august 2012
DESCRIPTION
Pleasant Hill, Martinez Community NewsTRANSCRIPT
Delivered to Over 40,000 Homes and Businesses
• AUGUST 2012
3ANNIVERSARY
COMMUNITY FOCUS
www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage 2 August 2012
Pleasant Hill
20112011 BusinessPersonOf The Year
BusinessPersonOf The Year
artesadental
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For health, function & beauty
4041 Alhambra Ave. Suite 109 Martinez, CA 94553 Tel: 925-370-9900
www.artesadental.com
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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!
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or email Donand
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Don & Norma Flaskerud
Erik Flaskerud
Re/Max CC Connection
925-676-5859
Call Pleasant Hill’s for ALL your Real Estate needsRealtor#1
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DRE #s — Don: 00971602, Norma: 00867031, :Erik 01891688
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www.ourcommunityfocus.comAugust 2012 Page 3
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
GRAPHIC DESIGNTrish Heaney, Debra Wilson
COPY EDITORAlison Clary
View the Focus online: www.ourcommunityfocus.com
CONTACT INFORMATION:Community Calendar:
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
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.
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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.
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
Make a difference!
City of Pleasant Hill
Community Service Day
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].
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.
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.
Photo by RichardCash.com
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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
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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CITY OF PLEASANT HILL
Crescent Dr.at Downtown Plaza
Your Food,Your Community,
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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.
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
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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SUGAR FREE FLAVORS
BananaBlack Cherry
Blue Bubble GumBlue Raspberry
BlueberryCherry
ChocolateCoconut
Fruit PunchGrape
Green AppleLemon
LimeMangoOrange
Passion FruitPina Colada
Pink Cotton CandyRoot Beer
Rock and RollStrawberry
Tiger’s BloodTutti FruttiWatermelon
Blue RaspberryCherryLimeGrape
Green AppleWatermelon
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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
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
www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage 16 August 2012
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.
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.
www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage 18 August 2012
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.
www.ourcommunityfocus.comAugust 2012 Page 19
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
www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage 20 August 2012
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.
www.ourcommunityfocus.comAugust 2012 Page 21
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.
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www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage 22 August 2012
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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.
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.
www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage 24 August 2012
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!
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
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
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
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
Celebrating 25 Years of Giving Back!
atthe atthePartyPartyParkPark !
Thank you to our Sponsor!
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.
www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage 30 August 2012
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
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www.ourcommunityfocus.comAugust 2012 Page 31
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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
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www.ourcommunityfocus.comAugust 2012 Page 32