paintings and my pencil sketch book…He took one look at the paintings and tossed them in the trash can,” Nelson recounts with a chuckle. “He then looked at the drawings and said if I can draw like that, I could paint.”
Langdon enrolled Nelson that night into his advanced oil painting class. The rest of Nelson’s art journey, as they say, is history.
“I started painting later in my career as a stress reliever and found that I had a real passion for creating realistic paintings. Unlike some artists, my trees look like trees,” Nelson smiles.
A JOURNEY OF LEARNING
“Over the years, my subject matter has changed,” says Nelson. “Painting to me is a journey of learning, and when I stop learning new skills, I’ll stop painting.”
“After I learned to paint marine life,” he adds, “I went on to
seascapes, then to wildlife, golf, still life, pet portraits etc. I’m still challenging myself to learn more and to get better at my craft, and as long as this holds true, I’ll keep creating. After I’m gone, my family will have one hell of a garage sale!”
When asked about his current passion for golf, Nelson is quick to respond. “My passion for golf is probably the same reason I paint. Golf is a game you’ll never master but it drives you to at least try to master it. Like art, golf is an individual activity that you’re always trying to master to some degree. The same is true every time I start a new painting.”
ON BEING A FATHER
“Being a father and husband is far more difficult than being a police officer or artist,” admits Nelson. “Balancing career and family life can be a challenge. It’s also something you’ll never master; you just do the best you can and hopefully everything comes out well in the end.”
“As my kids got older, I learned that I couldn’t dictate who they became as an individual, because it was all based on their own individual experiences. I love them for who they are, not for what I wanted them to be.”
Again, Nelson’s reflection echoes the unexpected challenges and learnings along life’s journey.
“My daughter is very successful in her work, raised a great son as a single mother and I’m so proud of who she has become. I’m blessed to still have her in my life. I lost my son several years ago to an undiagnosed medical condition and I still think of him daily. It’s a loss you never completely get over, nor should you. Even though he gave me several of my grey hairs, he once told me that the mistakes he made in his life made him who he was and that he was happy being who he was. All we can hope is that our kids grow up to be happy regardless of the path they choose, and that’s reward enough.”
JUNE 15
For demolition projects, please contact KJ Demolition: Phone: (510) 275-9994 Email: contact@kjdemolition.com
For concrete, drainage, or foundation work, please contact Dimension Construction: Phone: (510) 275-3201
Email: contact@dimensionus.com
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
CONTRA
D ON ’S REA L ES TATE UPDATE
5 HOM E IMP ROVEM EN TS TH AT PAY O FF
Many homeowners are unsure whether improving their home is worth the investment. In the East Bay, the improvements that will deliver the highest return on investment (ROI) include:
· LANDSCAPING: Believe it or not, landscaping upgrades tend to deliver the highest ROI Drought-friendly landscaping is extremely attractive to buyers.
MINOR BATHROOM AND KITCHEN UPGRADES: A few minor improvements, new appliances and
Be careful when approaching a major kitchen remodel though, unless you plan to live in the home and enjoy it.
· WINDOWS: windows, consider replacing them.
· ATTIC & BASEMENT REMODELS: Adding permitted space - whether you’re creating an always be worth the investment.
· EXTERIOR: Many exterior upgrades will improve the appeal of your home without breaking the bank. Consider painting or a fresh coat on trim and doors. Garage door upgrades tend to recoup their cost, and if your roof needs replacing, don’t
The more desirable your home is, the more interest it will gain from buyers, which can lead to multiple
demand. Want to learn more? Call me!
REC EN T TRANSACTI ON
I was pleased to represent the
1564
I was pleased to represent the
SOLD! 4033 LA COLINA ROAD, EL SOBRANTE
SOLD!
MARIPOSA STREET, RICHMOND
JUNE 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Game Night Mondays at Crockett Library
Mondays, 5:30-7:30pm. Come join us for Game Night every Monday. Chess, card games, other classics, and even Settlers of Catan – we’ve got the board games you’re looking for. Additionally, every THIRD Monday, get ready to roll –because we’re playing Dungeons and Dragons!
JUNE 4, 11, 18, 25: Alphabet Storytime at Crockett Library
Wednesdays, 11:15am. Join us on Wednesday mornings, 11:15am to 11:45am for Storytime. Songs, stories, and the Mystery Box await you!
JUNE 5: Art with Heart: A Pride Craft for Teens at the Hercules Library
Thursday, 1-3pm. Celebrate love, identity, and creativity at the Hercules Library! Come make a colorful heart wall art—perfect for expressing your unique self and showing support for the LGBTQ+ community. Everyone is welcome. All materials provided. This is a teen program).
JUNE 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27: Lunch at the Crockett Library Wednesdays and Fridays, 12:30pm. Join us for Lunch at the Library! Starting Wednesday, June 11, we’ll have FREE, healthy lunch for kids 18 and younger, at 12:30pm, while supplies last.
June 2025 EVENTS
JUNE 11: Max Meditation at the Hercules Library
Wednesday, , 6-7pm. Thoughts racing? Feeling a little overwhelmed? Need a mid-week reprieve? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then the Max Meditation program is right for you! With the guidance of a professional healer, you’ll clear your mind and gain serenity.
JUNE 14: Juneteenth Sound Healing Experience at the Hercules Library
Saturday, 2pm. Join us for a Juneteenth self-care Sound Healing Experience with Sakai Parker, where we’ll explore the healing vibrations of sound therapy to bring balance, clarity, and rejuvenation. We’ll start with stretching and breathing, then relax into the sound bath, and then, once you’re refreshed and balanced, talk about the history of sound health and the positive effects on the body. Register here: https://ccclib.bibliocommons. com/events/680851315d951f36001422e1
JUNE 15: Jazz Sunday at the Elks Sunday, 1pm-4pm. Live Jazz Music and Dancing. The THIRD Sunday of the month. Snacks available. $10/person. 3391 San Pablo Dam Rd., El Sobrante.
JUNE 25: Exploration Station at Hercules Library
Wednesday, 11am-1pm. Discover science this summer at our Exploration Stations! Look, touch and explore to learn about our natural world and communities. Guests include the Lindsay Wildlife Experience, East Bay Regional Parks, Habitot Children’s Museum, Mt. Diablo and East Bay Astronomical Societies, Contra Costa Animal Services - and more!
JUNE 27: Family Movie & Storywalk at Refugio Park
Friday, all day! Join the Library and Hercules Parks & Recreation for Family Flix & Fun: a free movie and StoryWalk® in the park one eve ning each month all summer long. The movies will begin at sundown, but StoryWalk will be up all day. Walk along the path to each station and read the story. June Movie: The Tiger’s Appren tice & StoryWalk®: Nian, the Chinese New Year Dragon by Virginia Loh-Hagan. 510-245-2420.
CROCKETT LIBRARY
991 Loring Ave, Crockett, 510.787.2345
HERCULES LIBRARY
109 Civic Drive, Hercules, 510.245.2420
FARMERS MARKETSLocal
EL CERRITO PLAZA
Tuesdays and Saturdays - 9 am to 1 pm
3060 El Cerrito Plaza, Parking Lot (South West Corner)
RICHMOND
Fridays 7am - 5pm
325 Civic Center Plaza In front of the main Richmond Public Library
MARINA BAY
Sunday 10am - 2pm Marina Bay Park Regatta Blvd & Melville Square
PINOLE
Saturdays 9am-1pm 798 Fernandez Avenue Pinole
MARTINEZ
Sunday 10am - 1pm 700 Main Street, Martinez
KENSINGTON
Sunday 9am - 2pm 1560 Oak View Avenue Colusa Avenue & Santa Fe Avenue
RICHMOND CIVIC CENTER
May through November Wednesdays 10am-2pm Park Place & Richmond Avenue
POINT RICHMOND
May through September Wednesdays 4pm-8pm Nevin Avenue and 13th Street
SAN PABLO
June to September
Saturday 10am - 2pm 13831 San Pablo Avenue
EL SOBRANTE
10am-2pm Sundays 5166 Sobrante Avenue, El Sobrante
