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Page 1: August 2012

Delivered to Over 40,000 Homes and Businesses

• AUGUST 2012

3ANNIVERSARY

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Page 2: August 2012

www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage 2 August 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!

Visit them at www. .com

or email Donand

PleasantHillRealEstate

[email protected]

Don & Norma Flaskerud

Erik Flaskerud

Re/Max CC Connection

925-676-5859

Call Pleasant Hill’s for ALL your Real Estate needsRealtor#1

to choose Don & Norma Flaskerud

as Realtor!YOUR

*The number of homes sold in PLEASANT HILL by Don, Norma, & Erik!!

Don & Norma Flaskerud

Erik Flaskerud

Re/Max CC Connection

DRE #s — Don: 00971602, Norma: 00867031, :Erik 01891688

Don and Norma’s listings...

Pleasant Hill Citizens of the Year

7 Limewood Place, PH – $675,000

Call now to have your home featured here!

Over *reasons475Over *reasons475

Page 3: August 2012

www.ourcommunityfocus.comAugust 2012 Page 3

Page 4: August 2012

www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage 4 August 2012

JULIE SAYS

Turkeyvultureshaveamostap-pealingexpressionontheirred,pointy-beakedfaces.Youjustneedtogetupclosetoonetoappreciateit. NooneunderstandsthisbetterthanDianeLang,anAlamoresidentwholeadschildren’sprogramsatthreewildlifecentersinCalifornia,includ-ingtheLindsayWildlifeMuseuminWalnutCreek.Iamluckytoknowherasafellowmuseumdocent. Dianehasdevelopedacloseper-sonalrelationshipwithRichard,the38-year-oldturkeyvultureyoucanseeinheraviary(yes,Richardisafemale;nooneknewuntilshelaidherfirsteggyearsago)outsidethefrontentranceofthemuseum. Dianedoesn’tmindthatturkeyvultureseatcar-rion,preferablyfoodthathasbeendeadforadayortwo.Toher,thatisnotgross;justinteresting.Shebelieveschildrenhaveeveryreasontolovecreaturesthatnotonlyeatdeadthings,butalsothosethatstink,slitherandsting. AndthatbringsustothepublicationofDiane’sfirstchildren’sbook,“VultureVerses,LovePoemsfortheUnloved,”whichfeaturesabsolutelywonder-fulillustrationsbyartistLaurenGallegos.Throughrhymesandtheengagingartwork,thebookleadsreaderstoappreciatetheanimalsthatdosomuchgoodyetdon’tgetenoughlove.

IthappensthatSeptember1stisIn-ternationalVultureAwarenessDay(Iknow,it’sexhaustingkeepingupwithalltheseoccasions).Dianesuggest-edthatmightbeagooddaytoholdabooksigningatLindsayWildlifeMuseum.VisitDianeatthemuseum,1931FirstAvenueinWalnutCreek,from11amuntil1pmonSaturday,September1st.Richardisscheduledtomakeaspecialappearanceaswell.Iwouldn’tmissthisfortheworld,soIhopetoseeyouthere!Bookswillbe

availableforsaleattheevent. Ifyoucan’tmaketheSeptember1stbooksign-ing,youcanpurchaseDianeandLauren’sbookattheLindsayWildlifeMuseumstore,atsomelocalbook-storesandonlineatAmazon.com. It’safunandeducation-albook–theperfectback-to-schoolread.AndyoucanvisitRichardandotherunderappreciatedspecieswheneverLindsayWild-lifeMuseumisopen.Gotowww.wildlife-museum.orgforhoursandadmissionfees. You can reach Julie at [email protected]

Love Poems for the UnlovedBy Julie Ross

Comebe our friend.the community focus

PUBLISHERSBecky Coburn, Jennifer Neys, Elena Hutslar

[email protected],000HomesandBusinessesinPleasantHill,Martinez,

Pacheco,LafayetteandWalnutCreek

ADVERTISING [email protected]

SPORTS EDITORChuck Nan

[email protected]

GRAPHIC DESIGNTrish Heaney, Debra Wilson

COPY EDITORAlison Clary

View the Focus online: www.ourcommunityfocus.com

CONTACT INFORMATION:Community Calendar:

[email protected]

Content & General Inquiries: [email protected]

6680 Alhambra Ave. Box #132Martinez, CA 94553

Phone: (925) 335 - NEWS (6397)

Independent & Locally Owned

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

•HometownOlympian...................................page7•ChamberofCommerceActivities............ page10•4thofJulyParadeWinners........................ page13•SeasonTicket............................................... page17

•NationalSoccerTeams....................................page19•KeepExploring.................................................page21•LocalLiveMusic.............................................. page24•CommunityCalendar..................................... page29

We would like to acknowledge and thank our talented and hard-working writers and photographers who contribute to our publication every month. Thank you to Alison Clary, our copy editor who wears many hats and displays a wide range of skills. Our gratitude goes to Trish Heaney, our graphic designer extraordinaire who always goes above and beyond with a smile. Along with adding newspaper racks in a variety of public locations this year, the Focus has gone full color! Thank you for reading, submitting stories, sharing comments online, writing letters, joining us on Facebook and continuing to make us aware of how unique, involved and eclectic our community truly is. Finally, a sincere thanks to our advertisers for their continued support. We would not be celebrating the beginning of our 4th year in publication without you!

It’s Our Anniversary

Page 5: August 2012

www.ourcommunityfocus.comAugust 2012 Page 5

OnJuly7asurprisewelcomehomecelebrationwasheldforMartinezhometownMarine,USMCLCpl.Mat-thewJ.Walsh,a2009AlhambraHighgraduate.TheeventwasorganizedbytheDiabloValleyFlagBrigade,avol-unteerorganizationthatensureseveryservicememberreturninghometotheSanFranciscoBayAreareceiveshonorsandrecognition.WalshwasescortedbytheWarriorWatchRidersandwassurprisedtoseehishomedrapedwithAmericanflagsandalargecrowdoffamily,friendsandneighborsaswellasmembersofvariousveteransupportor-ganizations. WalshjoinedtheMarineCorpsonFeb.14,2011,andbeganbootcampatMarineCorpsRecruitDepot(MCRD),SanDiego.Upongraduationthreemonthslater,hereceivedameritori-ouspromotiontoPrivateFirstClass(PFC)andalsoreceivedanawardforthePlatoonHighPFT-PhysicalExcel-lenceAward,denotingthathewasthemostphysicallyfitMarineinhiscom-pany.OnMay25PFCWalshstartedhistrainingwiththeSchoolofInfan-tryWestatCampPendelton,Ca.TwomonthslaterPFCWalshgraduatedandreceivedtheMilitaryOccupationalSpe-cialty(MOS)ofanAnti-TankGuidedMissileman(0352),commonlyreferredtoasaTOWgunner.HereceivedthePhysicalExcellenceAward,andwasagainmeritoriouslypromotedtoLanceCorporalgraduatingatthetopofhissectionattheSchoolofInfantry. Hereceivedorderstoreportto1st

TankBattalion,stationedattheMa-rineCorpsAirGroundCombatCenter(MCAGCC)inTwentyninePalms,Ca.AfterfourmonthsoftraininginTwen-tyninePalmsandinLosAngeleswiththeL.A.SwatTeam,LCpl.WalshwasassignedtoanNTM,atrainingandadvisingteamsettodeploytonorthernAfghanistan.TheteamdeployedinNo-vember2011andservedsevenmonthsinKabul,Afghanistan. LCpl.WalshwasawardedtheCer-tificateofCommendationforhisac-tionsthroughoutthedeployment. DiabloValleyFlagBrigade,atrib-uteorganization,beganthetradition

Operation Welcome HomeBy Helena Vardas

Family, friends and neighbors gather to welcome Walsh home.

Walsh being escorted home by the Warrior Watch Riders.

ofhonoringreturningservicemem-bersin2005byorganizing“Opera-tionWelcomeHome.”Thiscelebrationisintendedtoshowsupportandoffergratitudeformilitarymembers’servicetoourcountry.Membersofthecitygovernment,police,fire,VSO’ssuchasBlueStarMoms,VFWposts,Ameri-canLegionmembers,militaryfamilies,communitygroups,familymembersandneighborsareallinvited.Diablo

ValleyFlagBrigadeworkswithmotor-cyclegroupsliketheWarriorWatchRiderstoescorttheservicemem-berhometothesurprise“WelcomeHome.”TheBrigadehashonoredhundredsofservicemembersintheBayAreasinceitsinceptionandreliessolelyondonations.Ifinterestedinof-feringsupport,ortolearnmoreabouttheorganization,pleasevisit:diab-lovalleyflagbrigade.com.

INCREASE YOUR RETIREMENT INCOME.You have worked hard for your money. Now put your money to work for you. Increase monthly cash flow.

INVESTMENTS  LLCPlanning Beyond Tomorrow

THIS IS NOT A JOB. It’s a fantastic opportunity.

SECURE YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE!Learn how we can truly help you secure your financial future!

TO READ OUR REPORT, 4 MISTAKES ALL INVESTORS MAKE, VISIT WWW.RBINVESTORSITE.COM

Page 6: August 2012

www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage 6 August 2012

Maximizing Your Sales Price in a Seller’s Market Asweheadintotheheartofsummer,ourlocalrealestatemarketcontinuestositsquarelyinfavorofsellers.AsIwritethis,I’vejustfinishedhostinganopenhouseatamodestPleasantHillhomethathadnearly100visitorsovera3-hourperiod.Onsev-eraloccasions,guestsliterallyhadtowaitinthediningroomtoenterthemoderatelysizedkitchenbecauseitsimplycouldn’tholdanymorepeople. Butwhilesellingyourhomehasgot-tenmucheasier,gettingtopdollarwon’thappenbyaccident.Hereare4tipstoensureyougetthemostoutofthishotmarket:Inspect and Disclose in Advance Surprisesaregreatforbirthdays,butaren’tsogoodwhenbuyingahome.Providingprospectivebuyerswithprofes-sionalinspectionreportsandthoroughdisclosuresbeforetheywriteanoffercangreatlyincreaseyourhome’sappeal.Whetherit’safixeroraperfect“10”,buyerscanconfidentlymoveforwardwithaclear

pictureofthehome’scondition.Notonlywilltherebemoreinterestinyourhome,thetransactionwillbemuchmorelikelytoclosesuccessfullyandonschedule.Make It Beautiful and Keep It That Way Expensiveremodelingisnotrequiredtomakeyourhomeshowitsbest.Simplethingslikefreshpaint,newcarpet,spruc-ingupthelandscape,andmostimpor-tantly,adeepprofessionalcleaningcandowonderstoimproveyourhome’sappealwithoutbreakingthebank.Don’trestonyourlaurelsonceyou’redonewiththeprepthough--spendafewminuteseachdaytomakesurethingsstaybeautiful.Stage It

Inallmyyearsinthisbusiness,I’veyettomeetahome,vacantoroccupied,thatcouldn’tbenefitfromaprofessionaldeco-rator’stouch.Inthehotelbusiness,peoplepaythreetofourtimesmoretostayataMarriottthanaMotel6;bothofferessen-tiallythesame“space”totheirpatrons,butthedifferenceistheprofessionallyselectedandplacedfurniture,artwork,andaccesso-ries.Trustmeonthisone.Yourinvestment

willbereturnedthree-fold,minimum.Set a Schedule and Be Patient It’sgoingtorequirepatiencelikeyou’veneverbeforeexercisedinyourlife,butit’svitallyimportantthatyoudon’tjumponthefirstofferthatcomesinthedayafteryourhomehitsthemarket.Today’sbuyercommonlyhasapackedscheduleandmaynotbeabletoviewyourhomerightaway.Toensureeveryprospec-tivebuyergetstoseeyourhome,makesureit’savailableforviewingforatleasttwofullweekendsbeforeyouacceptanoffer.Howdoyoudothat?Scheduleanofferreviewdateandcommittoit.Eventhoughtheymaythreatenotherwise,anyseriousbuyerwhoisinterestedthatfirstdaywillstillbeinterestedtendayslater.Inadditiontogettingahigherprice,you’lllikelyendupwithseveralbackupofferstohelpkeepthewinningbuyerontheirbestbehaviordur-ingescrow. Nathan Hitchcock is the manag-ing broker of Hitchcock Realty, he can be reached at [email protected] or (925) 825-1100.

Real Estate UpdateBy Nathan Hitchcock

Read My Mind Book Reviews by Michael G. Harris, OD

Calico Joe by John Grisham MostofusknowJohnGrishamforhiscourtroomthrillerslikeThe Firmandoth-erworldwidebestsellersandHollywoodblockbusters.Grisham,whopracticedlawbeforebecomingafull-timeauthor,wasalsoanaccomplishedathleteanddreamedofplayingprofessionalbaseballwhilegrowingupinruralArkansas.Hisloveandenthusiasmforbaseballshinesinhislatestbestseller,Calico Joe,adelightfullittlebook(only198pages)aboutarookiebaseballplayerwhobecomesanationalsensationin1973. Soyoumightthinkthatthisisabookaboutsports.Well,itis,butit’smuchmore.It’sastoryaboutasoncomingtogripswithhisrelationshipwithhisestrangedfather.It’salsoabookaboutresponsibilityandforgiveness. Ournarrator,PaulTracey,reflectsonthesummerof1973whenhewasan11-year-old,livingandbreathingbaseball.

HebecomesenamoredwiththerookiefirstbasemanfortheChicagoCubsnamedJoeCas-tle.BecauseJoecomesfromtheArkansashamletofCalicoRock,thepressimmediatelydubshim“CalicoJoe.” Inhisveryfirstgame,Joeaccomplishessomethingnootherrookieeverhas.Hehitsthreehomerunsinhisfirstthreeat-bats.Inhisnextgame,Joesetsnumerousunbe-lievablerookierecords.PaulismesmerizedbyJoe’saccomplishmentsandfollowshiseveryat-bat,muchtothechagrinofhisfa-therWarren,aveteranpitcherfortherivalNewYorkMets. Paul’srelationshipwithhisfatherhasalwaysbeenstrained.Warrenisanalcoholicwhotakeshisangeroutonhiswifeandkids,especiallyPaul.WarrenTraceyisnotaniceman.Hisnastyrepu-tationamonghisfellowballplayersiswell-deserved.

Thisstoryaboutaboyandhisnewsports’herobe-comesmuchmorewhenthelivesofPaul,Joe,andWarrenbecomefatefullyintertwinedonewarmsummereveninginAugust. Asanadult,Paultriestodealwithhisfeelingstowardshisfatherwhenhelearnsthat

Warrenhascancerandonlymonthstolive.CanPaulconvincehisfathertofacehispastanddotherightthingforonce?WillPaulfinallymeethisboyhoodhero,CalicoJoe,andcometogripswithhisowndemons? Grishamhastheamazingabilitytograbthereader’sattentioninthefirstfewpagesandneverletgo.Heisamasterfulstorytellerwhopaintsvividpicturesofhischaracters.Youreallycareaboutthesepeople,likableornot,andwhathappenstothem. Ifyouareabaseballfan,you’llrecog-

nizeactualplayersfromthe1970’s.ButGrishamissogoodatwhathedoesthathe’sabletoblendtheserealplayerswithfictionalones.Now,I’mabigbaseballfanandremembermanyplayersfromthatera.(OurownOaklandA’swerethede-fendingWorldSeries’championsin1973.)Grisham’sdescriptionsofthefictionalplayersaresorealisticthatIaskedmyselfiftheywererealplayersIhadforgotten.Theirnamesjustsoundedtoogoodtobeanythingbutrealballplayers. Thisenchantinglittlebookteachesvaluablelessonsaboutwhatitreallytakestobeatruehero,facingone’sresponsibili-ties,mendingbrokenrelationships,andthepowerofforgiveness.Thelessonshereareforallofus.Don’twaituntilit’stoolatetoaskforforgiveness.Andwhensomeoneistrulysincereinaskingforforgiveness,givingitcanbenefiteveryoneinvolved. Calico Joeisamustreadforsportsfans,youngandoldalike,andanyoneelsewholovesagoodstorywelltold.

Page 7: August 2012

www.ourcommunityfocus.comAugust 2012 Page 7

Hometown Olympian By Chuck Nan

Simpson Makes Nationals PleasantHillnativeMelissaSeidemannisoneof13playerstomakethe2012U.S.Women’sWaterPoloteamcompetingattheLondonOlympics.Seidemann,whoplaysatStanford,isoneoffourEastBaynativestomaketheteam. A2008graduateofCPHS,shecom-petedforthewaterpoloteamallfouryearsandforthreeyearsontheswimteam.ShewasnamedteamMVPin‘07andasase-nior,wasnamedanNISCAAll-AmericanandhelpedleadtheteamtoaDFALtitle.Seidemannwasamemberofthegoldmed-alU.S.YouthNationalTeamatthePan-AmericanJuniorGamesin‘06.Shewastheleadingscorerinthetournamentwith20goals.ShealsorepresentedtheUSAinHa-waii,NewZealandandAustralia. AsafreshmanatStanfordin‘09,shewasnamedtoACWPCAll-AmericaFirstTeamandledtheteamwith59goals-thefourthtruefreshmansince1997toleadtheteamingoals.In2010sheledStanfordinscoringforasecond-straightyear,fir-inghome54goals.ShewasnamedtoAll-MPSFThirdTeam,earnedaplaceonAll-NationalCollegiateChampionshipFirstTeamandaspotonMPSFAll-Academic

list.AsajuniorshewasselectedtoAll-MPSFFirstTeamasshewassecondontheteamwith51goals,herthirdstraight50-goalseason.ThatteamwontheNCAANa-tionalChampionship.Thispastseason,Se-idemanntookaleaveofabsencefromStan-fordtotrainwiththeU.S.NationalTeaminhopesofmakingtheOlympicTeam. Seidemannwillgraduatein2013withadegreeinpsychology.HeroldersisterLaurenplayedwaterpoloatUCDavisandheryoungersisterNatalieisontheUSAWaterPoloCadetNationalTeamtrainingsquad. *TheU.S.OlympicWomen’sWaterPoloteambeginstheircompetitiononJuly30againstHungary.

MemorialDayweekendconcludedafour-monthselectionprocessforthe14UdivisionoftheUSAWaterpolo’sDevelopmentalNationalTeam.Overtwohundredathletescompetedacrossthenationandtwenty-eightwerese-lected.Fiveathletesfromthelocalwaterpoloclub,680WaterPolo,werechosen.FouroftheseathletesaregirlswhowillallbeattendingSanRamonValleyHighSchoolinthefall:ClaireTherien,Mely-ssaMoore,SammiTovaniandLexiLi-ebowitz.Thefifthplayerselected,JakeSimpson,isaWalnutCreeknativeandrecentgraduatefromPleasantHillMid-dleSchool. Jakehasbeenpartofthe680Wa-terPoloClubsince4thgrade.TheSimpsonswerefriendswithoneofthefoundersoftheclubwhosuggestedJakeshouldexplorethesport.Jakeagreed,saying,“Iwantedtotryitbecauseoneofthefastestkidsonmyswimteamplayedanditlookedfun!”SincethenhehastraveledtoMichigan,Texas,Indiana,SanDiegoandOrangeCounty.“MostmajortournamentsareinSouthernCal-ifornia,”Jakesaid.“ThisyeartheJuniorOlympicswillbeheldatStanfordthe

endofJuly,soitwillbenicetobeclosetohome.” Forsomeathletes,selectiontotheNationalteamisconsideredastepping-stonealongthepathtobecomingamemberoftheUSAOlympicWaterPoloTeam.At14,Simpsondedicatestwohoursaday,fourdaysaweektotrainingandcouldwellbeonetowatch.Fornow,it’sclearthatheisenjoyingthemoment.Whenaskedwhathelovesaboutwaterpolo,Jake’spointwasclear,“It’safast-paced,adrenaline-rushingsport!”

Community Service Day!Join us at Pleasant Hill’s 8th ANNUAL...

Organized by Pleasant Hill Civic Action Commission

and supported by local businesses

City of

Pleasant Hill

Saturday September 22, 2012 7:30am� �

Churches, schools, neighborhoods, businesses

Volunteers

...

..

FREE kick-off breakfast

PLUS...

find a project

and register it on the city website at www.pleasant-hill.net/CSD

sign up online

to work.

at www.pleasant-hill.net/CSD

by the PH Lions beginning at 7:30am at

PH Park, Gregory Ln (first 500 receive a T-shirt). Volunteers

receive snacks and then disperse to their designated projects

bring items of non-perishable food for the barrels

of the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano

Open to all ages—families and children welcome!

FREE

!

.

Register your project

or volunteer atwww.pleasant-hill.net/CSD

For more information,

call or email671-5229

[email protected]

Make a difference!

City of Pleasant Hill

Community Service Day

Page 8: August 2012

www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage 8 August 2012

Architectural Review CommissionAugust 2, 16City Hall, 100 Gregory LaneSmall Community Room, 5:00pmContact: 671-5209

City CouncilAugust 6, 20City Hall, 100 Gregory LaneCouncil Chambers, 7:30pmContact: 671-5229

Civic Action CommissionAugust 1City Hall, 100 Gregory LaneSmall Community Room, 6:30pmContact: 671-5229

Education CommissionAugust 22City Hall, 100 Gregory LaneSmall Community Room, 7:00pmContact: 671-5229

Planning CommissionAugust 14, 28City Hall, 100 Gregory LaneCouncil Chambers, 7:30pmContact: 671-5209

Zoning AdministratorAugust 9, 23City 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

Local Election News

City News

Pleasant Hill’s City ChannelShowcasing people, places and events in Pleasant Hill TheCityChannelhasbeenbroad-castingsinceearly2011highlightingmanyofthecity’shometownhappen-ingsandspecialevents.TheChannelairsonComcastChannel28,U-VerseChannel99andAstoundChannel29. ThegoaloftheCityChannelistoinformresidents,entertainviewers,promotelocalbusinessesandrestau-rants,andspotlighteventsandorgani-zationsthatmakeourcitygreat.TheCityChannelproducesavarietyofprogrammingincludingCityCouncilandPlanningCommissionmeetings,thepopularSummerConcertsbytheLakeatCityHall,Backstage,featuring

TheaterInsightsatDiabloValleyCol-legegivingviewersaninsidelookatDVCproductions,aswellasexcitingeventsaroundtownlikethe4thofJulyPa-radeandPartyatPleasantHillPark. InsidePleasantHillisahighlyproduced,30-minutenewsmagazineshowfeatur-ingthreesegments:Uptown/Down-town,spotlightinglocalhotspots;Dish,highlightingpopulareateries;andHometownHeroes,profilingeve-

Sunvalley Mall Renovations TheTaubmanCompany(propertyownerofSunvalleyMall)hasbegunreno-vatingthemallcomplexparkinglotlocatedintheCityofConcord.Therenova-tionsarefocusedonimprovingthelandscapingaroundthebuildings,signageandenhancingtheentriesintotheshoppingcenter.Theprojectalsointendstoen-hancethethreeentriesalongContraCostaBoulevard,whicharelocatedwithintheCityofPleasantHill.TheproposedentryenhancementsincludenewSourGumtreesalongContraCostaBoulevard,newADAfacilitiesandadecorativecross-walkatVikingDrive.Constructionwillrequirealaneclosureandroutingofpedes-triantrafficaroundtheconstructionareaasneeded.

Property at Taylor and Contra Costa Boulevard Citystaffmetwiththeownerandhisstaffon-siterecentlytodiscussthestatusoftheformerBlondie’sproperty.Re-landscapingofthesiteisexpectedtobeginshortlyandaprofessionallandscapefirmwillbeinvolved.Theexistinglandscapewillbemaintainedonamorefrequentbasisuntilthere-landscapingiscompleteandthecontentsoftheexistingbuildingsremoved.Asignpermitapplicationwillbesubmittedsoonforpermanentsignageforthebuilding.

Election Schedule for City Coun-cilmembers, City Treasurer and City Clerk OnNovember6,PleasantHillvot-erswillelectthreecouncilmembers,onecityclerkandonecitytreasurer.ThenominationperiodbeganonMon-day, July 16 andwillendat5pmonFriday, August 10.However,ifoneoftheincumbentofficeholdersdoesnotfilebytheAugust 10 deadline, thenominationperiodforthatvacancywillbeextended(foranyqualifiedper-son,otherthantheincumbent)until5pmonWednesday, August 15. AccordingtoLindaStehr,Assist-anttotheCityManager,“Sincenoonehasfiledtheirnominationdocuments,therearenoofficialcandidatestodate. However,sixindividualshavepickedupnominationpapersforCityCoun-cil.”Theyare:JimBonato,PleasantHillPlanningCommissionerandPresident

oftheFourthofJulyCommission,Jer-emyCloward,MatthewRinn,ChamberofCommercePresident,DavidDurant,currentCityCouncilmemberseek-ingreelection,TimFlaherty,PleasantHillPlanningCommissionerandPaulBittner.CurrentCityCouncilmember,JohnHanecakwillnotbeseekingree-lection. “IncumbentMarkCelioalsohastakenoutpaperstorunforCityTreas-ureragain. Noonehaspickeduppa-persfortheCityClerkposition,”con-tinuedStehr. Nominationpapersmustbeob-tainedfromthecityclerk’sofficedur-ingthenominationperiod.CandidatesmustberegisteredvotersofPleasantHillatthetimethenominationpaperisissued.Forelectiondetails,candi-datesareinvitedtocontactthecityclerk’[email protected]

rydayheroes.TheUptown/DowntownPHsegmenthasshowcasedlocalbusi-nesses,includingPleasantHillMarket,

StudioA,andPaulMitchell-TheSchoolEastBay.TheDishsegmenthashighlightedaplethoraofgreatrestau-rants,includ-ingJack’s,Back

FortyTexasBBQandDallimonti’s.HometownHeroeshasprofiledmanywonderfulvolunteerswhomakeourcommunitystrong,includingJimNunes,NormaandDonFlaskerudandJimBonato. TheCityChannelismadepossiblethroughSection611oftheCommuni-cationsAct,whereby“localfranchisingauthoritiesmayrequirelocalcableop-eratorstosetasidechannelsforpublic,

educationalorgovernmental(‘PEG’)use.”PleasantHillsharesthechannelwiththecitiesofMartinezandClayton,andthechannelprovidesequalairtimetoallthreecities. Contentisproducedbyprofes-sionalbroadcasterswhovolunteertheirtimefortheCity.LocalnewsreporterJohnSasakiwithKTVUChannel2andCBS5reporterandanchorAnnNotarangeloareourprobonohostsforInsidePleasantHill.TheCityChannellogowascreatedbyvolunteergraphicdesignerTrishHeaney.FormerEmmy-awardwinningproducerMayHane-cakisthecontentdeveloperandshowproducer,againprobono.LarryHuntistheDirectorofPhotographyandEdi-tor. PastCityChannelshowsareavail-ableonlineathttp://vimeo.com/city-channelph/videos.Formoreinfor-mationontheCityChannel,[email protected].

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www.ourcommunityfocus.comAugust 2012 Page 9

MARTINEZ CITY BUZZ

City Calendar of Events

DidyouknowthatevenifyouhaveaMartinezmailaddressyoumaynotneces-sarilyliveintheincorporatedcitylimitsofMarti-nez?AfewyearsagowhenIwasrun-ningforMayor,Ireceivedaphonecallfromaladywhohadjustreceivedhersampleballotandnoticedthattherewasnomentionofthemayororcitycouncilrace.Shethoughtthateithertheelectionsdepartmentortheprinterhadmadeanerrorandforgottoincludethemayorandcitycouncilraceonabatchofballots.Shewasveryupsetandwant-edmetocalltheappropriateauthoritiestohavethismistakecorrected. WhenIaskedwhereshelived,sheansweredthatshelivedonShellAvenuenearPachecoBoulevard.Youcanimag-inehershockwhenItoldherthatshedidnotliveinthecitylimitsofMarti-nezandthereforecouldnotvoteinthemayororcitycouncilelection. SheexplainedtomethatshegrewupinMartinez,graduatedfromAl-hambraHighSchool,worksinMarti-nezandconsidersherselfaMartizian.Howcouldshebeconsideredanout-sider?Howcouldshenotparticipateinalocalelectionthatwilllikelyhaveanimpactonherlifeandthelifeofherfamily?Afterall,herfriendacrossthestreetreceivedaballotthatincludedthe

Martinezcityracesandthatjustwasnotfair. IhavetoagreethatitdoesnotseemtomakeanysensethatpartsoftheMartinezcommunityarenotlegallyapartofMartinezandcannotpartici-pateinimportantpolicydecisionsthatwillshapethefutureoftheentirecom-munity.ThisisthemainreasonthatIamanadvocateoftheannexationofallareasinsidethesphereofinfluence(SOI)oftheCityofMartinez. Forthelastfewyearsthecityhasbeenintheprocessofannexation,startingwiththeareaNorthofHigh-way4andWestofI-680.ThisareaisknownasNorthPachecoandisanareawithbothnewandoldersinglefamilyhomesandcommercialbusinesses.TheresidentsoftheareawillbevotinginAugustastowhethertheywishtobe-comepartoftheincorporatedareaofMartinez. Annexingintothecityhasmany

Mayor’s MessagebenefitsfortheresidentsofNorthPa-checo.Theirgarbagerateswilldeclineandthecollectionoftheirrecyclableswillbeonaweeklyratherthanabi-weeklybasis.Thespecialpolicyassess-ment(P-6)thattheypaywillbeelimi-nated,savingmanyhomeownersany-wherefrom$200to$400ayear.Our

countyassessorhasdeterminedthatpropertyvalueswillincreaseby5%im-mediately.EmergencyresponsetimewillbefasterwiththeMartinezPolicythanwiththeSheriff. IlookforwardtowelcomingthecitizensofNorthPachecointotheCityofMartinez.

City Council MeetingSummer RecessNo Meetings in AugustNext meeting on Sept. 5

Design Review MeetingAugust 8, 223pm-5pmContact: 925-372-3500

Park, Recreation, Marina &Cultural CommissionAugust 217pm-11pmContact: 925-372-3500

Planning Commission MeetingAugust 14, 287pm-11pmContact: 925-372-3500

Waterfront Alternative Access Workshop IIAugust 16pm-8pmCouncil ChambersContact: 925-372-3500

Zoning Administrator MeetingAugust 1, 153pm-5pmContact: 925-372-3500

All City Meetings at City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, Unless Otherwise IndicatedFor Confirmation Visit: www.cityofmartinez.org

Get Involved TheCityofMartinezencouragespeopletoserveinanadvisorycapacityononeoftheCity’svariouscommittees,commissionsorasarepresentativeonanoutsideagency.TheCityofMartinezisnowacceptingapplicationsfor:Design Review Committee: twovacancies-twoyearterm;meetsecondandfourthWednesdaysofeverymonthat4pm;membercanbeaMartinezresidentorqualifiedprofessional(architect,landscapearchitectorpossessacertificatefromtheCANurs-erymen’sAssociation)familiarwiththeCity.Outside Agency(s):Contra Costa County Library Commission (City representa-tive);onevacancy,alternate-twoyearterm.Meetsquarterlyat7:00pmatthePleasantHillLibrary,1750OakParkBlvd.inPleasantHill.Central Contra Costa Transit Authority Citizens Advisory Committee and Acces-sible Services Committee - (City representative);onevacancy.MeetssecondFridayofeveryothermonthat9:30am,2477ArnoldIndustrialWayinConcord. Forfurtherinformationortoobtainanapplication,contacttheCityClerk’sOffice,525HenriettaStreetinMartinezorcall(925)372-3512;applicationsmaybefoundontheCity’swebsiteatcityofmartinez.org.Martinez City Elections 2012 ElectionsfortheCityOfficesoftwoCouncilMembers,CityClerkandCityTrea-surerwillbeheldonNovember6,2012.CouncilwomanJanetKennedywillnotseekre-electionleavingherpositionopenalongwiththatofCouncilmanMarkRoss,who’stermexpiresinNovember.Rosshasindicatedhewillseekre-election.RachelFord,PlanningCommissionChairwillberunningforCityCouncil.FordhasfiledpapersatCityHall.DylanRadke,ChairoftheParks,Recreation,MarinaandCulturalCommis-sionhasindicatedhewillrunforcitycouncilaswell.Inaddition,papersweretakenbuthavenotbeenfiledbyMichaelAlford.CityTreasurer,CarolynRobinsonisseek-ingre-electionandhastakenpapers.Noothercandidateshavefiledyetforthisposi-tion.PapershavebeentakenbyRichardG.HernandezandEvelynJ.CentenoforCityClerk.ThepositioniscurrentlyheldbyGaryHernandez,who’stermexpiresinNo-vember. AnyonewantingtorunintheseelectionsmustfilecandidatepapersbyAugust10withtheCityClerkinthecaseofthecouncilandothercityoffices,andwiththeCoun-tyElectionsDivisionforotherraces.Inallcases,whereanincumbentdoesnotfileforre-electionbyAugust10,filingisextendedtoothercandidatesforanotherfivedays.  NominationpetitionsmaybepickedupattheCityClerk’sOfficeinCityHall.Vot-erregistrationinformation/applicationsmaybeobtainedatwww.cocovote.us.Education News TheMt.DiabloUnifiedSchoolDistrictincumbentsGaryEberhartandSherryWhitmarshareupforre-election.TheDistrictcoversConcord,PleasantHill,Clayton;portionsofWalnutCreekandMartinez,unincorporatedareas,includingLafayette,Pa-checo,andBayPoint.IntheMartinezUnifiedSchoolDistrict,incumbentsJohnFuller,KathiMcLaughlinandDeniseElskenareupforre-election.ThedistrictincludesmostofthecityofMartinezandnearbyunincorporatedareas.

Page 10: August 2012

www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage 10 August 2012

Ambassador Meeting – Ifinterestedinat-tending,contactRebaat(925)[email protected]

8/9 - Chamber Mixer -Thursday,5:30-7pm.HansesChiropractic,841ArnoldDr.,Ste.D,Martinez.Greatnetworking,food,funandraffleprizes(bringaraffleprizeandhaveyourbusinessannounced!).

8/10 - Universal Sports Academy Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting -Friday,4pm.UniversalSportsAcademy,330FerrySt.,Martinez(behindthehistoricaltrainneartheAmtrakStation).Joinusinwelcom-ingournewmemberandadditiontothecommunity!

8/16 - Educational Series - MarketingSemi-nar.PresentedbyFadhilaHolman,

Thursday,12pm-1pm.Doorsopenat11:30am.JohnMuirBestWesternInn,445MuirStationRd.$10toChamberMembers;Non-Members$20.Baglunchincluded.RSVPtotheChamberat(925)[email protected].

Please verify schedule at www.martinezchamber.com • 925-228-2345MARTINEZ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Ribbon Cutting

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Play It Again Sports has moved to a new location at 1150 Contra Costa Blvd. in Concord, just south of the Sunvalley Mall. The new Play It Again Sports is a family owned and operated business dedicated to supplying the community with the highest qual-ity product and expert knowledge in sports or exercise gear selection. “We actually use the products we sell and can speak through experience on what works and what doesn’t. We know and love sports and are happy to assist you in doing the same”, said owner Alex Bordak. Sell or trade in your used equipment to buy new or used at a dis-count, or buy used to save up to 50-70%! Stop by the store to see what items they are currently looking for, and bring your gently used equipment in for evaluation. Call the store at (925) 825-3396 for specifics. Play It Again Sports is open daily. Visit them on the web at www.playitagainsportsconcord.com.

New You Dance Center offers a wide variety of dance styles that are taught in a FUN and learning environment for both boys and girls ages 2½ thru adult, beginner to advanced. The goal of New You Dance Center is that dancers ENJOY dance while learning proper technique and developing confidence, poise, coordination and rhythm.Mr. AJ and the dedicated staff of instructors work hard to provide a quality dance edu-cation for all ages. With a variety of classes to choose from, we are sure you’ll be happy learning to dance with us. Visit our website www.newyoudancecenter.org for more information and class schedules or call 925-293-4726. Stop in and check out the new studio at 1424 D Shell Ave, Martinez. You’ll be glad you did!

8/3 – Wine Walk /Plaza Concerts, Down-town Pleasant Hill, $20includeswineglass,passport&horsd’oeuvres.Enjoymu-sicbyRebelYell.Ticketsavailableathttp://Augustwinewalk.eventbrite.com/or(925)687-0700,orinfrontofPastaPomodoroattheevent.5:30pm-8pm.

8/7 – Leadership Lunch – Back 40 Texas BBQ, 100CogginsDr.,PleasantHill,11:45pm-1pm

8/10 - Ambassador Meeting, PleasantHillCityHall,8am-9am

8/16 – Board of Directors Meeting, PHCityHall,7:45am

8/24 (Friday) August Mixer, PleasantHillCommunityPoolinPleasantHillPark–Cel-ebratingthePHCommunityFoundation’s25yearsofgivingback.5:30–7:30pm

8/27 – Green Committee, BackFortyTexasBBQ,100CogginsDr.,PleasantHill,4pm-5pm

8/27 – Government Affairs Committee, BackFortyTexasBBQ,100CogginsDr.,PleasantHill,4:30pm-6pm

9/12 - Internet Marketing Workshop, JFKUniversity,100EllinwoodWay,RoomS104,PleasantHill11:45amto2pm“How to Build Your Linke-dIn Foundation”-Joinusatthisseminartolearnhowyoucaninstantlystartgenerat-ingmoretraffic,leadsandsalesusingthe

powerofLinkedIn.Getinearlyasthissemi-narwillfillup!DiscoverhowtousesomeofthemosteffectivewaystouseLinkedIntogetmorebusinessandreferralsfromyourclients.Atthisseminaryouwilllearn:•Why LinkedIn is the most powerful social network for professionals and business owners • How to build a huge email list on LinkedIn • Why you should focus more energy on LinkedIn over Facebook • How to use LinkedIn to promote your events in-cluding promotions, seminars and webinars • How to drive more traffic to your website or blog • How to generate more sales on autopilot • How to double conversions on LinkedIn Ads • How to use this “secret network” to connect with key decision makers.Logontohttp://HowToMasterLinkedIn.eventbrite.com/formoreinformationortoRSVP.PresentedbyPeteSabineofMainStreetMarketing(925)297-5335.

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Page 11: August 2012

www.ourcommunityfocus.comAugust 2012 Page 11

Diablo Symphony Names New Conductor

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TheDiabloSymphony,theoldestorchestraofprofessionallytrainedmusiciansinContraCostaCounty,hasanewartisticdirector-conductorjustintimeforthesymphony’s50thanniversary. Afterayear-longscreeningproc-ess,symphonymusiciansselectedMatilda Hofman,33,alecturerintheUCDavismusicdepartment.Herworkasaconductorrangesfromoperaandsymphonicrepertoiretocontempo-rarymusic.ShewillleadtheDiabloSymphonybeginninginOctoberwhenitkicksoffits2012-13five-concert50thanniversaryseasonattheLesherCenterfortheArtsinWalnutCreek. HofmanwaschosenfromamongfourotherfinalistsunderconsiderationtoreplaceJoyceJohnsonHamilton,whoretiredlastyearafterservingastheDiabloSymphony’sartisticdirectorandconductorfor30years.HofmanbecomesthesixthconductoroftheDiabloSymphonysinceitsfoundingin1962.

Inadditiontosymphonyorches-tras,HofmanhasconductedoperasthroughoutEuropeandwasassistantconductoratSacramentoOpera.SheisaregularguestconductoroftheEmpy-reanEnsembleatUCDavisandtheBayArea’sLeftCoastChamberEnsemble. In2003HofmanformedtheBayArea-basedKeislerEnsemble,agroupofsevenmusicians.Sheistheconduc-torandartisticdirector.

Matilda Hofman, new artistic director-conductor for the Diablo Symphony. Photo by Diablo Symphony

AnativeofOxford,England,HofmanstudiedatCambridgeUni-versity,theRoyalAcademyofMusicandtheEastmanSchoolofMusic.She

ismarriedtoChristianBaldini,aninternationallyrecognizedcomposerandconductorwholeadstheUCDavisSymphonyOrchestra.

Poison Apple Productions presents Beauty & the Beast Jr. This“taleasoldastime”followstheadventuresofBelle,abrightyoungwomanwhofindsherselfimprisonedinthecastleofamysteriousbeast.Withtheassistanceofthecastle’sen-chantedstaff,adelightfulandtenderromancedevelopsbetweenthesetwounlikelyfriendsandBellesoonlearnsthemostimportantlessonofall—thattruebeautycomesfromwithin.TicketsonsaleattheLesherCenterfortheArts.www.lesherartscenter.orgor(925)943-Show(7409)

PerformancesareAugust2,3,4,10&11at7:15pm;August4&12at2:15pm.GeneralAdmission:$14.75.Youth,Stu-dentsandSeniors:$11.75,SpecialpreviewAugust2at7:15pm.Formoreinfor-mationaboutPoisonAppleProductions,visitwww.poisonappleproduction.com.

Coming Attractions

Page 12: August 2012

www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage 12 August 2012

Local Movie Supports MDUSD

Pleasant Hill Families Host Ukranian Kids

Saturdays, 9 am-1 pm • Rain or ShineSSSatttuuurrrdaayyysss, 999 aaammm-111 pppm • RRaainn ooorrr SSShhhiinneea d ss a - mmm • i rr iiy , pp,,yyyy pppdddaaa , aaaa - • aaa ooodda uuua sss, - • SSSssSSSa , 999 - m • eeemttt rrrr mmm- • hhhhiiinniiiiinnnii rrrrrrSa a a -11 • RRRa edd - p • odd --SSSa 99 - • RR iii eiiiii

All month: It's back to school time! Enter to win a very nice backpack filled with brand new pencils, paper, and other school supplies.

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CaraHelberg,ExecutiveDirectorofAngels’HavenOutreach,hasyearsofexperienceandsuccessinchangingthelivesofhundredsoforphanedchildrenfromoverseasbyconnectingthemwithlovingfamiliesintheUnitedStates.ThismonthCarahasarrangedforsixtykidstovisittheU.S.withthirtyofthosebeinghostedinCalifornia.Twoboys,ArtemandNikita,ages11and12,andtwogirls,OleksandraandAnne,ages9and10,willbehostedinPleasantHillbytheSpinosandHelbergfamilies,whileAngels’HavenworkstointroducetheorphansfromUkrainetopotentialadoptivefamilies. Recently,Carahasbeenworkingtowardthegoalofplacingchildrenwithspecialhealthneeds.“ThisisthefirsttimeUkrainehasallowedustobringHIVkids,andsoIamexcitedtobehostingalittlegirlwithHIVthistime,”shesaid.“IwillbefocusingonHIVkidsalotbecausehereintheU.S.they

canliveafullnormallifewiththemed-icationswenowhave.Thekidscan’tgetthatchanceinUkrainebecauseoftheexpense,sowewillbeworkinghardtofindherahomeandIamsurewewillbeabletodoit!” ThisgroupofchildrenwillbehereuntiltheendofAugustandthehostfamiliesinPleasantHillplantobringthekidstogetherdaily.“There’splentyoftimeforpeopletomeetthemduringtheirvisit,”saidCara. Ifadoptionisanoptionyourfam-ilyorsomeoneyouknowhasconsid-ered,orifyouwouldbeinterestedinhostingachildforafuturevisit,exploretheAngels’HavenOutreachwebsiteatwww.angelshaven.organdcontactCaraHelbergatadopt@angelshaven.org,orcall:1-877-378-9781.Angels’HavenOutreachisanon-profitorganizationcommittedtofindingadoptivefamiliesfororphanedchildrenfromaroundtheworld.

Producer-directorJeffMosley’sdreamofmakingamovietohelpraisemoneyforschoolsintheMt.DiabloUnifiedSchoolDistricthasbeenre-alized.Afterthreeyearsinthemak-ing,includingninemonthsofedit-ing,thecastandcrewscreeningwasheldonJune16attheBrendenThea-tresinConcord.WrittenbyEricLappand KeenanMurray,“ChasingRod-

riguez”isthestoryoffourteenagerswhoenterashortfilmcontesttowinacashprizeandwhilefilmingtheirmov-ietheyinadvertentlycapturearobberyonfilm.  Whydidaformerstuntmanturnedproducer-directorwanttohelpMDUSD?Mosleyexplains,“MywifeandIhavetwochildrenwhoattendschoolinthedistrict.Afterthirtyyears

Artem, Nikita, Oleksandra and Anne with the Spinos and Helberg kids in Pleasant Hill.

asaScreenActorsGuildstuntmanandactorIdecidedtopursuemyinter-estindirecting.Afewyearsagoweheard abouttheproblemstheschoolswerefacingwithbudgetcutsandde-cidedtomakeamovietoseewhatwecoulddotohelp.Withtheaidoflocalrestaurants,locationsandsponsorswewereabletokeepthecostsofproduc-tiondown.” Mosleyhiredoveronehundredpeople onamicrobudgetandfilmedforfifteendaysinConcord,PleasantHill,WalnutCreekandMartinez.“WefilmedourfirsttwoandahalfdaysatChannel7NewsanchorDanAshley’shome.WealsofilmedatScott’sinWal-nutCreek,YogurtShackinConcord,AlleyCatsCollectiblesAntiqueStoreinMartinez,TodosSantosPlaza,Wal-

nutCreekSkatePark,BrendenThea-treinConcord,SequoiaMiddleSchoolinPleasantHilland inthreefam-ily homes,”hesaid.Severallocalrestau-rantsfedthecastandcrewinexchangeforpromotionaladvertising. AsecondscreeningwillbeheldattheBrendenTheatreinConcordonSaturday, September 8 at 7:00pm.Su-perintendentDr.StevenLawrenceisexpectedtoattendalongwithMDUSDfamilieswhohavebeenfollowingthethree-yearjourney.ADVDof“Chas-ingRodriguez”willbeavailableforpurchaseon Amazon.com.“Ourgoalistogive 25%ofthenetproceedsfromtheDVDsalestoMDUSD,”continuedMosley. Tolearnmoreaboutthemov-ie,visitwww.facebook.com/concord-movieandwww.concordmovie.com.

Page 13: August 2012

www.ourcommunityfocus.comAugust 2012 Page 13

July 4th Firecracker Run Results

Martinez Parade Winners

Pleasant Hill Parade Winners

Pleasant Hill Parade

Martinez ParadeLocal Fourth of July Festivities

BestLocalBusiness-Main Street Sweets•BestServiceClub-Kiwanis Club of Martinez•BestCarClub-Hot Rod Hoodlums•BestAntiqueVehicle-Multi-Decade Reunion•BestMu-sicGroup-Diablo Regional Concert Band•BestFloat-Martinez Rotary Club•BestYouthGroup-In Motion

Dance Center•BestUseofTheme-Stahlberg Photography•BestMarch-ingUnit-Friends of Martinez Library•BestSpiritAward-Charles Martin•JudgesChoice-Martinez Early Child-hood Center•Mayor’sChoice-Clan Galbraith Highland MercenariesCongratulationstoalltheparticipants.

Therewerethreedifferentfloatcategoriesatthe4thofJulyparade.Thewinnersare:BestThemedFloatEntry:Allied

Waste Services•BestThemedWalk-ingEntry:Studio A Dance•GreenOakAward(BestGreenEntry):Allied Waste Services

ThePleasantHill’sAnnualFirecracker5KFunRunonJuly4thraised$12,500.Overtheyears,the5KRunhasraisedover$70,000forPleasantHillschools.

Top finishers in each age group:Ages 2-12: Girls: 1) Emma Swanson, 2) Amanda Philson, 3) Erin Moore, 4) Sophie Chavez, 5) Genevieve Wiley, 6) Megan Hood, 7) Payton Heaney.Boys: 1) Thomas Mundy, 2) Stephen Mundy, 3) Logan Heaney, 4) Oliver Sekel, 5) Orion Ravin, 6) Cameron Wilson, 7) Jake Heinlein. Ages 13-18: Girls: 1) Kelly Collins, 2) Kendall Stuscavage, 3) Parisa Broomand. Boys: 1) Luke Williams, 2) Justin Mogan-nam, 3) Matthew Schumann. Ages 19-29: Women: 1) Kie Shidara, 2) Nicole Hood, 3) Alyssa Mundy. Men: 1) Robb Van Wyck, 2) Will Holland, 3) Paul Matejcek. Ages 30-39: Women: 1) Nicole Salmon, 2) Jennifer Grossi,

3) Kristina Fitzpatrick. Men: 1) Micah Nash, 2) Emanuel Radutiu, 3) Brian Gagnon. Ages 40-49: Women: 1) Trish Heaney, 2) Monica Ravin, 3) Terri Caroll. Men: 1) Bill Salacuse, 2) Peter Ceresa, 3) Daniel Roed. Ages 50-59: Women: 1) Gina Ruotolo, 2) Donna Monteiro, 3) Lynn Mathre. Men: 1) Daniel O’Connor, 2) Kenneth Ruotolo. 3) David Altop. Ages 60-69: Women: 1) Sheila Weston, 2) Cindy Chudy, 3) Dorothea Jones. Men: 1) Bruce Wod-hams, 2) Bill Boyle. 3) Thomas Mc Clain. Age 70 and Over: Women: 1) Sandy Stauffer. Men: 1) Joseph Pier-alde. Completeraceresultscanbefoundatactive.comorphjuly4.com

Allied Waste, given the Green Oak Award (Best Green Entry)

Best Youth Group- In Motion Dance Center

Judges Choice – Martinez Early Childhood Center

Page 14: August 2012

www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage 14 August 2012

Loaded Potato Salad

Beer Braised Sausages

INGREDIENTS5largewhiterosepotatoes16oz.sourcream1bunchchives1cupbaconbits2cupscheeseSaltandpepper,totaste

Parsleyordill,(optional)totasteDIRECTIONSCutpotatoesintosmall,bitesizepiec-es.Boilinwaterfor10-15minutesuntilverysoft.Stirinremainingin-gredients.Servewarmorcold.Yield:  8 Servings

INGREDIENTS3beers,yourchoiceofstyle½onion,roughchopped5-6garliccloves,roughchopped6uncookedsausages

DIRECTIONSBringthebeer,onionandgarlictoalowboil.Addsausagesandcookfor15-20minutes.Finishcookingonthegrilltocrispcasing.Yield:  6 Servings

CORKS AND FORKS

Pair UpWith La Sommelierre Maria Terry

Kid’s Favorites Makingamealfromrecipesmykidslovedoesnotmeantheadultswon’tlikeit.Ilookforrecipesthatcanbemadeplainmostofthewayandholdbackonsomeofthemore“adult”ingredientstoaddlater. Oneofmykidslovesbakedpota-toeswithsourcreambutdoesn’tlikeclassicpotatosalad.Hereisapotatosaladrecipethatusesallofthefavoritetoppingsforabakedpotatoandcanbeservedwarmorcold.Gotavegetarianinthegroup?Servethebaconbitsinasmalldishontheside.Anotheronehatesonion?Theonionsmakeagreat“optional”garnish. Justabouteverybodylikesgrilledsausages.Formoreadventurouseaters,Beer-BraisedSausagesaremoistand

infusedwiththeflavorsofgarlic,onionandbeer.Ifthoseflavorsdon’tworkforsomeofyourdiners,justleavethosedogsoutofthebraise.Forthenon-sausageeaters,it’seasytocookacoupleofstandardhotdogsorevenaveggiedog. Grilledsausagesandbacon-ladenpotatoeswouldbegreatwithameatySyrahbutthistypeofmealonahotsummernightcallsoutforacoldbeer.SummerAleisperfect.Crispandlight,theflavorsareoftenenhancedwithfreshlemon.Nottoohoppyorbitter,alesaremadewithmaltedwheatandtraditionaltop-fermenting“ale”yeast.Theheadisunusuallyabundantduetothenaturalproteindepositsofwheat,withathickconsistencysimilartomeringue.SummerAlesgenerallyhave

alcoholcontentof5%andareawel-comereprievefrom14%alcoholwine. Keepingthingscoolattheendofthemeal,everyonewillloveWa-termelonSorbet.Forthosewholikeatwist,accompanythesorbetwithaBasilWineGelée(fullrecipeatwww.LaSommelierre.com).Icecoldfoodsdon’tworkwithmostalcoholicbever-ages.Instead,muddleorangeslices

withfreshbasilandtopwithicecoldsparklingwater.Theflavorsandtem-peratureswillharmonizebeautifully. 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.

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New WednesdayFarmers’ Market

Marketorganizer,KarenStiles,hopestocatchthelunchcrowdaswellasthecommutersonWednesdaysatthePleasantHill/ContraCostaCentreBARTstationShehasroundedup16farmersandadozenfoodvendorsforanampledisplayoftheregion’sseasonalofferingsaswellassomere-allyyummypreparedfoods.GettheweekendofftoagreatstartwiththisgreatWednesdaymarket!When: Wednesdays from 11am - 6pmWhere: Pleasant Hill BART station at the Contra Costa Centre Transit VillageInfo: Karen Stiles Email: [email protected]; call: (925) 639-2799

Page 15: August 2012

www.ourcommunityfocus.comAugust 2012 Page 15

Pleasant Hill Senior Activities

Martinez Senior Activities818 Green St. (925) 370-8770

249 Gregory Lane (925) 798-8788

Aug. 15 - Tahoe Joe’s Fundraiser11am-10pm.Whoknewenjoyingadelicioussteakwouldhelpusbuychairsforthenewbuilding?Startingnow,youcanpur-chase$20ticketsforadeliciousmealthatincludesanentréechoiceofa6oz.Joe’sSteak,WoodGrilledChicken,orSierraMountainRibsandMountainMash-ers,BlueLakeGreenBeans,andachoiceofsouporsalad.We’lldefinitelygetour$20worth.Onceyou’vepurchasedyourticket,visitTahoeJoe’sanytimeAugust15thanddineinortakeout.Forevery$20ticketsold,wewillgain$10forourfurniturefund.PurchaseyourticketnowattheLittleHouse.

Aug. 21 - Backyard BBQ 12pm.EnjoyaclassicbackyardBBQmunchingonahotdogwithallthefixingsandplayingbaggowithfriends.$5member/$6general.PurchaseyourticketsattheLittleHousebeforetheevent.BBQheldattheVFMbuilding,1919WendellLn.,PleasantHill.

Aug. 29 - Classroom in the Community: “Better Your Blood Pressure”10:15-11am.Freeprogram.ThefirsttenpeopletoregisterwillreceiveafreelunchfromourCCCafé,complimentsofSCANHealthPlan.Otherwiseyoumaystillreserveamealfor$2.Lunchat11:30am.Pre-registrationisrequiredforlunch.Call798-8788toregister.St.Andrew’sChurch,1601MaryDr.,PleasantHill.

Aug. 12 - Pancake Breakfast8am–11am.Pancakesortoast,sausage,eggs,orangejuiceandcoffee.Everyoneiswelcome.$3.50adults/$210yrs.andyounger.Hand-madecrafts,perfectforgifts,willbeonsaleduringthebreakfast.

Sept. 13 - Fire Safety Presentation10am.MaryBethfromContraCostaCountyFireProtectionDistrictwilldiscuss:smokedetectorsandfireextinguishers;kitchenfiresafetyandstorageofhazardousmaterials;electricalandcandlefiresafety;plan-ninganemergencyescapeplan;whattodoincaseoffire,burntreatment;homemaintenance:furnace,dryervents,etc.Opentothepublic,handouts&pamphletsavailable.Pleasecalltoregister:925370-8770.

Oct. 11 - Annual Quilting Trip. OurQuilterswillbetravellingtoSantaClarafortheirannualtriptothePacificInternationalQuiltFestivalXXIandwouldliketoextendaninvitationtoanyoneinterestedinattending,spacepermitting.

Last Wishes Lead to a Trip of a LifetimeBy Ted Fuller

RobertAloysiusDonnellymadeitclearinhiswillandincommentstohisfriendandtrustee,RobertKain,that,afterhisdeath,hewantedhiscrematedremainstak-entohisbirthplaceinLimerick,Ireland. OnNovember6,2011,attheageof95,theWalnutCreekresidentdiedpeace-fullyatChateau’sPoet’sCornerunderVitasHospice,followingtwoyearsatAtriaValleyView. “Ispoketohisniece,MiriamHelm,wholivesinSantaRosa,abouthisinstruc-tions,”saidKain,executivedirectorofDia-bloValleyFoundationfortheAging,“andaskedherifshecouldtakehisashestoaLimerickcelebrationofhislife.Afterafewdays,shecalledandsaid,‘Ican’tbringmy-selftodoit.’” Donnelly,theyoungestofsixchildren,cametotheU.S.in1945andworkedasaPG&Egasservicemanuntilretiringattheageof62.HehadnevermarriedandtherewerenootherrelativesintheU.S.tocomplywithhislastwishes. Withthoughtsofgoingonanunusual

mission,Kaintookstepstosurprisehiswife,Brenda,onherDecember25birthdaywithatripshehadlongedtotakeforyears.“IputabarofIrishSpringsoapintoalargeboxandtookitalongtoherbirthdayparty,”hesaid.“Whensheopeneditandpulledoutthesoap,Iremindedheroftheslogan,‘Tak-ingashowerwithIrishSpringislikeavisittoIreland.’” TheKainsreachedLimerickonMarch20wheretheyspenttwodayswithDonnel-ly’srelatives,includingMiriamHelm,andwhereDonnelly’sasheswereinterredalongwithhisparentsandgrandparents.RobertKainnotifiedtheJesuitOrderinIrelandandtheAugustinianOrderthattheirschools,whichDonnellyhadattended,wouldsharehis$500,000estate. WithfondmemoriesofDonnelly,theKainstouredIrelandinarentedcar,enjoy-ingthesplendidscenery,chattingwithan

80year-oldsheepherderandothernatives,gladlypayingthe$10.50pergallonforgas,andtakingabout200photographstore-mindthemofthisspecialtrip. ThehandlingofDonnelly’srequestisoneofmanystepsthenon-profitDiabloValleyFoundationfortheAginghastak-enformorethan6,000clientssinceDeanLesher,ContraCostaTimespublisher,andKatharineM.Grant,socialworker,ledinitsformationin1975.Itsservicesincludecaremanagement,personalassistants,fidu-ciaryandbillpayingservices,moneyman-agement,andtrustandexecutorservices.ThefoundationalsooperatesaDanvilleadultdaycarecenterforfrailseniorsandthosewithmildmemoryloss.DiabloValleyFoundationfortheAgingislocatedat1936TiceValleyBlvd.,WalnutCreek.ContactExecutiveDirector,BobKainat(925)945-8040formoreinformation.

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Showrooms also in Santa Clara & Milbrae

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HOME TEAM Hawks Win BigFrom PHBA.orgGuerreros’ Successes

Gators Chomp TheMartinezAAAGatorsgirlssoftballteamwontheMartinezYouthBaseball&SoftballTournamentofChampionsgameagainsttheAntiochOrioles12-8.AfterwinningthechampionshipsagainsttheWildcatstheyreceivedleaguetrophies.Theteamconsistedofgirlsageseighttotwelveandfinishedtheseasonwitha12-3record.CoachesJacobEmerlingandMannyGonzales,alongwithteammanagerCraigMillerprovidedasolidlearningexperienceforGatorplayers.

Congratulations to the 14U Blue, 14U Red, and 10U division winners! The Hawks took three out of six Diablo League Championships for 2012!The 14U Hawks Blue team won it the hard way, giving away a game in the second round that forced them to play four games on the final day of the tournament. The Hawks ended up going 4-1 at Twin Creeks, which included a nailbiting, 9-inning win against Orinda. In the end, the Hawks’ pitching depth and some timely double plays won the day with a resounding 12-4 victory over Orinda in the championship game. The Blue team finished the regular season in first place with a 17-5 record. The 14U Hawks Red team went undefeated to the championship, beating Orinda in the first round and then beating the top-seeded Piedmont team twice. As expected, the Hawks’ pitching and defense were major factors. It also helped that their bats were hot, sparked by a leadoff home run in Game 1 and a convincing 17-5 victory over Piedmont in the finals. The Red team finished the regular season in second place with a 13-8 record.The 10U Hawks took the big prize in their division at the Diablo League Championship by battling it out with a tough San Ramon team. They went 3-1 in the tournament with two of three games against the Slammers being decided by one run. The 10Us finished the regular season in first place with a 19-4 record, and most recently celebrated a win at the State Championship in Twin Creeks, Sunnyvale over the weekend of July 14 & 15.

14U Blue: From LtoR:Back row: Coach Don Wildes, Mgr Paul Damhesel, Coach Doug Seandel and Coach Gary Powell. 3rd row: Josh Nelson, Dante DeLuca, Jonathan Chu, Coleman Shess and Tristan Webb. Mid-

dle row: Spencer Louis, Adam Rodriguez, Christian Powell and Patrick Guidi. Kneeling: Elliot Davidson, Hank daRe, Kyle Lofquist and Brett Tressen. Photo by: Paul daRe

14U Red: Tyler Brackins, Ben Coburn, Bryan DeMercurio, James Doty, Spencer Ellis, Braeden Gowdy, Col-ter House, Jordan Rajan, Max Starkman, Harrison Stern, Nick Vasquez and Forrest Westwater. Also pictured are Cooper Stern & Coaches Bob Stern, Matthew Bert Gowdy and Bob DeMercurio. Photo by: Brian House

10U Hawks: Jacob Brown, Domenico Ceresa, Keoni Coloma, Dominic Dachauer, Grant Daley, Davis Diaz, Lo-gan Gowdy, Aidan Keeler, Connor Obrien, Connor Rhodes, Christopher Santiago and Joey Soberon. Coaches: Duncan Rhodes, John Daley, Burton Coloma, Adrian Diaz, and Matthew Bert Gowdy.Photo by: Jennifer Buchell

Forthethirdyearinarow,LigaLatina’sGuerrerosmadeittothesemifinalsforLigaLatinaofConcord.TheU12soccerteamwasformedjustoverfouryearsagowithahandfulofplayersunfamiliarwiththegame.Guerreroshasbeenworkinghardtoprove,notonlytotheirparentsbutalsotothemselves,thatwhentheysettheirmindstosomethingandworkhard,theycanaccomplishanything.Guerrerosplacedfourthinthefinals.SubmittedbyJuanRamos.

First Row - Pedro Garcia. 2nd Row - Emiliano Garcia , Gerardo Ramos, Enrique Juarez, Kevin Martinez, Enrique Segura, Sebastian Duran. 3rd Row - Joel Castro, Jose Gonzalez, Alexander Sandoval, Jonathan

Chacon, Salvador Ramos. 4th Row - Coach Juan Ramos, Joe Hidalgo, Juan Arias, Alexis Gallegos, Salva-dor Placencia , & Coach Sergio Juarez

Amy Weibens, Gina Momaney, Hayley Ward, Isabella Emerling, Katelyn Kyllo, Kiana Abalos, Lindsey Sny-der, Liz Gonzales, Reese Miller, Sheridan Todd, Sterling Parker and Trinity Cunha.

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www.ourcommunityfocus.comAugust 2012 Page 17

www.lesschwabmartinez.comVISIT US AT:

8/31/12

HOME TEAMSeason TicketBy Chuck Nan

Stephenson Makes Debut RobertStephenson,theCincinnatiReds’No.1drafteeinJune2011,touched97miles-per-hourwithhisfastballinhisprofessionaldebut.HedidsoonJune18fortheReds’Billingsrookieaffiliate.Stephensonpitchedfivesolidinningsandallowedjustthreehitsandonerun(unearned),withonewalkandtalliedeightstrikeouts.Thehard-throwingright-handeralsoshowedtherestofhisarsenalashethrewcurveballsandchange-ups.Atonepointinthegame,heretired12of13battersinarow.Stephen-sonthrew65pitches,50ofwhichwentforstrikes.Hedidnotfigureinthedeci-sion.Thusfar,heis0-0infivestartswithasolid2.18ERA.Hehas24strikeoutsin202/3innings. StephensonisagraduateofAlham-braHighSchool,wherehewastheteam’sace.HealsoearnedtheCaliforniaHigh

SchoolPlayeroftheYearAwardin2011.Ditto for Waterman Left-handedElliottWatermancameoninrelief,allowingjustonehitover12/3inningsinhisprofessionaldebutforAu-burn(NewYork)oftheNewYork-PennLeague(Class-A).TheDoubledays,astheteamisknownnow,isanaffiliateoftheWashingtonNationals.Thusfar,Wa-termanhasappearedinsixgamesandis1-0witha3.38ERAin102/3inningsandhasnotchedninestrikeouts. WatermanisanAlhambraHighSchoolalumandfinishedthreeyearsofstudyatUSF,wherehewasanAll-WCCAcademicTeamselectionfor2012.Twice a Bulldog TheFresnoStateUniversity(FSU)baseballprogramheldits“DoublePlayDinner”inFebruaryattheClovisVeteransMemorialDistrict.Theeveningincludedthe2011-teamawards,the

presentationofthe2011WACchampi-onshipringsandtheinductionofJimFloresintotheWallofFame. Flores’baseballsuccessbeganlongbeforeFSU.HeplayedatAlhambraHigh,whereheearnedFirstTeamAll-FALhonorsallfouryearsinadditiontobeingnamedanAll-NorCalAll-Starin1975and1976.HewasalsonamedtheEastBayOutstandingBaseballPlayerin1976.HethenplayedtwoseasonsatDVC,wherehewasnamedtotheAll-GGCandAll-NorCalJUCOFirstTeamsin1977and1978. Flores’JUCOcareerculminatedwhenheblastedadramaticgrandslamhomerunona3-2countinthe9th-inningtoleadDVCoverCerritos11-10inthe1977statechampionship.HewasinductedintotheDVCAthleticHallofFamein2008. AtFSU,Floreswasonthe1979

and1981NCBAchampionshipteams.Thetwo-timeAll-NCBAshortstopwasdraftedbytheMinnesotaTwinsin1981afterearningasweepofFSUhonors:MVP,theGoldenGloveandCoach’sAward. Floreshit.303in1979.Hesatoutthesecondseason,butreturnedin1981andstartedall65gamesfortheBulldogs,batting.325with34RBIsand71runsscored.Floresstillholdsthecollege’ssingle-seasonfieldingrecordforashort-stop,rankingfirstintotalchancesandputouts,andtiedforinassists. AftergraduatingfromFSUin1981,FloresplayedthreeseasonsintheMin-nesotaTwinsorganization,playinginlo-calessuchasWisconsinRapids,OrlandoandVisalia.

Hawks Take Cooperstown by Storm ThePleasantHillHawks12UteamtraveledtoCooperstown,NewYorktoattendaweeklongtournamentthathosted104teamsfromallovertheUnitedStatesandCanada.TheHawksscoredelevenhomeruns,playingthroughstorms,humidityand

heat,thoroughlyenjoyingaverymemorableexperience.VariouscompetitionswereheldonOpeningDayandspeedyDeanJonesparticipatedinthe“Roadrunner”contest,racingthebaseswithotherselectedparticipantsandplaced4thoverall.

Pictured LtoR: Spencer Schulhauser, Jared Fernandez, Nick Cirelli, Jason Forsyth, Coach Vic Belfiore, Jack Belfiore, Devin Hutslar, Manager Dave Forsyth, Devin Chellew, Dean Jones, Jackson Driver, Ryan Flannigan, Grant Smith, Will Jacobson, and Coach Erik Hutslar. Photo by Gillian Chellew.

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HOME TEAM

OnSaturday,August25the FalconFoundationwillhostits6thAnnual HallofFameDinnerandInductionCeremo-nyhonoringindividualathletes,teams,coaches,andspecialindividualswhohavegreatlycontributedtoCPathletics.  Thisfund-raisingeventwillbeheldatSt.AndrewsCommunityCenter,329CivicDr.inPleasantHill.TheeventalsobenefitsFalconAthleticsandsupple-mentsfundingforthoseschooldisci-plinesadverselyaffectedbytheMt.Dia-bloSchoolDistrictbudgetcuts.$50.00perperson.ReservationsneededbyAugust15.Ticketssoldatdoorfor$70perpersonifseatingisavailable.Sendchecksto:HOFFalconFoundationc/oBarbaraLannum,109WoodviewCt.Martinez,94553.

Eventbeginsat5pmwithanohostbar;dinnerbeginsat6:30pm.FormoreinformationcontactJerryPol-lard,[email protected]:(916)813-5401Athletestobehonored:Cal Percy, 1964Swimming;Jim Percy,1972BaseballSwimming;Bobby Glov-er,1994Football,Basketball,Baseball;Lindsay Allen,2004CrossCountry,TrackandFieldTeamstobehonored:2003-2004 State Champions Cross CountryCoachtobehonored:Bill Kepler,1988-PresentSpecialAchievementAward:Dawn Block

Eachspringsince2000,Mt.DiabloSchoolDistrict’sphysicaleducationdepartmenthasheldtheMillenniumMile,aspecialtrackeventfor4thand5thgraders.Allstudentsarerequiredtorunamileaspartofthestate-mandatedfitnesstestandstudentsworkhardtoimprovetheirmiletimesthroughouttheschoolyear.TheP.E.departmentwantedtocelebratethestudents’effortsandgivethemalong-

termgoaltostrivefor. Two4thand5thgradegirlsandboyswiththetopmiletimesqualifytorepresenttheirschoolatthetrackmeet.Includedintheeventisaone-lapFunRunforstudentswithdis-abilities.Formanystudents,itistheirfirsttimetorunonanicehighschooltrack. TheMillenniumMilewasfullyfundedbythedistrictuntilthreeyears

Mt. Diablo Unified Millennium Mile

Mile participants are led in stretching before the big race!

ago.Whenfacedwithbudgetcuts,P.E.teachersweredeterminedtokeeptheeventactiveandnowdonatetheirtime,seekdonationsandevenreceivedagrantfromtheFoundationforPleas-antHillEducationtocovertheroughly$2,000cost.Theyareresearchingwaystoraisethenecessaryfundsagainforthecomingyear.P.EteacherJulieMill-erstates,“I’mcommittedtomakingithappen.Someparentsandstudentsdon’tlikethemile,butasaP.E.teacher,Iloveit.Itisoneeventthateverystu-dentcanimproveinandIseestudentsworksohardtodothis.Myfavoritestoryisaboutaveryout-of-shape,overweight,femalestudentwhosemiletimewasalmost40minutes.Andthat’swhenshedidn’tfalldown.Overtheschoolyear,shestoppedfallingdown

thengraduallyimprovedhertimeuntil,bytheendoftheschoolyear,hermiletimewasdownto17minutesandsheevenaskedtodoanextralap.Weseeapproximately6,000studentseachweek.Thatisalotofstudentsworkingontheirmileandtheirhealth.ThatiswhyIamsopassionateaboutourspecialtrackmeet!” 2012’sMillenniumMilewasheldinMayatYgnacioValleyHighSchool.Trophieswereawardedtothetoptwofinishersineachgrade:4thgrade-Sydney Kupsh,(Highlands)andLuke Sanders,(WalnutAcres).5thgrade- Emily Howie,(ValleVerde)andJoseph Momich,(ValleVerde). Information provided by Julie Miller, MDUSD, Physical Education instructor.

The Martinez Bulldogs 12U baseball team took the June PHBA Annual Boys Invitational by storm taking first-place with a clean sweep including an exciting championship game vic-tory over the Pleasant Hill Hawks, 10-5. The team dominated with pitching, clutch hits and solid defense.

Pictured are the undefeated Giants! LtoR: Derek Sheets, Coach Anthony (behind), Evan Doorlay, Ryan Hood, Ryan Abele, Michael Avansino, Scott Conlin, Mikal De Wit, Christian Wanser and Kyle Nelsen.

Coaches: Jack Abele, Mike Mesetz and Anthony Mesetz

CPHS Hall of Fame

PHBA Western Champs

Bulldogs Take Top Spot

Coaches: George Railton, Adam Harrison (with Ellie) and John Abraham. Back Row: Colby Harrison, Joey Zaroual, Angelo Aguirre, Matthew Herin, Jeremy Abraham (knee), Jack Railton, Danny LaFor-

tune, Jared Puglisi, Doug Bermudez and Daymyn Blalock. Submitted by J. LaFortune.

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TheAmericanYouthSoccerOr-ganization’s(AYSO)NationalGamesareheldeverytwoyearsandinvolveover300U10–U19teamsfromaroundthecountry.ThisyearthegameswereheldinKnoxville,Tennessee,July1-8.TheweeklongcelebrationincludedanOpeningCeremonyattheUniversityofTennessee,the3-daySoccerfest,sportsmanshipmed-alsandawardsceremonies. TheroadtoTennesseestartedin2011whenthePleasantHillMartinezSoccerAssociation(PHMSA)wasinvitedtobringaU12girlsandU14boysteamtocompeteatthe2012NationalGames.Af-tertry-outs,twoteamswereformed—theU14BoysJetsandtheU12GirlsArsenal. ThegirlshadtoraisetheirlevelofplaytopreparefortheNationalcom-petitionthroughconstanttrainingandtournamentplay.Althoughtheydevel-opedintoastrongteam,Californialivingcouldn’tpreparethemfortheelementsofaTennesseesummer. Despitetheweatherconditions,theArsenalteam,alongwith3,000soccerplayersfromaroundtheU.S.,enthusiasti-callyattendedOpeningCeremonies.“Itwasanawesomesighttobeholdwithallthecoloredjerseysinthestandsandparadeofteamsonthefloor.Atthatmo-menteveryonerealizedhowbigAYSOis,andwewerehumbledtobepartofthehugeevent,”saidparentVangieJordan. Game1ofSoccerfestbroughtAr-senala2-0winwithgoalsbyBaileyandHolly.Game2endedwitha3-0winwithgoalsbyLilly,GabyandKatie.Theyhadtheirthirdshutoutwiningame3withgoalsbyGaby,RachelandJaynaandtwogoalsbyHollyalongwithsolidkeepingfromKatieandIzzy. Game4’s,4-0winbroughtArsenaltothequarter-finalswheretheyexperiencedtheirfirstlossat3-2withgoalsbyGiannaandHolly.  Katie’sfavoritepartofNationalswasSoccerfest.“IlovedplayingwithandagainstgirlsfromallovertheUnitedStates,”shesaid.Abigailremarkedthat,“Tradingpinswasreallycool.” Arsenaldonatedalotoftheirsocceritemstoanotherlocalteambeforetheyleftandwerethebeneficiary’sofapop-up

canopyfrom‘TennesseeTony’fromChat-tanooga.Arsenalparent,LauraWalkersaid,“Itreallyshowedthespiritofthegametohaveapersonfromthehoststatetobesokindtous.” Duringtheirdowntime,thegirlshadtheopportunitytovisittheSmokyMoun-tains,TennesseeRiver,theKnoxvilleZooandDollywood.Baileysaid,“Ihadfunwhenourteamwentgo-cartingtogether.” Intheend,thegirlswon5games,lost1andtiedtheirlastgame0-0whichputthemin5thplaceoutof28teamsintheiragebracket.Parent,KrisannSuttonobserved,“Theyplayedtheirheartsout–enjoyedthewinsandfelttheloss.Theywerecommitted.IhavenodoubtthatsomeoftherelationshipsestablishedasaresultofthisendeavorwilllastfarbeyondArsenal.” TheJetswereequallysuccessfulintheNationalGames.Duringpoolplay,theyhada4-0recordagainstteamsfromaroundthecountry,scoringthirteengoalsandconcedingonlyone.TheJetsmovedtothequarterfinalsandoverwhelmedateamfromEasternTennessee6-0toearntherighttofaceanopponentfromBak-ersfield,Californiainthesemifinalround. ThesemifinalmatchwasonefortheagesastheJetshelda2-1leadlateinthegame,onlytoconcedeatyinggoalastimeexpired.Ratherthanfold,theJetsbattled

throughtwoovertimeperiodsthatstilldidnotdecidethematch.Pertournamentrules,thetiehadtobebrokenwithkicksfromthepenaltymark.Literallyhundredsofspectators,tournamentparticipants,includingtheArsenalgirls,who’scheersechoedthroughoutthesportscomplex,andtournamentofficialsencircledthefieldandthesurroundinghillsidestowatchthepenaltykickshootout.After7anguishingrounds,theJetsprevailed4-3inthegamethatbecamethetalkoftheentiretournament.Parent,DeniseFullerreflectedthat,“OnehighlightoftheGamesthatcomestomindwasthesemi-finalgamethatwasdecidedwithpenaltykicksafteraverycompetitivegame. Ourgoalie,ZackHomer,didanoutstandingjobasdidtheguyswhomadethepenaltykicks.Itreallydefinedhowgutsythisteamis.” Lessthanfourhourslaterinmid-daytemperaturescloseto100degreesandhighhumidity,theJetshadtotakeonateamfromDowney,CaliforniaintheChampionshipGame.After10minutesofaction,theDowneyteamrealizedthattheyhadnotfacedateamoftheJetscaliber.TheJetsjumpedouttoanearlylead1-0andheldituntillateinthefirsthalf,whentheyconcededtwolategoals.AhighlyquestionablecallledtoapenaltykickforDowneyearlyinthesecondhalf

anda3-1advantage.Despiteseveralgal-lanteffortstocutthedeficit,theJetscouldnotstrikeagainandthegameended3-1. CongratulationstobothPHMSANationalteams!!Arsenal Reflections “YouareagoodteamandIfeellikeI’vegained10morelittlesisters”– Jessica Jordan (Jayna’s sister) “Myfavoritepartofthetripwasmeetingnewpeopleandhearingthedif-ferentaccents”- Jayna “IreallyenjoyedgettingtoknowmyteammatesbetterduringtheTNtrip”- Holly “Ilovedeverybitofbeingonthisteam,especiallylaughingallweeklong,evenwhenweranoverconesonthefree-wayinastormofheavywindandrain”- Gabby “Ourteamworkedsohardforayeartogettothegames.Theyareallgreatplayersandsupportedme”- Lilly “IlearnedalotfromCoachGina&Mike,Ialsolearnedtotrustmyteam-mates,bepatient,forgiving,andtolovethegameofsoccerevenmore”- Izzy “Ithankmyfamilyfortheirsupport,evenmy4dogs.IthankmyDadforgoingtoTennessee”- Rachel “IenjoyedtheOpeningCeremoniesandthecamelrideatthezoo.Iwillmisseveryone”- Gianna

Teams Enjoy AYSO National Games in TennesseeInformation Submitted By Vangie Jordan and Jeff McClure

The combined U14 Boys, Jets & U12 Girls, Arsenal AYSO National Teams. Boys/Standing LtoR: Eli Peters, Shane Vasser, Josh George, Owen Casebeer, Robert Viano, Blake Johnson, D’Angelo Morales, Kyle Tiangsing, Wyatt Hattich. Boys/Kneeling LtoR: Calder McClure, Patrick Bilotti, Dakota Seidenspinner, Drake Westphal, Zack Homer and Sean Fuller (in cast). Girls/Standing LtoR: Bailey Matthews, Abigail Burns, Jayna Jordan, Holly Gallagher, Lilly Walker, Gabby Darden. Girls/Kneel-

ing LtoR: Gianna Sarrasin, Sammy Sutton, Rachel George, Katie Paredero, Izzy Thompson. Photo Credit: Arsenal Mom, Krisann Sutton

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Sept. 22 & 23 • 10am-5pm on Main St.

The 9th annual Downtown Martinez

Chalk Artists • Community Chalk Area • Arts & Crafts Booths • Italian Beer & WineItalian Music & Entertainment • Bocce • Food • Sunday Farmers’ Market

Shell Oil Products USMartinez RefineryPresents

Main Street Martinez • www.mainstreetmartinez.org or call (925) 228-3577

“A Menu for Every Budget”

MARTY O’SConcessions & Catering

Mt. Wanda Full Moon Hikes

Campfire Program

“Then the full moon looked down over the edge of the canyon wall, her countenance seemingly filled with intense concern, and apparently so near as to produce a startling effect as if she had entered my bedroom, forgetting all the world, to gaze on me alone.”-~JohnMuir,Mountains of California JoinNationalParkServicerang-

ersforafreeeveningfullmoonwalkonWednesday,August1and31,atJohnMuirNationalHistoricSite’sMt.Wanda.Thetwo-hourwalkbeginsat7:30pmwithagentlesaunterupMt.Wandatowatchthefullmoonrise.VisitorsmayseethebigbeautifulmoonriseoverMt.Diablo,andmayspotthenocturnalnativegreyfox.

JointheNationalParkServiceforafreecampfireprogramonSatur-day,August4atJohnMuirNationalHistoricSiteinMartinez.Theprogramwillrunfrom7-8:30pm.Rangerswillleadthegroupinsongs,skitsandstoriestocelebratethelegacyofJohnMuir,oneofthegreatestconservation-iststheUnitedStateshaseverknown. Createdin1964,JohnMuirNHSpreservesthehome,landscapes,andgravesiteofconservationistandnationalparkadvocate.Muir,borninScotland,spenthisentirelifeexplor-ing,studying,andwritingabouthisexperiencesintheAmericanwilder-ness.Hetravelledthroughouttheworld,butmostnotablyintheSierraNevadaMountains,andheconsideredYosemitetobeoneofthemostbeauti-fulplaceshehadeverlived.Before

hepassedawayin1914,headvocatedforthepreservationoffiveAmericannationalparks,andsetthestageforaconservationmovementthatwouldchangethefaceofthiscountryandlaterearnMuirthetitle,“FatheroftheNationalParks.” MeetatthefrontgateoftheJohnMuirNationalHistoricSite,4202AlhambraAve.,inMartinez,(attheAlhambraAve.exitoffHighway4).Bringthewholefamily,picnicblan-kets,lawnchairs,andadesiretohaveagoodtime.Rangerswilldirectyoufromthegatetothefirering,whichwillbeunderasmallgroveofredwoodtrees.Ifitrainsheavily,theprogramwillbecanceled. If you have any questions, please call the John Muir National Historic Site at 925-228-8860.

Photo from Toddling Around Mt. Diablo, by Breanna Shafizadeh and Sarah Becker. Visit their

website: www.toddlingaroundmtdiablo.com.

Mt.Wanda,a325-acreopenspaceofoakwoodlandsandgrassland,ispartoftheJohnMuirNationalHis-toricSite(NHS).Createdin1964,JohnMuirNHSpreservesthehome,land-scapes,andgravesiteofconservationistandnationalparkadvocateJohnMuir.Mt.WandaisnamedafterMuir’seldestdaughter,AnnieWandaMuir.VisitorscanvisitMt.Wandaalmostanytimetheylike,asitisopensunrisetosunset,sevendaysaweek.Thisguidedwalkprovidesvisitorsauniquenighttimeactivityinnature. MeetattheCalTransParkandRidelotatthecornerofAlhambraAvenueandFranklinCanyonRoad,Martinez(attheAlhambraAve.exitoffHighway4).Bringwater,binoculars(ifyouhavethem),alightjacket,andaflashlight.Weargoodwalkingshoesbecausethetrailissteep.Ifitrainsheavily,thewalkwillbecanceled. For reservations, please call the John Muir National Historic Site at 925-228-8860.

OnAugust19TheMartinezArtsAssociationproudlypresentsthe43rdannualcelebrationofArtintheParkwithLivemusic.ArtistsfromallovertheBayAreaandOregonwillshowandselltheirart.Livemusicwillbeprovidedbyknownlocalmusicians.ABeer&WineGardenandfoodboothsavailableaswell.JoinusdowntownatSusanaParkatEstudilloandSusanaStreetsfrom10am-5pm.Thisisafreefamilyeventwithchildren’sactivities.ProceedsbenefittheArtAssociationandScholarshipfundandgrantprograms.

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American Iron Car Show PleasantHillRecreationandParkDistrictcelebratesthe11thannualAmericanIronCarShowonSunday,August12th!AdmissiontothepublicisfreeandeveryoneisinvitedtostrollCrescentDrivebetween10amand3pmtoadmirethemanyclassiccarsthatwillfilldowntownPleasantHill. For more details or to register your pre-80’s American car please call 682-0896 or visit www.pleasanthillrec.com.

Come Grow with Us! FallisquicklyapproachingandPleasantHillRecreationPreschoolisreadyforschool!Currentlytherearesomeopeningsforchildrenages2½through6years.There’sstilltimetoreg-ister.ProgramsbeginSeptember5. Officiallyestablishedin1973,ourprogramstartedwithjustonepreschoolclassandoneteacherforchildrenage3-4,offeredaspartofthePleasantHillRecreation&ParkDistrict.Overthepastfortyyears,wehaveblossomedandnowhavenineexperiencedteachersonstaff,overonehundred-fiftypreschoolstudents,age21/2through6years,andtwocampuslocations.Thissuccessisadirectresultofnotonlyourprograms,whicharedesignedtoencouragechil-drentoenjoylearning,butofthededi-catedteacherswhohelpourchildrengrow. Thesededicatedteachersarewhat

makeourprogramsunique.AllhavebeenwiththeDistrictforatleast10yearsandsomeforover25years.Onepreschoolparentsays,“TheteachersatthePleasantHillRecreationPreschoolareamazing!Itmademefeelgreatthatmysonwasleftinsuchgoodhands.Thankyou!” Ourninecreativeandexperiencedteachersarethediligentgardenerswhoencourageourstudentstogrow.Theycreatethenurturingenvironment,plantingtheseedsofknowledgeandcarefullytendtoeachchildwithkind-ness,careandrespect.Ourteachersaresomeofthebestpeopleinthecommu-nity! For more information on how your child can “Come Grow with Us” please contact Preschool Director, Eran Per-era, at 682-0896 or visit www.pleasant-hillpreschool.com.

Friday Night Family Swim August 17th - 6pm to 9pm EveryoneisinvitedforfamilyswimnightatthePleasantHillAquaticPark!Affordablefunforthewholefamily.SwimPunchCardsandSeasonSwimpassesarevalidforentry.For more in-formation call 682-0896 or visit www.pleasanthillrec.com.

Rec and Park Updates

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www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage 22 August 2012

Hire My Husband

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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.

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.

Since2007,theMartinezHomeTourhasbecomeanannualeventthatshow-casesthehistorichomesinthecommu-nityandisanexperiencethatthepubliclooksforwardtowithgreatenthusiasm.ThisyearthetourwillbeheldonOcto-ber13andwillbeginat10amattheatthehistoricShellClubhousewithitsintactCraftsmaninterior.Forthisyear’seventtheMartinezHistoricalSociety,whichoperatestheannualtour,hascompletedtheselectionofeightprivatehomesthatrepresentthearchitectureofboththelate19thandearly20thcenturies.Itwillin-cludetheMartinezMuseum,theShellOilMuseumandwillendatJohnMuir’sVictorianmansion.Avarietyofexhibits,vintagecarsandcostumes,demonstrationsandlivemusicatvariousloca-tionshavebeenaddedtotheevent. TheHomeTourprovides

visitorswithamemorableexperienceandalsoprovidesfundsfortherestorationoftheoldTrainStationinMartinez–anhistoricbuildingdatingbackto1877.FreeparkingattheShellClubHouseandtransportationtothehomeswillbepro-vided.Visitwww.martinezhometour.comforareviewofpasthometours. Werecommendthatyouallowatleasttwohoursforthetour.BuseswithatourguidewillleavetheShellClubhouseapproximatelyeverytenminutes.Ifyouprefer,youcandriveyourowncarinsteadoftakingthebus. Visitwww.martinezhometour.com

topurchaseticketsonlineorforagrowinglistofmerchantloca-tionswhereyoucanpurchaseyourtickets.Ticketsare$25inadvance;$30onthedayoftheevent;or,$20/eachifpurchasedinablockoftenormore.Thetourrunsuntil4pm.

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www.ourcommunityfocus.comAugust 2012 Page 23

Strandwood Holds ‘Penny War’ Fundraiser for LibraryBy Katherine Bracken

Rotary Thanks Donors MartinezRotaryrecognizedandthankedlocaldonorsandbusinessesfordis-playing“PenniesfromHeaven”jarsandawardedcheckstolocalnonprofitsattheJune27meeting.Todate,“PenniesfromHeaven”hasraisedover$1,800,allofwhichhasbeendistributedbacktothecommunitythroughscholarshipsandcon-tributionstononprofits.CertificatesofThanksrecipientswere:RandyLeptien,fromLLC,Inc.,LoryCostafromFidelityNationalTitleandRussGormanfromGLTSignSolutions,Inc.TherearesixteenbusinessesthatdisplaythejarsintheMartinezandPleasantHillarea,andthosewhocouldnotbeinattendancewillalsobeawardedwithCertificatesofThanks.MartinezRotaryalsodonated$250eachtoContraCostaFoodBank,representedbyLarrySly,andMealsonWheels,representedbyPaulKraintz.

ThankstothehardworkoftheStrandwoodstudentsandthematch-inggiftofagenerouslocaldonor,thePleasantHillLibraryreceiveda$4,000donationforrenovationstothechil-

dren’sandyoungadultareasoftheli-brary! Earlierthisyear,theStrandwoodStudentCouncildecidedtosupportalocalcause.Afterdiscussinganumber

The Strandwood Elementary School “Penny Wars” raised money for the Pleasant Hill Library. Student Council presented children’s librarian, Patrick Remer, with a check from money collected.LtoR: Paul Kraintz, Ron Lettringer, Marianne Clark, Lory Costa, Russ Gorman, Larry Sly and Randy Leptien.

ofoptions,theyvotedtoraisemoneyforthePleasantHillLibrary.AparentsecuredsixAlhambrawatercontain-ers,studentcouncilmadefliers,andthentheweek-long,friendlygrade-lev-elcompetitionbegan.Studentsearnedpointsfortheirgradebycollectingpennies.Addingtothefun,anynick-els,dimes,quarters,orbillsreducedthescore,sostudentscould“attack”othercollectionjarswithdollarswhilerais-ingevenmoremoneyforthelibrary.Nooneknewwhattoexpect,butbymid-week,itwasobviousthiswasgo-ingtobeahugesuccessasthe10-gal-loncontainersquicklybecametoo

heavytolift. Withthehelpofalocalcreditunion,HeidiBeckandKeriGuncheon,theteachercoordinatorsforstudentcouncil,spentseveralhourscount-ingthemoneyraised.Thekindergar-tenclasswonthebattleoftheStrand-woodPennyWar,butalltheyouthofthecommunitywillsoonhavetheop-portunitytoenjoythewinningsofthisgreatcompetition!Thelibraryplanstousethedonationsforimprovementstothechildren’sandyoungadultareas,includingfruit-shapedbeanbagchairsforayoungreaders’alcoveandmorestudytablesforstudents.

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In the MixBy Paul Cotruvo

SohereIamsittingatmycom-puterwonderingwhattowriteaboutthismonth,whenallofasuddentheFlorence&TheMachinesong“DogDaysAreOver”startstoplayonmyiPod,anditgetsmetothinking(verydanger-ous),whatarethe“dogdays”andwheredidthatexpressioncomefrom?Accord-ingtoWikipedia,“DogDays”(Latin:diēscaniculārēs)arethehottest,mostsultrydaysofsummer.IntheNorthernHemi-sphere,thedogdaysofsummeraremostcommonlyexperiencedinthemonthsofJulyandAugust,whichtypicallyobservethewarmestsummertemperatures.ThenamecomesfromtheancientbeliefthatSirius,alsocalledtheDogStar,incloseproximitytothesun,wasresponsibleforthehotweather. IguessI’llbuythatdefinition.ButthenIstartedthinking(Isaidthiscouldbedangerous)aboutdogs,andsongsaboutdogs.Therehasgottobeamillionofthemoutthere.Whowouldn’twanttowriteorhearasongaboutman’sbestfriend?Thenagain,theterm“dog”canalsomeansomuchmore.Afterall,itcanbeatermofendearment(luckydogordawgifyou’reRandyJackson),oranega-tiveconnotation,suchasanunattractiveperson(dogface),orjustareprehensibleperson(dirtydog).Somanydiverseandvariousmeanings,whoknew? IguessyoucouldgowaybacktoPattiPagesinging“(HowMuchIs)ThatDog-gieintheWindow”orDonnyOsmond’s“PuppyLove,”butIdonotwanttolosemydemographicofthe25–50agegroup(insertlaughshere).Hereisanotherfunlistofsomeofmyfavoritesongsaboutdogs.1.“OldKing”byNeilYoungfromHarvest Moon,atributetoadeceasedBluetick

hound,withNeilactuallysniffinglikeadog.2. “BirdDog”byTheEverlyBrothers,asongaboutstealingafriend’sgirlfriend.3. “RainDogs”byTomWaits.ARainDogisadogcaughtintherainwithhiswholetrailwashedawaybythewatersohecan’tgetbackhome.Astrandeddog,whowantsnothingbetterthantogethome,andMr.Waitscapturesitall.4.“MyDog”byElvinBishop.AfunsongabouthisbestfriendnamedMyDog.“He’s a good ole dog when you’re drunk and stoned. My Dog will show you the way home.”Nowthat’smykindofdog!5. “HoundDog”byBigMamaThornton.NothingagainstElvis,butthisversionbringsitonhome.6.“AtomicDog”byGeorgeClinton.Thereisnowaytonotmoveandgrooveyourtiredoldpupswiththistune.AllIcansayisbow-wow-wow-yippie-yo-yippie-yeah.7. “Dogs”byPinkFloyd.Seventeenmin-utesofpureFloydaboutcomparingthebusinesslifetothelifeofdogs.Brilliant!8.“MeandmyArrow”byHarryNilsson.Asongaboutthebestoffriends,adognamedArrowandaboynamedOblio,theonlyround-headedpersoninthePointedVillage,wherebylaweveryoneandeverythinghadtohaveapoint.9. “BlackDog”byLedZeppelin.Notsureifthissonghasanythingtodowithdogs,butjustagreattune.Andithas“Dog”inthetitle.10. “DogDaysAreOver”byFlorence&theMachine.Thisisthesongthatspawnedthislittlearticleinthefirstplace.Greatsongabouttheendofarelationshipandmovin’on! Letmeknowyourfavoritedogsongs.Commentonlineatourcommunityfocus.comandofcoursegetoutthereandsup-portallthatgreatlocalmusic!Quote of the month:“To err is human, to forgive, canine.”Unknown

PAUL’S PICKS FOR AUGUST:

Pleasant Hill City HallGregory Ln & Cleaveland Rd

Free!

LIVE Musicon the lawn

by the lake pm!6:00-8:00

Summer Concerts

And on Sep 2...a DOUBLEHEADER!3:30-8:00pm

Free!

Aug 19

CONCERT SPONSORS

Aug 5

Aug 19

Jul 22

Casey Strand

Chiropractor Aug 19Sheila’sDaycare Sep 2

Sep 2

SERIES SPONSORS

Organized by PH Civic Action Commission.

Visit www.pleasanthillconcerts.com for all concert information.

Aug 5...Fundamentals Aug 19...Cover2Cover

The Bell Brothers

Lumberyardand

And on Sep 2...a DOUBLE HEADER!

The Bell Brothers Lumberyard

Lindsey Little

Aug 19

August 5 - The Fundamentals - Sunset by the Lake, Pleasant Hill City Hall Lawn, 6pmAugust 9 - Sin Silver and The Avenue - Armandos, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pmAugust 11 - Petty Theft - Dan’s Bar, 1524 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, 10pmAugust 18 - Caroompas Room – Armandos, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8pmAugust 23 - Lumberyard- The Round-Up, 3553 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette, 9pm

AnnouncementsONLINE

RESTAURANTguide

Business Service DirectorySHOP LOCAL • SHOP LOCAL • SHOP LOCAL • SHOP LOCAL • SHOP LOCAL • SHOP LOCAL

FOR INFO CALL 925.335.NEWS OR WWW.OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM

Get on the right track andadvertise in The Community Focus!

Page 25: August 2012

www.ourcommunityfocus.comAugust 2012 Page 25

925.335.9915601 Main Street, Martinez

www.smokeyds.com

Mon-Thur 11-7PMFri & Sat 11-8PM

FUNDRAISING! TWO OPTIONS AVAILABLECALL US FOR MORE INFORMATION

Slow Cooked, Smoked Meats and MoreGREAT

Open Sundays DuringMain Street Events Only

NEW

Monday thru Wednesday from 4pm to Close, Smokey D’s is helping your

family budget by offering two 1-meat dinner plates and two sodas for $20,

plus tax! Valid Here or To GoIt’s our way of saying Thank You, for one year

of great BBQ in Downtown Martinez!

Summer Hours:

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

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

Get your RESTAURANT FEATURED in Community FocusCall 925-335-NEWS (6397) or email [email protected]

Dallimonti’s Restaurant

1932 Oak Park Boulevard, Pleasant Hill. 925-944-5224

www.dallimontis.com

• A Family Tradition Since 1982 • Open for Lunch & Dinner• Reservations & Take Out Available • Small Banquets Welcome

• Full Bar & Wine List • A Touch of North Beach in your Neighborhood

LIVE MUSIC EVERY SATURDAY FRIDAY KARAOKE NIGHT • GRAB THE MIC AND ROCK OUT

Come for the food stay for the music!

8/4 The S&M Band Scott & Mike • 8/11 The Famous Three-O8/18 Loose Blues • 8/25 The Business

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www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage 26 August 2012

SUMMER INTENSIVES:

Core Strength to take your game to the next level.

Areyoutak-ingafamilyroadtripthissummerandneedwaystopasstimeinthecar?Wantgreatkid’sentertain-mentforlongstretchesofhighwaythatwillalsokeepyourbodyandmindfromturningtomush?  Playtheoldfamiliaralphabetgamebutwithanathletictwist.Find-ingthelettersofthealphabetonpass-ingroadsignsandbumperstickerscanbelotsoffun. Tobringmovementintothegame,stretchvariousbodypartswhenyoureachvowels.Startwiththevowel“A”.“A”isfor“Arch”.Withyoureyesontheroad,gentlycontractyour

lowerabdominalstosupportyourspinethengentlyarchyourupperbackandchestuptowardstheceiling.Thiscreatesagentlestretchinyouruppertorso,reversingslumpedposturethatcausesdiscomfort.“E”standsfor“El-evate”.Elevate(shrug)yourshouldersseveraltimes,takingdowntensionintheneckandshoulders.“I”standsfor“Inhale”.Takingseverallong,fullbreathshelpsresetyourcoremusclesandbringsdownstresslevels.”O”standsfor“Open”.Openandcloseyourfingersandtoesseveraltimes.Thisac-tivatesandstretchesthesmallermus-clesofyourhandsandfeetthatgetstiffonlongdrives.“U”standsfor“Undu-late”.Gentlywiggleyourtorsoandhipsup,down,andallaround,decreasingdiscomfortinthelowerback,shoul-

Road Trip Stretching - The Alphabet GameBy Tonya Marie Amos, Aspire Pilates

1029 Arnold Dr. Suite 9 Martinez, CA 94553

NEW PATIENTSPECIALS!

Most insurances accepted.

ask about our

dersandneck.For“Y”,reachyourarmsoveryourheadintheshapeofa“Y”(orashighascomfortableforyourshoulders)andstretchlikeyourmorn-ingyawn.Onlyuseonearmatatimeifyouaredriving! Thisphysicalversionoftheal-phabetgameisgreatfamilytimethathelpskeepyourbodyandmindnimbleoverlongdistances.Andwhoknows,maybeyou’llhearthatalltoofamousphrase,“Arewethereyet?”alittleless.

Tonya Marie Amos danced pro-fessionally in New York for 15 years before opening her studio, Aspire Pilates Center in Concord. She is a fully certified Pilates instructor with over 1000 hours of training including advanced certifications in Movement Medicine, Scoliosis, Osteoporosis, Pre/Post Natal and Pilates For Golf. For more information, contact please call (925) 680-4400 or go to www.As-pirePilatesCenter.com.

©

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 Programs

Children Affected by AddictionTeen Insight Groups for those using alcohol and/or drugs

(925) 231-5556 • 380 Civic Dr. Suite 200~H, Pleasant Hill, CA

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www.ourcommunityfocus.comAugust 2012 Page 27

THE GARDEN

Augustistheper-fectmonthtopulloutthecannerandputupbackyardfruitsandvegetablesastheycyclethroughanotheramaz-ingharvest.Deeplyburiedinourpastisaprimitivelongingthatissatisfiedbythesimpleactofmak-ingjamorputtingupajarofpickles.Onlywhenonestartstocookthefruitandfillthejarsisthelongingsatiated,toppedoffentirelybyrandompopsofatrulysealedlid.Youactuallywanttohugthoselittlejarsandgivethemasweetnamewithyourspecialartsandcraftspen.Mypenispurpleandlabelsonmyjarsarealwaysfollowedbylittleheartsthatmeanabsolutelynothingtoreceiversofmybejeweledglassesoflove,unlesstheyarejammakersthemselves. Theartofjamistrulyintheimagi-nationofthemaker.Thesimplestform,nolesssatisfyingtomake,arethedirec-tionsonthepaperinsideofthepectin

box.Inmysummerritualofputtingfoodby,Iamalwaysthrilledtogointoalocalhardwarestoretogetanyequip-mentImayneedtoaugmentmyever-growingbatteryofcanningsupplies.Suppliesarealsoavailableingrocerystores,butitjustsuitsthepioneercan-nerinmetoenterastorewheretoolsaresoldtoprocuremygoods.Afterall,put-tingfoodbyoriginatedasasurvivaltac-ticwhenharshwintersandlongmonthswithoutharvestthreatenedfoodsup-plies. Experimentationisablastwithjam.IhaveaSatsumaplumtreethatgetsloadedeveryotheryear,andoneyearasIwasmakingplumjamIthoughtofaddingdeep,rich,darkchocolatetoen-hancetheplumflavor.Justalittlesquareineachjarmademecatchmybreathandpuzzledreceiversastowhatthatflavorwas.Peachandlavenderhaveforsomeinexplicablereasonalwaysgonehandinhandforme,somypeachjamgetsafewblossomsfloatingonthetop.

The Art of JamBy Lesley Stiles

Mymomalwaysmadeapricotandpine-applejamandmyoldestbrothermakeshisthatwayeveryyear.(Ourmomwasabigcannerandshepasseditontoallofus,boysincluded.Mybrothershavehugegardensanddoalotofcookingandputtingupfoodthemselvesmuchtothepleasureoftheirwives.)Lemonandorangecomplimentanythingbyaddingtheirmagicaltrickofacidtothesweet,roundingoutanyroughedges.Ihaveputareductionofrosegeraniuminwhitenectarinejamcreatingaglorious-lyfragrantaswellastastytreatforthesenses. Youcanchoosetomakejambythedirectionsonthepectinboxoryoucanmakejamwithoutpectin,cookingdownthefruitforalongerperiodoftimetoachieveyourperfectconsistency.Un-likeourforbearers,wearefortunatetobeabletopunchin“jammaking”onour

computersandrunwithitfromthere.ThereareacoupleofcanningbiblesIhaveusedfordecades:myfavoriteiscalledStocking UpbyCarolHuppingStonerandtheeditorsofOrganicGar-dening;anotherisThe New York Times Natural Foods CookbookbyJeanHewitt. Putyouradventurefaceonandmakesomejam.Youwillbeaddictedtoitfromthefirsttimeyoulookat,andpossiblyhug,yourgloriousjars.Youwilllookatbranchesdroopingwithfruitwithaneyeforadifferentkindofbeautyandknowledge.Youwillprobablyeatmorejam.Alwaysagoodthing. Lesley Stiles is a graduate of the California Culinary Academy, sustaina-ble caterer and school garden educator. Contact Lesley at [email protected], www.lesleystiles.blogspot.com and visit her new website: www.lesleystiles-foods.com.

Strawberry and Basil Jam

Combine the sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a small saucepan and cook over very low heat for 10 minutes, until the sugar is dissolved. Add the strawberries and continue to cook over very low heat for 35 minutes, until the strawberries release some of their juices and the mixture boils slowly. Cook about 30 minutes more, until a small amount of the juice gels on a very cold plate. (I keep one in the freezer.) Pour carefully into two sterile one-pint canning jars and place one big or two small basil leaves in each jar. Either process in a water bath for 10 minutes or keep refrigerated. Refrigerated jam will keep for a couple of weeks.

2 cups sugar1 large lemon, zested and juiced2 large or 4 small basil leaves

2 pints fresh strawberries, hulled and halved

Ingredients:

Directions:

15C Vivian Dr Pleasant Hill, CA(Behind Jack in The Box)

925-798-5561Hours: Mon-Sat 10 AM – 4 PM

shop for bargains, shop for foster children

Youth Homes Auxiliary Thrift Shop raises money in support of the

needs of young people in the care of Youth Homes, Inc.

SENIOR 5% DISCOUNT EVERYDAY

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www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage 28 August 2012

Ratsandmicearecommoninmanyneighbor-hoodsandarepeskynuisancesthataredifficulttocontrol.Nor-wayrats,roofratsandhousemicearenotanimalsofthewilds,butprefertoliveclosetohumansinouryardsandhomes. Theverybestwaytoreducetheratandmousepopulationistomodify

thehabitat.Removegroundcoverthatgiveshidingplacesforrodents—ivy,starjasmine,honeysuckleandjuniperarefavorites.Removefoodsources:keeppetfoodinsideatnight;removebirdfeeders;keepripefruitpickedandespeciallydon’tletfallenfruitlieontheground.Tokeepratsoutofyourhome,sealallholesthatarelargerthan½inch.Tokeepmiceout,sealallholeslargerthan¼inch. Predatorscanhelpyou.Sinceratsandmicearegenerallynocturnal,

Rodent Control without PoisonBy Susan Heckly, Lindsay Wildlife Museum

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

nighttimepredatorscanhelpcontrolrodentpopulations.Barnowlsarefamousforthis—installabarnowlboxinyouryardtoattractthem.Butthereareotherequallyefficientpredatorsthatmaypassthroughyouryard.Greathornedowls,raccoons,opossums,skunksandgophersnakesareallgoodpredatorsandareattractedtoyardswithrodents. Becausetherearesomanygoodrodentpredatorsinourneighbor-hoods,itisvitallyimportanttoavoidusingpoisonssoyoudon’tharmthepredators.Eventhoughtheadvertisingmaysayarodenticide(rodentpoison)issafe,assoonasapredatoreatsadyingrodent,thereisahighprob-abilitythatthatanimalwillalsodieorbeharmedbythepoison.EveryyearLindsayWildlifeMuseum’swildlifehospitalseesanimalsthathaveeatenrodenticide-poisonedrodentsandaredyingthemselves.Whenwereceiveananimalwithsymptomsofrodenticide

poisoning,weneedtoaggressivelytreatittocounteractthepoison.It’sespe-ciallyheartbreakingwhenwereceiveanowletorababyhawkthathasbeenfedpoisonedrodentsbyitsparents. Bycleaningupyourproperty,seal-ingholesinyourhouse,takingawayfoodsourcesandencouragingpreda-tors,youcancontrolrodentsinyourareawithoutcausingharmtowildlife. For more information about Lind-say Wildlife Museum and ways you can help wildlife, visit www.wildlife-museum.org.

Friday, August 24th5:30pm to 7:30pm

The  Foundation  gratefully  accepts  donationsof  any  size.  In  honor  of  our  25th  Anniversary,a  $25  donation  is  suggested.    

Entertainment  on  the  pool  deck  with  drinks  and  appetizers  

Live  entertainment  from  the  Maharlika  Cultural  Troupe

Appetizers  from  Magoo’s  Grill  of  Pleasant  Hill

The  vision  of  the  Pleasant  Hill  Community  Foundation  is  an  enhanced  quality  of  life  in  Pleasant  Hill  through  inspiring  and  nurturing  

its  donors  and  resources  to  respond  to  the  challenges  and  needs  of  the  community.    To  date,  the  Foundation  has  given  and  managed

grants  totaling  more  than  $1,000,000.    

The  Pleasant  Hill  Aquatic  Park!

147  Gregory  Lane,  Pleasant  Hill

RSVPs  are  appreciated!  Call  925-­‐687-­‐0700  or  email  us  at

 [email protected]      

Celebrating  25  Years  of  Giving  Back!

atthe atthePartyPartyParkPark !

Thank  you  to  our  Sponsor!

Page 29: August 2012

www.ourcommunityfocus.comAugust 2012 Page 29

Martinez Farmers’ MarketNow-Oct.25-Thursdays,10am-2pmCourtSt.,betweenMain&EscobarSt.Year Round -Sundays,10am-2pmMainSt.betweenCastro&FerrySt.

Pleasant Hill Farmers’ MarketSaturdays-November17.9amto1pm.DowntownPleas-antHillhttp://www.pcfma.com/

Fridays on the MainJune-August6-8pm.Cars,Trucks,BikesandLiveMusic!Free!DowntownMartinez.

Foster A Dream Backpack Drive-Hun-dredsofFosterChildrenneedyourhelp tostart theirschoolyearoffjustliketheirpeerswithanewbackpackandschoolsup-plies. Makingadifferenceisaseasyas1-2-3.1)Donateanewbackpackfilledwithschoolsupplies,2)Holdabackpackdrive,or3)Makeadonation.Visithttp://www.fosteradream.org/todownloadasupplylistortomakeadonation.

8/2 - FREE Family Show in Susana Park2pm-2:45pm. MikeandtheSnakeMan.SusanaPark, Estudillo andSusanaStreetsinMartinez.Forchildrenofallages.Call925-372-3510formoreinformationanddirec-tions.

8/3 - Moonlight Movie: E.T.8:30-10:30pmWatchamovieontheCityHallLawn!Bringablanket,towel,orchair.100GregoryLn.,LawnArea.Co-sponsoredbyPHR&PD,PleasantHillLibraryandtheCityofPleas-antHill.

8/3 – Plaza Concert and Wine Walk5:30-8:30pmDowntownPleasantHill.

8/4 - Contra Costa Humane Society for Dunkin’ Doggies Dog Wash Fundraiser -PetFoodExpresslocations-Antioch,Black-hawk,Clayton,Concord,Danville,Lafay-ette,Pinole,PleasantHillandWalnutCreek.Purchaseselfservicedogwashtokensand100%oftheproceedsaredonatedtoCCHS.Buy3andget1free!Forinformationontheservicevisitwww.petfoodexpress.comandfortheeventvisitwww.cchumane.orgorcall925-279-2247.

8/4 - Friends of the Martinez Library Book Sale740CourtSt.,Martinez–lowerlevelofthelibrary.For$8,bookloversmayfillagrocerybagofgentlyusedbooks,DVDsand

EVENTS

AT THE LIBRARY

Calendar

Pleasant Hill:Tuesdays - Doorstep Farmers Pick Up 5-7pm.SignupwithDoorstepFarmers,alo-calCSA,atwww.doorstepfarmers.com.Allsubscriberswillreceivea5%discountforchoosingPleasantHillLibraryastheirpick-uplocation.

Wednesdays - English Conversation Prac-tice for Adults1:30-2:30pm.ComepracticeandimproveyourEnglishconversationskillsinaninformal,smallgroupsetting. ThisESLgroupisforages18+.

Wednesdays - Mother Goose Storytime11:15-11:45pm.Ages0-3.

Thursdays - Preschool Storytime11:15-11:45am.Ages3-5.

Fridays - Mother Goose Storytime11:15-11:45pm&1:15-1:45pm.Ages0-3.

Fridays - Contra Costa Teen Chess Club3-5pm.Instruction,friendlymatches,andtournaments.Interestedinlearning,improv-ingyourgame,andmeetinglocalteens?Alllevelsarewelcome.Participantsareencour-agedtobringownchessboardandpieces.

Saturdays - Story Time 11:15-11:45am.Ba-bies,Preschoolers,Kids.

8/3 – Afternoon Book Discussion1-2:30pm.ThisbookclubmeetsonthefirstFridayofthemonth.ThismonththebookclubwilldiscussSteveMartin’sAn Object of Beauty: A Novel.

8/8 - Teen Advisory Group (ThePHUNTeam,PleasantHillUnitedNerdsTeam)3:30-5:00pm.Meetotherteensandtheyoungadultlibrariantoshareandplanwhatyouwanttoseehappenatthelibrary.EverysecondWednesdayofthemonth.RoomA.Ages11-18.

audiobooks.Twobagsfor$15.MembersofFOMLareadmittedfrom10am–11am(membershipsareavailableatthedoor)andthegeneralpubliciswelcomefrom11am–4pm.

8/4 - Summer Peddler’s Faire,8am-4pm.OneofthelargestoutdoorantiqueshowsinnorthernCalifornia.HeldonthestreetsofhistoricdowntownMartinez.Gethereearlytogetthefirstpickofthatspecialitemtoaddtoyourcollection.

8/6 – 8/10 - Hillcrest Church Presents Interfaith Kidz Camp,9am–12pm.AuniqueInterfaithcampwherechildrenagespre-Kthrough5thexploreTheGoldenRulethroughtheChristian,Hebrew,Buddhist,IslamicandNativeAmericanbeliefsystemswithinterfaithleaderssharingstoriesfromtheirvariousfaithtraditions.404GregoryLane,PleasantHill,CA,94521.$25,scholar-shipsareavailable.Call(925)689-8260orvisithillcrestucc.orgforregistrationinformation.

8/6 - 8/10 - Summer Adventures in Learn-ing: “Makin’ My Mark on God’s World - Kids Can!”EachdaywewilllearnanewBiblestorythatteacheswhatadifferencekidscanmakeintheworldbybeingwhotheyare.Designedespeciallyforkidsage4-11yearsold.$20perchildor$40perfamilyoftwoormore.LafayetteChristianChurchislocatedat584GlensideDr.Give283-8304orvisitlafayettechristianchurch.orgfora registrationform.

8/12 - American Iron Car Show 10am-3pm,DowntownPleasantHill.

8/15 - The Society of American Magicians Assembly #112meetsthe3rdWednesdayofeachmonth.Weperformgreatmagicandhaveloadsoffun!Opentoall!RoundTablePizza,7pm,2960TreatBlvd.,Concord.Joinusthismonthandlearnmagic!Information:CallFred(925)451-1292

8/17 – Garage Bands at the Lake 7pm.CheckoutsomelocalbandsatCityHall,100GregoryLn.inPleasantHill.Co-sponsoredbyPHR&PDandtheCityofPleasantHill.

8/25 - Contra Costa Humane Society-8am-12pm.Comesellyourwaresorshop‘tilyoudropatCCHS’sFleaMarket.ZioFraedo’sparkinglot,611GregoryLane,PleasantHill

9/5 – May 2013 - Community Bible Study

8/14 – Night of A Thousand Inventions6:30-8pm.Exploreauniverseofcoolinven-tions,thenmakeyourownandtakeithome.Robots,rockets,smartcars,solarinsects,aremote-controlledshark,andmuchmore!Thiscan’t-misssummereventcomesstraightfromkidswhosubmittedtheirideastotheIdeaBox.Ages5-17.

8/16 - 8/31 – Annual Book Giveaway9am-5pm.Locatedattheshippingandreceivingarea,75SantaBarbaraRoad.Usedbooksavailablewhilesupplieslast!Bringyourownboxesorbags.Formoreinformationcall(925)[email protected].

8/21 - PH Book Club6:30pm-7:45pm.Re-beccaSkloot’sThe Immortal Life of Henreitta Lacks.

8/28 – Dinos Rock!6:30pm.Don’tmissthisamazingdisplayofdinobonesandotherfos-silsasmuchas500millionyearsold!KidscanseeandtouchaT-Rexheadandan8-foottallmammothleg!Plusdino-eggs,dino-tracks,andmore!Ages5-11.

Martinez: 8/6 - Pajama Time 6:30-7:15pm.Comeinyourjammiesandwinddownwithawarmstoryandacoolcraft!Specialeventseverymonth!

8/8 – Wii Wednesday2:30-3:20pm.“Sorry,Mario,butthePrincessisinanothercastle!”CanyousavePrincessPeach?Ages5-17.

8/13 – Zoomobile & Giants Tickets2-3pm.TheOaklandZooissendingoutitsZooMo-biletoourEndofSummerparty.ComemeetandgreettheseamazinganimalsaswewinduptheSummerReadingFestival.Wewillhaveadrawingforasetof4Giantsticketsattheendoftheshow!

8/14 - Book Discussion Group On VacationduringthemonthofAugust.WewillmeetagaininSeptembertodiscussOutlanderbyDianaGabaldon.Don’tforgettoturninyourreadingrecords,wewillhaveaprizedrawinginAugust.Contact:CatherineOliver,925-646-9900.

8/28 - Origami 3:30-4:30pm.Learnmoreaboutthisbeautifulandancientcraft.FreeworkshoptaughtbyorigamiguruCharlesEs-seltine.Ages5-14.

ForallMartinezLibraryEventInformation,contactLeaStoneat925-646-9900.

–A30-weekinterdenominationalin-depthstudyof“GospelofMark&LettertotheEph-esians.”TheWomen’sDayClassmeetsWed.9:15–11:15am.KathyRoberts,TeachingDi-rector.FirstPresbyterianChurchofConcord,1965ColfaxSt.,Concord.Children’spro-gram:infants-5yrs.,ElementaryProgram:6yrs.-teens.Homeschoolerswelcome.ForInformation:callDianeat(925)[email protected]:concordca.cbsclass.orgorCBSwebsite:www.communitybiblestudy.org.

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To Parents of Incoming College Park Freshmen

Fantastic Kids in the Martinez Grange

By Karen Luckhurst

TEEN SCENE

TheMartinezGrange#835hadalottobeproudofthissummerattheCaliforniaYouthFair,whichisheldannuallyforGrange,FFA,Independ-entand4-Hkids.ThiswasthefirstyearGrangekidsfromMartinezparticipatedandtheirhardworkanddedicationsuc-ceededinbringingtheMartinezGrangebacktolife.Thekidsworkedveryhardmaintainingtheiranimalsduringtheweekwithcleanpens,freshfoodandwater,exercise,bathsandamassage!TheywerealsoinchargeofAwardsNightwheretheydidaspectacularjob.Thisterrificbunchofkidsreceivedhighmarksintheirclasseswiththeiranimalsandnon-animalentries. Lenore Delfino, age 13:1stPlacewithherdog,Dallas,SeniorDogShow-manship,1stplaceNoviceAClassandHighinTrial,BestinShowFairTheme,JamandHorticulture,3rdinAdvanceSwineShowmanship,2ndinSwineLightWeightMarketClass,and1stinHerdsmanAwardforDogandSwing,1stplacePenof3. Arturo Mora, age 15:1stPlacein1stYearBeefShowmanshipandinLightWeightMarketwithhissteer,and1stplaceinPenof3. Ericka Berg, age 15:1stPlaceinherStillsentries,Relish,EducationalBoard,1stPlaceFirstYearPoultry

Showmanshipand2ndinHerdsmanAward. Hannah Welker (not pictured), age 15: 2ndPlaceFirstYearShowman-shipand2ndPlaceinPoultryHerds-manAward. Tristan Thomas (not pictured), age 14:1stPlaceAdvancedSwineShowmanship,2ndPlaceHeavyWeightSwineMarketClassand1stplaceSwineHerdsmanAward. Roy Chapman, age 14:2ndPlaceAdvancedBeefShowmanship,ReserveChampionSteer,2ndinHeavyWeightMarketClass,and1stinPenof3&ChampionHeifer. Martin Caballero, age 16:1stPlacein1stYearBeefShowmanship,1stinPenof3,2ndPlaceinLightWeightMarketwithhissteer. Seth Kozlowski, age 9:1stPlacein1stYearSwineShowmanship,ReserveChampionSwine,andall1stplacesinHorticulture,Photography,Woodwork-ing,Handicrafts,EducationalBoards,Pickles,andHerdsmanAward.(BecauseSethfedhispigacertainbrandoffeed,thatcompanywillawardhimwithacheckfor$50forwinningReserveChampion.) MartinezGrange#835givesahugethankyoutoourlocalSafewaysfortheirsupport!

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

It’snottooearlyforincomingfreshmanfamiliestolearnaboutthemanywaystostayconnectedtotheCollegeParkHighSchoolcom-munitythroughemailedupdatesandimportantweblinks. StartwiththeFalcon Flyer,thetwice-weeklyemailnewsletter. Itisthefirstandbestwaytoreceiveup-to-the-minutenewsandinformationaboutwhat’shap-peningaroundschool,includingimpor-tantdeadlinesinavarietyofareas.SeewhatyourkidsareseeingbycheckingouttheDaily Bulletin.TheBulletinispostedinclassrooms,butyoucansneakapeekonthehomepageoftheCPHS website.JustclickontheCollegeParkBulletinboxintheupperlefthandcornerofthepage.TheCPwebsiteisnewlyredesignedandcontainsawealthofusefulinformationabouttheschool.Homelinkisasecure,schooldistrict-maintainedwebsitethatallowsparentsandstudentstoviewreal-timegradebook,assignment,andotherinformationfortheirclasses.Finally,CollegeParkhasseveraldynamic,in-volvedparentgroupsthatwelcomeyourinputandsupport,includingthePTSA,AthleticBoosters,ChoirBoostersandInstrumentalMusicBoosters.TheFalconFoundationAlumniGroupwillalsobeinvolvedinraisingmoneyforathletics. MoreinformationontheFalconFoundationwillbeavailableinthecom-

ingmonths.CollegeParkisalsoaproudmemberoftheUnitedMt.DiabloAthleticFoundationandsup-porteroftheFoundationforPleasantHillEduca-tion.Markyourcalendarsfortheupcomingschoolyear’sWalkThrudays.

•Tuesday,August21from9:00amto12:30pmfor9thand12thgraders•Wednesday,August22from9:00amto12:30pmfor10thand11thgraders•Thursday,August23rdfrom5:00pmto7:00pmforthoseunabletomakeitonthescheduleddays•ThefirstdayofschoolforstudentsisWednesday,August29,2012. For further information and to subscribe to any and all of these email updates and organizations, visit www.cphs.mdusd.org/stayconnected.

LtoR: Arturo Mora, Martin Caballero, Seth Kozlowski, Lenore Delfino, Roy Chapman & Ericka Berg

MOVING & STORAGE

Family owned and operated since 1975.

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Office & Light Industrial • SeniorsResidential• Storage & Warehousing

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925-827-12001936 Linda Drive Pleasant Hill CA 94523

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Interior ReDesign / Paint color selectionRoom make-overs

Need a new room layout? New paint colors?We can help. 925-519-1196

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• BUSINESS SERVICE DIRECTORY •BUSINESS SERVICE DIRECTORY • BUSINESS SERVICE DIRECTORY • BUSINESS SERVICE DIRECTORY •

Acupuncture WellnessAdvanced Hearing Aid CenterArchitectural Wood Products

Artesa DentalAspire Pilates CenterBCI Cabinet Design

Best Western Plus John Muir InnBig Air Heating and Air Conditioning

Bryce Schumacher, J. RockcliffCity of Pleasant Hill

Coldstone CreameryComputer Sales and Service

Country WafflesDallimonti’s

Diablo Valley OncologyDowntown Pleasant Hill

Flaskerud- Re-MaxFriends of Faith

Hagin’s AutomotiveHillcrest Veterinary Hospital

Hire My HusbandHitchcock Realty

Home Detailers Housekeeping

Jennifer L. Martin D.D.S.Kobe Japan

Les Schwab TiresLindsay Wildlife Museum

Main Street MartinezMatthew C. Rinn, State Farm Insurance

Minuteman PressMolino’s Ravioli

Moulding CompanyPacific Coast Farmers’ Market

Parkway Smiles Dentistry

Payless Painting/Quick ChangePleasant Hill Rec & Park

RB Investments LLCRemnant Flooring

Samuels ConstructionSenior Helpers

Smokey D’s BBQTahoe Joe’s

UPS – Virginia HillsVision Quest

Waters Moving and StorageYouth Homes Thrift Shop

THANK YOU ADVERTISERS!

8/31/12

Summer CleaningSpecial

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FOR INFO PLEASE CALL: 925.335.NEWS OR VISIT US AT:WWW.OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM

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