november community focus
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Community NewsTRANSCRIPT
A Monthly Publication Delivered to Over 30,000 Residents
NOVEMBER 2010
A Monthly Publication Delivered to Over 40,000 Residents
NOVEMBER 2010
• Weather • Traffic • Local Business Directory • Real Estate• Sports • Place a Classified Ad • Business News & Links • Archives • Recipes • KTVU 2 Local & National News • The Focus Columns • Seniors• Submit a Story • Post a Community Calendar Event • Community Resources & Links • Local Movie Times
Make Our Community Focus Your Home PageFind the information you need to navigate Our Community at www.ourcommunityfocus.com
www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage � November �010
CALL FOR A QUOTE 24/7
P097314 State Farm Home Office, Bloomington, IL
When I say "good," you say "neighbor."
Now that's teamwork.Matthew Rinn, AgentInsurance Lic. #: 0F99232Bus: 925-671-0222 Fax: 925-671-0309Pleasant Hill, CA [email protected]
North Pole Revue ‘10 – A Holiday Musical Comedy!
S.T.A.G.E. Troupe’s classic holiday show.
Buy your Christmas
Tree from the
Team.
Christmas Tree SaleNov. 26–Dec. 24
Holiday
Festival
2010
FreeAdmissionWednesday
December 8 5–9 pm
rR
Dec. 3 & Dec. 10, Fri., 7 pm
Dec. 4 & Dec. 11, Sat., 1 pm & 5 pm
Dec. 5 & Dec. 12, Sun., 2 pm
Tickets: $12 / advance, $15 / at door
Doors open half-hour prior to show.
Winslow Ctr.: Assembly Rm.,
2590 Pleasant Hill Rd.
To purchase tickets, call 682-0896
Breakfast with SantaSat., Dec. 188:30–10 am OR 10:30 am – noon
$8 / adult; $7 / child
Senior Ctr.: Bldg. 2, 233 Gregory Ln. Pre-registration required by Dec 11.
Two seatings availableMore information –
www.pleasanthillrec.com or by phone
676-5200.
HOLIDAY
Happenings!
www.ourcommunityfocus.comNovember �010 Page �
• Chamber News .......................................page 5-6• Senior Activities ...................................... page 15• Recipes ...........................................pages 14 & 23• Sports ..................................................page 16-17
• UMDAF ..........................................................page 18 • Calendar ........................................................page 26 • Stage Door .....................................................page 28 • Business Service Directory ...........................page 31
Help a Vet with a Card DriveHandmade cards of support brighten a soldier’s day! Send cards to our troops
overseas to be included with care packages sent by the Blue Star Moms. Create and decorate your own and let the service men and women know
you are thinking of them.
Please send them to: Sgt. Duane D. Thornton (Ret.)27 Marlee Road, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Please use 8.5 x 11 paper folded twice and decorate how you wish. They will accompa-ny care packages. If interested in learning more about care packages and/or donations
visit www.bluestarmoms.org.
November 118 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Pleasant Hill Community Center320 Civic Drive
Hosted By:Pleasant Hill Rotary, Martinez Rotary, Pleasant Hill Lions, Diablo Valley Veterans, Contra Costa
Veterans Service, Pleasant Hill VFW, Pleasant Hill American Legion,
City of Pleasant Hill, Pleasant Hill Police Department, Pleasant Hill Chamber of
Commerce, EDD and the California Employment Law Training Center.
You and Your Families are InvitedFree Breakfast • Activites • Camaraderie • Resources for Vets
***Transportaion Provided, if needed***To register or questions contact: Ken Jacobson: [email protected]
Jessica Braverman 925-827-4198 or [email protected]
Come Let Us Meet and Thank You For Your Service
Homecoming is an annual tradition
enjoyed at most high schools, colleges and
universities throughout the United States.
These are often week-long celebrations
held in the fall and originally intending to
welcome home alumni. Parades through
city streets, class reunions, “Spirit Week,”
crowning of the Homecoming Court, big
football games and dances are common
highlights.
Several colleges take credit for initiat-
ing the concept of Homecoming, which
evolved from alumni football games since
the mid-1800s. Three schools have the
strongest claims to being the first.
However, the NCAA, Trivial Pursuit,
and Jeopardy! give the credit to a 1911
University of Missouri football game that
alumni were encouraged to attend. Baylor
University and the University of Illinois
at Urbana-Champaign claim to have held
Homecoming-like events in 1909 and 1910,
respectively. Regardless of where it began,
by the 1920s Homecoming was widely
celebrated across the nation.
College Park and Alahmbra High
Schools both held their Homecoming
games on October 15th. College Park
hosted a tailgate party prior to their high
scoring football game against Northgate
High which they lost 44 to 53. A parade
down Alhambra Avenue in Martinez
proceeded Alhambra’s victorious game vs.
Acalanes with a final score of 14 to 12.
Veterans Day EventsContributed by Paul Gouveia, American Legion Post 29
On Wednesday, November 10, at
2:30 p.m., the American Legion and
VFW Posts in Martinez, in associa-
tion with Gail Belmont of Quilts of
Honor Society, will distribute quilts
to patients at the V.A. Hospital in
Martinez. Due to the limited number
of quilts, those patients who do not
receive a quilt will be presented with
lap robes, courtesy of the Veterans Re-
membrance Committee, a volunteer
group serving hospitalized and other
veterans in the Bay Area. Refresh-
ments will
On Veterans Day, November 11,
the County Veterans’ Monument at
the corner of Boyd Road and Contra
Costa Boulevard in Pleasant Hill will
be open for viewing. Veterans will
be available for questions. Recorded
music will be played between 10:00
a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
History of HomecomingBy Chuck Nan, Sports Editor
College Park Homecoming Court- Left to Right: Danielle O’leary, Suzu Kubota, Chloe Lim, Paige Brown (Queen), Sam Eaton (King), Lily Barnard, Steven St.Germain, Jason Finley and Ryan Alkire. Robby Byers, nominee and football player, is not pictured. Photo by Tod Gomes, www.creativephoto.com. Not pic-tured:Winners: 9th grade: Lord Trevor Eaton / Lady Jazzlyn Campbell, 10th grade: Duke Stephen Hantos / Lady Marina Spinos, 11th Grade: Prince Johnny Croft / Princess Lauren Hantos
Alhambra Homecoming Court –Jared Leaf (King) and Alyssa Aguilar (Queen). Photo by Andre Garcia, AHS student. Not pictured:Alena Cerezo/ Trevor Nilson, Meghan Hashimoto / Zachariah Mohammed, Erin Baumgartner/ Nate Schwartz, Hannah Perkins/ Michael Filice, Jamie Higgins/Trevor Davis, Kelsey Ertola/ Patrick Behring, Mariah Suitos/ Kyle Badgley, Racheal DeChristofaro/ Evan Weiss, Samantha Parker/ Rich Manuli, Sierra Cody/ Cody Zahner.
AHS cheerleaders by: [email protected] Football by: Tod Gomes, www.creativephoto.com.
On the Cover
www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage � November �010
JULIE SAYS
Her title at the Lindsay Wildlife Mu-
seum is “Wildlife Rehabilitation Manager,”
but Rachel wears a lot of hats. Lately she’s
been working to get new landscaping done
on the museum grounds, starting with the
California native garden near the entrance
to the wildlife hospital.
Rachel went to a presentation over the
summer given by Troy McGregor of Gar-
den Natives, a small nursery in Martinez
specializing in plants suited to our East Bay
gardens. After talking with Rachel, Troy very generously
agreed to donate his time as a landscaping consultant to
draw up plans for the museum. By the time this paper
appears at your door, able volunteers will have already
started planting.
The native gardens will help thousands of school
kids and other museum visitors learn about the con-
nection between native plants and native wildlife. It will
provide an up-close look at the bottom of California’s
natural food chain – native plants – and their role as a
source of both food and shelter in a healthy ecosystem.
But wait. You were probably wondering when I
would get around to Rachel’s teeth.
Well, there’s a woman named Diane who used to
work at the now-closed Pack Rat Thrift Store in Con-
cord, the proceeds of which went to benefit the Lindsay
Wildlife Museum. When Diane was moving out of town,
she enlisted Rachel to completely re-landscape her yard
to help get her property ready for sale.
As a token of her appreciation, rather than offer, oh,
I don’t know, maybe some homemade cookies or a nice
bottle of wine, Diane gave Rachel a bag of gold teeth.
The Pack Rat store had received the
teeth mixed in with a donation of jewelry.
Diane had been hanging onto them for
some time, not quite knowing what to do
with them.
Well, now Rachel has the little bag
of gold teeth in her backpack and doesn’t
quite know what to do with them either.
What she would like to do is sell them
and donate the money back to the Lindsay
Wildlife Museum for the garden fund.
Rachel and I have heard of those parties where
guests bring in their unwanted gold items, get them ap-
praised and make some quick cash.
But we just aren’t sure if that includes teeth.
Please let me know if you can help Rachel sell her
teeth and I’ll pass the information along.
In the meantime, check out the museum’s website
at www.wildlife-museum.org. You can learn all about
the museum’s exhibits, animal ambassadors, educational
programs for all ages and lots of information about the
wild community members that share our neighbor-
hoods.
Don’t worry. There are places on the site to donate
online in case you can’t help out with the teeth.
E-mail [email protected] if you can help
Rachel sell her teeth. To learn more about native gardens,
check out GardenNatives.com or visit the nursery at 31
Bridgehead Road in Martinez. Garden Natives is open
to the public Wednesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m.
until 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Please e-mail questions, comments and/or your contest entries to [email protected].
Help Rachel Sell Her TeethBy Julie Ross
Community FocusAMonthlyPublicationdeliveredtoover
40,000HomesandBusinessesinPleasantHill,Martinez,Pacheco,Lafayette
andWalnutCreek
PUBLISHERSBecky Coburn, Elena Hutslar, Jennifer Neys
ADVERTISINGCindy Turner
SPORTS EDITORChuck Nan
GRAPHIC DESIGNTrish Heaney, Debra Wilson
View the Focus online at Website: www.ourcommunityfocus.com
CONTACT INFORMATION:Community Calendar:
Stage Door Theater Submissions: [email protected]
Content & General Inquiries: [email protected]
6680 Alhambra Ave. Box #132Martinez, CA 94553
Phone: (925) 335 - NEWS (6397)
Pleasant Hill Market • Pleasant Hill City Hall
Pleasant 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 Center
Les Schwab Tires - Alhambra Avenue
Best Western, John Muir Inn, Martinez
Headways Salon, Main Street
The Community Focus is available at the following locations:Thank You Advertisers!AAA Travel
ABC FunAspire Pilates Center
A Wee ChangeChambers of Commerce: Pleasant Hill, Mar-
tinez, Concord, Walnut Creek, LafayetteChristie’s for Kids
City of Pleasant HillColdstone Creamery
Computer Sales and ServiceDallimonti’s
Diablo Trophy and Awards Don & Norma Flaskerud, Re-Max
Garden NativesHabla! Yolanda Van Belle
Hire My HusbandHitchcock Realty
Jennifer L. Martin, D.D.S. Land Home Financial Services, Inc.
Le Jardin at The SpaLindsey Wildlife Museum
Main Street Martinez Matthew C. Rinn, State Farm Insurance
McHales Environmental InsulationsMichael Harris, Pleasant Hill City Council
The Moulding Company Orange Leaf Yogurt
Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District
Pleasant Hill WellnessQuality Plumbing & Rooter
Rob Schroeder, Mayor of MartinezScott Floor to Ceiling
Senior Helpers UPS – Virginia Hills
THANk YOU ADVERTISERS!
www.ourcommunityfocus.comNovember �010 Page �
11/3 - Ribbon CuttingYANCANEvent,DowntownPH,35CrescentDrive#12A,2:00p–4:00pRSVP:[email protected] 11/4 - Tri Chamber Business Expo 201045JohnGlennDrive,Concord,CA.4:00p–7:30p 11/5 - Ambassador MeetingPHCityHall–LargeCommunityRoom7:45a–9:00a 11/5 - Brown Bag Lunch – “Yelp“JFK,University100EllinwoodWayRoom#S209,S213&S217(Tri-FoldRm)11:45a–1:30pRSVP:[email protected] 11/9 - Ambassador Luncheon–MonsoonMasala,2375ContraCostaBlvd#A,(SetMenu)11:45a–1:00pRSVP:[email protected] 11/11 - Veterans Day Celebration & OutreachPleasantHillCommu-nityCenter,320CivicDrive,8:00a–11:30aQuestions:[email protected]@CAELTC.com 11/11 - Ribbon Cutting – LeJardinattheSpa1603OakParkBlvd,5:00p–7:00pRSVP:[email protected]
11/17 - 40th Annual Awards Night 2010PleasantHillCommunityCenter,320CivicDrive,5:30p–9:00pTickets:www.pleasanthillchamber.comor925-687-0700 11/18 - BOD MeetingPleasantHillCityHall–LargeCom-munityRm.7:45a–9:00a 11/18 - Ribbon Cutting–Christie’sForKids,69DorayDrive,PH,5:00p–7:00pRSVP:[email protected] 11/22 - Green CommitteeBackFortyTexasBBQ,100CogginsDrive,3:30–5:00pRSVP:[email protected] 11/22 - GAC – Back Forty Texas BBQ100CogginsDrive,5:00–6:00pRSVP:[email protected] 11/24 – 11/28 - Office Closed“HappyThanksgivingEveryone!” 11/30 - “Light Up The Night 2010”DowntownCrescentDrive,PH.5:30p–7:30p
Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce November Schedule of Events
Confirm schedule at www.pleasanthillchamber.com
PLEASANT HILL CHAMBER NEWSPAGE SPONSORED BY
(925) 827-1200Rated by Bay Area Consumers’ Checkbook Magazine
and Checkbook.org as one of the top computer repair shops in the San Francisco Bay Area.
1936 Linda DrivePleasant Hill CA 94523
Do you have chronic pain, headaches, migraines, arthritis, spinal problems, weight loss, fatigue, insomnia, allergies, digestive issues, fibromyalgia, woman’s issues, immune enhance-ment, stop smoking? We are here for you! The Acupuncture Wellness Center moved into its new location with a Grand Opening on October 19! We have been in practice for 17 years and treated over �,000 patients with physical, mental, emotional and spiritual problems. Our sole purpose is to provide the best quality complementary health care to our patients. Our services include acupuncture, acupressure, herbal formulas, health products, nutrition, mas-sage, meditations and free classes. Our commitment to get you better is 100%. Tell us you saw this in Community Focus and you will receive a free one hour comprehensive health evalua-tion, a free exam and one free treatment! Richard A. Weissman, L.Ac.,��61 Morello Ave., Ste. D, Pleasant Hill. We are behind the Hillcrest Shopping at Taylor Blvd. Call us at 9��-671-�100. We look forward to improving your health today!
Ribbon CuttingsAcupuncture Wellness Center
Known as the number one choice of painting professionals, Dunn-Edwards paints are formulated specifically for this climate, designed to withstand the elements and protect and beautify a wide variety of architectural surfaces. We are also known for the Perfect Palette, the comprehensive color system preferred by design professionals. Stop by our stores and you’ll find tips about how to choose the right color and how to make your project a success. You’ll find more helpful information on our website, www.DEpaint.com, including an easy-to-use color tool that lets you try different color combinations on the renderings of interior and exterior walls. Dunne-Edwards Paints, ��� Contra Costa Blvd, Pleasant Hill, CA, 9���� (800) 7��-0���. Store Hours: 6:�0 AM to �:00 PM Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM to �:00 PM Saturday, Closed Sundays,and major holidays.
Dunn-Edwards Paints
Carrington College California is a leading provider of educational programs in California that prepares graduates for careers in fields such as accounting, criminal justice, dental assisting, dental hygiene, architectural design drafting, general business, graphic design, medical assisting, nurs-ing, pharmacy technology, diagnostic medical sonography and veterinary technology. The nine Carrington College California campuses are located in Antioch, Citrus Heights, Emeryville, Pleasant Hill, Pomona, Sacramento, San Jose, San Leandro and Stockton. Carrington College California is regionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC-WASC). The campus is located at �80 Civic Dr #�00, Pleasant Hill. For more information call (9��) 609-66�0 or visit www.carrington.edu/california. Carrington College California is a part of DeVry Inc. (NYSE:DV) a global provider of educational services.
Carrington College California
Indulge your sweet tooth without guilt at Orange Leaf Yogurt in the Pleasant Hill Plaza, 19�6 Contra Costa Blvd. Orange Leaf held its Ribbon Cutting on Thursday, October 7th with community and PH Chamber members in attendance.
HOTdealSave like never before!
Save up to 50% at local businesses. Sign up for HOT DEAL alerts at ourcommunityfocus.com
Coming SoonCommunity Focus HOT DEALS
www.ourcommunityfocus.comNovember �010 Page 6
MARTINEZ CHAMBER NEWS
11/4 - 2010 Business Expo–5ChamberBusinessExpo,4pm-7pm,CrownePlazaHotel,45JohnGlennDr.,Concord.ToregistercallReba@925-228-2345orvisitourwebsitewww.martinezchamber.com.
11/9 - Ambassador Meeting–Ifinterestedinattending,[email protected].
11/11 - Office closed - Veterans’ Day
11/11 - Veterans’ Day Celebration & Outreach–8am-11:30am,PleasantHillCommunityCenter,320CivicDrive,PleasantHill.Freebreakfast,activities,camaraderieandresourcesforvets.
11/18 - Educational Series-Guer-rillaMarketingPart2:TheArtofPR–12:15pm-1:15pm(doorsopenat11:30).MartinezEventCenter,524
MainStreet,Martinez.PresentedbyFadhilaHolman,CEOandKerriMc-Clain,CommunityRelationsManager,CaliforniaPacificFederalCreditUnion.Spaceislimitedto30attendees.Lunchwillbeprovided!!RSVPtoReba@martinezchamber.comorcall925-228-2345.
11/18 - Chamber Mixer (new date)-Servpro,815ArnoldDr.,Bay9,Mar-tinez,5:30pm-7:30pm.GreatNet-working,Food,Fun,RafflePrizes(bringaraffleprizeandhaveyourbusinessannounced)!
11/25 & 11/26 – Office Closed – Thanksgiving Holiday
Martinez Chamber of Commerce November Schedule of Events
Garden Natives is an independently owned and operated retail plant nursery based in Mar-tinez. We specialize in low water and low maintenance plants from California, Australia and other regions with summer-dry climates similar to our own. The majority of our plants are selected from right here in California. They thrive in our East Bay climate and most are essential for attracting beneficial wildlife back into our gardens. We also have an expanding range of Australian native plants, which are some of the most drought tolerant on the planet. We propagate and grow most of the plants in stock so we know them inside and out. Stop by and let us help you add some excitement back into your garden. We are located right off Highway 680 (Marina Vista exit) on Bridgehead Road. Follow the signs to Vista Point. We are open Wednesday to Friday from 10am – 6pm and Saturdays from 9am – �pm. www.gardennatives.com (9��) 818-��60.
Ribbon CuttingGarden Natives
Please verify schedule at www.martinezchamber.com
Hire My Husband
925-969-0133
Contractor Lic. # 943231www.HireMyHusband.com
• Interior Painting
• Quality Home Repair Projects
• Handyman Services
All kinds of Interior and Exterior handyman projects.
3
36 Year MemberPleasant Hill
Chamber of Commerce
Mayor’s Cup
Craft Beer Festival
Photo by Aaron David ColePhoto by Aaron David Cole
Photo by richardcash.com Photo by richardcash.com
www.ourcommunityfocus.comNovember �010 Page 7
HOUSING NEWS
Local Real Estate UpdateBy Nathan Hitchcock
If the local real estate market was a
brick-and-mortar retail store, it would
have a huge banner out front that read,
“Calling All Buyers! Year-End Blowout
Sale! Everything Up to 20% Off!”
Why the big sale? Inventory is up
nearly 110% since January and pending
sales and closed sales are down over 17%
and over 28% respectively since their
May peaks.
It’s difficult to point to any specific
reason for the downturn, but the top
scapegoats are currently, in no particular
order: (1) the expiration of the home
buyer tax credits, (2) mortgage under-
writing policies that are on the verge
of being just plain ridiculous, (3) an
economy that is doing nothing to inspire
one’s confidence in the future, and (4)
eligible buyers who are scared of jump-
ing onto a potentially sinking ship.
One thing that is certainly not to
blame for the downturn is mortgage
interest rates. With the interest rate for a
typical no-point, 30-year mortgage fall-
ing further this month to 4.25%, we are
continuing our venture into uncharted
territory—never before have mortgage
interest rates been this low, period.
This reality has left many analysts
scratching their heads as to why the
real estate market is not doing better.
Compared to the 5.0%, 30-year fixed
interest rates from this spring, when the
market was ticking along nicely, today’s
buyer with a $400,000 mortgage is saving
almost $180 per month on their pay-
ment and almost $65,000 in interest over
the life of the loan, a figure that makes
the expired $8,000 federal tax credit seem
like chump change.
This combination of low rates and
falling home prices has also added fuel to
the age-old “rent or buy” debate. At to-
day’s interest rate of 4.25%, a buyer who
puts 20% down on a $500,000 home is
looking at a mortgage payment of about
$1,967. Factoring in property taxes,
insurance, and the federal mortgage in-
terest tax deduction, they are looking at
a net monthly payment of about $2,079.
Renting that same house in today’s rental
market is probably going to cost about
$2,100 to $2,200 per month.
More than any of the current market
conditions, it is this new home afford-
ability that is likely to drive resurgence
in home sales. I’m expecting it to occur
in early 2011, as home buyers tend to be
distracted by other things this time of
year. So for those bargain hunters out
there, the next couple of months should
provide an opportunity to negotiate a
great deal. And for those home sellers out
there, if your timing is flexible, you may
want to consider holding off until those
empty New Year’s Eve champagne bottles
have been put to the curb for recycling.
Nathan Hitchcock is the managing broker of Hitchcock Realty, a residential real estate brokerage and property management firm in down-town Pleasant Hill. He can be reached at [email protected] or (925) 825-1100. Data contained herein was obtained from the CCAR Multiple Listing Service. Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.
Address Beds Baths Sq Ft Market Days List Price Sales Price Sales $/Sq Ft
RECENT MARTINEZ HOME SALES (9/1/2010 – 9/30/2010)
SINGLE FAMILY HOME
1091 SHELL AVE 2 1 936 31 $99,000 $99,000 $105.77
2806 PACHECO BLVD 2 1 995 27 $200,000 $200,000 $201.01
1927 CASTRO ST 3 1 1900 8 $205,000 $211,000 $111.05
314 GREEN STREET 2 1 962 57 $199,000 $222,000 $230.77
2570 MONTEREY AVE 2 1 0 109 $250,000 $230,000 --
2140 LASALLE ST 2 1 916 3 $222,500 $232,000 $253.28
176 CAMINO DEL SOL 4 2 1438 58 $249,500 $240,000 $166.90
1311 CASTRO ST 3 2 1114 27 $275,000 $250,000 $224.42
4266 VALLEY AVE 5 3 2100 12 $299,900 $303,000 $144.29
2266 STILLCREEK CT 3 2 1602 134 $355,000 $331,000 $206.62
2155 CENTER AVE 3 2 1253 115 $349,500 $340,000 $271.35
241 RIVERWOOD CIR 3 2 1359 30 $359,000 $350,000 $257.54
1736 SILVERWOOD DR 3 2 1832 95 $369,000 $363,000 $198.14
1813 GLACIER CT 4 2 1517 41 $415,000 $400,000 $263.68
112 CHALK CREEK CT 3 2 1517 68 $434,900 $432,000 $284.77
346 WESTAIRE BLVD 3 2 2044 120 $449,999 $450,000 $220.16
208 SHARON CT 3 2 1614 104 $500,000 $485,000 $300.50
4525 PLEASANT HILL RD. E 3 2 2264 26 $505,000 $490,000 $216.43
704 VINE HILL WAY 3 2 1524 5 $499,900 $495,000 $324.80
1820 MENESINI PL 4 2 2627 27 $589,000 $530,000 $201.75
113 ST MALO CT 3 2 2742 33 $545,000 $545,000 $198.76
218 DEER PATH CT 4 2 2140 22 $550,000 $545,000 $254.67
5560 ALHAMBRA VALLEY RD 4 2 2339 13 $550,000 $585,000 $250.11
920 TAVAN ESTATES DR 3 2 1712 6 $659,900 $650,000 $379.67
344 LINDSEY DRIVE 3 2 2238 11 $714,000 $669,000 $298.93
Totals: 25 Listings 47 $393,803 $385,880 $231
TOWN HOMES / CONDOS / DUETS
440 EASTGATE LN 2 1 1088 8 $155,000 $165,000 $151.65
310 PARKLANE PLZ 2 1 974 11 $279,300 $275,000 $282.34
2514 FERN LEAF LN 3 2 1515 103 $299,900 $279,900 $184.75
Totals: 3 Listings 40 $244,733 $239,966 $206
Address Beds Baths Sq Ft Market Days List Price Sales Price Sales $/Sq Ft
RECENT PLEASANT HILL HOME SALES (9/1/2010 – 9/30/2010)
SINGLE FAMILY HOME
1612 RUTH DR 3 1 1052 7 $350,000 $350,000 $332.70
1895 ELINORA DR 4 2 1460 8 $339,000 $360,000 $246.58
1831 NADINE CT 3 1 1040 35 $399,000 $392,000 $376.92
47 CLEAVELAND RD 3 2 1618 51 $419,045 $400,000 $247.22
64 BAYLOR LN 3 2 1247 9 $420,000 $420,000 $336.81
130 BELLE AVE. 3 2 1102 3 $449,000 $449,000 $407.44
143 HAZEL DRIVE 3 2 1544 10 $459,000 $455,000 $294.69
3043 PUTNAM BLVD 3 2 1415 2 $475,000 $486,000 $343.46
436 MINTON CT 3 2 1612 14 $499,950 $499,950 $310.14
148 JENNIE DR 3 2 1756 27 $519,000 $514,500 $293.00
43 DUNBAR CT 4 3 2027 93 $599,000 $575,000 $283.67
484 RIDGEVIEW DR 4 3 2104 8 $629,900 $629,900 $299.38
405 IRON HILL ST 4 2 2632 15 $635,000 $650,000 $246.96
Totals: 13 Listings 21 $476,376 $475,488 $309
TOWN HOMES / CONDOS / DUETS
385 CAMELBACK RD 1 1 639 52 $109,900 $107,000 $167.45
270 CHILPANCINGO PKWY 2 1 801 15 $158,000 $150,500 $187.89
2180 GEARY RD 2 1 855 20 $158,000 $158,000 $184.80
38 MOZDEN LN 2 2 1215 87 $220,000 $190,000 $156.38
35 MASSOLO DR 2 2 973 10 $217,000 $208,000 $213.77
73 MOZDEN LANE 3 2 1488 0 $239,900 $220,000 $147.85
10 OAK BROOK PL 2 2 1301 25 $289,000 $272,000 $209.07
120 GLENBRIDGE CT 2 2 1121 29 $299,995 $300,000 $267.62
54 PICASSO CT 2 2 1402 9 $390,000 $400,000 $285.31
37 MATISSE CT 3 2 2052 7 $460,000 $445,000 $216.86
Totals: 7 Listings 25 $254,179 $245,050 $203
www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage 8 November �010
Peter Paredero Sr. Mortgage ConsultantCell: 925-787-8746 Fax: [email protected]
1855 Gateway Blvd., Suite 140, Concord, CA 94520Not a commitment to lend. Dept of Real Estate, 916-227-0931. Equal Housing Opportunity Lender. Land/Home Financial Services Inc. DRE. #988341. NMLS #248082
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License #896749
If you guessed another wave of
foreclosures, you are correct! Consider
how much equity you are losing in your
home every time a foreclosure or short
sale is sold in your neighborhood. The
downward spiral of home values will
not stop until we do something about it.
As negative equity grows, fewer people
are in a position to get out of a bad loan
and more and more homeowners give
up and decide on a strategic short sale
or foreclosure and the cycle continues.
It started with 100% financed, 2-year
fixed loans given to W-2, wage earning
employees who where allowed to claim
more income than they actually made.
As values dropped from this initial wave
it put all of us in jeopardy. The ole’
“house of cards” theory…
HR6218, written by Representative
Dennis Cardoza of California, is an
example of a bill that seeks to stop
the cycle. The bill is an attempt to
refinance all Fannie Mae or Freddie
Mac loans at today’s prevailing 30-
year interest rates. Here’s the best part:
it has zero qualifying parameters.
No credit checking, no appraisal, no
income requirements and you don’t
even need to have reserves in the bank!
Wow! Although the bill needs a major
overhaul, at least we are starting to face
the facts that continuing down the road
of foreclosures will certainly not end
without intervention.
Who’s losing their home? We
are currently well past the first wave
and pretty deep into the Alt-A and
government (FHA) loans. In fact, it is
not uncommon to hear of folks losing
homes who, just a few short years ago,
had never made a late payment in their
life. It’s the generation that entered
the housing market in the mid-90’s
and later and witnessed a consistent
up-tick on the value of their home. It’s
anyone who took their loan-to-value
up to 70 or 80% through a refinance to
add the extra room, put in a pool, buy
investment real estate and, yes, buy jet
skis and quad runners. Irresponsible?
Overly aggressive? Bad at math? You can
decide for yourself, but the fact is that
anyone buying or refinancing in recent
years was in the wrong place at the
wrong time.
How many “waves” are to come?
Have you ever wondered how many 5,
7 and 10-year interest only loans where
originated between 2004 and 2007?
Even Alan Greenspan was telling us that
short term money was the best value.
How many people in our surrounding
areas have these loans? How many are in
the adjustment phase and why aren’t we
hearing about them losing their homes?
The answer is because they probably
went from a 5.25% - 5.5% interest only
loan that had a payment of $2,000 a
month to an adjusting 25 to 30-year
amortized loan with an interest rate of
3-3.5%. Due to the current incredibly
What Follows a Wave of Foreclosures? By Peter Paredero
low indices, they are only paying a few
hundred dollars more a month. Now
that they are amortizing, about $800
to $1,000 is finally paying down their
principal. So, if every 6 or 12 months
their loan adjusts to the index to which
their note is attached, won’t we be seeing
yet another wave of foreclosures once
the economy picks up? I like to call it
the “third wave,” but it will probably be
wave number five or six.
We have spent the better part of
the last three years figuring out whom
to blame for this mess. We’ve pointed
our fingers at the realtors, the loan
officers, the banks, the consumer, the
ratings agencies (who gave AAA ratings
to collateralized debt obligations that
they did not understand,) and finally
Wall Street. I like to blame Wall Street,
but that’s just how I roll… What are the
benefits of a bill like HR6218? I doubt
most people would disagree that it is a
good idea to get every adjustable rate
mortgage out of our housing market.
It’s tough to get people spending again
when they are in fear of their loan
payment doubling in the years to come.
It will also be a big help to people with
5.5% interest rates who can’t refinance
due to negative equity in their home.
Who would be hurt by this? I’ve heard
various arguments on how it would
affect the taxpayer; however it would be
more of a cost to the banks. And to that
I say, “Boohoo.”
For more information, visit www.
cardoza.house.gov and click on “The
Home Act H.R. 6218”.
Peter Paredero, Senior Mortgage Consultant for Land Home Financial Services Inc. has resided in Pleasant Hill since 1994. 925 787-8746. [email protected]
www.ourcommunityfocus.comNovember �010 Page 9
Want a fun change of pace for a trip to the wine
country? Ever seen a bathtub full of bowling balls,
a car hanging from a tree or a cement angel being
swung from the air? Then check out the di Rosa Art
Preserve in Napa.
I’ve driven past it many times and was always
curious about what the heck those black and white
sheep cutouts were doing along Sonoma highway.
Situated on over 200 acres of vineyard, gardens, and
natural landscape in the Napa Valley, di Rosa origi-
nated as the shared vision of Rene and Veronica di
Rosa, prolific collectors whose personal passion for
art and adventuresome spirits fueled their support of
art and artists.
Di Rosa houses approximately 2,000 works of
modern art by more than 800 artists. The amount of
art can be overwhelming so I definitely recommend
taking a guided tour. (See info below). My daughters
and I joined my parents for the Discovery tour and
we appreciated our informative docent.
Some of the highlights for us were the wildly
decorated cars by David Best, the numerous whimsi-
cal sculptures and the peacocks that roamed freely on
the grounds. One of my favorites pieces was the video
taken by Paul Kos over 12 hours at Chartres Cathe-
dral of the stained glass windows and then forwarded
into a 9 minute video so you could see how the light
affected it over the course of the day.
Everyone in my group had a different opinion of
di Rosa. My 17 year old daughter was bored. My 14
year old daughter was repelled. My Mom was indif-
ferent. I was intrigued. My Dad was enthralled. That’s
modern art…or any art for that matter!
Overall, we agreed that di Rosa is a fun, eccen-
tric collection set in a beautiful location and another
interesting way to spend the day in the Napa Valley.DETAILS5200SonomaHighway,Napa.707-226-5991,www.dirosaart.org.TOURSToursoffervisitorsarangeofwaystoexperiencethevarietyofartandnatureatdiRosa.TheGatehouseGalleryisopentodrop-invisitors,butthoseinterestedinseeingthepermanentcollection,SculptureMead-ow,orHistoricResidencemustbeonaguidedtour.ReservationsfortoursarehighlyrecommendedonweekdaysandrequiredonSaturday.TOUR PRICES$10—Introductorytour1hour(weekdaysonly)TourprovidesabriefguidedoverviewoftheMainGal-lery,HistoricResidence,Courtyard,andNorthLawn$15–Discoverytour2hours(weekdays)2.5hours(Saturdays)ExtendedtourprovidesguidedandindependentviewingintheGatehouse,MainGallery,HistoricResi-dence,Courtyard,andNorthLawn
Hittin’ the RoadBy Denise Salamanca
Trafalgar’s Travel Talk
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Don’t miss your chance to
SAVE$400*per couple at this event!
*Conditions apply. Details at show. CST#2077132-20
Date: December 3, 2010
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Venue:Pleasant Hill Community Center320 Civic DrivePleasant Hill, CA 94523
RSVP today to AAA – seats are limited!Call: 925-808-6203Email: [email protected]
Friday,
Join Trafalgar’s President Paul Wisemanand an expert European Tour Director atthis one night only event.
Meet the travel experts and learn howyou can get an insider’s view of Europeand enjoy a travel experience yousimply could not have on your own.
www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage 10 November �010
In 1963 John Muir, grandson of
the naturalist John Muir, asked his
mother, Mrs. Helen (Funk) Muir, to tell
him more about his grandmother. She
wrote him a birthday letter in response
to his request. The grandson loaned
the letter to William F. Kimes of Costa
Mesa, California in 1965. Here is a
transcription of this letter (unchanged
from original).
“Dear Johnny,”
You have often said you wanted to
know more about your Grandmother Muir
and asked me to write something about
her, so this is something of a birthday gift
to you.
Like many people who live quiet but
extremely useful lives, little was known of
Louie Strentzel Muir’s life outside her own
circle of friends and relatives but she was
loved and admired by all who knew her,
and many happy friendships in Alhambra
Valley where we lived, and enjoyed visiting
with them, especially with those who had
beautiful gardens and loved flowers like
she did. When I was a little girl Mama
often went to San Francisco for a day or
two, staying with close friend there and
shopping, but she did not like traveling in
general or being away from one for more
than a day or two. Some recent Muir
biographers have tried to make a martyr of
Mama because she stayed at home and ran
the ranch while Papa was away on his trips
of study and exploration, but that is the
way she wanted it. She most certainly did
not want to camp out on Alaska glaciers,
or in the mountains and forests where she
feared bears and mountain lions, and even
the crude hotel accommodations of early
days, where there were any, upset her, and
she much preferred to stay at home and
look after the ranch and her garden. Her
father, Grandpa Strentzel, had taught her
much about fruit raising long before her
marriage and she took pride in being able
to “carry on”, and so left Papa free part of
the year to explore and follow his studies.
He was always there at planting of new
vineyards and orchards, and when the
crops were harvested, leaving Mama in
charge during the growing season only.
And they had a good fore-
man in charge of the men,
who was a big help.
Mama was inter-
ested in world affairs and
especially enjoyed reading
The Review of Reviews
magazine and The World’s
Work. She was greatly in-
terested in new inventions
and had a strong prophetic
sense of things to come.
She always said that some
day men would fly with ease. Of course
the Wright brothers had made their flight
two years before her death, but she felt that
later on some one would do much more
than that. I wish she could have lived to see
how much more.
She was interested in astronomy and
knew the names of all the constellations
and many stars and on clear nights she
used to like to walk in the garden and point
them out to me, and tell me some of the
ancient myths about them. Unfortunately I
was too young to fully appreciate what she
was telling me and I have forgotten.
Mama was always ready to give help
where needed and helped all good causes
when asked. She and Grandma Strentzel
donated lots in Martinez for the Method-
ist Church and the Library, and both gave
generously to all the churches in town.
Mama always was called on to make
beautiful floral wreaths for funerals, or
to supply flowers for weddings. She gave
work around the place for needy men with
families.
Mama did not like cats but was
always good to them, not only because
she was kind to all things but especially
because a cat once saved her from stepping
on a coiled rattle snake in the garden path.
As a young girl she was slowly walking
backward along a path cutting roses when
she happened to notice a cat staring hor-
ror-stricken at something behind her and
so saved herself.
Knowing our love of picnics Mama
often took Wanda and I and some special
friends on very happy little outings in the
beautiful wooded hills around Martinez.
Mama was a wonderful
cook and those picnics
were memorable affairs.
She made the best bread
I ever tasted and that
and fried chicken and
her special baked beans
stand out in my memo-
ries of those far-away
outings.
Through the
years we were living
at Martinez many
distinguished guests came to our home,
and Mama was a charming and gracious
hostess, and was remembered with appre-
ciation. As Papa’s work and interests came
first with her she always tried to keep in the
background, but all who knew her appreci-
ated her own beautiful unselfish character.
She as a little lady – about Caroline’s
size. When she was young she had a lovely
figure with a tiny waist. Her eyes were gray,
her hair light brown with a natural wave.
Her skin was fair with a pink tint. After her
health broke and she suffered from kidney
trouble her figure became puffy and this
distressed her terrible. But she never was
fat. It has been said that she died of cancer,
but I do not know this. I was told there was
a tumor that crowded her lungs, and a very
serious kidney condition. She had always
dreaded old age and often spoke of it, but
did not live to suffer from it. She was not
quite sixty when she left us.
I hope this little sketch has given you
some idea of what your Grandmother
Muir was like, and if it raises any questions
you can ask and I’ll try to answer them for
you.
I wish your Grandmother could have
lived to know you and the other boys. She
longed for just such a family for herself but
only had two girls. I know how she would
have loved you.
And now have a Happy Birthday, and
with much love,
“Ma”
Dear Johnny: A Letter to a Muir GrandsonSubmitted by Gay Gerlack
MARTINEZ HISTORICAL SOCIETY
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www.ourcommunityfocus.comNovember �010 Page 11
Architectural Review CommissionNovember �, 18100 Gregory LaneLarge Community Room, �:00pmContact: 671-���9
City Council MeetingNovember 1, 1�100 Gregory LaneContact: 671-��67
Civic Action Commission MeetingNovember �100 Gregory LaneSmall Community Room, 6:�0pmContact: 671-���9
Education/Schools AdvisoryCommission MeetingNovember ��
100 Gregory LaneLarge Community Room, 7:00pmContact: 671-���9
Planning Commission MeetingNovember 9, ��100 Gregory LaneCity Council Chambers, 7:�0pmContact: 671-���9
Pleasant Hill Farmers’ MarketNovember 6, 1�, �0Saturdays, 8am-NoonCrescent Drive (in front of Century Theatre) Downtown Pleasant HillContact: 8��-9090
City Calendar of Events
PLEASANT HILL CITY BUZZ
For Confirmation Visit: www.ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us
Light up the Nightin Pleasant Hill
Frosty, Rudolph & one of Santa’s Elves.
Join us for the 3rd Annual “Light
up the Night” in Downtown Pleasant
Hill this year on Tuesday, November
30th. The event will include the light-
ing of a 25-foot decorated tree in the
small plaza on Crescent Drive as well
as music and caroling throughout the
Downtown. Everyone is invited to
celebrate the start of the holiday season
with free horse drawn carriage rides,
free cookies and hot chocolate, and a
visit from Santa and his elves. There
will also be merchant specials for store
drawings or opportunities to win
special raffle prizes. Festivities begin at
5:30pm and continue until 7:30pm on
Tuesday, November 30th.
This event is jointly organized by
the City of Pleasant Hill, Downtown
Pleasant Hill, Pleasant Hill Chamber of
Commerce and Pleasant Hill Recrea-
tion & Park District.
Assemblymember Skinner’s Office hosts Mobile Office Hours in Pleasant Hill SACRAMENTO, CA – Assemblymember Nancy Skinner’s office will be hosting
mobile office hours the 4th Wednesday of each month in Pleasant Hill in order to be
more accessible to constituents in Contra Costa County.
Staff from Nancy Skinner’s office will be available at the Pleasant Hill City Hall
- 100 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill, in the small conference room every 4th Wednes-
day, from 9:00-11:00am to answer your questions about state issues, gather feedback
and assist you with any issues you may be having with a State agency. Skinner’s staff
will be happy to meet with people whether they walk in or make an appointment. To
schedule an appointment you can call 510-286-1400.
Assemblymember Skinner was elected in 2008 to serve the 14th Assembly District, which includes Albany, Berkeley, Canyon, East Richmond Heights, El Cer-rito, Emeryville, Kensington, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Pleasant Hill, Richmond, Rollingwood, San Pablo, and parts of El Sobrante, Oakland, and Waldon. Skinner serves as Chair of the Assembly Rules Committee
The 40th Annual Community
Awards Night will be held this year
on Wednesday, November 17th where
the winners of Citizen of the Year and
Teacher of the Year will be disclosed.
This event honors teachers, business
owners and community leaders
who have contributed in many
ways to making Pleasant Hill a
better place for all who live and
work in the city.
Awards are also given to
Teen of the Year and Busi-
nessperson of the Year, as well
as a Green Award to a local
business practicing sustainabil-
ity, and the Community Plus
Award, which is given to an
employee of one of the three
sponsoring organizations who
has demonstrated community
service and volunteerism in the city.
The three event sponsors are the City
of Pleasant Hill, the Chamber of Com-
merce and the Pleasant Hill Recreation
& Park District.
To nominate a person or busi-
ness in any of these categories,
email Charley Daly at charley@
pleasanthillchamber.com or
you can download the nomi-
nation form at www.pleasant-
hill.net/awards.
The Awards Night begins
at 5:30 p.m. on November 17th
at the Pleasant Hill Commu-
nity Center. Dinner will be
provided and the cost is $40
per person. Tickets and reser-
vations are available through
the Chamber by calling (925)
687-0700.
The City is planning a number of
events and activities to mark its 50th
anniversary next year including a grand
finale weekend of festivities on the
weekend of November 12th-13th. This
will include a dinner dance celebration
at the Contra Costa Country Club on
Saturday, November 12th and an open
house at City Hall on Sunday, Novem-
ber 13th.
A 50th Anniversary Committee,
comprised of residents and members
of the Civic Action Commission, will
oversee all of the festivities. This may
include a display during the open
house at City Hall of historical photos
depicting the history of Pleasant Hill. In
addition, the anniversary theme may be
incorporated into other city events such
as the Fourth of July Celebration, and
the Art, Jazz & Wine Festival in October.
Other events and activities may
include essay and art contests in local
schools, a 50th anniversary calendar
and publication of a photographic
booklet detailing the history of Pleasant
Hill over the past 50 years.
If you wish to participate on the
committee or provide information or
photographs, please email Martin Nelis
at [email protected] or con-
tact him at (925)671-5229.
Community Awards Night Coming Soon
City to Celebrate 50th
City News
www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage 1� November �010
Zoning Administrator MeetingNovember �, 17�:00pm-6:00pmContact: 9��-�7�-��00
City Council MeetingNovember �, 177:00pm-10:�0pmContact: 9��-�7�-��00
Planning Commission MeetingNovember 9, ��7:00pm-11:00pmContact: 9��-�7�-��00
Thursday Farmers’ MarketNovember �, 11, 1810:00am-�:00pmCourt Street between Main and Escobar. For more information, visit www.pcfma.com or call Main Street Martinez at 9��-��8-��77.
City Calendar of Events
MARTINEZ CITY BUZZ
For years the Martinez City Council
has been working on solutions to rebuild
the jewel of our community, our historic
and beautiful waterfront. This has been a
difficult task because our marina (which
was built from 1960 through about
1985) had not been properly maintained
and operated by the city in the past, and
monies generated by the marina did not
stay in the marina.
Soon after I took office we met with
the Department of Boating and Water-
ways (DBAW) to find solutions to polish
this tarnished jewel, pay off our loans,
and properly manage the marina. DBAW
expressed their desire to see a thriving
marina in Martinez and we worked out
a plan for success. It was decided that the
operation of the Marina be turned over
to a professional marina management
firm and that all monies generated at the
marina would be dedicated to a marina
enterprise fund and would be used to
pay off existing loans and provide for
current maintenance of facilities.
For several years we have been work-
ing with DBAW and the marina opera-
tor on plans to repair the breakwater,
complete a full dredge of the harbor, and
completely rebuild all docks, including
a gas dock. We have had some setbacks
with the State of California being in such
a financial mess, and with the economy in
general, but have also had some successes.
A few years ago we completed
the Ferry Plaza improvements which
included two new launch ramps, a new
plaza and landscaping in and around the
harbormasters building, and removed
the old ferry pier.
All of the land where the marina sits
is not owned by the City of Martinez.
The State Lands Commission owns it. A
major stumbling block to the rebuilding
of the marina was the fact that our lease
with State Lands was to expire in just
a few years. A major accomplishment
early this year was the approval of a lease
extension for an additional 47 years by
State Lands. We are currently working
on all of the other required entitlements
(BCDC, Fish & Game, Corps of Engi-
neers) that will allow us to rebuild and
dredge the marina. We expect to start
reconstruction the summer of 2011.
In tandem with the marina recon-
struction, the Water Emergency Transit
Martinez Mayor’s Message Rob Schroder, Mayor of Martinez
For Confirmation Visit: www.cityofmartinez.org
Authority is conducting a study on where
a Martinez ferry terminal might be sited
along with the environmental work
that is required for that siting. They are
also about to begin design work on that
terminal in addition to ridership studies
that will tell them who will take advan-
tage of this new form of transportation in
Martinez.
Landside improvements, such as
a restaurant and other appropriate
waterfront improvements will soon fol-
low. The playgrounds and ball fields at
Waterfront park will also be improved
with new irrigation systems, bathrooms,
walkways, and lighting thanks to the
recently approved Measure H. Next
month I will report on all of the other
Measure H projects, including the new
Rankin Aquatic Center and Library
improvements.
City NewsGeneral Election November 2A General Election will be held in the City of Martinez on Tuesday, November 2,
for the following officers: MAYOR – 1 SEAT • CITY COUNCIL - 2 SEATS. You may
pickup an Absentee Ballot until November 2nd at the County Clerk’s Election Office,
located at 555 Escobar Street, Martinez.
Budget Photo Contest Now Open The City is about to begin work on its 2011-13 Biennial Budget, and will once again
sponsor a photo contest. Selected photographs of Martinez will be showcased in the
document. Pictures should be hi-resolution digital images (landscape format) that il-
lustrate the beauty, character, and unique charm of Martinez. When submitting, please
describe your pictures and specify where and when they were taken. The deadline for
submittal is February 15, 2011, to [email protected]. Winners will be
recognized at a City Council meeting and will receive byline credit in the budget.
Martinez CERT DrillThe City of Martinez will hold its second Community Emergency Response Team
Disaster Drill on Nov. 6, 2010 from 8 am until 12 noon. CERT trained members from
the Community are invited to come participate in eight different exercises, all designed
to reinforce CERT training learned while attending CERT Courses throughout the
County. CERT members from any city or county area are welcome. Check in at 7:30 am
in the parking lot of 921 Susanna St. Martinez. Information phone is (925) 890-8698Annual Holiday Bazaar – Friday, Nov. 5Extensive jewelry section, white elephant area, holiday decorations, plants, hand-made crafts and a terrific bake sale. Lunch will be offered, consisting of salad, pasta, garlic bread and a beverage. Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Cost: $3.50 pre-sale / $4.00 at the door. Martinez Senior Center, 818 Green St.
Holiday Boutique – Saturday, Nov. 13Get an early start on your holiday shopping! Visit our Holiday Boutique and choose from a huge selection of handmade items. Baby items, quilts, scarves, jewelry and much more! Quality made items at affordable prices. After visiting the boutique shop our plant sale, where all proceeds go towards the CC Café. Hot apple turnovers, sandwiches and coffee will be for sale. 9am – 4pm, FREEPleasant Hill Senor Center, 233 Gregory Lane
www.ourcommunityfocus.comNovember �010 Page 1�
I was standing in line at airport secu-
rity in Oakland for about fifteen minutes
when I realized I had not yet received my
boarding pass. Dog gone it! (Well, that
is not what I said but that is what I can
write…family newspaper.) It is 6:10 in
the morning and I am not usually up this
early, but I have to catch a flight to So. Cal.
The last time I was up this early was when
I realized the tooth fairy had forgotten to
put money under my daughter’s pillow
- it would have been the tooth fairy’s third
failed attempt in a row. Anyway, back to
the airport. I start to swim upstream in
the line to get my boarding pass. It’s fairly
crowded at this hour, which forces me
to do my “movie theatre side step.” You
know the one. You have to turn sideways
and shuffle step down the movie theatre
aisle whispering, “Excuse me.” Next time
you are doing this at the movies imagine
pulling a suitcase. As I’m “movie theatre
side stepping” out of line I get a poke in
the chest. My friend, Erik, is standing
there with this big smile. He is all bright
eyed and bushy tailed and way too cheer-
ful for 6:11 in the morning. He wants
to know why I’m going the wrong way.
Where am I headed? How long will I be
gone? This guy is talking like it’s noon
and I’m still trying to put together, “Good
morning, Erik.” At this time of the morn-
ing I’m just hoping I’m wearing two shoes
of the same color.
After getting my boarding pass from
what looks like a video poker machine, I
jump back in line, trying to make it look
like it was part of my plan. Oddly, my new
line moves quickly and I pass Erik, which
is good, except I am too damn tired to
even gloat over my superior line choice
and can’t think of a single comical retort
as I pass him.
At the X-ray section I start to un-
dress. Shoot, I only got dressed forty-five
minutes ago and now I have to take most
of it off. I jam all my stuff in the little
plastic bins and push them down the line.
AS RUSS SEES ITIt’s Too Early!
By Russell Carroll
The Hollow Chocolate
Bunnies of the Apocalypse tells
the story of Jack, a small town
factory worker, who moves
to the city to find wealth and
power. However, when he
finally makes it to the city,
after avoiding a cannibalistic
farmer, it’s not opportunity
that he finds. What he finds
instead is a collection of drug addicted,
alcoholic, vice-ridden toys and nursery
rhyme characters. Oh, and he finds
one more thing...a demonic homi-
cidal maniac bent on killing off all the
humans in the city and taking over the
world.
Now if that does not grab your
attention, I don’t know what will.
Author Robert Rankin does a
masterful job of telling this story with
a quick wit and it reads much like the
classic absurdist play Waiting for Godot
by Samuel Beckett. There are also a
fair amount of post-modern features
to the book. The main character Jack,
who is coaxed into becoming the
detective partner of a stuffed bear who
is trying to solve this murder mystery,
very often will compare their actions
to the detective novel genre
and use that as a guide to how
they should respond in any
given situation.
The stuffed bear,
Eddie, is probably the best
character in the book. He is
full of sawdust, loves to drink,
and due to a mental condition
cannot make corroborative
nouns. So everything is, “as wet as,” “as
drunk as,” “as dead as.”
If you are looking for a book with
depth or some deeper meaning about
humanity, culture or civilization this
probably isn’t the book for you. If, on
the other hand, you just want a book
that will put a smile on your face then
this book is as good as. It’s a fun read
and perfect for a quick weekend read
or long plane trip.
To read more about The Hollow
Chocolate Bunnies of the Apocalypse,
or leave your comments, please visit
pleasanthillbookclub.blogspot.com
To leave your comments about either this book or this review, please send it to [email protected].
Chocolate Bunnies of the Apocalypse
Book Review by Adam Kondonijakos
BOOkS IN FOCUS
Don’t miss our annual museum store sale Nov. 20 and 21.
1931 First Avenue, Walnut Creek CA 94597 • 925-935-1978 • www.wildlife-museum.org
Explore, Discover, and Learn!
Lindsay Wildlife MuseumConnecting people with wildlife to inspire responsibility and respect for the world we share.
· children’s classes
· holiday workshops
· birthday parties
· scout tours · family programs
Lindsay Wildlife Museum
I step to the metal detector and nod my
readiness to the 4’ tall male security officer
on the other side. I just know I represent
every kid in high school who made his
life miserable. He says to me, “You should
remove your belt.” “I travel all the time,”
I say, “it’s fine.” He waves me through.
Beep! Beep! Beep! I set off the alarm. Back
through the machine I go and surrender
my belt. I step up again and he smiles as if
to say, “I was right about the belt and I’ll
never forget what you did to me in high
school.” I pass through successfully. My
stuff is at the end of the conveyer belt all
stacked up. I get almost everything back
on and then notice one of my shoelaces
is tied in about four knots! It wasn’t like
that when I took it off. I try to squeeze it
back on but it is a no go. Where is my wife
when I need her?
I find my gate number and head
that way. I think growing up requires that
we learn not to make the same mistakes
twice. So, I vow to never fly again before
11:00 AM. There are certain hurdles we
just should not have to face before the sun
is completely up. But ….that is just how I
see it.
To contact Russell, email him at [email protected].
www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage 1� November �010
CORkS AND FORkS
Southern French Turkey Leftovers This southern French menu was
inspired by the age old question of
what to do with the leftover turkey
from Thanksgiving. I love the idea of
apples, bacon, turkey and cheese all
together. I find this meal to be lighter
in style and it is confirmed by how
well white wines work with the dishes.
Start with a fresh salad made
from mixed greens, chopped apple,
honey-Dijon vinaigrette and top with
crunchy sunflower seeds. The dress-
ing’s earthy mustard and sweet honey
will begin the bridge from salad to
wine. However, it is the nutty, salty
sunflower seeds that will really make
the wine pairing work. Choose a zippy
wine such as a Pic Poul from South-
ern France. The aromatics of this
grape are primarily notes of Fuji apple
Pair UpWith La Sommelierre Maria Terry
Rachel Ray’s Turkey Noodle Casserole
INGREDIENTS
1/2 pound extra wide egg noodles,
cooked al dente
3 slices bacon or turkey bacon, chopped
1 pound white mushrooms, sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
3-4 cups diced cooked turkey
Black pepper
2 teaspoons dried thyme or
poultry seasoning
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 cup chicken stock
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
2 tablespoons softened butter
8 oz. grated Gruyere
1 cup plain bread crumbs
2 to 3 tablespoons chopped parsley leaves
DIRECTIONS
Preheat a large, deep skillet over me-
dium high heat and crisp bacon. Remove
bacon and sauté mushrooms and onions
3 to 5 minutes in remaining bacon fat.
Add back bacon and diced turkey. Season
the mixture liberally with salt and pep-
per, then sprinkle in the ground thyme
or poultry seasoning. Cook another 5
minutes then add wine. Deglaze the pan,
stir in stock and bring to a simmer, then
stir in cream and reduce the heat to low.
Add nutmeg and stir. Taste to adjust
seasonings.
Preheat broiler to high. Combine
noodles with turkey mixture and sauce.
Grease a casserole dish with a softened
butter and transfer turkey noodle mix-
ture to the dish. Top the casserole with
Gruyere then bread crumbs. Place the
casserole 8 to10 inches from the broiler
and brown 2 to 3 minutes until cheese
is melted and the crumbs are brown.
Remove from oven and garnish with
parsley.
Yield: 4-6 servings
Honey-Dijon Vinaigrette
INGREDIENTS
1 c. mayonnaise
1/2 c. vegetable oil
Pinch red pepper
3/4 tsp. apple cider vinegar
1/4 c. Dijon mustard
1/4 c. honey
1/2 tsp. onion salt
DIRECTIONS
Blend all ingredients and refrigerate.
Yield: 1½ cups dressing
and it will be a perfect match to the
chopped apple in the salad.
The main course utilizes leftover
turkey. Turkey noodle casserole is not
truly French but is certainly deli-
cious. I like Rachel Ray’s recipe. The
meaty bacon and gruyere cheese both
add depth; the nutmeg and parsley
match the spicy, herbal notes found in
the wine of choice, a dry Sauvignon
Blanc/Sémillon blend from Bordeaux
France. There are both sweet and dry
versions of white Bordeaux, be sure to
choose the dry one for this dish. The
crisp refreshing acidity of Sauvignon
Blanc is offset by a creaminess found
in Sémillon. The two grapes together
will complement the dish and cleanse
your palate for your next bite.
Finish the meal with a beautiful store
bought fruit tart and make it even
more special by pairing it with one of
Southern France’s lovely white wines,
Muscat de Beaumes de Venice. It is
light and slightly sweet and will work
well with the sweetness of the custard.
So, go on. Pair Up!
Maria Terry is a Certified Som-melier and Wine Educator in the San Francisco Bay Area. www.LaSomme-lierre.com
www.ourcommunityfocus.comNovember �010 Page 1�
SENIOR ENVY
The more you plan, the more plans
change. Being the “type-A” gal that I am,
nothing makes me happier than breaking
down a day-by-day, hour-by-hour
itinerary for a trip I’m looking forward to.
But to some degree, nothing is a bigger
waste of time. Planning is important.
You want to make sure you have a list of
priorities, back-up options, and a budget.
Nothing is more frustrating than hustling
to a venue on Monday morning, only to
discover that it’s closed every Monday.
Research is always helpful, but the most
important thing to have on a trip is
flexibility!
I recently went to Australia’s Outback
and planned for a dinner our first night
under the stars and a guide to explain the
local constellation folklore. The next day
was to be a sunrise camel ride to see the
famous colors of Ayer’s Rock. I couldn’t
have been more excited. The Outback
is known for being tremendously hot
and dry and we were visiting during its
driest season. So when we landed in
Uluru, you can imagine how surprised
we were to see the sky covered in dark
clouds and our bare legs covered in goose
bumps. In my desperation, I thought,
“maybe it’s a long drive to our actual
destination.” Ten short minutes later,
Ayer’s Rock was in our sites….along with
the clouds that surrounded it. Our “star-
gazing talk” consisted of our guide using
a giant flashlight to point in the general
direction of where we would be able to
see the constellations had the sky not
been so black.
The next morning we got up to
ride camels for the first time. After
waiting thirty minutes in the rain, our
driver arrived with a big smile on his
The key to the Best Trip...By Jessie Wusthoff
Pleasant HillSenior Activities
Pancake Breakfast – Nov. 7MonthlybreakfastfeaturesFrenchToast!Enjoyabottomlessplateofeitheronewitheggs,sausageandorangejuice.(1stSundayofeverymonth)9am – 11am, $�.�0 ages 11 and up / $�.�0 ages � to 10 / FREE ages � & under
Home Safety for the Holidays – Nov. 8Presentationgearedtowardseniorsandsafetyintheirhome.Topicsinclude:Firesafety,holidayscams,andtheproperstepsforhiringin-homecare.Refresh-mentsprovided.Free, 9-11am. Any ques-tions, call Dana at 798-8788
“Get to Know Your Cell Phone”- Nov. 22Havingtroublecheckingyourvoicemail,programmingnumbersorchangingyourringtones?TeensfromPHRPD’sTeenCouncilareatyourservice!Registerfora20-minuteone-on-oneappt.10am – 1�pm, �0-min. appt. slots. FREE - Donations accepted to support the Teen Center Programs.
Stretch, Balance & Coordination NEW!Improveyourflexibilityandenhancebodyawarenessinthisfunanddynamic45-minuteclass.Increaseyourvitalitythroughbalanceandcoordinationexercises.Foralllevels,withanop-tionofusingachairtoperformeachexercise.Drop-inswelcome!Nov. 1-Dec. 1� (� weeks) *No class 11/8 & 11/ ��. Mon.,10:�0-11:1�am. Fee: $�9/ Members: $��/ $6 drop-in.
MartinezSenior Activities
Pancake Breakfast – Nov. 148:00am to 11:00am, $�.�0 adults /$� children under 10. Homemade crafts for sale.
Scrapbooking Christmas Card Class- 11/15-12/6 ThisisagreatnewclassofferedbytheRecreationDept.Joinuswithmakingyourownspecialcards.Classsuppliesareprovided(bringscissors).Youwillbemakingadifferentcardeachweek.Pre-registrationisrequired.Call372-3510,forinformationandtoregister.$�0/$�� Martinez Resident /Drop-in $1�. Senior Center, 818 Green Street, 6:00 pm - 7:�0 pm. Contact: �7�-��10.
Isle of Wight (England) Walking Tour & London Sightseeing - June 3–13, 2011Thisguidedwalkingholiday,basedinFreshwaterBay,istheidealwaytoexplorethebeautifulcoast,cliffsandinlandlandscapesoftheIsleofWight.Therewillbeachoiceofuptothreewalksdailywithdistancevaryingfromeasytohard.Theall-inclusiveguidedwalkingholidayoffersexcellentvalue,including:7-nightaccommodationsatFreshwaterBayHouse,allmealsarein-cluded,guidedwalkswithtransportationtoandfromthestartofthewalks;3days,2nightsinLondon,breakfastincluded;roundtripairfromSanFranciscotoLon-donandalltransfers.Cost: $�99�.00 pp, double occupancy. Call (9��) �70-8770 for a detailed flyer.
Martinez Senior Center818 Green St. (925) 370-8770
Pleasant Hill Senior Center233 Gregory Lane (925) 798-8788
face….and news that the camels are
considerably crabby in the rain and the
tour was canceled.
Stories of travel plans gone awry are
common. Whether it’s rain or a random
volcano eruption, there’s always at least
one aspect of a trip that doesn’t go quite
as planned.
We decided to make the most of it;
instead of getting angry at camels being
camels, we spent extra time at Ayer’s
Rock watching the amazing waterfalls
and reflections off of its remarkable
surface--sans sunrise. The Outback was
still my favorite part of our trip because
we laughed things off and stayed
flexible. We got our “money’s worth,”
but in different ways than originally
planned. So, whether it’s a freak 48-hour
rainstorm in Australia, or realizing that
animals will be animals, remember to be
flexible with your plans and expectations
in order to let yourself enjoy what’s right
in front of you!
If you’re ready to go take your
chances with Australia’s rain, call
(925) 798-8747 or stop by the Pleasant
Hill Senior Center’s Trip Office for
information on our newly announced
Australia/New Zealand/Fiji trip coming
up August 11 – September 1, 2011!
Jessie Wusthoff is the Senior Trips Coordinator at the Pleasant Hill Senior Center.
Senior Center Celebrates!On September 24th, the Pleasant Hill Senior Center celebrated their 55th anniversary.
With approximately 160 attendees, the afternoon celebration in the park included a
barbeque lunch, music by D.J. Strawberry Fields, and several 1950’s cars on display.
Activities included a “Name that Tune” game along with a 1955 trivia game.
www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage 16 November �010
HOME TEAM
Martinez resident thrives in big events Swimming sensation Lisa Ward
finished the 2010 season with her usual
dominance. Ward was almost perfect
over a three weekend period in recent
competitions, winning gold in 20-of-21
finals. The 46-year-old athletic dynamo
continued her supremacy on multiple
stages, but ultimately saved the best for
last.
The run started at the 7th-An-
nual Alan Lui Memorial Swim Meet in
Mountain View. Ward swept through
the 400m Freestyle, 200m Backstroke,
200m Breaststroke, 200m Butterfly and
400m Individual Medley. As usual, she
easily outdistanced her opponents in
the 45-49-year-old age group.
One week later, Ward was at UC
Davis for the 37th-Annual US Master’s
Swim Pentathlon. Again, she swept all
five events to keep her amazing streak
of success in-tact. Ward, a Martinez
resident who competes with the Walnut
Creek Masters, won four-of-five races
by one-second-or-more.
The third weekend saw Ward at the
Pacific Masters Short Course Champi-
onships held at the Clarke Swim Center
in Walnut Creek. Ward was attempting
to qualify in the Zone Championships
to move on to the next level.
Over three days, Ward won 10
championships and took a silver (2nd-
place) in one other event. Ward added
gold to her possession in virtually
every sprint event and stroke. She also
Showrooms also in Santa Clara & Milbrae
“Season Ticket” HighlightsBy Chuck Nan
FULL SERVICE SALON& DAY SPA
1603 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill925-935-HAIR
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If you haven’t had it before it’s
Offer Excludes Keratin Treatments & Hot Stone MassageNot to be combined with any other offer.
1/2 OFFTry any new single service at half off.The Lady Falcons finished their regular season with a 3-1 record. Six members of the team will be
graduating this year. Pictured are: back - Alexis Kaput, Jazmin Lomtong, Maddie Craig, Maggie Sch-oemann; middle: Lisa DiNicolantonio, Aly Craig, Erica DeLuca, Molly Gaorian; front: Jill Cary, Lindsay Brown and Clair Lorch. Not pictured is new coach, Rob Howard, a College Park graduate currently attending St. Mary’s College.
Lady Falcons Water Polo
Photo by Pat Deluca
branched-out to win the 1,500m Free-
style, a distance race. The silver came in
the 200m IM.
Ward is now done for 2010 and will
take some time off to be with her family.
Next season, she will gear-up again to
defend her crowns.
Mens Varsity Water Polo The Alhambra boy’s water polo
team swam off to one of its best start
in years this fall. The Bulldogs had an
amazing 7-1 record at one point. Part
of the success was due to the scoring
mastery of Dominic Lucido. With the
solid start, the Dogs were ranked No. 3
in the North Coast Section, Division II
heading into DFAL play.
The Dogs only early-season loss
came at the hands of El Camino (Sac-
ramento) in the championship game of
the Fairfield Invitational, 10-9. Lucido
scored four goals in the match. In the
semi-finals, Lucido notched two goals
in a win over Reno. In the quarter-fi-
nals, Lucido registered five goals in the
victory over Christian Brothers (Sacra-
mento).
Alhambra then defeated rival Col-
lege Park 23-5. The Bulldogs received
balanced scoring from a bevy of sources:
Evan Weiss (8), Vince Farley (4), Tony
Wanket (4), Brandon Simons (3),
Dominic Lucido (2), Mike Felicia (10
and Andrew Schwartz (1). Goaltender
Graham Lewis registered 13 saves.
Softball Champions
Pleasant Hill Roadrunners are victorious again, taking first place over team Zio Freado.
Dominic Lucido, photo by Mari Weiss
www.ourcommunityfocus.comNovember �010 Page 17
HOME TEAM
Ed Sias X-Country Invite The 26th-Annual Ed Sias Cross
Country Invitational (ESI), hosted by
Campolindo and College Park High
Schools, once again kicked-off the
prep season in the East Bay. As usual,
the race was held on the winding
trails of Hidden Valley Park. The park
is perhaps the most popular on the
circuit and the site of many top-tier
events including the championships
for the Tri-County and Diablo Foothill
Athletic Leagues and the North Coast
Section.
One reason for the high degree of
popularity is the challenging two-mile
course trail. According to reports, the
course was in excellent condition for
this year’s event. Runners cite the ter-
rain, unique bridges, and the signa-
ture “Finale Hill” as some of the best
features.
The ESI always attracts high-ca-
liber competitors from throughout
Northern California. The 2010 event
was no exception. Both local schools,
College Park and Alhambra, made
good showings in their respective
groupings. The Falcons were in the
“large school” category while the Bull-
dogs were in the “small school” group.
The College Park boy’s won the
team competition, easily outdistancing
the opposition on the way. The Lady
Falcons ran to an impressive third-
place finish in the event. Likewise, the
Alhambra boy’s took third in their
category.
Individually, the Falcons were
absolutely dominant, as four runners
swept the first four positions. All sen-
iors, Benjamin Eversole, Will Holland,
Anthony Ortolan and Jeff Bickert were
separated by less than 10-seconds at
the finish. Alhambra’s Evan Quigley
had a fine race, finishing second in his
group, less-than two-seconds off the
pace. Mike Railton also earned a top-
ten finish with his sixth-place effort.
For the girl’s, Kazune Shidara was
the top CP finisher in the ninth spot.
Senior Jewelz Andrews was the top
Alhambra finisher in the girl’s small
school division in 26th-place.
One week later at Newhall Park, the
Falcons were successful again at the De
La Salle/Carondelet Nike Invitational.
The boy’s took third-place, while the
girl’s placed fourth. Jeff Bickert was the
top Falcon finisher in third position.
Prep Football After both losing in Week 2 of the
prep football season, College Park (1-
2) and Alhambra (2-1) bounced back.
The key to each team returning to the
win column was the successful play
of their quarterbacks. The Bulldogs
came-from-behind to beat Ygnacio
Valley, 29-21. John Miller passed for
136 yards and two touchdowns. He
also rushed for 137 on 21 carries and
scored twice. Taylor Valdez was just 3-
for-3 passing, but two were for touch-
downs in the 28-7 upset win at Las
Lomas. He also rushed for 69 yards,
including a 53 yard run for a score in
the third-quarter.
Jared Leaf returned to the Al-
hambra line-up after missing nearly
two games and torched the El Molino
(Forestville) defense en route to a 55-
35 victory. Leaf, a senior back, romped
for 323 yards on 33 carries (9.80) and
five touchdowns in the road contest.
Leaf had a sixth TD, a pass reception,
called-back due to penalty. The rush-
ing mark is the most since Richard
Calhoun’s 295 yards at Acalanes last
season. The only other 300-plus game
in recent history came from Brandon
Rutley (393) in 2006.
Local Alumni Round-UpPaul Wright Paul Wright, a Martinez resident
and De La Salle alum, was named the
Great Northwest Athletic Conference
Defensive Player of the Week for the
week of Sept. 5-11. Wright is a 5-11,
220-pound senior linebacker at Cen-
tral Washington University.
Against Eastern Washington Uni-
versity, Wright, a transfer from Illinois
State University, made a career-high 13
tackles including 2 1/2 tackles for loss-
es in a 35-32 Wildcat loss. He currently
ranks second on the CWU squad with
25 tackles and is tied for the team lead
with three tackles for loss.
Golden Gators The San Francisco State University
women’s soccer team is off to a nice
7-2-3 start, including 6-2-2 in league
play. The defensive unit for the Lady
Gators boasts two locals: Nicole Smith
(Alhambra) of Martinez and Kaitlin
Dick (Berean Christian) of Pleasant
Hill. Smith is a sophomore who was
First-Team All-DFAL and team MVP
of the Lady Bulldogs. Dick, a freshman,
was a three-time First-Team all-league
performer for the Lady Eagles. Both
players have started all 12 matches this
season for SFSU. The Gators are cur-
rently ranked No. 7 in NCAA Division
II West Region.
Smith was named SFSU female Ath-
lete-of-the-Week on October 4. She
played a key role in the Gators back-
to-back shutout victories on the road
in the CCAA North Division.
“Season Ticket” Sports By Chuck Nan
Nike 2010, photo by Dave Holland
Jared Leaf, Photo by [email protected]
www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage 18 November �010
On October 10th at Newhall Park
in Concord, the United Mt. Diablo
Athletic Foundation held it’s largest
fundraiser, the 5K run/walk to support
the high school sports programs in the
Mt. Diablo school district. Over 2,000
people participated and approximately
$100,000 was raised for this event. The
task of raising $1.2 million annually
is a huge undertaking for UMDAF
and they are relying on the generosity
of the Mt. Diablo community to help
support their endeavor.
In addition to the 5K, another way
to help is with the “sponsor an athlete”
program. According to Marci Finley,
head of the 5K committee, “The public
can make a donation to sponsor an
athlete. It costs from $250 to $400 per
sport for a student to play. For many
families this is hard to obtain and so
the foundation has created this pro-
gram to assist these students.”
So what’s next for UMDAF? Ac-
cording to Pat Middendorf, president
of the foundation, “We are planning a
large gala event next April and we will
be the only sponsor for Kid Fest so all
proceeds will go to UMDAF. We also
are participating in the digital coupon
fundraiser.” Middendorf also stated
that she hopes to expand the run in
2011 to include a 10K road race and
possibly a half-marathon.
For more information about this
and other fundraising opportunities
please visit www.umdaf.org.
UMDAF’s Second Dash By Jaki Jones
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www.ourcommunityfocus.comNovember �010 Page 19
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Dallimonti’s Restaurantitalian
1932 Oak Park Boulevard, Pleasant Hill. 925-944-5224
Dallimonti’s Italian restaurant is a multi-course, family-style dining experience, o�ering Pasta, Seafood, Steaks, Prime Rib. Full bar and
wine list. Friday night Karaoke and Saturday night live music.
www.dallimontis.com
• A Family Tradition Since 1982 • Open for Lunch & Dinner• Reservations & Take Out Available • Small Banquets Welcome
• A Touch of North Beach in your Neighborhood
Dallimonti’s Restaurant By Aaron Stanwell
If you’re looking for a touch of
North Beach close to home, look no
further than Dallimonti’s Restaurant
in Pleasant Hill. Dallimonti’s, owned
and operated by Ron and Christy
Dallimonti since 1982, is charming,
cozy and makes you feel right at home.
Unlike other restaurants that boast
the charm and allure of a neighbor-
hood gathering place, Dallimonti’s
delivers on these claims. And yes, red
and white-checkered tablecloths are
standard!
The handwritten menu offers tra-
ditional Italian classics such as: Chicken
Parmesan, Cannelloni, Veal Scaloppini,
Chicken Cacciatore and NY Steak. The
menu is priced well, ranging from $14
- $18, and is served family style. All en-
trees come with soup, salad, bread and
dessert. Ala Carte dining is available for
those with smaller appetites along with
daily specials. Choose from an adequate
wine list with wines by the glass for
around $5 - $8 and bottles ranging
from $20 - $29. Dallimonti’s also hosts
a full bar which is quaintly separated
from the restaurant by lattice, greenery
and twinkling lights.
My wife and I ordered a calamari
appetizer that proved tasty and both
agreed the Minestrone soup was excel-
lent. A nice tossed green salad arrived,
followed by our entrees. My wife had
the chicken Roma special: A chicken
breast with artichokes, asparagus,
prosciutto and capers in a nice white
sauce and I had the chicken picatta.
Magnifico! Dessert for us was a gener-
ous scoop of ice cream and the bread
pudding. Kaluha and coffees followed,
which proved to be just what the doc-
tor ordered! This was a great meal!
One thing you should know about
Dallimonti’s is that your experience
is not rushed. This is a perfect place
for dining with family or friends in a
relaxed atmosphere. If you have little
ones that might get restless you should
let your server know that you would
like your meal delivered quickly. Now,
call your family and friends and get to
Dallimonti’s! We loved it!
Happy Hour – Yes, �:00 – 7:00pm
M – F with light food and beverage
specials.
Live music – Yes, Saturday nights
karaoke – Yes, Friday nights
Sports on TV – Yes, in the bar
Family Friendly - Yes
RESTAURANT GUIDE
Dallimonti’s Owners Ron & Christy
RESTAURANTGUIDE
925.335.NEWS(6397)[email protected]
• Ongoing Presence• One-time 250-word Feature with a 6-month contract• Feature plus one month FREE with a 12-month contract• Distribution of 40,000 • Direct link to your website in online version
for more information please contact us at
get your restaurant in
FOCUS
www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage �0 November �010
Influenza or “flu” refers to the many
strains of viruses that are more intense
than a common cold. Symptoms include
fever, aching muscles,
headache, fatigue, and may
involve the digestive tract,
causing diarrhea, nausea, or
vomiting.
The best defense against
flu is to support your im-
mune system. Wash your
hands frequently. Make
sure to get 7-9 hours a sleep
a night. Avoid sugar and
caffeine. Eat fruits and dark
green leafy vegetables. Echinacea and
Astragalus are helpful herbs. Consider
Vitamins C and D.
What can you do homeopathically?
If you are concerned about getting the flu,
take the homeopathic remedy, Influezi-
num 9C, once a week during flu out-
break.*
If you think you are coming down
with a cold or flu take homeopathic
Ferrum Phosphoricum 6X. Four pellets
in warm water every hour for the first
12-hours. Children ages 1-6, two pellets.
Oscillococcinum can be the perfect thing
to throw off an oncoming virus.
If you do come down with the flu, it is
important to take care of yourself. Rest,
drink lots of liquids, and stay warm. Black
elderberry herbal syrup soothes a cough
and sore throat. If you need more than
that here are two homeo-
pathic remedies to consider.
Aconite napellus is a
likely choice when a fever
comes on suddenly after be-
ing exposed to a chill.
Dull, dizzy, droopy, and
drowsy? All you want is
to be left alone to sleep?
Gelsemium sempervirens,
is great for the flu that
comes on slowly with a dull
headache, dry mouth, and fever.
* Influenzinum is not recommended if you have had a flu shot. For informa-tion about protecting you and your family against influenza and to learn about this season’s cold & flu care kit that I recom-mend visit Stop Winter Colds & Flus at http://myranissen.com/blog/?p=1381. If you can’t seem to get over a flu or cold, it may be time to seek homeopathic care from a professional. I can help. New clients who schedule before Nov. 20th will receive a complimentary gift, Winter Rescue Sampler (perfect for gift or travel) $25 value. Call Myra Nissen, CCH, RSHom(NA), Nationally Certified Homeopath, 826.3858.
keep Safe Tips to Ward off the Cold and Flu
By Myra Nissen, CCH, RSHom(NA) Lung cancer is the leading cause of
death for both men and women. More
women die each year of lung cancer than
of breast, cervical and
uterine cancer combined.
More men die each year
than from colorectal and
prostate cancer combined.
Lung Cancer Awareness
Month is a national cam-
paign dedicated to increas-
ing attention to the disease.
Cigarette smoking is
the most common cause,
but the risk decreases with
smoking cessation. Other risk factors in-
clude exposure to second hand tobacco
smoke, and to environmental substances
such as arsenic or nickel, radon, air pol-
lution and radiation.
Most patients with lung cancer
present symptoms such as loss of ap-
petite, fatigue, weakness and cough. For
early stage lung cancers, other than small
cell lung cancer, upfront surgery is used
for treatment and staging. After surgery,
patients should discuss the benefit and
risk of chemotherapy with their medical
oncologist. The combination of chemo-
therapy and radiation is incorporated in
stage III where mediastinal lymph nodes
are involved.
For advanced stage lung cancer,
chemotherapy has shown to improve
overall survival and the quality of life in
patients. Newer medica-
tions such as Avastin are
combined with chemo-
therapy to improve
outcome. Radiation is
also incorporated into
treatment plans to al-
leviate symptoms such
as pain from metastasis.
We also have learned that
oral medication such as
Erlotinib is very effective
in treating patients whose lung cancer
harbors EGFR (epidermal growth factor
receptor) mutation. Newer technologies
including molecular profiling are also
being used so we can personalize the
treatments for patients.
Dr. Chen is a physician with Diablo Valley Oncology/Hematology Medical Group which is located in the Califor-nia Cancer and Research Institute at 400 Taylor Blvd, Pleasant Hill. The California Cancer and Research Institute is a state-of-the-art facility with cutting edge technologies is the largest comprehensive, non-hospital based cancer and blood disorder treat-ment facility in Contra Costa County.
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month
By Gigi Chen, M.D..
PAID ADVERTORIAL
As We Mature -- Talking About PrescriptionsBy Joyce & Jim Newport, Owners, Right at Home of Mt. Diablo
Prescriptions can be the key to a long-
er, fuller life. They can also cause health
problems -- especially as people tend to see
many different doctors for various condi-
tions instead of one primary physician.
Did you know that 50 percent of
seniors take an average of eight medica-
tions or more regularly? And that the risk
of experiencing side effects increases with
the number of prescriptions taken? Add
to this that the way our bodies metabolize
medications changes as we mature, which
can cause the body to react differently to a
medication we may have been taking for
years without any issues.
Right at Home rec-
ommends these top 5 best
practices for senior medication
safety:
1. Keep a complete, updated
list of all prescription and
over-the-counter medications,
vitamins and supplements.
Show this list to all physicians
you see at every visit.
2. Use one pharmacy for all prescriptions
to create one more checkpoint to ensure
prescriptions won’t mix dangerously. Share
your list from #1 with your
pharmacist.
3. Know your medications,
why you are taking them, and
be aware of their side effects.
4. Never self-medicate. If you
feel a change needs to be made,
talk to the prescribing physi-
cian.
5. Consider using medica-
tion management tools like
reminder services, electronic pill dispensers
or nonmedical in-home care services like
Right at Home to ensure that medications
are taken properly. Missing a dosage or
other innocent medication mistakes can
have serious consequences.
Jim and Joyce Newport own Right at Home in Pleasant Hill -- a certified non-medical Home Care Agency by the California Association for Health Care Services at Home (www.CAHSAH.org). For more information about our services, visit our web page at www.rah-md.net or call us at (925) 256-HOME (4663). You can also email our office with any ques-tions at [email protected].
PAID ADVERTORIAL
PAID ADVERTORIAL
www.ourcommunityfocus.comNovember �010 Page �1
925.933.10011557 B Palos Verdes Mall Walnut Creek, CA 94597(off Geary & Pleasant Hill Rd.)
ABC FunPrograms from 9 mo. to 6 years of age. Classes include
a bilingual reading program, activities & gym that improve motor skill development.
• OPEN GYM • READING PROGRAM • DROP IN • BIRTHDAY PARTIES
KARAOKE • DANCING
SPECIALS: Birthdays $175 Drop In $9/ hour
Learning Center and Gym
“The Bee”, Foundation
for Pleasant Hill Education’s
(FPHE) annual spelling bee will
be on Saturday, December 11,
2010 at Pleasant Hill City Hall.
The Bee is open to children
Grades K through 5 and children from
all communities are welcome to par-
ticipate. Registration is $5.00 per entry.
Proceeds from The Bee will go to FPHE
to benefit Pleasant Hill public schools.
This is a fun event that gives
students a positive experience in an en-
vironment that allows them to display
their hard work in school. Students
will be asked to spell grade appropri-
ate words in a group setting. All grades
will compete independently, except
for Grades 4 and 5 who will compete
together. All spellers will receive a cer-
tificate and a small gift. Cash prizes will
be awarded to the top three spellers in
each grade.
To register, visit www.
fphe.org to print a registra-
tion form. Mail forms to
FPHE, P.O. Box 23851, Pleas-
ant Hill, CA 94523. Word
lists and the event schedule is available
on www.fphe.org. For questions about
The Bee or to volunteer for the event,
contact [email protected].
FPHE is a volunteer-led, 501(c)(3)
non-profit organization committed to
providing financial support to all 11
public schools in Pleasant Hill. Since 2008,
FPHE has awarded $45,000 in grant funds
to Pleasant Hill public schools. FPHE
provides teachers and staff with resources
to keep schools competitive, continue
programs at risk of being cut, and add
programs to enhance current curricu-
lum. FPHE functions independently of
MDUSD and the City of Pleasant Hill.
It has already started: the dreaded
snack emails. Am I the only mother that
detests being mandated to supply junk
food to my child after he finally burns a
few calories?
“Oh, but the kids just love it!” I hear.
They would love having ice cream for din-
ner, too, so why stop there?
“Oh, a little treat isn’t going to hurt
them!” Is another point of view. If only
it were that ONE treat we had to deal
with. Now you are encouraged to bring
enough treats for siblings too. We have
four kids and have an average of 4-6 games
a weekend! On one special occasion, after
consuming an untold number of fruity
snacks, my son thought something was
really wrong when his bathroom deposit
was blue. Egads! How about hardening of
the liver due to over consumption of high-
fructose-corn-syrup?
Treats have become the standard
American reward system. Treats for good
grades, treats for nice manners, treats for
going potty on the toilet…do we really
need to continue this illogical tradition of
rewarding physical activity with calories?
Do you treat yourself to a juice box and
bag of chips after breaking a sweat?
So, to all you snack-list-making-
Soccer Mom Fed Up! By Dalai Lina
Don’t miss “The Bee”
moms out there, I give you five good
reasons we need to stop the soccer snack
madness:
1.They are eating more calories than they burn. How many calories do
you think my five-year-old burns play-
ing soccer? Taking into account actual
playing time, intensity, and weight…about
80. (Check out http://www.healthstatus.
com/calculate/cbc) Yes, less than a low
sugar granola bar. So, the argument that
we are replenishing our children’s used
glucose stores isn’t very compelling. Add
a Capri Sun or Gatorade, and you have a
potential weight gain scenario. While your
child may not have a weight issue, it is an
epidemic in America. Childhood obesity
has tripled over the past 30 years and has
no sign of slowing down.
2.It ingrains a “Pavlovian” response. This has already happened in our house.
When I asked my son today how his soc-
cer game went, his FIRST response was,
“Bad. They forgot to bring snacks.” I am
not making this up! Do you think, as a
man, he’ll have an unidentifiable urge to
eat goldfish after running on the treadmill?
He might already be ruined. Perhaps I’ll
send him to behavior therapy to discon-
nect the sweat-gut connection.
3. It is unhealthy. Here are the top
snacks I see around the fields: fruit roll-
ups, cookies, doughnuts, goldfish, granola
bars, and graham crackers. And that
doesn’t even take into account the sug-
ary drinks. There may be the occasional
mom who cuts oranges and organic apples,
but more often than not the snacks are
JUNK! They are highly processed and full
of chemicals, sugar, HFCS, and trans fats.
Rather than requiring the snacks be healthy,
JUST DON’T HAVE THEM! The kids will
survive that 20-minute drive home.
4. It can be unsafe with increasing food allergies. With the ever-increasing
issue of childhood food allergies, we have
to be very careful what we put out there.
Nuts, wheat, and dairy are in almost every-
thing. No mother wants a child to feel left
out, but more importantly, no one wants
an accidental allergic reaction from hand-
ing out Oreos. Especially when the kids
come at you, like a pack of wild hyenas,
grabbing bags of Scooby Snacks like it was
their final meal before Judgment Day. One
unintentional Nutter Butter munch and a
kid could be sent to the Emergency Room.
5. Remembering to pick up snacks is a pain in the arse. What more is there to
say? Please, spare me another item on my
“to do” list. I can hardly remember to pick
up milk, let alone 4 boxes of Juicy Juice….
You can read more of Dalai’s posts at www.DalaiLina.com
Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention program, ob-
served annually in October. By wearing red ribbons and participating in community anti-
drug events, young people pledge to live a drug-free life and pay tribute to DEA Special
Agent Camarena who was murdered in 1985 due to his efforts that led to a tip resulting in
the discovery of a multi-million dollar narcotics manufacturing operation in Chihuahua,
Mexico. Since then, the Red Ribbon Campaign has become a symbol of support for the
DEA’s efforts to reduce demand for drugs through prevention and education programs.
Red Ribbon Week
Kade Shipp and Maclain Shaver at Sequoia Elementary.
www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage �� November �010
Orange Leaf is a frozen yogurt
shop that not only offers a variety of
delicious frozen yogurt, but a custom-
er friendly environment. We are glad
to present you with a place where you
can get lost in frozen dessert and still
stay healthy. If you feel guilty about
having a sweet tooth, worry no more
because Orange Leaf frozen yogurt is
tasty yet low in calories and fat and
high in calcium and protein.
Our number one goal at Orange
Leaf is to please our customers and
that is why we only provide our cus-
tomers with sensational yogurt, fresh
fruit and a varied selection of dry
toppings. We also offer flavor polls in
which customers can vote for their
favorite frozen yogurt. We care about
our customer’s opinions and sug-
gestions, and we know that everyone
favors a good deal, so we also offer
membership cards. Our membership
cards are offered to customers, so
they are able to receive 10% of their
order added into the card, which will
be good towards their next order. Or-
ange Leaf also offers instant coupons
and monthly coupons that are sent to
mobile phones.
It is important that our custom-
ers feel welcome when they are at
our store and that is why we give
our customers the freedom to serve
themselves as much yogurt as they
desire and customize their yogurt to
their liking. At $ 0.30 an ounce, how
can you go wrong? So join us at Or-
ange Leaf Frozen Yogurt, 1926 Contra
Costa Blvd., Pleasant Hill.
Orange Leaf Frozen YogurtIN FOCUS•IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS
For more than 15 years, discriminat-
ing home owners have relied on family-
owned Scott Floor to Ceiling for home
improvement elements. They offer a
number of “Green Earth Friendly” prod-
ucts within their hardwood, carpet and
countertop selections. They also offer
dustless floor refinishing and are a Hunt-
er Douglas distributor. Our Showroom
is open to the public Mon-Fri 9am-6pm,
Sat 10am-4pm and by appointment.
The Scott Family decided to become
members of Floor to Ceiling because it’s
an organization that allows us to have
national buying power in many different
interior design product categories, yet
still serve our local customer base with
the regional products that are most im-
portant to our market place, such as our
emphasis on green products. We pride
ourselves on being a green business. We
are a Contra Costa Green certified busi-
ness and members of the Green Cham-
ber of Commerce.
One of the biggest differentiators
between Scott Floor to Ceiling and our
competition is our store has an owner
who actually knows how to personally
install each product we carry and has
spent the last 2 decades in the construc-
tion industry. This extensive background
ensures our customers receive master
craftsmanship by qualified installers.
Scott Floor to Ceiling is located at
2835 Contra Costa Bvd. Ste B in Pleasant
Hill. For more information call them at
925-945-0771 or visit www.Scottftc.com.
Scott Floor to CeilingIN FOCUS•IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS
SELF SERVE FROZEN YOGURT
www.orangeleafyogurt.com
30¢/oz.DELICIOUS • HEALTHY • NATURAL • FUN
Pleasant Hill Plaza • 1926 Contra Costa Blvd. Near Safeway
Open7 Days
FREE PAD UPGRADEFor Carpet Orders over 50 YDS
FREE USE OF DUSTLESS SANDING SYSTEM
For Flooring Projects over 200 SF
SPECIAL OFFERS
or
www.ourcommunityfocus.comNovember �010 Page ��
ForageSF*, a radical food com-
munity based in San Francisco and
founded by Iso Rabins, popped up in
my consciousness--or
e-mail box--piquing
my curiosity enough
to ask: “What the
heck is this?” And
when I got a mysteri-
ous e-mail recently
regarding the date and location of a
“secret underground” Farmers’ Market,
I could not resist the pull. Then my
friend Gigi called and said she was
going to the East Bay Underground
Market, an offshoot of forageSF, so I
tagged along, drawn by the promise of
amazing food.
Having been a part of organizing
above ground Farmers’ Markets for
several years, I wanted to know the dif-
ference, so I asked the folks at forageSF.
What I learned is that it all depends on
where and how the food is prepared.
To sell at a regular, “above ground”
Farmers’ Market you need proof of a
permitted commercial kitchen to pro-
duce your food in accordance with all
public health codes. This stifles a good
deal of crazy inventive and mega tal-
ented chefs, bakers and food produc-
ers. No doubt all due to public protec-
tion for sure, but still a major deterrent
for perfectly fitting foods. For many,
this can be an intimidating, expensive
and incredibly inconvenient process. At
Food Found “Underground” By Lesley Stiles
THE GARDEN
the Underground Market the vendors
simply go through an application proc-
ess with forageSF. Vendors are strictly
screened and pay fifty bucks a pop to
appear. It is indeed a circuit and each
vendor knows the vital information
about the markets well ahead.
At the last minute we were given
the location, a parking lot at Broadway
and 24th in Oakland. Intriguing. When
we rounded the corner off Broadway
we were greeted with a long line out-
side of a gate. On the inside were sev-
eral hundred people milling about and
probably about 75 vendors peddling
their wares. After paying two bucks
to get in, our first food encounter was
with amazing vegan chocolate and lav-
ender cupcakes and truffles, beautifully
and professionally decorated. Then,
meringue sandwich cookies, chocolate
chip cookies, handmade breads, cara-
mel and fluer-de-lis ice cream, basil ice
cream, and enough sweet stuff to make
you feel light-headed. I succumbed to
a delightfully tiny coconut and vanilla
bean cupcake. We sampled Heirloom
tomatoes layered in a Chinese take out
container with hand made fresh ricot-
ta, basil sprouts and olive oil topped
with pepper. People were going crazy
over macaroni and cheese with home-
made hotdogs, sharp cheddar and salty
potato chips sprinkled on top. There
were lines for the jerk chicken, the slid-
ers and the ever-present pulled pork.
All organic, hormone free, fresh made
buns, fresh made mustard and ketchup
etcetera, and all the food sources were
either local farms or above ground
Farmers’ Markets. We tasted tamales
with black beans and quinoa that were
astounding in their simplicity but
stunning with complex flavors. Also
present at many booths were the jams
and jellies representing peak season in
California. One fascinating observation
was a Grateful Deadish-looking guy
who was concocting these cones made
of flax seed and spices with yummy sal-
ads and pastes inside drizzled with his
special tamarind sauce.
I did not see anything unsanitary
or nefarious here, and most people
were preparing their food right there
on sight and all was really clean and
organized. Live music was setting up to
play when we finally left after 8pm but
the market was going until 10pm.
However, I did not see anywhere
any fresh produce for sale. Apparently
the earlier market was all produce and
later was all food. I will get to the pro-
duce market the next time that secret
e-mail floats into my inbox and see if
any of the regular farmers from my
usual haunts are in attendance. It was
a blast to experience the mayhem and I
will go again when the time comes.
* The East Bay Underground
Market is an offshoot of forageSF, the
wild food community founded by Iso
Rabins to educate residents about the
foods that grow wild all around us.
Since it is not legal to sell food pre-
pared in a non-certified kitchen, Iso
made the Underground Market a club.
It’s free to become a member, but only
people who sign up on his website are
allowed to attend. For more informa-
tion, visit: www.foragesf.com.
REMINDER: The Farmers’
Market Lovers Calendar for 2011 is
now available for sale! A joint ven-
ture between myself and artist Dave
Johnson from the CC Times Produce
Pro have teamed up again to bring you
15 months of sensual, enticing recipes
guided by seasons accompanied by
Dave’s ultra realistic and beautiful wa-
tercolors depicting the chosen produce
from each month. A great gift for the
holidays at only $16.50 each. Avail-
able at local farmers markets, Orchard
Nursery, Orinda Books or online at
www.hardscratchpress.com or by e-
mailing me at [email protected].
Happy Thanksgiving!
Lesley Stiles is a graduate of the California Culinary Academy, sus-tainable caterer and school garden educator. Contact Lesley at [email protected], www.lesleystiles.blogspot.com.
Apple, Onion and Squash Gratin
Spray a large baking dish and layer apples, onions, garlic, squash and cheese in dish. Drizzle cream over and sprinkle fresh thyme, salt and pepper. Bake in a hot *400 oven covered for 30 minutes and remove foil and cook for 20 minutes more until browned on top. Serves 4.
2 apples of your choice, get sweet if you like sweet and tart if you like tart, cored and sliced thin1 red onion, sliced thin2 Delicata squash, peeled, seeded and sliced thin
4 sprigs fresh thyme2 cloves garlic1 cup grated Gruyere cheese1 pint cream4 cups cooked cous cous
Ingredients:
Directions:
This is a perfect Thanksgiving side dish that I created because I am not overly fond of marshmallow sweet potatoes and needed to fill that void for fear of getting in trouble with my Dad. It has been a family and friend favorite since that first time!
Waldorf Salad
In large salad bowl, mix together yogurt, zest and juice from lemon, honey, vanilla and salt. Add in apples, nuts, raisins, carrots and celery. Serve on a lettuce leaf. Serves 4 or 5.
3 crisp, sweet apples of your choice, cored and sliced thin½ cup toasted almonds, chopped½ cup toasted walnuts, chopped2 carrots, peeled and grated2 ribs celery, sliced
½ cup dried grapes of your choice1 cup plain yogurt2 tablespoons local honey1 teaspoon vanillaZest and juice of 1 lemon ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Ingredients:
Directions:
I do not like the taste of mayo and mini marshmallows messing up the flavors of amazingly crisp, sweet, juicy autumn apples so I use yogurt and a drop of vanilla instead. Current crop carrots, raisins (dried grapes) as well as fresh almonds and walnuts make this a great salad on the merit of the ingre-dients alone! When they are in season in early autumn you can also add fresh grapes into the mix for a deliciously sweet, crunchy component.
www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage �� November �010
A politician with office hours and a
“Dial Your Mayor” hotline for constitu-
ents to leave messages with questions or
concerns? It’s true. That is the way Johnny
Sparacino, the first elected mayor of Mar-
tinez, did business.
Back in the day, a critic or rival,
Sparacino doesn’t remember, described
him as being “too accessible.” However, it
was what made him unique. The program
was highly popular and successful.
Sparacino, now 85, has been a
lifelong resident of Martinez and lives on
the same property his family acquired
in 1907. The patriarch of the Sparacino
family which now spans six generations,
recalls his days in office fondly.
Sparacino began his political career
as a councilman in 1966. He was re-elect-
ed in 1970 and again in 1974. Until 1978,
the Mayor of Martinez was a position that
was assigned on a rotating basis among
the city council members. Prior to the
‘78 election, citizens of Martinez passed
a ballot measure to gain the privilege of
determining who would
be mayor. Sparacino ran
and won the first official
mayoral election, defeat-
ing Bill Wainwright.
He brought with
him a myriad of life ex-
periences. He had served
in the military, became
involved in many civic
matters and had exten-
sive business experience,
working for his own family for many
years and then for others in the area,
eventually opening his own clothing store,
which was successful for twenty-eight
years. Sparacino even helped start a bank
and saw that endeavor into its maturity.
Perhaps the most important asset
Mayor Sparacino brought to the job was
his style, rooted in the old world values
and ethics of hard work and family that
he learned from his father Guiseppe and
his extended family. With three genera-
tions of Sparacinos living under one roof,
including his six siblings,
the young Johnny first
learned the value of
“community” at home.
When he went to work,
he was attentive to learn
from his mentors, those
with life experience.
“My father always talked
about the Sicilian way.
That is, do good and
forget about it. I have
always been a student of life,” he says.
“When you surround yourself with good,
strong people you will be successful.”
“It was never about the I or me in
any way,” Sparacino proudly states. “It was
always about family, friends and com-
munity. That’s the way I approach life and
that’s the way I was in politics. Don’t tell
me what we can’t do; tell me how we can
do it.”
Sparacino was very direct and to
the point when it came to his meeting
agendas. He felt that decisions must be
made, in fact expedited. That was the
responsibility of elected officials. Avoiding
decisions or allowing endless discussion
could only mean one thing to the citizens:
it would cost them money. “I used the
‘wheel barrow’ approach. If you don’t pick
it up, it won’t move,” he says.
Some of Sparacino’s accomplish-
ments include: establishment of the Mar-
tinez Museum, free fishing programs for
kids at the Martinez Pier, creation of the
Joe DiMaggio baseball diamonds and two
key annexations. He was also the chair-
man of the Contra Costa County Mayor’s
Conference. Over the years, the town has
honored him as “Man of the Year” and
with the Lifetime Achievement Award. He
even found time to serve as Commodore
of the Martinez Yacht Club.
“It’s a great life. I felt honored to serve
my community,” Sparacino says with a
smile. The lifelong bachelor now spends
his time reading, visiting with friends he
has made over the years and enjoying
family throughout the East Bay.
First Mayor of Martinez Fondly Recalls TenureBy Chuck Nan
Johnny Sparacino in his home in Martinez.
www.ourcommunityfocus.comNovember �010 Page ��
Continuing Education For Your Puppy?By Lisa D. Myers, CC Humane Society
READY TO ADOPT?This beauty is �-month old Priscilla. She’s spayed and current on her vac-cines and would do well in a home with other cats, and is good with kids. To learn more about the adoption process, visit: www.cchumane.org.
One of the first priorities as a responsible pet owner is participat-ing in a puppy training. But is puppy training enough? We asked Karen A. Oliver, Certified Professional Dog Trainer of Bring Rover Over Doggie Daycare and Training in Martinez, her thoughts about whether she thought puppy training was enough. Puppy training is a good start
to the life-long relationship you will
have with your dog. It is the right time
and place for your dog to build some
confidence and for you to hone your
training skills.
However your dog will go through
several changes as he grows. Many dogs
go through an adolescent stage where
they seem to forget everything you’ve
taught them. This is an excellent reason
to continue training.
There are other reasons for you
and your dog to continue training:
1) Training will keep the obedi-
ence skills your dog has learned well polished. Not jumping up on people
and running out the door in front of
you are two examples of behavior that
can start to slip if your expectations
and practice of your dog’s skills are
not consistent. Continued training
will keep bad habits from becoming
ingrained.
2) Your dog’s skills with basic obedi-ence and manners will continue to improve. Your dog will understand
that you are not going let him slide into
doing whatever he wants. He may start
to give to automatic behaviors, like sit-
ting at the door before going out.
3) Your relationship with your dog will grow and deepen. Your dog will
look to you for direction on and off
leash and with all kinds of distractions.
4) Continued training gives you and your dog one-on-one time to be together. Dogs love to have a job and
love to be with you. Isn’t that what you
have him for anyway?
If you have questions about train-
ing and are interested in learning more
about continuing education for you
and your fellow canine, please contact
Karen at (925) 957 – 0745.
•••
*A portion of registration fees will be donated to:Fit Kids Foundation for Prevention of Childhood Obesity www.goffitkids.org
www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage �6 November �010
11/1-12/16 – Toys for Tots Drive. Bring new and unwrapped toys for children of all ages. Toys will be distributed to kids in need over the Christmas season. Drop off toys between 9am-3:30pm M-F at: Edward Jones Investment office at 608 Las Juntas St., Martinez. Call 370-0184 or email [email protected] if you have any questions.
11/4 – Business Expo- 6th Annual Expo, a five chamber event, is a great way to network, make business contacts and showcase your business to the public. Crowne Plaza, Concord, 4-7pm.
11/5 – The Changing Landscape of Pros-tate Cancer Treatment- Speaker Matthew Sirott, MD., with Diablo Valley Oncol-ogy/Hematology Medical Group. The lecture will focus on the latest advances in treatment followed by a Q and A ses-sion. 11am-12pm, John Muir Outpatient Center, Tice Valley Rossmoor Community Room, 1220 Rossmoor Parkway, WC. Reservations required: 939-1220.
11/6 – Wine Stroll- Spend the afternoon and early evening tasting wine in down-town Martinez. Get head start on your holiday shopping too! Tickets include a wine glass, wine and map of participat-ing businesses. $15 in advance. $20 at the event. Visit: www.mainstreetmartinez.org or call 925.228-3577 for information.
11/11 – Veterans Day Celebration and Outreach- Veterans of all ages & eras, families are invited for a free breakfast, ac-tivities, camaraderie and resources for vets. Let us meet and thank you for your serv-ice. Transportation provided, if needed. PH Community Center 320 Civic Drive, PH. For more info contact: Ken Jacobson - [email protected] or Jessica Braverman (925-827-4198) [email protected].
11/11- 1/17 – Walnut Creek on Ice- Skate until your heart’s content at an ice rink facility this holiday season. 1365 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Visit www.iceskatewalnut-creek.com for more information.
11/13 - Mt. Diablo Branch, California Writers Club Offers a Workshop with James Dalessandro, novelist, poet, and screenwriter, will conduct a workshop on the basics of screenwriting, and how to convert a novel into a screenplay. Workshop registration from 9 to 9:30 am.
EVENTS
HOLIDAY CHORUS
AT THE LIBRARYIn Martinez: 11/1 - Bridge Walk. 3:00pm - 5:00pm. We will stroll across the bridges of the Mar-tinez Shoreline Park. Afterward, we’ll head back to the library for bridge stories and build a craft to take home.
11/2–11/16 - Mother Goose Time. 11:30am - 12:15pm. This fun story time is tailored for the youngest crowd. Let your child develop early literacy skills naturally, as we share songs and rhymes, bounces and tickles, and simple stories. A simple craft follows the story time when children can develop basic motor skills and have fun expressing their creative side. Come join us for this light-hearted story hour just for tots.
11/15 – Tommy’s Train Troubles. 6:30pm - 7:30pm. Celebrate our new quarters in the historic Martinez Train Depot at this very special puppet show by Puppet Arts Theater Company. (Reservations required.) Tommy has never been more bored! He thought his train trip to his aunt’s house would be quite an adventure but so far it was nothing like he had expected. That is until an Old Conductor tells Tommy the train they are traveling on is carrying a load of gold to Fort Knox! Join Tommy as he tries to protect the gold from the infa-mous train robber, Stinky Cheese Velveeta.
In Pleasant Hill:11/3-11/17 (Wednesdays) – Mother Goose Time. 11:15am -11:45am. This fun story time is tailored for the youngest crowd. Let your child develop early literacy skills naturally, as we share songs and rhymes, bounces and tickles, and simple stories. Come join us for this light-hearted story hour just for tots ages 0 - 3.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Workshop from 9:30 am. to 12:15 pm. Buffet luncheon at 12:30 pm. For lunch-eon only, registration at 12:15 pm. Zio Fraedos Restaurant, 611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. $35 for CWC members, $40 guests. Luncheon only: $20 for CWC members, $25 for guests. Reservations required by Nov. 10th. Via [email protected], or (925) 934-5677. Visit http://www.mtdiablowriters.org for more information.
11/13 – Taste the Love at Wine & Whisk-ers- Join Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation for a spectacular evening of wines, hors d’ oeuvres, and a silent auc-tion: 5-8pm at 2890 Mitchell Dr., Walnut Creek. Tickets are $75. For tickets call: 925-296-3123.Visit www.arf.net for more information.
11/17 – Rich Martin In Concert, pre-sented by Pleasant Hill AAUW. Hear local the composer perform a number of his original compositions on the piano in St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Hall at 1601 Mary Drive in Pleasant Hill.
11/17 – 40th Annual Pleasant Hill Com-munity Awards Night- Social hour at 5:30, Dinner at 6:30, Chamber installation 7:30, Awards at 7:45. 6-9 pm, PH Com-munity Center 320 Civic Dr. RSVP by 11/15. Tickets are $40 per person. Contact 687-0700 or 671-5229.
11/26- Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Walnut Creek- Be there and fell the magic as the Holiday Tree in Civic Park comes to life- 6pm.
11/30 - Light up the Night in Down-town Pleasant Hill. Join Santa, Rudolph, Frosty and other characters in lighting up Downtown Pleasant Hill for the holiday season. Carriage rides, live music, free hot chocolate and merchant giveaways and lots more fun for all the family. Crescent Dr. from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
12/5 – Super Holiday Boutique- one stop shopping for everyone on your list. Attendees will enjoy a wide variety of holiday gifts, pictures with Santa, free gift bags, food, a fun children’s activity zone, and over 80 vendors. 11:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the Concord Hilton, 1970 Diamond Boulevard in Concord.
12/11 – “The Bee”, Foundation for Pleasant Hill Education’s (FPHE) annual spelling bee, open to children Grades K
Calendarthrough 5. Children from all communities are welcome to participate. Registration is $5.00 per entry. Proceeds from The Bee will go to FPHE to benefit Pleasant Hill public schools. To register and view word list, , visit www.fphe.org to print a registra-tion form. Mail forms to FPHE, P.O. Box 23851, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Ongoing - The Martinez Animal Hos-pital has a Kitten Adoption Program. The Cost to the new owner is our cost of vaccines & spay/neuter. www.martinezan-imalhospital.net
Teens! Complete your required communi-ty service hours with Martinez Recreation. We have a variety of volunteer opportuni-ties and some include training! Assist with activities, classes, crafts, or face painting at the Holiday Frolic Dec 3rd. Call the office at 372-3510 for more information.
CA Cancer & Research Center: Greet and assist patients. 2 hr shifts available, M-F 9am-5pm. Age 15 and over welcome. Community service hours eligible. Call: 925-395-7630 or email: [email protected].
Diablo Vista Chorus invites women to join them in a Holiday Chorus. Those attend-ing rehearsals will be invited to perform with Diablo Vista Chorus at various ven-ues in the community during the holiday season. Sing a cappella four-part harmony under the direction of Randy Meyer. Rehearsals begin 11/2, 7:15 to 9:00pm at Fellowship Hall, 860 Bancroft Road (near Treat) in Walnut Creek. An ability to read music is not required. There are no re-quired costs or membership fees. Contact Carol Smith at 925-634-3172 or email
11/4-11/18 (Thursdays) – Pre-School Story Time. 11:15am -11:45am. Featuring stories and songs to tickle the funny-bone and str-e-eetch the imagination, our stories will transport young children to a world full of fun.
11/9 – Marketing: Small “Tweaks” Yield Big Results. 7:15 - 9:00pm. If you have a marketing program that isn’t working, you may feel stuck: cutting back can reduce your opportunities, while investing more in programs that aren’t producing results feels equally foolish - especially in these eco-nomic times. Presented by Andy McClure, Founder & Business Growth Specialist Sherpa Business Development. Register by calling 925-671-5265.
11/30 - Business Planning – The Easy Way! 7:15 - 9:00pm. Why do you need a Business Plan in the first place? Bart Gragg, founder of Maverick Business Advisors, Inc. answers. In this brief session, he ad-dresses The Five Questions Any Business Plan Must Answer! Register by calling 925-671-5265.
www.ourcommunityfocus.comNovember �010 Page �7
Monarch and AspclepiasBy Troy McGregor
PG&E Reception President Barack Obama has recognized PG&E’s PowerPathways as one of
five model programs in the United States. The President has recognized PG&E’s
work with Diablo Valley College.
On September 27th, PG&E together with the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Com-
merce Government Affairs Committee and Green Committee, hosted a reception
recognizing recent graduates of the Diablo Valley College Solar Thermal Training
Program.
Monarchs are migratory butterflies
that over-winter on the coast from the
Bay Area south to Santa Barbara. As the
weather warms they begin their journey
towards the Sierras breeding along the
way. It’s clear from talking with custom-
ers and other gardeners that there seems
to be less of them passing through. The
best way to entice them back is by in-
cluding their host plant into the garden.
Aspclepias (ass-KLE-pee-us) or
more commonly known as Milkweeds
are host plants for the Monarch Butterfly
larvae. They require this group of plants
and the toxins they produce to grow as
well as avoid predation. Milkweeds are
herbaceous perennials that die to the
ground each winter (some earlier) and
break ground as the weather warms. This
is generally timed to coincide with the
Monarchs’ migration.
In the East Bay, A. cordifolia or
Purple Milkweed emerges in late winter
and by mid spring is in full bloom along
the Carquinez Strait. Soon after, A. cali-
fornica or California Milkweed starts to
make an appearance with its fuzzy white
leaves and contrasting purple and cream
flowers. Locally they can be found on
Mt. Diablo and around Black Diamond
Mines. A month or two later A. fascicu-
laris or Narrow Leaf Milkweed emerges
and remains in bloom from early to late
summer. Watching the tiny larvae eat,
pupate and emerge as an adult butterfly
is an incredible sight and one not just
reserved for the kids.
Garden Natives stocks a wide range
of Milkweed as well as drought tolerant
and easy care plants.
Contact Troy at 925.818.4460 or by
email at [email protected]
GARDENNATIVES
WWW.GARDENNATIVES.COM
DROUGHT TOLERANT ANDEASY CARE PLANTS
BRIDGEHEAD RD, MARTINEZ
(925) 818 4460WED - FRI 10AM TO 6PM
SATURDAYS 9AM TO 4PM
JUST OFF 680 (MARINA VISTA EXIT)FOLLOW THE SIGNS TO VISTA POINT
Pictured are: Senator Mark DeSaulnier and Pleasant Hill Mayor Karen Mitchoff along with representatives of Congressman John Garamendi, Assemblymember Nancy Skinner, Assemblymember Joan Buchanan, DVC and Laney College in Oakland
www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage �8 November �010
Stage DoorBy Nicole Diestler and Alison Clary
OCTOBER - NOW PLAYING
Joan Lopate is a drama instructor at College Park High School in Pleasant Hill. I recently contacted Joan and asked her to share with us her background, insights and the goings on in the drama depart-ment. With an
experienced
teacher like Joan
Lopate, the crop
of upcoming productions has a lot to
offer performers and audience members
alike. Joan has a wide-ranging liberal arts
background that is well-suited to the per-
forming arts. With a professional singer
and actress for a mother, Joan was born
into a world of show business and even
performed alongside her mother when
she was a child. While taking acting classes
at the renowned HB Studios in New York
City, Joan volunteered as set painter for
off-off-Broadway productions and then
switched over to the art department in
film, where she worked on low budget
indies, music videos, television commer-
cials, and industrial films (for educational,
training, or public service purposes). She
continued to round out her skills by vol-
unteering in the areas of costuming and
stage managing.
Flash forward to College Park High
School, where Joan has taught for 16
years. Using her college degrees in both
art and the humanities, Joan started
out teaching courses in art and English,
including creative writing, then launched
the Introduction to Film Studies course,
which she still teaches. Despite some
bumps in the road last year, the drama
department is stronger than ever, and
Joan will be producing the ambitious and
exciting play “Cyrano de Bergerac” this
year. For those of you who have forgot-
ten this play from high school, Cyrano de
Bergerac is a delightful story of romance,
humor, mistaken identities, and the very
large nosed titular hero! Joan is pleased
and proud to have the play adapted by
DVC alumna, Roberta Tibbetts, a former
DVC student and 30-year theatre veteran.
As if teaching and producing a major
play weren’t enough, Joan has other big
plans for the high school. She is planning
a musical in the spring, monthly improv
nights, and upcoming productions of
student-written plays, not to mention
THEATRE & THE ARTS
Historic Stage in LafayetteBy Sam Sherry, 13 years old
Angels in America by Tony kushner (Drama)Nov 11- Nov 21, Curtain time(s): Thurs-Sat 7:30PM; Sun 2PM. No show 11/18. Staged reading of Part 2: 11/14 & 11/16 7PM; 11/20 2PM. Ticket Price: $8.00 - $15.00 A massive and magical epic of survival, spirituality and hope. Saint Mary’s presents a fully staged production of Part One in repertory with a free staged reading of Part Two. Produced by Saint Mary’s College, http://www.stmarys-ca.edu/ Box office: (925) 631-4670 Cabaret by Masteroff, Ebb & kander (Musical/Opera) Directed by Ryan Weible. Now - Nov 7, Curtain time(s): Fri-Sat 8PM; Sun 2:30PM.Ticket Price: $10.00 - $20.00. Set in 1931 Berlin as the Nazis are rising to power, Cabaret focuses on the nightlife at the seedy Kit Kat Klub and re-volves around the 19-year-old English cabaret performer Sally Bowles and her relationship with young American writer Cliff Bradshaw. Produced by: Diablo Valley College Dept. of Drama www.dvcdrama.net Box office: (925) 687-4445 Story of My Life by Brian Hill & Neil Bartram (Musical/Opera) Directed by Dennis Lickteig. Nov 8- Nov 28, Curtain time(s): Fri-Sat 8PM; Sun 2PM. No show 11/7. Call for prices. A soaring tribute to the power of friendship, nominated for four 2009 Drama Desk Awards. Produced by: Contra Costa Civic Theatre, www.ccct.org. Box office: (510) 524-9132 Dracula by John Balderston & Hamilton Deane (Drama) Directed by Michael Butler. Now - Nov 20. Curtain time(s): Wed 7:30PM; Thurs-Sat 8PM; Sun 2:30PM; 11/13 & 11/20 2:30PM & 8PM. Ticket Price: $36.00 - $42.00. Experience the gothic classic as you’ve never seen it before. International and Broadway veteran Eugene Brancoveanu brings the title role to life in Bram Stoker’s magnum opus. Produced by: Center REPertory Company, www.dlrca.org. Box office: (925)943-7469 Little Women: The Musical by Howland, Dickstein & knee, adapted from Louisa May Alcott (Musical/Opera). Nov 12- Dec 05. Curtain time(s): Call for days, times and prices. Based on Louisa May Alcott’s heartwarming novel, Little Women follows the ad-ventures of Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March as they grow up in Civil War America, in a musical treasure for the entire family. Produced by: Douglas Morrisson Theatre, www.dmtonline.org, Box office: (510) 881-6777 Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare (Comedy)Directed by Ken Ross. Nov 12- Nov 21. Curtain time(s): Fri-Sat 8PM; Sun 2PM. Ticket Price: $8.00 - $12.00. Shakespeare’s classic romantic com-edy set in late 1900s America. Produced by: Las Positas College. Box office: (925) 424-1166
one-act plays with all-teacher casts. That
last item should be worth the price of
ticket alone for any member of the student
body! In the drama classroom, Joan hopes
to stage some cabaret, stand-up comedy,
and poetry slam presentations. It sounds
like there is something for everybody in
this thriving drama department. Drama
students can find Ms. Lopate in Drama I
or her combination Drama 2/3 class for
more advanced students. Her students
are trained in body and voice techniques,
script analysis, performance, theatre his-
tory, and stagecraft.
Despite severe budget cuts, Joan is
doing her best to keep academic thea-
tre vibrant and meaningful. We should
support these local high school theatre
programs by attending their performances
or volunteering time behind the scenes.
“All the world’s a stage,” so come to the
shows, sit back, relax, and let the aspiring
performers of your community entertain
you!
Nicole Diestler is the Associate Pro-fessor of Acting and Directing at Diablo Valley College. Send information to [email protected].
The Town Hall Theatre in Lafayette
has been entertaining theatergoers since
1944, and is the oldest continuously ac-
tive theatre in the Contra Costa County.
To be able to keep the curtains up, they
will be holding live music concerts fea-
turing outstanding tribute bands in the
area.
These concerts definitely won’t be
something you will want to miss, from
the pristine acoustics to the full bar,
to the silent auction showcasing never
before seen Rock ‘n’ Roll memorabilia.
This non-profit music series will
support the Town Hall Theatre Com-
pany, keeping the historic stage open for
generations to come.
To donate or purchase tickets for
this wonderful series or any upcoming
productions, please go to www.thtc.com.
www.ourcommunityfocus.comNovember �010 Page �9
Elks 1811 Celebrate 60th
Letter to the EditorMeasure T Will Protect P.H. Pleasant Hill voters have a simple
but important choice. Do we want to take
action and ensure that we continue to live
in a safe community with rapid emergen-
cy response, a strong police force, well-
maintained roads and quality services?
Or will we stand by and let Sacramento
takeaways and a slow economy dictate
our quality of life?
Each year the State takes away our
funding - $2 million this year from our
Redevelopment Agency and general fund
combined. Pleasant Hill only receives six
cents per dollar of property taxes – half
of what most cities receive. And, the
recession hit Pleasant Hill hard -- local
revenue sources have declined for 3 years.
Please don’t believe cynical distor-
tions. Pleasant Hill has worked hard to
be prudent and operate in a cost-effective
way. Pleasant Hill doesn’t borrow money.
We planned for a rainy day, saved and
built up healthy reserves, and (for years)
have carefully cut expenses and frozen
positions. Yet, we protected vital services
(maintaining a beautiful city and strong
police protection while cutting 20% of
City staff). We prudently drew down
reserves. True, we must trim expenses
more. Our employees must pay more for
their health care and pension benefits.
But, cost-cutting alone isn’t the solution.
To avoid seemingly inevitable cuts
in vital services that keep us safe and
maintain our quality of life, Measure
T seeks modest revenue that provides
stable funding protected from Sacra-
mento takeaways. Measure T hasn’t been
updated since 1983) and increase the
rate to 1.5% (the second lowest rate for
cities in the Bay Area with a UUT). For a
household with utility bills of $1,000 per
month (water, PG&E, sewer, telephone,
cable, etc.), that means a total UUT cost
of about 49 cents per day. This small in-
vestment protects vital services like police,
libraries and roadway repair.
Measure T provides exemptions for
seniors and low-income residents. That’s
fair. It ensures accountability by requiring
financial audits and reports to the public.
That’s right. It provides that the City
Letter to the EditorA Big Thank You On behalf of the Martinez Educa-
tion Foundation, I would like to say a big
thank you to all the volunteers, spon-
sors and runners that made the 2010
Shell/MEF Run for Education held on
Oct 2nd, the best ever! The community
support and collaboration to create a fun
and healthy event for all participants is
an example of the great town of Martinez
coming together to make our public
schools better. An extra big thank you
and much gratitude go to Shell Martinez
Refinery for their outstanding corporate
citizenship for making the Shell/MEF
Run for Education their annual hall-
mark community event. Shell Martinez
Refinery donates money, staff time and
volunteers that are major contributing
factors to the success of the race. The
Martinez Education Foundation raised
approximately $53,000 for this special
event, which makes this the most success-
ful Shell/MEF Run for Education ever!
Thank you Martinez community!!
Sincerely, Martinez Education Foundation President, Larry Lippow
The Community Focus invites your comments and opinions. Letters should be no longer than 400 words and submitted with first and last name. Address and daytime telephone number required but not published. All letters will be pub-lished at the editor’s discretion. The Focus reserves the right to edit submissions for length, clarity, possible libel and propriety or to refuse letters we feel contradict our mission. E-mail letters for our community forum to: [email protected]
Letters and Opinions
Rich Martin in Concert
Letters to the Editor
The Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce had a Blue Ribbon Cutting for the Elks
Walnut Creek 60th Anniversary. In attendance were representatives from the Wal-
nut Creek mayor’s office, Walnut Creek police chief and associates, representatives
from our congressional office and Elks group. In the past 60 years the Elks of
Walnut Creek have contributed to the local communities through Americanism
awards, scholarships, youth sports and activities, drug awareness programs, as-
sistance to disabled children and local veterans, Walnut Creek Police K9 program
and many more community service programs. The Elk’s slogan, “Elks Care Elks
Share,” has been the goal for the past 60 years. Elks welcome new members and
looks forward to many more years of service.
Please join Pleasant Hill AAUW on
Wednesday, November 17 at 7:30 p.m.
to hear local composer, Rich Martin,
perform a number of his original com-
positions on the piano in St. Andrews
Presbyterian Church Hall at 1601 Mary
Drive in Pleasant Hill.
Rich began his long career as a
professional musician when he was six-
teen and after graduating from SFSU in
music, he began a 31-year career teach-
ing music in the Mt. Diablo School
District, much of it in Pleasant Hill.
Many adult musicians today credit
Rich Martin with being the inspira-
tion behind their love and passion for
music.
He has written hundreds of
instrumental compositions and songs
in various styles from jazz to rock. He
continues to teach piano privately.
Since his retirement, he has been able
to devote more time to composition
and his music is now heard all over
the world. Thanks to the Internet, his
seven all-original solo piano CD’s and
his two CD’s with vocalist Jody Cook
singing his newest original songs are
available on cdbaby, iTunes and Liquid
Digital Media to name a few. His CD’s
will also be for sale at the concert.
For further information, contact
Marti Martin at mmfiddler@yahoo.
com or by phone at 925-229-3574.
Council can lower the UUT again when
times are better. You have my word - I will.
Please choose to keep Pleasant Hill
a safe city, with good infrastructure and
quality services. Please vote “Yes” on
Measure T.
David Durant, [email protected] David Durant is a resident of Pleas-ant Hill and serves on the Pleasant Hill City Council.
www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage �0 November �010
TEEN SCENE
Fishing Derby Still Reels ’em In
Limit one per customer per visit. Price Excludes Tax. Valid only at participating locations. No cash value. Not valid with other offers or fundraisers or if copied, sold, auctioned, exchanged for payment or prohibited by law. ©2010 Cold Stone Creamery, Inc. All rights reserved.
PLU #49. Expires 02/12/2011.
Pleasant Hill Cold Stone-925 288 0388
The Martinez Marina was filled with squeals of excitement as youngsters reeled in their big catches at the Twilight Fishing Derby, Friday, September 17. Approximately 1�0 children, parents and grandparents participated in the Annual Fall Fishing Derby sponsored by the City of Martinez Recreation Department. During the 90-minute event, 18 fish and 1 crab were caught and released. Length of the fish ranged from a �.�” striper all the way up to a 1�” smelt. The Martinez Marina provided the bait. Zachary and Landon Perez (pictured) served as bait boys, assisting with the cutting of anchovies. Fishing equipment ranged from a Dora Explorer Pink rod to professional equipment. Also seen here participating is Alan Ruck of Martinez.
The Pleasant Hill Panthers 10u fastpitch softball team finished in 1st place going undefeated at a Junior Olympic ASA tournament in Davis over the weekend of October �nd and �rd. The Panthers had stellar performances in the circle from pitchers Gabriella Zagone, who pitched her first no-hitter, Claire Toth and Lucy Decker who both contributed with one-hitters. The pitchers received plenty of run support from the team who scored �6 runs for the tournament.
Bottom row (L-R): Emme Ochoa, Ashley Thoms, Cassidy Boyd, Chloe Rapier, Claire Toth, Lucy Decker, Gabriella Zagone, Rylee Grisham, Rosi Shackett, Sarah Wehrer, Nick Zagone (Manager), Greg Wehrer (Coach), Olivia Schmidt, Steve Decker (Coach), Taylor Lehner, Bob Boyd (Coach).Photo and story submitted by Nick Zagone.
Rec & Park
Kevin Searls signing the Spotlight with Faye Donaghu of Donaghu Graphic Designs, who volunteers her time to design the Spotlight cover each issue.
Panthers Take Top Spot at J.O.
Turkey Trot Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District will
host its 35th annual Turkey Trot this year at Bri-
ones Regional Park on Sunday, November 21. This
cross-country race has become a favorite of experi-
enced runners. With a challenging course that is run
entirely on trails, this 8.4-mile run begins at Bear
Creek Staging area and continues uphill to Briones
Peak (1483 ft elevation.) Registration is $20 in
advance, $25 on race day. For information, contact
Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District at 682-0896
or download a registration form at www.pleasan-
thillrecsports.com.
Bond Updates Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District’s con-
struction projects are moving forward on schedule.
The first two projects, to build a new Pleasant Hill
Teen Center and new Senior Center, are now in the
construction document phase.
The project to rebuild the Pleasant Hill Com-
munity Center is being designed by the Dahlin
Group of Pleasanton, architects of many innovative
buildings in California including community cent-
ers in Dublin and Sacramento.
For more information on Pleasant Hill Recrea-
tion & Park District’s bond projects, go to http://
www.pleasanthillrec.com/Bond_Projects_Update2.
html, or call 682-0896.
Spotlight Signing At the Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District
Board of Directors meeting on October 14, Kevin
Searls, winner of several past Turkey Trot races, was
honored for appearing on the cover of the District’s
activity guide, the Spare Time Spotlight. Searls
autographed a copy of the Spotlight, which will be
displayed at the District Administration office with
other Spotlight covers that have depicted PHR&PD
programs since 2001.
www.ourcommunityfocus.comNovember �010 Page �1
Wood Revivers
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Fence & Deck Weatherproofing& Kitchen Cabinet Restoration
925-680-2535
Established in 1990 Mchale’s Environmental Insulation provides alternatives to itchy fiberglass that insulates better and is good for the environment. Reduce unwanted sound & increase thermal control. Opportunities for rebates through PG&E and a federal tax credit. 30+ years in business. Contact:
Dan Hair 800-427-9780.www.mchaleinsulation.com.
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www.ourcommunityfocus.comNovember �010 Page ��
BUSINESS2010EXPOMAKE GREATCONTACTS
FREEADMISSION
NETWORKWITH LOCALBUSINESSES
Thursday, November 4, 20104:00 pm - 7:00 pmCrowne Plaza Hotel45 John Glenn Drive, Concord
Five Chambers are participating in this huge business expo: Concord, Pleasant Hill, Martinez,Lafayette & Hispanic Chambers of Commerce
6THANNUAL
SPONSORED BY:
FREE ADMISSION TO THE PUBLIC
PRESENTED BY:
For more information, contact the Concord Chamber at:925.685.1181 or www.concordchamber.com