Aug. 5-11, 2016, Martinez Tribune by Martinez Tribune

Our Town

Affordable Care Act explained Inside

Sports

News

Otters prepare for big week ahead Page 8

Air District settles case with Phillips 66

At left: Shea Murphy, Ethan Hussey, Ruadhan Melendez and Matthew Benz of the Martinez Community Swim Team.

Pages 3

MARTINEZ

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Aug. 5-11, 2016 Vol. 2, No. 1 martineztribune.com

Alcohol may have been factor in teen drowning School district seeks

In the Classroom

School registration to begin Aug. 16 By E. CLARK Martinez Tribune MARTINEZ, Calif. – The dog days of summer will soon be over, and that means one thing for area children – it’s time to go back to school. Walk-through registration at Alhambra High School (AHS) will take place from 1-7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 16, at the 150 E St. campus. Students will have the opportunity to order yearbooks, purchase spirit wear, obtain their school ID and schedules, have their pictures taken and explore the various clubs and activities that will be available throughout the school year. School portraits can be pre-ordered at www.alhambrahigh.org. Freshmen orientation at AHS is scheduled from 8:3010:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17. A Bullpup walk-through for Martinez Junior High School (MJHS) students will take place over a two-day period Aug. 1718, from 1-6 p.m. at the 1600 Court St. campus. All 6th and 7th grade students with last names A-L should walk through on the 17th, and all 7th and 8th grade students with last names M-Z should walk through Aug. SCHOOL: Page 3

By DAVID SCHOLZ Martinez Tribune MARTINEZ, Calif. – Andre Parrilla had consumed alcohol prior to his death, but the Contra Costa Coroner has listed drowning as the cause of death in the case, according Contra Cos-

ta County Sheriff Department spokesman Jimmy Lee. This incident happened on April 24, 2016, at about 4:25 a.m. Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to a medical call regarding someone in a pool at a home on the 100 block of Hill Girt Ranch Road in unincorporated Martinez. Parril-

la, age 15, was later pronounced deceased at the scene. The parents of the deceased are both employed by the Sheriff’s Department, so its detectives were assisted by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Ofﬁce to remove the appearance of a DROWNING: Page 2

New innovative preschool puts years of theorum to practice Youngsters learning STEM principles By E. CLARK Martinez Tribune There’s a new preschool in town, but it’s not your typical printrich, rainbow festooned, “plop your kids down while you work” setup. In fact, there’s nary a Barbie or Tonka Truck in sight. No, the new Center of Gravity early education school on the Martinez-Pleasant Hill border is an entirely different animal, as anyone can see upon entering. The colors and textures of the interior are soft and neutral. The chairs aren’t bright pink, red or blue plastic, but rather miniature versions of adult furniture, made of natural wood and fabrics. The toys – or rather tools, as executive director Michele GrantGroves prefers to call them – are made up of dye-free wooden blocks and arches, sand play stations, tubes and other materials designed to encourage children to build, create and experiment as they play. Lack-

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voter support for bond By DAVID SCHOLZ Martinez Tribune

MARTINEZ, Calif. – Elementary schools will be the initial focus of funding from a $120 million bond the Martinez Uniﬁed School District hopes voters will support Nov. 8. A minimum of 55 percent approval from the voters is required for passage of the bond measure. Determining the amount of the bond follows work by the board over the last two years to identify facility needs and come up with options, through a facilities master plan, which will allow the district to meet the projected growth in enrollment over the next decade as well as ensure students have great facilities for learning. All bond dollars will be locally controlled and not subject to ﬂuctuations in how the state funds public education from year to year. None can be used for any teacher or administrator salaries. Martinez Superintendent CJ Cammack acBOND: Page 3

Goodmorning Martinez All of us at the Martinez Tribune wish subscriber Jan Hubbard a good morning and a great week ahead. Thank you for subscribing! HARRY WHO PHOTOGRAPHY / Courtesy

From left: Center of Gravity preschool lead teacher Demetria Williams, executive director Michelle Grant-Groves, Center director Katherine Brehob, and master teacher Whitney Lee.

ing is the sense of busyness and over-stimulation one might ﬁnd at an archetypal preschool. That’s one reason why GrantGroves, her husband Bobby and their partners in business call the preschool a lab school – one centered on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). But how do you teach children

ages 2-6 STEM subjects? “It’s what kids are doing when they play,” Grant-Groves said. “They’re exploring, experimenting, prototyping, looking and observing. It’s not that letters, numbers, shapes and colors aren’t important, but that’s low-level learning. The kids pick up on those GRAVITY: Page 4

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Quote of the Week “Remember when life’s path is steep to keep your mind even.” – Horace Amusements....................14 Classiﬁeds........................11 Datebook..........................5 Police Blotter.......................2 Sports.................................8 Wendy C. Dunivan Weather...............................3 REALTOR ®

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Martinez Tribune | Aug. 5-11, 2016 The Crime Blotter and Arrest Log are compiled by Tribune staffer Danny Yoeono. For questions, email dyoeono@martineztribune.com.

Police Blotter By DANNY YOEONO Martinez Tribune The crime blotter is compiled from public record and is not confirmed by Martinez Police or any other party unless otherwise stated. Some accounts may be unfounded.

Wednesday, July 27 At 6:09 a.m., a verbal fight between two women possibly got physical for a moment, “based on words that were said.” The catfight occurred at Talbart and Buckley streets. A kid, identified as being 14 years old, was throwing rocks at cars driving through Parkway Drive around 11 a.m. A man, possibly under the influence, was walking in circles while talking to himself on Center Avenue near Rainier Drive around 1:15 p.m. A resident of Panoramic Drive noticed a suspicious

middle-aged man with a shoulder tattoo showering with a garden hose in his neighbor’s front yard at 6:20 p.m. Which I believe to be in violation of the drought-water-use restrictions. At 8:45 p.m., a man with a mustache and prosthetic leg was rolling around in the dirt on a pathway by the First Baptist Church of Martinez. Near Howe Road, clothing and debris were ablaze on the train tracks around 10 p.m. Railroad maintenance put out the fire. At 10:42 p.m., a man, who was described as tall, was stalking along Green Street calling to people inside the buildings around him to come out so that he could batter them. I am not falling for that one again.

Thursday, July 28 A man described as tall, skinny and wearing beige clothing was observed to be too weak to pick up his back-

Contra Costa Stadium Cinemas 555 Center Ave., Martinez Showtimes for Friday, Aug. 5, through Wednesday, Aug. 10

STAR TREK BEYOND (PG-13) 11:10a 1:50p 4:40p 7:20p 10:00p

JASON BOURNE

(PG-13) 11:30a 2:15p 5:00p 7:00p 7:45p 9:45p **DBOX: 4:15p 7:00p 9:45p

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(PG-13) 11:15a 12:15p 2:00p 3:00p 4:45p 5:45p 7:30p 8:30p 10:15p

ICE AGE COLLISION COURSE (PG) 11:50a 2:20p 4:35p

THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS (PG) 11:45a 2:05p 4:25p 7:10p 9:20p

BAD MOMS (R) 12:00p 2:45p 5:10p 7:55p 10:10p • Eight screens • Luxury stadium seating • D-BOX Motion Seats for select features • Advanced ticketing through Fandango

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pack in the rear parking lot of Muir Station shopping center at 6:27 a.m. This wasn’t me; I am very strong and can lift a number of backpacks without help. A landlord complained that one of his tenants was leaving dirty diapers on the front porch. Something something “deposit” joke. Amtrak requested Martinez police assistance for an unruly stowaway who was threatening to fight passengers and train staff at 3 p.m. At 3:43 p.m., a Brodia Court resident reported that her neighbor had sprayed water over her backyard fence and onto her daughter, another drought-restriction violation.

Friday, July 29 Security cameras were stolen from the Rising Star Montessori School on Midhill Road. The suspect was caught on video.

Saturday, July 30 At 9:36 a.m., a short man took a shovel from the cemetery on Carqui-

nez Scenic Drive. I would put it back. That shovel is probably haunted. Around 10:30 a.m., a woman in a black dress was observed attempting to break into a private laundry room on Richardson Street. I have not heard of someone so determined to do laundry before. A man on Berrellesa Street, donning a white beard, looked disheveled and unsteady at 10:46 a.m. A suspicious man was reportedly sticking his head into open car windows at the Jack In the Box drive thru line and yelling at occupants inside said cars at 6:15 p.m. Probably just making sure they got their order right.

from one of the patients.

Monday, Aug. 1 A Duane Lane resident noticed their neighbor had been using their tractor without permission. At 5:30 a.m., a man in green pants was observed passed out in the bushes in front of the Safeway grocery store on Alhambra Avenue. At 6:26 p.m., a man with a large build was yelling at his dog and people in the gravel parking lot on the corner of Alhambra Avenue and Franklin Canyon. Please do not yell at dogs; they have been nothing but good to us.

Tuesday, Aug. 2 Sunday, July 31 A man by the payphone at the Amtrak station threatened to throw his hat at 10:11 a.m. A man with a brown ponytail ran into the convalescent hospital on Ilene Street naked. He then stole clothing

At 5:45 p.m., a petty theft at the CVS drug store on Center Avenue was reported. The two female thieves were confronted and one returned face cream she had swiped. The other refused to be searched but possibly took a curling iron.

Alcohol may have contributed in death of Martinez teen u

DROWNING: Continued from Page 1

conflict of interest in the probe of the youth’s death. Parrilla, a freshman at Alhambra High School, had consumed alcohol, was attended in the pool, and drowned. It has been determined that

drugs were not involved and there were no signs of foul play, said Lee. However, Lee declined to answer other questions, including where the alcohol that was consumed came

from and what Parrilla’s blood alcohol level was at the time of his death. Lee also refused to speculate if alcohol may have impaired Parrilla’s judgment in the pool area and contributed to his death.

Arrest Log Those appearing in the following listings have only been arrested on suspicion of the crimes indicated and are presumed innocent. Arrests listed may not necessarily have taken place in Martinez. n Antonio Tavera, 21, was arrested July 22 on warrants or holds only. n Christopher Adkins, 31, was arrested July 23 on DUI alcohol/drugs charges. n Christine Derose, 35, was arrested July 23 for alleged possession of marijuana over 28.5 grams. n Michael Woods, 52, was arrested July 23 for allegedly driving with a suspended license. n Bryan Jones, 24, was arrested July 24 for allegedly receiving or concealing stolen property. n Elijah Dominguez, 24, was arrested July 24 for alleged trespassing. n Ray Martin, 47, was arrested July 24 for alleged possession of drug paraphernalia. n Marolyn Sullivan, 34, was arrested July 25 on intoxicated in public charges. n Daniel Gentry, 26, was arrested July 25 for alleged petty theft. n Christina Paulson, 37, was arrested July 26 on DUI-related charges. n Jeffrey Blizzard, 53, was arrested July 26 on charges of inflicting corporal injury on spouse/cohabitant. n Richard Lopez, 31, was arrested July 28 on warrants or holds only. n Benny Wiggins Jr, 34, was arrested July 28 on charges of assault w/force likely to produce great bodily injury. n Menierva Maniling, 37, was arrested July 29 on charges of inflicting corporal injury on spouse/cohabitant. n Krysdianna Koeppel, 32, was arrested July 29 on charges related to DUI alcohol/drugs. n Courtney Demaria, 28, was arrested July 30 on DUI alcohol/drugs charges. n Tanvi Bhatt, 23, was arrested July 30 for allegedly being intoxicated in public. n Lydia Mechling, 53, was arrested July 30 on warrants or holds only. n Nicholas Brown, 25, was arrested July 30 on possession of controlled substance charges. n Michael Bundy, 59, was arrested July 31 for allegedly attempting to operate a vehicle without owner’s consent. n Adam Catalan, 24, was arrested July 31 for allegedly using watercraft with a blood alcohol level greater than .08 percent. n Kyle Turner, 37, was arrested July 31 on warrants or holds only.

Martinez Tribune | Aug. 5-11, 2016

3 Email news tips to news@martineztribune.com

News

District puts $120 million bond on ballot Air District settles u

BOND: Continued from Page 1

knowledged the amount being requested is daunting on its face. “However, there are many aspects of our school district facilities that require renovation, reconstruction and modernization,’’ he said. “As is the case with many areas of infrastructure in our state, we are approaching a time where some of our facilities, elementary schools in particular, were built in the mid 1950s and other more

modern facilities are requiring significant work.’ “Without such funding, we will not have adequate dollars to ensure that the incredible students of our district have the facilities they deserve,’’ Cammack added. While the growing needs of the elementary schools will be earmarked by the bond dollars as priorities, there are other facility needs that may also

be addressed with these bond dollars. “Our district has always responsibly managed the limited financial resources provided by the state and federal government,’’ said Cammack. “We don’t receive specific dollars from the state substantial enough to address the scope and cost of large scale facility projects.’’

SCHOOL: Continued from Page 1

18. The first hour of walkthrough is the busiest, according to the school website, with wait times decreasing around 2 p.m. Incoming 7th graders are also reminded of the Tdap vaccination requirement prior to enrollment. The booster shot helps protect against the spread of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough. A Tdap shot given at 7 years or older satisfies the state requirement. Proof of Tdap vaccination should be submitted to the MJHS Student Services Office as soon as possible. Records may also be emailed to shotrecords@martinez.k12.ca.us, or faxed to (925) 335-5829. Returning students at Vicente Martinez High School and Briones School will receive registration information via the U.S. Post, as well as electronically the week of Aug. 8. Information will also be posted on the respective schools’ websites (see

www.martinezusd.net). New students and their families must contact the counselor at AHS for a referral to Vicente/Briones. After referrals are received, each family will meet with Principal Lori O’Connor for orientation, an intake interview and to create an individualized academic plan for each student. Registration for elementary school students in the Martinez Unified School District (MUSD) should consult the district website at www.martinezusd.net for registration information. Not all information has been posted as of Tribune deadline. The first day of school for all students in MUSD is Tuesday, Aug. 23. Students attending Hidden Valley Elementary School in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) are asked to register before attending an “All In One Day” event at the

school from 9-11:30 a.m. and again from 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18. The event will be held in the multi-use room at the 500 Glacier Drive campus, where students will find out their teacher’s name and room assignment, receive teacher supply request lists, sign up for after-school programs, have the opportunity to purchase spirit wear and lunch cards, and learn about Parent Faculty Club. College Park High School

will hold their walk-throughs from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 15-16. A third walk through will be made available from 5-6 p.m. Tuesday for students who cannot attend the day-time walk-throughs. All schools within MDUSD will hold their first day of class Monday, Aug. 22. More information about that District can be found on their website at www.mdusd.org.

Char’s Flower Shoppe (925) 228-1100

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case with Phillips 66 Refinery to pay $793,250 for violations

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District announced today that Phillips 66 Refinery has agreed to pay $793,250 to settle air pollution violations at its refinery in Rodeo. The settlement covers 87 notices of violation issued to Phillips 66 for non-compliance at its refinery from 2010 through 2014. The violations that led to this settlement have been corrected. “Facilities like Phillips 66 are expected to follow all applicable air quality rules which limit air pollution, or be subject to vigorous enforcement action from the Air District,” said Jack Broadbent, executive officer of the Air District. “This settlement represents a series of enforcement actions that will help prevent future violations and protect the local community.” Violations included: • Approximately 1/3rd of the Notices of Violation (NOV) issued in 2010 stemmed from an unplanned refinery shutdown on Oct. 22, 2010, which included two emissions violations and two more related to heavy smoke from flaring. • In 2011, Philips 66 received Notices of Violation related to three public nuisances caused by odors from the refinery. • In 2012, the Air District cited a public nuisance and numerous ground level monitor excesses on June 15 and 16, that resulted when a sour water tank ruptured, sending gasses, including hydrogen sulfide, into neighboring communities. • The balance of the NOVs cited relatively minor violations: isolated, short-lived emission-related violations, such as brief violations of emission limits as measured by monitors on refinery equipment; missed or late source tests; Leak Detection and Repair program violations; or minor administrative violations. All settlement funds will be used to fund Air District activities such as the inspection and enforcement activities that led to this settlement. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (www. baaqmd.gov) is the regional agency responsible for protecting air quality in the nine-county Bay Area.

Weather, Astronomical & Tides Friday, Aug. 5

Saturday, Aug. 6

Sunday, Aug. 7

Monday, Aug. 8

Tuesday, Aug. 9

Wednesday, Aug. 10

Thursday, Aug. 11

78 / 56º Low clouds, cool

77º / 56º Low clouds, then sun

81º / 56º Sunshine

87º / 56º Mostly sunny

86º / 50º Partly sunny

87º / 48º Sunny

90º / 50º Mostly sunny

Sunrise / Sunset 6:15 a.m. / 8:13 p.m.

Sunrise / Sunset 6:16 a.m. / 8:12 p.m.

Sunrise / Sunset 6:17 a.m. / 8:10 p.m.

Sunrise / Sunset 6:18 a.m. / 8:09 p.m.

Sunrise / Sunset 6:19 a.m. / 8:08 p.m.

Sunrise / Sunset 6:20 a.m. / 8:07 p.m.

Sunrise / Sunset 6:21 a.m. / 8:06 p.m.

Moonrise / Moonset 9:07 a.m. / 9:57 p.m.

Moonrise / Moonset 10:05 a.m. / 10:28 p.m.

Moonrise / Moonset 11:01 a.m. / 10:59 p.m.

Moonrise / Moonset 11:56 a.m. / 11:30 p.m.

High Tides 3:26 a.m. (5.45 ft) 4:56 p.m. (5.12 ft)

High Tides 4:12 a.m. (5.09 ft) 5:31 p.m. (5.09 ft)

High Tides 5:02 p.m. (4.66 ft) 6:04 p.m. (5.02 ft)

High Tides 5:59 a.m. (4.23 ft) 6:38 p.m. (4.99 ft)

High Tides 7:08 a.m. (3.84 ft) 7:14 p.m. (4.99 ft)

High Tides 8:27 a.m. (3.61 ft) 7:56 p.m. (5.02 ft)

High Tides 9:43 a.m. (3.61 ft) 8:45 p.m. (5.09 ft)

Low Tides 10:24 a.m. (.07 ft) 10:37 p.m. (1.80 ft)

Low Tides 10:55 a.m. (.33 ft) 11:26 p.m. (1.71 ft)

Low Tides 11:25 a.m. (.59 ft)

Low Tides 12:18 a.m. (1.64 ft) 11:57 a.m. (.95 ft)

Low Tides 1:17 a.m. (1.54 ft) 12:34 p.m. (1.35 ft)

Low Tides 2:23 a.m. (1.38 ft) 1:20 p.m. (1.74 ft)

Low Tides 3:32 a.m. (1.18 ft) 2:15 p.m. (2.10 ft)

Moonrise / Moonset Moonrise / Moonset Moonrise / Moonset 12:51 p.m. / 12:03 a.m. (FD) 1:46 p.m. / 12:38 a.m. (FD) 2:40 p.m. / 1:16 a.m. (FD)

Temperatures from AccuWeather. Astronomical information by U.S. Naval Observatory Astronomical Applications Department. Water levels measured from Martinez-Amorco Pier. (FD is Following Day; PD is Preceding Day.)

Martinez Tribune | Aug. 5-11, 2016

Email news tips to news@martineztribune.com

Our Town Rotary Report

Rob Lemen talks to Rotary about Affordable Health Care Act By PAUL CRAIG Special to the Tribune The Affordable Health Care Act (Obamacare) is extremely complex. It’s causing massive change in the way the nation handles health care. It was enacted by Congress after huge debate and much compromise. In the long term it will make health care better. So says Rob Lemen, president of Accessehr.com, a local company specializing in insurance services. Rob’s a long-time Martinez resident and Bocce activist. He’s well known in our community. He knows his stuff. Rob explained some of the complexity

to Rotary, leading for calls to bring him back again for another talk. It’s helpful to separate national issues from individual issues. According to Rob, there are two bottom lines for individuals: 1) If you don’t have insurance, get it; 2) if you plan elective surgery, ask your doctor to make sure that everyone involved is covered. “Everyone” includes anesthetists and specialists who may be called in. Get assurance from your doctor, in writing. Else you may discover that you’re responsible for a portion of the costs. For a complex operation, this may be a lot. If your physician can’t or won’t provide written assurance that everyone

and everything will be covered, you should consider finding a new physician. Check on how much you may have to pay in an emergency. For most policies, coverage will be extensive and the direct cost to you low. But – and it’s a big but – you may have bought a policy with a large deductible. Find out how large. You may want to shift to a more expensive plan with a lower deductible. As the amount you’re willing to pay goes up, the cost of a plan will go down. How riskaverse are you? How much can you afford in an emergency? Do your homework! Those are the messages for individuals. Viewed nationally or at a state level, the

situation is incredibly complex and changing all the time. Critical elements vary from state to state. A new California law requires that insurance companies pay out 80 percent of their premiums. Overhead is legislatively held to 20 percent. Historically, overhead has often been much higher. The new law is putting insurance companies under lots of pressure. This is leading to staff cuts and service delays. Top executives continue to receive salaries in the many millions per year. As Obamacare kicks in, between 8 and 14 million folk have coverage who had none u

ROTARY: Page 16

Center of Gravity learning lab gives area parents another option u

GRAVITY: Continued from Page 1

in a blink. What we focus on is complex learning, especially getting them up and going for Next Generation Science Standards.”

Those standards are defined by Common Core, an educational initiative that details what K-12 students should

know in English language arts and mathematics at the end of each grade. The Science Standards specifically call for

learning rich in content and practice. And that’s where Center of Gravity comes in. The Center has a host of credentialed teachers that specialize in early childhood education. These educators perform observation-based formative assessments on each child in their care, helping to foster the children both cognitively and emotionally. “We have such a phenomenal academic team. We look at the constellation of what’s happening with the children and adjust our curriculum accordingly,” Grant-Groves said. And though it may sound quite lab-like, there seems to be no shortage of comfort and fun at the Center. In addition to play tools reminiscent of those found at San Francis-

co’s Exploratorium, the children also have access to iPads and other technology they can use in their learning. One upcoming activity is a photo journalism class where the children will choose and talk about their photography and subjects, shoot a series of photos and videos, and share and converse about their favorite digital stories. “This is a heart project,” Grant-Groves said. “We really believe this makes a difference.” After spending 25 years in the field of early childhood education, an associate of Grant-Groves encouraged her to open the school. “She said, ‘Girl, what are you waiting for? It’s time to do your own thing, start applying all that theory, and show

people what this (advanced early education model) looks like from top to bottom,’” Grant-Groves said. She said she began calling her friends in education research as well as vendors she knew, asking them to listen to her “crazy idea” to open a center. “They said, ‘Not only do we think it’s not crazy, we’re going to help you do this,’” she said. Then a rental property that formerly housed a preschool was found, and with the help of friends, associates, vendors and area education professionals, the project was born. The lab school, located at 2702 Pleasant Hill Road, opened the first week of June and now collaborates with the Center for Play Research at Mills College, Be Love Farm, Kodo Kids and the i3 Institute of Martinez – all working to cultivate excellent early education, creativity and health in our “centers of gravity,” our children. The school is open to all children ages 2.9-5.5, and also has a full day infant/toddler program for those ages 6 months to 2.9 years. There’s also space available for children of families with mixedand low-income, as well as children in need of Individualized Education Programs or special education. The Center will also host a monthly farmers market and makers faire, and offer what they call community learning labs featuring workshops for children and a monthly expert speaker series. For more information or to enroll, visit www.centerof gravity.org.

Martinez Tribune | Aug. 5-11, 2016

5 Email event listings to news@martineztribune.com, or enter them online at https://martineztribune.com/submit-event

Datebook Friday, Aug. 5 Fridays on the Main When: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5 Where: Main Street, downtown Martinez. Details: Car cruise & show, live music and farmers market. Cost: Free Info: www.fridaysonthemain.com

Saturday, Aug. 6 Shakespeare in the Park When: 3 p.m. Saturday Aug. 6 Where: Martinez Waterfront Amphitheater, 115 Tarantino Drive, Martinez. Details: Taming of the Shrew, directed by Lindsay Stoltz-Karimian and performed by Vallejo Shakespeare in the Park players, will premiere in Martinez. Cost: Free Info: http://vallejoshakespeare.wix.com Beaver Festival When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6 Where: “Beaver Park” at corner of Alhambra and Marina Vista avenues, Martinez. Details: Ninth annual celebration of Martinez Beavers and other wildlife. Exhibits, lessons, arts & crafts, children’s parade. Fun and educational for all ages. Cost: Free, but kids bracelets go fast (first come, first served). Info: www.martinezbeavers.org Read to HALO Dogs When: 10:30 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Aug. 6 Where: Martinez Library, 740 Court St., Martinez. Details: Certified therapy dogs, READ trained, will listen to children read. Sessions with these special dogs are about 20 minutes each. The HALO dogs provide a nurturing acceptance and a warm empathy that makes children feel safe, providing a nonjudgmental space for learning. Space is limited. Please register. Cost: Free Info: Register by calling (925) 646-9900, or visiting http://furrerbies.homestead. com/therapydogs.htm.

Sunday, Aug. 7 Shakespeare in the Park When: 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7 Where: Martinez Waterfront Amphitheater, 115

Tarantino Drive, Martinez. Details: Taming of the Shrew, directed by Lindsay Stoltz-Karimian and performed by Vallejo Shakespeare in the Park players, will premiere in Martinez. Cost: Free Info: http://vallejoshakespeare.wix.com Sunday Farmers Market When: Sunday, Aug. 7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where: Estudillo and Main streets, Martinez. Details: Year-round market offers fresh fruits and vegetables and other farmgrown/home-made foods and wares. Cost: Free to peruse; price of goods varies. Info: www.pcfma.com

Monday, Aug. 8 Movie Night When: 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 8 Where: Martinez Library, 740 Court St., Martinez. Details: Everyone is invited! Join the Martinez Library for Monday Movie Night showing of Disney’s “Chicken Little.” We will start the show at 6pm. All ages are welcome, but children must be supervised by a parent or guardian. Cost: Free Info: http://ccclib.org

Tuesday, Aug. 9 Origami When: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 9 Where: Martinez Library, 740 Court St., Martinez. Details: Come learn Origami from designer Charles Esseltine. Never folded paper in your life? This expert will show you how! Best for grades 2 and up. Cost: Free Info: http://ccclib.org Tuesday Farmers Market When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 9 Where: Contra Costa Re-

gional Medical Center, 2500 Alhambra Ave., Martinez. Details: Seasonal farmers market now open every Tuesday at CCRMC, offering locally-sourced, healthy food as well as live entertainment. Tables with chairs set up for lunching on site. Info: www.cccfm.org/farmers-market/ccrmc-martinez Knit & Crochet Classes When: 6-7:30 Tuesday Aug. 9 Where: Martinez Library, 740 Court St., Martinez. Details: Come and learn more about the art and craft of knitting or crochet at this workshop run by experts. This program is sponsored by the Needle Arts Mentoring Program (a project of the Helping Hands Foundation, Inc.) of the National Needle Arts Association, and is geared toward young people 18 and under. Adults who wish to learn are welcome, but supplied materials may be limited. Cost: Free Info: http://ccclib.org

Wednesday, Aug. 10 Last Lunch at the Library When: 12 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10 Where: Martinez Library, 740 Court St., Martinez. Details: Stop by during the noon hour and enjoy a free lunch (for ages 1-18), along with special stories and activities. Cost: Free Info: http://ccclib.org Wii Wednesday When: 3-4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10 Where: Martinez Library, 740 Court St., Martinez. Details: Wii will be set up downstairs for games. Snacks provided. Bring a friend. Cost: Free

Info: http://ccclib.org

Gone fishin’ ...

Friday, Aug. 12 Fridays on the Main When: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12 Where: Main Street, downtown Martinez. Details: Car cruise & show, live music and farmers market. Cost: Free Info: www.fridaysonthemain.com

Saturday, Aug. 13 Big Bag of Books Sale! When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 13 Where: Martinez Library, 740 Court St. (lower level), Martinez. Details: For $5, fill a grocery sack with books you choose from a huge selection. All proceeds support library programs. Sponsored by Friends of the Martinez Library. FOML members are admitted at 10 a.m. Info: (925) 229-1959

Monday, Aug. 15 Diablo Women’s Chorale Auditions When: 6:15 p.m. Monday, Aug. 15 Where: Saint Matthew Lutheran Church, 399 Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. Details: Any woman with choral experience, music-reading ability and a love of good music and spirited company is encouraged to audition. The group rehearses Monday evenings from 7-9 p.m. at Saint Matthew’s, and performs in two major concerts per year, as well as several other smaller performances per year. Info: To schedule an audition, call Nancy at (925) 8995050, or email diablowomenschorale@gmail.com

Tuesday, Aug. 16 National Parks Presentation

JOHN GRUBKA / Courtesy

The pier at the Martinez Marina is a popular fishing spot, as evidenced by crowds on the west end this week. Many sturgeon as tall as men have been caught from the pier, with the most successful fishing times one hour before and one hour after high and low tides (see page 3 for a tidal chart). A fishing license isn’t necessary when angling non-commercially from public piers in California, so the sport is a fun and inexpensive pastime for folks of all ages. Send in pictures and video of your latest catches for inclusion in the Martinez Tribune; email them to admin@martineztribune.com.

When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 16 Where: Martinez Library, 740 Court St., Martinez. Details: This program will discuss the history and relevance of the four historic sites operated in close collaboration with various non-profit organizations, by the National Park Service in Contra Costa County: Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site in Danville, John Muir National Historic Site in Martinez, Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial locat-

ed on the former Concord Naval Weapons Station in Concord, and Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond. Stories and pictures from all four sites will be used to help educate and illustrate some of the most nationally significant places right in our own backyard. There will also be a discussion of the National Park Service as a whole and the 2016 celebration of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the u DATEBOOK: Page 6

One on one computer help A computer docent is at the Martinez Library on Mondays and Tuesdays (formerly on Fridays) to help with computer related questions. Make reservations on Monday for between 3-5 p.m. or 5-7 p.m. Tuesday. Please stop by the reference desk or give the Library a call at (925) 646-9900 for reservations.

Magazines & soft-back books needed! Magazines (and soft back books) are needed at the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center, 2500 Alhambra Ave., Martinez. The Auxiliary Volunteers deliver some 150 magazines each week to the 14 waiting rooms around the hospital and clinics. The magazines help make the long waits bearable. Bring magazines to the hospital lobby information desk or the Gift Shop. All personal labels are removed by the Auxiliary Volunteers before they are delivered. For more information please call the Gift Shop at (925) 370-5818, or email Rhonda.Smith@hsd.cccounty.us.

Martinez Tribune | Aug. 5-11, 2016 Email event listings to news@martineztribune.com, or enter them online at https://martineztribune.com/submit-event

Datebook u

DATEBOOK: From Page 5

most amazing preservation system in the world. Cost: Free Info: http://ccclib.org Tuesday Farmers Market When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 16 Where: Contra Costa Regional Medical Center, 2500 Alhambra Ave., Martinez. Details: Seasonal farmers market now open every Tuesday at CCRMC, offering locally-sourced, healthy food as well as live entertainment. Tables with chairs set up for lunching on site. Info: www.cccfm.org/farmers-market/ccrmc-martinez

Thursday, Aug. 18 Full Moon Walk When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18 Where: Meet at parking lot on corner of Alhambra Avenue and Franklin Canyon Road in Martinez (at Alhambra exit off Highway 4). Details: Bring water, a flashlight, warm clothes and binoculars, if you have them. Wear comfortable walking shoes as the trail is steep. Cost: Free Info: www.nps.gov/jomu John Muir Land Trust Star Gazing When: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18 Where: Fernandez Ranch (off Highway 4 between Martinez and Hercules) Details: Enjoy an evening

walk from 6:30-7:30 p.m., followed by refreshments and telescope viewing from 7:30-9:30 p.m. This is an event in partnership with the Mt. Diablo and East Bay Astronomical Societies and Chabot Space & Science Center. Child-friendly materials will also be available, and a demonstration on how to stargaze with binoculars and the telescope will be included. The evening promises great views of the crescent moon, Saturn and its ring system and the Andromeda Galaxy some 2.3 million light years distant. ADA accessible. Bring blanket and/or chair and flashlight. Budding photographers are encouraged to bring their cameras; photos may be selected for JMLT’s website. Cost: Free Info: RSVP to (925) 2285460 or www.jmlt.org

Details: Arts & crafts, food, drinks, live music and art. Cost: Free admission. Info: martinezarts.org

Tuesday, Aug. 23 Knit & Crochet Classes When: 6-7:30 Tuesday Aug. 23 Where: Martinez Library, 740 Court St., Martinez. Details: Come and learn more about the art and craft of knitting or crochet at this workshop run by experts. This program is sponsored by the Needle Arts Mentoring Program (a project of the Helping Hands Foundation, Inc.) of the National Needle Arts Association, and is geared toward young people 18 and under. Adults who wish to learn are welcome, but supplied materials may be limited. Cost: Free Info: http://ccclib.org

Friday, Aug. 20 Fridays on the Main When: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 20 Where: Main Street, downtown Martinez. Details: Car cruise & show, live music and farmers market. Cost: Free Info: www.fridaysonthemain.com

Sunday, Aug. 21 Art in the Park When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 21 Where: Susana Park (Susana and Estudillo streets, Martinez).

Saturday, Aug. 27 Saturday Needle Arts When: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27 Where: Martinez Library, 740 Court St., Martinez. Details: Get hands on instruction from Marilyn, dedicated and talented volunteer, who works with adults and teens of all skill levels. Work on current projects or be inspired to learn a new hobby. All instruction is free and no registration is required. Please bring your own materials. Cost: Free Info: http://ccclib.org

Monday, Aug. 29 The Airplane Guy When: 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 29

Where: Martinez Library, 740 Court St., Martinez. Details: Come see the flying creations of John Collins, the World Record holder who wowed Conan O’Brien! Check out his website: www.thePaperAirplaneGuy.com. Cost: Free Info: http://ccclib.org

Tuesday, Aug. 30 Knit & Crochet Classes When: 6-7:30 Tuesday Aug. 30 Where: Martinez Library, 740 Court St., Martinez. Details: Come and learn more about the art and craft of knitting or crochet at this workshop run by experts. This program is sponsored by the Needle Arts Mentoring Program (a project of the Helping Hands Foundation, Inc.) of the National Needle Arts Association, and is geared toward young people 18 and under. Adults who wish to learn are welcome, but supplied materials may be limited. Cost: Free Info: http://ccclib.org

Tuesday Farmers Market When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30 Where: Contra Costa Regional Medical Center, 2500 Alhambra Ave., Martinez. Details: Seasonal farmers market now open every Tuesday at CCRMC, offering locally-sourced, healthy food as well as live entertainment. Tables with chairs set up for lunching on site. Info: www.cccfm. org/farmers-market/ ccrmc-martinez

Operation Backpack needs your help Each year, thousands of homeless and at-risk children in our local communities return to school without the basic supplies they need. With your help, Operation Backpack® is able to provide thousands of backpacks, grade specific school supplies, and a variety of support services to homeless, at-risk and foster children from pre-school to high school levels throughout the Bay Area, Greater Sacramento Area, and Reno regions. Together, we are helping children learn and thrive in school, stay in school, and build a bright future. Participate in Volunteers of America’s Operation Backpack® and help children in need be prepared and excited for their first day of school! See more at: www.voa-ncnn.org/operation-backpack#sthash.mwE6y1eu.dpuf or contact Nicki Marazzani to donate or volunteer: nmarazzani @voa-ncnn.org

Martinez Tribune | Aug. 5-11, 2016

Voice

Personal views expressed in the Voice section are solely those of the respective contributors and, unless otherwise labeled, do not reflect those of the Martinez Tribune, its advertisers or affiliates.

Letters

Bill Schilz: ‘Clearing up Eli Dominguez’s comments’ Martinez Residents, I read with interest Eli Dominguez’s response to an article written by Mayor Schroder last month. In Eli’s letter, he says that the City and County refused to fund Doug’s efforts. As the Chairman and Treasurer of Pacheco/Martinez Homeless Outreach, Inc. (Contra Costa Homeless Outreach), I can tell you that Doug did indeed fund the operations

until 2011. For those of you who knew Doug, it was a tremendous sacrifice on the part of his family and him as he had a very small income. Over the years since 2011, we were able to convince many businesses, individuals, churches and community groups to support the effort, but as any non-profit can tell you, there is rarely enough funds to cover expenses. We did make an appeal to the City MARTINEZ

Tribune 725 Ward St., Martinez, CA 94553 Switchboard: (925) 229-2026; www.martineztribune.com President/CEO Nader Eghtesad Publisher E. Clark Sports Editor Gerardo Recinos Reporter David Scholz Cultural Editor & Brand Ambassador Danny Yoeono Contributors Mark Fierner

The Martinez Tribune is published in Martinez on a weekly basis and distributed to Martinez, Alhambra Valley, Vine Hill, Reliez Valley, Mountain View, Pleasant Hill, Pacheco, and Contra Costa Centre every Friday. Subscriptions are $29 per year. Mailed subscriptions (outside delivery areas) are $89 per year. Newsstand price is 75¢ per copy.

of Martinez for funding in 2015-2016 and they gave us $30,000, which helped a lot. The County, through a Community Development Block Grant (HUD CDBG), did also give us $12,626 in 2015-2016. The biggest problem we faced was that homelessness throughout the county had grown and was concerning many cities. We were asked by many municipalities to grow our operations to cover essentially every city in the county and that required hiring two additional outreach workers, buying another vehicle, raising insurance and fuel

costs, etc. In the end, CDBG funding from Antioch, Pittsburg, Walnut Creek and the County funded just 68 percent of the costs of the employees, Doug still was not being paid and our costs associated with outreach were exploding. Then County Homeless Services called last July and asked us to come in. We met with Lavonna Martin, the head of the agency where she promised that she would have all the funding we needed for 2016-2017, including paying Doug a modest salary. In the end, she once again failed to deliver on her promises

and facing massive deficits, as we had in 2015-2016, we were forced to shut down the operation. The City went to Tesoro and has received a $90,000 grant over three years and it will fund a very part-time outreach worker three nights a week, five hours a night. It’s not the best scenario, but it’s a start and a good effort. As I have told the Mayor, City Manager and Chief of Police, this is a county-wide problem and the County has to be the leader and step up to the plate. I suggested banding together with other cities and

going to the County Board of Supervisors and DEMAND action. The leadership (or lack thereof) in Homeless Services over the past 12 years suggests major changes need to be made. Until the County makes helping the homeless a priority, it will only get worse. Believe me, your Council, City Manager and Chief of Police are as concerned as you are and they are doing more than every other city in the county right now! With best regards, Bill Schilz, Chairman/ Treasurer, Pacheco/Martinez Homeless Outreach, Inc.

killed in a saloon. In 1961, the Beatles obtained their first regular gig as the house band of Liverpool’s Cavern Club.

in 1181, a supernova was observed in the constellation Cassiopeia. In 1693, Dom Perignon invented champagne. In 1958, the Dumont television network ceased broadcasting.

suicide” from an overdose of sleeping pills.

This Week in History By MARK ANDREWS Tribune Content Agency Aug. 1: ON THIS DATE in 1790, the first U.S. Census was completed, showing a population of nearly 4 million people. In 1966, Charles Joseph Whitman shot and killed 15 people from atop a tower at the University of Texas before he was gunned down by police. Aug. 2: ON THIS DATE in 1876, frontiersman “Wild Bill” Hickok was shot and

Aug. 3: ON THIS DATE in 1492, Christopher Columbus set sail from Palos, Spain, on his first voyage to the New World. In 1958, the U.S. nuclear-powered submarine Nautilus became the first vessel to cross the North Pole under water. Aug. 4: ON THIS DATE

Aug. 5: ON THIS DATE in 1861, the U.S. Army abolished flogging as punishment for its troops. In 1962, actress Marilyn Monroe, 36, was found dead in her Los Angeles home. Her death was ruled a “probable

Aug. 6: ON THIS DATE in 1914, Austria-Hungary declared war on Russia, and Serbia declared war on Germany in the second week of World War I. In 1986, William J. Schroeder died after living 620 days with the Jarvik-7 artificial heart. Aug. 7: ON THIS DATE in 1912, the Progressive Party nominated former President Theodore Roosevelt for president. Woodrow Wilson ultimately won the contest. In 1964, Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin resolution, giving President Johnson broad powers in dealing with North Vietnamese attacks on U.S. forces who were there to defend the South. Answer to last week’s question: This week in 1916, the United States agreed to buy the Virgin Islands from Denmark for $25 million.

This week’s question: In 1981, Pete Rose broke whose National League record for most career hits?

Martinez Tribune | Aug. 5-11, 2016

Sports

Otters take on Beavers and StingRays The summer swim season is drawing to a close, and the Martinez Community Swim Team (MCST) is finishing its season strong, swimming with another local Martinez swim team, the Forest Hills Beavers. The two teams swam their hearts out on a beautiful Wednesday evening, July 20. The Beavers came out on top this year, but the Otters fought hard and swam well, with nearly 140 personal best times. Top scorers for the Otter girls included Tatum Cue (11), Bella Wilhite (6), Layna Panaguiton (10) and Ava Hansen (8). Top scorers for the Otter boys included, Ryan Fowlar (18), Jackson Barnacal (11), Hunter Burns (6) and Ryan Bromley (12). Impressive personal best performances for the Otters were put up by, Rilie Bennet (11), Miranda D’Angelo (9), Matilda Davoren (5), Brandi Pico (9), Millie Thomas (6), Emily Watkins (6), Caleb Gutierrez (11), Patrick Keller (8), Jaisen Le (6), Landon Leach (9), Nathan Wagner (10). The Otters took to the water again on Saturday, July 23, against the Benicia Stingrays. The Otters, once again, showed excellent teamwork, winning seven of their twelve relay events. Excellent performances were put up by many of the Otter women, including Rachel Snyder (15), who swam 3 personal records and improved her times by over 41 seconds; Shasta Thompson (6), who swam 2 personal records for an improvement of over 8 seconds; Sara Meadors (10), who swam 2

personal records, improving her times by almost 23 seconds; and Golnaz Aahmadieh (11), who swam 1 personal record and improved her time by 9 seconds. The Otter men also had several stand-out performers, including Dylan Ashe (11), who swam 1 personal best and improved his time by nearly 15 seconds; Kirby Davoren (8), who swam 3 personal records, improving his times by over 9 seconds; Dillon Kitchen (8), swimming 2 personal best and improving his times by almost 28 seconds; and Landon Leach (9), who swam 3 personal bests for an improvement of over 9 seconds. With two more weeks left in the regular swim season, the Otters have six swimmers who have qualified for the upcoming Contra Costa County Championship Swim Meet. In order to participate in this meet, which takes place at the end of the summer, swimmers must swim a qualifying time in an event. As a result, only the fastest recreational swimmers may attend. Qualifying, to date, for MCST are Lizzy Atencio (17), Layna Panaguiton (10), Bella Wilhite (6), Josh Deilke (18), Ryan Fowlar (18), and Nicholas Wright (14). The MCST Otters swam in their final dual meet on Saturday, July 30, against the Crockett Swim Team. This meet, held at Rankin Aquatic Center, was an exciting event; admission was free and there was a snack shack and raffles with proceeds going to support MCST. Look for results in a future edition of the Tribune.

‘Home for the Summer’ now live on YouTube By GERARDO RECINOS Martinez Tribune

ON FILE / Courtesy

Top: Martinez Community Swim Team Otters Nelly Nevares and Arisara Menjivar smile for the camera; A gaggle of Otters watch and cheer for their teammates. Bottom, from left: Chiara Ke, Raudhan Melendez, Leah Murphy, Madailein Melendez, Kiara Cheney, Tatum Cue, Sara Meadors.

Alhambra Volleyball tryouts start Aug. 15 The North Coast Section qualifying volleyball team will be holding tryouts for perspective members starting on Aug. 15, for freshman, Junior Varsity and Varsity age players.

Chuck Barberini is a Realtor living in Martinez, specializing in listings, buyers, short sales, REOs & property management. $250 donated to Alhambra High School athletics for every completed transaction

Coach Willie Marchesano and his staff will be hosting open gyms every Tuesday and Thursday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. until the tryout days. Tryouts on Aug. 15 will go as follows: perspective freshman will be trying out from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., while

any sophomores, juniors and seniors who wish to tryout will be asked to arrive at 7 p.m., and expected to go until 9 p.m. On Aug. 16, all perspective players will be expected to arrive at 6 p.m. and try out until 8 p.m.

After a year of trying to work out the logistics, this month I was finally able to launch Home For the Summer, a series chronicling the path of Alhambra athletes who went on to play college sports. There were a lot of factors that needed to come together for the series to come to fruition. But thanks to help from a lot of people and the time from Alhambra athletes who came into our offices to talk to us, we were finally able to make it a reality. The series is now live, with our debut episode with Erin Enke going live on Friday, July 27, our second episode, with Zach Keever going live on Aug. 1, and our third episode with Raleigh Adams going live on Wednesday, Aug. 3. This Friday, Aug. 5, we will release our fourth episode of nine that have been planned, with filming nearly wrapped for the series. Home For the Summer can be found on the Martinez Tribune’s YouTube, Twitter and Facebook pages, all of which can be found by searching “MartinezTribune” on the respective platforms. Episodes coming up will feature CIF State qualifying runners Allie Timbrell and Michael Viano, as well as a pair of football players in Josh Evans and Grant Hill, among many others. If you know someone who graduated from Alhambra and currently plays college sports who would be interested in an interview opportunity and is available in the coming weeks, please contact me at grecinos@MartinezTribune.com.

Martinez Tribune | Aug. 5-11, 2016

Sports Martinez Bocce Federation Standings

The Martinez Bocce Federation consists of 235 teams within excess of 500 players participating across 32 different divisions. The courts are located at the Martinez Marina. MBF Standings current as of Saturday, July 30, 2016.

Martinez Tribune | Aug. 5-11, 2016 “Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.” – Albert Einstein

Faith

An inquisitive Christian’s guide to reconciling Jesus as God

Billy Graham's ‘My Answer'

Is heaven real? Without a doubt By BILLY GRAHAM Tribune Content Agency Q: How can we know if Heaven exists? Maybe it’s just an idea people dreamed up so they’d have something to look forward to when they die. Or maybe we’ll have to wait until we die to find out if there’s anything afterward. – P.S.G. A: Heaven is real; it’s even more real than the world you see around you. Someday this world in its present form will come to an end – but Heaven will never end! As the Bible says, “What is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18).

How do I know Heaven exists? I know it first of all because of God’s promises. From one end of the Bible to the other, God has told us that we were not meant for this world alone. We were created in the image of God – and just as God cannot die, neither can we. Jesus said, “I am going there to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2). I know Heaven exists also because of God’s plan. We aren’t here by chance; God put us here, and someday He will destroy all evil and bring us into His eternal kingdom. In the words of perhaps the most familiar passage in the Old Testament, “I will dwell in the house of the Lord

forever” (Psalm 23:6). But I know Heaven exists most of all because of God’s power in Jesus Christ. By His death on the cross Christ provided the way for our sins to be forgiven, and by His resurrection from the dead He opened the door to eternal life. By faith give your life to Christ and put your confidence in Him. Then you’ll know beyond all doubt that He is with you right now – and ahead of you is Heaven. Send your queries to “My Answer,” c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the website for

By RABBI GELLMAN Tribune Content Agency I believe in God. I see the perfection of the universe and the beauty of his creation. I was raised in a Christian home, have studied the Bible extensively, and I believe the teachings of Jesus are God-inspired. Here is my issue: I have a strong faith in God but my faith in Jesus as “God” is not as strong. I believe many people feel this way but are not willing to say it because they were raised being told that Jesus is God and not just a God-inspired prophet. What are your thoughts? – From M

TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY

Evangelist Billy Graham.

the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www. billygraham.org.

Elder Donald Hallstrom: ‘I am a child of God’ By DONALD HALLSTROM The following is a talk given at the April 2016 General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Our most fundamental doctrine includes the knowledge that we are children of a living God. That is why one of His most sacred names is Father – Heavenly Father. This doctrine has been clearly taught by prophets through the ages: • When tempted by Satan, Moses rebuffed him, saying: “Who art thou? For behold, I am a son of God.” • Addressing Israel, the Psalmist proclaimed, “All of

you are children of the most High.” • Paul taught the Athenians on Mars Hill that they were “offspring of God.” • Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon received a vision in which they saw the Father and the Son, and a heavenly voice declared that the inhabitants of the worlds “are begotten sons and daughters unto God.” • In 1995, the 15 living apostles and prophets affirmed: “All human beings … are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents.” • President Thomas S. Monson testified: “We are

sons and daughters of a living God. ... We cannot sincerely hold this conviction without experiencing a profound new sense of strength and power.” This doctrine is so basic, so oft stated, and so instinctively simple that it can seem to be ordinary, when in reality it is among the most extraordinary knowledge we can obtain. A correct understanding of our heavenly heritage is essential to exaltation. It is foundational to comprehending the glorious plan of salvation and to nurturing faith in the Firstborn of the Father, Jesus the Christ, and in His merciful Atonement. Further, it provides continual motivation for us to make and keep our indispensable eternal covenants. With few exceptions, everyone participating in this meeting could right now, without written lyrics or music, sing “I Am a Child of God.” This beloved hymn is one of the most often sung in this Church. But the critical question is, do we really know it? Do we know it in our mind and in our heart and in our soul? Is our heavenly parentage our first and most profound identity? Here on earth, we identify ourselves in many different ways, including our place of birth, our nationality, and our language. Some even identify themselves by their occupation or their hobby. These earthly identities are not wrong unless they supersede or interfere with our eternal

The God Squad

identity – that of being a son or a daughter of God. When our youngest child was six years old and in the first grade at school, her teacher gave the children an in-class writing assignment. It was October, the month of Halloween, a holiday observed in some parts of the world. While it is not my favorite holiday, I suppose there may be some innocent and redeeming aspects of Halloween. The teacher passed out a piece of paper to the young students. At the top was a roughly drawn picture of a mythical witch (I told you this was not my favorite holiday) standing over a boiling cauldron. The question posed on the page, to encourage the imaginations of the children and to test their rudimentary writing skills, was “You have just drunk a cup of the witch’s brew. What happened to you?” Please know that this story is not being shared as a recommendation to teachers. “You have just drunk a cup of the witch’s brew. What happened to you?” With her best beginner’s writing, our little one wrote, “I will die and I will be in heaven. I will like it there. I would love it because it is the best place to be because you are with your Heavenly Father.” This answer likely surprised her teacher; however, when our daughter brought the completed assignment home, u CHILDREN: Page 16

A: It may not be that wise to ask a rabbi if Jesus is God. This is the central belief that caused Christianity to separate from Judaism and form a new religion with deep roots in its Jewish past. I am a part of that ancient Jewish community of belief that shares your admiration for the deep and clearly God-inspired teachings of Jesus, but stops short of affirming his divinity. However, let me try to share with you a sympathetic outsider’s view of some of the reasons for this Christian belief that Jesus is God and their essential place in Christian theology. For Christians, Jesus must be God because only God could die to atone for the sins of humanity. The task of a prophet is to speak God’s words of moral caution to a sinful world. The task of a Messiah is to redeem those sins and that world. The death and resurrection of Jesus accomplishes that salvific task. God is invisible and cannot appear in human form so, according to Christian belief, God assumes human form in order to die and live again. This offers to humanity a path to salvation that is simply impossible through unaided acts of human atonement and forgiveness. However, the mystery of the appearance of God in human form raises several deep theological problems and your question is one of them. Is Jesus totally God or also partly human, and is all of God incarnated in the human person Jesus of Nazareth? The Christian answer is the Trinity. God as God is different than God as Jesus but not really. The council of Nicaea in 325 CE resolved that Jesus was completely divine despite his appearance as a human being. Christians who still believe that Jesus was a completely human prophet are outside the Christian theological mainstream. Jesus is not a spokesman for God. Jesus is God even though God is still the Father. (John 10:38) The third element of the Trinity – the Holy Spirit (formerly the Holy Ghost) – is the Christian version of the Jewish “Spirit of God” (in Hebrew: ruach elohim) that enters all prophets and all God-inspired people with a vision of God’s truth. The question then arises as to how these three elements of the Trinity relate to each other. Are God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit three different spiritual beings? The Christian answer is that they are three aspects of a single being – three aspects of the totality of God’s presence here on earth. This is not like my identity as Father, Rabbi and Author. It is much deeper and different. I am just one person with several roles. The Trinity describes three beings that are distinct in their tasks but not distinct in their essence. The reason that the concept of the Trinity is so hard to grasp even for pious Christians is that the Trinity is by far the deepest and most recondite Christian mystery. A mystery is different than a problem. A problem is a question we constitute and can solve some day. All the questions of science are problems. A mystery is a question within which we ourselves are constituted. We cannot ever solve a mystery because we are in the question and we are in the answer. I don’t want to be spooky or incomprehensible here, and as I said, there is a limit of how close I can get you to responding to this mystery. What I want you to try to understand is that there is no easy way to comprehend Jesus as God but to be a Christian you just have to get there. Jesus as a prophet is a good belief, but it is not good enough to make you a Christian. You need to believe that Jesus is God. The notion that God created the earth is a good belief but it is not good enough to make you a Christian. You need to believe that God appeared on earth to die for your sins and be resurrected. I hope you can get to the place where believing that Jesus is God is not such a stretch. However ... if it does not work out, just remember that Rosh Hashanah is Oct. 3! Send QUESTIONS ONLY to The God Squad via email at godsquadquestion@aol.com.

Martinez Tribune | Aug. 5-11, 2016

Classifieds

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0005 Personals 0006 Lost & Found* 0009 Childcare 0011 Lessons 0015 Tutoring 0017 Business Opportunities 0019 Money & Loans

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Employment 0020 Work Wanted

Personals

0005

NEEDED: CAPRICORN males for sociology study. Please call (925) 917-0168. _________________________________________________________________________

FREE JIGSAW PUZZLE EXCHANGE! 500 / 1,000 piece puzzles. Ages 10-adult. Ask for Terry. 925-672-5550. _________________________________________________________________________

IF YOU like piña coladas and what-not, write to me and escape. 20-year-old, male. MTZNative, Box 1, c/o Martinez Tribune, 725 Ward St., Martinez CA 94553.

Lost & Found

0006

FOUND female Rotweiller, blue collar, no tags, friendly. Found Saturday, July 30, 2016, at Valero Gas Station, 4141 Alhambra Ave., Martinez. Police took to Animal Control. _________________________________________________________________________

WOULD THE person who picked up a black leather address book at Old Town Antique Store in Martinez on Monday, June 27, please return. $100 reward offered. (925) 820-1835 _________________________________________________________________________

THE HEMP Church hereby declares 650 Pine Street, Martinez, California, as sacred tribal grounds. Please send prayer requests to 650 Pine Street, Martinez, California. Please do not use zip code or state abbreviation.

Business Opportunities 0017 LOCAL FILM production services offered. Sports, archive, real estate, highlights. Email for quotes, pieman0226@yahoo.com. Call for questions, (925) 963-1607. _________________________________________________________________________

WANT TO become a busi-

Business Opportunities 0017 ness owner? Do you know about collectables, antiques? Have them to sell? We have two large cases to rent. Come in, talk to Judy on Fri, Sat. Antiques on the Main, 814 Main St., Martinez. (925) 228-0394

Work Wanted

0020

DUTCH STYLES quality labor and custom services provides daamgoed commercial and residential landscape installations and maintenance specializing in irrigation repairs, water conservation and trees. (925) 204-8024 _________________________________________________________________________

Brian Krisch, brian@ krisch.co, 510.290.1816 BA in Communication. Skills: Editing, Marketing, Research, User Experience Design, Writing, Web Services, Creativity, Authenticity, Critical Thinking, Teamwork, Problem Solving, Self-Motivated, Google Apps, Social Media Management. _________________________________________________________________________

GUERILLA RIGGING Event rigging, carpentry, electrics, stagehand, backline and skilled labor. (928) 420-6852. _________________________________________________________________________

RANCH SITTING - MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE - EXCELLENT REFERENCES Will ranch sit, longterm, “24/7”, will assist with management including light chores - in exchange for cottage or separate living quarters - Contra Costa County. Recently retired (early), healthy woman, veteran equestrienne, former professional gardener, have

Work Wanted

0021 Help Wanted 0025 Misc Items* 0026 Furniture* 0027 Appliances* 0030 Electronics* 0050 Wanted* 0060 Health/Beauty/Fitness 0061 Auto & RV 0065 Marine

0020

horse - do not smoke, drink or use drugs. (925) 2290968.

Help Wanted

0021

EDGE INSPECTION Group, Inc. is currently looking for a LEVEL 2 Radiographer, UT, MT, PT, with a TWIC card, Valid DL and a IRRSP Card, with a minimum of 5 years experience. Call (707) 474-4760. _________________________________________________________________________

EDGE INSPECTION Group, Inc. is currently looking for a NDE Assistant with a TWIC card, Valid DL with a minimum of 3 or more years experience. Call (707) 474-4760. _________________________________________________________________________

COME JOIN the solar revolution! DC Solar is fast-growing clean energy company that is creating a seismic shift in the solar industry. We are looking for people who want to become part of an innovative team dedicated to changing the way solar power is delivered. We are recruiting for the following positions: Human Resources Administrator, Mechanical Engineer (CAD), Sales, Paralegal, Electrical Technicians, Accounting Assistant, File Clerk, DMV File Clerk, Receptionist/Administrative Assistant, Inventory Assistant, General Labor, Painter, Paint Prepper, Auto, Detailer, Janitorial. All applicants must meet company hiring criteria for pre-employment screening, including drug test and criminal background check. Please visit our website at http://www. dcsolardistribution.com/

Help Wanted

Real Estate 0070 Homes for Sale 0072 Rentals 0075 Commercial Property 0080 Land 0085 Open Houses

0095 Fuel, Wood & Oil 0096 Auctions 0097 Time Shares 0099 Garage Sales 0100 Service Directory 0101 Legal Notices

0090 Campgrounds/Spaces 0091 Pets & Supplies* 0093 Hay, Grain & Feed

*Free ads (under $100); includes 3 lines & 1 week online

0021

careers/ in order to begin the application process, or call 925-203-1088. Email completed applications to employment@dcsolardistribution.com, or fax to 800985-6316. DC Solar is an equal opportunity employer. _________________________________________________________________________

MOVERS WANTED Martinez moving company looking for a lead mover with a minimum of one year experience. Must have clean C.D.L., experience with piano moving, in home packing and can work with Bill Of Ladens. Pay depends on experience. Contact by email, sbmove@pacbell.net _________________________________________________________________________

HELP WANTED! Martinez Tribune has immediate openings for Sales Executives. Must be professional, posess strong communication skills, and have access to transportation. Sales Executives are responsible for growing advertising revenues through sale of both print and digital publications. $1,400/mo. plus comission. Flexible schedule, great work environment. Growth potential. Send resume and cover letter to eclark@martinez tribune.com or Martinez Tribune, 725 Ward St., Martinez, CA 94553.

Misc Items

0025

XL-1200 AIR CONDITIONER. Bought at job site never installed, selling for family member. In Martinez area, call stop by take a look. Also have residential heater unit. Let’s make a deal. Make me an offer! Call David, (925) 681-9833.

Misc Items

0025

TWO TIRES by Michelin, radial, size 185/65R15. Used, good condition. $50 for all. (925) 939-2152. _________________________________________________________________________

25” TV single base, moves side to side, remote control, mint condition, $100. (925) 432-9230. _________________________________________________________________________

DEAN MARTIN Celebrity Roasts, total of 17 DVDs, 15 are brand new, 2 have been played once. Asking price $110 or best offer. Call Ron, (925) 284-5428. _________________________________________________________________________

TWO WHEELCHAIRS, one over-sized, barely used, $300. Another standard size, black leather, foldable, paid $1,000+, used twice, asking $500 obo. Call Edwin, (925) 432-9230.

Misc Items

0025

REMOTE CONTROL cars for sale. All models. (925) 432-9230. _________________________________________________________________________

OVER 200 films on VHS/ DVD for sale. Best offer. Call Edwin, (925) 432-9230. _________________________________________________________________________

DESIGNER SUITS, shirts, pants, shoes like new, some new, reasonably priced. (925) 825-7297. _________________________________________________________________________

BUILDING MOBILE (human pulled) emergency shelter housing for rescue, recreation or military. Need to build more units. Seeking sponsor. (510) 222-9420 _________________________________________________________________________

ART SUPPLIES. Call (424) 249-0703.

Furniture

0026

FOR SALE Antique East-

Martinez Tribune | Aug. 5-11, 2016 Email classifieds to classifieds@martineztribune.com

Classifieds Furniture

0026

lake dresser, headboard and matching commode, (925) 228-3045. _________________________________________________________________________

POTTERY BARN desk with hutch and chair, white. $500 obo. (925) 808-1534.

Electronics

0030

STEREO SX components, twin towers, $800. Yamaha/ Mistubishi components, 4 sound towers, 1000 watts. Call Edwin, (925) 432-9230.

Auto & RV

0061

on low profile tires. Stereo/ CD with 2 ten subs 1500 watt amp with separate over load capacitor, cold air intake and Greddy module. GREAT CAR, EXCELENT CONDITION NO SCRACHES DENTS WELL TAKEN CARE OF. FUN TO DRIVE!!!!!! Must sell due to medical reasons. $10,999. David, (925) 681-9833. _________________________________________________________________________

TWO TIRES by Michelin, radial, size 185/65R15. Used, good condition. $50 for all. (925) 939-2152. _________________________________________________________________________

Wanted

0050

WANTED: Two working microwaves in good condition. Will pay fair price. Email eclark@martineztribune.com

TOYOTA CAMRY 4 door sedan, ‘92, black on black, limosine tint, new tires, electronic ignition, etc. $2,500 obo. Call Edwin, (925) 432-9230.

_________________________________________________________________________

CHRISTIAN FEMALE seeking Section 8 rental, on bus route. Please call (925) 917-0168. _________________________________________________________________________

LOOKING FOR SF Bay Area radio station recordings from the 1920s through 1980s, if possible with local station ID breaks. From music shows, talk shows, newscasts, live band remotes, sports recordings, etc. For example, stations like KTAB, KSFO, KGO, KYA, KSFX, KDIA, KWBR, KOBY, KSAY, etc. Willing to pay to have digital copies made. Call Ron, (925) 2845428. _________________________________________________________________________

LOOKING FOR TV audio soundtracks from 1950s-1970s, i.e. variety shows, talk shows, sports recordings, etc. Call Ron, (925) 284-5428. _________________________________________________________________________

LOOKING FOR Brian Piccolo Story movie (not the Brian’s Song movie). Saw it on KTVU Channel 2 back in mid-‘70s. Willing to take home recorded version of this movie. Call Ron, (925) 284-5428.

Auto & RV

0061

One owner 2004 ET4 150cc Vespa scooter in very good condition. Only 5765 miles – $2,400 OBO. Call Bob at (510) 552-3324 2006 MAZDA Rx-8 A/C, auto doors, locks, windows alarm system, and tinted windows. Charcoal grey, black and grey interior. Only 1 owner, 11,000 miles, mostly highway. 6 speed, 20 inch rims

_________________________________________________________________________

2007 VICTORY VEGAS Jackpot (Custom Harley Davidson) 1,700 Miles. Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2013 ACURA ILX, 1 Owner, Manufactures Warranty, Sunroof, Bluetooth, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2011 ACURA MDX, 1 Owner, Manufactures Warranty, AWD, Tech Pkg, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2011 AUDI A4, Quattro, Turbo Wagon, Panorama Roof, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2013 AUDI A4 Premium, Quattro, 1 Owner, Manufactures Warranty, Bluetooth Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2009 AUDI A5, Navigation, Bluetooth, MoonRoof, Power Seats, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2007 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT, 22 Inch Custom Wheels, Fiber Optic Headliner, Massaging Seats, Twin Turbo, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2013 BMW 535i, Sunroof, Navigation, Back Up Cam, 1 Owner, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Marti-

Auto & RV

0061

nez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2008 BMW 650i, 6sp Manual, DVD, Navigation, Bluetooth, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2008 BMW 650i, Convertible, Manual 6sp, Navagation, 19 Inch Rims, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2009 CADILLAC CTS AWD W/1SB, 1 Owner, Navigation, Bluetooth, Leather, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2007 CADILLAC DTS V8, Bluetooth, Leather, Onstar, Aux, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522.

Auto & RV

0061

LARAMIE, 6.7 Cummins Diesel, 4x4, Low Miles, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2007 DODGE RAM 2500, MEGACAB, 4x4, 6.7 Cummins Diesel, Only 35k Miles, 1 Owner, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2006 DODGE RAM 2500 SLT, Lifted, 4x4, 5.9 Cummins Diesel, Low Miles, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2013 FIAT 500 Abarth, 1 Owner, Manufactures Warranty, 5sp Manual, Turbo, Sunroof, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522.

_________________________________________________________________________

2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE ECO, 1 Owner, Manufactures Warranty, Parking Sensors, BlueTooth, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522.

_________________________________________________________________________

2012 FISKER KARMA ECOSPORT, Hybrid, Navigation, Low Miles, Super Car, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522.

_________________________________________________________________________

2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA LT, Sunroof, Bluetooth, OnStar, Bose Sound, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2002 CHEVROLET TAHOE LS, 1 Owner, 4x4, 3rd Row Seating, Roof Rack, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2010 DODGE CHALLENGER SE, 1 Owner, Upgraded Stereo, Navigation, BlueTooth, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2012 DODGE DURANGO R/T, AWD, 3rd Row Seating, Sunroof, Back Up Cam, 1 Owner, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2010 DODGE JOURNEY, 3rd Row Seating, BackUp Cam, Bluetooth, Tons of Storage, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2011 DODGE NITRO SXT, Sport Suspension, Chrome Wheels, Power Seat, Roof Rack, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2007 DODGE RAM 2500

_________________________________________________________________________

2013 FORD FIESTA SE, 1 Onwer, Bluetooth, Premium Sound, Microsoft Sync, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2009 FORD FOCUS SE, 1 Owner, Bluetooth, Aux Input, Microsoft Sync, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2014 FORD MUSTANG V6, 1 Owner, Manufactures Warranty, 6sp Manual, AUX, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2003 GMC YUKON COMMERCIAL, 1 Owner, 3rd Row Seating, Rear Entertainment, Tow Package, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2003 HONDA ACCORD SDN EX, 1 Owner, Sunroof, Multi Disk Changer, Tow Hitch, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2011 HONDA CIVIC SDN, GX, CNG, Natural Gas, Keyless Entry, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522.

Auto & RV

0061

2010 HONDA CR-V EX, 1 Owner, Sunroof, 6 Disk Changer, Privacy Glass, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2013 HONDA PILOT TOURING, 3rd Row Seating, Rear Entertainment, Fully Loaded, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2014 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS, 1 Owner, Manufactures Warranty, Bluetooth, SiriusXM Satellite, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2014 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS, 1 Owner, Manufactures Warranty, Bluetooth, Aux / USB, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2013 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS, 1 Owner, Manufactures Warranty, Bluetooth, Heated Seats, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2012 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS, 1 Owner, Manufactures Warranty, Bluetooth, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2012 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS, 1 Owner, Manufactures Warranty, Leather, Bluetooth, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2012 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS, 1 Owner, Manufactures Warranty, Bluetooth, SiriusXM Satellite, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2011 HYUNDAI SONATA SE, Sunroof, Navigation, Bluetooth, AUX / USB, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2014 JEEP CHEROKEE LATITUDE, 1 Owner, 4x4, Bluetooth, Roof Rack, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2013 KIA OPTIMA EX, 1 Owner, Manufactures Warranty, Backup Cam, Bluetooth, Newell Auto Group,

Auto & RV

0061

3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2013 KIA OPTIMA LX, Manufactures Warranty, Bluetooth, SiriusXM Satellite, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2012 KIA SORENTO SX, 1 Owner, Leather,Bluetooth, BackUp Cam, Navigation, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2014 KIA SPORTAGE, LX, AWD, 26 MPG, Aux, Bluetooth, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2014 LAND ROVER Range Rover HSE, 1 Owner, Manufactures Warranty, Fully Loaded, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2007 LAND ROVER Range Rover Sport, HSE, AWD, Navigation, Sunroof, 1 Owner, Low Miles, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2013 LEXUS IS 250, 1 Owner, Manufactures Warranty, Premium Pkg Value Edition, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2013 LEXUS IS 250, 1 Owner, Manufactures Warranty, Navigation, Bluetooth, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2013 LEXUS IS 250, 1 Owner, Manufactures Warranty, Navigation, Backup Cam, Bluetooth, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2014 LEXUS IS 250 F Sport, 1 Owner, Manufactures Warranty, Navigation, Backup Cam, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2008 LEXUS IS F, Navigation, Leather, Sunroof, Back Up Cam, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2007 MASERATI QUATTROPORTE, Sport GT, Low Miles, Navigation, Parking Sensors,

es here, a Costa h Supeegal beal noticContra ion with with ﬁrst

Martinez Tribune | Aug. 5-11, 2016

13 Email classiﬁeds to classiﬁeds@martineztribune.com

Classifieds Auto & RV

0061

Auto & RV

0061

Super Car!, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522.

Miles, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522.

_________________________________________________________________________

2013 MAZDA MX-5 MIATA Grand Touring, 1 Owner, Manufactures Warranty, 6sp Manual, Convertible, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522.

2012 MINI COOPER Hardtop, 1 Owner, Manufactures Warranty, Heated Seats, Panoramic Roof, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522.

_________________________________________________________________________

2011 MINI COOPER Hardtop, 1 Owner, 6sp Manual, Bluetooth, Sirius Satellite, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522.

2014 MERCEDES BENZ C250 Sport, Panoramic Sunroof, Navigation, Back Up Cam, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2013 MERCEDES BENZ C250 Sport, 1 Owner, Manufactures Warranty, Navigation, Panoramic Roof, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2013 MERCEDES BENZ E350, 1 Owner, Navigation, Bluetooth, DVD, Premium Sound, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522.

_________________________________________________________________________

2011 MINI COOPER Hardtop, 1 Owner,6sp Manual, Panoramic Roof, Harman/ Kardon Sound, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2014 MINI COOPER Paceman, Keyless Start, Bluetooth, Manufactures Warranty, Hill Start Assist, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

here, with first legal being ta County. Legal notices perior Court of Contra Cosbeing our petition with Sunotices here, with first legal Contra Costa County. Legal tition with Superior Court of with first legal being our pe-

om. @martiover letter, resume 29-2026, ollege credit may be uoducing FREE! a commue’ll mailexperienced with tthe the opportunity Trito sponses on) and web develom. mailbox. ons, graphic arts drink ormartiuse drugs. ark@ d, coninterest in229journalcall (925) onal gardener, have bo. 377signed a to rn (928) how produce an,Beautifully veteran equestrirn. ,ztribune.com/ and Love AILABLE the ur ad ra ids kids at r t iCosta n but e zonline -County. itcottage here?or It’s for separate competition; classis@martineztribune.com ntinued from Page ### te sale?new Why ent including light g strap, or email ssifi eds to e doctor away. ARAGE SALE? erm, “24/7”, will , atnew (never (925) aige 10 apples. Why? A. (925) 229-2026 athers, ed design! Marti-Stubor a long trip of 10 days. ontra Costa brand newCentre. Call today and we’ll singles the same woman named ffCAL ective CELLENT REFER- in Martinez, Pacheco, in Switzer&advertising alssand a bus driver named here! The MANAGEMENT p Prima Su- Martinez Tribune offers the

E SADDLE PURPOSE

Martinez Tribune | April 15-21, 2016

_________________________________________________________________________

2012 MERCEDES BENZ GL450, AWD, 3rd Row, Navigation, Back Up Cam, Panoramic Sunroof, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522.

2014 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 S, 1 Owner, Manufactures Warranty, Keyless Start, Power Seat, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

2012 MERCEDES BENZ GLK-350, 1 Owner, Panoroof, Bluetooth, RoofRack, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2012 MERCEDES BENZ GLK350, AWD, Panoramic Sunroof, Back Up Cam, Navigation, 1 Owner, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2012 MERCEDES BENZ ML350 BlueTEC, 1 Owner, Diesel, Navigation, Backup Camera, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL-Class, DESIGNO Package, Launch Package, Convertible, Bose Audio, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2007 MERCEDES BENZ SL550, Convertable, AMG Sport Pkg, Navigation, Low

2005 NISSAN MURANO S, Navigation, BackUp Cam, SunRoof, Roof Rack, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2012 NISSAN ROGUE SL, Manufactures Warranty, Navigation, Leather, 360 Degree Cameras, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2005 PONTIAC GTO, 1 Owner, 14k Original Miles, Leather, Premium Wheels, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

1999 PORSCHE BOXSTER, Convertable, 5sp Manual, Red Leather, Sport Design, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522.

Auto & RV

0061

2008 SATURN VUE XR, 1 Owner, AWD, OnStar, XM Satellite, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2013 SMART FORTWO PURE, Low Miles, 34/41 MPG, AUX / USB, Clean CarFax, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2012 SUBARU OUTBACK 3.6R, 1 Owner, Manufactures Warranty, AWD, Bluetooth, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2014 TOYOTA CAMRY SE, 1 Owner, Manufactures Waranty, Bluetooth, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2012 TOYOTA CAMRY SE, Keyless Entry, Bluetooth, Alloy Wheels, Stability Control, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2012 TOYOTA CAMRY SE, 1 Owner, Manufactures Warranty, Navigation, Bluetooth, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2013 TOYOTA PRIUS Persona, 1 Owner, Manufactures Warranty, Special Edition, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2008 TOYOTA TACOMA, Cruise Control, Power Steering, Dual Airbags, CD Player, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2013 TOYOTA COROLLA S, 1 Owner, Manufactures Warranty, Rear Spoiler, Keyless Entry, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2007 TOYOTA TACOMA, 1 Owner, 4X4, Double Cab, TRD Sport Pkg, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522.

0061

2014 VOLKSWAGEN CC SPORT, 1 Owner, Manufactures Warranty, Backup Cam, Navigation, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2013 VOLKSWAGEN CC Sport, 1 Owner, Turbo, Bluetooth, Leather, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522.

2013 VOLKSWAGEN CC LUX, 1 Owner, Navigation, Leather, Panorama Moonroof, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522.

Homes for Sale

0070

RESIDENTIAL REAL Estate Sales, experience in Trustee and Probate Sales. Complimentary Property Evaluation and Fair Market Analysis Provided. Michael Brionez, Broker, J. Rockcliﬀ Realtors, (925) 2880477, michaelbrionez.com.

Garage Sales

0099

There’s a better way to get attention.

_________________________________________________________________________

212 NORTH PARK COURT

_________________________________________________________________________

2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA Sedan, 1 Owner, Manufactures Warranty, Sunroof, Traction Control, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2015 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA Sedan 2.0L S, 1 Owner, Bluetooth, Aux, Electronic Stability Control, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2009 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA Sedan S, Low Miles, Sunroof, 17inch Wheels, Rear Spoiler, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2014 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA SportWagen TDI, Diesel, 1 Owner, Manufactures Warranty, Backup Cam, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2015 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 1.8T S, 1 Owner, Manufactures Warranty, Bluetooth, Keyless Entry, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2013 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN S, 1 Owner, Manufactures Warranty, Bluetooth, Heated Seats, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522. _________________________________________________________________________

2013 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN S, 1 Owner, Panoramic Sunroof, Bluetooth, Privacy Glass, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522.

_________________________________________________________________________

2012 PORSCHE CAYENNE S, AWD, Sunroof, Navigation, Back Up Cam, Newell Auto Group, 3925 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1522.

Auto & RV

Marine

0065

FOR SALE New 12 ft Wenonah (canoe). Hardly used, includes two wooden oars, asking $300. Was $1,300 new. (925) 229-0968.

Trying to draw a crowd to your next garage sale? Keep life simple – take out an ad. This NEW home features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2 car garage. Beautiful tile floors downstairs and neutral carpet upstairs. Lots of windows bring natural light into this home. Laundry room is upstairs. The best energy efficient lighting plus a tankless water heater (endless hot water). Gardener and HOA paid by owner. Enjoy walking paths, bocce court, children’s play area and picnic tables. Plus Mountain View Park with baseball field, basketball courts, playgrounds, and large picnic areas. Alhambra High School district. 212 North Park Court, Martinez. $2,800. Call Property Managers, Inc., (925) 932-1700

Service Directory

Martinez Tribune

725 Ward St. Martinez, CA 94553 Phone: (925) 229-2026 http://martineztribune.com

Land

0080

$120,000 Vacant residential lot near downtown Martinez. Build your custom home! Michael Brionez, Broker, J. Rockcliﬀ Realtors, (925) 288-0477, michaelbrionez.com. _________________________________________________________________________

ADVERTISE YOUR items free in the Martinez Tribune Classiﬁeds. Reach over 75,000 readers in Martinez and beyond. Email classiﬁeds@martineztribune.com or call (925) 229-2026 to place your free text ad today! *Boxed ads, graphics, etc. come with fees.

0100

Martinez Tribune | Aug. 5-11, 2016 Email news tips to news@martineztribune.com

Amusements Gasoline Alley

The Middletons

Broom-Hilda

Sudoku

Solution to last weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s puzzle

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Martinez Tribune | Aug. 5-11, 2016

Amusements Horoscopes

Omarr’s Weekly Astrological Forecast By JERALDINE SAUNDERS Tribune Content Agency ARIES (March 21-April 19): Your motto may be “the more the merrier” as this week unfolds. The urge to experiment with new and different things may be more tempting than usual. Your idea of what can be fun might amuse or intrigue less adventurous souls. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Manners mean everything. There is a tendency for authority figures to be exacting in the week ahead, with a requirement for formality and respect. Your ambitions may surge and social exchanges may have a businesslike air. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Reserve judgment and make your own decisions. The attention of others can boost your spirits but it may be best to get all the facts before making a promise. Close companions may expect you to uphold high standards this week. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Congeniality and sociability is tempered by decorum as the week unfolds, so horseplay may be inappropriate. Remain organized and tend to the business at hand. Handle financial affairs with an eye on long term profits. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You seem to have the golden touch. Use an opportunity to bind someone more closely who can enrich your life or your wallet. People you meet in the week to come could be especially helpful over the long term. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): It might be a wonderful week to plant seeds for the future. Promises that are made will very likely be honored and business plans will be well organized. Loved ones, however, may

ask, “What’s in it for me?” LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): The sharpest pencils haven’t yet done any work. You have a tendency to compare yourself to others, but shouldn’t feel let down by the comparison. In the week ahead be proud of your myriad accomplishments. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Relationships may shift to a new level and business alliances could undergo an important transition. You may become more aware of public opinion this week. Innovation under stressful circumstances is your biggest strength. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22Dec. 21): Be confident of your accuracy when dealing with vague problems. In the week to come you may be motivated to be the best you can be. Burn off some nervous energy by accepting an invitation for a change of scene. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Shakeups are quickly forgotten after the dice have been thrown. Make an effort to cooperate with everyone as this week unfolds. You and a partner must come to terms about a joint financial obligation or investment. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 18): The atmosphere may cool down when there are restrictions. Attention to detail is called for in the week ahead and you must show respect to those in control. However, you are quite capable of manipulating circumstances in your favor. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Make a choice. You can fall prey to fear or promote understanding. In the week ahead you can tighten the bonds of key relationships or launch important initiatives with impunity. This might be a good time for a first date or meeting.

Week’s

Last Week’s

Crossword ACROSS 1 Cellist’s need 4 North of Colombia 9 P.T. goal 14 In a style resembling 15 Make less dangerous 16 Clear 17 Hipster 18 Inspiration for a chewy candy 20 Doglike scavengers 22 Bird on Australia’s coat of arms 23 __-di-dah 24 “Frasier” role 25 Run __: find 28 Horns banned at the 2014 World Cup 31 Tons 35 Nobelist Pavlov 36 Visual greeting 37 Peruvian wool sources 38 “Yo, how’s things?” 39 Colorful island dresses 41 Game show VIPs 42 Umpteen 44 “Hometown Proud” supermarket chain 45 Give (out) 46 It’s a wrap 47 Yoga-inspired athletic apparel brand 49 Actor Piven of “Entourage” 51 __ trip 52 Master 55 Kyoto cash 56 Hammerheads, e.g. 59 Dish at a 37-Down 63 Electron-deficient particle, e.g. 64 Varnish resin 65 Pet problem? 66 Alias lead-in 67 Crashed, so to speak 68 Closer 69 Morning salmon DOWN 1 One of music’s Three Bs 2 Maker of Regenerist skin care products 3 Steam 4 Contemporary electronic music genre 5 Weighty obligation 6 Howard’s best friend on “The Big Bang Theory” 7 “Storage Hunters” network __TV 8 Bonfire leftovers

9 Turndowns 10 Misspeak, say 11 Swag 12 Where Bhutan is 13 “Little Women” woman 19 Rock genre 21 Any thing 25 Felipe of baseball 26 Element in a rechargeable battery 27 Hydromassage facility 28 Travel papers 29 Soft palate dangler 30 Plenty, to texters 32 Timeless 33 __-ovo vegetarian 34 Krupp Works city 37 Island bash 39 Do-it-yourselfer’s nightmare 40 Homely 43 __ Mahal 45 Start of something big? 47 Delaware tribe 48 Presidential debate moderator Jim 50 Seminary subj.

Answers to last week’s puzzle

52 Big primates 53 Select 54 Fencing blade 56 Golf great Ballesteros 57 Gorilla who learned sign language 58 Junk food, in adspeak 60 Official at a base 61 Commonly used base 62 “Ideas worth spreading” acronym

Martinez Tribune | Aug. 5-11, 2016 Email news tips to news@martineztribune.com

CHILDREN: Continued from Page 10

we noted that she was given a star, the highest grade. In real life, we face actual, not imagined, hardships. There is pain – physical, emotional, and spiritual. There are heartbreaks when circumstances are very different from what we had anticipated. There is injustice when we do not seem to deserve our situation. There are disappointments when someone we trusted failed us. There are health and financial setbacks that can be disorienting. There may be times of question when a matter of doctrine or history is beyond our current understanding. When difficult things occur in our lives, what is our immediate response? Is it confusion or doubt or spiritual withdrawal? Is it a blow to our faith? Do we blame God or others for our circumstances? Or is our first response to remember who we are – that we are children of a loving God? Is that coupled with an absolute trust that He allows some earthly suffering because He knows it will bless us, like a refiner’s fire, to

become like Him and to gain our eternal inheritance? Recently, I was in a meeting with Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. In teaching the principle that mortal life can be agonizing but our hardships have eternal purpose – even if we do not understand it at the time – Elder Holland said, “You can have what you want, or you can have something better.” Five months ago, my wife, Diane, and I went to Africa with Elder and Sister David A. Bednar. The sixth and last country we visited was Liberia. Liberia is a great country with a noble people and a rich history, but things have not been easy there. Decades of political instability and civil wars have worsened the plague of poverty. On top of that, the dreaded Ebola disease killed nearly 5,000 people there during the latest outbreak. We were the first group of Church leaders from outside the area to visit Monrovia, the capital city, since the World Health Organization declared it safe to do so after the Ebola crisis. On a very hot and humid

Sunday morning, we traveled to a rented meeting facility in the center of the city. Every available chair was set up, totaling 3,500 seats. The final count of attendees was 4,100. Almost all who came had to travel by foot or some form of inconvenient public transportation; it was not easy for the Saints to gather. But they came. Most arrived several hours before the appointed meeting time. As we entered the hall, the spiritual atmosphere was electric! The Saints were prepared to be taught. When a speaker quoted a scripture, the members would say the verse aloud. It did not matter – short scripture or long; the entire congregation responded in unison. Now, we do not necessarily recommend this, but it was certainly impressive that they could do it. And the choir – they were powerful. With an enthusiastic choir director and a 14-year-old young man at the keyboard, the members sang with vigor and strength. Then Elder Bednar spoke. This, of course, was the anticipated highlight of the

gathering – to hear an Apostle teach and testify. Clearly with spiritual direction, partway through his remarks, Elder Bednar stopped and said, “Do you know ‘How Firm a Foundation’?” It seemed that 4,100 voices roared in response, “YES!” He then asked, “Do you know verse 7?” Again the entire group answered, “YES!” The arrangement of the mighty hymn “How Firm a Foundation” sung by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for the last 10 years has included verse 7, which was not sung much previously. Elder Bednar instructed, “Let’s sing verses 1, 2, 3, and 7.” Without hesitation, the choir director jumped up and the Aaronic Priesthood – bearing accompanist immediately began to energetically play the introductory chords. With a level of conviction I have never felt before in a congregational hymn, we sang verses 1, 2, and 3. Then the volume and spiritual power was elevated when 4,100 voices sang the seventh verse and declared: The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose I will not, I cannot, desert to his foes; That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake, I’ll never, no never, I’ll never, no never, I’ll never, no never, no never forsake! In one of the most remarkable spiritual events of my life, I was taught a profound lesson that day. We live in a world that can cause us to forget who we really are. The more distractions that surround us, the easier it is to treat casually, then ignore, and then forget our connection with God. The Saints in Liberia have little materially, and yet they seem to have everything spiritually. What we witnessed that day in Monrovia was a group of sons and daughters of God who knew it! In today’s world, no matter where we live and no matter what our circumstances are, it is essential that our preeminent identity is as a child of God. Knowing that will allow our faith to flourish, will motivate our continual repentance, and will provide the strength to “be steadfast and immovable” throughout our mortal journey. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Affordable Care Act explained u

ROTARY: Continued from Page 4

PAUL CRAIG / Courtesy

Rob Lemon of www.accessehr.com at Martinez Rotary. He explained the complexities of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).

previously. Under the new law, insurance companies cannot make insurance contingent on being healthy. Regardless of your preconditions, you can get insurance. That’s good news. America is, at core, a caring society. The Affordable Care Act reflects that. On the other hand, lots of people – especially young and healthy ones – are not buying insurance. They pay a penalty, but feel it’s worth it. Opting out by these folk is hurting the overall economics of the plan. It’s way too early to tell how all this will settle out. One thing that’s clear is that the overall cost of health care will continue to rise. The U.S. pays more per capita for health care than any other nation. Health care costs about 17 percent of gross national product (GNP). For comparison, the World Bank figures the world average is about 10 percent of GNP. Health care costs have long increased faster than most other sectors. Lemen says that international comparisons are difficult and can be misleading. The U.S. is much more inhomogeneous than other nations. We have lots of state-level laws. We do lots more research and develop far more drugs and procedures than other nations. Most of us have better access to experts than do people in other nations. Because of the high quality health care available here, people from other nations frequently come to the U.S. for medical care. They get faster and higher quality service. Rotarians were a bit dubious about some of these claims. Perhaps the U.S. is simply less efficient than others. Perhaps we spend more on “paper pushing” than they do. Comparisons are hard to make. National controversy about the Affordable Care Act is reflected locally. That’s why Rotary wants Rob to talk to us again. Check www.martinezrotary.org for this and other talks. We invite visitors. Especially visitors who may be interested in joining Martinez’s premier service club. Incoming Rotary President Denny Horack dedicated this year to the memory of Rotarian Jay Archibald. Jay’s loss hit us all hard. We loved the guy. We miss him.