Date post: | 23-Mar-2016 |
Category: |
Documents |
Upload: | community-focus |
View: | 223 times |
Download: | 0 times |
Delivered to Over 40,000 Homes and Businesses
• March 2012
• Real Estate • Local Business Directory • Archives • Sports • Place a Classified Ad • Business News & Links • Recipes • KTVU 2 Local & National News • The Focus Columns • Submit a Story • Post a Community Calendar Event • Seniors
MAKE OUR COMMUNITY FOCUS YOUR HOME PAGEFind the information you need to navigate Our Community at www.ourcommunityfocus.com
www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage 2 March 2012
Pleasant Hill
20112011 BusinessPersonOf The Year
BusinessPersonOf The Year
artesadental
Dr. Amanda Backstrom DMD Graduate of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
For health, function & beauty
4041 Alhambra Ave. Suite 109 Martinez, CA 94553 Tel: 925-370-9900
www.artesadental.com
$72 exam, xrays and smile analysis*
Value up to $260 or insurance will pay. Offer includes initial exam, consultation and necessary xrays. New Patients Only. *Offer expires 60 days from receipt
FREE Teeth Whitening*
A $300 value (tray system) at an introductory offer with completed new patient exam, xrays and cleaning. Amanda Backstrom DMD, Inc.
$89 Dental Cleaning*
Value up to $129 or insurance will pay. Offer applies after a completed exam and xrays. Does not include periodontal cleaning. New Patients only. * for non-insured patients
Insurance accepted Easy Payment Plans Se Habla Español
WELCOME NEW PATIENTS! We provide quality dental care in a compassionate and relaxing environment. Call and make an appoint-
ment with your local family dentist today!
www.ourcommunityfocus.comMarch 2012 Page 3
FPhE’s 4th annual campaign Be a Part of Progress – Donate Today
TheFoundationforPleasantHillEducation’sannualcampaignhasbegunwiththegoalofraising$60,000.Since2009,FPHEhasawarded$85,000andninety-ninegrantstoschoolswithintheCollegeParkHighSchoolfeederpattern.TocontinueFPHE’sgoalforraisingtheachieve-mentbarofeducationforallstudentsinourlocalschools,FPHEasksyoutodonatetotheannualcampaign. Suggesteddonation:$75ormore.Donationsinallamountsareap-preciated.Contributionsbenefitour
community,enhanceourschools,andhelpcounteractCaliforniabudgetcuts.Yourdonationwilldirectlyimpactschools. Whygive?BecausestrongschoolsbenefitYOU.Ofcoursestrongschoolsbenefitstudents,buttheyalsoincreasepropertyvaluesforresidents.Homebuyersappreciateacommunity’sdedicationtolocaleducationbecauseithelpslocalbusinesses,andthatenhancesthefutureoftheentirecom-munity.YourdonationtoFPHEisaninvestmentinyourcommunity.
Don’tMisstheFPHEAnnualCampaignEvents:• Dine Out for Education –Restau-rantfundraiseronTuesdays(includeslunch,dinner,andtake-out).Print“DineOut”fliersfromwww.fphe.organdsubmittotheserestaurantsonthefollowingdatestoensureFPHEreceivesapercentage:• March 6–Magoo’sGrillofPleasantHill,1250ContraCostaBlvd.• March 13–Kinder’sDeli,2227MorelloAvenue• March 20–DeVino’sPizza,2221
MorelloAvenue• March 27–PastaPomodoro,45CCrescentDrive• The Amazing Race–ThefirstFPHEAmazingRaceofPleasantHillwillbeonSaturday,April21.Createateamwithfamily,friendsorco-workers!En-tryfeeforateamis$40.AllproceedsbenefitFPHE.Detailswillbeavailableatwww.fphe.orginMarch.• To donate –visitwww.fphe.organdclick‘Donate’oryoucanmailcheckstoFPHE,P.O.Box23851,PleasantHill,CA94523
Please mail this coupon to: FPHE, P.O. Box 23851
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 (Tax ID #: 26-2326345)
HELP SCHOOLS THRIVE — GIVE $75! DONATE AT www.fphe.org
I wish to contribute to Foundation for Pleasant Hill Education:
_____ $25 _____ $75 _____$100 _____$250 _____$500 _____ Other ___ Payment enclosed ____Please charge my: __ VISA __ MC __ AMEX
Card # __________________________________ Expiration ___ / ___ / ____ Signature _________________________________ Security Code ________ Cardholder Name (Please print) ____________________________________ Address _________________________ City/Zip ______________________ Phone ___________________ Email Address_________________________
www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage 4 March 2012
JULIE SaYS
WhenmyfamilylivedinMary-land,justoutsideofWashington,D.C.,Iplantedalotoftulip,daffodilandirisbulbs.Afteralong,drizzly,dreary,baretree,bone-chilling,graywinter,springtimewaspureheaven.FlowerssprangtolifefrombulbsIhadplanteddeepintheearth.Azaleas,freesiaandrhododendronsexplodedwithbloomsineveryshade.Pear,appleanddog-woodtreesburstintocloudsofwhiteandpink. Inouroldneighborhood,homebuildersfromdecadesagoplantedacherrytreeontheboulevardinfrontofeachhouse.Bythetimewemovedin,thetreeswerematureandliterallymetinanarchabovethestreet,formingapinkfantasytunnelofbloomsoverourheadsaswedrovetoworkandschoolorstrolledthesidewalks.Whenthespringbreezesblew,pinkpetalsdrifteddowntofillcurbsidegutterswithwhatlooked,foralltheworld,likepinksnow. Andnowbacktothebulbs.Likemosthumans,Iplantedmineinneatrowsanddesignatedflowerbedsforthemostpart.Yet,everyspringIwouldseeaclumpofdaffodilscomingupinadifferentoddlocationoralonetulipstandingitsgroundnowherenearitsshowybrethren.Itwasnosurprisetodiscovertheperpetratorsofthesegardenescapades–itwas,ofcourse,thehyperactivebackyardsquirrels.Theyevidentlylikedtoredecoratethelawn,diggingupmybulbsandplantingthemsomewheretheyfoundperhapsmoreaestheticallypleasing.It’struethesquir-relsdidcomeupwithsomeinterestingarrangements.Myfavoritewasaratherartfuldisplayofbrightyellowdaffodilsplacedoff-centerbeneaththeswingset,aplaceIcertainlywouldnothavethoughtof. HereinCalifornia,wehavesometalentedrodentsaswell.ImarvelatthewayroofratsnibblejustthepeelsofftheMeyerlemonsoutback,leavingwholefruitshangingintactlikebig,sparklyyellowdia-monds.Nicework!Idon’tmeantoimplythatrodentsaretheonlyonesaroundwhodrawuponthebeautyofnaturetocreatetheirart.NowthroughApril15,thereisaspecialshowingofnature-inspiredartwork
createdbyhumans,specificallythestaffandvolunteersofLindsayWildlifeMuseum. TheArtofNatureisanannualeventtoshowcasethetalentsofindividu-alswhoworktoconnectpeoplewithwildlifeeverydayinthemuseum’sexhibithall,througheducationalpro-gramsandinthewildliferehabilitationhospital.Thisyear,theshowincludessixty-sevenpiecesofartincludingoils,watercolors,sculpture,quiltsand
wovenbaskets,eachportrayinganartist’suniqueinterpretationofournaturalworld. Ihopethat,liketheseartists,Iremembertokeepmyeyesopentoappreciateandmarvelattheendlessbeautythatsurroundsus. TheArtofNaturerunsthroughApril15atLind-sayWildlifeMuseum,1931FirstAvenueinWalnutCreek.Entrancetotheartshowisincludedwiththemuseumadmissionfeeof$7foradults,$6forseniorsandstudentsand$5forchildren2-17;freeadmissionformuseummembersandchildrenunder2.Themu-seumisopenWednesdaysthroughFridays,noonuntil5:00pmandweekendsfrom10:00amuntil5:00pm.Gotowww.wildife-musuem.orgformoreinformation. Please send comments to [email protected].
The art of NatureBy Julie Ross
PUBLIShErSBecky Coburn, Jennifer Neys, Elena Hutslar
[email protected],000HomesandBusinessesinPleasantHill,Martinez,
Pacheco,LafayetteandWalnutCreek
aDVErTISING [email protected]
SPOrTS EDITOrChuck Nan
GraPhIc DESIGNTrish Heaney, Debra Wilson, Sarah Birdwell
cOPY EDITOrAlison Clary
View the Focus online at Website: www.ourcommunityfocus.com
cONTacT INFOrMaTION:Community Calendar:
Stage Door Theater Submissions: [email protected]
Content & General Inquiries: [email protected]
6680 alhambra ave. Box #132Martinez, ca 94553
Phone: (925) 335 - NEWS (6397)
Independent & Locally Owned
•OpenforBusinessInPleasantHill..............page7•JobFair............................................................page9•HighSchoolHappenings........................... page12•DVALChampions..................................page16-17
•Addiction,AFamilyAffair.............................page18•DodieJonesisHonored..................................page20•TaxableorNon-Taxable?............................... page22•Cocka-LeekySoup........................................... page23
The Community Focus is a free, independent, monthly publication dedicated to highlighting the vibrancy of the local businesses and residents while strengthening
and building connections within our community.
MISSION STaTEMENT
“Deer Daughter” by Naomi Ruth Raine, Wildlife Rehabilitation Volunteer. Crafted from paper and found items
www.ourcommunityfocus.comMarch 2012 Page 5
Hours of Operation:
Thursday 4p.m.-10p.m. Friday 4 p.m.-11 p.m. Saturday 11 a.m.-11p.m. Sunday Noon—10 p.m.
www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage 6 March 2012
It’s home Sweet home for Pleasant hill realtorsIN FOcUS•IN FOcUS•IN FOcUS•IN FOcUS•IN FOcUS•IN FOcUS • IN FOcUS•IN FOcUS•IN FOcUS•IN FOcUS•IN FOcUS•IN FOcUS
WhatdidaboyfromasmalltowninNorthDakotaandraisedinnorth-eastIowahaveincommonwithagirlhemetfromLafayettethirty-sevenyearsago?Notmuch,buttheysharethirty-fiveyearsofmarriage,fourchil-dren,ajoint-careerinrealestateandalotofgoodmemories! DonFlaskerudmovedtoCalifor-niainthewinterof1975andworkedatatrafficsafetysupplymanufacturingbusinessinBerkeleyforeighteenyears.Norma,agraduateofUCBerkeley(History,’71andTeachingCredential,’73)wasaninsuranceadjuster.Aftertheyhookedtheirwagonstogetherinmarriagein1977,theFlaskerudsset-tledinPleasantHillandbeganafam-ily.In1981,theymovedfromGregoryGardenstoCreeksideParkandthefamilygrewtoincludechildrenShan-non,Devon,ErikandKari.WhenDongrewtiredoftravelingthestate
forwork,heswitchedcareersandgotintorealestatein1987;Normajoinedin.Theycreatedalocallyorientednewsletteranddistributedittohome-
owners,mostlybywalkingtheneigh-borhoods.Withfocusanddetermina-tion,theybecamePleasantHill’s#1realtorindollarvolumeandnumberof
unitssoldsince1994.Theysayoppo-sitesattract,andDonandNormafindthistobetrue.Bringingdifferenttal-entstotheirbusiness,they’velearnedtobuildoneachother’sstrengths. TheFlaskerudshavebuiltasuc-cessfulrealtyservicethroughprideincustomerservice,attentiontotimeli-ness,andprofessionalismcombinedwithintegrity.TheycontinuetobespecialistsinPleasantHill,butalsoserveclientsinsurroundingtowns. Don’sserviceinthePleasantHillLion’sClubsince1981andNorma’sserviceinthePleasantHillRotaryClubsince2001earnedthem“BusinessPersonoftheYear”in2001and“Citi-zenoftheYear”in2011.Theysupportlocalschools,the4thofJulyfestivitiesandfireworks,CommunityServiceDayandwereaprimaryforcebehindtheCityofPleasantHill’s50thAnni-versaryGalaCelebration.
Visit them at www. .com
or email Donand
PleasantHillRealEstate
[email protected] #1 since 1994
Don & Norma Flaskerud
Re/Max CC Connection
Don & Norma Flaskerud
Re/Max CC Connection
925-676-5859
Call Pleasant Hill’s for ALL your Real Estate needsRealtor#1
2973 Knoll Dr, Conc – $160,000
212 Evelyn Dr, PH – $379,000
1655 Merian Dr, PH – $285,000
1798 La Playa Dr, Laf – $699,950
255 Nancy Ln, PH – $310,000
172 Sylvia Dr, PH – $339,000
Don and Norma’s listings...
DRE #s — Don: 00971602, Norma: 00867031
to choose
Don & Norma Flaskerud
as Realtor!YOUR
Over *reasons450Over *reasons450*The number of homes
they have sold in
PLEASANT HILL ALONE!!
PENDING
www.ourcommunityfocus.comMarch 2012 Page 7
architectural review commissionMarch 1, 15City Hall, 100 Gregory LaneLarge Community Room, 5:00pmContact: 671-5209
city council MeetingMarch 5, 19City Hall, 100 Gregory LaneCouncil Chambers, 7:30pmContact: 671-5229
civic action commissionMarch 7City Hall, 100 Gregory LaneSmall Community Room, 6:30pmContact: 671-5229
Education commissionMarch 28City Hall, 100 Gregory LaneLarge Community Room, 7:00pmContact: 671-5229
Planning commissionMarch 13, 27City Hall, 100 Gregory LaneCouncil Chambers, 7:30pmContact: 671-5209
Zoning administratorMarch 8, 22City Hall, 100 Gregory LanePublic Works ConferenceRoom, 5:00pmContact: 671-5209
city calendar of Events
For confirmation Visit: www.ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us
PLEaSaNT hILL cITY BUZZ
Burger News
New Safeway Opens!Fore!By Jaki Jones
Sign Up for cErT
OnFebruary16,Safewayheldagrandopeningofitsneweststoreat707ContraCostaBoulevard.TheCol-legeParkJazzBandplayedashundredsofcustomerspushedshoppingcartsarounddisplaysoffreshproduce,throughafull-servicemeatsectionanddownaislesthatextendtoninety-fourfeet.This59,000squarefoot“lifestylesupermarket”isthefutureforSafeway.AccordingtoSusanHoughton,DirectorofPublicandGov-ernmentAffairs,“Allthestoreswebuildnowfollowthismodel.You’llseeexpand-edselectionsinseafood,meat,produce,
aswellasotheramenitieslikelargeror-ganicofferings.”Onbehalfofthestoreopening,SafewaypresentedFPHETrea-surer,SueNoack,andDeniseKoroslevofRodgersRanchwithadonationof$2500.TheCollegeParkJazzBandalsoreceiveda$500donation.Inaddition,anewfuel-ingcenterhasbeenaddedthataccommo-datestwelvestations.“Ourcustomerstellusthatofferinganopportunitytobuygasisdesirable.Wherewecan,wetrytoin-cludethismodel.Mostrecently,webuiltanewgasstationin Campbell anditisheavilyused,”continuedHoughton.
TheslabhasbeenpouredfortheIn-N-OutBurgerinthePleasantHillShoppingCenterat570ContraCostaBoulevard,andthebuildingisnowintheframingstage.Youcanalmostsmellthosefries!Won’tbelongnow.
Emergenciescanoccurinourcom-munitiesatanytime,andalarge-scaledisasterwillquicklyoverwhelmlocalprofessionalresponders.CommunityEmergencyResponseTeams(CERT)wereestablishedtopitchinandhelptosafelyassistfamily,neighborsandassoci-ateswhilewaitingforfirstresponders.CERTvolunteersarewellpreparedfordisasterandaretrainedto“dothegreatestgoodforthegreatestnumber”.The20-hourclassisgivenonenightaweekandcovers:DisasterPreparedness;FireSafety;DisasterMedicalOperations-TriageandTreatingLifeThreateningInjuries; Dis-asterMedicalOperations-Assessment,TreatmentandHygiene;LightSearchandRescue;TeamOrganizationandDisas-
terPsychology. It’snothard;360Pleas-antHillresidentsofallagesandskillshavecompletedthecourseandarehop-ingformorecitizenstojumpinandjointheircrew.ThenextsetofclassesbeginonApril5andrunthroughMay10th.Acoursereviewanddrillwillfollowonadatetobedecided.Jointhecrewandbeapartofagrowingandworthwhilecom-munityendeavor.Tosignup,gotowww.pleasanthillcert.comandclickontrainingregistration,thenspendsometimecheck-ingoutthewebsiteforfrequentlyaskedquestionsandlotsofusefulinformation.Allclassesareheldatthe ContraCostaCountyFireProtectionDistrict’sTrainingFacilityat2945TreatBlvd.inConcordandbeginat6:30p.m.
ItisParTeetimeatthegrandopen-ingoftheGolfsmithinDowntownPleasantHillonMarch1.Forthese-riousgolferorweekendwarrior,the25,000squarefootfacilityonceoccu-piedbyBordersBookshassomethingforeverygolfer,includingfourhigh-techhittingsimulatorsanda7-holeindoorputtinggreen!Golfersofeveryaptitudecansharpentheirskillswithabiometric,video-recordedgolflessontaughtbyacertifiedGolfTECcoach.WhatsetsthisstoreapartfromtheWalnutCreeklocationistheexpandedassortmentofexclusivegolfequipment,accessoriesandapparelalongwithmoreproductsandservicestohelpanylinksman(orwoman)improvehisgame. Whetheryou’ve“overcookedthatone”(hittheballtoofaroverthegreen),orhittheball“longandwrong” (agolferwhocanhittheballlongdistancesbutseldomintherightdirection),Golfsmithcanhelpbyoffer-ingfreecustomfittingservicesforgolfclubs.AGolfsmithclub-fittingspecial-istusescomputerizedswingandballanalysissystemstostudyeveryaspectofaplayer’sswingandthenrecom-mendsthebesttypesofclubsandthe
set-upofthoseclubs,includingshaftflex,loft,lieandmore.AccordingtoaGolfsmithspokesperson,“whencus-tomersgetfitforgolfclubs,iftheydonotseeimmediateimprovementintheirgame,theycanbringbacktheirclubswithin30daysforanin-storecredit.”Thistrulyisagolfer’sinterac-tiveplayground.Forthegrandopen-ing,Golfsmithwillbegivingawaycashcardsand$10,000ingolfgear.YoucanregisterthroughouttheweekendandwinnerswillbedrawnonSunday,the4th.--“I don’t need to know where the green is. Where is the golf course?”Babe Ruth, playing Pine Valley
www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage 8 March 2012
Please verify schedule at www.pleasanthillchamber.com • 925-687-0700
Please verify schedule at www.martinezchamber.com • 925-228-2345
PLEaSaNT hILL chaMBEr OF cOMMErcE MarTINEZ chaMBEr OF cOMMErcE
No Drugs, Incorporated is a drug and alcohol testing service provider. We are a preferred collection site for every Department of Human Health Services laboratory and also an eScreen partner. If your company is currently drug and alcohol testing with any laboratory or organiza-tion on a national level, No Drugs, Inc. can provide the collection of the samples on your account at no charge to your organization. If your company is local and would like to discuss implement-ing or changing a drug testing program, contact us for a quote or more information. We utilize paperless Chains of Custody (chronological documentation) and we have the eScreen reader for MRO (medical review officer) results within minutes. We are open Monday - Friday 8am – 5pm, no appointment necessary, and are available 24 hours for emergencies. We can collect at our facility or at your location anywhere nationwide. We are located at 827 Arnold Dr., Suite 70, in Martinez. www.nodrugsinc.com or call 800-490-DRUG. Photo by richardcash.com
Little Hunan Chinese Cuisine held its grand opening and ribbon cutting on January 26. Newly decorated, Little Hunan is warm and comforting and serves a delicious variety of entrees, with specialties that include General Chicken, Prawns in Hunan Style and Kun Bao Seafood Combination. We offer thirty-three lunch specials, starting at $6.50, Monday through Saturday, 11:00am to 2:30pm. Join us for dinner 4:30 to 9:00pm. We are closed Sunday. Visa, Mastercard and American Express are accepted. We offer catering trays, take-out, and com-bination lunch and dinner boxes for company parties. If you feel like great Chinese food in a traditional setting, give Little Hunan a try. Too tired to cook or go out? Little Hunan also deliv-ers!! 621 Las Juntas Street right off Main Street in downtown Martinez. 925-229-0455. Photo by richardcash.com
ribbon cutting
ribbon cutting
No Drugs, Incorporated
Little Hunan Chinese Cuisine
3/2 - ambassador Meeting CityHall,100GregoryLane,PleasantHill,8am-9am
3/6– Leadership Lunch (formerly ambassador Lunch) KobeJapan1918OakParkBlvd.,PleasantHill11:45pm-1pm
3/15 – Board of Directors MeetingCityHall,100GregoryLane,PleasantHill7:45am
3/21 – Mixer courtyard by Marriott2250ContraCostaBoulevard,PleasantHill5:30pm-7:30pm
3/26 – Green committeeBackFortyTexasBBQ,4:00pm-5:00pm
3/26 – Government affairs committeeBackFortyTexasBBQ4:30pm-6:00pm
For More Information regarding ambas-sador Meeting –Ifinterestedinattending,[email protected]
3/1 – citizen of the Year Nomination Dead-line –LastdaywewillbeacceptinglettersofnominationforCitizenoftheYearcandidates.Forguidelinesvisitwww.martinezchamber.comorcalltheChamberoffice.
3/8 – chamber Mixer – Thursday,5:30pm-7:30pm–TypeAYoga–607GregoryLane,Ste.150,PleasantHill.GreatNetworking,Food,Fun,RafflePrizes(Bringaraffleprizeandhaveyourbusinessannounced!)
3/15 – Educational Series – #1BrandandDeliver(part1of3),presentedbyFadhilaHol-man,CEO,CaliforniaPacificFederalCreditUnion-Thursday,12-1pm-Doorsopenat11:30.JohnMuirBestWesternInn,445MuirStationRd.,$10toChamberMembers,Non-Members$20.Lunchwillbeprovided.PleaseRSVPtotheChamberoremailinfo@martinez-chamber.com.
3/24 – citizen of the Year awards Dinner –Saturday,6-9pmattheMartinezEventsCent-er,524MainSt.,Martinez.Wewillbehonoring
citizensfromthecommunityfortheircontribu-tionstothebettermentofMartinez.FordinnerticketsandmoreinformationcalltheCham-ber@228-2345.
3/29 – 4/1 – carnival Butler amusement –ThursdaythruSunday–Rides,Games,Food&Fun.LocatedatHwy680&Hwy4(PachecoExitoffHwy4),AllDayWristbands:$20Ad-vanceSaleTickets(attheChamberoffice);$25attheCarnival.CalltheMartinezCham-berformoreinformation!
caLENDar SPONSOrED BY
caLENDar SPONSOrED BY
MinutemanPress
PLEASANT HILL
2835
Con
tra
Cost
a Bl
vd.,
Suite
E |
Plea
sant
Hill
, CA
DID YOU KNOW...WE DO MORE THAN BUSINESS CARDS?
WE CAN HANDLE ALL OF YOUR NEEDS... NEED FLYERS FOR YOUR SCHOOL EVENT? NEED POSTERS FOR YOUR UPCOMING EVENT?
OR DO YOU NEED....COLOR COPIES OR EVERYDAY OFFICE FORMS
ANNOUNCEMENTS... BABY, GRADUATION INVITATIONS OR HOLIDAY CARDS
PROMOTIONAL ITEMS ... TSHIRTS, STICKERS POSTERS, TICKETS
FLYERS, PRINTED OR COPIEDEVENT PROGRAMS, SWIM MEET EVENT BOOKS
WHAT DO YOU NEED? WE CAN HANDLE IT FOR YOU
925-256-6444www.minutemanpressph.com
Pleasant Hill City Hall Photo by Susan Wood Photography
Martinez Chamber of Commerce Presents
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2012
Nomination Deadline Thursday March 1stVisit www.martinezchamber.com for guidelines.
Email to [email protected] or fax to 925-228-2356
The Chamber is accepting nominations for the following:Young Man & Young Woman of the Year • Man & Woman of the Year
Service Without Borders • Educator/Teacher of the Year • Lifetime Achievement
www.ourcommunityfocus.comMarch 2012 Page 9
AsIwritethis,aboutsixweeksof2012areinourrearviewmirror.Andthankstoadramaticshiftinmarketcon-ditions,whatacrazysixweeksithasbeen!Ifyoujustwokeupfromaseven-yearcomaandjumpedintothehousingmarket,youmightthinkitwasstilltheyear2005,wereitnotforthelowerhomeprices.Buyingrealestateispopularagain,period. Multipleoffersareallbutstandard
issue,especiallywhenthehomeispricedwellorlocatedinamoredesirablearea.PrettymucheveryconversationI’vehadwithanactivebuyerinthepastfewweekshasincludedsomethingalongthelinesof,“We’rewritingoffers,butwekeepgettingbeatoutbyotherbuyers.Itjustseemslikethereishardlyanythingoutthereforsale.” Theconditionisnotnecessarilyun-commonforthistimeofyear.BuyerscomeoutfreshandeagertobuyonJanu-ary2nd,butsellersarenotquiteinthesellingmoodyet.Mostarestillpackingawayholidaydecorations,finishinglongoverduemaintenanceprojectsandwait-ingfortheirwinterizedyardstofillinwithfreshspringfoliage. Therehasbeenanaddedintensitythisyear,however,thankstotwofactors.First,buyerinterestiswayup.It’sclearthatthemedia,the“experts,”andthegen-eralpublicareallstartingtoagreethattheworstislikelybehindusandahous-
MOVING & STORAGE
Family owned and operated since 1975.
Move A Little Move A Lot
Excellence • Experience • Efficiency
925-372-0914
Office & Light Industrial • SeniorsResidential• Storage & Warehousing
real Estate UpdateBy Nathan Hitchcock
hOUSING NEWS
Joinusforthe11thAnnualPart-nershipforSuccess,SummerJob&InternshipFaironTuesday,March2710am-1pm. Thiseventisco-SponsoredbyDia-bloValleyCollege&PleasantHillRec-reationandParkDistrict.
Ifyouareabusinessesandinter-estedinhavingaboothatthefair,theregistrationfeeis$55,whichincludesatableandlunchfortworecruiters. For more information or to regis-ter your business visit: www.dvc.edu/org or call (925) 685-1230 ext. 2435.
Job and Internship Fair
ingreboundshouldoccurin2012.Com-pletelygonefromtheaveragebuyer’spsychearethosefearsaboutwhetherornotnowisthetimetobuy.Thisrenewedconfidenceintherealestatemarkethasfueledbuyerdemandsignificantly. Thesecondfactor,though,isprovingtobeevenmoreimpactful:ourinven-toryofhomesforsalelocallyisatitslow-estlevelsince2005.Thiscanbelargelyattributedtoadropinforeclosurerates.Thankstorecentforeclosurepaperworkscandals,aswellasimprovedgovern-mentincentives,banksarekeepingpeo-pleintheirhomesinfargreaternumbersthroughloanmodificationsandothermeans. Thelowinventoryandhighdemandhavecreatedgreatcompetitionamongbuyers,andpricesappeartoberisingasaresult.We’llneedtowaitafewmoreweeksforcurrentsalestohitthebooks,butfrommyhands-onperspectiveasanactivebuyingandlistingagent,homesappeartobesellingforabout5%to15%
higherthantheywereattheendof2011. Onlytimewilltellifthesenewmar-ketconditionswillcontinue.Iencouragethosefrustratedbuyersouttheretobepatientandnotmakeanyrashdecisions.We’llundoubtedlygetlotsoffreshinven-toryasspringapproaches;therealques-tionishowwellthemarketwillabsorbit.Ifbuyerdemandcontinuestoexceedtheavailablesupply,priceswillgoup.Morelikelythough,thenewinventorywillless-enthecurrentintensityandpriceswillstabilize.Eitherway,it’slookinglike2012willindeedbearecoveryyearforreales-tate. Nathan Hitchcock is the managing broker of Hitchcock Realty, a residen-tial real estate brokerage and property management firm in downtown Pleas-ant Hill. He can be reached at [email protected] or (925) 825-1100. Data contained herein was obtained from the CCAR Multiple Listing Service. Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.
www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage 10 March 2012
city council MeetingMarch 7, 21, 7:00pm-11:00pmContact: 925-372-3500
arbor Day Tree PlantingMarch 8, 10:00-11:30am, Susana Park. Park and Recreation staff will provide crafts and planting for Ar-bor Day participants.
Youth Baseball ParadeMarch 10, 10am-11:30amThe parade will begin at City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street and contin-ue onto Main Street.
Design review MeetingMarch 14, 28, 3:00pm-5:00pmContact: 925-372-3500
Park, recreation, Marina &cultural commissionMarch 20, 7:00pm-11:00pm
Planning commission MeetingMarch 13, 27, 7:00pm-11:00pmContact: 925-372-3500
Zoning administrator MeetingMarch 7, 21, 3:00pm-5:00pmContact: 925-372-3500
city calendar of Events
MarTINEZ cITY BUZZ
OnFebruary7,Ideliveredmy9thStateoftheCityad-dressintheCreek-sideChurchaudi-toriumtoaroomofabout200people.HostedbytheMar-tinezAreaChamberofCommerce,thisisanannualeventthatgivesthemayoranopportunitytoreportonwherewehavebeen,wherewearenow,andwherewearegoing. Theselastfewyearshavebeenchal-lengingforlocalgovernment,butIamcautiouslyoptimisticthatwearestartingtoseesomestabilityandmaybeevensomeeconomicgrowthinthenextfewyears.Foreclosureshaveslowedandhomesales
looktobepickingup.However,westillhaveover400homesinforeclosureand200moreonthepre-foreclosurelist. Thecity’sfinancialpicturelookstobefairlystable.Weclosedan$800,000struc-turaldeficitthroughstrategicreorganiza-tion,frozefivevacantpositions,madetwopositionshalf-time,andnegotiatedcutsandcostsharingwithourthreehard-work-ingandloyalemployeegroups.Weexpecttoendthisfiscalyearwithanunrestrictivefundbalanceof$3.3millionandforecastthatsalesandpropertytaxwillremainflat. Wearealsoconstantlylookingforwaystoincreaserevenuewithoutrais-ingfees.CurrentlyweareworkingwithsomeofourlargertaxgeneratorsthatareinterestedinexpandingtheiroperationsinMartinez.Butmostimportantly,wewill
Mayor’s Message Rob Schroder, Mayor of Martinez
For confirmation Visit: www.cityofmartinez.org
continuetolivewithinourmeansandstillprovidethehighestlevelofservicetoourresidentsandbusinesses.Thiswillcontinuetobecomemoreandmoredifficultifrev-enuesdon’tstartmovingbacktoapositivedirection. Althoughwehavebeendealingwithaverychallengingeconomicclimate,somepositiveprojectshavebeencompletedinMartinez.BoththeRankinAquaticCenterandtheMartinezLibrarywerecompletedontimeandopenedunderbudget.RankinPark,TavanFieldandHolidayHillsParkwillopenthisspringandsummerwithallnewfacilities,irrigationandlandscaping. In2011,thecityinvestedover$1mil-lioninimprovingourroadsandstreets.WepavedMainStreet,ShellAvenue,ReliezValleyRoadandstreetsinseveralneigh-borhoods.In2012weexpecttoinvest$1millioninstreetsandroadsagain.TheseincludeArnoldDrive,CenterAvenueandMorellonearHighway4.
Overall,thecityofMartinezisstillaverysafeplace.Part1crimes(typicallyviolentcrimes),areflatwithoverallcrimesdecliningby14%.NeighborhoodWatchisaprogramthatworkswellwiththenewneighborhoodpolicingareainitiative.Manysuchprogramshavebeendevelopedsincethisinitiativewasputinplace,andtheyarealreadyhavinganimpactonre-ducingcrimeinneighborhoods. IfyouwouldlikemoreinformationaboutNeighborhoodWatch,orwouldliketosetoneup,gotothecity’swebsite(www.cityofmartinez.org)andfindthemapthatlistsyourneighborhood.Thenemailyourareaofficerstoarrangeameeting. Forthefirsttime,thepolicedepart-mentisplanningtoparticipateintheNa-tionalNightOutAgainstCrimeCampaigninAugust.TheChiefaskedmetoencour-ageallofyoutoparticipateinthiscrimepreventionandawarenesseventforthecommunity.
city Messages
Emergency Preparedness By Steve Fisher
christmas house Fire The Brock family lost their Martinez “Christmas House” to a fire on January 17. Every Christmas they made their house a focal centerpiece with grand displays and endearing personalities. The household bears a family of five and they are in need of assistance. Gift cards from various stores such as WalMart, Kohl’s, and Target would be greatly appreciat-ed to ensure that all clothing and necessities are attainable. According to the Brock Fam-ily Christmas House Facebook page, donations can be brought to 965 Center Avenue in Martinez while their house is being rebuilt. There is currently a public account set up at Wells Fargo (Acct. #7144692550) c/o Sharon Brock, to help the family out as well.
Mini Motorland On Saturday, March 31 from 10am – noon, the John Muir Amphitheater at 115 Taran-tino Drive will be turned into a unique track for electric ride-on cars, big wheels and tricy-cles. Youngsters will be able to stop for gas, have faces painted, order from the drive-thru window, get car washes, and visit the tire shop, library, historical museum, florist and other cool places! New drivers can practice parking, stopping and backing up. It’s safe, fun and self-contained. Parents should bring a camera and your child’s favorite riding toy. Snacks will be served to all drivers. Licenses are included. Space is limited to the first 150 children. To reserve a spot, pre-register by calling Martinez Recreation at 372-3510. Event is for ages 2 -5 and costs $8 per child. NO DOGS, NO GAS POWERED RIDE-ON VEHICLES.
Haveyouthoughtaboutwhatyouwoulddoinamajordisaster?Doyouhavethetraining,knowledge,andskillstohelpyourfamily,friendsorneighbors?Realis-tically,itisnot“if”but“when”adisasterwillstrikeourcommunity.Areyouready?TheMartinezCommunityEmergencyRe-sponseTeam(CERT)wantsyoutobeabletoanswer“yes.”TheMartinezCERTmem-bersareyourneighborswhovolunteertoassistMartinezcitizensandsurroundingunincorporatedareasincaseofemergency.ThesevolunteersgothroughtwentyhoursofclassesthatcoverEmergencyPrepar-edness,FireSuppression,UtilityControl,Triage,MedicalOperationsTransport,LightSearchandRescue,IncidentCom-mand,andRadioCommunications. WhilesomecitiesmustnowchargeforthebasicCERTclass,theMartinezCERTgroupstilloffersitforfree.TherearetwosetsofbasicCERTclassesofferedthisspring.OnesetisonTuesdayeveningsfrom6:00to9:30pmforfiveweeks(4/24,5/1,5/8,5/15,and5/22),andwillbeheldattheAnimalServicesclassroom,4900
ImhoffPlace.TheotherwillbeonSatur-daymorningsfrom8:00amto1:30pmforthreeweeks(3/24,3/31,and4/7)andwillbeheldatMartinezCityHallinCouncilChambersat525HenriettaSt.Theskills’exercise(disasterdrill)fortheseCERTclasseswillbeonSaturday,June2,from8:00amtonoon. Inadditiontothebasicclass,someCERTstudentscontinueontotakemoreadvancedclasses.TheMartinezCERTgroupwillbeofferingaspecialthree-hourclassonPersonalEmergencyPreparednessonMarch3from9:00amtonoonattheMartinezCityHallinCouncilChambersat525HenriettaSt.ThispresentationwasdevelopedbyGilPatton,theEmergencyManagementCoordinatorattheOak-landCoordinationCenterfortheDept.ofHomelandSecurity.Theseminarisfreeandopentothepubliconafirstcomebasis,asseatingislimited.ToregisterforanyoftheCERTclasses,emailyourname,[email protected],[email protected]
all city Meetings at city hall, 525 henrietta Street, Unless Otherwise Indicated
www.ourcommunityfocus.comMarch 2012 Page 11
cOrKS aND FOrKS
Pair UpWith La Sommelierre Maria Terry
Martha Stewart’s Mignonette
Citrus Terrine in Muscat Gelée
INGREDIENTS1shallot,finelychopped1½teaspoonscoarselygroundpepper½cupsherryvinegar½cupchampagnevinegarorwhitewinevinegar
DIRECTIONSStirtogethershallot,pepper,andvinegars.Letstand20minutesbe-foreserving. Yield: 1 Cup
INGREDIENTS2largeredgrapefruits1largewhitegrapefruit2naveloranges2tangerines1tablespooncandiedgrapefruitstrips4teaspoonsunflavoredgelatin(lessthan2envelopes)½cupplus3tablespoonscoldwater1¼cupsOrangeMuscatsuchasEs-sensia½cupsugarDIRECTIONSWithasharpknifecutpeelfromfruits,includingallwhitepith.Cutsectionsfreefrommembranesandremoveanyseeds.Chopcandiedgrapefruitstrips.Inacup,sprinklegelatinover3table-spoonscoldwaterandletstandaboutoneminutetosoften.Inasmallsauce-
pan,bringMuscatandsugartoaboil,stirringuntilsugarisdissolved,andboil2minutes.Removepanfromheatandstiringelatinmixtureuntildissolved.Stirinremainingwaterandtransfermixturetoabowlsetinalargerbowloficeandcoldwater.Coolmixtureslightly,stirringoccasionally. Pourathinlayerofgelonbottomof1-quartnonreactiveterrineorloafpanandarrangefruitsectionsandcan-diedgrapefruitdecoratively.Carefullypourremaininggeloverall. Chillcovereduntilfirm,atleast4hours,andupto2days.Dipathinknifeinhotwaterandrunknifearoundedge.Dippanintoalargerpanofhotwater3to5secondstoloosen.Invertaservingplateoverpanandinvertontoplate.Yield: 8-10 Servings
March 2012 – Seasonal EatingEventhoughwinterisbarelyover,
manyofusarestartingtoplanforsum-merbyplantinggardens,schedulingthekids’activitiesandmakingreser-vationstovisitexoticlocations.Whilepreparingforthesummer,enjoythislightmealthatusesthelastofthewin-terfoodsandmatchesthemwithwinesthatbringouttheirbestqualities.
Oystersaretrulyadelicioustreatandmustbecookedoreatenfromalivestate.Liveoystersaretightlyclosedandwillsnapshutiftapped.Iftheshellisopen,theoysterisdeadanditcannotbeeatensafely.Somesayoystersareonlysafetoeatinmonthswiththelet-ter‘r’intheirnames.Thisruleisbasedonavarietyofpossibilities:oystersinthenorthernhemispherearemuchmorelikelytospoilinwarmermonths,warmertemperaturestriggerspawn-inginsomeoysters(resultinginanunpleasanttexture),andwarmertem-peraturesincreasetheconcentrationofphytoplanktoncontaminatedwithar-senicthatoysterscouldpossiblyingest.Luckily,technologyisonoursideandcommerciallycollectedoystersaregen-erallysafeaslongastheyarealive.
Muscadet(moosk-a-day)ismyfavoritewinetopairwithoysters.MadefromtheMelondeBourgognegrape,it
iscrispanddrywithmineralandcit-ruszestflavors.Muscadetismadeex-clusivelyonthewestcoastofFranceintheNantesregion.Itsproximitytotheseahasmadeitalongtimecompaniontooysters.Ifyoucan’tfindMuscadet,aSauvignonBlancorChabliswillpro-videthenecessaryacidity.And,foranextrasharpbite,topyouroysterswiththeMignonettesaucelistedhere.
Toendthemeal,adelicateter-rineofseasonalcitruscanbepairedwiththeOrangeMuscatusedtomakeit.TheMuscatgrapeisverydifferentfromtheMelondeBourgognegrape.
Muscatsareincrediblyfloralwinesandoftenmadequitesweet.Therearemul-tiplevarietiesofMuscatandtheyaregrownallovertheworld.WineslikeMoscatoandMuscatdeRivesaltesarebothmadefromMuscatgrapes.Or-angeMuscatisusedfordessertwinesinCaliforniaandAustraliaandhasa
verydefiniteorangearoma.So,goon.PairUp!Maria Terry is a Certified Som-
melier and Wine Educator in the San Francisco Bay Area. For more great wines and information please visit Maria’s website at www.LaSommeli-erre.com.
Boutique Style Consignment Store “Bay Area Parent” Magazine Family Favorite Since 2004!
Tu-Sat 10-6, Sun-Mon 11-5www.aweechange.com • 925.930.8442
1551 Palos Verdes Mall (near Lunardi’s) Walnut Creek
WHEN YOU
SPEND 25
We carry
women’s
clothingtoo!
Spendings of pre-tax savings cannot combine with other coupons or Comback Bucks. EXP 4/30/12
We Are
PACKED with Spring & Easter Wear!
Come and check us out!
www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage 12 March 2012
hIGh SchOOL haPPENINGS
Thestudent-leadCancerAwarenessWalkforKristinaHunteronSaturday,February11wasahugesuccessandraisedover$900.Kristinagraduatedin2001fromAlhambraHighSchool,whereshewasinvolvedinthestudentleadershippro-gram. Kristinalearnedshehadcancerlatelastyear,andherfriendsandfamilycon-tinuetoraisemoneytohelpherbecompletelyhealedfromstageIVcancer.
“Wehopetomakethisayearlyevent,”saidleadershipteacherMarianneGriffin.“DonationscancontinuetobemailedtosupporttheKristinaHealingFundorPenniesforPatients.”CheckscanbemadeouttotheKristinaHealingFundorPenniesforPatientsandmailedtoAlhambraHighSchoolStudentLeadership,150EStreetinMartinez,94553.
TheAlhambraHighSchooldramadepartmentisgearingupfortheirspringmusical,“OnceUponAMattress,”theclassicBroadwaymusicalversionofthefai-rytale,“ThePrincessandthePea,”andfeaturesmusicbyMaryRodgersandlyricsbyMarshallBarer.“MattressisthestoryofthePrincessandthePea,jazzedupwithgreatmusic.It’salight-heartedmusicalcomedy,”saysdramateacherGerardWiener. TheshowopensonApril26withadditionalshowsonApril27andMay3,4,and5.Curtainisat7pm.Pre-saleticketswillbeavailablefor$8fortheAprilshows,$10forMayshows,and$5forkids12andunder. Ticketsatthedoorwillbe$10inApril,$12inMayand$5forkids.TicketscanbepurchasedusingtheAlhambrawebstore:http://alhambrahs.revtrak.net/.
“AnythingGoes” isCollegePark’sspring musical withmusicandlyricsby ColePorter.ThestoryinvolveszanyanticsaboardanoceanlinerboundfromNewYorktoLondon.BillyCrockerisastowawayinlovewithheiressHopeHarcourt,whoisen-gagedtoLordEvelynOakleigh.NightclubsingerRenoSweeneyandMoonfaceMartinaidBillyinhisquesttowinHope. TheshowstarsHunterKaneasBillyCrocker,RoseyWilliamsasHopeHarcourt,HelenaMartynasMrs.EvangelineHarcourt,ChristianMcCooeyasLordEvelynOak-leighandIsaiahDouglassasMoonfaceMartin.EmmaCovingtonandGabriellaMar-chionsharetheroleofRenoSweeney.
College Park High School congratulated the first semester’s Honor Roll stu-dents on Valentine’s Day with an Ice Cream Social. To celebrate their accomplish-ments, the Promote Academic Success Committee of the CPHS PTSA honored students with ice cream treats generously discounted by the Virginia Hills Safeway store. An outstanding group of 941 students qualified for the Honor roll this semes-ter by earning a GPA of 3.0 or better on their semester report cards. Principal Paul Gengler sweetened the award by helping pass out the treats.
TheCollegeParkmulti-useroomwillbetransformedintoacozytrattoriaonthenightofMarch30.BruceRockwell,VocalMusicDirector,explainsthat,“theBellaNotteItalianDinnerShowisafundraiserforthechoirprogram. WewillbeservingalavishmealofgreatItalianfoodcookedbylocalchefs.Someofthefoodwillbedonatedbylocalrestaurantsandsomewillbepreparedbychoirpar-ents. ThechoirswillperformclassicItalianandItal-ian-Americanmusiclike,‘TimetoSayGoodbye,’‘OSoleMio,’‘MamboItaliano,’‘That’sAmore,’andmore! Itisgoingtobealotoffun.”
Theeventstartsat6:30pm.$20Adults/$10Students/Children,7andunderarefree.Topur-chasetickets,visit:www.ticketturtle.com/index.php?show=25735
At the PTSA meeting on February 7, Katherine Bracken from the Pleasant Hill Community Foundation presented Bruce Rockwell, Choir Instructor for College Park High School, with a check in the amount of $750 to go towards a sound system for the choir room.
Once Upon a Mattress rehearsals Underwayfor “anything Goes”
alhambra high School cancer awareness Walk
cP choir Presents an Italian Dinner Show
cP congratulates honor roll StudentsPictured are Mikaela Walsh, Kailynn Boyd, Angelica Cornelius and Carly Bergerhouse.
Foundation Update
www.ourcommunityfocus.comMarch 2012 Page 13
John Muir comes to MartinezBy Gay Gerlack, Martinez Historical Society
MarTINEZ hISTOrIcaL SOcIETY
Articleresources:“CulturalLand-scapeReportforJohnMuirNationalHistoricalSite”byJeffreyKillion,his-toricallandscapearchitect,withMarkDavison,historicallandscapearchitect,OlmstedCenterforLandscapePreser-vation;miscellaneousNationalParkSer-vicearticles.
JohnMuirwasbornonApril21,1838inDunbar,Scotland,thethirdofeightchildren.Inhisautobiography,hedescribedhisboyhoodpursuitsas ”fight-ing, re-enacting romantic battles of the Scottish Wars of Independence or just scrapping on the playground, and hunting for birds’ nests.” Hisadultpursuitsre-sultedinaconservationlegacyandbe-ingreveredasthe“fatheroftheNationalParkSystem.”
Inthesummerof1874,Dr.JohnStrentzel,awell-knownCaliforniahor-ticulturist,hiswife,andtheirdaugh-ter,LouieWanda,visitedthehomeofafriendwhereMuirwasthenlivingandwriting.Themeetingpromptedanin-vitationtoMuirto“visittheranch.”Itwasnotuntilthefallof1877thatMuiracceptedDr.Strentzel’sinvitation.MuirarrivedinMartinezinasmallboatandwalkedthethreemilestotheAlham-braranchhouseanditseightyacresof
choiceorchardsandvineyards.Inalet-tertohissisterhewrote:
“They pitied my very looks and made me eat and sleep, stuffing me with turkey, chicken, beef, and fruits, and jel-lies in the most extravagant manner imaginable, and begged me to stay a month.”
Bythespringof1879,MuirandLouiewereengagedandMrs.Strentzelwrote:
“Mr. Muir is the only man that the Dr. and I have ever felt we could take into our family as one of us and he is the only one that Louie has ever loved, altho (sic) she has had many offers of marriage.”
Inthesummerof1879,Muirtrav-eledtoAlaskaaboardthesteamerVic-toriaandDr.StrentzelandLouiesawhimoffattheMartinezwharf.Theysentcarepackagesofwine,jelly,andcherrypreserves;Muirsentbackabook,maps,andpressedleaves.Weddingarrange-mentsweremadethefollowingwinterandtheceremonytookplaceonApril14,1880intheAlhambraranchhouse.TheStrentzel’sweddinggifttothecou-plewastheAlhambraranchhouseandthesurroundingtwentyacresofvine-yardsandorchards.
In1881,MuirandLouie’sfirst
daughterwasbornandtheContraCos-taGazettereported:“For the man who in the wilderness had found no time to enjoy and even correspond with children, life must have seemed complete in March of 1881, when he became the proud father of a little girl, who was given the name Wanda.”Muirwrotetoafriend, “I am now the happiest man in the world…”
Muirprovedtobeaverysuccess-fulfarmerandbusinessman.HefocusedoncultivatingfruitsuchasBartlettpearsandTokaygrapes.Hisproducewasinhighdemandbyboththeeasternandwesternmarkets,andtheranchprofited.Asonestoryhasit,Muirwoulddriveuptothebank,putoutabigwhitebagla-beled“laundry,”andvanishinside.
NotallthelandsattheStrentzel-MuirRanchwerebroughtintoproduc-tion;Mrs.StrentzellongadmiredthehillssouthandwestoftheAlhambraranchhouse–arangewhichincludesthepark’sMt.Wanda.Sheenvisionedatimewhen“other generations will be here to enjoy the scene.”Muiralsochosetopreservethesehillsfortheirbeauty,naturalcharacter,andbotanicalvariety,maintainingitasapreserveforfrequentwalksandbotanyexcursionswithhisdaughters,friendsandcolleagues.Views
fromthetopwere,inMuir’swords,“de-lightful in color, like a fairyland,”andoncleardays,thepencil-likeoutlineoftheSierraswasvisible.TheexcursionstothisuntouchedareawouldbecomeanimportantpartofMuir’slifeatthefruitranch.
WhenDr.Strentzelpassedawayin1890,theMuirsmovedintotheVic-torianhomewheremuchofMuir’swrit-ingwasdoneintheoldlibraryden,onthesecondfloor.Knowingherhusbandwasnotcontenttostayathome,Louiewould“shoo Muir back up to the moun-tains” andheisquotedassaying “Going to the mountains is going home.” Muirworkedtoestablishmorethan21mil-lionacresofforestreserves,whichbe-camethefoundationfortheU.S.ForestService. JohnMuirdiedonDecember24,1914.
OnApril21ofthisyear,theJohnMuirAssociationandtheNationalParkServicewillhosttheJohnMuirBirth-day–EarthDayCelebrationattheJohnMuirNationalsiteinMartinezfrom10:00amto4:00pm.Theeventwillfea-tureoverfiftyexhibitorsofferingahostofearthdayactivitiesandenvironmen-talawarenessinformationforkidsandadults.
www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage 14 March 2012
federalandstatebenefits’administra-torsorfinancialadvisors. Please call Rod Harris, Reverse Mortgage Professional here toll free at 888-688-6144, Ext. 215, locally at 925-522-9600 or email at [email protected] and he can provide information for you to deter-mine if a reverse mortgage is the right choice for you or your parents. NMLS #248041
Generation Mortgage Company is Better Business Bureau accredited, an Equal Housing Lender and member of NRMLA, (National Reverse Mortgage Lending Association). NMLS# 1319; Licensed by the Department of Cor-porations under the California Resi-dential Mortgage Lending Act. ©2012 Generation Mortgage Company. All Rights Reserved. Website: www.gener-ationmortgage.com/rodharris
Top Five reverse Mortgage MythsBy Rod Harris, Generation Mortgage
Myth 1:IfItakeoutareversemort-gagethelenderwillownmyhome. False:Homeown-ersstillretaintitleandownershiptotheirhomesduringthelifeoftheloan,andcanchoosetosellthehomeatanytime.Theborrowercon-tinuestoliveinandmaintainthehome,payspropertytaxesandhomeownersinsurance. Myth 2:Therearerestrictionsonhowreversemortgageproceedsmaybeused. False:Therearenorestrictions.Thecashproceedsfromthereversemort-gagecanbeusedforvirtuallyanypur-poseandborrowersshouldbecautiousoflendersattemptingtocrosssellotherproducts.Manyseniorshaveusedre-versemortgagestopayoffdebt,helptheirkids,makeendsmeetortohaveafinancialreserve.
Myth 3:Icannotgetareversemort-gageifIhaveanexistingmortgage. False: Withenoughequityinyourhome,youwouldpayoffanyexistingmortgagesothatyourreversemortgageisinfirstlienposition.Thisisthemostcommonreasonmosthomeownerstakeoutareversemortgage. Myth 4:IfIoutlivemylifeexpec-tancy,thelenderwillevictme. False: Reversemortgagelendersputnotimelimitonhowlongseniorscanstayintheirhomes.Sincehomeown-ersstillowntheproperty,lenderscan-notevictthem,providedtheyfollowtheprogramguidelines. Myth 5:MySocialSecurityandMedicarewillbeaffected. Fact:AreversemortgagegenerallydoesnotaffectyourFederalSocialSe-curityorMedicarebenefits.However,ifyouareonMedicaid,fundsthatyouretainwouldcountasanassetandcouldimpactMedicaideligibility.Tobesure,werecommendthatyouconsultyour
ADVANCED HEARING AID CENTERWondering If You Have Hearing Loss?FREE Hearing Evaluation Consultation
ADVANCED HEARING AID CENTER
Yolanda Kananen ACA • Diana Foster
• All Types of Hearing Aids• Custom Noise & Swim Plugs• Batteries & Accessories
• Guaranteed Warranties• Financing Available• Trade In Discounts
www.hearingimproved.com Licensed by the State of CaliforniaCerti�ed by the American Academy of Audioprosthology
Certi�ed by the National Board of Certi�cation in Hearing Instruments
Hear More of What You WantBlending Care & Technology to Help the Hearing Impaired
• TESTING• SALES• REPAIRS
We Accept Most Insurance PlansOpen Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
Over 20 Years Experience
Now Serving Concord Area 925-687-3211
2353 Concord Blvd, Concord
Pleasant Hill Area925-674-8621
425 Gregory Lane #202 , Pleasant Hill
Come to Our Family Practice Where You’re Treated Like Family
A+ RATING
www.ourcommunityfocus.comMarch 2012 Page 15
Pave the WaySENIOr ENVY
Pleasant hill Senior activities
Martinez Senior activities818 Green St. (925) 370-8770
249 Gregory Lane (925) 798-8788
» Competitive FHA-Insured HECMS » Purchase a new home with a
Reverse Mortgage!
®
Can You Afford Retirement?
Homeowners 62+, call for a face-to-face consultation or to find out how much you qualify for:
NMLS #1319; Licensed by the Department of Corporations under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act. © 2011 Generation Mortgage Company. All rights reserved.
A Reverse Mortgage Could Be the Answer
Rod Harris NMLS# 248041 Reverse Mortgage Professional Toll Free [email protected]
Mar. 9 - Wine, Art & Silent Auction Fundraiser.Sipaglassofwinewhilebrowsingthelocalartists’work.Shopforthatperfectpieceandplaceyourbetsatthesilentauction!5pm-7:30pm.TicketsavailableattheSeniorCenter.ProceedsbenefittheNEWSeniorCenterandTeenCenter.CalltheSeniorCenterformoreinformationabouttheevent.ArtistswillbelocalandsomearefromtheMar-tinezArtsAssociation.WinslowCenter,2590PleasantHillRd.,$15Members/$18General.
Mar. 24 – Pleasant Hill Senior Center Quilt Sale –9am-1pm.VFWBldg.:1919Wen-dellLn.,PleasantHill.Freeadmission.Handmadequiltsofallkinds!
Mar. 25 - Bunco.Potluckat2pm;Buncobeginsat3pm.Funandfriendlyat-mospherewherenopriorknowledgeofthegameisnecessary!BuyyourticketattheSeniorCenteroffice(relocatedtotheLittleHouse.)Tickets:$4plusbringpotluckitemtofeedfourpeople.VFWBldg.:1919WendellLane.
Mar. 28 – Classroom in the Community: “Tests you Want to Take” –10am-11am.Thefirst10peopletoregisterwillreceiveafreelunchfromourCCCafé,compli-mentsofSCANHealthPlan.Ifyouarenotoneofthefirst10tosignup,youmaystillreserveamealfor$2.Lunchisservedat11:30am.Pre-registrationisrequiredforlunch.CalltheSeniorCentertoregister:798-8788.Freeadmission.St.An-drew’sChurch,1601MaryDr.,PleasantHill.
Mar. 11 – Pancake Breakfast – 8am – 11am-Thisdeliciousbreakfastincludespancakesortoast,sausage,eggs,orangejuiceandcoffee.Everyoneiswel-come.Costis$3.50foradults/$2forchildren10andunder.Handmadecrafts,perfectforgifts,willbeonsaleduringthebreakfast.
Mar. 30 – Vagabond Players present Beyond Reasonable Doubt – 1pm - “With-outadoubt,mysteryloverswillenjoythisdrama!SirDavidMetcalfeisconduct-ingthemostimportantdefenseofhiscareer–hisown!Accusedofthewillfulmurderofhisterminallyillwife,SirDavidfindshimselflockedinalegalcombatwithhisoldrival,AnthonyBlair-BoothQC,prosecutingcounsel.Takeyourseatinthejuryforoneofthemostcompellingcourtroomdramasofalltime.DuringintermissiontheaudiencecaststheirvoteontheguiltorinnocenceofSirDavidbeforeenjoyingalightbuffet.Cost:$10members,$12non-members.Ticketsonsalenow.Don’tmissthisentertainingafternoon.DeadlinetopurchaseisMon-day,March26,unlesswereachcapacitybeforethatdate.
April 6 – AARP Refresher Course- 11am-4pm (Includes a 30-minute break) - Thisone-day4.5-hourcourseisforanyonewhohastakenthe8-hourAARPDriverSafetyTraininginthepastfouryears.Eithercoursequalifiesyouforamaturedriverdiscountwithyourautoinsurancecompany.(Pleasecheckwithyourinsuranceagentfordetails.)Feeis$12forAARPmembersand$14fornon-mem-bers.Classwillfillupquickly.Registernowbycalling370-8770.Makecheckspayableto“AARP”andgivetotheinstructorthedayofclass.
AscompletionofthenewSeniorCenterdrawsnear,thePleasantHillRec-reation&ParkDistrictinvitesyoutojointheBrickBrigadeandhelppavetheway!Thecompletiondateforthenewbuildingisestimatedforthisfall,andthegoalistohaveasmanypersonalizedbricksforthegrandopeningaspossible. Membersofthecommunityarein-vitedtopurchaseinscribedbricksthatwillbeinstalledinthewalkwayleadingtothebeautifulnew22,000squarefootSeniorCenterandalsotheliningforthefrontentrytothebuilding.Thisisyouropportunitytoleaveyourlegacyatthedoorstep. Brickbybrick,giftbygift,pledgebypledge,yourpartnershipisneededtoreachthisgoal,andthedeadlineiscom-ingrightup.Alimitednumberofbricksareavailableforinscription,andmanyordershavealreadybeenplaced.Yourtaxdeductiblepurchasewillhelpfundfurnishings,fixturesandequipmentforthenewSeniorCenter.EachbrickpavingthewaytothenewSeniorCenter
costs$200andallowsthreelinesofupto20charactersperline.Usingstate-of-the-artlasertechnology,thesedurablebrickswillcreatealastingimpressionaswellasasourceofprideforourcommunity. Anumberofadditionalwaystogivearedescribedonthedistrict’scampaignwebsite.Gotowww.pleasanthillrec.comandclickontheCapitalCampaigntab.PledgeandbrickorderformsalongwithPurchaseandNamingOpportunitiesarealsoavailabletherefordownloading. PleasecalltheDistrictOfficeat(925)682-0896formoreinformationortomakeacontributionbyphone.ChecksshouldbemadeouttothePleasantHillCommunityFoundation(thefiscalagentforthecampaign)andmailedto147GregoryLane,PleasantHill,Ca94523.
13
St. Andrew’s Church 1601 Mary Dr., Pleasant Hill
$25 (60 years & up) ~ $30 General Admission
To date, Gary Bogue has written a daily column on pets, wildlife, & environmentalissues for the Contra Costa Times for 42 years & has published 5 books.
Attend the free senior resource faire with over 50 vendors. Enjoy your cateredlunch and buy your tickets for our famous raffle drawing which will feature prizes
from the Oakland Athletics and many more!
13
St. Andrew’s Church 1601 Mary Dr., Pleasant Hill
$25 (60 years & up) ~ $30 General Admission
To date, Gary Bogue has written a daily column on pets, wildlife, & environmentalissues for the Contra Costa Times for 42 years & has published 5 books.
Attend the free senior resource faire with over 50 vendors. Enjoy your cateredlunch and buy your tickets for our famous raffle drawing which will feature prizes
from the Oakland Athletics and many more!
www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage 16 March 2012
intheirweightclasses. TheDiabloValleyCollegefootballprovidedopportunityformanyofitsplayerstoextendtheircareersatfour-yearschoolsastheyleftamarkonNa-tionalSigningDay.EightVikingplayerssignedtocontinuetheircareers.LeadingthewaywasstandoutsafetyEricFine-feuiaki,whosignedwithSanJoseState.AlsosigningwereJuliusChulu(Mid-westernState),ClydeIgnont(Menlo),ChrisMamon(Stonybrook),KevinMoss(MontanaTech),ChrisMotley(CentralWashington),DadaRichards(NewMexi-coState)andMarcThompson(NorthernArizona). InearlyFebruary,ZachHammerof
theAlhambragolfteamscoredahole-in-oneduringapracticeroundatFranklinCanyonGolfCourse,theBulldogs’homecourse.Hammerhittheaceonthefourthhole,a165-yardpar-three.Accordingtoreports,Hammerusedan8-ironforthefeat.Itwastheyounggolfer’sfirstaceandwitnessedbyteammatesTimO’LearyandMattWhite,aswellasCoachSteveSloper. Inmid-February,juniorAnastasiaLobsingerofAlhambrawasthelonechampioncrownedattheNCSWrestlingChampionships.Lobsingerwasvictori-ousinthe154-poundclass.
hOME TEaMSeason Ticket
By Chuck NanLocal athletes Dominate the Page Severallocalplayerswereselectedtotheboys’highschoolAll-Americanwaterpololist.DominicLucido,aseniorwaterpoloplayerfromAlhambra,wasselectedasanEighth-TeamAll-Americanforthe2011season. Tyler“TJ”Sylvia,aseniorsoccerplayerfromAlhambra,signedaLetterofIntenttoattendtheUniversityofSanFrancisco. OmarOmilabu,agraduateofAl-hambra,playedfortwoseasonsatLaneyCollegeinOakland.ThebiglinemanhasannouncedthathehassignedontoattendCal-PolySanLuisObispotoplayfootballthisfall. AccordingtotheMartinezNews-Gazette,AlhambraLadyBulldogsplayerAnneWhipplesignedaletterofintenttoattendSt.Mary’sCollegetoplaysoccerinthecoming2012-2013seasonandbe-yond.Whipple,asenior,isoneofthebestplayersonvarsityandhasplayedatthatlevelsincehersophomoreyear.WhipplehasbeenamainsourceforoffensethisseasonforAlhambra. EthanLipson-GokcenoftheAlham-braboy’ssoccerteamallowedjustonegoalintwoDFALwins.Lipson-Gokcen,theteam’sgoalkeeper,stoppedeightshotsina3-1winovervisitingLasLomasonJan.25,thenmadesevenmoresavesina2-0winatMiramonteonJan.27. AlyConway,a2008graduateandbasketballstandoutfromAlhambra,willgraduatefromSonomaStateinMaywithanappliedmathematicsdegree.Conway
isPresidentoftheStudentAthleteAdvi-soryCommittee(SAAC),teamcaptainofthebasketballteamandhasmaintaineda3.025GPAforthelast31/2years.ThispastsemesterConwayrecordeda3.825. Onthebasketballfloor,Conwayhasa63.5%shootingpercentageandasolid51.2%forherfour-yearcareeratSSU.ThatmakesherNo.1inshootingper-centagealltimefortheLadySeawolves.Inaddition,Conwayhas46blockedshots(20thisyear)whichisthirdall-time.Sheisjust40pointsawayfromthe“500Club.”Witheightgamestogointheseason,shewilldefiantlyleavehermarkintherecordbooksatSSU. SantiagoAlejandrooftheAlhambraboy’ssoccerteamwasonasizzlingtear.Alejandroscoredfivegoalsoverathree-gameperiodastheBulldogstiedtwoandwonthethird.AlejandroistheDFAL’sgoal-scoringleaderwith18forthesea-son.TheDogsare9-7-5in2011-12. MichaelDailyoftheCollegeParkboy’sbasketballteamtallied16pointstoleadtheFalconstoa54-59winoverrivalConcordtoclose-outthemonthofJanu-ary.Dailythenfollowedthatgamewith24pointsinthe59-40winoverClaytonValley.Dailyissecondontheteamwitha10.3scoringaverage.JuniorMikeyEgg-letonleadstheteamwith14.3pointspergame.TheFalconsclinchedtheDVALtitleonFebruary14th. TheCollegeParkHighwrestlingteamenjoyedasuccessfultwodaysatthePumaClassicinSantaRosaastheyearnedsecond-place.BrianSergi(147)andJ.J.Chou(162)wonindividualtitles
www.lesschwabmartinez.comVISIT US AT:
3/31/12
Alhambra senior Tyler “TJ” Sylvia is signing a letter of intent to play soccer at the University of San Francisco. Photo by Conrad Rowling, 510.385.4869
TJ Sylvia Signs With Dons
www.ourcommunityfocus.comMarch 2012 Page 17
hOME TEaM
TheAlhambraCompetitionCheersquadearnedthird-placeattheUCANor-CalChampionshiponFebruary4andthennotchedsecond-placetheverynextdayattheUSACaliforniaOpen.TheentireAHScom-petitioncheersquad,CoachErinChin,andAssistantCoachTinaStetenfeldwereveryappreciativetoMorganSepulvedaforsteppinginonshortnoticefortheinjuredCandyBennett. Thisyear’steamiscomprisedofJennWebb,AneysaMartinez,ToriCarozza,AmandaHerndon,RiannaHawes,MorganSepulveda,SarahGrilli,SabrinaSwice-good,MaryWhite,ShelbyFortner,MichaelaHenry,LexiLozow,SarahMahy,MariahPergakis,DaniHerndon,CarlyBergerhouse,MarisaAguilar,SabrinaSchulhauser,KateHopkinsandAmandaNoel.
College Park wrestling earned their 7th straight DVAL Championship qualifying all 14 wrestlers for North Coast Sectionals (NCS). Alex Encarnacion, a senior at College Park, is currently ranked 3rd in the state at 220 pounds. He has been ranked as high as 2nd this year. He won his first league championship February 15th at CPHS. As of press time, he is looking to win his first North Coast Section cham-pionship at Newark Memorial HS. He is currently ranked 1st in NCS. He will then be looking for his first CIF State Championship the first weekend in March in Bakersfield.
Pleasant Hill Baseball Association will hold its Opening Day on Saturday March 10. The festivities will start at 8am with a parade beginning at the intersection of Boyd Rd. and Pat-terson Blvd ending at Pleasant Hill Middle School. There will be food and games for the kids.
The Martinez parade will take place on March 10 as well, starting at 10am at City Hall Plaza. The parade will make its way to Alhambra Ave. then on to Main St. ending at Las Jun-tas Street. The team introductions will be made at Main Street Plaza. A picnic at the marina will follow the parade. The JV Lady Falcons celebrate being undefeated in league! Photo by Lisa Rumpf
Three cheers Varsity DVaL champs
cP DVaL champs
Baseball Parade Info
Super Season for JV
alex ranked 3rd in State
Women’s Varsity Soccer ends the season with an 11-1 league record and 16-6-2 overall. They lost to the California Grizzlies 1-0 in the 2nd round of NCS playoffs. Photo by Lisa Rumph
College Park was victorious in their second matchup with Northgate, 53-43 clinching their championship. They have begun North Coast Sectional playoffs seeded 3rd.
Tod Gomes, creativelookphoto.com
www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage 18 March 2012
Tutoring can helpBy Neville Yeung, Yeung Tutorial Group
addiction Treatment:a Family affair
By Marilee King, Executive Director Vision Quest Whensomeoneisaddictedtodrugs(includingalcohol,marijuanaorpills),everyoneinthefamilyisaffectedandshouldgethelp.Thebesttreatmentforaddictionisoneinwhichtheentirefam-ily’sissuesareaddressed.Astheillnessofachemicallydependentpersongetsworse,thefamilyspiralsintoamoredysfunctionalplace.Unhealthybehav-iorsthatprotect“thesecret”addictionmustbechallengedandnewer,healthierbehaviorsneedtobereinforced.Familiestouchedbyaddictionsmustlearnnewwaysofcopingwithoutdrugs,alcohol,co-dependencyandshame. Peoplewithaddictionsneedtogaininformationandsupportfromothercleanandsoberpeople.Partnersofaddictedpeopleneedtotakecareofthemselvesandletgoofcontrollingtheaddict.Withhelp,partnerswillbegintosetboundariesandkeepthemenforced. Itisimportantthatchildrenlearn
theydidn’tcausetheproblemandthattheycan’tcontrolorcuretheproblem.Whenallfamilymembersareinvolvedintherecoveryprocess,ithelpstoalleviatestress,whichcanleadtodepression,anxi-etyandothermentalhealthdisorders. Marilee has an MA in Counseling Psychology, Drug and Alcohol Treatment Certification, Adult Education teach-ing Credential, and has worked in many counties with a diverse population of people. She is the director of Vision Quest: Educational and Group Programs in Pleasant Hill. You can reach Vision Quest at: 925-231-5556, 380 Civic BLDG. #200 – H, Pleasant Hill.
Wanttoraiseyourgrades?Needtoprepareforcollege?YeungTuto-rialGroupcanhelp!Beingsmartisn’taboutknowingalltheanswers,becausethat’simpossible.It’saboutbeingabletoadapttoanyobstaclethatcomesyourway.AtYeungTutorialGroup,wedon’tcramyourheadfullofformulasandvocabularywords,hopingyou’llproducetherightoneattherighttime.Weteachyouusefulskillsthatwillgetyouthroughamathexam,SATtestoranythingelselifethrowsyou. YeungTutorialGroupoffersavarietyofprogramsthatwillempowerstudentstosucceedinanyacademicendeavor: Easy Math: Makematheasy!Ourmathenrichmentclasswillguideyoutounderstandandmasterdifficultmathematicalconcepts. Writing Workshops:Learnhowtowriteakilleressay,personalstatement,timedwritingforSAT/APexams,younameit. SAT Prep:TheSATisn’tatestofintelligence;it’sagamewithhighstakes.Withus,you’lllearnhowto
beattheodds. Homework Help:Ourprogramhelpselementaryandmiddleschoolstudentsfinishassignmentsontimeandprepareforupcomingtests. Wealsoofferindividualtutoringinanysubject:math,science,English,socialsciences,etc.Checkoutourweb-siteatwww.yeungtutorialgroup.com! To get more information about our services, call (925) 689-2996 or e-mail [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you to achieve your goals.
©
Marilee King, Executive DirectorAn experienced group facilitator with nearly 20 years of experience working in groups with children, adults, teens and families.
Education & Healing Group ServicesAssisting People From All Walks of Life
We offer many programs including:Alcohol & Drug Treatment Recovery ProgramsChildren Affected by AddictionTeen Insight Groups for those using alcohol and/or drugs
(925) 231-5556 • 380 Civic Dr. Suite 200~H, Pleasant Hill, CA
Meet Marilee!March 3, 10, 1711am-1pmHave a story about your team or an athlete?
Got a nice story everyone needs to know?
We want to hear from our Teen Community!
Deadline for submission is 2nd Friday of each month. Pictures need to be a min. of 1MB in size.
Send to [email protected]
GET IN FOCUS?wanna
Submit your story and photos to us on our website:www.ourcommunityfocus.com or
call 925-335-NEWS. Deadline is 2nd Friday of each month.
We want to hear from you.
www.ourcommunityfocus.comMarch 2012 Page 19
1603 Oak Park Blvd.,Pleasant Hill, CA 94523925-935-4247 • www.lejardinatthespa.com
• Face Framing Highlights and a Haircut $95.00• FREE Make-up application with any hair service• Hydrating Facial $65.00• FREE 15 minute foot massage up-grade to any MassageThese specials can not be combined with any other offers. Expires 4/30/12.Please mention specials when booking your appointments.
Update your look this springat Le Jardin!
1029 Arnold Dr. Suite 9 Martinez, CA 94553
NEW PATIENTSPECIALS!
Most insurances accepted.
ask about our
Doyouwantmoreoutofyourwalkingroutinebutknowinyourheartthatrunningisnotforyou?Doyouneedto“feeltherush,”butknowyourjointscannotstandthepoundingofthepavement?This“Walk,March,Walk,Skip”routinemayseemoverthetopandsilly(possibly…probably…embarrassing)butitwillsurelygetyourheartrateupandputasmileonyourface—bothofwhichwillreduceyourstress,strengthenyourbody,andbrightenyourday. Startwithyourregularwalkingrou-tineasyourwarm-up.Enjoythesensationofstandingtallanduprightandcongratu-lateyourselfontakingthetimetocareforyourself.Afteryourbodyiswarmandready,channelyourinnerchildandbeginmarching.Imagineyouareadrummajorinafancyuniform.Whilekeepingyourbellypulledtowardsyourspineandhold-
ingyourselfbeautifullyupright,takeastepandbringyouroppositekneeashighasyoucantowardyourchest.Thendothesamewiththeotherleg.Step,march,step,march.Inordertoexecutethismove-mentwhilestandingtall,themusclesofyourlegs,hips,abdominalsandupperbackhavetoworkextrahard.Marchuntilyou’vehadenough,beingsuretostopbeforeyouexhaustyourmusclesandarestillabletokeepyourjointsinhealthyalignment. Nowstartwalkingagain.Onceyou’vesettledintowalking,starttoskip.Yes,skip. Channelyourinnerchildagain,becarefreeandforgetaboutanyonewhomightbelooking.Honestly,whodoesn’tinstantlysmilewhentheyskip(orseesomeoneelseskip)?Noticethatnomatterhowseriousyourdaylooks,youhavetosmile(andmaybegiggle)whileyou’repassingyournosyneighborwho’speekingoutherwindow.Nowcheckyourheartrate.You’llseethatithasjoyfullyincreasedwhileyourknees,feetandback
Springwillbeherebeforeyouknowit.Theseeasytipswillgetyoureadyforthenewseason. 1. Protect yourself from the sun.Themostimportantwaytopreventwrin-klesandskincancerisavoiddirectandprolongedsunexposure.Alifetimeofex-posurecancausewrinkles,agespotsandotherskinproblems,aswellasincreasetheriskofskincancer.UsesunscreenwithanSPFofatleast30onyourfaceandhands.Onyourbody,useanSPFofatleast15andreapplysunscreeneverytwohourswhenyou’reoutdoors--moreoftenifyou’reswimmingorperspiring. 2. Hydrate.DrinkslotsofWATER!Keepthosetoxinsmoving.Tocalculatethecorrectamountofwatertodrinkperday,takeyourbodyweightinpoundsanddividebytwo.Forexample,a140poundwomanshoulddrinkseventyouncesofwaterperday. 3. Manage your stress with mas-sage.Massageisofferedalongsidestandardtreatmentforawiderangeof
medicalconditions.Studieshavefoundthatmassagehelps:relievestress,manageanxietyanddepression,alleviatepainandstiffness,controlbloodpressure,treatsports-relatedinjuries,andboostimmu-nity. 4. Exercise.Wanttofeelbetter,havemoreenergyandperhapsevenlivelonger?Looknofurtherthanexercise.Athirty-minutebriskwalk,fourormoretimesaweek,canmakeaworldofdifference. 5. Don’t Forget About Your Face.Facialshaveanti-agingbenefitsandcanslowdowntheonsetofwrinkles.Regularfacialscanimproveadullcomplexionbytreatingacne,toningandclarifyingtheskin,eliminatingpuffinessandrenewingskincells.Additionally,facialscangiveapersonacleanandbrightcomplexionbytreatingacneandremovingdirtandblackheads. Visit Le Jardin at the Spa on 1603 Oak park Blvd., Pleasant Hill. 925-925-4247 www.lejardinatthespa.com
Walk, March, Walk, SkipBy Tonya Marie Amos, Aspire Pilates
how to care for Your Skin By Nancy Robinson, Owner Le Jardin at the Spa
JENNIFER L. MARTIN, D.D.S.
Specialist in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
401 GREGORY LANE, SUITE 126PLEASANT HILL, CA 94523
925.676.8485 FAX 925.676.0288www.drjennifermartin.com
aren’treceivingtheintensepoundingofrunning. Sowhenyouwanttoincreaseyourwalktothenextlevel,mixinsomedrummajormarchingandskipondowntheroad.You’llfindyourheartratehasin-
creased,you’llgetthat“rush”you’vebeenlookingfor,andyourbodyandinnerchildwillthankyou. For more information, please call (925) 680-4400 or go to www.AspirePil-atesCenter.com
www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage 20 March 2012
“Egg”citing Egg hunt
Bears, Bears, Oh My!
recreation - Not Just a Job, But a Way of LifeBy Carole Lucido
AfterworkingalmostfortyyearsforthePleasantHillRecreationandParkDistrict,DodieJonesannouncedherdeparturetothesurpriseofall.TomMcHalefirstmetDodiein1964,whenhewasdatingoneofherdaugh-tersandwellbeforeheworkedforPHRPDandwasamemberoftheBoardofDirectorsfornineteenyears.HerememberedvisitingtheirhomeinAlameda.“DodiewasthefirsthippyIevermet,”hesaid.“Theyalwayshadacraftprojectsetoutonthekitchentableorweredoingsomethingcreative,andtheydidn’thaveaTV.” Dodieworkedasafter-schoolSportsDirectorandCulturalArtsSpe-cialistfortheAlamedaRecreationandParkDepartment,andTomremem-bersthatDodiewasaskedtocoachaboy’sflagfootballteamforintra-muralsportscompetitions.Sheknewnoth-ingaboutthegameoffootball,butwenttothelibrary,learnedthegame,andcoachedtheteam. Tom“borrowedDodiefromAlamedaandnevergaveherback,”hiringherasaRecreationLeaderforTot-Timebecausehelikedherap-proachtoteaching.Sheencouragedthechildren’snaturalcuriosity,letthemexploreandcomeupwiththeirownquestions.Torepresentdinosaureggs,Dodierecalledbringingcantaloupestoworkonedayandhidingthem.“Thechildrenloveditandspenttheafter-noonfindingthem,countingthem,
learningallaboutprehistoriccreaturesand,finally,eatingthem,”shesaid. Dodietouchedthelivesofhun-dredsofpreschool-agechildren.ShewaspromotedtoCo-Directorofthe“Runabouts”PreschoolProgram,alongwithJeanHolm. BobBerggren,GeneralManagerofPHR&PDsaid,“DodieandJean’spre-schoolprogramwassecondtonone.Theywereanoutstandingteamthattaughthundredsofkids,preparingthemforthenextstepofKindergarten.Iwasfortunatetohavemytwodaughtersattendthisoutstandingprogram.” DodieisanexcellentceramistandtaughtpotteryaswellasavarietyofclassesovertheyearsincludingCakeDecorating,HolidayDecora-
Thankstothegenerosityofalocalcollector,over400stuffedandceramicbearshavebeendonatedtoFriendsofRodgersRanchandthePleasantHillHis-toricalSocietytosell.ThisfundraiserwillhelpintherestorationofRodgersRanch,afarmhouseonCortsenRoadthatwasbuiltin1867andoffersheritagepro-gramstothepublic.ItislistedontheNationalRegistryofHistoricPlaces. Therearecutebearsdressedinout-fits,cuddlybearsreadytobesnuggled,ceramicbearsfordisplayingandcol-lectiblebearsincludingSteiff,HermannandBoyd.(Collectiblebearsareinaprivatehomeuntildayofsale.)Weevenhavesomenon-bearcuddlies. ThesalewillbeSaturday,March24andSunday,March25,10am-4pmatRodgersRanch,315CortsenRd.,Pleas-antHill.Formoreinformationaboutthesale,visitwww.rodgersranch.orgorcontactDeniseKoroslevat925-387-0158.
OnSaturday,April7,RainorShine!Comebeapartofthis57-yearPleasantHilltradition!ThePleasantHillRecreation&ParkDis-trictandthePleasantHillLionsClubwillonceagainpresenttheirpopularegghuntforchildrenagestenandunder.ComeouttoPleasantHillParkandenjoyabeautifuldaywithgreatmusicfromStrawberryFieldsDJ.Checkinat9:30am.Thefirstegghunt,forages0-3,beginsat10:30am,followedbyegghuntsforages4–5;andthen7–10year-olds;Costis$6perchild.FindtheGoldenTicketinyoureggandwinaveryspecialprize!Pre-registrationisrequiredbynoononApril6;call(925)682-0896orvisitwww.pleasanthillrec.com.
tions,Crafts&Masks,ChristmasCards,Sports,andotherclassesforbothkidsandadults.SheinitiatedanddirectedtheHolidayDecorationShowinAlameda.Sheisalsoanoutstand-ingphotographerandalwayshadhercameranear. In1980,shewaspromotedtoProgramsSupervisorforadultartsandcraftsclasses,fitness,martialarts,pluscooking,dance,tennis,andgolfclasses
forbothadultandyouth.DodietookovertheDistrict’sRecreationSummerSchoolin1995,asix-weekenrichmentprogramforyouth.In2000,Commu-nicationswasaddedtoherjobde-scriptionandshesupervisedateamtoproducetheActivityGuidethreetimesayear,aswellasflyers,posters,ban-ners,andthedistrict’swebsite.Dodiealsoinitiated,organized,andimple-mentedmanyspecialeventsincludingthedistrict’s50thanniversaryin2001,andtheMulticulturalCelebrationin2002-2004.ShealsomanagedLiteraryWomeneveryyearsince2002. ShehasreceivednumerousawardsfromCaliforniaPark&RecreationSocietyformarketingcampaigns,brochures,programs,andtheweb-site.InNovember2002,shewontheCommunityPlusAwardbytheCityofPleasantHill.ThePHRPDhostedacelebrationonJanuary27andmorethan120friendsandco-workersat-tended.Dodiethankedthegroupfortheimpacttheymadeonherlife,andwelcomedalltokeepintouch.Dodieleavesalegacyofrecreationthroughthemanylivesshehastouched.
Al Hurtado, Dodie Jones and Stephen Foreman
www.ourcommunityfocus.comMarch 2012 Page 21
NOW OPEN!
Change "Open House" to "Now Open"Change "Friday, March 11" to Monday-Friday 7:30 - 5:00Add phone number (925) 609-6420Add somewhere: "Serving Builders, Architects & Designers with top quality custom doors, windows and millwork."
Monday - Friday 7:30 - 5:00925.609.64205399 Pacheco Blvd. Pacheco CA 94553
Serving Builders, Architects, Designers & Homeowners with top quality custom doors, windows and millwork.
Limit one coupon per customer. Not valid with other oers.Restrictions apply. Valid and redeemable only when presented at a participating location. The UPS Store centers are independently owned and operated. © 2010 Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. Exp. 3/31/2012
Agoodfriendsharedastoryduringarecentphonecallthathadsuchanef-fectonme,Ithinkothersmightbenefitfromhearingit. Likeallofus,mybuddywantsnothingbutthebestforhischildren.Hissixteenyearolddaughterisajuniorstandoutsoftballandbasketballplayeratalocalhighschool,andsinceshewasin7thgrade,hehasinvestedtimeandmoneyinhisattemptstogetherthatelusivecollegescholarship.Theyhavespentcountlesshourspracticingontheirownorwithhercompetitiveteams,andhaveworkeddiligentlywithcostlyinstructorstogethertothenextlevel.Weekendshavebeenspentatprestig-iousshowcasetournamentsinSouthernCalifornia,Stocktonandelsewhere,hopingshewouldbe“seen”bycollege
scouts.Nottomentiontheconstantmanipulatingofheronlineathleticandacademicresumeandtheendlesse-mailstopoten-tialsuitors.Littledidherealizehowthis“fulltimejob”wastakingitstollonhisprized“pupil.” Recently,shecon-tactedherfatheratworkandsaidshewouldliketohaveasit-downconversationwithbothparentsthatevening.Whentheydid,myfriendwasbroughttohiskneesbythemessageshedelivered. Theveryemotionalyoungladysomehowfoundthecouragetotellherparentsthatenoughwasenough.Forthenexthour,thetearsflowedasthe4.1
GPAstudent explainedshehaddoneallthisforherfatherandhowscaredshehadbeentotellhimhowshereallyfelt.Shewentontosaythatsheenjoyedsoftballandbasketball,butdidnotwant therestofherschoolyearstopassherby.Shewantedtohangaroundwithherfriendsmore,at-tendschooldances,enjoy
bikeridesandhikes,andgoondates.Ultimately,shejustwantedtobeakid.Thefinalbombdroppedwhensheaddedthat,althoughsheabsolutelyplanstocontinuehereducationafterhighschool,shehadnoaspirationsofaddingathleticstoher collegiate schedule. Inmyfriend’sownwords,“Ifmydaughterwasconsideredemotionaldur-ingthatconversation,thenImusthaveseemedlikeaninfantweepinguncon-trollably,notbecauseshehadnointerestinsportsatthenextlevel,butbecauseI
didnotrecognizewhatshereallywantedandbecauseshefelttoofrightenedtocometalktoherownfatherbeforenow.”Thatiswhathurthimthemost.Hesaidheknewhehadthebestintentionsforhisdaughter,butthosewereblurredbywhathewantedforherinsteadofwhatshewantedforherself. Afewweekshavegoneby sincetheirconversation,andwiththeweightoftheworldoffhershoulders,shecontinuestoplaybasketball,averagingaroundfifteenpointsacontest,butdadnolongerpusheshertoshootahundredfreethrowsaftergames.Instead,shemayenjoyaColdStoneicecreamwithteam-mates.Sheisverymuchlookingforwardtotheupcoming varsitysoftballseason.Popswilldefinitelybeinthebleacherswatchingandcheering,butwillnotbeinhisusualspotbehindthebackstopanalyzinghereveryswingorcritiquingthewayshefieldsgroundballs. Turnsout,thiswasoneofthebestphonecallsIeverreceived.
Eyes Wide ShutBy Andy Armosino
www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage 22 March 2012
Hire My Husband
925-969-0133
Contractor Lic. # 943231www.HireMyHusband.com
• Interior Painting
• Quality Home Repair Projects
• Handyman Services
All kinds of Interior and Exterior handyman projects.
Taxable or Non-Taxable Income?By Donna Berggren
SAMUELSCONSTRUCTION
General Contractor Lic#652185
MEMBER
Kitchens • Bath RemodelingTile • Cultured Marble • Granite
Additions • Windows • DoorsConcrete • Foundations
Driveways • Patios • FencesALL PHASES OF CONSTRUCTION
PLANS [email protected] • 925.260.4448
313 Gloria Drive, Pleasant Hill
With years of remodels behind us we look forward to helping you make your house the home you've always wanted.
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANCY
Tax Planning & PreparationTax Problem ResolutionSmall Business AccountingBusiness Start-Ups
Full Service Tax & Accounting
P B T
IndividualsEstatesTrustsBusiness Entities
SPECIALIZING IN:
FOR:
PHONE:925.827.1400 380 CIVIC DRIVE, STE. 200
PLEASANT HILL, CA 94523
Jerald C. Putman, CPADonna Berggren, CPAJanice C. Tonti, CTEC
berggren tontiputman
Showrooms also in Santa Clara & Milbrae
“Indoors or out, no one relaxes in March, that month of wind and taxes, the wind will presently disappear, the taxes last us all the year.”-OgdenNash WelcometothemonthofMarch!Youstillhavealittleoversixweekstofileyourtaxreturns,soyoumightlikeabitofinformationonthetaxationfront.Al-thoughmostincomeyoureceiveistax-ableandmustbereportedonyourfederalincometaxreturn,therearesomein-stanceswhenincomemaynotbetaxable. Thefollowingitemsdonothavetobeincludedastaxableincome:•Adoptionexpensereimbursementsforqualifyingexpenses•Childsupportpayments•Gifts,bequestsandinheritances•Mealsandlodgingfortheconvenienceofyouremployer•Compensatorydamagesawardedfor
physicalinjuryorphysicalsickness•Welfarebenefits•Cashrebatesfromadealerormanufac-turer•Lifeinsuranceproceeds,whichwerepaidtoyoubecauseoftheinsuredper-son’sdeath,aregenerallynottaxable Someincomemaybetaxableundercertaincircumstances,butnottaxableinothersituations.Examplesofitemsthatmayormaynotbeincludedinyourtax-ableincomeare:•CancellationofDebt. Incomefromthedischargeofindebtednessisgenerallyincludedinincome,however,thereareexclusionsprovidedforcertaincircum-stances.•ScholarshiporFellowshipGrant. Ifyouareacandidateforadegree,youcanex-cludewhatyoureceivedasaqualifiedscholarshiporfellowshipfromincome
amounts.Amountsusedforroomandboarddonotqualifyfortheexclusion.•Non-cashincome. Taxableincomemaybeinaformotherthancash.Oneex-ampleofthisisbartering,whichisanex-changeofpropertyorservices.Thefairmarketvalueofgoodsandservicesex-
changedisfullytaxable. Obviously,theselistsarenotallinclu-sive,andifyouhaveanyquestionsorcon-cernsaboutyourtaxsituation,pleasegiveusacall.Weareatyourservice!Putman, Berggren, Tonti Certified Public Accoun-tancy, (925) 827-1400.
www.ourcommunityfocus.comMarch 2012 Page 23
Anyonewhohaseverreceivedamonthly“boxofpro-duce”fromaCSA(CommunitySupport-edAgriculture)knowsthatyougetwhatisinseason,andsometimesyoujustdon’tknowwhatthatthingisorwhattodowithit.Oneofmygoalsinworkingwithfarmers’marketsovertheyearsistodemonstratehowtouseweirdandunusualproducethatshowsupinyourbox. IhaveafewunderusedfruitsandvegetablesIliketohighlightthistimeofyear.Oneisleeks.Slicedupandsau-téedinoliveoil,theywillcaramelizeandbecomealmostleekbutterthatyoucanmarrywithanyproduceandfin-ishcookingtogether.Theunionwilllastforeverinthehappyfoodpartofyourbrain.RoyallystatuesqueandwellknownasafavoriteofNero’s,4000yearsofsweetflavoredleeksareourstopartakethisseason.Longcylinders
ofbundledleafsheathswithblanchedwhiteinnardsandbrightgreentops,theleeksareattheirpeakinwinter.Usetheentireleektocookwith,andyou’llunderstandthedifferencebetweentherefinedbottomhalfandthesubtlesweettopofthisonionfamilymem-ber.Sautéedleeksandpotatoesclassi-callycombinedwithchickenstockandatouchofcream,broughttoasimmerforabitandblended,resultinavelvetyVichyssoise.Whenusinganentireleeksautéedinoliveoilwithshitakemush-room,slicesofchickenbreastandfreshtarragon,theendproductwillillustratethesubtletyofthealliumsandtheneedtohabituallyplacetheminourmarketbasket.Whileatthefarmers’market,youmayoccasionallycomeuponaleekflower.Thisraretreatmustbequickly,quietlyswoopedupon,takenhome,choppedup,placedinatartcrustwithwhipped,saltedeggsandchévreandbakedtogolden,bubblingperfection.Choppedleekflowerslendmysteriousflavorsprinkledingreensaladstossed
Sweet Leeks and Winter citrusBy Lesley Stiles
ThE GarDEN
withRoquefortdressing.Ofcourse,thereisalwaysthesweetandspicyCocka-leekysoupwaitinginthewingsforarevitalizedcreationallitsown. Anotherunderusedandpossiblyfearfullookingwinterfavoriteisthepommelo.Pommeloscurrentlyreignaswintercitrusrockstars.Knownasanaphrodisiac,thisancientfruitsup-posedlybringsgoodluckintheChi-neseNewYear.Theygrowasbigasbasketballsandtheirthick,cushyskincanbeintimidatingforthewannabepommeloeater,butwithlittleeffort,greatrewardsawaitthepalate.Itsfleshrangesincolorfromlimegreentorubyred,andyou’llwanttopeelitdowntothefruitandslurpupthejuicethatissweeterthanitsgrapefruitcousin.Sec-tionasyouwouldanorangetoembel-lishNapacabbage,toastedpeanut,scal-lionandroastedchickensaladdressed
withchoppedmint,cilantro,ricevin-egaranddrizzledsesameoil.Caramel-izesectionsinmeltedbutterandbrownsugartoslatheroverwintershortcakedollopedwithcrèmefraiche.Tosswithkiwi,kumquats,navelandCaraCaraorangesforanamazingwinterfruitsal-ad.Impressiveinsizeandtastinglikeatruesweetheartofacitrus,pommeloswillcaptivateyoursensesandrenderyouabeliever. Allatthefarmers’marketawaitingyourpurchaseandconsumption.This,myfriends,isthestuffofNewYear’sresolutioneating.Stillthere? Lesley Stiles is a graduate of the California Culinary Academy, sus-tainable caterer and school garden ed-ucator. Contact Lesley at [email protected], www.lesleystiles.blogspot.com and visit her new website: www.lesleystilesfoods.com.
Grad Night help for college Park hS
MOLINO’S RAVIOLI
Molino’s Hot Food & CateringFor complete menu visit, www. molinosravioli.net
Regular Store Hours Mon- Sat 9am - 5:30pm • Sunday 10 - 52150 Pleasant Hill Road., 925.934.7075
• Call Ahead to Order or Just Walk In • In Business for Over 60 Years Serving Famous Beef, Chicken, Cheese, Butternut Squash, Vegetarian and Seafood Ravioli. Also Serving Homemade Gnocchi, Lasagna, Cannelloni and Soups and a Variety of Sauces
homemade ravioli since 1925MENTION
THIS AD
TO GET
$1.00 OFF
TheCollegeParkGradNightFoodCommitteeChairsarelookingforaparentofajuniororyoungertoshadowthemthisyear.Ideallythisparentwouldco-chairwiththecur-rentfoodcommitteeandthenco-chairagainin2013.Thatisalotofco-chairingbutitmeansyouneverhavetodoitbyyourself!Thisismy4thandfinalyearasfoodpersonforCPgradnightandIwillmissit.Itisablasttodo.Yougettothinkupfunideasforthefoodthatgoesalongwiththethemeanddécor.Thesys-
temissosetthatitisnothardatallwithalittleplanning.ArethereanyfoodpeopleouttherewhowanttocomeandhavesomefunwithusinthekitchenwhiledoingsomethingfantasticfortheseniorsatCP?Iknowyouareoutthere!E-mailmeatlesleystiles@comcast.net.
Cocka-Leeky Soup
In a large soup pot heat olive oil to medium high and sauté leeks and garlic for 10 minutes. Add celery, carrots, sweet potato and barley. Sauté for another 10 min-utes. Add stock and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 more minutes. Add chicken and simmer another 10 minutes. Season to taste with hot sauce, herbs, salt and pepper. Serves 10.
6 large leeks, cleaned and sliced thin2 stalks celery, sliced2 large carrots, chopped4 cloves garlic, chopped1 sweet potato, chopped2 tablespoons olive oil3 pounds chicken thighs, boneless, skin removed, cut up
12 cups chicken stock1/2 cup barley2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsleySea salt and cracked pepper to taste1 teaspoon of Sriracha hot sauce or your favorite hot sauce
Ingredients:
Directions:
www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage 24 March 2012
3/31/12
In the MixBy Paul Cotruvo
WalnutCreek’sMattTidmarshmaynotonlybethefriendliestmusicianinthearea,butheisthebiggest!Unofficially6’8”inheight,heliterallystandsabovetherest.StandingnexttoMattremindedmeofthemovie“Twins,”asIchanneledmyinnerDannyDeVito!NowIknowwhyhiswebsiteiswww.BigBassMan.com.BorninLaJolla,TidmarshandhisfamilylivedinLosAngelesandHawaiiforthefirstyearsofhislife,butendeduplivingintheEastBay.AfterashortstintasanElvisimpersonatorinJapan,TidmarshbecameafoundingmemberofthepopularcoverbandsTaintedLoveandSuperDiamond.Healsoperformsinhisrockabillyband,Spinout.Mattwaskindenoughtograntmealittleinterview.Duetosecurityissues,wemetatanundisclosedlocationandthen,afterbeingblindfoldedanddrivenaroundforhours,IfinallyendedupattheTidmarshcompound. What inspired you to become a musician? Musicchoseme.Mymotherused
totellmethat,whilelivinginHawaii,shestartedtolearntoplaytheukulele.EverytimeshewouldpracticewhileIwasatoddler,Iwasmesmerized.Ican’tthinkofatimewhenIwasn’tintomusic.I’llbeplayinginsomecapacityalways.I’llprobablybeplayingtubainthecommunitybandwhenI’minmy80’s. Who were some of your influences?I’mjustanothersuburbankidwholovedTheBeatlesandLedZeppelin.IlearnedmyinstrumentwhilelisteningtojazzbassistslikeJacoPastoriusandStanleyClarke.Ididn’tgetintoElvisuntilthe1980’s.ThesedaysI’mlisteningtooldrecordingsofLittleRichard.Thoseguysknewhowtorock. Were you always a Neil Diamond fan or did you learn to appreciate him after becoming a member of Super Diamond? IguessIwasasecondgenerationNeilDiamondfanviamymom.WhenIgotthecallaskingifIwasinterestedinplayinginaNeilDiamondband,IwasplayinginaveryhardrockbandandIhadverylonghair.Ihadtothinkaboutitforasecond,butIknewmymomreallylovedNeilDiamond.Ithoughtitwouldbeahoottoplayhismusicfora
March 1: Chris Cain Band, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8:00pmMarch 10: Sin Silver, Rocco’s, 2909 Ygnacio Valley Rd., Walnut Creek, 8:30pmMarch 10: Golden Ticket, Back Forty Texas BBQ, 100 Coggins Drive, Pleasant Hill,6:00pmMarch 23: Wonderbread 5, Dan’s Bar, 1524 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, 10:00pmMarch 23: Tender Mercies, Armandos, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8:00pmMarch 24: Lumberyard, Dallimontis, 1932 Oak Park Blvd, Pleasant Hill, 9:30pm
PaUL’S PIcKS FOr March:
fewshowsinsomeoftherockclubsinSanFrancisco.Whoknewitwouldturnintoabusiness.Anyway,Ihadtoborrowmymom’srecordssoIcouldlearnthematerial.IthinkNeilDiamondhaswrittensomeverywellcraftedsongsthathavewithstoodthetestoftime.Peoplestillgocrazywhentheyhearthem. Do you have a favorite moment of your career so far? PlayingtheDavidLettermanshowwascool,especiallybecauseitwasrecordedattheEdSullivanTheater,whereElvisandTheBeatlesperformed.IthinktheHollywoodBowlhastobemyfavoritemomentsofar.Itwasawesometosay,“Everybodyclapyourhands,”to18,000peopleandhavethemdoit! If you were an Elvis song, what song would you be and why? Itdepends.WhenI’mdownandoutitwouldbe“YouGaveMeaMountain.”
IfmyfriendssayI’mactingwildasabugandinloveitwouldbe“AllShookUp.” CheckoutSuperDiamondonMarch2,atBimbo’s365ClubinSanFranciscoandSpinoutatDan’sBarinWalnutCreekonApril21.QuoteoftheMonth:“Youarethesun,IamthemoonYouarethewords,IamthetunePlayme”–NeilDiamond
Dallimonti’s Restaurant
1932 Oak Park Boulevard, Pleasant Hill. 925-944-5224
www.dallimontis.com
• A Family Tradition Since 1982 • Open for Lunch & Dinner • Small Banquets Welcome• Reservations & Take Out • Full Bar & Wine List • A Touch of North Beach in your Neighborhood
LIVE MUSIC EVERY SATURDAY • COMING IN MARCHFRIDAY KARAOKE NIGHT • GRAB THE MIC AND ROCK OUT
We “ROCK” St. Patricks Day! MARCH 17
3/3 The SolMates • 3/10 Loose Blues3/17 St. Pat's Party w Ken Cooper & David Martin
3/24 Lumberyard • 3/31 The Shillz
Serving Corned Beef and all of the �xings!
www.ourcommunityfocus.comMarch 2012 Page 25
925.335.9915601 Main Street, Martinez
www.smokeyds.com
Hours:Mon-Thur 11-8PMFri & Sat 11-9PM
FUNDRAISING! TWO OPTIONS AVAILABLECALL US FOR MORE INFORMATION
Slow Cooked, Smoked Meats and MoreGREAT
Open Sundays DuringMain Street Events Only
WHO WANTS RIBS?
FAMILY MEAL DEAL
You can’t find a better deal than our Tuesday Ribs at Smokey D's. Enjoy our pork rib for only $1.50
each after 4pm. Dine in only please.
The answer to “What’s for dinner tonight?” Choice of 3 smoked meats, 2 large scratch sides, large salad with homemade dressings, and 5 homemade corn muffins with honey butter for only $39.99
plus tax. Feeds 4-5 people. Valid everyday. Take out only.
A LOCALFAVORITE! BREAKFAST & LUNCHBREAKFAST & LUNCH
COUNTRY WAFFLES BREAKFASTOPEN 6 AM - 3 PM DAILY
COUNTRY WAFFLES BREAKFAST
Country Cookin’ at its Old Fashioned Best
Fresh Garden Omelet
For the Healthy Appetite
Meat Lovers Omelet
For the Hearty Appetite
March SPECIAL$3.992 Eggs with your choice of
½ waffle or 2 flapjacks, and 2 strips of bacon, or 2 sausage
links, or ½ ham All Day Everyday
CLAYTON5435 Clayton Rd., B
673-0943Clayton Stations Shopping Center
DANVILLE428 Railroad Ave. • 838-8824
(Corner of Hartz Ave.)
LIVERMORE1803 Holmes Street • 443-9904
Granada Shopping Center
PLEASANT HILL2390 Monument Blvd. • 687-4100
Kohls Shopping Center
ANTIOCH5865-A Lone Tree Way • 779-0134
DUBLIN7274 San Ramon Rd. • 833-9077
LIVERMORE6049 Northfront Rd. • 294-9630
Vasco Center At The Corner Of No. Vasco And 580
Family OwnedSince 1991
HappySt. Patrick’s Day
1250 Contra Costa Boulevard, Pleasant Hill, California 94523 • 925.682.4868
Announcing the $6.99 Lunch Special
at Magoo’s
Magoo’s Gril l
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Sports Bar
Whether you choose to dine in the beautiful open dining room, slide into a private booth, relax in the fresh air of the
front patio, or cozy up to the bar, you will be treated to friendly service and great food that can satisfy any appetite!
Give Magoo’s a try, where there is something for everyone, and you’re sure to become a regular!
Scan this or text Magoos to 82888 for your free Appetizer
From 11:30 to 2 pm Monday - Friday lunch specials. Visit our web site for menu.
Monday – Thursday 11am – 11pm Friday 11am – 1am • Saturday – Sunday 9am – 1am
RESTAURANTget your restaurant in
FOCUSfor more information please contact us atfor more information please contact us at
GUIDE 925.335.NEWS (6397)[email protected]
Join our new Birthday Club and receive a $30 Birthday Certificate to spend at Kobe Japan Restaurant during the month of your birthday. You will also receive special offers and information
about the latest happenings in our monthly newsletter.
Please go to our website www.KobeJapanRestaurant.com , and then click Sign-Up for Our Birthday Club/Special Offers
1918 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill, California 94523Phone: (925) 705-7065/7066 Fax: (925)705-7067
$30 Birthday CertificateVoted Best Japanese Restaurant by Best of the Bay TV Viewers in 2010
www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage 26 March 2012
Ongoing - Moving for Life –ExerciseforCancerRecovery.Thisclassisanationallyrecognizeddance-basedexerciseprogramtai-loredforpeoplewithcancer,fromdiagnosisthroughtreatmentandonward.Thisaerobicandexpressiveexerciseprogram:Promotesincreasedrangeofmotion,lymphaticdrain-age,aerobiccapacity,strength-training,flexi-bilityandcoordination;enhancesbodyimageandoverallbody-mindedwellness;addressesfatigue,muscularweakness,weightgainandjointorbonepain;providesrealistictoolstodealwithstress;awakensandenlivensbodiesandsouls.Designedtoteachandempower,soyoucanusetechniquesathomeandhelpstoalleviatesymptomsofchemobrain.Tuesday,6-7pmandThursday,10-11am.CaliforniaCancerandResearchInstitute,400TaylorBlvd.,#300,PleasantHill.Formoredetailsandtoregister,callShaynaat925-677-5041x231.*PleasebringyourownYogaMat.
3/1-3/22 – Learn To Bowl.Learnsome-thingfunandmakenewfriendsintheproc-ess.Ages6-18.Studentsneedtowearsocks.Pleasepre-registerbycalling372-3510.Thursdays,4:30pm-5:30pm.$18/Martinezresidents;$20/nonresident.Feeincludesuseofbowlingballandshoes.PaddockBowl,5915PachecoBlvd.,Pacheco.
3/4- 3/20 - PH-Martinez Soccer Association Registration.PleasantHillMiddleSchool,1SantaBarbaraRd.,PleasantHillonthefollowingdates:3/4:9am-3pm;3/8:6pm-9pm;3/20:6pm-9pm.$85perplayer,3rdplayer$60.Anyonebornbetween8/1/93and7/21/08canplay.Visitwww.eAYSO.comformoreinformation.
3/7 – Fairytale Princess Party.Forages2-6.Wearyourprincessdressandbeaprincessforadaywithyourmomordad.IncludesFairy-talePrincessstorytime,asnack,andcreatingaveryspecialprincesscrown.3:30pm-4:30pmatWinslowCenterAssemblyRoom,2590PleasantHillRd.,PleasantHill.$9/child,$6/adult.RegisterbyFebruary29bycalling(925)682-0896orviawww.pleasanthillrec.com.
3/9 - Registration Closes for Adult Sports Spring Leagues.Softball,soccer,volleyball,kickball,flagfootballandbasketball.Foraregistrationpacketgotopleasanthillrecsports.com,callSheilaat925.682.0896oremailher
eVeNTS
THeATeR PRODUCTIONS
AT THe LIBRARy
calendar
3/16 - 4/1 - The Crucible. DirectedbyNicoleHessDiestlerandwrittenbyArthurMiller.Basedontrueeventsin1692Salem,Mas-sachusetts.Theplay’sactionhighlightshu-mangreed,malice,deception,judgement,andmaniaandisaparableoftheCongres-sionalCommunistwitchhuntsledbySenatorJoeMcCarthyin1950’sAmerica.Perform-ances:Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, Sun-days at 2:30pm.
3/23 - 4/1 - Babes In Arms. ACenterStage&S.T.A.G.E.TroupeMusicalProduction.Thisfast-pacedmusicalcomedyboastsoneofthegreatestscoreseverwritten,withthelyricsandmusicofRodgers&Hart.FamoustunesincludeFunnyValentine,TheLadyisaTramp,andJohnnyOneNote.Call943-SHOW.Director:StephenForeman.Produc-er:DoñaForeman.Location:LesherCenterfortheArts:1601CivicDrive,WalnutCreek.Tickets:$14.
3/16 - 4/15 - CCMT’s Sunset Boulevard. ContraCostaMusicalTheatrepresentsAn-drewLloydWebber’sSunsetBoulevardatWalnutCreek’sLesherCenterfortheArts.Ticketsrangefrom$44to$49(withdiscountsavailableforseniorsandstudents,andspe-cialgrouprates)andareonsaleattheLesherCenterTicketOffice,1601CivicDriveinWalnutCreek.Call:925.943.SHOW(943-7469).Ticketscanalsobepurchasedonlineatwww.lesherArtscenter.org.
Pleasant HillTuesdays - Pick up your box of organic fruits and vegetables everyweekbysigningupwithDoorstepFarmers,aCommunitySupportedAgriculture(CSA)servicethatsupportsthelocalagriculturalcommunityandsustainablehealthyliving.LocallygrownproducedeliveredeveryTuesdaybetween5-7pm.Allsubscriberswillreceivea5%dis-countforchoosingPleasantHillLibraryastheirpick-uplocation.
Mother Goose Storytime.Ages0-3.Wednes-days-11:15-11:45am;Fridays-11:15-11:45pm&1:15-1:45pm.
Thursdays - Preschool Storytime,ages3-5.11:15-11:45am.
Saturdays – Saturday Story Time, Babies,Preschoolers,Kids.11:15-11:45am.
3/10 & 3/24 (Saturdays) –eReaderExtrava-ganza!LearnHowtoDownloadLibraryEb-ooks.2pm-3pmintheComputerLab.
3/13 – Book Club. The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the AmazonbyDavidGrann.RoomA;6:30pm-7:30pm.Contact:646-6434.
3/14 – The PHUN Team,PleasantHillUnit-edNerdsTeam,formerlyknownastheTeenAdvisoryGroup(TAG).Forages13-18.Meetotherteensandtheyoungadultlibrariantoshareandplanwhatyouwanttoseehappenatthelibrary.Every2ndWednesday.RoomA;3:30pm-5pm.
3/27 – Jungle Joe Puppet Show -JoinusonawildadventureintothejunglewithJungleJoe’s“AnimalTrainer”puppetshow!Thishilariousperformanceteacheskidshowtomakeanimalsounds,doanimaltricks,andhowanimalswanttobetreated!6:30pm-7:30pm.Contact927-3235.
Thursdays 3/1, 3/16 & 3/29 – Wii for Teens –Playsomeboardgamestoo!RoomA;3pm-4:30pm.
Martinez:
Mondays 3/5, 3/12, 3/26 - Pajama Time.6:30pm-7:30pm,allageswelcome.
3/5 – Pajama Time & Dr. Seuss Birthday Party!Rememberthatfellow,theCatintheHat?Comeenjoystories,gamesandtreatsinhonorofDr.Seuss’birthday.GetyourfacepaintedliketheCat,thenrollupyoursleevestohelpuspaintamuralofthosezanySeusscharacters.
Tuesdays - Mother Goose Storytime -10:30-11am,ages0-3.
3/13 – Book Discussion Group - JoinusaswediscussBrooklynbyColmTóibínAdults.6:45pm.ContactCatherineOliverat(925)646-9900.
3/9 - Simply Wine…Wine, Art & Silent Auction Fundraiser. Rescheduledfrom1/27.5pm-7:30pmattheWinslowCenter,2590PleasantHillRd.Ticketsare$18.Casuallysiponaglassofwinewhilebrowsingtheworkoflocalartists.Shoparoundforthatperfectpieceandplaceyourbetsatthesilentauc-tion!TicketsavailableattheSeniorCenter.ProceedsbenefittheNEWSeniorCenterandTeenCenter.CalltheSeniorCenterformoreinfoontheevent.TheMartinezArtsAssocia-tionalongwithotherlocalartistswillhavefineartandgoodsondisplayandforsale.
3/16 - St. Pat goes to Hollywood! 6:00pm.ThePleasantHillRotaryjoinstheBigCAth-leticClubinaSt.Patrick’sDaycelebrationandfundraiser,“St.PatgoestoHollywood.”Ticketsare$45.00perperson or$425for atableof10.Includeschampagne,appetizers,food,entertainment,dancing,andIrishmer-riment. Allproceedstobenefitmanychari-ties! DressasyourfavoriteHollywoodchar-acter.BestCostumewinsaprize.Spaceisseverelylimited,socontactJessicaBravermantobuyticketsnow([email protected]). Corporatesponsorshipoppor-tunitiesarestillavailable.TheBigCAthleticClubislocatedat1381GalaxyWay,Concord.
3/31 - Mini Motorland. Forages2-5yearsoldandfrom10amtoNoon.Auniquetrackforelectricride-oncars,bigwheelsandtricy-clesattheJohnMuirAmphitheateronTaran-tinoDrive.Youngsterswillbeabletostopforgas,visitthetireshop,carwash,library,historicalmuseumandothercoolplaces!Bringyourchild’sfavoriteridingtoy.Spaceislimitedtothefirst150children.Toreserveaspot,pre-registerbycallingMartinezRecrea-tionat372-3510.$8perchild.Nodogs.Nogaspoweredride-onvehicles.
3/31 - Hippity Hop Art Workshop & Bunny Visit.Forages3–6andfrom9:30–10:30am.Enjoyamorningwithbunnywhileyoucreatefunspringartsandcraftsprojects.Lightre-freshmentsincluded.Parentparticipationre-quired.Don’tforgetyourcamera!Toregister,call682-0896.Signupearly;spaceislimitedto20personspertimeslot.RegisterbyMar.23.Location:M.J.Studios,670GregoryLn.,SuiteG.,PleasantHill.$10/child;$7/Adult.
4/7 - Lion’s Club Easter Egg Hunt. 10:00amattheWaterfrontParkgrassareainMartinez.Forages2–9.EnjoyfacepaintingBringyourowncameratotakepictureswiththeBunny.
www.ourcommunityfocus.comMarch 2012 Page 27
Sunset Boulevard Premiers in the East Bay
(L to R) Keyboardist Joan Cifarelli and Musical Director Karl Pister collaborate with lead cast members Nicole Helfer, Robert Lopez and Annmarie Martin (Member, Actors equity Association) during
the first full rehearsal of CCMT production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard. Photo by Randy Wanser
Havingcelebratedits50thAnni-versarySeasonin2011,ContraCostaMusicalTheatre(CCMT)willbuildonitsreputationforpresentinglocalpre-mieresbytreatingEastBayaudiencestotheAndrewLloydWebbermusical,Sunset BoulevardattheWalnutCreek’sLesherCenterfortheArts,March16throughApril15.Inrecentseasons,CCMThaspremieredblockbustershowsincludingTitanic, The Musical(2004),The Full Monty(2005), Urine-town, The MusicalandDisney’s Beauty and the Beast(2006),RENT(2010)andHairspray (2011). Sunset Boulevard tellsthemesmer-izingtaleofsilentmoviestar,NormaDesmond,wholongsforareturntothebigscreen,havingbeendiscardedbyHollywoodwiththeadventof‘talkies.’Herglamourhasfadedinallbutherownmind.WhenshemeetsstrugglingHollywoodscreen-writerJoeGillisunderdramaticcircumstances,theirsubsequentpassionateandvolatilerelationshipleadstoanunforeseenandtragicconclusion.Sunset BoulevardboastsLloydWebber’s“mostshame-lesslyandartfullyconstructedscore,andofferstwoofhisbestsongsin‘WithOneLook’and‘AsIfWeNeverSaidGoodbye.’”(TimeMagazine).ThewritingteamforthestageproductionreinventedBillyWilder’s1950classicfilmnoirasaromanticmusicalspecta-cle,adheringcloselytothescreenplayco-authoredbyWilder.Praisedbymanycriticswhenfirstreleased,thefilm,starringGloriaSwansonandWil-liamHolden,wasnominatedforelevenAcademyAwardsandwonthree.LloydWebber’smusicaladaptationwasfirstproducedinLondon’sWestEndinJuly1993,featuringPattiLuPoneasNormaDesmond.TheAmericanpremiereopenedinLosAngeleslaterthatyearandfeaturedGlennClose.Ms.CloserecreatedherrolefortheBroadwayPremierein1994,earningheraTonyAwardforBestPerformancebyaLead-ingActress.TheproductiongarneredanadditionalsixTonyAwards,includ-ingthoseforBestMusical,BestScoreandBestBookofaMusical.Theshow
isalmostexclusivelysungthrough,withonlyoccasionalmomentsofdialogue.CCMTwillbetacklingthelushandintricatescorewithatwenty-fivepieceprofessionalorchestra,directedandconductedbymulti-Shellieaward-win-nerKarlPister. BasedinWalnutCreek,ContraCostaMusicalTheatreisacommunitybased,non-profitorganizationthatproducesmusicalsandprovidesahometolocalandnationaltalent.CCMThasbeenhonoredwithnumerousShellieAwardsandBayAreaTheatreCriticCircleAwardsfortheirproductionsandfortheworkoftheirartists.Sinceitsmovetothe800-seatHofmannTheateratTheLesherCenterfortheArtsin1990,andwithongoingsupportfromitsSeasonPartner,theDiabloRegionalArtsAssociation,CCMThasproducedmorethanfortyfull-scaleproductionsofBroadwayclassicsandrecenthitmusicalshows. Threeyearsago,CCMTjoinedwithEastBayproducingtheatregroup,CenterRepertoryCompany,toof-ferpatronsafullannualcalendarofentertainment.CCMTandCenterREP’spartnershipgiveslocaltheaterpatronstheopportunitytoseetenproductionsonallthreestagesofthe
Lesher–includingclassicmusicalsandplays,recentTonyAwardwinners,andprovocativenewwork. TicketsforSunset Boulevardare
availablenowatTheLesherCenterfortheArtsTicketOffice,locatedat1601CivicDrive,WalnutCreek,andatBarnes&NobleWalnutCreekTicketOutlet,1149S.MainStreet.Purchaseticketsbyphoneat(925)943-7469oronlineatwww.lesherArtscenter.org. CCMTisalwayslookingfortalentandvolunteers.IfyouareaBayAreaDirector,MusicalDirector,Chore-ographer,LightingDesigner,ScenicDesigner,Costumer,TechnicalDirec-tor,SoundDesigner,orStageManager,CCMTwelcomesyourresumeviaemailatresumes@ccmt.org.Volun-teeropportunitiesincludeStageCrew,FollowSpotOperators,andservingononeofseveralcommittees.Emailyourinteresttovolunteers@ccmt.org. Forthoseinterestedinperform-ing,auditionsareheldtwicepersea-son:inMay/JunefortheFallproduc-tion;andOctober/Novemberforthespringproduction.Auditionsarebyappointmentonly.
craft Beer Festival OnSaturday,April2,theBayAreaCraftBeerFestivalreturnstoMartinez.ThisyeartheeventwillbelocatedatthebeautifulMartinezWaterfrontParklocatedonJoeDiMaggioDr.,closetotheHistoricCanneryDistrict.Enjoymorethan30topmicrobrewerieswestoftheMississippiandrock-inglivemusicincludingGaragelandRodeo,andPUSHfeaturingDanAshley,localanchorforChannel7news. AdvanceGeneralAdmis-sionticketsare$35andcanbepur-chasedonlineoratselectoutlets;visitwww.bayareacraftbeerfestival.comforlocations.Admissionincludescom-memorativeglass,unlimitedtastingandentertainment.Designateddriverticketsarealsoavailablefor$5.Tick-etsandIDarerequiredforentry(allattendeesmustbe21yearsorover).Gatesopenfrom12pmto4pmfor
food,musicandbeertasting. Freeshuttlesareprovidedto/fromNorthConcordBARTandtheMar-tinezBestWesternJohnMuirInn.Theeventisconvenientlylocatedwithina
shortwalkingdistancefromtheMartinezAmtrakStation.
Plentyoffreeparkinglo-cateddowntown,walkingdistancetothefestival.TheBestWesternwillhavespecialroomrates
forbeerfestivalattendees.Visitthefestivalwebsitefor
moredetails. Theeventisrainorshine,withfab-ulousfoodavailableforpurchasefromvendorsincludingseveraldowntownrestaurants.ThefestivalispresentedbyMainStreetMartinez,Inc.,andbenefitslocalnon-profits.Foradditionalin-formation,topurchasetickets,tojointhefestivalmailinglist,ortovolunteer,visitwww.BayAreaCraftBeerFestival.comorwww.MainStreetMartinez.org
www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage 28 March 2012
WORKING TO MAKE OUR COMMUNITY SAFE AND FAIR.
Fighting for the Best Possible Results in Every CaseAt The Venardi Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping those who have experienced serious and
catastrophic personal injuries, or mistreatment by an employer in the San Francisco Bay Area and throughout the West Coast. Above all, we are a litigation �rm. Though many cases can be
successfully resolved through negotiations and settlement, attorney Mark Venardi will not hesitate to bring your case to trial to get you the best results possible.
2033 North Main Street, Suite 750, Walnut Creek CA 94596925.478.5557 • www.vefirm.com • 888.732.7047
The Venardi Law Firm, is guided by 3 basic principles: 1) treat others with respect, kindness, and dignity; 2) provide deserving clients with the highest quality legal represen-tation; 3) humanize the litigation process.
SOAR LIKE A
HAWK
Experience new interactive exhibits, behind-the-scenes programs and live wild animals!
Visit Wednesday–Friday noon–5pm and weekends 10am–5pm.
Go to www.wildlife-museum.org to learn more.
193 1 F IRST AVENUE | WALNUT CREEK | 925 -935-1978
CoyotesareasymbolofthewilduntamedWest,sowhataretheydoinginourbackyards?ItturnsoutthatcoyotesareprobablythemostadaptableanimalinNorthAmericaandcanlivejustaboutanywhere.Theythriveinsuburbanandevenurbanareasbecausetheyarescav-engersthateatalmostanything.Theirnormaldietissmallmammals—rats,gophersandgroundsquirrels—buttheywillalsoeatground-nestingbirds,lizards,snakes,frogs,largeinsects,fruit,petfood,smallpets,birdseed,roadkillandgarbage. Coyotesliveinastrongfamilygroupandusuallyhuntinpairs.Theydeninburrowsandhaveanaverageofthreetoninepupsinalitter.Theadultsaremostactiveinthespring,whenfeedingandprotectingtheiryoung.
Theyaremostlynocturnal,buttheycanbeoutatanytimeofday. Coyotescanrunuptofortymilesperhourwhenchasingprey,butweusuallyseethemjustlopingalong,lookingliketheyareenjoyingtheday.Ifyouhikeinopenspace,it’snotun-commontoseecoyoteswalkinginthesamedirectionandkeepingpacewithyou—theyarejustcuriousaboutwhoisintheirterritory. Coyotescanbecomeveryboldwhentheyassociatepeoplewithasourceoffoodandlosecautioniftheyhavefreeaccesstoeasyfood.Theyquicklylearnthatresidentialareashavelotsofopportunitiesforfindingfood.Tokeepcoyotesfrombecominganuisanceandtoreducethechanceofconflictswiththem,weallneedtotakesomecommonsensesteps. •Donotfeedcoyotes,eitherintentionallyorunintentionally.Don’teverputoutfoodtolurethemclosersoyoucangetagoodlookatthem;use
binocularsinstead. •Feedpetsindoorsorpickupleftoverpetfoodifyoufeedoutside. •Don’tallowpetstorunfreeandkeepthemindoorsatnight.Providesecureshelterforpoultry,rabbitsorothervulnerableanimals. •Putawaybirdfeedersthatcanat-tractrodentsatnight(ratsareafavoritefoodofcoyotes). •Pickupfallenfruitandcoveryourcompostpile. Relocationisnotanoptionforcoyotesinourneighborhoods.Itisuptoustolearntolivewiththem.Coyotesareadaptabletochangeandwillquicklylearnnewwaystosurvive.Don’tbesurprisedtoseetheminyourneighborhood,evenifeveryonetakesmeasurestoreducetheavailablefoodforthem. For more information about Lind-say Wildlife Museum and ways you can help wildlife, visit www.wildlife-museum.org.
coyotes in Our Neighborhoods By Susan Heckly, Lindsay Wildlife Museum
Photo by Brian Murphy
www.ourcommunityfocus.comMarch 2012 Page 29
Thekidneysareimpor-tantorgansthatcleanandbalancethechemistryofthebloodandremoveexcesswa-terandtoxinsfromthebody.Kidneyfunctioniscrucialforthought,memory,concentra-tion,andoursurvival. Webster’sDictionarystatestheword“kidney”wasderivedfromLatin“renes,”throughOldFrench“reins,”andhasgivenplacetotheword“kidneys”inmodernEnglish.Itdefinesthekidneysastheseatoffeelingsorpassions. AccordingtotraditionalChinesemedicine,theZhispiritlivesinthekidneys.Zhitapsintothecollectiveunconsciousandpresidesoverthemostinaccessiblepartsofthepsyche,thein-stinctualresponsesofthesexorgans,thebiochemicalintelligenceoftheendocrinesystem,andtheknowingofourbones.TheNationalKidneyFoundationhasdeclaredMarchWorldKidneyAware-nessMonth,callingonallAmericanstoprotecttheirkidneysandpreventdamagebyeducatingthemselvesaboutkidneydiseaseandtheproactivewaystheycanreducetheirriskofkidneyfailure. Morethantwenty-sixmillionAmeri-
canshavechronickidneydisease,andmillionsmoreareatriskbutmostdon’tknowit.Knowingtheriskfactorsandcontrollingthemajorones,suchasDiabetesTypeII,highbloodpressure,andhighcholesterolmaypre-ventkidneyfailure.Regular
physicalactivityandanimproveddietcanmakeabigdifferenceinreducingriskandpreventingcomplications.Metabolicbal-ance®isapersonalizedfood-onlyweightmanagementprogramthathasaproventrackrecordforreducingbloodsugar,loweringbloodpressureandrestoringnormalbloodpressure.Therightfood,therightportionsandtherighttimingisallittakes. For more information, please visit www.MetabolicBalanceCalifornia.com. I am available to talk with you about kid-ney health and will offer free metabolic syndrome screenings on Saturday, March 31 at noon - 2pm at Vitamin Shoppe, 1601 Mt. Diablo Blvd. in Walnut Creek, or give me a call: 826-3858. Myra Nissen, CCH, Certified Homeopath and meta-bolic balance® coach. www.MyraNissen.Com.
Kidney awareness MonthBy Myra Nissen, CCH, Certified Homeopath
a Multivitamin a Day... By Jewel Johl, MD
amazing Babies Moving By Beverly Stokes
PaID aDVErTOrIaL PaID aDVErTOrIaL
Multivitaminuseiswide-spreadintheU.S.Thereisageneralbeliefthatmultivi-taminshelppreventdiseasessuchascancerandcanreducetheriskofrecurrenceamongcancersurvivors.MorethanhalfoftheAmericanpopu-lationcurrentlyusesdietarysupplements,themajorityofwhicharemultivitamins.Eventhoughvitaminde-ficiencyisuncommonintheU.S.,theuseofvitaminsisgrowing;itiscurrentlya$20billionindustry. Thereisconflictingdataontheben-efitofmultivitaminsforreducingtheriskofcancer.TheWomen’sHealthInitiativestudy,forexample,didnotdemonstrateanyreductionintheriskofcancerforthosewhousedmultivitamins.Severalstudies,however,haveshownthatcertainvitaminshelpfightcancersuchasfolate,vitaminC,vitaminD,vitaminE,calciumandretinol.Eventhoughaspirinisnotavitamin,itsusehasbeenassociatedwithreducedriskofcoloncancer,especiallyinindividualsathighrisk,suchasthosewithLynchsyndrome. Thereisevenlessinformationaboutthebenefitofmultivitaminsforpatientswithestablishedcoloncancer.ThisissuewasexploredinaclinicaltrialinwhichpatientswithstageIIIcoloncancerwhoweretreatedwithchemotherapywere
askedwhethertheytookmul-tivitaminsonadailybasis.Inthisclinicaltrial,almosthalfofthepatientswithcoloncancerwhoreceivedchemothera-pytookmultivitaminsonadailybasis.Therateofcancerrecurrenceinmultivitaminuserswasthendetermined
andcomparedtothosewhodidnotusemultivitamins.Therewasnodifferenceintermsofriskofrecurrenceofcoloncancerineithergroup.Inotherwords,theuseofmultivitaminsdidnothelppreventrecurrenceofcoloncancer.TheseresultsareconsistentwithaconferencestatementfromtheNationalInstitutesofHealththatconcludedtherewasinsufficientevidencetorecommendtheuseofmultivitaminsforchronicdiseaseprevention.Nonethe-less,furtherresearchisneededtoassesstheutilityofindividualvitaminsinpa-tientswithestablishedcolorectalcancer. Dr. Johl is a Medical Oncologist specializing in treating colorectal cancers. He practices with Diablo Valley Oncol-ogy, located at the California Cancer and Research Institute in Pleasant Hill. The center brings together medical oncology, hematology, radiation, chemotherapy, diagnostic imaging, clinical trials, and supportive care services. Satellite offices in Rossmoor, San Ramon, and Brent-wood. 925-677-5041
BeverlyStokeswillpresentmaterialfromher“AmazingBabiesMoving”re-searchandDVDattheMartinezLibraryonSaturday,March10at2pm. StokesisaCertifiedMovementAnalyst(CMA)andMovementPat-ternAnalyst(MPA)whosebookandvideosareusedworldwideinavarietyofsettings:graduateandundergraduatecollegeprograms;childhoodeducationtraining;psychologyandsomaticeduca-tionprograms;infantinterventionandparentingprograms,andmore.Sheisthefounderof“AmazingBabiesMoving,”aglobalinteractivenetworkthatprovides“ParentingThroughMovement”pro-gramsforparents,educatorsandprofes-sionalswhoworkwithfamilies.Ather
upcomingpresentation,Stokeswillfocusonthechild’sfirstyearoflife.Shewilldiscussherresearchandthemovementprogramsdevelopedby“AmazingBabiesMoving.”Herpresentationwillincludephoto/videovignetteswithtimeforQ&A.Thisinformativesessionisgearedtothosewhoworkwithinfants,fromin-homedaycareproviderstoearlychildhoodeducationprofessionals,fromparentstograndparentsofnewbabies.Don’tmissthisopportunitytolearnaboutsomeofthenewestresearchanditsapplicationstotheamazingbabiesinyourlife! For further information, visit http://ccclib.org/locations/martinez.html or contact Lea Stone at [email protected] or 925-646-9900.
Pleasejoinusforoursecondchar-itywalkonMay5tobenefitRoyalFamilyKidsattheContraLomaRegionalParkinAntioch.Toregister,pleasevisitwww.rfkccharitywalk.dojiggy.com.Thewalkis9amto11amandcosts$25.00perperson;children15andunderarefree.Refresh-mentsandT-shirtpickupbeginsat8:00am.RoyalFamilyKidstakesabused,abandoned,andneglectedseventoelevenyearoldfosterchildrenofContraCostaCountyforaweek-longFREEsummercamp.Since2000,ourcampshavetakenover425fosterchildrenfromContraCostaCountytocamp.Westartedamentorprogramforthesekidsaswell.Thecostof
takingeachchildtocampisapproximately$800-$1000.Wedonotchargethecounty,stateoranyfosterparentsforadmissiontocamp;weexistsolelyonthedonationsofindividuals,companiesandorganizations.Allourstaffarevolunteers;wehavenopaidemployees.Theamountofmoneyraisedduringtheyeardirectlydeterminesthenumberofchildrenwecanaffordtotaketocampandmentorthroughouttheyear.Wehavemanyfosterchildrentosendtocamp,sopleasejoinourcharitywalksomorekidscango!Encourageyourfriendstosignuptoo;itwasalotoffunlastyear!Wealsohavesponsorshippackagesfor$150,$250,$500,and$800.
royal Family Kids Benefit
www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage 30 March 2012
OnSunday,March11at3:00pm,theBayArea’sbeststudentjazzmusiciansfromfourteenhighschoolsandfourteenmiddleschoolswillperformatAcalanesPerform-ingArtsCenteraspartoftheLafayetteJazzFestival.The9thAnnualContraCostaCountyMiddleSchoolHonorJazzBand,withguestdirectorJohnBremis,willbefollowedbythe10thAnnualContraCostaCountyHighSchoolHonorJazzBand,withguestdirectorMaryFettig.Threelocalmusicianswereselected:MartinezresidentJordanFetterman,a7thgraderatSequoiaMiddle,BrennanWilliams,aPleasantHillresidentandsophomoreatCollegeParkandEricNakanishi,aPleasantHillresidentandafreshmanatNorthgate.
Fifty-eightmiddleschoolersandthirty-sixhighschoolersauditioned.Studentswereabletodownloadthesheetmusicaheadoftimeforoneofthepiecestheyneededtoperform.Todemonstratetheirimprovisationalskills,theyhadtosightreadapiece,andthenplayanothersongoftheirchoosing.ThebandmemberswillpracticetogetherforfourSaturdaystopreparefortheconcertonMarch11. Ticketpricesare$10foradultsand$5forstudents. AmatineeperformanceoftheHonorJazzBandswillbe$5generaladmis-sion.Forticketinformation,contacttheLa-fayetteChamberat(925)284-7404orvisitwww.lafayettechamber.org.ForLafayetteJazzFestivalinfo,visithttp://gijf.org.
MarkyourcalendarsforMarch11attheWinslowCenter.It’stimeagainforthePleasantHillTeenCouncilfashionshow!MembersoftheTeenCouncilwillmodelthelatestdressesandtuxedosinpromfashions,providedbyStarletBridalindowntownPleasantHill.Allfundsraisedwillgotowardsfurnishingthenewteencenter,currentlyunderconstruction. Oncetheteencenterisdone,therewillbeavarietyofactivitiesandpro-gramsforteensinthePleasantHillcom-munity.Yourappearanceatthisfundrais-erwillhelpTeenCouncilreachitsgoalofmakingtheteencenterfurnishedandcomfortable.
ThePleasantHillTeenCouncilhasworkedhardtomakethefashionshowaneventthateveryonecanenjoy.Rafflesandextravagantprizesshouldmakethefashionshowevenmoreinteresting!Lightrefreshmentswillbeserved.TheTeenCouncilandcommunityofPleasantHillareveryexcitedforthenewteencentertocome;nowwejustneedtofurnishit!Welookforwardtoseeingyouatthefashionshowandappreciateyoursupport! What: TeenCouncilFashionShowforthenewTeenCenter.When: Sunday,March 11,2:30pm.Where: WinslowCenter,2590PleasantHillRoad.Tickets:$12apiece;toordercall682-0896
Fashion for a cause By Helena Strand
Mt Diablo Unified Grad Night: a Safe Event By Kelly St. Germain
Local Musicians honored
Girl Scouts celebrate 100 GirlScoutsisturning100thismonth,andyou’reinvitedtothecelebration! GirlScoutsoftheUSAwasfoundedbyJulietteGordonLowonMarch12,1912inSavannah,Georgia,witheighteengirlsinthefirsttroop.GirlScoutshassincegrownto3.2millionmembersworldwide.Itistheleadingorganizationdedicatedtohelpinggirlsgrow,buildconfidence,andtaketheirplaceintheworld. Tocelebratethegroup’scentennial,GirlScoutsacrossthecountrywillbegather-ingontheeveningofMonday,March12tomarktheoccasion.TheCreeksideGirlScoutServiceUnit,whichrepresentsnearly100troopsandover1,500girlandadultmembersinPleasantHillandMartinez,is
hostingcandlelightceremoniesonMarch12inbothcities.Theentirecommunityisinvitedtojoinincelebratingthisanniver-sary,withaspecialinvitationgoingouttoalllocalGirlScoutalumnae. Botheventswillfeaturemayoralproc-lamations,songs,agroupcandlelightcer-emony,andrefreshments.Bothprogramswillbeginpromptlyat7:00p.m.Troopsshouldarrivenolaterthan6:45p.m.toreg-isterandcollecttheircandles. InPleasantHill,thecelebrationwilltakeplacebythepondatCityHall.InMartinez,thecelebrationwilltakeplaceatCityHallPlaza.Formoreinformation,pleasecontactCreeksideServiceUnitDi-rectorOliviaLovettat925-947-0559.
Pictured are members of the Pleasant Hill Teen Council modeling the new prom fashions donated by Starlet Prom and Bridal. Photo by Tod Gomes.
Last years Grad Night at the Centre Concord.
Atthestartofeachschoolyear,par-entvolunteersfromfiveMDUSDhighschoolsbegintopooltheirtime,pas-sion,resourcesandtalentastheyplanaspectacularcelebrationfortheirgraduat-ingseniors’specialnight.Thisall-nightcelebration,knownas“GradNite,”isheldatCentreConcordimmediatelyfollowingcommencementceremonies. Althoughmeticulouslyplanned
together,GradNightisnotcelebratedto-gether,aseachhighschoolhasexclusiveuseofthejointlydecoratedfacilityforitsowneventduringtheMDUSDgradu-ationweek.Thisyear,theCollegeParkClassof2012willcelebratetheirGradNightonMonday,June11. TheGradNightcommitteesfromeachschooljointlyselectathemeforthepartyanddecidewhichparticular
areaofthefacilitytheywishtodecorate.Roughly150parentvolunteersateachschoolplan,decorate,stafforchaperonetheevent.Inkeepingwithtradition,thethemeforthisyear’sGradNightisnotrevealedtothegraduatingseniorsuntilthenightoftheirevent. TheoverarchinggoalofGradNightistoprovideafun-filledenvironmentforgraduatingseniorsthatwillallowthemtosafelycelebrateoneofthemostexcitingeventsoftheirlives.Awarethatgraduateswanttocelebratetheirachievementwithfriendsonthenightofgraduation,par-
entshavebondedtogethertomakethisalcoholanddrug-freepartymemorable,safeandsober. Withoutgivingawaytoomanysurprises,GradNightisanon-stoppartyoffood,games(indoorsandoutdoors),music,dancing,casinogambling,spatreatments,bowling,prizesandentertain-ment.TolearnmoreaboutGradNightatCollegePark,includinghowtobuyticketsforyourstudent,donateprizes,providefinancialsupport,orvolunteeryourtalents,pleasevisittheirwebsiteatwww.cpgradnite.homestead.com.
www.ourcommunityfocus.comMarch 2012 Page 31
925-827-12001936 Linda Drive Pleasant Hill CA 94523
[email protected] • www.crsfbay.com
MENTION THIS AD &RECEIVE 10% OFFMENTION THIS AD &RECEIVE 10% OFF
10%OFF
LEADING EDGEPEST MANAGEMENT, INC
Lic. #PR6202
What’s buggin’ you?
Termite & Pest Control(925)689-2222 • (800)471-5555
www.LeadingEdgePM.com
Interior ReDesign / Paint color selectionRoom make-overs
Need a new room layout? New paint colors?We can help. 925-519-1196
QuickChangeDecorating.com
Armando Herrera, Owner
Lic.# 963759925-367-7905
Wood Revivers
Patrick Pardee Owner
Fence & Deck Weatherproofing& Kitchen Cabinet Restoration
925-680-2535
Established in 1990
BUSINESS SErVIcE DIrEcTOrYShOP LOcaL • ShOP LOcaL • ShOP LOcaL • ShOP LOcaL • ShOP LOcaL • ShOP LOcaL • ShOP LOcaL • ShOP LOcaL •
“We solve bookeeping problems for small businesses.”
Accounting & Bookkeeping Services
Serving the East Bay
3478 Buskirk Ave.Suite 1000Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Eric Seelinger
A Wee ChangeAcupuncture Wellness
Advanced Hearing Aid CenterArchitectural Wood Products
Armando’sArtesa Dental
Aspire Pilates CenterBCI Cabinet Design
Best Western Plus John Muir InnBig Air Heating and Air Conditioning
California Pacific Federal Credit UnionColdstone Creamery
Computer Sales and ServiceCountry Waffles
Dallimonti’sFlaskerud- Re-Max
FPHeGeneration Mortgage, Rod Harris
Hagins AutomotiveHire My HusbandHitchcock Realty
Home Detailers HousekeepingJack’s
Jennifer L. Martin D.D.S.
Kobe JapanLe Jardin
Les Schwab TiresLindsay Wildlife Museum
Magoo’sMain Stree Martinez
Martinez Chamber of CommerceMatthew C. Rinn, State Farm Insurance
Martinez early Childhood CenterMinuteman Press Molinos Ravioli
Moulding Company
Parkway Smiles DentistryPayless Painting/Quick Change
PBT AccountancySamuels Construction
Senior HelpersSmokey D’s
UPS – Virginia HillsVenardi Law Firm
Vision QuestWaters Moving and Storage
yeung Tutorial Groupyouth Homes Thrift Shop
ThaNK YOU aDVErTISErS!3/31/12
Winter CleaningSpecial
BUSINESS SErVIcE aD raTESaD SIZE 2.75 X 1.75
$75/ cOLOr $60/BW PEr MONTh3 MONTh MINIMUM cONTracT
FOr INFO PLEaSE caLL: 925.335.NEWS Or VISIT US aT:WWW.OUrcOMMUNITYFOcUS.cOM
www.ourcommunityfocus.comMarch 2012 Page 32