january 2012

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• JANUARY 2012

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MAKE OUR COMMUNITY FOCUS YOUR HOME PAGEFind the information you need to navigate Our Community at www.ourcommunityfocus.com

Photo by John Morgan, flickr.com/aidanmorgan

www.ourcommunityfocus.com January 2012

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www.ourcommunityfocus.comJanuary 2012

Snow on the MountainBy Randy Wanser

Let’sseehowmanyschool-agechildrenreadthenewspaper… Showofhands:WhobelievesthatwhenitsnowsonMountDiablo,thosedaysshouldbedeemed“SnowDays,”

requiringalllocalschoolstoimmedi-atelyclose,therebyallowingstudentsthepursuitofwinterfun? Whoa,settledownkids!Thatwasquiteareaction!Nicetoknowyou’re

Brothers Cameron and Christian Wanser with their Mount Diablo snowman near the mountain’s summit in Winter, 2011. Park Service officials estimate that Mount Diablo provides nearly a week of

snowy conditions each year for visitors to enjoy. Photo by: Christina Wanser

outthere.Now,pleasereadon… Anyonewhowasraisedinasnowyregionrememberssnowdays.Youwakeup,lookoutyourbedroomwindow,optimisticallyassessthesnowaccu-mulation,turnontheradio,holdyourbreath,andlistenforyourschool’snametobecalledoutamongtheclo-sures.Oh,thepurejoyandunsur-passedfreedomofasnowday!“Wait.You’rekidding,right?Idon’thavetogotoschool,ANDIgettoplayinthesnowalldaylong?Suh-weeeeeeet!” Settingthatnotionasideforamo-ment(staywithme,kids),considerhowfortunateweresidentsofContraCostaCountyare.Weliveinthesub-urbsofathrivingmetropolis,yetalsohaveourveryownmountain,withallthefunandadventureitbrings.Hiking.Biking.Camping.Climbing.And,mostinspiringofall:Snowfall! Granted,itdoesn’tsnowoftenintheseparts.Accordingtoparkserviceofficials,mostyearsprovidejustafewopportunitiestoexperiencesnowfallon3,864foothighMountDiablo.PerhapsthreeorfourdayshostanaccumulationofsnowsuitableforthatgreatAmeri-

canpastimeofbuildingasnowman.Thisscarcityofsnow–andthetrueblessingthat,withourclimate,itevensnowsatall–iswhatmakessnowfallonMountDiablosuchareveredevent. AboutthoseMountDiablosnow-men...smallinstature,biginheart.WelcomingthedaywithFoothill-pinebrancharmsoutstretched,bravingthechillofnightsmartlywithlavarockbuttonsandpineconederbies.Unliketheirlily-whiteSierrabrethren,MountDiablosnowmenwearunevenpatch-esofbrownearthastestamenttothemountainonwhichtheyproudlystand.Andthen,there’sthislatestphenom-enonofthehoodornamentsnowman.Someenterprisingfamilyafewyearsagodroveallthewaydownthemoun-tainandintotownwithasmallsnow-manpercheduponthehoodoftheirvehicle.Now,everywinter,scoresoffamilieswhovisitthesnowyMountDiablosummitstrivetomakeitdownthemountain,aroundallitstwistsandturns,andallthewayhome,withtheirveryownhoodornamentsnowmanintact.KidsofContraCostaCounty:Iknowyou’restilllistening.It’swinter.Yoursnowmanwillsoonbecalling. Whichbringsusbacktosnowdays,andthefactthatfolksneednotwaittobeexcusedfromschoolorworktoenjoyalocalwintergetaway.Af-terall,localisthe“inthing.”Manyfamilies,duetotheslowedeconomy,aregivingupexoticvacationsandareinsteadenjoyinglocal“staycations.”GreatAmericainsteadofGreatBritain.MontereyinplaceofMaui.WhynotMountDiabloforLakeTahoe? ItwasfellowContraCostanandMartinezresidentJohnMuirwhofa-mouslysaid,“Climbthemountainsandgettheirgoodtidings.” Withsuchamagnificentmountainasthecenterpieceof20,000-acreMountDiabloStatePark,withapavedroadrunningfromyourdoorsteptotheverysummit,whynotspendyournextsnowdaywithyourfamilymakingasnow-manonMountDiablo?Goodtidings,indeed!

WINTER CLEARANCE SALE

spendings on pre-tax savings, cannot combine with other coupons or Comeback Bucks,

expires 01/31/12

WHEN YOU SPEND

JANUARY 23rd - 29th15% - 50% OFF EVERYTHING!

Huge Savings on all Kids’,Maternity & Women’s ItemsAll New Melissa & Doug Toys on SaleSteals on Used Toys, Books & DVDs

Sale does not include Girl Scout Merchandise

Tuesday - Saturday 10-6 • Sunday - Monday 11-5www.aweechange.com • 925.930.8442

1551 Palos Verdes Mall (near Lunardi’s) Walnut Creek

30


JULIE SAYS

Comeagainanotherday.Soon,wewillbebackinthemidstofabrandnewrainyseason.Butratherthanfallintosomekindofgloomy“downwithrain”melodramaticfunk,let’saccentu-atethepositiveandembracethedriz-zle,theshowers,andthedownpoursthatbringbackthegreen. Ihaveassembledafewquotesforyoutopulloutandenjoyonournextrainyday: Rain is grace; rain is the sky conde-scending to the earth; without rain there would be no life. -John Updike, American author I’m singing in the rain, just singing in the rain; what a wonderful feeling, I’m happy again.-Arthur Freed, American lyricist and Hollywood film producer The best thing one can do when it’s raining is to let

it rain.-Henry Wadsworth Longfel-low, American poet Sunshine is delicious, rain is refresh-ing, wind braces us up, snow is exhila-rating. There is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.- John Ruskin, English author, poet and critic Let the rain kiss you. Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops. Let the rain sing you a lullaby.-Langston Hughes, American poet,

novelist and social activist Andfinally,forthoseofyoulackingaphilosophi-calstreak,hereissomepracticaladvice: Never run in the rain with your socks on.-Green Day, American rock band Rainorshine,haveaHappyNewYear! [email protected]

Rain, Rain, Go Away!By Julie Ross

What Are Your Hopes for 2012?

PUBLISHERSBecky Coburn, Jennifer Neys, Elena Hutslar

[email protected],000HomesandBusinessesinPleasantHill,Martinez,

Pacheco,LafayetteandWalnutCreek

[email protected]

SPORTS EDITORChuck Nan

[email protected]

GRAPHIC DESIGNTrish Heaney, Debra Wilson, Sarah Birdwell

COPY EDITORAlison Clary

View the Focus online at Website: www.ourcommunityfocus.com

CONTACT INFORMATION:Community Calendar:

[email protected]

Stage Door Theater Submissions: [email protected]

Content & General Inquiries: [email protected]

6680 Alhambra Ave. Box #132Martinez, CA 94553

Phone: (925) 335 - NEWS (6397)

Independent & Locally Owned

•LocalRealEstate............................................page9•HarryBenzieWinsTitle............................ page12•HighSchoolHappenings....................pages14-15•PHRecandParkUpdates.......................... page18

•IntheMix.........................................................page24•CommunityCalendar.....................................page26•LocalOpinion.................................................. page29•BusinessServiceDirectory............................. page31

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

HEARD ON THE STREET

“I hope for good health and great prosperity for Downtown Martinez.”-Anne Mobley, Owner, White Rabbit Boutique

“I hope to open my own restaurant in Woodland and I hope for my fam-ily to be healthy.”-Dennis Huitt, Director of Operations, Smokey D’s

“I hope for what every business own-er hopes for: a busy and prosperous year and a big growth in business....even a little growth”-Karen Del Bontá, Owner & Artiste, Le Gâteau Élégant


Is Adoption an Option? By R.L. Tinker

artesadental

Dr. Amanda Backstrom DMD Graduate of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine

For health, function & beauty

4041 Alhambra Ave. Suite 109 Martinez, CA 94553 Tel: 925-370-9900

www.artesadental.com

$72 exam, xrays and smile analysis*

Value up to $260 or insurance will pay. Offer includes initial exam, consultation and necessary xrays. New Patients Only. *Offer expires 60 days from receipt

FREE Teeth Whitening*

A $300 value (tray system) at an introductory offer with completed new patient exam, xrays and cleaning. Amanda Backstrom DMD, Inc.

$89 Dental Cleaning*

Value up to $129 or insurance will pay. Offer applies after a completed exam and xrays. Does not include periodontal cleaning. New Patients only. * for non-insured patients

Insurance accepted Easy Payment Plans Se Habla Español

WELCOME NEW PATIENTS! We provide quality dental care in a compassionate and relaxing environment. Call and make an appoint-

ment with your local family dentist today!

OnDecember20,CaraHelberg,ExecutiveDirectorofAngels’HavenOutreach,broughtfifteenchildrenfromUkraineoverfortheholidays.ThisisacontinuingefforttoconnectchildrenfromvariouscountrieswithlovingfamiliesintheUnitedStates.Kolya,an

eight-yearoldboy,andIra,asix-yearoldgirl,arebeinghostedbyfamiliesinthePleasantHillcommunity.Thesefamilieswilladvocateforthemduringtheirholi-dayvisit,whileothersarehostedintheSouthBay. Ashasbecometradition,Charlie

Shueywasamongthegroupofhostfam-iliesthatgreetedthenewarrivalsattheairport.Justtwoshortyearsago,Char-lie-thencalledViktor-wasanervousnine-yearoldamongagroupofchildrenfromUkrainewhocametospendthewinterholidayswithhostandpotentialadoptivefamilies.Carasays“Heknowshewastherejustafewyearsagopray-ingtohaveafamilybeforehereturnedtoUkraine!”HappilysettledwithhisClaytonfamilyforoverayearandahalf,Charliehasbecomeanambassadortotheseyoung,hopefulvisitors. ThechildrenwillbeintheU.S.untilmid-January.Overthedurationoftheirvisit,theyandtheirhostfamilieswillgatherwiththeentiregroupforvarious

eventstocelebratetheseasonandfacili-tateintroductionstopotentialadoptiveparents.Throughtheseculturalvisits,Carahashadgreatsuccessinplacinghundredsoforphanedchildrenwithopen-armedfamilies. Ifadoptionisanoptionyourfam-ilyorsomeoneyouknowhasconsid-ered,orifyouwouldbeinterestedinhostingachildforafuturevisit,exploretheAngels’HavenOutreachwebsiteatwww.angelshaven.organdcontactCaraHelbergatadopt@angelshaven.org,orcall:1-877-378-9781.Angels’HavenOutreachisanon-profitorganizationcommittedtofindingadoptivefamiliesfororphanedchildrenfromaroundtheworld.

Anastasia, Sidney and Sadie Helberg along with Nicole Spinos and Charlie Shuey gathered around 6-year old Ira upon her arrival.

Ira celebrated Christmas with the Helbergs.


Tax Laws Keep ChangingBy Donna Berggren

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANCY

Tax Planning & PreparationTax Problem ResolutionSmall Business AccountingBusiness Start-Ups

Full Service Tax & Accounting

P B T

IndividualsEstatesTrustsBusiness Entities

SPECIALIZING IN:

FOR:

PHONE:925.827.1400 380 CIVIC DRIVE, STE. 200

PLEASANT HILL, CA 94523

Jerald C. Putman, CPADonna Berggren, CPAJanice C. Tonti, CTEC

berggren tontiputman

WORKING TO MAKE OUR COMMUNITY SAFE AND FAIR.

Fighting for the Best Possible Results in Every CaseAt The Venardi Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping those who have experienced serious and

catastrophic personal injuries, or mistreatment by an employer in the San Francisco Bay Area and throughout the West Coast. Above all, we are a litigation �rm. Though many cases can be

successfully resolved through negotiations and settlement, attorney Mark Venardi will not hesitate to bring your case to trial to get you the best results possible.

2033 North Main Street, Suite 750, Walnut Creek CA 94596925.478.5557 • www.vefirm.com • 888.732.7047

The Venardi Law Firm, is guided by 3 basic principles: 1) treat others with respect, kindness, and dignity; 2) provide deserving clients with the highest quality legal represen-tation; 3) humanize the litigation process.

ManyfavorabletaxruleswereextendedbythemajortaxbilllastDe-cember,however,notallrulesgotthesametreatment.Someexpirethisyearandsomewillexpireafter2012.Hereareafewthingstokeepinmindwhenyougathertaxrecordsfor2011: Tax Rateswillremainatcurrentlevelsthrough2012.In2013,the“BushTaxCuts”aresettoexpireandthiswouldleadtohigherratesforevery-one. The following deductions are available for the 2011 tax year but will expire on 12/31/11:•Elementaryandsecondaryschoolteacherexpenses•Stateandlocalsalestaxes•Mortgageinsurancepremiums•Qualifiedtuitionandrelated

expenses. The 2010 Tax Relief Act author-ized a reduction in the employee’s share of the Social Security payroll tax from 6.2% to 4.2% for 2011. As you may know, Congress extended the payroll tax break for two addi-tional months. Charitable Deductions for Out-of-Pocket Expensesareallowedifin-curredindonatingservicesforachar-ity.Forexample,expensesincaringforfostercatsinyourhomeasavolunteerforaqualifiedorganizationarededuct-ible.Suchexpensescouldbeveterinarybills,petfood,andcleaningorothersupplies. Standard Mileage Rates:TheIRSraisedthestandardmileageratesforthelastsixmonthsin2011to55.5

Venardi Law FirmHelping People Make Our Communities Safe

and Workplace Fair

IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS

TheVenardiLawFirm’smissionistofightforworkplacefairness,com-munitysafety,andfaircompensationforinjuries.AttheVenardiLawFirm,weareguidedbythreebasicprin-ciples:1) treatotherswithrespect,kindness,anddignity;2)providede-servingclientswiththehighestqualitylegalrepresentation;and3)humanizethelitigationprocess.AtthehelmofthefirmisMarkVenardi,onceade-fenseattorneyforfortune500compa-nies. MarkhashadanAV-rating,thehighestachievementgivenbythepeerreviewratingsystem,sincethis10thyearinpractice,andhasbeennamedaSuperLawyerin2009,2010,and2011byNorthernCaliforniaSuperLaw-yersMagazine.“Weareinittowinit,”Marksays.“Wefightforinjuredindi-vidualsandsmallcompaniesbecausetheydeservethesamevigorous,com-petentandtenaciousrepresentation

asthebigcompanieswithbigbucks.”WhileMarkwillattempttoresolvecasesoutsidethecourtroomwheneverpossible,hewillnothesitatetotakeacasetotrial.Helitigateseverycasepersonallytohelpseriouslyinjuredcli-ents,employeesandsmallbusinessesreceivefaircompensation. TheVenardifirmislocatedinWalnutCreek,California,butlitigatescasesthroughoutthestate.Thefirm’sareasofpracticeincludepersonalin-jury,jonesact,maritimeinjuries,boat-ingaccidents,autoaccidents,segwayaccidents,wrongfuldeath,discrimina-tion,harassment,retaliation,whistle-blowerprotection,wageandhour,businesstorts,andinsurancebadfaith. Ifyouoryourlovedonesarelook-ingforanexperiencedandcaringgroupofattorneyswhounderstandpeopleandworkcollaborativelywithclientsthroughoutthelitigationproc-ess,pleasecallussowecanhelp.

centspermileforbusinessmilesdriv-enand23.5centspermileformedicalormovingexpenses–forbotha4.5centpermileincreaseovertheratesineffectforthefirstsixmonthsoftheyear.Theratesfor2012willbe55.5centspermileforbusinessmilesand23centspermileformedicalormov-ingexpenses. IRS Warns Taxpayers about Phony Emails:TheIRSremindedthepublicthatitdoesn’tcontacttaxpay-ersbyemailtoalertthemofapendingrefund,informthemtheyareeligibletoreceiveataxrefund,requestare-sponseorotheraction,oraskforde-tailedpersonalandfinancialinforma-tionsuchassocialsecuritynumbers,PINnumbersandpasswords.Donotbecomeavictimofthesescams. Formoretaxinformationyoucancheckoutwww.IRS.govorgiveusacall.Putman•Berggren•Tonti380CivicDriveSuite200,PleasantHill,CA,925-827-1400.


City CouncilJanuary 2, 16City Hall, 100 Gregory LaneCouncil Chambers, 7:30pmContact: 671-5267

Civic Action CommissionJanuary 4City Hall, 100 Gregory LaneSmall Community Room, 6:30pmContact: 671-5229

Education CommissionJanuary 25City Hall, 100 Gregory LaneLarge Community Room, 7:00pmContact: 671-5229

City Calendar of Events

For Confirmation Visit: www.ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us

PLEASANT HILL CITY BUZZMayor’s Message

John Hanecak, Mayor of Pleasant Hill Onbehalfofthestaffandcoun-cil,I’dliketowishallourPleasantHillresidentsandneighboringcit-iesaHappyNewYear. HavingcompletedcelebratingPleasantHill’s50thBirthday,welookforwardtobeginningthemarchto-wardsournextmilestone.Duringthepastyear,werecalledmanychangesthattookplace,fromnewdowntownandupgradedcommercialcenterstonewhousingandinfrastructure.Wealsocel-ebratedtheoneconstantoverthose50years-ourengaged,hardworkingandcommittedresidentsandcityemployeeswhohavebeengenerouswiththeirtimeandeffortstobetterourcommunity. Withthe51styearprovidingitsownchallengesandopportunities,itgivesusmuchtobuildonandlookforwardtoforthenext50years.Asmanyareaware,thefiscalchallengefor

PleasantHillisongoing,withrevenuesfallingforthepastnumberofyears.Itrequiresrevisitingthewayswepro-videserviceswealldesireintheareasofpolice,publicworksandcommu-nitydevelopment.Withthehelpofourresidentsandcityemployees,solutionshavebeenandwillcontinuetobefoundandimplemented.Asthenewyearbe-gins,theCaliforniastatebudgettalksandtheCaliforniaSupremeCourtdeci-siononRedevelopmentAgencieswillhaveadirectimpactonourcity. Ontheopportunityside,manyofourannualeventshavecontinuedtogrowandattractmoreresidentsthanever(ConcertsbytheLake,Commu-nityServiceDay,LightuptheNight,NationalNightOut,writing&drawingcontest,etc.).Inaddition,wesawneigh-borhoodscometogetherinuniquewayssuchasneighborhoodfloatbuild-ingforthe4thofJulyparade,thees-tablishmentormaintenanceofneigh-borhoodwatchprogramsandblockpartyget-togetherswithbarbequesor

Afteryearsofabandonmentanddeterioration,theformersiteofBlondie’sPizzaandRasputinMusicisreceivinganoverduefacelift.ThelocationonthecornerofContraCostaBoulevardandTaylorAvenueobtainedapprovalfromPleasantHill’sArchitecturalReviewCommissiontocommencearemod-elandre-landscapingofthesite.Theprojectinvolvesfaçade,signage,roof,window,landscapeandparkinglotim-provements. However,thebasicbuild-ingconfigurationwillremainthesame. AccordingtoGregFuz,PleasantHill

CityPlanner,“Theprojectwillincludeanumberoffeaturesemphasizingsustain-abilityandenergyconservation,includ-inganarrayofroof-mountedphoto-vol-taicpanels.Itisourunderstandingthattheprojectwillbecompletedthisspring.Notenanthasbeenidentifiedtousforthebuildingatthistime.” Aroofingcompanyisremovingandreplacingtherooftoprepareitforinstal-lationofphotovoltaicpanels,roof-equip-mentscreeningandinstallationofanewdecorative4parapetwall/facadeatthenortheastcornerofthebuilding.

The41stAnnualCommunityAwardsNighttakesplaceonThursday,January19atBackFortyrestaurantinPleasantHill.Theawardscommit-teeiscurrentlyseekingnominationsinthefollowingcategories:CitizenoftheYear,BusinessPersonoftheYear,TeenoftheYear,andTeacheroftheYear. Foreligibilitycriteria,orifyouwouldliketonominatesomeoneinanyofthesecategories,pleasegotowww.pleasant-hill.net/awardsanddownload

thenominationformwithinstructions.SubmityournominationtothePHRecreation&ParkDistrictOffices(147GregoryLane)byWednesday,January4thby5:00pm. Nominationsmayalsobeemailedtomnelis@ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us.In-formationonhowtopurchaseticketsforthiseventisalsoavailableonline.Formoredetails,[email protected](925)671-5229.

potlucks.Intheupcomingyear,Ilookforwardtosupportingourcityservices,enjoyableprograms,andeffortsmadebyindividualsandfamilieswhofosterasenseofneighborhoodwithinourcom-

munitybyinvitingneighborsover.AsPlatooncesaid,“This City is what it is because our citizens are what they are.”WecanbeproudofwhatPleasantHillhasbecome.

Eyesore Receives Repair By Jaki Jones

Nominations Sought

Renovations in progess on the site

Drawings of the renovated building.


Please verify schedule at www.pleasanthillchamber.com • 925-687-0700

Please verify schedule at www.martinezchamber.com • 925-228-2345

PLEASANT HILL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MARTINEZ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Sips Cellars was born from the idea that good wine and good company pair well together. In ad-dition, having a diversity of wines exposes pallets to more and greater varietals and brings about new experiences. We here at Sips Cellars intend to provide a friendly, fun atmosphere and a variety of value priced wines to our customers. We wish to share our love of wine, bring a smile to a heart and become a trustworthy partner in our community. We offer sips, flights, glasses, bottles and fun! Taste wine, listen to live music and socialize in our newly remodeled wine lounge. We are located at 2685 Pleasant Hill Rd, in the TJ Maxx Plaza in Pleasant Hill. Reach us at 925-988-9122 or visit us at sipscellars.com. Hours are: T-Th, 11am-7pm; Fri & Sat, 11am-9pm; Sun, 1-6pm. Closed Mondays.

The Compass Star at 915 Main Street in Martinez is now open from 7:30am to 2:30pm Monday through Friday serving locally roasted coffees and teas and small producer wines from Napa and Son-oma. Chefs Rachael Zavala, formerly of Wente Winery’s Catering Department and Perbacco Italian Res-taurant in San Francisco, and Brian Stein, formerly of Postino in Lafayette and Vesu in Walnut Creek, cure and smoke the pastrami, bacon, ham, corned beef and all of the salami in-house. The Compass Star is an old world delicatessen in beautiful Historic Downtown Martinez. Like The Compass Star on Facebook to learn about daily specials! www.compassstarcatering.com.

Ribbon Cutting

Ribbon Cutting

Sips Cellars

Compass Star

1/6 - Ambassador MeetingCityHall,100GregoryLane,PleasantHill8am-9am

1/10 – Ambassador LunchPastaPomodoro,11:45pm-1pm45CrescentDr.,PleasantHill

1/18 – Mixer – Tahoe Joes999ContraCostaBlvd,PleasantHill5:30pm-7:30pm

1/19 – Board MeetingCityHall,100GregoryLane,PleasantHill7:45am

1/19 – Community Awards NightBackForty,100CogginsDr.,PleasantHill6:30pm

1/30 – Government Affairs CommitteeBackForty,100CogginsDr.,4:30pm

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

1/3 – Chamber Office reopens after the Holidays – Happy New Year!!

1/12 - Chamber Mixer – Thursday,5:30-7:30pm-VeteransMemorialBuilding,930WardStreet,Martinez.GreatNetworking,Food,Fun,RafflePrizes(bringaraffleprizeandhaveyourbusinessannounced!)

1/14 – Crab Feed & Raffle –Saturday,6pm-Boys&GirlsClubofDiabloValley,1301AlhambraAve,Martinez.ContacttheBoys&GirlsClubat925-228-3896x101topur-chasetickets.

1/16 – Office Closed - Martin Luther King Day

1/19 – Ribbon Cutting – Thursday,4pm–NoDrugs,Inc.,827ArnoldDr.,#70,Mar-tinez.Pleasejoinusinwelcomingournewmember!

2/7 – Save the Date – Tuesday,7:30am-9:30am–MartinezStateoftheCityBreakfast

–CreeksideChurchAuditorium,444FigTreeLane,Martinez.GuestSpeaker,PaulGabbard,GeneralManager,ShellMartinezRefinery.Enjoyafullgourmetbreakfastbuf-fet,$25.RSVPby1/24toMartinezChamber(925)[email protected]

From our Chamber Office to you – Have a Wonderful New Year!!

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MOVING & STORAGE

Family owned and operated since 1975.

Move A Little Move A Lot

Excellence • Experience • Efficiency

925-372-0914

Office & Light Industrial • SeniorsResidential• Storage & Warehousing

Real Estate UpdateBy Nathan Hitchcock

HOUSING NEWS

Please Join Us For The AAA Travel Fair!

Come to the AAA Travel Fair and meet our preferred travel suppliers.

Receive AAA Member Benefi ts and Special Discounts!

When: Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Where: AAA Concord2055 Meridian Park Blvd., Concord

Time: 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

RSVP (925) 808-6203 or

by 1/13: [email protected]

CST#1003968-80 Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.

• Informative presentations

• Last-minute specials

• Incentives for early booking

• Non-Members welcome to attend

• Light refreshments and door prizes

Thediscussionaboutwhatliesaheadfortherealestatemarketalwaysreachesafeverpitchduringtheholi-dayseason.Whatarehomepricesgo-ingtodo?Isthemarketstabilizing?Isnowthetimetobuy?Isnowthetimetojumpship?Willthereboundcomein2012?

Thereare,withoutadoubt,asmanyopinionsastherearegrainsofsandonabeach.Andsince2006,myrealestatecrystalballhasspokenmorelikeapoliticianthanafortuneteller--heavyonthespeculationandlightonthepredictions.Onethingforcertainisthatthetableisnicelysetforahous-ingrebound. Mortgageratesareatabout4.0%--solowit’salmostobscene.Couplethatwithhomevaluesthatarenottoofarfromwheretheywereattheturnofthecentury,andyouareleftwithahomeaffordabilityindexthatishigherthanithasbeeninmostofourlifetimes,espe-ciallyhereinCalifornia. Andlet’snotforgetaboutallofthosebuyerswhohavebeensittingonthefencesince2006.Ifmyownlistofclientswhoareeagerlywatchingfromthesidelinesisanyindication,therearelikelycountlessbuyersoutthere

patientlywaitingtostrike. Inmyopinion,oneofthemostunderratedfactorscontributingtoapotentialhousingmarketreboundisthatconstructionofnewhousinghasallbutceased.FromJanuary1959toSeptember2008—nearly50years—thelowestannualizedrateofhous-ingstartsrecordedforanymonthwas798,000andtheaverageratewasmorethan1.5millionunits.SinceJanuary2009,thehighestraterecordedforanymonthhasbeen687,000andtheaver-ageratehasbeenjust575,000.That’snearlytwo-thirdsofftheaveragerateforthepast50-plusyears! Buttobehonest,thetablehasbeensetforahousingreboundforquitesometimenow,sowhyhasn’titarrived?Becausewe’restilllackingtwocriticalcomponents:moneyandtheconfidencetospendit.Forthis,wecanthankourstrugglingeconomy.

Baseduponmyreviewofthemar-ketnumbers,aswellasmygutfeelingofrecentbuyersentiment,herearemyrealestatepredictionsfor2012: •Buyeractivitywillbestrongthroughoutthefirstquarter.Bothpendingandclosedsaleswillbeup,possiblybyalargemargin. •Inventorywillalsobeup,tem-peringthepossibilityofanysignificantincreaseinhomevalues.But,ulti-mately,homevalueswillriseslightly,atleastthroughthefirstquarter. •Foreclosureactivitywilldropoffdramatically.ThefirstevidenceofthistrendwillshowupinQ4numbersfor2011. •Counteringthisdropinforeclo-sureswillbeadramaticriseinshortsalesandtheshortsaleapprovalpro-cesswillbesignificantlyhastened.Greatlyincreasedscrutinyovertheforeclosureprocessissendingbanksscurryinginthisdirection.Therearestilllotsofpeopleouttherewhoowemorethantheirhouseisworthorarestrugglingtokeeptheirmortgagepaid,sothatcancerstillneedstobeexcisedfromtherealestatemarket. •Iftheeconomycontinuesthegrowthhintedatin2011’sQ4num-bers,thepositiveactivityinthereales-tatemarketwillcontinuethroughtheendof2012andprobablywon’tstopfortheforeseeablefuture.If,instead,theeconomycontinuestofalter,orifEurope’seconomicchallengescontinuetoholdusback,thingswillleveloff. Willmypredictionsholdtrue?Staytunedtothiscolumnandwe’llfindouttogether.HappyNewYearev-eryone! NathanHitchcockisthemanagingbrokerofHitchcockRealty,aresidentialrealestatebrokerageandpropertymanagementfirmindown-townPleasantHill.Hecanbereachedatnathan@hitchcockrealty.comor(925)825-1100.Datacontainedhere-inwasobtainedfromtheCCARMul-tipleListingService.Informationisdeemedreliablebutisnotguaranteed.


Zoning Administrator MeetingJanuary 4, 183:00pm-5:00pmContact: 925-372-3500

Planning Commission MeetingJanuary 10, 247:00pm-11:00pmContact: 925-372-3500

Design Review MeetingJanuary 11, 254:00pm-6:00pmContact: 925-372-3500

City offices closed January 2.City offices closed January 16

City Calendar of Events

MARTINEZ CITY BUZZ

Withfund-ingfromstateandfederalagencies,thecityofMartinezacquiredtwopar-celsjustnorthoftheUnionPacificRailroadtracksattheIntermodeltrainstationdowntowninNovember2007.Theseparcelstotaled6.3acresandhadvariousbuildingsandsurroundingparking.Thefundingforthisacquisitionwaspartofthelong-term,multi-phaseplanfortheIntermodelfacil-itytoprovideadditionalAmtrakparkingandapedestrianbridgeconnectingthenewparkinglottothestation. In2009,thecitycouncilapprovedtheremovaloftheQuonset-stylebuild-ings,butdecidedtokeepthetwotilt-upconcretewarehousebuildings(common-lyknownastheZocchiproperty),think-ingthattheymayhavesomeinterimuse.Aswefoundout,therewasmuchinterestfrommanygroupstoutilizethebuild-ingsasindoorsportsfacilities.Inthemeantime,thelargerofthetwobuildings

hasbeenusedforthelastthreeBayAreaCraftBeerFestivals,FosteraDream’sHolidayWonderlandandChristmasforEveryone. Thecity’suseoftheZocchipropertyincludesconstructionofparkingfacilitiesfortheIntermodelFacilityandapedestri-anbridge.Thefundingfortheseprojectstotals$3.6millionandwillbeavailabletothecitythisfiscalyear,withconstructionstartinginlatesummer. Inthesummerof2010,thecitycouncildirectedstafftocreateandcir-culateaRequestforProposals(RFP)fortheuseofthebuildingslocatedat330and360CourtStreet(Zocchiproperty).TheRFPwasmailedto13interestedpar-tiesandthreeproposalswerereceived:twoweresports-orientedvendorsandonewasalocalbrewer/entrepreneur.Thecouncilchosethesports-orientedvendorsandrecentlyapproved15-yearleaseswithbothorganizations,eachtakingaseparatebuilding. UniversalSportsAcademywilloc-cupy330CourtStreetandwillofferbat-tingcages,indoorsoccer/sportsfields,

Mayor’s Message Rob Schroder, Mayor of Martinez

For Confirmation Visit: www.cityofmartinez.org

andastudyroomtoprovidecasualandorganizeduse.NorCalCourtswilloc-cupy360CourtStreetandprovidefiveindoorbasketball/volleyballcourtsandatrainingroomandfitnessareaforrental.Itwillalsohosttournaments,campsandleagues. NorCalCourtsstartedconstructioninlateNovember2011andisslatedtobeopenforbusinessinFebruary.Universal

SportsAcademyjuststartedconstructioninearlyJanuaryandwillbeopeninthespring. ThesenewadditionstodowntownwillnotonlyprovideallweatherathleticopportunitiestoMartinezyouth,butwillattractpeoplefromalloverNorthernCaliforniatoourdowntown.ThisisyetanotherfacetofourplansforeconomicdevelopmentofdowntownMartinez.

Martinez EventsV.I.P.S. Recruiting NowAnnual Crab Feed and Auction

TheMartinezBoys&GirlsCluboftheDiabloValleyisholdingtheir33rdannualCrabFeedonJanuary14th.TheBoys&GirlsClubisayouthdevelop-mentprogramthatprovideslife-enhancingopportunitiestoyoungpeople.Theclubreachesover1,000youthbetweentheagesof6and18yearsoldthroughitsvariousprograms.Ticketsare$50eachandcanbepurchasedattheClubat1301AlhambraAvenue.Forticketsandtablereservations,contactTuongTruongat925-228-3896.Additionalinformationandamembershipapplica-tioncanbefoundonthewebsite:www.bgcdv.org.

Martinez Holiday Tree Recycling Information Removeallornaments,tinsel,lightsandstandsfromtrees.Flocked,fire-proofed,orartificialtreesarenotaccepted.Curbside Collection–UnflockedholidaytreeswillbepickedupcurbsidetheweekofJanuary2-6.Yard Waste Cart –Placeunflockedtreesinyouryardwastecart.Branchesmustbe6inchesorlessindiameterand3feetorlessinlength.Cutofftreetops.Lidmustbeclosed.Drop-off Option–Ifyoumisscurbsidecollectionyoucanbringyourun-flockedtreeto444N.BuchananCircleinPacheco,M-F,between8am-4pm.Flockedtreescanbecollectedcurbsideforafeeof$40pertree.Pickupsmustbescheduledinadvance.Call(925)685-4711.

TheMartinezPoliceDepartmentisnowacceptingapplicationsforVolunteersinPoliceService. Potentialcandidatesforvolunteersmustmeetthefollowingmini-mumcriteria:Minimumageof18years,nofelonyconvictionsandbeabletopassabackground. Inaddition,volunteersmustcompleteaCityofMartinezapplication.Applicationscanbefoundonthecitywebsite,oratthecitypersonneloffice.Applicationscanbe

mailedordeliveredto: MartinezPoliceDe-partment,525HenriettaStreet,Martinez,94553,Attn:ReneeJacobs. OnlythosewhosuccessfullycompletetheV.I.P.S.processwillbeeligibleforselec-tion.V.I.P.S.willbeselectedonanasneededbasis. Ifyouhaveadditionalquestionspleasecontact LieutenantAaronRothat(925)[email protected].

Proposed layout model of the 48,000 sq. ft. Universal Sports Academy facility.


CORKS AND FORKS

Pair UpWith La Sommelierre Maria Terry

Fennel Salad

Chocolate Walnut Meringues

Original Ranch Roasted Potatoes

INGREDIENTS1½tbsp.freshlemonjuice1tsp.sugar½tsp.oliveoilSaltandpepper2cupsthinlyslicedfennel,about1bulb½cupthinlyslicedsweetonion4cupstrimmedarugula

1oz.shavedagedjackorparmesancheeseDIRECTIONSWhisktogetherdressing.Tossfennelandonionwithdressing.Placearu-gulaonplateandamoundoffennelonionontop.Finishwithcheeseshavings. Yield: 4 Servings

INGREDIENTS2largeeggwhites,atroomtempera-ture1/2teaspooncreamoftartar2/3cupsuperfinegranulatedsugar1teaspoonvanillaextract1cupsemisweetchocolatechipsorfinelychoppedsemisweetchocolate1cupfinelychoppedwalnutsDIRECTIONSPreheattheovento350degreesFandline2bakingsheetswithparch-mentpaper.Setaside.Inthebowlofanelectricmixer,beateggwhitesuntilfoamy.Addthecreamoftartarandbeatuntilfluffybutnotatalldry.(Becarefulnottooverbeat.)Addthesugargradually,about3tablespoonsatatime.When

1/2ofthesugarhasbeenadded,addthevanillaextract.Continuebeat-ingandaddingremainingsugarinbatches,untilallofthesugarisdissolvedandthemeringueisveryshinyandtight.Gentlyfoldinthechocolatechipsandchoppednuts. Workingoneteaspoonatatime,pushateaspoonfulofmeringuefromthetipof1teaspoonwiththebackofanotherteaspoonontothelinedbakingsheets,leaving1-inchofspacebetweencookies.Placebakingsheetsinthepreheatedovenandturntheovenoff.Leavethecookies(undisturbed)intheovenforatleast2hoursanduptoovernight,oruntilcookiesarecrispanddry. Yield: 48 Cookies

INGREDIENTS1poundsmallYukonGoldpotatoes,quartered2tbsp.oliveoil¼-½packet(1ounce)HiddenValley®OriginalRanch®SaladDressing&SeasoningMixDIRECTIONSPlacepotatoesinagallon-sizezip-

lockbagandaddoil;sealbag.Tosstocoat.Addsaladdressingmixandtossagainuntilcoated.Bakeinparchmentlinedbakingpanat450°Ffor30to35minutesoruntilpotatoesarebrownandcrisp. Yield: 4 Servings

Winter FreshAftertheindulgenceoftheholi-

days,itisnicetohaveamealthatisbothappetizingandgoodforyou.Takeadvantageoftheabundanceoftempt-ingproduceavailableinNorthernCali-forniatocreateamealthatwillshakeoffthosemid-winterblues.

Startwithasaladoffennel,aru-gulaandagedjackcheese.Thislightlydressedsaladisuniqueandpairsnicelywithsparklingwaterjazzedupwithfreshcutcucumberslices.Whilecitrus,berries,andmintareallalsodelicious,Ifindthegreenflavorofcucumberparticularlyrefreshing.Waterisessen-tialtogoodhealthandchangesdra-maticallywiththeseadditions.Wheth-eryouprefersparkingorstill,lightlyflavoredwateristheperfectpartnerforyoursalad.

Forthemaincourse,openupawinterwhitewinelikeCheninBlanc.Itisawelcomereprievefromtheredwinesoftenservedincoolerwintermonths.CheninBlanc’sherbalnoteswillpickupontheranchspicesfoundintheOriginalRanchRoastedPotatoeslistedhere.Addsomegrilledboneless

breastsofchickenthathavebeenmari-natinginyourfavoritecitrusjuices,ol-iveoil,rosemaryandsalt.Cookitoveranindoorgrillpanandyoucanstayinsidewhereitisniceandwarm.Com-pletethemealbycoatingsomeaspara-

guswitholiveoilandsaltandthrowingitintotheovenwiththepotatoes.Letthemroasttogetherforthelast7-10minutes.

ChocolateWalnutMeringuesareaheavenlywaytoendthismeal.Plantomakethemwellinadvancebecause,whiletheystartinapre-heatedoven,theyneedtocookwiththeovenoffforatleasttwohourstoobtaintheircrispcrunch.Sincethesecookiesaretoosweetforwine,pairthemwithsomeslightlynuttychaiteatocomplementthechocolateandechothetoastyflavorofthewalnuts.So,goon.PairUp!

MariaTerryisaCertifiedSom-melierandWineEducatorintheSanFranciscoBayArea.FormoregreatwinesandinformationpleasevisitMaria’swebsiteatwww.LaSommeli-erre.com.


InearlySeptember,theSealswontheSeniorPlayersAssociation(SPA)NationalTournamentinSparks,Ne-vada.TheyweretheretodefendtheirMen’sNationalChampionshiptitleintheSPA’s70-plusagegroup.Laterinthemonth,theSealswontheLVSSAWorldMastersTournamentheldinLasVegas. Inmid-October,theSealswerevictoriousinthreeeventsbackinPhoenix:theSSUSAWesternNation-als,TripleGrandSlamandtheWorldChampionship. Benziehadamomentousseasononceagain.For66gamesintheyear,Harryhadabattingaverageof.577andanon-basepercentageof.637.Healsochipped-inwith57runsbatted-in.Forthechampionshipeventsatseason’send,Benziewasnamedtotheall-tournamentteam.Infivegames,hebatted.583andhadanon-baseper-centageof.667.

Harry Benzie Wins Another Senior Softball TitleBy Chuck Nan

SENIOR ENVY

Pleasant Hill Senior Activities

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

249 Gregory Lane (925) 798-8788

HarryBenzie,a15-yearresidentofMartinez,recentlywonthe2011SeniorSoftballWorldSeriesinPhoenixwithhisteam,theSanFranciscoSeals.TheSealsisateamforover70yearoldsandhasbeenquitesuccessfuloverthepastseveralyears. TheSealswereformedin2003by

DonFarber,whogrewupinSanFran-ciscoandnowlivesinNapa.FarberplayedintheNewYorkYankeesfarmsystemintheearly1950sandhadastintwiththeOaklandOaksofthePa-cificCoastLeague.Twootherplayersontheteamalsoplayedprofessionalbaseball.

Yoga with Linda –Tu&Th,8-9am&Sat.8-9am.LindaBurkardhasstudiedexten-sivelyinvariousstylesofyoga,specializinginYogaTherapy.Classescovervari-ationsforallskilllevels.Wearloosefittingclothesandbringayogamat.$3dropin/$25–10classpunchcard.Sat.$4dropin–cardnotaccepted.

Zumba Gold – Thursdays–11:45-12:30pm.Jointhefun!ZumbaGoldfusesLatinandInternationalrhythmswitheasy-to-followdancemovesfor50minutesofnon-stopfun.ZumbaGoldwasdesignedfortheactiveolderadultorZumbabeginner.Cost:$20persession(4classes).Calltheofficeforsessiondates.370-8770.Instructor:JoNash.

Jan. 28 - 7th Annual Crab Feed -Doorsopenat5:45pm/Dinnerservedat6:30pm.Wewillbeservingourfamousgourmetsalad,pasta,garlicbread,deliciousmarinatedcrabanddessertandcomplimentaryIcedTea,waterandcoffee.Ticketssoldforwine,beerandsoftdrinks.Cost:$45pp.PurchaseticketspriortoJan.13(wemayselloutprior).Therewillbeafabuloussilentauctionanddraw-ingsduringtheevening.

Meditation for Health and Well-Being Class –10:30–11:30am.Calltheofficeforsessiondatesandclassfee:370-8770.Meditationhaslongbeenknowntopromoteinnerpeaceandwellbeing,leadingtoimprovedhealthandadeeperspiritualconnection.Learnhowtorelax,quietthemind,andtuneintoahigherstateofconsciousness.Theinstructor,MaryBruns,haspracticedandtaughtmeditationforover25years.

Dancercise –Tuesdays,1-2:30pm.Afunwaytogetexerciseandpracticeyourdancemovesatthesametime.Avarietyofdancesaretaughttokeepyourfeetmovingandtoestapping.Dropinonly.ClassisofferedincooperationwiththeChineseAmericanSeniorCenter.$4/Member,$2/Dropinonly.ChateauIII:175CleavelandRd.,PleasantHill.

High Beginners & Intermediate Line Dance – SaturdayDropIn. Countrywestern,polkas,waltzes,andLatinlinedances.Partnersarenotrequired,menandwomenwelcome.Note:Pleaserefrainfromwearingheavyperfumesandscents.Instruc-torexperiencesperfumeallergies.HighBeginners:9:15–10:15am.Intermediate:10:15am–noon.NoclassJan.21st,$5perclass.St.AndrewsChurch:1601MaryDr.,PleasantHill.

Jan. 13 - The Morning Joe – 10am. MissourregularFridayChef’sLunch?Cometothis“openhouse”tovisitandcatchupwithfriends!Wewillhavecoffeeandlightsnacks;feelfreetobringsomethingtoshare!VFW:1919WendellLane,PleasantHill.Free!

Jan. 20 - Friday Flik - 12:30pm.“HowDoYouKnow”featuringReeseWitherspoon,OwenWilson&JackNicholson.FREE!WinslowCenter:2590PleasantHillRd.,PleasantHill.

Jan. 29 – Bunco – 2-5pm. Potluckat2pm;Buncobeginsat3pm.Funandfriendlyatmospherewherenopriorknowledgeofthegameisnecessary!BuyyourticketattheSeniorCenteroffice(relocatedtotheLittleHouse.)Tickets:$4plusbringpotluckitemtofeedfourpeople.VFWBldg.:1919WendellLane,PleasantHill.

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WhenyouwerelastintheMarti-nezMuseum,youmayhavenoticedaZenithTrans-OceanRadioondisplayintheCountyRoom.Unfortunately,itlookedrathershabbyanditwasn’tworking.Now,however,theradiohasbeencleanedupandrepairedandlooksverysharp.Anditworksjustaswellasitdidwhennew–backin1951. ThehistoryoftheZenithTrans-Oceanlineofradiosisquiteinterest-ing.Developmentoftheradiobeganinthelate1930’s,whenCommander

McDonald,theheadofZenithCorpo-ration,couldnotfindaradiothatper-formedwellwhenhewassailingonhisyacht.Afterworkingcloselywithhisengineers,heintroducedthefirstZe-nithTrans-OceanicRadiotothepub-licinOctoberof1941.Itwasthemostpowerful(andmostexpensive)portableradioonthemarket.Thoughtheradiowas“portable,”itwashugebytoday’sstandards,aboutthesizeofaportablesewingmachinecase.Itslargesizewasduetothespacerequiredbyitsmanytubes,largebattery,circuitryneededtocover6bandsoftheradiospectrum,high-qualitycomponentsfromwhichitwasmade,andtheruggedcarryingcaseenclosingtheradioandprotectingitfromdamageduringtravel. OnlytwomonthsaftertheTrans-Oceanicradiohitthemarket,theJapa-nesebombedPearlHarbor,catapultingtheUnitedStatesintoWorldWarII.InAprilof1942,Zenithstoppedproduc-ingradiosforthepublicandswitchedovertomanufacturingmilitarymodelsandmaterialforthewareffort.CivilianandmilitarymodelsofTrans-Oceanicradioswentofftowarwithourtroops.

The Royalty of RadiosBy John D. Curtis, President of the Martinez Historical Society

MARTINEZ HISTORICAL SOCIETY

During the Korean War, the Trans-Oceanic again went overseas with our troops. The photograph shows G.I.s in Korea listening to the results of the 1952 election on a military Trans-Oceanic radio.

Whilestationedoverseas,ourboysusedtheradiostolistentoshortwavebroad-castsfromtheBritishBroadcastingSer-vice(BBC),RadioFreeEuropeortheArmedForcesRadioService.GroupsofsoldierswouldclusteraroundTrans-Oceanicstohearnewsfrombackhome,popularmusic(mainlyBigBandmusic),soundtracksfromHollywoodmoviesand,ofcourse,propagandafromTokyoRose(inthePacificThe-atre)andAxisSally(inEurope). Afterthewar,Zenithswitchedbacktoproducingcivilianradiosagain.By1946,ZenithmadeavailabletothepublicanupdatedTrans-Oceanicmod-el,theG500.ProductionoftheG500continueduntilMayof1951,whentheH500wasintroduced.ThisisthemodelyouseeintheMartinezMuse-um.TheTrans-OceaniccontinuedtobeproducedinthebasicH500configura-

tionuntil1962,whenZenithstoppedproducingtuberadiosandswitchedentirelytotransistors. TheTrans-Oceanicradioswereveryexpensive.Ourmuseum’smodelwaspricedat$129.95whennew.Thiswouldbetheequivalentof$950to-day(in2004dollars).Despitethehighprice,thereweremanyupscalecon-sumerswhowerewillingtopayfortheprivilegeofowningtheworld’sfin-estportableradio.Theycoulduseitathome,atthebeach,orattheirmoun-taincabin–andcouldbeassuredthattheywouldhavethebestpossiblere-ceptionofbothlocalAMstationsandshortwavebroadcastsfromaroundtheworld. ThephotooftheZenithradioiscourtesyofTheRadioEraArchivesandthephotoofthemilitaryiscour-tesyofRichardPost.

Star Quest 20 Years ThethemefortheshowonApril21stand22nd,2012willbe“AStarQuestHomecoming”whichwillhighlightmanyofthespecialperformancesofthelast20yearsandwillincludeseveralpastStarQuestvets. AllStarQuestalumniareinvitedtoattendthisspecialanniversaryshow. SinceStarQuestbegan 20yearsago,itsintenthasbeentoprovideaposi-tiveprogramwhereyoungpeopleofPleasantHill,ingradesKthrough12,couldshowcasetheirartisticandtheatricaltalents. Applicationsarenowavailableat localschools,thePleasantHillRecreation&ParkDistrictOffice,andatPleas-antHillCityHall. Ifyouareasinger,dancer,musician,comedian,magician,etc.pickupanapplicationandsubmititbyFebruary3,2012totheRecreation&ParkDistrictOfficeat147GregoryLane,PleasantHill. AuditionswillbeheldinearlyFebruary2012forthoseapplying. CallPleasantHillRecat682-0896ortheshow’sproducer,JimNunes,at689-2249forfurtherinformation.


Alhambra Blood Drive

AHS Lawn Chair ClubCollege Park’s Winterfest HIGH SCHOOL HAPPENINGS

Pictured are members of the Alhambra Lawn Chair Club. The club is a great way for students to meet new people and escape the pressures of the school day. They hold monthly lunchtime gatherings/potlucks and are planning some com-munity service projects and a special movie night for the students in the club. Any club on campus is open to any members of the student body.

OnDecember14,theCollegeParkcommunitycametogetherforWinter-fest,anannualeventthatcelebratesallofthevisualandperformingartsatthehighschool.AconcertinHurtadogymfeaturedtheMixedChoirandConcertChoirunderthedirectionofBruceRockwellandtheWindEnsembleandSymphonyOrchestraunderthedirectionofJorgeJimenez.IntheMulti-Useroom,thevisualartsstudentsdisplayedoriginalartworkfromceramics,glass,photogra-phyandartclasses. ThiswasthefirstWinterfestforIn-strumentalMusicDirectorJorgeJimenez,whowaspleasedwiththeoutcomeandremarkedthat,“Ithoughtitwasverysmoothandwellattended.Bytheendofthenightwemusthavehad anywherefrom300to500people.Maybemore.I’mespeciallypleasedwiththeoutcomeofthefullsymphonyorchestraperformance.Beingthatwedon’thaveaclassdedicated

tofullsymphonywithwindsandpercus-sion,I’mverypleasedthatthestudentswerewillingtoputtogetherthefullorchestraandattendadditionaleveningrehearsalsforthelastthreeweeks.Itpaidoff.Overall,IthoughtthenightwentwellandIlookforwardtomanymore!” MarciaEaton,MusicBoostersPresident,expressedadmiration:“Oneofthethingsthatalwaysimpressesmeaboutthesestudents—theyareexcellentmusi-ciansandexcellentstudentsBUTtheydon’tdojustmusic!Theyareinvolvedinsports,BoyScouts,churchgroups,takingextraclassesatDVC,playinginmusicgroupsoutsideofhighschool.Weareextremelyproudofourstudentmusiciansat CollegePark.”

On Friday, November 18, students at Alhambra High spent the day checking in and organizing the drive with the Red Cross. Pictured are: Kyrah Thomas and Angelica Cornielius.

(L to R) John Highleyman, Niels Wetzel, Tyler Sylvia, Mazi Stitzwoh, Troy Alexander and Sam Randall

College Park Instrumental Music Director Jorge Jimenez. Photo by: Thad Eaton

Photography student Sarah Beth Maney, a sopho-more, was one of the many visual artists who displayed their work in the Multi-Use room at

College Park for Winterfest.

Winterfest Wind Ensemble performers are pictured L to R: Trevor Eaton, Kevin Coons, Devon Martin and Jake Mikesell. All sophomores at CP.

(L to R) David Retta, Jordan Wygal, Alex Manuli and Gina Wood


Aspiring Artists

A San Francisco Symphony Open Rehearsal By Paul Ramstad

HIGH SCHOOL HAPPENINGS

College Park Leadership Hosts Book Drive The Leadership class is currently collecting books for the Children’s Hospital in Oakland. “We chose to have a book drive to benefit the Children’s Hospital because we thought it would be a unique way to help the community dur-ing these winter months. We are requesting donations of new or gently used children’s books, preferably not fabric books though,” said Lauren Hantos, ASB President. The drive will run through February 1st and you can drop your dona-tions off in the designated boxes in Student Services North.

AsweemergefromthestuffyBARTCivicCenterstationintothebriskmorn-ingair,wealllookupattheskyscrapersinwonder.ThoughCollegeParkHighSchoolmaynotbeinSanFrancisco,itisstillourcityandtheinstrumentalmusicstudentsareheretowatchtheSanFran-ciscoSymphonyopenrehearsal. Afteraten-minutewalk,theCol-legeParkOrchestraandBandarrivesatDaviesSymphonyHall.Attheentranceweheadstraightuptothesecondfloor.Wearewatchingasymphonyrehearsal,sowewillhearallthesongsfromanupcomingconcertinalessformalset-ting.Theusherdirectsustoabalconythatcanaccommodateeveryoneandisclosesttothestage.Wegentlypushontheswingingdoorsandonceagainhaveourbreathsstoleninwonder.Thehallisasweeping,majesticbuildingwithsmooth,roundedwallsandadarkwoodstage.Thestudentsallfighttogetseatsclosesttothefront. Especiallyattherehearsal,thesymphonyfeelslikealocalcommunityorchestragoneinternational.Theplayerscomeonstageintheirowntime,wearingusualstreetclothes,chattingwithothersectionmembers.Wheneveryone’sonstagetheconductormeandersout,alsoinstreetclothes.Hegetsaloudap-plauseeventhoughthesymphonyhallisonlyhalffull.Then,astheglasssound

screensareloweredfromtheceiling,theconductorwaveshisarmsandthesymphonybegins. Rightaboutnowthesimilaritieswithacommunityorchestradisappear.Thesoundisstrongandtogether,theinstrumentsblendlikewaterandsalt.Theorchestrabeginswithapiececalled“Pohjola’sDaughter”bySibelius,whichfeaturesagreatsectionwherethemusi-ciansplaysosoftlyandslowlythat,evenwhenlookinghard,youcanbarelyseewhoismovingtheirbow.Itsoundslikeoneinstrumentplayingafewlongnotes,butofcourseitissimplybecauseoftheperfectpitches.Acellosolofollows,whichisalsoslowandmelodic. Attheendofthepiece,aviolinistcomesoutandstandsnexttothecon-ductor.Iwonderwhatisgoingonuntiltheconductorsubtlycuesher.Thenshe

beginsplaying“ViolinConcerto,”whichwascomposedbytheconductor.Forthefirstfewminutessheplaysalone,slidingupanddownthestringswithunbelievablespeed.Herviolincastsitsmelodytoeverycornerofthehall,fromherfortissimostoherpianissimo.Thentheorchestrajoinsthesoloist,andtheyproceedtofinishthepiece.Theviolinist,withhermanylongrunsupanddownherstrings,earnsastandingovation.Takingherplaceforthenextpieceisasopranosinger.Whenitisherturn,shebeginsbeltingoutalongrunoffluidnotes.IbelievethelanguagewasGer-man,anditflowssmootherthanEnglish.Evenwiththeorchestrablaringbehindheratpartsthesopranostaysstrong,hervoiceneverwavering.Then,withafinalcrashofthecymbals,itisover. WeatelunchinfrontofCityHall

anddiscussedtherehearsal.It’salwayssurprisinghowmanyofuskidsenjoyclassicalmusic.Noneofuslistenstoclassicalallthetime,butwecan’tdenythatthemusictheyplayedwasgenius.Thetripwasshortandsweet,anescapefromschooltothecity.ButperhapsmyfavoritepartofthemorningwashearingwhyDecemberthe8wasanimportantday.ItwastheSymphonyOrchestra’s100thbirthday,theirfirstconcertbeingonDecemberthe8th,1911.It’samazingthatfiveyearsaftertheSanFranciscoearthquake,anorchestrawasformedthatwouldlastforonehundredyearsandgaininternationalrecognition.Butthenagain,it’sSanFrancisco,andanythinglesswouldhavebeenadisappointment. PaulRamstadisaFreshmanatCollegeParkHighSchool.Heplaysthecello.

Pictured is the College Park Symphony Orchestra. On December 8th, the College Park Orchestra class had the opportunity to attend an open rehearsal of the San Francisco Symphony at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco. The Symphony Orchestra is not a “regular” class at CP. The students also devoted a con-

siderable amount of extra time to prepare for Winterfest performance at College Park on December 14. Photo Credit: Thad Eaton

AlhambraHighartteacher,Kris-tenHolmberg,gaveherstudentsaKwanzaaassignmentinDecember.TheartistfortheMayaAngeloupieceshownhereisClaireMcKillip,12thgrade.

Alhambra Crab Feed Tickets On Sale Now Don’t miss out on the 6th Annual Crab Feed taking place February 3 and 4, 2012! Tickets are on sale now. Proceeds benefit Martinez schools and Aftermath Student Center. Event details: Creekside Church, 444 Fig Tree Lane in Martinez. Friday, Feb-ruary 3rd at 6pm and Saturday, February 4th at 5pm. Tickets are $45 for all you can eat! Make your check payable to: Creekside Church Community Partner-ship. You can reserve a table of 8 or 10 people. For more information, call 925-228-8156 or go to www.creakside.org. Childcare will be available for infants through 5th grade. Cost is $5 if you pre-register or $10 at the door. Price includes dinner.


Whatabusygirl!Wewillkeepyoupostedonherongoingsuccess.Steve Hammond: A Pitcher’s Around the World Odyssey Sincewelastgaveyouanupdateonlocal,professionalbaseballpitcherSteveHammond,theyoungmanhasliterallytraveledtheworld.Aftercom-pletingthe2009atTriple-AFresnoofthePacificCoastLeague,theGiantstopaffiliate,Hammondwasreleased.Fromthatpoint,atwo-yeartravelodysseywouldcommence. The2010seasonsawHammondsignedbytheCamdenRiversharksoftheAtlanticLeague,anindependentleague.Therehewas7-5withaverysolid2.71earnedrunaveragein15games.Healsohadanearlytwo-to-oneratioforstrikeoutstowalks.However,hewasreleasedandforcedtolookelsewhere. For2011,theLaNewBearsoftheChinaProfessionalBaseballLeague(Taiwan)contactedHammond.HewasmorethanhappytomakethetripacrossthePacificandcontinuehiscareer.Therehewasreportedlypaid$10Kpermonthor$30Kfortheshort-enedseasoninChina. Aftercompletingtheseasonabroad,HammondcamehometotheUnitedStatestoaninvitationfromtheLancasterBarnstormersofAtlan-ticLeague,arivalofhisoldteam,theRiversharks. Hammond,29andagraduateofAlhambra,hasa53-5lifetimerecord

inthedomesticminorleaguesoftheUnitedStates.In2009atFresnohewasaworkhorsewherehehadan11-12recordwitha5.73ERA.HammondcametotheGiantsorganizationfromMilwaukee,theteamwhichoriginallysignedhimintheRayDurhamtradealongwithsometimesGiantsoutfielderDarrenFord.

HOME TEAM

Season TicketBy Chuck Nan

Travis Raciti at SJSU RedshirtfreshmanTravisRacitihasbeenthecoginthemiddleofSanJoseState’sdefensivelinethisseason.Racitilines-upatnosetackleeachplaytobumpheadswiththeopposingteam’scenter.Theimpactofthe6-5,293-poundgraduateofCollegeParkwasespeciallyevidentrecentlyinthenationaltelevisedwinoverHawaii,28-27.RacitiputconsistentpressureonthetalentedWarriorspassoffense.TheSpartan’swinoverHawaiiwastheirfirstathomesince1997.Racitiaver-ages3tacklespergameandhashad4foralossthusfar. Racitiisa2010alumnusofCollegeParkwherehewasastandoutfootballandbasketballplayer.HewasselectedAll-DVALinfootballasheanchoredthedefensivelineandwasanunstop-pabletight-endonoffense.Hewasalsoa2009CalHiSports.comsecond-teamAll-Statepick,asecond-teamAll-Met-roselectionandtheCo-MostValuablePlayeroftheDVAL.Healsoletteredinbasketballandmaintaineda3.00GPAaverage.Brandon Rutley is Reliable Raciti’steammate,BrandonRutley,continuestohaveastrongseniorcam-paignfortheSpartansaswell.RutleyisamongtheNCAAleadersincom-binedyards-per-game.AlookattheofficialNCAAStatisticshowsRutleywith146.1yards-per-game(6.46perplay).Thecombinedstatistictakesintoaccountpositivenetyardsgainedvia

rushing,receivingandkickreturns.Sydney Babiak Rolls in NCS Golf MartinezresidentandBentleySchoolstudentSydneyBabiakhashadquitearunrecentlyonthelinks.Thehighschoolfreshmanplaysgolfforherschool,butbecauseitissosmall,theydonotfieldagirlsteaminthefall,asmostoftheotherschoolsintheNorthCoastSection.Babiakwillplayco-edgolfinthespring,whentheboystra-ditionallytee-it-up.However,thatdidnotpreventherfromtryingtoqualifyfortheindividualmedal. OnOctober17,BabiakhadtoplayaDivisionII(DII)qualifyingroundatSanFrancisco’sLincolnParkandfinishinthetopthreejusttobeinthefieldfortheDIIcompetition.Babiakshotaroundof82,goodforthirdandtheslotintoDIIfinal. OnOctober24,attheJackClarkCourseatChuckCoricaGolfComplexinAlameda,Babiakfacedstiffcompeti-tionfromgirlsasfarawayasEurekaandArcata.Sheshota77tofinishinatieforthird.InasuddendeathroundtodetermineNCSorderofthetop4finishers,Babiakwononhersecondholeforoutrightthird-place.ShethenmovedontoLasPositasGolfCourseinLivermore.Thiscomingjustonedayafterhertwo-dayparticipa-tionintheJGANCChampionshipsatSilveradoGolfandCountryClubinNapa.Thereshechecked-inwitha77,justfallingshortofmedaling. Steve Hammond

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1/31/12


HOME TEAM

TheCTK6thGradeAmericanCYOGirlsBasketballteamrantheta-blesrecentlyandwonallthreeoftheirgames(18-8,26-9,31-14)totakehometheMVPTurkeyShootOutTourna-mentChampionshiptrophies.Thegirls

alsotook2ndplaceintheearlierMVPPreseasonTournamentandarecur-rentlyundefeatedinleagueplaywith4and0record.Theyare9-1overall.Theteamisonarollandthegirlsarehav-inganothergreatseason.

The College Park High School Falcons Boys JV Soccer Team started its season on a very strong note over Thanksgiving weekend as Champions of the James Logan JV Classic Tourna-ment. The Falcons competed in the very competitive Gold division of the tournament, but secured solid wins over Berkeley (2-0), San Ramon Valley (4-1), and Monte Vista (1-0), before meeting a very strong De La Salle team in the finals. Although the Falcons fell behind three times, the boys fought back with determination, and came out on top, with a 4-3 win. Notable individual achievements included Alan Morales, who scored six goals in the tournament (with a hat trick versus SRV), and Ben Reiter, who scored a hat trick versus DLS. Overall, the success was earned with solid defense by Andrew Tabone, Cameron Peterson, Kerry Quinlan, Scott Hroza in goal and great overall team play. Coach Sandy Jones’ team is looking to carry the results into a successful season.

CYO Girls BasketballBy Mike Kim Boys JV Champions

St. Catherine’s Champs

Top row L-R: Coach Ray Ramirez, Kalane Bessard, Kianie Ramirez, Kelly Ruff, Lauren Etnyre, Abigail Radutiu and Coach Mike Kim. Bottom row: Jasmine Safarians, Evelyn Kim, Leah Walton, and Maggie Scaff.

PLEASANT HILL BASEBALL ASSOCIATION

VISIT WWW.PHBA.ORG FOR DETAILS

NEW BOYS’ LEAGUE OPENINGFOR AGES 16-18

Pleasant Hill Baseball Association is pleased to announce our new baseball league for boys ages 16 - 18. This will be an all wood bat league and will play other interlocking cities with teams in the same age group. Not playing high school ball?

Come play with us. Late registration scheduled for

January 7, 2012 from 9:00 am - 11:00 am

Ages are as of April 30, 2012 Our other ages groups for both boys and girls are still accept-

ing players as well. We have teams for boys and girls ages 4 - 18. First time players can "buddy-up" with a friend! St. Catherine’s 5th grade basketball team won the 2011 MVP Holiday Classic Tournament.

Teams players are Wyatt Hammer, Brody Eglite (not pictured), JT Griffin, Dillon Elliott, Diego Paredes, Calvin Reed, and Thomas Major. Coaches are Brian Griffin and Mike Hammer. Photo submitted by Marianne Griffin


Pleasant Hill Teen and Senior Centers Taking Shape WallsaregoingupatthePleasantHillSeniorandTeenCenters!Woodframedwallsarebeingputinplaceus-ingasmallcraneandmasonryisbeingappliedtooutsidewalls.BondCoor-dinatorCarrieMillerreportedthesemilestonesinherweeklybondreportavailableontheDistrict’swebsiteatwww.pleasanthillrec.com. TheDahlinGroup,architectsofthenewPleasantHillCommunityCenter,presentedinteriordesignplansforthenewbuildingataspecialmeet-ingoftheDistrictBoardofDirectorsonDecember14.Inaverycompre-hensivepresentation,theinteriordesignerreviewedtile,paint,andcarpetsamplesforeveryroominthenewfacility.TheBoardapprovedtherecommendationsandpresentationdisplayboardsareavailableforpublic

review. FormoreinformationonPleasantHillRecreation&ParkDistrict’sBondProjects,visitwww.pleasanthillrec.com/Bond.htmlorattendameeting

TheresidentsofthePleasantHillRecreation&ParkDistrictmadelocalhistorywhentheyvotedoverwhelm-inglyinfavorofabondmeasuretobuildanewSeniorCenter,TeenCenterandCommu-nityCenter,andmakeanumberofparkimprove-ments.However,furnishingthenewbuildingsisbeyondthescopeofthebond.ThustheDistricthaslauncheda$1.8millioncapitalcampaigntopurchasethefurnishingsandequipmentnecessarytoenhancetheDistrict’smultitudeofprogramsandeventsformanyyearstocome. TheSeniorCenterandTeenCenterareunderconstructionandscheduledtoopennextyear.Furnish-ingsforeachofthesefacilitiesmustbeorderedearlyintheyear,aboutsixmonthsbeforeopeningday.Thecostis$907,065,andtheDistricthas$655,924lefttoraiseinordertoreachthatgoal.

Toallowasmanypeopletoparticipateinthecampaignaspossible,

giftsof$500orhighermaybepledgedover5years.

Namesofdonorsgiving$500andupwillbeinscribedonaper-manentdonorwallin

oneormoreofthenewfacilities.Donoroptions

includenamingopportuni-ties,purchaseopportunitiesand

inscribedbricksfortheSeniorCenterwalkway. ThePleasantHillCommunityFoundationisservingasfiscalsponsorofthecampaign,assuringtaxdeduct-ibilityfordonations.Allgifts,checksandpledgepaymentsshouldbemadepayabletothePleasantHillCommu-nityFoundation,withadesignationtothePleasantHillRecreation&ParkDistrict(PHRPD)CapitalCampaign.Formoreinformation,goto:www.pleasanthillrec.com/capitalcampaignorcall925.682-0896.

Pleasant Hill Rec and Park Updates

Asconstructionproceeds,thestafffromthePleasantHillRecreation&ParkDistrictisworkinghardtodevelopprogramsthatfittheneedsofthecom-munity.ThesecondoftwosurveyshasbeendevelopedandstaffisnowaskingforhighschoolstudentsandtheirparentstogiveinputonwhatprogramsandactivitiesolderteenswouldliketoseeattheCenter.Toaccessthesix-questionsurvey,pleasevisit:http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TeenCenterHS.ThesurveywillbeavailableonlinethroughJanuary20.

Rec & Park Launches Capital Campaign

Teen Center Survey

oftheBoardofDirectors,scheduledinJanuaryforthesecondandfourthWednesdaysat6pmat147GregoryLane.2012 A Year of Change at Pleasant Hill Rec Withthenewyear,thePleas-antHillRecreation&ParkDistrictBoardofDirectorselectednewofficersincludingDennisDonaghuasBoardChair,BobbyGloverasViceChair,andSherrySterrettasBoardSecretary.SandraBonato,outgoingBoardChair,willserveasamemberoftheboardalongwithCecileShepard. TheDistrictisalsounveilinganewlogoandanewwebsiteinJanuary.Ac-cordingtoRecreationSupervisorTinaYoung,the61-year-oldRecreation&ParkDistrictwillhaveanewidentitytoprojectamodern,fun,clean,engagingnewimage.Think & Be Fit! Iffitnessisyourgoal,PleasantHillRechasprogramsforallages,interests,andabilitiesbeginninginJanuary.Pick

upthelatestSpotlightwithFitnessInstructorAlisonKlippelonthecoveratthePleasantHillRecreation&ParkDistrictOfficeonGregoryLane,thePleasantHillLibrary,andotherbusi-nessesaroundtown.SignupnowforJazzercise,Pilates,orYoga,Fencing,KickBoxing,andMixedMartialArts.ClassesinWeightTrainingandTotalFitnessareagreatwaytoenergizeandrevitalize!Year-roundclassesinWaterAerobicsandSwimforFitnesswillgiveyouanaerobicworkoutwithoutstressonjoints.50years+canchoosefromLivingTaiChi,Weight&Strength,andZumbaGoldclassesorattendallthree.Forinformation,visitwww.pleasanthillrec.com,orcalltheofficeat682-0896.Save $100 on Trip from Pleas-ant Hill Recreation & Park District TravelerswhosignupbyJanuary21willsave$100onanexcitingtriptoPhiladelphiaandWashingtonD.C.TheAmericanSpiritFamilyDiscoveryTripisabrandnewofferingfromPHR&PD.It’sagreatopportunityforfamiliestospendarelaxingweektogetherexplor-ingthebirthplacesofournationwithalloftheplanningandtravelarrange-mentsdonebysomeoneelse! ThetripisscheduledforJuly21through28,andincludesAmishCountry,Williamsburg,GettysburgaswellasPhiladelphiaandWashing-tonD.C.AninformationalmeetingisscheduledforFebruary18attheVFWbuilding,1919WendellLane,PleasantHill.Butactnowandsave!Formoreinformationortoreserveyourspotattheinformationalmeeting,callTripCoordinatorJessieWusthoffat798-8747x19.

The Teen Center is coming together!


Fencing for the solar project is in place at Sequoia Elementary School. The panels will be constructed at the back of the field near the back line fence.

OnacrispNovembermorning,Ihadthepleasureofleadingthird-gradersfromValhallaElementarySchoolonatourofPleasantHillCityHall. Thestudentshadanopportunitytodemonstratewhattheyhadlearnedinclassaboutlocalgovernmentastheyparticipatedinamockcitycouncilmeetingheldinthecouncilcham-bers. Thestudentselectedtheirownmayor,councilmembers,andcitystaff. AfterMayorCaseyStrand calledthemeetingtoorderandleadthePledgeofAllegiance,CityClerkSofiaBerryhillcalledtheroll.CouncilmembersLaurenSwaney,KennedyBrandow,NoahMitchell,andC.J.Wigren,alongwithMayorStrand,wereallpresent.They heardargumentsfromfellowthird-gradersforandagainstthreeissuesimportanttoValhallastu-dentsthathadbeendiscussedinclass. Mrs.Criner’sclassdiscussed:

Should Valhalla have more ball walls on the playground?JordanDeAlbaarguedinfavor,whileEmaanNasiriarguedagainst.Thepropositionfailedona5-0vote. Mrs.Robert’sclassdiscussed:Should Valhalla serve larger and healthi-er lunches in the cafeteria?ArguinginfavorwereJessicaRikerandMirandaBowdish. SydneyCarleandEmma

Johanssonarguedagainst.Theproposi-tionwononaunanimousvote. Onahotlycontestedissue,Mrs.Snitselaar’sclassdiscussed:Should Val-halla sell chocolate milk in the cafeteria?SpeakinginfavorwereKylieZiemkeandIsabelCannon.SpeakingagainstwereAlexisDeAlbaandAvaJahangiri.Aftermuchdebate,theproposition

wononaclose3-2vote.Thestudentaudienceclappedenthusiasticallywhenthevotewasannounced! Allinall,thestudentshadagreattimeanddemonstratedoutstandingknowledgeoflocalgovernment.Theyevenhadachancetosee“thesecretroom”inCityHall,butdon’taskthemaboutit. It’sasecretforthird-gradersonly!

Valhalla Third-Graders Visit Pleasant Hill City Hall By Micheal Harris, OD, Councilmember, City of Pleasant Hill

MDUSD Solar Update ThesolarprogramintheMt.DiabloschooldistricthasbeenproceedingremarkablywellandProjectManagerPetePedersenisdelightedwiththeprogressthusfar.“WhileIhavemanagedconstructionprojectsforthedistrictfornearly30years,Ihaveneverexperi-encedsuchahighlevelofcollaboration,communicationandflat-outexcitementaboutaprojectaswiththishistoricventure.”PedersengoesontocommentontheprogresssincethereturnoftheschoolyearlastAugust.“Bytheendofthefirstweekofschoolwehadallsteelarraystructurespermanentlyinstalledat33schoolsites;weoriginallyscheduledtohaveonly17.Photovoltaicpanelin-stallationwillbecompleteat theremain-derofthe27sitesby theendofJanuary.” Lastmonthsixschoolsites,includ-ingCollegePark,weregivenpermis-siontooperatebyPG&Eandbeganproducingpower,with17moresitesinline. StrandwoodElementaryhasallpanelsinstalledandtheelectricalwork/wiremanagementiscurrentlyinprocess.ConstructionatPleasantHillEduca-tionCenter/MiddleSchoolhasbegun

andisexpectedtobecompletebyApril.Althoughconstructiontakesplacedur-ingtheschoolday,thereislittleornodisruptiontotheclassroominstructionoractivities. FencinghasbeenerectedatGregoryGardensElementaryandconstructionwillbeginonJanuary5.FencingandconstructionwillbeginatFairOaksElementaryonJanuary9-10andValleyViewMiddleonJanuary12-13.SequoiaElementaryPrincipalDavidFranklinandhisstaffareespeciallyexcitedaboutthesolarproject’sMarchcompletion

date.Franklinsaid,“Airconditionersandnewheatingwillbeinstalledinallclassroomsthissummer.EachclassroomwillhaveindividualcontrolsforheatandA/C.Thesolarpanelswillprovide80-90%oftheenergycostsfortheHVAC.” InordertominimizeadverseimpacttoValhallaElementaryandthesurroundingcommunity,thedistrictworkedwith SunPowertorevisethescheduletohavealldrillingcompletedduringwinterrecess.PrincipalMarjiCalbecknotedthat“Theyhavecreatedaspecialcoverfortheholesthatwillallow

thekidstokeepplayingontheplay-groundafterthedrillingandwewon’thavetohaveanyfencingtoblockoffanypartofthearea.”Workwillresumeduringeitherspringrecessorsummerbreak. TheplansforPleasantHillEl-ementary,HiddenValleyElementaryandSequoiaMiddlearetohaveseveralclassroomswithsolarroof-topsystemsincorporatedinthedesignandthedistrictislookingtodeferalldisruptiveconstructionuntilthesummerof2012.“Notonlywillthisinstallationstrategyresultinasavingstooverallconstructioncost,butitconservesplaygroundspacethatwouldotherwisebeneededtoinstallground-mountedsolararrays,”saidPed-ersen. InDecember2010,MDUSDgaveanawardtoSunPowerforthedesign,installationandmaintenanceofsolarpowersystemsat51schools,totaling11.2megawattsofsolarcapacity.Itisexpectedtosavethedistrict$192mil-lionoverthe30-yearlifeofthesystems.SunPowerwillmaintainallsystemsandsystemcomponentsfortwentyyears.


Comedy Writing Workshop and Contest

FPHE Kicks Off Annual Campaign

Wells Fargo Presents $200,000 in Grants

You’veheardthere’snosuchthingasafreelunch,butnowthereISacompletelyfreewritingwork-shop!TheCaliforniaWritersClub,Mt.DiabloBranch,andtheWalnutCreekLibrarywillholdacomedy-writingworkshopfrom9amuntilnoononJanuary21,for6th,7thor8thgradestudents. Ifthat’snotenoughtoinspireyourpre-teenorteen,theyshouldsharpentheirpencils,plugintheirlaptops,orfindaquietspottocollecttheircreativeideasbecauseourannualCaliforniaWritersClubMt.DiabloBranch’sYoungWritersContestneedsoriginalpoems,personalnarratives,andshortstorieswrittenbyContraCostaCountystudents,post-markedbyApril1,2012. ForContestguidelinesandwritingtips,goto:http://cwcmtdiablowriters.wordpress.com/young-writers-contest/ Intriguedbyourworkshop? Reserveaspacenow,asit’spopularandthere’sonlyonethisyearinsteadoftwo.

Make‘emLaugh! WriteFunny:Learncomedytechniquesfromtwo

publishedauthors.Whatmakesreaderslaugh? HowcanYOUcreatehumorinyourwriting? Develop quirky,funny charactersthrough

games, writingtips,tech-niquesandexercisessoyou’ll

produce a humorousplot,actionand dialoguein aterrificpage-turningstory. Twoprofessionalchildren’sauthorswholovewritingsharetheirbestsecretsonwriting!You’llgetachancetoaskquestionsaboutthepublishingworld,write,playsomegames,meetotherwrit-ers,and“talkbooks.” Ledbychildren’sauthorsSarahWilsonandElizabethKoehler-Pentacoff. Visitthematwww.sa-rahwilsonbooks.com andwww.lizbooks.com BringpenandpaperandgetreadytoWRITE! RegisterfortheWalnutCreekJan.21workshophere:http://tinyurl.com/7humdhm

AtaneventheldattheContraCostaCountyOfficeofEducation,BobCeglio,presidentofWellsFargo’sMountDiablomarket,presented$200,000ingrantstoschooldistrictsandschoolfoundationrepresentatives.Followingaretheschooldistrictsandfoundations,andtheamountsawarded:•AntiochSchoolsEducationFounda-tion:$20,000(tobenefitAntiochUni-fiedSchoolDistrict)•BrentwoodUnionSchoolDistrictFoundation:$10,000(tobenefitBrent-woodUnionSchoolDistrict)•EducationFoundationofOrinda:$5,000(tobenefitOrindaUnionSchoolDistrict)•JohnSwettEducationFoundation:$5,000(tobenefitJohnSwettUnifiedSchoolDistrict)•LafayetteArts&ScienceFoundation:$5,000(tobenefitLafayetteSchoolDistrict)

•LibertyUnionHighSchoolDistrictEducationFoundation:$5,000(tobenefitLibertyUnionHighSchoolDistrict)•MartinezEducationFoundation:$10,000(tobenefitMartinezUnifiedSchoolDistrict)•MoragaEducationFoundation:$5,000(tobenefitMoragaSchoolDistrict)•Mt.DiabloUnifiedSchoolDistrict:$40,000(tobenefitMt.DiabloUnifiedSchoolDistrict)•OakleyUnionElementarySchoolDistrict:$5,000(tobenefitOakleyUn-ionElementarySchoolDistrict)•PittsburgUnifiedSchoolDistrict:$10,000(tobenefitPittsburgUnifiedSchoolDistrict)•SanRamonValleyEducationFounda-tion:$30,000(tobenefitSanRamonValleyUnifiedSchoolDistrict)•SEEDFoundation:$5,000(tobenefit

FPHEisstartingitsfourthyearwiththecampaigngoal:Raise$60,000.It’sanaggressivegoal,butwitheveryone’shelpwewillbesuccessful. OngoingbudgetcutsimpacteveryschoolintheCollegeParkfeederpat-tern.Inordertohelpourschoolsthrive,wesuggestadonationof$75ormore.Donationsofallamountsareappreci-ated.Donateeitheronlineatwww.fphe.orgorbymailtoFPHE,P.O.Box23851,PleasantHill,CA94523. Whygive?Becausestrongschoolsbenefitstudentsandyou.Strongschoolsincreasepropertyvaluesashomebuyersunderstandourcommunity’sdedica-tiontosupportingeducation.Thathelpsbusinessesandenhancesthefutureofourentirecommunity.Campaign events include:Fund Drive–FPHE’sappealtothecom-munitytosupportpublicschools.Dine Out for Education–FPHE’sweeklyrestaurantfundraisers.Detailsavailableatwww.fphe.orgPleasant Hill’s Amazing Race–Thefirst

city-wideAmazingRacewilltakeplaceonApril21.Don’tmissit!Detailswillbeavailableatwww.fphe.org. Since2009,thankstocommunitysupport,FPHEawarded$85,000and99grantstothepublicschoolswithintheCollegeParkfeederpattern.FPHEfundedbooksforentiregradelevels:reference,biographies,keyliteraturepieces,andearlyreaderseries.FPHEfundedclassroomequipment:graphingcalculators,DNAresearchtools,LCDprojectors,interactivewhiteboards,andPCstations.Ongoingcurriculumsup-portwasalsofunded:BoardMath,sci-enceandmathProbeware,andancientculturesArtinHistoryprograms.FPHEwillcontinuetoreachouttoschoolstoensurefamiliaritywiththegrantprocessinordertomakeFPHEgrantsfarreach-ingandequitable. FPHE’sabilitytoissuegrantsandraisefundsisheavilydependentonthesupportofourcommunity.BeapartofprogressanddonatetoFPHE.Helpschoolsthrive-Give$75!

ByronUnionSchoolDistrict)•WalnutCreekEducationFund:$10,000(tobenefitAcalanes/WalnutCreekSchoolDistrict)•WestContraCostaEducationFund:$35,000(tobenefitWestContraCostaUnifiedSchoolDistrict) WellsFargohasalong-standingcommitmenttolocaleducation.InNov.2011,WellsFargoannouncedthatthecompanywasdonating$1milliontobenefiteducationthroughouttheBayArea.Includingthe$1milliondollars,WellsFargohasdonatedmorethan$13.3milliontoschoolsandnonprofitorganizationsforeducationalpurposesintheBayArea,since2009. “IamgladthatWellsFargocon-tinuestosupportthelocalcommuni-tieswhereourcustomersandteammembersraisetheirchildren,”saidBobCeglio,presidentofWellsFargo’sMountDiablomarket.“Byfundingour

localschools,wecanhelpprovidemoreresourcesforourstudentstobebetterpreparedforthefuture.” Thegrantspresentedatthiseventweredesignatedtobenefitselectschooldistrictswithsignificantenrollmentfromstudentscomingfromlow-to-moderateincomefamilies.

Larry Lippow and Bob Ceglio, president of Wells Fargo’s Mount Diablo Region


WinterisagreattimetoseebirdsintheBayArea.Eventhoughtheweatherfeelsprettychillytous,it’sawarmwinterdestinationforthousandsofbirdseveryyear.Birdsthatspendsummersnorthofusorathighelevationseastof

uscomehereforthewarmerweatherandtheabundantfoodsupply.Manyofthesebirdsvisitourbackyardsandareeasytoseeandidentify. White-crownedandgolden-crownedsparrowsshowupinthefallwiththefirstcooldays.Theseseed-eat-ersareafteralltheseedsoftheweedsyoudidn’tgetaroundtopullingbeforetheysetseed.Theyalsoliketheseedsofmanyflowerssuchasconeflower,

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yarrowandCaliforniapoppies. Cedarwaxwingsarrivehereinlargeflocks,oftenminglingwithrobins.Robinsarehereyearround,buttheirnumbersincreaseduringthewinter.Hermitthrushesdon’tusuallyflockwiththeotherbirdsbutarealsohereinthewinter.Theyareallafterthesamething—berries;pyracantha,toyon,elderberry,wildcurrantandcof-feeberryareallbirdmagnets. Thebirdsdescendonbushesinhugenumberswhentheberriesarejustripeenough.It’shardforustoknowwhataripepyracanthaberrylookslike,butthebirdsdon’tseemtohaveanyproblemswiththat.Thebirdsgorgeontheseberriesuntiltheyweighfarmorethantheydidwhentheysatdownatthedinnerbar.Aftergorging,theycanbeuncoordinatedwhentheytrytofly.Theymightbeunbalanced,andsome-timeslooklikethey’vehadtoomuchtodrink.Ithasnotbeensubstantiated,however,thattheberriesactuallyfer-

mentandthebirdsgetdrunkonthem. DuringthebreaksbetweenJanu-arystorms,takeawalkoutsideandlookforthewintervisitorsinyourneighborhood. FormoreinformationaboutLind-sayWildlifeMuseumandwaysyoucanhelpwildlife,visitwww.wildlife-museum.org.

Get Ready for Winter Visitors By Susan Heckly, Lindsay Wildlife Museum

White-Crowned Sparrow.


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It’sthattimeoftheyearagain.Timetosetgoals,makeresolutionsandorganizeyourlife. HereareafewtipstostarttheNewYearoffontherightfoot. •Set up new systems.Thisisagreattimeofyeartocheckinonwhat’snotworking,andtodevelopnewstrat-egiesthatserveyoubetter.Arethosepilesofpaperfrustrating?Takesometimetosetupapapermanagementsystem.Ifyoudon’thaveastrategyforfilteringthroughyouremail,lookupafewideasonhowtogetthroughyourinboxandfindonethatworksforyou. •Revise current processes.Ifyoualreadyhavestrategiestohelpyoumanagelife’sdetails–great!TheNewYearistheperfecttimetoreviewwhatyouhaveinplace,andmakeadjust-mentstoensurethateverythingisworkingaswellasitcan.Forinstance,inyourpaperfilingsystem,doallthecategorynamesstillmakesense?Arethetabslegible?Arethefoldersstillingoodcondition?Takeafewminutestolookoveryourcategories,printoutnewlabelsandreplacefrayedfolderswithfreshones.Reviewallthesystemsyoucurrentlyhaveinplaceandseewheresmallchangescanbemade. •Give yourself some time.Weallcouldusemore“me”time,andthisisagoodopportunitytobuildsomeinto

ourlives.Makea“wishlist”ofprojectsorinterestsyouwouldliketopursue.Lookatyourcalendarandcarveoutsomeextratimeforyourself.Setitasanappointmentonyourcalendar–writingitdownhelpsmakeitreal.

Focusononeprojectatatimetoavoidbeingoverwhelmed.Remember…“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”~LaoTzu TinaTraumistheownerofAboveandBeyondConciergeServices,pro-

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Dustsettlesintoquietcornersasra-diatorssizzleandrainlendsasoothingmelodytothemarkedpeacefulnessofJanu-ary.Aftertheholi-dayshavecomeandgone,themonthofatonementarrives.Mygymclassesfillupwithfacesseenonlyonemonthayear,andIchallengemyselftostepoutofmycomfortzoneandeitherar-riveearlyorbecontentwithwhateverspotisleft.Myhopeisthatthesefaces,aswellasmanyothers,willremaininclassallyear.Startingorendingyourdaywithastimulatingworkoutisagoodthing.Itcanchangeyourlifeinmorewaysthanjustwheretosqueezeitin.Onceyougetusedtothesqueeze-it-inpart,itdefinitelybecomesamatterofsqueezingtherestofyourlifearounddon’t-mess-with-my-workouttime.Evenanicedailywalkfor30or40min-utescanchangeyourlifeandyourout-lookoneverything. Aswemoveupthefoodchaintothepreviouslyunthinkable40’s50’s,andbeyond,itbecomesessentialtoadoptsomeformofvigorousroutineexercise.Weightbearingexercisehastobecomeapartoflifenow,ifitisnotal-ready.Comparedtogenerationsgo,wearelivinglonger,workinglonger,takingcareofpeoplelongerandbeingmore

activeinsports,travelandeverydaylife.Inordertomaintainorimproveaphys-icalqualityoflife,yougottaliftweights,getstretchingwithyogaorPilatesandstriveforacombined3to5hoursofcardioactivityaweek.Subtlereminder:youcan’ttakecareofeveryoneandev-erythingifyouareunwellyourself.Soatonealready,andgiveyourselfthebestgiftsofall:self-confidence,joyinyourworldandasmallerclothessize. Alongwiththeworkoutcomesthefoodintakepart.Iamsureeveryoneisalreadyeatinghealthfully,sothisissimplyareminderthatitain’tjustforthemonthfolks;it’sforyourlife.Lastyear,my80-somethingyearolddadwasdiagnosedwithlymphoma.Hewasoverweightandhisoncologistdidnotwanttochanceharshchemodrugsonan80yearolddiabetic,fearingitwoulddomoreharmthangood.Dadvowedtoherandmymomtodroptheweightandshegavehimthedrugs.Todayheis50orsopoundslighter,onthewaylowendofdiabetesandcancerfree.Hedidgreatanditwas99%duetohisdietandlifestylechange.Sometimesittakesacatastrophetogetusmoving,butwhywait?Limitharshlyprocessedfoodsandeatmorevegetables,fruitsandwholegrains.Makeitorganicandyounotonlydoyourselfahugefavorbuttheearthaswell.Bonuspointsforvisitingthefarmers’marketandexer-

AtonementBy Lesley Stiles

THE GARDEN

cisingthefunway.Getridofsoda!Eatthewholefruit,skipthejuice.Seeifyoucangoaweekwithoutwhitesugarorflour.Justaweek!Makeitafamilyproject.Readlabelsallthewaythrough.Smallchangescanmakeabigdiffer-ence.Whenyouarehungryforafatty,salty,highcaloriesnack,heatupsomeofthevegetablesoupyoujustmadeandeatitfirst.Thenre-evaluatethesitua-tion.Iamnotabigbelieverinreplace-mentfoods,justgoodhealthychoices.Remember,ittakesaboutamonthto

makeorbreakahabit,sojustseeifyoucanmakesomeeasy,sortofunnotice-ablechangesandkeepitrollinginthatdirectionallyear. Moveitandloseit!HappyNewYearall! LesleyStilesisagraduateoftheCaliforniaCulinaryAcademy,sustain-ablecatererandschoolgardeneduca-tor.ContactLesleyatlesleystiles@com-cast.net,www.lesleystiles.blogspot.comandvisithernewwebsite:www.lesley-stilesfoods.com.

Winter Vegetable StewThis is a great dish to have hanging around for meals or snacks. To make it into a soup, triple the stock. All veggies are available through the winter at your farmers’ market.

Sauté onion, garlic, and shitake mushrooms in olive oil for 3 minutes. Add rest of the vegetables and sauté for 4 minutes. Add the stock and bring to a simmer. Let simmer 30 minutes. Add kale or chard, parsley, oregano and season to taste. Al-ternately, you can put the whole thing into a big roaster, put a lid on it and cook in a 350* oven for an hour or 2 and finish with the greens, herbs and seasonings as above. Serves 6.

1 large celery root, peeled and cubed1 garnet yam, peeled and cubed1 red potato, cubed1 turnip, cubed2 carrots, sliced1 cup chopped butternut squash1 cup sliced fresh shitake mushrooms1 red onion, chopped3 cloves garlic, chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil2 cups vegetable stock or 6 cups for soup1 bunch chopped fresh kale or chard½ cup chopped fresh parsley3 tablespoons chopped fresh oreganoSea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

Ingredients:

Directions:

Pleasant Hill Market • Pleasant Hill City HallPleasant Hill Senior Center • Pleasant Hill Library

Mt. Diablo YMCA • UPS – Virginia Hills, Mtz.Chamber of Commerce (P.H. & Mtz.)

Pleasant Hill Rec and Park (Civic Dr. & Gregory)Hyatt Summerfield Suites, Pleasant Hill

Legal Grounds, Martinez • Martinez Senior CenterLes Schwab Tires - Alhambra Avenue

Best Western, John Muir Inn, MartinezHeadways Salon, Main Street

The Community Focus is available at the following locations:

www.ourcommunityfocus.com

2012 Farmers Market Calendar

Greatnews!TheFarmers’MarketLoversCalendarfor2012ishotoffthepressesandreadytobescoopedupforallthoseveggieloversonyourholidaygiftlist!Pre-viewatlesleystilesfoods.comorattheDiabloValleyFarmersMarket,OrchardNursery,Mrs.Dalloway’sBooks,OrindaBooksortheGar-dener!Moreinfo:[email protected].


In the MixBy Paul Cotruvo

OneofthereasonsIenjoywritingthiscolumneachmonthisIgettosharewithyousomeofthegreatmusicaltalenthereinContraCostaCounty.Oneofmyall-timefavoritesisKenCooper.Kenisoneofthemostrespectedandwell-likedmusiciansinthearea.Alongtimecareermusicianandanincredibleguitaristandvocalist,Kencanbeseeneveryweekperformingwithoneofhisgreatbandsorasasolo.IcanstillrememberthefirsttimeIsawhimperform.Itwaswiththe“legendary”BuzztonesdownatAbernathy’sinWalnutCreek(yes,IadmitIamover29).IwasblownawaybyhisnotefornotecoveroftheBeatles’“HardDays’Night,”includingthefamousopeningchord,“Fadd9”!But,IthinkwhattrulymakesKenspecialishispersonality.Heisanextremelygenuineandapproachableperson.Inotherwords,justareallyniceguy!Andniceenoughtoanswer

someofthesequestions:PC:Howoldwereyouwhenyoufirstplayedtheguitaranddoyourememberyourfirstguitar?KC:IplayedalittlebeforebutIgotmyfirstguitaratagetwelve--anAirlineacoustic(Istillhaveit.)PC: Whoweresomeofyourinfluences?KC:TheBeatles,TheBeachBoys,TheStones,MikeBloomfield,JohnnyWinter,JeffBeck,SixtiesS.F.hippie-rock,surfrock...thelistgoesonandon.PC: Canyounameallthegroupsyouhavebeenapartof?KC:IthinkIcan.Let’ssee:SofChu,TheBurgerCityStompers,ItchyBrother,TheJohnCoinmanBand,Shiner,TheKenCooperBand,TheBuzztones,PureHoney,TheHiredGuns,TheShillz,TheFamousTrio,TheMichaelFenderGroup,DaveMartinHouseParty,ForestFoxandFriends.MyapologiestoanyImayhaveforgottentomention.Presently,I’minMerseyBeach,AKA,TheFamousThree0andTHEBIGSIRS.PC:Whataresomeofyourfavorite

highlightsofyourmusicalcareer?KC:Therearetoomanytolistandnewoneseveryweek!PC:Ihaveoneofyoursingles,anditwasaChristmassong.WhatinspiredyoutowriteaChristmassong?KC:IguessIjustreallylikeholidaysandthatyearIwroteaChristmassong,“ICan’tHelpFeelin’GoodatChristmastime.”TherewassomelocalinterestinmemakingarecordatthetimesothattunebecametheAside.PC:Andfinallyafunquestion,ifyouwereaBeatlessong,whatsongwouldyoube?

KC:Hmmthat’satrickyone.“GoodDaySunshine?”“BlueJayWay?”“IFeelFine,”yeah,that’sit. ThanksKen!Pleasecheckhimoutaroundtown.HeregularlyperformsatBack40inPleasantHill,Rocco’sinWalnutCreekandDallimonti’sinPleasantHill.Checkhiswebsiteatwww.kencoopermusic.comforexactdatesandtimes. Quote of the Month: A New Year’s resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other. Anonymous

The aspects of things that are most important to us are hidden because of their simplicity and familiarity. – Ludwig Witt-genstein Ilikethisquotebecause,whileit’sfromamid-centuryphilosopher,itreflectsphilosophicalrelationshipsbe-tweentheworld,thoughtandlanguage.Italsoexplainshowweoftenhideawayourpersonalorfamilyartifactsindraw-ersandboxesthatneverseethelightofday.Wedothisbecausewedon’talwaysviewthesethingsasvaluablecreativeorartisticobjects.Inacultureofconstanttechnologicalinventionanddigital

entertainment,wesometimesdon’trealizethatthepersonalmemorabiliaofourlivescanhaveaprominentplaceinourvariousenvironmentsinsimple,buteffective,exhibitsthathonorandvalueourexquisiteemotionalconnections. Almosteverythingwecollectcanbesimplybutelegantlyframedinuniqueandinterestingways.Thinkaboutthemanywonderfulphotos,founditems,andvacationmemoriesinyourpersonalarchives.Weallhavedifferentpassionsandinterests,andweallareinspiredbyanddrawntovisualimagesthattouchusinsomeway.Thesmallandnotsosmalltreasuresthatwefind—century-oldlettersfromrela-tives,vintagebaseballcardsofafavoriteplayer,childhoodtrinketslikesmalltoys,uniquebuttonscollectedoverthe

years,funfamilyphotos,andanyotherpersonalobjects—areworthsharing,ratherthanhidingawayfromview.Indoingso,theyreflectyourpersonalhis-toryandmaybeeventellastoryofwhoyouaretoday. Maybeyoufoundanoldphotoinabookthathasbeenoverlookedforyears.Oryoucameacrossaniconicitemthatremindsyouofacertaintimeandplaceinyourlife.Suchthingscanbecomeworksofart,ifyoutreatthemasiftheyare.Forexample,consider:interestingmenusfromvintageeateries,concertticketstubs,sportsparapherna-lia(i.e.baseballmitt,gameprograms),oldfishinglures,antiquebanknotes,invoiceswithinterestingletterheadsoroldlegaldeeds,andvintageephemera(i.e.oldadvertisinglabels, feathers

foundwhilehiking).Thebestwaytoframeyourcollectionsimplydependsonyourpersonaldecoratingtastes,resourcefulnessand,ofcourse,yourbudget.Butyoucanexploremanyop-tions.Considerbuyinganew,off-the-shelfframeforflatorthree-dimensionalitems. Howeveryouexhibityourtreas-ures,youwillfindsatisfactionandasenseofprideinbeingabletodisplaytheitemsthatyoufindbeautiful,impor-tant,andmeaningful.Andyoucanbesurethatyourguestswillalsoseewhatyousee. ContactTonyMichaelVecchioattonymvecchio@gmail.com.Viewhiscollageillustrationsandpaintingsatetsy.com/shop/WabiSabiDaddi,andselectedworkattheBlackhawkGallery.

Art World Unconfidential By Tony Michael Vecchio


1/31/12

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 • COMING IN JANUARYFRIDAY KARAOKE NIGHT • GRAB THE MIC AND ROCK OUT

Come for the food stay for the music!

1/7 The Famous-Three-O • 1/14 Lumberyard1/21 Flipsides • 1/28 Loose Blues

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

925.335.9915601 Main Street, Martinez

www.smokeyds.com

Hours:Mon-Thur 11-8PMFri & Sat 11-9PM

FUNDRAISING! TWO OPTIONS AVAILABLECALL US FOR MORE INFORMATION

Slow Cooked, Smoked Meats and MoreGREAT

Tuesdays: $3 1/4 lb. Cheese Burger with fries (dine in or take out)$2 pints of Coors Light (dine in only)

KIDS EAT FREE (12 years and younger)on Mondays at Smokey D's! Free kid’s meal per adult menu entree ordered.

Dine in only please. Valid thru Feb 27th 2012

Cold to the bone? Come grab some hot ribs!No time to dine in? Order a Family Meal to go. All the fixings

(3 meats, 2 lg sides, 1 lg salad) to feed your hungriest eaters.

Open Sundays DuringMain Street Events Only

Specials: Available All Day

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

Come in and

try our new menu!

Everyone’s Favorite$3.992 Eggs with your choice of

ham

ANTIOCH

DUBLIN

CLAYTON

DANVILLE

For the Healthy

Appetite

For the Hearty

Appetite

BREAKFAST & LUNCHBREAKFAST & LUNCHOPEN 6 AM - 3 PM DAILY

COUNTRY WAFFLES BREAKFASTCOUNTRY WAFFLES BREAKFAST


1/2 -12 - Valley Stitchers and Fiber Art GuildpresentsCarolLarson.Herloveofcolor,texture,andpatternledtoalifetimeofinterestinwearableart,handweaving,knittingandneedlepoint.Sheworksinmixedmediausingmultiplelayersofdyes,selectivedyeremovalandscreen-printingwithoriginalimagery.9:30amatFaithLutheranChurch,50WoodsworthLane,PleasantHill.$5perguest.Formoreinfor-mationcontact:Francineat925-689-6311.

1/3 - Pleasant Hill Garden Study Club.Speaker:SusanMorrisonon“VerticalGar-dening”.7pm.Free.CamelliaRoom,Heath-erFarms,1540MarchbanksDr.,WC.Visitwww.phgsc.comorcall925-944-4898.

1/8 – Preschool Fairefeaturingmorethan45preschoolsfromPleasantHill,WalnutCreek,Martinez,Concord,LafayetteandAlamo.ThisfreeeventisatShadelandsArtCenter,111No.WigetLn.,WalnutCreek,1-4pm.Visitwww.mom4mom.org/2012PreschoolFair.htmlformoreinfo.

1/14 - Myra Nissen, CCH, RSHom(NA)willbepresenting“ConnecttotheVitalitythatisYourTrueGoodHealth”,2pmattheWalnutCreekFormaGym,1410N.Cali-forniaBlvd,WalnutCreek.

1/22, 2/5 & 2/19 - How to Raise Your Chickens. Raisingyoungchicks,henmain-tenanceandsustainablecoopconstruction.Workshopsarefreeandwillbeheldfrom1:30-3:30pm.Signupbyemail:[email protected].

1/23 - Hot Cocoa & S’mores Camp.WearebackattheNancyBoydRecrea-tionRoomforonedayofwinterfunandalittlecooking.We’llalsoincludecook-ingbrowniesinacup,crafts,andgames.9:00am-3:00pm;Ages:4–11.Fee:Drop-in$20/$18Resident. NancyBoydRecreationRoom,90ChurchStreet,Martinez.

1/28 – Discussion on “Advantages of Met-abolic Balance”: aninnovativeall-naturalnutritionprogramfromEuropethatbringsbalancetoyourhormones,optimizesyourhealth,andleadstoanewinvigoratinglifestyleresultinginsuccessfullongtermweightmanagement.3pmattheVitaminShoppe,1602Mt.Diablo,WalnutCreek.

EVENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CRAB FEED TICKETS

AT THE LIBRARYCalendar

The Martinez Grange No.853:Joinagrassrootsorganizationthatbeganin1867andopentoallmembersofthefamily.JuniorGrangeforages5to131/2years,andregularmembersare14andup.TheGrangehastenthousandmembersand207chaptersacrossCalifornia.Formoreinfo.email:[email protected].

St. Pat goes to Hollywood! On March 16, 2012 at 6pm the PleasantHillRotaryjoinstheBigCAthleticClubinaSt.Patrick’sDaycelebrationandfundraiser,“St.Patgoesto

Pleasant Hill: Closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: 1/16/12

Wednesdays & Fridays -MotherGooseStorytime,ages0-3.Wed.11:15-11:45am.Fri.11:15-11:45pm&1:15-1:45pm.

Thursdays -PreschoolStorytime,ages3-5.11:15-11:45am.

Saturdays (closed 24th) – Saturday Story Time,Babies,Preschoolers,Kids.11:15-11:45am.

1/5 & 1/19 – Wii Thursdays for Teens – Wiiorplaysomeboardgamestoo!3pm-4:30pm.RoomA.

1/10 – Book Club.WewillbereadingChrisCleave’s “Little Bee.” 6:30pm-7:30pm.Contact:646-6434.

1/11 – The PHUN Team, PleasantHillUnitedNerdsTeam,formerlyknownastheTeenAdvisoryGroup(TAG).Meetothercommunityteensandtheyoungadultli-brariantoshareandplanwhatyouwanttoseehappenatthelibrary.Every2ndWed.ofthemonth,thisgroupisteen-only,ages13-18.3:30pm-5pm.RoomA.

1/31 - Musical Adventures with Andrea Gaspari.JoinAndreaGaspariaswesing,danceandtellstorieswithourbodies.We’llplayinstrumentsandandmakeallkindsofmusic.Forkidsandpre-schoolers6:30pm-7:15pm.Contact:PatrickRemer925-927-3235

Martinez: Closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: 1/16/12

1/10 - 3:30 pm - Myth Busters Lego WorkshopwithCharlesEsseltine.Atthisfunworkshop,watchanepisodeofMythBusters,thenuseprovidedLegostofollowalongandmakeoneoftheitemsfromtheshowthentesttheLegocreationstoseeifwegetthesameresultsastheTVshow.AlittleLego,alittlescience,awholelotoffun!Teens&Tweens.Free!

1/10 - 6:45 pm - Martinez Library Book Club.JoinuseverysecondTuesdayofthemonthforlivelydiscussionandpleasantcompany.CheckwiththelibraryforourJanuaryselection.Adults.

1/13 - 3:30 pm - Tweens - Duct Tape Class.Makeadurablecreationoutofducttape.

1/14 – Crab Feed & Raffle – Saturday, 6pm at the Boys & Girls Club of Diablo Valley,1301AlhambraAve,Martinez.ContacttheBoys&GirlsClubat925-228-3896x101topurchasetickets.

1/21 – 1st Annual Crab Feed at the Veter-ans Memorial Building.Crab,pennepasta,homemadecoleslaw,cornonthecob,wine,dessertandentertainmentallbeginningat5pmat930WardStreet,Martinez.Ticketsare$35.PleaseRSVPtoDaveat925-518-3295.

1/21 - 39th Annual Pleasant Hill Lions Club Crab Feed. Enjoyallthecrab,pasta,salad,andbreadyoucaneat.Therewillalsobearaffle,asilentauction,dancing,anda$400cashdoorprize!Getyourtickets($45)early.Eventsellsout.Doorsopenat5:30pmanddinnerservedat7pm.ContactDonFlaskerudat925-676-5859.EventheldatBigCAthleticClub,1381GalaxyWayConcord.Allproceedsgotowardprogramsforthevisuallyimpaired.

2/3 & 2/4 - 6th Annual Crab Feed benefit-ing Martinez schools and Aftermath Student Center. 2/3at6pmand2/4at5pm.$45forallyoucaneat!Forinfoandticketscall925-228-8156orvisitwww.creakside.org.Childcarewillbeavailableforinfants-5thgrade.$5pre-registeror$10atthedoor.Priceincludesdinner.CreeksideChurch,444FigTreeLn.,Martinez.

2/25 – 32nd Annual Diablo Symphony Crab Gala - Saturday,5:00pm,RossmoorDelValleClubhouse.MusicEntertainment,SilentandLiveAuction,WinePullandRaf-fle.Allfor$60.CallLeoVardas,925-947-5776forreservations.

Tuesdays beginning 1/17 - 10:30 am - Mother Goose Time Returns! Comehavesomeearlyliteracyfunatthisstoryandcrafttimedesignedjustforlittleonesage6monthsto3yearsold.

1/17 - 6:30 pm - Crochet Workshop (6 week series) Learntheartandcraftofcrochet.SupplieswillbeprovidedbytheAmericanNeedleworkAssociationatnocharge,orbringyourownforaspecialproject.AllAges.Spaceislimited,sosignuptodayatwww.ccclib.org/programs.

1/18 - 12:30 pm - Steampunk Journal Making. CraftyourownSteampunkjour-nalandimmerseyourselfinthefantas-ticworldofSteampunk.Bringajournaltoworkwith,ormakeonefromscratch.CheckoutourSteampunkcollectionwhileyou’reatit.Teens&Tweens.

1/21 - Martinez Friends of Library Book Sale. Thebooksaleisopenfrom10amto11amformembersoftheFriendsoftheMartinezLibrary.(Membershipsavailableatthedoor.)Opentothegeneralpublicfrom11am-4pm.$8perbookbag,2bagsfor$15.

1/24 - 6:30 pm - Chinese New Year Cel-ebration with Lion Dancers.CelebratetheChineseNewYearwiththisoutstand-ingperformancebytheWhiteCraneLionDancers!Beamazedanddelightedastheliondancesamongtheaudience.Theseawesome,acrobaticdancerswillastonishyou,andwillbringusallgoodfortuneintheNewYear.Forallages.

1/27 - 3:30 pm - Games. Boardgamespro-videdorbringyourfavoritetoshare.Teens&Tweens.

Hollywood.”Ticketsare$45.00perperson or$425for atableof10.Includeschampagne,appetizers,food,entertainment,dancing,andIrishmerriment. Allproceedstobenefitmanycharities! ThiseventisbeingheldattheBigCAthleticClubislocatedat1381GalaxyWay,Concord.DressasyourfavoriteHol-lywoodcharacter.BestCostumewinsaniceprize.Spaceisseverelylimited,socontactJes-sicaBravermantobuyticketsnow([email protected]). Therearecorpo-ratesponsorshipopportunitiesstillavailable.


How to Succeed with Your Fitness Resolution

By Tonya Marie Amos, Aspire Pilates “Thisistheyear!I’mgoingtodoit!I’mgoingtofollowthroughonmyNewYear’sresolutiontogetinshapenomat-terhowbadlyithurts!”Unfortunately,becausemanyofustendtooverextendourselvesduringthefirstweekofJanuary,ourpositiveenergyandenthusiasmbecomequicklydampenedbysoremusclesorinjuries.Theinjuriesstopusinourtracksandthesoremusclestransformworkingoutintotorture. Eventuallyweendthetorture.Westopworkingout.Thenthereistheguiltofnotaccomplishingourresolutions.Inthelongrun,the“Nopain,nogain”philosophyhasnotserveduswell. Make2012theyearyouaccom-plishyourresolu-tionofbecomingfitandpainfree.Youcandothisbyembracingthephi-losophyof“Nopain,BIGgain.”It’stheperfectwaytobreakoldpatternsandstartfresh.What’sthekeyto“Nopain,biggain”?Startslowlyandbuildasolidfoundationofhealthybodymechanics. YouCANbesuccessfulthisyear!Herearesometipstohelpyouaccom-plishyourgoals:

Buildasolidfoundationofgoodtechniqueandhealthybodymechanics.Thisenablesyoutorealizefastresultswhile,simultaneously,preventinginjury.Startslowlyandworksteadi-ly.Thisenablesyourbodytobecomestrong,flexibleandpreparedtoaccom-plishyourfitnessgoals. Remember,thereisalwaystomor-row.Youdon’thavetohitthatfitnessgoalbeforethegymclosestonight.Findagoodteacherormentor.Work-ingwithsomeonewellqualifiedmakesahugedifferenceinhelpingyoustartandstayonthepathtolong-termsuc-cess. Takingthetimetoestablishahealthyfoundationonthefrontendgoesalongwaytokeepingyouon

track.Whenyou’reinjuryfreeandstillgoingstronginApril,August,andbeyond,youwillbesogladthatyougaveyourbodythetimeitneededtocatchupwithyour

aspiringmind.2012willbeyourbestfitnessyearyet! TonyaMarieAmosdancedpro-fessionallyinNewYorkfor15yearsbeforeopeningherstudio,AspirePilatesCenterinConcord.Formoreinformation,contactpleasecall(925)680-4400orgotowww.AspirePilates-Center.com.

1029 Arnold Dr. Suite 9 Martinez, CA 94553

NEW PATIENTSPECIALS!

Most insurances accepted.

ask about our

type

• Beginner-friendly Studio • Convenient Class Times• Holiday Workshops • Family Options • Parties

Holiday Stress and StormyWeather Blues? Try Yoga!

Just yoga for the rest of us.

No gym. No granola.ayoga

www.typeayoga.com • [email protected] 607 GREGORY LN. #150 • PLEASANT HILL • 925.274.YOGA (9642)

Metabolicsyndromeaffects10%ofpeopleintheir20’sand40%ofpeopleintheir60’s.ThebiggesthealthrisksformetabolicsyndromeincludeTypeIIdiabetesandheartdis-ease.TheMayoClinicdefinesmetabolicsyndromeasaclus-terofconditionssuchasexcessweightaroundthewaist,ab-normalcholesterollevels,andhighbloodsugarlevels. Twoofthemostimportantriskfactorsformetabolicsyndromeareextraabdominalfatandinsulinresistance,

whencellsdonotrespondcorrectlytoanormalamountofinsulin.Otherriskfac-torsincludeaging,lackofexercise,andabody-mass-index(BMI)greaterthan25.Who is at Risk? TheAmericanHeartAssociation&NationalHeart,Lung,andBloodInstitutelist5factorsthatmakeupmetabolicbalancesyndrome.Ifapersonhasatleast3ofthese5factors,theyhaveorareatriskformetabolicsyndrome.

PAID ADVERTORIAL

The Five Signs of Metabolic Syndrome

By Myra Nissen, CCH, Certified Homeopath

Reducing Risks of Metabolic Syndrome Simplelifestylechangeshelp:weightloss,exercise,smokingcessation,anddietchanges.Metabolic Balance® & Metabolic Syndrome MetabolicBalance®isafood-basedweightmanagementprogramthathasproveneffectiveforweightlossandtheimprovementinpersonalqualityoflife.AnindependentstudypublishedintheJournalofMetabolismshowsthataMeta-bolicBalance®improvesthesymptomsofmetabolicsyndrome.Afteroneyear,76%ofclientsnolongermetthecriteriaforthisdiagnosis. Ifyouthinkyouareatriskformetabolicsyndrome,Icanhelpyou.Givemeacalltodayat826-3858,MyraNissen,CCHBoardCertifiedHomeopahatwww.MyraNissen.comorwww.MetabolicBalanceCalifornia.com

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Making a Difference

Limit one coupon per customer. Not valid with other oers.Restrictions apply. Valid and redeemable only when presented at a participating location. The UPS Store centers are independently owned and operated. © 2010 Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. Exp. 1/31/2012

JohnMalleyofMassMutualFinancialGroupandhissonMarkmakea$2,000donationtoPaulKraintzofContraCostaMealsonWheels. ThedonationisfromGeneralAgentRobertFaKhimiandhisagentsoftheSanFranciscoBayAreaAgencyofMassMutual.

ThePsychochicks,a14yearandundergirlssoccerteamfromtheMartinezPleasantHillFubolClub(MPHFC),collectedtoysfortheToysforTotsdrive.PicturedistheteambringingthedonatedtoystoFireStation#5onBoydRoadinPleasantHill.PhotosubmittedbyJanaVinogradov

Toys for Tots Help at Marathon

Bottom LtoR: Amanda Baker, Alazne Ramirez-Hong, Caitlin Shillings, Marianna Rumpf, Marlo Castro, Madison Teixeira, and Wilson Jones. 2nd Row LtoR: Matthew Nissen, Tommy Goonan, Tommy Hammill,

Victoria Peleras, Kyle Banuelos and Kyle Leung. Back Row LtoR: Don Wildes, Lucas Kelso, Noah Burnham, Chris Croft and Kylie Aliamus.

TheCollegeParkathleticboostersandsportsleadershipstudentathletesworkedtogetheratawaterstationdur-ingtheWalnutCreekHalfMarathonheldonDecember10.TheracebeganattheRudgearOverpassatBroadway

indowntownWalnutCreekandendedatCivicPark. CollegeParkBoostersreceiveda1/6th shareofthemarathonproceedsassignedtothe6boosterclubsintheMt.DiabloSchoolDistrict.


Martinez Kiwanis Club

Bringing Oncology and Urology Together

By Matthew Sirott, MD

Investment ActivismBy Bill Holt

PAID ADVERTORIAL

Economictrendsinhealthcarecombinedwithnewopportunitiesincontinuityofcarehasledourtwoprac-ticestoformContraCostaCounty’sfirstmulti-specialtygroupofitskind. PacificUrology,asix-physicianpracticewithoriginsdatingbacktothe1980s,ismergingwithDiabloValleyOncologyandHematologyMedicalGroup,aseven-doctorgroupspecializ-ingintreatingcancerandblooddisor-ders. Therearetwoprincipalreasonswearemergingourpractices.1-Newopportunitiestodeliverastrongercontinuityofcareforpatients.2-Increasingeconomicpressuresandchallengesindeliveringhealthcare.Ourpracticeshavedevelopedanor-ganizationalstructurethatwillbestmeetpatients’needsthroughcollabora-tivetreatmentofcancersofthepros-tate,kidneyandbladder.Bothprac-ticeswillretaintheirindividualnames,butwillnowshareinfrastructureandresourcessuchasinformationtechnol-ogysystems,businessofficeprocessesandcliniclocations. Thecostsofpracticingmedicineareescalatingwhilereimbursementsaredeclining.Weanticipatea30-40percentdecreaseinMedicarepaymentsin2012.Bycombiningourpractices,wesecurethefutureforbothorganiza-tions,allowingustoseemorepatients

inmorelocations,reduceouroverheadexpenses,andcollaboratemorecloselythaneverbefore. Asanexampleofimprovedcareforpatients,physiciansfrombothspe-cialtieswillholdregularlyscheduledcasereviewsinordertoconferonmoredifficultcases.Suchmulti-specialtyconferencesarenotuncommoninuni-versityandhospitalsettings,butcanbeimpracticalforprivate,stand-alonepractices,wheredoctorsfromdiffer-entspecialtiesrarelyappearinthesamephysicallocations.Withournewor-ganizationalstructure,wewillbeabletoprovidecollaborativetumorboardstopatientsintheprivatepracticeset-ting. MatthewSirott,MDisamedicaloncologistandthepresidentofDiabloValleyOncology.HispracticeishometothelargestsinglesiteforcancertreatmentinContraCostaCounty.Itssevenphysiciansbringtogethermedicaloncology;hematology;chemo-therapy;radiationtherapy;diagnosticimaging;clinicaltrials;andsupport-ivecareallinoneconvenientlocation.DiabloValleyOncology.md PacificUrologyisoneoftheSanFranciscoBayArea’slargesturologypractices.Thegroup’smissionistoprovideuniversityqualityofcareinaprivatepracticesetting.www.Pacifi-cUrology.com

Thegoalofinvestingistomakemoneywithourmoney,butshouldourgoalsendthereoristheremoreweshouldbeaskingourmoneytodoor,evenmoreimportantly,nottodo? Themostcommonwaypeoplein-vestistospeculateinstocksviamutualfunds.Speculatinginthestockmarkethasnotonlybeensoldtousasawaytomakethemostmoneyovertime,butaspatriotic,bold,optimistic,andpartofthe“Americanway.”Takeamomenttograsphowhardstockownershiphasbeensoldtothemiddleclass,despitemostpeoplehavinglostmoney(andhair)asaresult. Butbesidesgoingupanddownlikearollercoaster,whatdoesyourmoneyactuallydointhehandsoflargepubliccorporations?Mainly,itgivesthemenormouseconomiclever-ageandpower--powertoacquirecompetitors,exportjobsoverseas,andlobbythestateorcongressforun-earnedcompetitiveadvantage.Publiccompaniesarefocusedonmaximiz-ingshort-termprofitsinordertokeeptheirstockpriceinflatedand,thus,payenormoussumstoitsuppermanage-ment.Ineffect,ourcollectivespecula-tioninthestockmarkethashelpedfuelthegrowingwealthgapbetweenworkerandCEO,increasedunemploy-mentandharmedlocal,privatebusi-nessesthatsupportourcommunity.

WhynotunplugfromWallStreetandkeepourinvestmentslocal,espe-ciallyifitmeanstakinglessriskandactuallymakingmoneyovertime?Tra-ditionally,thishasmeantgoingtolocalbankswithyourmoneyforaCD,butmostbanksnowchargeborrowerswaytoomuchwhilepayingyoutoolittleinterest.Enterpeertopeerlending,thegrowingalternativetoinvestingwithbanks,whereborrowersandlendersarematchedforanominalfee,outsideofabank,resultinginlowerborrowingcostsandmuchhigherreturns. WehavealocalSanFranciscobasedcompanycalledLendingClubthatpaysupwardsof8%toyouformoneymadeavailabletotheirbor-rowers,whorangeincreditworthinessand,thus,risk.Likeanyinvestment,thegreaterthecreditrisk,thegreaterthereturnandyoucanchoosewhatloansyouarecomfortablefunding.Smallbusinessesandindividualsinourcommunityaredirectbeneficiar-iesofthismoney.Youmakealotmorethanyouwouldatabankandyoureconomicpowerstaysinyourcommu-nity.Checkthemoutatwww.Lending-club.com. Inowknowitispossibletofeelgoodaboutinvesting.Youcan,too. BillHolt,CFPSecondOpinionFinancial,LLC(925)899-2044,[email protected]

Congressman George was the speaker at the November 10 Kiwanis Club of Martinez’s lunch-eon meeting. Introducing Congressman Miller was his sister, Kiwanian Laura Miller. Members were given an update on the latest happenings in Washington DC and had the opportunity to ask specific questions.


7th Annual North Pole RevueBy Lucy Holt, aka Prancer the Reindeer, age 12

Police Pursuit OpinionBy Jeffrey Eitelgeorge, 8th Grader St. Perpetua

From Left to Right: Makena Vadnais, Carly Vadnais, Gabriella Marchion, Mark Metzger, Joanna Sachs, Kathryn Butler, Sophia Pagan (hiding behind Kathryn); Jacob Lord, Laura Mercier, Kailee Sanderson.

Photo Credit: Richard Spitzer

From left to right: Laura Mercier, Karina Dominguez, Kathryn Butler, Gabriella Marchion, Lucy Holt

High-speedpolicepursuitsintheUnitedStateskillpo-lice,allegedcriminals,andinnocentcivil-ians.Somepeoplequestionifpoliceofficersshouldcontinuehighspeedpursuitsbecausetheyarealsooneofthetopcausesofcaraccidents.Policeoffic-ersinapursuitcanoftendisregardthesafetyofthepublicbecauseofthedan-gerouslyhighspeedsinvolved. Pursuitsbylawenforcementaremuchmoredangerousthanmostpeoplethink.AlthoughmorepeoplearekilledintheUnitedStatesbyhighspeedpursuitsthanbypolicefirearms,thesefatalaccidentswillmostlikelystillcontinuetooccuryearafteryear.Thisiswhymanypeoplethinkthatlawenforcementofficersneedtothinkaboutthecrimethathasbeencommit-tedandwhetheritisworthfollowingthroughwithapursuit.

Otherpeoplesaythatifthepolicedonotpursuelessseriouscrimes,thenumberwillincreasebecausecriminalsmaythinkiftheycanatleastgetintotheircarandspeedoff,theywillnotbecaught.Thisisawell-thought-outargument,butnotparticipatinginhighspeedchaseswouldsavemanymoreinnocentlivesandtherearemanyother,lessdangerouswaysforpolicetocatchcriminals.Policeofficerscancatchcriminalsbytrackingthemdownwithhelicopters,gettingtheirlicenseplatenumbers,seeingwhattheylooklikeonsecuritycameras,investiga-tions,andusingeyewitnesses. Mostpolicedepartmentshavenotcreatedaformalhighspeedpursuitpolicyortheyprovidelittleornotrain-ingaboutthepolicy. Whenitcomestoasuspectflee-ing,officersneedtomakequick,ra-tionaldecisionsandrememberthathighspeedpursuitscankillandinjureinnocentpeople.Makingrationaldeci-sionsbeforepursuingachasewouldleadtotheoverallsafetyofthepublicandpreventunnecessaryaccidents.

TheCenterSTAGETheaterofDia-bloValley,inassociationwithPleas-antHillRecreationandPark’sSTAGETroupeprogram,justwrappeduptheirheartwarmingproductionofNorth Pole Revue.DirectedbyDonaForemanandStephenForeman,withthescriptbyDonaForeman,theproductionin-cludesmanysongsbyBarrettLindsay-Steiner. North Pole RevueisafunChrist-masshowwithelves,reindeer,toys,andevenSanta!CenterStageisacom-munitytheatergroupthathasteensfrommanydifferentschools,includ-ingValleyViewMiddle,CollegeParkHighSchool,AlhambraHighSchool,andMartinezJuniorHigh.It’sallthemosttalentedandamazingteensfromeachschoolconcentratedintoonetheater-lovingfamily.It’ssofunand

suchagreatexperience,andeveryoneofushasanobviouspassionforacting,dancing,andsinging. “CenterStageisasecondfamily.Weallworktogethertomakesome-thingspecial,”saysKarinaDominguez,age12,whoplayedPollytheElfandDancertheReindeer.KathrynButler,also12andwhoplayedMollytheElfsays,“WhatIlikeaboutCenterStageisthatitteachesmorethanjustgreattheaterskills.Howthecastcanhaveeachother’sbacksandsupportonean-othermakesitsothattheexperienceteachesyoutobeagreatperson,aswellasagreatperformer.” CenterStagehasbeendoingmanydifferentshowssince1998.Somein-clude,‘Twas The Night Before, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Godspell, Seussical, You’re a Good Man Char-

lie Brown,and,ofcourse,ourannualChristmasshow,North Pole Revue.WearegoingtobeperformingBabes in ArmsinMarchandApril,andifyouwouldliketoauditionpleasecall

(925)682-0896,“Like”ourFacebookpage,orcheckusoutatcenterstagedv.org. Wehopetoseeyouatauditionsorinouraudiencesoon!


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Learn the Diablo FC way.Soccer is the world’s game and we’ll teach your child how much fun it can

be. Professional coaches from the renowned Diablo FC Soccer Academy will teach basic dribbling and juggling skills, passing and receiving the ball and

ball striking. The emphasis is on individual player development in a fast-paced, friendly environment without the pressure of game performance.Players interested in trying out for 2012 competitive teams receive great training in preparation for tryouts. Any Academy player joining a Diablo FC team in 2012 will receive a $45 credit on player registration fee.

Winter Soccer Academy

DATES: Mondays & Thursdays, Jan. 5 to Feb. 17, 2012TiME & LocATion: 5:00 - 6:00 p.m at Willow Pass Park #5, concord (Salvio St. & Olivera Rd.)

ELiGiBiLiTY: 5 to 12-year old Girls & Boys coST:• $95perchild.Includestrainingfees,AcademyT-shirt, Diablo Fc pin & window sticker ($45 applied to 2012 club registration)• $50perchildforcurrentDiabloFCplayers&siblings• NochargeforU8Academyplayers. (Visit diablofc.org for more info)3 WAYS To REGiSTER:• www.diablofc.org (Complete online registration form & use credit card to pay fee)• MailcheckpayabletoDiabloFCAcademy,P.O.Box97,Clayton,CA94517• Sign-upatfirstSoccerAcademysessiononThursday,Jan.5

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2012 Season TryoutsDiabloFCisthearea’spremieryouthsoccerclubwithcompetitiveteamsforboysandgirlsfromUnder8throughUnder23.DiabloFCtakesprideinthedevelopmentofeachplayerandtheexcellentperformancesofourplayersandteamsinallagegroups.

our club has exclusiveareamembership in WesternCollegeDevelopmentAssociation and NationalPremierLeaguesofferingourplayersunparalleled

competitionandcollegeexposure.

“I had fun. I learned a lot from the training.” Matt • Age 8

“You won't find a better soccer experience for your child!”

Chris “Wondo” Wondolowski2010 & 2011 MLS Top Goal Scorer

2011 MLS All-Star2011 & 2012 USA Men’s National Team

Complete Schedule,Pre-register at

www.diablofc.orgNo charge to tryout.

If you are interested in trying out for a 2012 Diablo FC competitive team, please complete our online tryout form today. Players are

encouraged to attend all tryouts to maximize their exposure to the coaches as they evaluate players for team selections.

U9 - U11 TryoutsThursday, Jan. 26U9-U11 Girls 6-7:30pmU9-U11 Boys 7:30-9pmWillow Pass Park, Concord

Saturday, Jan. 28U9-U10 Girls 9-10:30amU9-U10 Boys 10:30am-12noonU11 Girls & Boys 12noon-1:30pmYgnacio Valley High School, Concord

Sunday, Jan. 29U9-U10 Girls 9-10:30amU9-U10 Boys 10:30am-12noonU11 Girls & Boys 12noon-1:30pmClayton Valley High School, Concord

U12 - U14 TryoutsThursdays, Feb. 9, 16Sunday, Feb. 12

Complete U12-U14Tryout times & dates atwww.diablofc.org

All skill levels welcome!

Note: New Dates➜

U8-U11FREE CLINICS

All Clinics atWillow Pass Park,

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Thursday, Jan. 12U8-U11 Girls

Monday, Jan. 16

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Thursday, Jan. 19U8-U11 Girls

Monday, Jan. 23

U8-U11 Boys

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Documents

state farm indemnity

better state

casualty company

life insurance

local national news

mount diablo snowman

christian wanser

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