April Community Focus

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• March 2012

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

www.ourcommunityfocus.comPage 2 March 2012

Pleasant Hill

20112011 BusinessPersonOf The Year

BusinessPersonOf The Year

artesadental

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

For health, function & beauty

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

www.artesadental.com

$72 exam, xrays and smile analysis*

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

FREE Teeth Whitening*

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

$89 Dental Cleaning*

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

Insurance accepted Easy Payment Plans Se Habla Español

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

ment with your local family dentist today!

www.ourcommunityfocus.comMarch 2012 Page 3

FPhE’s 4th annual campaign Be a Part of Progress – Donate Today

TheFoundationforPleasantHillEducation’sannualcampaignhasbegunwiththegoalofraising$60,000.Since2009,FPHEhasawarded$85,000andninety-ninegrantstoschoolswithintheCollegeParkHighSchoolfeederpattern.TocontinueFPHE’sgoalforraisingtheachieve-mentbarofeducationforallstudentsinourlocalschools,FPHEasksyoutodonatetotheannualcampaign. Suggesteddonation:$75ormore.Donationsinallamountsareap-preciated.Contributionsbenefitour

community,enhanceourschools,andhelpcounteractCaliforniabudgetcuts.Yourdonationwilldirectlyimpactschools. Whygive?BecausestrongschoolsbenefitYOU.Ofcoursestrongschoolsbenefitstudents,buttheyalsoincreasepropertyvaluesforresidents.Homebuyersappreciateacommunity’sdedicationtolocaleducationbecauseithelpslocalbusinesses,andthatenhancesthefutureoftheentirecom-munity.YourdonationtoFPHEisaninvestmentinyourcommunity.

Don’tMisstheFPHEAnnualCampaignEvents:• Dine Out for Education –Restau-rantfundraiseronTuesdays(includeslunch,dinner,andtake-out).Print“DineOut”fliersfromwww.fphe.organdsubmittotheserestaurantsonthefollowingdatestoensureFPHEreceivesapercentage:• March 6–Magoo’sGrillofPleasantHill,1250ContraCostaBlvd.• March 13–Kinder’sDeli,2227MorelloAvenue• March 20–DeVino’sPizza,2221

MorelloAvenue• March 27–PastaPomodoro,45CCrescentDrive• The Amazing Race–ThefirstFPHEAmazingRaceofPleasantHillwillbeonSaturday,April21.Createateamwithfamily,friendsorco-workers!En-tryfeeforateamis$40.AllproceedsbenefitFPHE.Detailswillbeavailableatwww.fphe.orginMarch.• To donate –visitwww.fphe.organdclick‘Donate’oryoucanmailcheckstoFPHE,P.O.Box23851,PleasantHill,CA94523

Please mail this coupon to: FPHE, P.O. Box 23851

Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 (Tax ID #: 26-2326345)

HELP SCHOOLS THRIVE — GIVE $75! DONATE AT www.fphe.org

I wish to contribute to Foundation for Pleasant Hill Education:

_____ $25 _____ $75 _____$100 _____$250 _____$500 _____ Other ___ Payment enclosed ____Please charge my: __ VISA __ MC __ AMEX

Card # __________________________________ Expiration ___ / ___ / ____ Signature _________________________________ Security Code ________ Cardholder Name (Please print) ____________________________________ Address _________________________ City/Zip ______________________ Phone ___________________ Email Address_________________________


JULIE SaYS

WhenmyfamilylivedinMary-land,justoutsideofWashington,D.C.,Iplantedalotoftulip,daffodilandirisbulbs.Afteralong,drizzly,dreary,baretree,bone-chilling,graywinter,springtimewaspureheaven.FlowerssprangtolifefrombulbsIhadplanteddeepintheearth.Azaleas,freesiaandrhododendronsexplodedwithbloomsineveryshade.Pear,appleanddog-woodtreesburstintocloudsofwhiteandpink. Inouroldneighborhood,homebuildersfromdecadesagoplantedacherrytreeontheboulevardinfrontofeachhouse.Bythetimewemovedin,thetreeswerematureandliterallymetinanarchabovethestreet,formingapinkfantasytunnelofbloomsoverourheadsaswedrovetoworkandschoolorstrolledthesidewalks.Whenthespringbreezesblew,pinkpetalsdrifteddowntofillcurbsidegutterswithwhatlooked,foralltheworld,likepinksnow. Andnowbacktothebulbs.Likemosthumans,Iplantedmineinneatrowsanddesignatedflowerbedsforthemostpart.Yet,everyspringIwouldseeaclumpofdaffodilscomingupinadifferentoddlocationoralonetulipstandingitsgroundnowherenearitsshowybrethren.Itwasnosurprisetodiscovertheperpetratorsofthesegardenescapades–itwas,ofcourse,thehyperactivebackyardsquirrels.Theyevidentlylikedtoredecoratethelawn,diggingupmybulbsandplantingthemsomewheretheyfoundperhapsmoreaestheticallypleasing.It’struethesquir-relsdidcomeupwithsomeinterestingarrangements.Myfavoritewasaratherartfuldisplayofbrightyellowdaffodilsplacedoff-centerbeneaththeswingset,aplaceIcertainlywouldnothavethoughtof. HereinCalifornia,wehavesometalentedrodentsaswell.ImarvelatthewayroofratsnibblejustthepeelsofftheMeyerlemonsoutback,leavingwholefruitshangingintactlikebig,sparklyyellowdia-monds.Nicework!Idon’tmeantoimplythatrodentsaretheonlyonesaroundwhodrawuponthebeautyofnaturetocreatetheirart.NowthroughApril15,thereisaspecialshowingofnature-inspiredartwork

createdbyhumans,specificallythestaffandvolunteersofLindsayWildlifeMuseum. TheArtofNatureisanannualeventtoshowcasethetalentsofindividu-alswhoworktoconnectpeoplewithwildlifeeverydayinthemuseum’sexhibithall,througheducationalpro-gramsandinthewildliferehabilitationhospital.Thisyear,theshowincludessixty-sevenpiecesofartincludingoils,watercolors,sculpture,quiltsand

wovenbaskets,eachportrayinganartist’suniqueinterpretationofournaturalworld. Ihopethat,liketheseartists,Iremembertokeepmyeyesopentoappreciateandmarvelattheendlessbeautythatsurroundsus. TheArtofNaturerunsthroughApril15atLind-sayWildlifeMuseum,1931FirstAvenueinWalnutCreek.Entrancetotheartshowisincludedwiththemuseumadmissionfeeof$7foradults,$6forseniorsandstudentsand$5forchildren2-17;freeadmissionformuseummembersandchildrenunder2.Themu-seumisopenWednesdaysthroughFridays,noonuntil5:00pmandweekendsfrom10:00amuntil5:00pm.Gotowww.wildife-musuem.orgformoreinformation. Please send comments to [email protected].

The art of NatureBy Julie Ross

PUBLIShErSBecky Coburn, Jennifer Neys, Elena Hutslar

[email protected],000HomesandBusinessesinPleasantHill,Martinez,

Pacheco,LafayetteandWalnutCreek

aDVErTISING [email protected]

SPOrTS EDITOrChuck Nan

[email protected]

GraPhIc DESIGNTrish Heaney, Debra Wilson, Sarah Birdwell

cOPY EDITOrAlison Clary

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

cONTacT INFOrMaTION:Community Calendar:

[email protected]

Stage Door Theater Submissions: [email protected]

Content & General Inquiries: [email protected]

6680 alhambra ave. Box #132Martinez, ca 94553

Phone: (925) 335 - NEWS (6397)

Independent & Locally Owned

•OpenforBusinessInPleasantHill..............page7•JobFair............................................................page9•HighSchoolHappenings........................... page12•DVALChampions..................................page16-17

•Addiction,AFamilyAffair.............................page18•DodieJonesisHonored..................................page20•TaxableorNon-Taxable?............................... page22•Cocka-LeekySoup........................................... page23

The Community Focus is a free, independent, monthly publication dedicated to highlighting the vibrancy of the local businesses and residents while strengthening

and building connections within our community.

MISSION STaTEMENT

“Deer Daughter” by Naomi Ruth Raine, Wildlife Rehabilitation Volunteer. Crafted from paper and found items


Hours of Operation:

Thursday 4p.m.-10p.m. Friday 4 p.m.-11 p.m. Saturday 11 a.m.-11p.m. Sunday Noon—10 p.m.


It’s home Sweet home for Pleasant hill realtorsIN FOcUS•IN FOcUS•IN FOcUS•IN FOcUS•IN FOcUS•IN FOcUS • IN FOcUS•IN FOcUS•IN FOcUS•IN FOcUS•IN FOcUS•IN FOcUS

WhatdidaboyfromasmalltowninNorthDakotaandraisedinnorth-eastIowahaveincommonwithagirlhemetfromLafayettethirty-sevenyearsago?Notmuch,buttheysharethirty-fiveyearsofmarriage,fourchil-dren,ajoint-careerinrealestateandalotofgoodmemories! DonFlaskerudmovedtoCalifor-niainthewinterof1975andworkedatatrafficsafetysupplymanufacturingbusinessinBerkeleyforeighteenyears.Norma,agraduateofUCBerkeley(History,’71andTeachingCredential,’73)wasaninsuranceadjuster.Aftertheyhookedtheirwagonstogetherinmarriagein1977,theFlaskerudsset-tledinPleasantHillandbeganafam-ily.In1981,theymovedfromGregoryGardenstoCreeksideParkandthefamilygrewtoincludechildrenShan-non,Devon,ErikandKari.WhenDongrewtiredoftravelingthestate

forwork,heswitchedcareersandgotintorealestatein1987;Normajoinedin.Theycreatedalocallyorientednewsletteranddistributedittohome-

owners,mostlybywalkingtheneigh-borhoods.Withfocusanddetermina-tion,theybecamePleasantHill’s#1realtorindollarvolumeandnumberof

unitssoldsince1994.Theysayoppo-sitesattract,andDonandNormafindthistobetrue.Bringingdifferenttal-entstotheirbusiness,they’velearnedtobuildoneachother’sstrengths. TheFlaskerudshavebuiltasuc-cessfulrealtyservicethroughprideincustomerservice,attentiontotimeli-ness,andprofessionalismcombinedwithintegrity.TheycontinuetobespecialistsinPleasantHill,butalsoserveclientsinsurroundingtowns. Don’sserviceinthePleasantHillLion’sClubsince1981andNorma’sserviceinthePleasantHillRotaryClubsince2001earnedthem“BusinessPersonoftheYear”in2001and“Citi-zenoftheYear”in2011.Theysupportlocalschools,the4thofJulyfestivitiesandfireworks,CommunityServiceDayandwereaprimaryforcebehindtheCityofPleasantHill’s50thAnni-versaryGalaCelebration.

Visit them at www. .com

or email Donand

PleasantHillRealEstate

[email protected] #1 since 1994

Don & Norma Flaskerud

Re/Max CC Connection


Re/Max CC Connection

925-676-5859

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

2973 Knoll Dr, Conc – $160,000

212 Evelyn Dr, PH – $379,000

1655 Merian Dr, PH – $285,000

1798 La Playa Dr, Laf – $699,950

255 Nancy Ln, PH – $310,000

172 Sylvia Dr, PH – $339,000

Don and Norma’s listings...

DRE #s — Don: 00971602, Norma: 00867031

to choose


as Realtor!YOUR

Over *reasons450Over *reasons450*The number of homes

they have sold in

PLEASANT HILL ALONE!!

PENDING


architectural review commissionMarch 1, 15City Hall, 100 Gregory LaneLarge Community Room, 5:00pmContact: 671-5209

city council MeetingMarch 5, 19City Hall, 100 Gregory LaneCouncil Chambers, 7:30pmContact: 671-5229

civic action commissionMarch 7City Hall, 100 Gregory LaneSmall Community Room, 6:30pmContact: 671-5229

Education commissionMarch 28City Hall, 100 Gregory LaneLarge Community Room, 7:00pmContact: 671-5229

Planning commissionMarch 13, 27City Hall, 100 Gregory LaneCouncil Chambers, 7:30pmContact: 671-5209

Zoning administratorMarch 8, 22City Hall, 100 Gregory LanePublic Works ConferenceRoom, 5:00pmContact: 671-5209

city calendar of Events

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

PLEaSaNT hILL cITY BUZZ

Burger News

New Safeway Opens!Fore!By Jaki Jones

Sign Up for cErT

OnFebruary16,Safewayheldagrandopeningofitsneweststoreat707ContraCostaBoulevard.TheCol-legeParkJazzBandplayedashundredsofcustomerspushedshoppingcartsarounddisplaysoffreshproduce,throughafull-servicemeatsectionanddownaislesthatextendtoninety-fourfeet.This59,000squarefoot“lifestylesupermarket”isthefutureforSafeway.AccordingtoSusanHoughton,DirectorofPublicandGov-ernmentAffairs,“Allthestoreswebuildnowfollowthismodel.You’llseeexpand-edselectionsinseafood,meat,produce,

aswellasotheramenitieslikelargeror-ganicofferings.”Onbehalfofthestoreopening,SafewaypresentedFPHETrea-surer,SueNoack,andDeniseKoroslevofRodgersRanchwithadonationof$2500.TheCollegeParkJazzBandalsoreceiveda$500donation.Inaddition,anewfuel-ingcenterhasbeenaddedthataccommo-datestwelvestations.“Ourcustomerstellusthatofferinganopportunitytobuygasisdesirable.Wherewecan,wetrytoin-cludethismodel.Mostrecently,webuiltanewgasstationin Campbell anditisheavilyused,”continuedHoughton.

TheslabhasbeenpouredfortheIn-N-OutBurgerinthePleasantHillShoppingCenterat570ContraCostaBoulevard,andthebuildingisnowintheframingstage.Youcanalmostsmellthosefries!Won’tbelongnow.

Emergenciescanoccurinourcom-munitiesatanytime,andalarge-scaledisasterwillquicklyoverwhelmlocalprofessionalresponders.CommunityEmergencyResponseTeams(CERT)wereestablishedtopitchinandhelptosafelyassistfamily,neighborsandassoci-ateswhilewaitingforfirstresponders.CERTvolunteersarewellpreparedfordisasterandaretrainedto“dothegreatestgoodforthegreatestnumber”.The20-hourclassisgivenonenightaweekandcovers:DisasterPreparedness;FireSafety;DisasterMedicalOperations-TriageandTreatingLifeThreateningInjuries; Dis-asterMedicalOperations-Assessment,TreatmentandHygiene;LightSearchandRescue;TeamOrganizationandDisas-

terPsychology. It’snothard;360Pleas-antHillresidentsofallagesandskillshavecompletedthecourseandarehop-ingformorecitizenstojumpinandjointheircrew.ThenextsetofclassesbeginonApril5andrunthroughMay10th.Acoursereviewanddrillwillfollowonadatetobedecided.Jointhecrewandbeapartofagrowingandworthwhilecom-munityendeavor.Tosignup,gotowww.pleasanthillcert.comandclickontrainingregistration,thenspendsometimecheck-ingoutthewebsiteforfrequentlyaskedquestionsandlotsofusefulinformation.Allclassesareheldatthe ContraCostaCountyFireProtectionDistrict’sTrainingFacilityat2945TreatBlvd.inConcordandbeginat6:30p.m.

ItisParTeetimeatthegrandopen-ingoftheGolfsmithinDowntownPleasantHillonMarch1.Forthese-riousgolferorweekendwarrior,the25,000squarefootfacilityonceoccu-piedbyBordersBookshassomethingforeverygolfer,includingfourhigh-techhittingsimulatorsanda7-holeindoorputtinggreen!Golfersofeveryaptitudecansharpentheirskillswithabiometric,video-recordedgolflessontaughtbyacertifiedGolfTECcoach.WhatsetsthisstoreapartfromtheWalnutCreeklocationistheexpandedassortmentofexclusivegolfequipment,accessoriesandapparelalongwithmoreproductsandservicestohelpanylinksman(orwoman)improvehisgame. Whetheryou’ve“overcookedthatone”(hittheballtoofaroverthegreen),orhittheball“longandwrong” (agolferwhocanhittheballlongdistancesbutseldomintherightdirection),Golfsmithcanhelpbyoffer-ingfreecustomfittingservicesforgolfclubs.AGolfsmithclub-fittingspecial-istusescomputerizedswingandballanalysissystemstostudyeveryaspectofaplayer’sswingandthenrecom-mendsthebesttypesofclubsandthe

set-upofthoseclubs,includingshaftflex,loft,lieandmore.AccordingtoaGolfsmithspokesperson,“whencus-tomersgetfitforgolfclubs,iftheydonotseeimmediateimprovementintheirgame,theycanbringbacktheirclubswithin30daysforanin-storecredit.”Thistrulyisagolfer’sinterac-tiveplayground.Forthegrandopen-ing,Golfsmithwillbegivingawaycashcardsand$10,000ingolfgear.YoucanregisterthroughouttheweekendandwinnerswillbedrawnonSunday,the4th.--“I don’t need to know where the green is. Where is the golf course?”Babe Ruth, playing Pine Valley


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

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

PLEaSaNT hILL chaMBEr OF cOMMErcE MarTINEZ chaMBEr OF cOMMErcE

No Drugs, Incorporated is a drug and alcohol testing service provider. We are a preferred collection site for every Department of Human Health Services laboratory and also an eScreen partner. If your company is currently drug and alcohol testing with any laboratory or organiza-tion on a national level, No Drugs, Inc. can provide the collection of the samples on your account at no charge to your organization. If your company is local and would like to discuss implement-ing or changing a drug testing program, contact us for a quote or more information. We utilize paperless Chains of Custody (chronological documentation) and we have the eScreen reader for MRO (medical review officer) results within minutes. We are open Monday - Friday 8am – 5pm, no appointment necessary, and are available 24 hours for emergencies. We can collect at our facility or at your location anywhere nationwide. We are located at 827 Arnold Dr., Suite 70, in Martinez. www.nodrugsinc.com or call 800-490-DRUG. Photo by richardcash.com

Little Hunan Chinese Cuisine held its grand opening and ribbon cutting on January 26. Newly decorated, Little Hunan is warm and comforting and serves a delicious variety of entrees, with specialties that include General Chicken, Prawns in Hunan Style and Kun Bao Seafood Combination. We offer thirty-three lunch specials, starting at $6.50, Monday through Saturday, 11:00am to 2:30pm. Join us for dinner 4:30 to 9:00pm. We are closed Sunday. Visa, Mastercard and American Express are accepted. We offer catering trays, take-out, and com-bination lunch and dinner boxes for company parties. If you feel like great Chinese food in a traditional setting, give Little Hunan a try. Too tired to cook or go out? Little Hunan also deliv-ers!! 621 Las Juntas Street right off Main Street in downtown Martinez. 925-229-0455. Photo by richardcash.com

ribbon cutting

ribbon cutting

No Drugs, Incorporated

Little Hunan Chinese Cuisine

3/2 - ambassador Meeting CityHall,100GregoryLane,PleasantHill,8am-9am

3/6– Leadership Lunch (formerly ambassador Lunch) KobeJapan1918OakParkBlvd.,PleasantHill11:45pm-1pm

3/15 – Board of Directors MeetingCityHall,100GregoryLane,PleasantHill7:45am

3/21 – Mixer courtyard by Marriott2250ContraCostaBoulevard,PleasantHill5:30pm-7:30pm

3/26 – Green committeeBackFortyTexasBBQ,4:00pm-5:00pm

3/26 – Government affairs committeeBackFortyTexasBBQ4:30pm-6:00pm

For More Information regarding ambas-sador Meeting –Ifinterestedinattending,[email protected]

3/1 – citizen of the Year Nomination Dead-line –LastdaywewillbeacceptinglettersofnominationforCitizenoftheYearcandidates.Forguidelinesvisitwww.martinezchamber.comorcalltheChamberoffice.

3/8 – chamber Mixer – Thursday,5:30pm-7:30pm–TypeAYoga–607GregoryLane,Ste.150,PleasantHill.GreatNetworking,Food,Fun,RafflePrizes(Bringaraffleprizeandhaveyourbusinessannounced!)

3/15 – Educational Series – #1BrandandDeliver(part1of3),presentedbyFadhilaHol-man,CEO,CaliforniaPacificFederalCreditUnion-Thursday,12-1pm-Doorsopenat11:30.JohnMuirBestWesternInn,445MuirStationRd.,$10toChamberMembers,Non-Members$20.Lunchwillbeprovided.PleaseRSVPtotheChamberoremailinfo@martinez-chamber.com.

3/24 – citizen of the Year awards Dinner –Saturday,6-9pmattheMartinezEventsCent-er,524MainSt.,Martinez.Wewillbehonoring

citizensfromthecommunityfortheircontribu-tionstothebettermentofMartinez.FordinnerticketsandmoreinformationcalltheCham-ber@228-2345.

3/29 – 4/1 – carnival Butler amusement –ThursdaythruSunday–Rides,Games,Food&Fun.LocatedatHwy680&Hwy4(PachecoExitoffHwy4),AllDayWristbands:$20Ad-vanceSaleTickets(attheChamberoffice);$25attheCarnival.CalltheMartinezCham-berformoreinformation!

caLENDar SPONSOrED BY

caLENDar SPONSOrED BY

MinutemanPress

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Pleasant Hill City Hall Photo by Susan Wood Photography

Martinez Chamber of Commerce Presents

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2012

Nomination Deadline Thursday March 1stVisit www.martinezchamber.com for guidelines.

Email to [email protected] or fax to 925-228-2356

The Chamber is accepting nominations for the following:Young Man & Young Woman of the Year • Man & Woman of the Year

Service Without Borders • Educator/Teacher of the Year • Lifetime Achievement


AsIwritethis,aboutsixweeksof2012areinourrearviewmirror.Andthankstoadramaticshiftinmarketcon-ditions,whatacrazysixweeksithasbeen!Ifyoujustwokeupfromaseven-yearcomaandjumpedintothehousingmarket,youmightthinkitwasstilltheyear2005,wereitnotforthelowerhomeprices.Buyingrealestateispopularagain,period. Multipleoffersareallbutstandard

issue,especiallywhenthehomeispricedwellorlocatedinamoredesirablearea.PrettymucheveryconversationI’vehadwithanactivebuyerinthepastfewweekshasincludedsomethingalongthelinesof,“We’rewritingoffers,butwekeepgettingbeatoutbyotherbuyers.Itjustseemslikethereishardlyanythingoutthereforsale.” Theconditionisnotnecessarilyun-commonforthistimeofyear.BuyerscomeoutfreshandeagertobuyonJanu-ary2nd,butsellersarenotquiteinthesellingmoodyet.Mostarestillpackingawayholidaydecorations,finishinglongoverduemaintenanceprojectsandwait-ingfortheirwinterizedyardstofillinwithfreshspringfoliage. Therehasbeenanaddedintensitythisyear,however,thankstotwofactors.First,buyerinterestiswayup.It’sclearthatthemedia,the“experts,”andthegen-eralpublicareallstartingtoagreethattheworstislikelybehindusandahous-

MOVING & STORAGE

Family owned and operated since 1975.

Move A Little Move A Lot

Excellence • Experience • Efficiency

925-372-0914

Office & Light Industrial • SeniorsResidential• Storage & Warehousing

real Estate UpdateBy Nathan Hitchcock

hOUSING NEWS

Joinusforthe11thAnnualPart-nershipforSuccess,SummerJob&InternshipFaironTuesday,March2710am-1pm. Thiseventisco-SponsoredbyDia-bloValleyCollege&PleasantHillRec-reationandParkDistrict.

Ifyouareabusinessesandinter-estedinhavingaboothatthefair,theregistrationfeeis$55,whichincludesatableandlunchfortworecruiters. For more information or to regis-ter your business visit: www.dvc.edu/org or call (925) 685-1230 ext. 2435.

Job and Internship Fair

ingreboundshouldoccurin2012.Com-pletelygonefromtheaveragebuyer’spsychearethosefearsaboutwhetherornotnowisthetimetobuy.Thisrenewedconfidenceintherealestatemarkethasfueledbuyerdemandsignificantly. Thesecondfactor,though,isprovingtobeevenmoreimpactful:ourinven-toryofhomesforsalelocallyisatitslow-estlevelsince2005.Thiscanbelargelyattributedtoadropinforeclosurerates.Thankstorecentforeclosurepaperworkscandals,aswellasimprovedgovern-mentincentives,banksarekeepingpeo-pleintheirhomesinfargreaternumbersthroughloanmodificationsandothermeans. Thelowinventoryandhighdemandhavecreatedgreatcompetitionamongbuyers,andpricesappeartoberisingasaresult.We’llneedtowaitafewmoreweeksforcurrentsalestohitthebooks,butfrommyhands-onperspectiveasanactivebuyingandlistingagent,homesappeartobesellingforabout5%to15%

higherthantheywereattheendof2011. Onlytimewilltellifthesenewmar-ketconditionswillcontinue.Iencouragethosefrustratedbuyersouttheretobepatientandnotmakeanyrashdecisions.We’llundoubtedlygetlotsoffreshinven-toryasspringapproaches;therealques-tionishowwellthemarketwillabsorbit.Ifbuyerdemandcontinuestoexceedtheavailablesupply,priceswillgoup.Morelikelythough,thenewinventorywillless-enthecurrentintensityandpriceswillstabilize.Eitherway,it’slookinglike2012willindeedbearecoveryyearforreales-tate. Nathan Hitchcock is the managing broker of Hitchcock Realty, a residen-tial real estate brokerage and property management firm in downtown Pleas-ant Hill. He can be reached at [email protected] or (925) 825-1100. Data contained herein was obtained from the CCAR Multiple Listing Service. Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.


city council MeetingMarch 7, 21, 7:00pm-11:00pmContact: 925-372-3500

arbor Day Tree PlantingMarch 8, 10:00-11:30am, Susana Park. Park and Recreation staff will provide crafts and planting for Ar-bor Day participants.

Youth Baseball ParadeMarch 10, 10am-11:30amThe parade will begin at City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street and contin-ue onto Main Street.

Design review MeetingMarch 14, 28, 3:00pm-5:00pmContact: 925-372-3500

Park, recreation, Marina &cultural commissionMarch 20, 7:00pm-11:00pm

Planning commission MeetingMarch 13, 27, 7:00pm-11:00pmContact: 925-372-3500

Zoning administrator MeetingMarch 7, 21, 3:00pm-5:00pmContact: 925-372-3500

city calendar of Events

MarTINEZ cITY BUZZ

OnFebruary7,Ideliveredmy9thStateoftheCityad-dressintheCreek-sideChurchaudi-toriumtoaroomofabout200people.HostedbytheMar-tinezAreaChamberofCommerce,thisisanannualeventthatgivesthemayoranopportunitytoreportonwherewehavebeen,wherewearenow,andwherewearegoing. Theselastfewyearshavebeenchal-lengingforlocalgovernment,butIamcautiouslyoptimisticthatwearestartingtoseesomestabilityandmaybeevensomeeconomicgrowthinthenextfewyears.Foreclosureshaveslowedandhomesales

looktobepickingup.However,westillhaveover400homesinforeclosureand200moreonthepre-foreclosurelist. Thecity’sfinancialpicturelookstobefairlystable.Weclosedan$800,000struc-turaldeficitthroughstrategicreorganiza-tion,frozefivevacantpositions,madetwopositionshalf-time,andnegotiatedcutsandcostsharingwithourthreehard-work-ingandloyalemployeegroups.Weexpecttoendthisfiscalyearwithanunrestrictivefundbalanceof$3.3millionandforecastthatsalesandpropertytaxwillremainflat. Wearealsoconstantlylookingforwaystoincreaserevenuewithoutrais-ingfees.CurrentlyweareworkingwithsomeofourlargertaxgeneratorsthatareinterestedinexpandingtheiroperationsinMartinez.Butmostimportantly,wewill

Mayor’s Message Rob Schroder, Mayor of Martinez

For confirmation Visit: www.cityofmartinez.org

continuetolivewithinourmeansandstillprovidethehighestlevelofservicetoourresidentsandbusinesses.Thiswillcontinuetobecomemoreandmoredifficultifrev-enuesdon’tstartmovingbacktoapositivedirection. Althoughwehavebeendealingwithaverychallengingeconomicclimate,somepositiveprojectshavebeencompletedinMartinez.BoththeRankinAquaticCenterandtheMartinezLibrarywerecompletedontimeandopenedunderbudget.RankinPark,TavanFieldandHolidayHillsParkwillopenthisspringandsummerwithallnewfacilities,irrigationandlandscaping. In2011,thecityinvestedover$1mil-lioninimprovingourroadsandstreets.WepavedMainStreet,ShellAvenue,ReliezValleyRoadandstreetsinseveralneigh-borhoods.In2012weexpecttoinvest$1millioninstreetsandroadsagain.TheseincludeArnoldDrive,CenterAvenueandMorellonearHighway4.

Overall,thecityofMartinezisstillaverysafeplace.Part1crimes(typicallyviolentcrimes),areflatwithoverallcrimesdecliningby14%.NeighborhoodWatchisaprogramthatworkswellwiththenewneighborhoodpolicingareainitiative.Manysuchprogramshavebeendevelopedsincethisinitiativewasputinplace,andtheyarealreadyhavinganimpactonre-ducingcrimeinneighborhoods. IfyouwouldlikemoreinformationaboutNeighborhoodWatch,orwouldliketosetoneup,gotothecity’swebsite(www.cityofmartinez.org)andfindthemapthatlistsyourneighborhood.Thenemailyourareaofficerstoarrangeameeting. Forthefirsttime,thepolicedepart-mentisplanningtoparticipateintheNa-tionalNightOutAgainstCrimeCampaigninAugust.TheChiefaskedmetoencour-ageallofyoutoparticipateinthiscrimepreventionandawarenesseventforthecommunity.

city Messages

Emergency Preparedness By Steve Fisher

christmas house Fire The Brock family lost their Martinez “Christmas House” to a fire on January 17. Every Christmas they made their house a focal centerpiece with grand displays and endearing personalities. The household bears a family of five and they are in need of assistance. Gift cards from various stores such as WalMart, Kohl’s, and Target would be greatly appreciat-ed to ensure that all clothing and necessities are attainable. According to the Brock Fam-ily Christmas House Facebook page, donations can be brought to 965 Center Avenue in Martinez while their house is being rebuilt. There is currently a public account set up at Wells Fargo (Acct. #7144692550) c/o Sharon Brock, to help the family out as well.

Mini Motorland On Saturday, March 31 from 10am – noon, the John Muir Amphitheater at 115 Taran-tino Drive will be turned into a unique track for electric ride-on cars, big wheels and tricy-cles. Youngsters will be able to stop for gas, have faces painted, order from the drive-thru window, get car washes, and visit the tire shop, library, historical museum, florist and other cool places! New drivers can practice parking, stopping and backing up. It’s safe, fun and self-contained. Parents should bring a camera and your child’s favorite riding toy. Snacks will be served to all drivers. Licenses are included. Space is limited to the first 150 children. To reserve a spot, pre-register by calling Martinez Recreation at 372-3510. Event is for ages 2 -5 and costs $8 per child. NO DOGS, NO GAS POWERED RIDE-ON VEHICLES.

Haveyouthoughtaboutwhatyouwoulddoinamajordisaster?Doyouhavethetraining,knowledge,andskillstohelpyourfamily,friendsorneighbors?Realis-tically,itisnot“if”but“when”adisasterwillstrikeourcommunity.Areyouready?TheMartinezCommunityEmergencyRe-sponseTeam(CERT)wantsyoutobeabletoanswer“yes.”TheMartinezCERTmem-bersareyourneighborswhovolunteertoassistMartinezcitizensandsurroundingunincorporatedareasincaseofemergency.ThesevolunteersgothroughtwentyhoursofclassesthatcoverEmergencyPrepar-edness,FireSuppression,UtilityControl,Triage,MedicalOperationsTransport,LightSearchandRescue,IncidentCom-mand,andRadioCommunications. WhilesomecitiesmustnowchargeforthebasicCERTclass,theMartinezCERTgroupstilloffersitforfree.TherearetwosetsofbasicCERTclassesofferedthisspring.OnesetisonTuesdayeveningsfrom6:00to9:30pmforfiveweeks(4/24,5/1,5/8,5/15,and5/22),andwillbeheldattheAnimalServicesclassroom,4900

ImhoffPlace.TheotherwillbeonSatur-daymorningsfrom8:00amto1:30pmforthreeweeks(3/24,3/31,and4/7)andwillbeheldatMartinezCityHallinCouncilChambersat525HenriettaSt.Theskills’exercise(disasterdrill)fortheseCERTclasseswillbeonSaturday,June2,from8:00amtonoon. Inadditiontothebasicclass,someCERTstudentscontinueontotakemoreadvancedclasses.TheMartinezCERTgroupwillbeofferingaspecialthree-hourclassonPersonalEmergencyPreparednessonMarch3from9:00amtonoonattheMartinezCityHallinCouncilChambersat525HenriettaSt.ThispresentationwasdevelopedbyGilPatton,theEmergencyManagementCoordinatorattheOak-landCoordinationCenterfortheDept.ofHomelandSecurity.Theseminarisfreeandopentothepubliconafirstcomebasis,asseatingislimited.ToregisterforanyoftheCERTclasses,emailyourname,[email protected],[email protected]

all city Meetings at city hall, 525 henrietta Street, Unless Otherwise Indicated


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Pair UpWith La Sommelierre Maria Terry

Martha Stewart’s Mignonette

Citrus Terrine in Muscat Gelée

INGREDIENTS1shallot,finelychopped1½teaspoonscoarselygroundpepper½cupsherryvinegar½cupchampagnevinegarorwhitewinevinegar

DIRECTIONSStirtogethershallot,pepper,andvinegars.Letstand20minutesbe-foreserving. Yield: 1 Cup

INGREDIENTS2largeredgrapefruits1largewhitegrapefruit2naveloranges2tangerines1tablespooncandiedgrapefruitstrips4teaspoonsunflavoredgelatin(lessthan2envelopes)½cupplus3tablespoonscoldwater1¼cupsOrangeMuscatsuchasEs-sensia½cupsugarDIRECTIONSWithasharpknifecutpeelfromfruits,includingallwhitepith.Cutsectionsfreefrommembranesandremoveanyseeds.Chopcandiedgrapefruitstrips.Inacup,sprinklegelatinover3table-spoonscoldwaterandletstandaboutoneminutetosoften.Inasmallsauce-

pan,bringMuscatandsugartoaboil,stirringuntilsugarisdissolved,andboil2minutes.Removepanfromheatandstiringelatinmixtureuntildissolved.Stirinremainingwaterandtransfermixturetoabowlsetinalargerbowloficeandcoldwater.Coolmixtureslightly,stirringoccasionally. Pourathinlayerofgelonbottomof1-quartnonreactiveterrineorloafpanandarrangefruitsectionsandcan-diedgrapefruitdecoratively.Carefullypourremaininggeloverall. Chillcovereduntilfirm,atleast4hours,andupto2days.Dipathinknifeinhotwaterandrunknifearoundedge.Dippanintoalargerpanofhotwater3to5secondstoloosen.Invertaservingplateoverpanandinvertontoplate.Yield: 8-10 Servings

March 2012 – Seasonal EatingEventhoughwinterisbarelyover,

manyofusarestartingtoplanforsum-merbyplantinggardens,schedulingthekids’activitiesandmakingreser-vationstovisitexoticlocations.Whilepreparingforthesummer,enjoythislightmealthatusesthelastofthewin-terfoodsandmatchesthemwithwinesthatbringouttheirbestqualities.

Oystersaretrulyadelicioustreatandmustbecookedoreatenfromalivestate.Liveoystersaretightlyclosedandwillsnapshutiftapped.Iftheshellisopen,theoysterisdeadanditcannotbeeatensafely.Somesayoystersareonlysafetoeatinmonthswiththelet-ter‘r’intheirnames.Thisruleisbasedonavarietyofpossibilities:oystersinthenorthernhemispherearemuchmorelikelytospoilinwarmermonths,warmertemperaturestriggerspawn-inginsomeoysters(resultinginanunpleasanttexture),andwarmertem-peraturesincreasetheconcentrationofphytoplanktoncontaminatedwithar-senicthatoysterscouldpossiblyingest.Luckily,technologyisonoursideandcommerciallycollectedoystersaregen-erallysafeaslongastheyarealive.

Muscadet(moosk-a-day)ismyfavoritewinetopairwithoysters.MadefromtheMelondeBourgognegrape,it

iscrispanddrywithmineralandcit-ruszestflavors.Muscadetismadeex-clusivelyonthewestcoastofFranceintheNantesregion.Itsproximitytotheseahasmadeitalongtimecompaniontooysters.Ifyoucan’tfindMuscadet,aSauvignonBlancorChabliswillpro-videthenecessaryacidity.And,foranextrasharpbite,topyouroysterswiththeMignonettesaucelistedhere.

Toendthemeal,adelicateter-rineofseasonalcitruscanbepairedwiththeOrangeMuscatusedtomakeit.TheMuscatgrapeisverydifferentfromtheMelondeBourgognegrape.

Muscatsareincrediblyfloralwinesandoftenmadequitesweet.Therearemul-tiplevarietiesofMuscatandtheyaregrownallovertheworld.WineslikeMoscatoandMuscatdeRivesaltesarebothmadefromMuscatgrapes.Or-angeMuscatisusedfordessertwinesinCaliforniaandAustraliaandhasa

verydefiniteorangearoma.So,goon.PairUp!Maria Terry is a Certified Som-

melier and Wine Educator in the San Francisco Bay Area. For more great wines and information please visit Maria’s website at www.LaSommeli-erre.com.

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hIGh SchOOL haPPENINGS

Thestudent-leadCancerAwarenessWalkforKristinaHunteronSaturday,February11wasahugesuccessandraisedover$900.Kristinagraduatedin2001fromAlhambraHighSchool,whereshewasinvolvedinthestudentleadershippro-gram. Kristinalearnedshehadcancerlatelastyear,andherfriendsandfamilycon-tinuetoraisemoneytohelpherbecompletelyhealedfromstageIVcancer.

“Wehopetomakethisayearlyevent,”saidleadershipteacherMarianneGriffin.“DonationscancontinuetobemailedtosupporttheKristinaHealingFundorPenniesforPatients.”CheckscanbemadeouttotheKristinaHealingFundorPenniesforPatientsandmailedtoAlhambraHighSchoolStudentLeadership,150EStreetinMartinez,94553.

TheAlhambraHighSchooldramadepartmentisgearingupfortheirspringmusical,“OnceUponAMattress,”theclassicBroadwaymusicalversionofthefai-rytale,“ThePrincessandthePea,”andfeaturesmusicbyMaryRodgersandlyricsbyMarshallBarer.“MattressisthestoryofthePrincessandthePea,jazzedupwithgreatmusic.It’salight-heartedmusicalcomedy,”saysdramateacherGerardWiener. TheshowopensonApril26withadditionalshowsonApril27andMay3,4,and5.Curtainisat7pm.Pre-saleticketswillbeavailablefor$8fortheAprilshows,$10forMayshows,and$5forkids12andunder. Ticketsatthedoorwillbe$10inApril,$12inMayand$5forkids.TicketscanbepurchasedusingtheAlhambrawebstore:http://alhambrahs.revtrak.net/.

“AnythingGoes” isCollegePark’sspring musical withmusicandlyricsby ColePorter.ThestoryinvolveszanyanticsaboardanoceanlinerboundfromNewYorktoLondon.BillyCrockerisastowawayinlovewithheiressHopeHarcourt,whoisen-gagedtoLordEvelynOakleigh.NightclubsingerRenoSweeneyandMoonfaceMartinaidBillyinhisquesttowinHope. TheshowstarsHunterKaneasBillyCrocker,RoseyWilliamsasHopeHarcourt,HelenaMartynasMrs.EvangelineHarcourt,ChristianMcCooeyasLordEvelynOak-leighandIsaiahDouglassasMoonfaceMartin.EmmaCovingtonandGabriellaMar-chionsharetheroleofRenoSweeney.

College Park High School congratulated the first semester’s Honor Roll stu-dents on Valentine’s Day with an Ice Cream Social. To celebrate their accomplish-ments, the Promote Academic Success Committee of the CPHS PTSA honored students with ice cream treats generously discounted by the Virginia Hills Safeway store. An outstanding group of 941 students qualified for the Honor roll this semes-ter by earning a GPA of 3.0 or better on their semester report cards. Principal Paul Gengler sweetened the award by helping pass out the treats.

TheCollegeParkmulti-useroomwillbetransformedintoacozytrattoriaonthenightofMarch30.BruceRockwell,VocalMusicDirector,explainsthat,“theBellaNotteItalianDinnerShowisafundraiserforthechoirprogram. WewillbeservingalavishmealofgreatItalianfoodcookedbylocalchefs.Someofthefoodwillbedonatedbylocalrestaurantsandsomewillbepreparedbychoirpar-ents. ThechoirswillperformclassicItalianandItal-ian-Americanmusiclike,‘TimetoSayGoodbye,’‘OSoleMio,’‘MamboItaliano,’‘That’sAmore,’andmore! Itisgoingtobealotoffun.”

Theeventstartsat6:30pm.$20Adults/$10Students/Children,7andunderarefree.Topur-chasetickets,visit:www.ticketturtle.com/index.php?show=25735

At the PTSA meeting on February 7, Katherine Bracken from the Pleasant Hill Community Foundation presented Bruce Rockwell, Choir Instructor for College Park High School, with a check in the amount of $750 to go towards a sound system for the choir room.

Once Upon a Mattress rehearsals Underwayfor “anything Goes”

alhambra high School cancer awareness Walk

cP choir Presents an Italian Dinner Show

cP congratulates honor roll StudentsPictured are Mikaela Walsh, Kailynn Boyd, Angelica Cornelius and Carly Bergerhouse.

Foundation Update


John Muir comes to MartinezBy Gay Gerlack, Martinez Historical Society

MarTINEZ hISTOrIcaL SOcIETY

Articleresources:“CulturalLand-scapeReportforJohnMuirNationalHistoricalSite”byJeffreyKillion,his-toricallandscapearchitect,withMarkDavison,historicallandscapearchitect,OlmstedCenterforLandscapePreser-vation;miscellaneousNationalParkSer-vicearticles.

JohnMuirwasbornonApril21,1838inDunbar,Scotland,thethirdofeightchildren.Inhisautobiography,hedescribedhisboyhoodpursuitsas ”fight-ing, re-enacting romantic battles of the Scottish Wars of Independence or just scrapping on the playground, and hunting for birds’ nests.” Hisadultpursuitsre-sultedinaconservationlegacyandbe-ingreveredasthe“fatheroftheNationalParkSystem.”

Inthesummerof1874,Dr.JohnStrentzel,awell-knownCaliforniahor-ticulturist,hiswife,andtheirdaugh-ter,LouieWanda,visitedthehomeofafriendwhereMuirwasthenlivingandwriting.Themeetingpromptedanin-vitationtoMuirto“visittheranch.”Itwasnotuntilthefallof1877thatMuiracceptedDr.Strentzel’sinvitation.MuirarrivedinMartinezinasmallboatandwalkedthethreemilestotheAlham-braranchhouseanditseightyacresof

choiceorchardsandvineyards.Inalet-tertohissisterhewrote:

“They pitied my very looks and made me eat and sleep, stuffing me with turkey, chicken, beef, and fruits, and jel-lies in the most extravagant manner imaginable, and begged me to stay a month.”

Bythespringof1879,MuirandLouiewereengagedandMrs.Strentzelwrote:

“Mr. Muir is the only man that the Dr. and I have ever felt we could take into our family as one of us and he is the only one that Louie has ever loved, altho (sic) she has had many offers of marriage.”

Inthesummerof1879,Muirtrav-eledtoAlaskaaboardthesteamerVic-toriaandDr.StrentzelandLouiesawhimoffattheMartinezwharf.Theysentcarepackagesofwine,jelly,andcherrypreserves;Muirsentbackabook,maps,andpressedleaves.Weddingarrange-mentsweremadethefollowingwinterandtheceremonytookplaceonApril14,1880intheAlhambraranchhouse.TheStrentzel’sweddinggifttothecou-plewastheAlhambraranchhouseandthesurroundingtwentyacresofvine-yardsandorchards.

In1881,MuirandLouie’sfirst

daughterwasbornandtheContraCos-taGazettereported:“For the man who in the wilderness had found no time to enjoy and even correspond with children, life must have seemed complete in March of 1881, when he became the proud father of a little girl, who was given the name Wanda.”Muirwrotetoafriend, “I am now the happiest man in the world…”

Muirprovedtobeaverysuccess-fulfarmerandbusinessman.HefocusedoncultivatingfruitsuchasBartlettpearsandTokaygrapes.Hisproducewasinhighdemandbyboththeeasternandwesternmarkets,andtheranchprofited.Asonestoryhasit,Muirwoulddriveuptothebank,putoutabigwhitebagla-beled“laundry,”andvanishinside.

NotallthelandsattheStrentzel-MuirRanchwerebroughtintoproduc-tion;Mrs.StrentzellongadmiredthehillssouthandwestoftheAlhambraranchhouse–arangewhichincludesthepark’sMt.Wanda.Sheenvisionedatimewhen“other generations will be here to enjoy the scene.”Muiralsochosetopreservethesehillsfortheirbeauty,naturalcharacter,andbotanicalvariety,maintainingitasapreserveforfrequentwalksandbotanyexcursionswithhisdaughters,friendsandcolleagues.Views

fromthetopwere,inMuir’swords,“de-lightful in color, like a fairyland,”andoncleardays,thepencil-likeoutlineoftheSierraswasvisible.TheexcursionstothisuntouchedareawouldbecomeanimportantpartofMuir’slifeatthefruitranch.

WhenDr.Strentzelpassedawayin1890,theMuirsmovedintotheVic-torianhomewheremuchofMuir’swrit-ingwasdoneintheoldlibraryden,onthesecondfloor.Knowingherhusbandwasnotcontenttostayathome,Louiewould“shoo Muir back up to the moun-tains” andheisquotedassaying “Going to the mountains is going home.” Muirworkedtoestablishmorethan21mil-lionacresofforestreserves,whichbe-camethefoundationfortheU.S.ForestService. JohnMuirdiedonDecember24,1914.

OnApril21ofthisyear,theJohnMuirAssociationandtheNationalParkServicewillhosttheJohnMuirBirth-day–EarthDayCelebrationattheJohnMuirNationalsiteinMartinezfrom10:00amto4:00pm.Theeventwillfea-tureoverfiftyexhibitorsofferingahostofearthdayactivitiesandenvironmen-talawarenessinformationforkidsandadults.


federalandstatebenefits’administra-torsorfinancialadvisors. Please call Rod Harris, Reverse Mortgage Professional here toll free at 888-688-6144, Ext. 215, locally at 925-522-9600 or email at [email protected] and he can provide information for you to deter-mine if a reverse mortgage is the right choice for you or your parents. NMLS #248041

Generation Mortgage Company is Better Business Bureau accredited, an Equal Housing Lender and member of NRMLA, (National Reverse Mortgage Lending Association). NMLS# 1319; Licensed by the Department of Cor-porations under the California Resi-dential Mortgage Lending Act. ©2012 Generation Mortgage Company. All Rights Reserved. Website: www.gener-ationmortgage.com/rodharris

Top Five reverse Mortgage MythsBy Rod Harris, Generation Mortgage

Myth 1:IfItakeoutareversemort-gagethelenderwillownmyhome. False:Homeown-ersstillretaintitleandownershiptotheirhomesduringthelifeoftheloan,andcanchoosetosellthehomeatanytime.Theborrowercon-tinuestoliveinandmaintainthehome,payspropertytaxesandhomeownersinsurance. Myth 2:Therearerestrictionsonhowreversemortgageproceedsmaybeused. False:Therearenorestrictions.Thecashproceedsfromthereversemort-gagecanbeusedforvirtuallyanypur-poseandborrowersshouldbecautiousoflendersattemptingtocrosssellotherproducts.Manyseniorshaveusedre-versemortgagestopayoffdebt,helptheirkids,makeendsmeetortohaveafinancialreserve.

Myth 3:Icannotgetareversemort-gageifIhaveanexistingmortgage. False: Withenoughequityinyourhome,youwouldpayoffanyexistingmortgagesothatyourreversemortgageisinfirstlienposition.Thisisthemostcommonreasonmosthomeownerstakeoutareversemortgage. Myth 4:IfIoutlivemylifeexpec-tancy,thelenderwillevictme. False: Reversemortgagelendersputnotimelimitonhowlongseniorscanstayintheirhomes.Sincehomeown-ersstillowntheproperty,lenderscan-notevictthem,providedtheyfollowtheprogramguidelines. Myth 5:MySocialSecurityandMedicarewillbeaffected. Fact:AreversemortgagegenerallydoesnotaffectyourFederalSocialSe-curityorMedicarebenefits.However,ifyouareonMedicaid,fundsthatyouretainwouldcountasanassetandcouldimpactMedicaideligibility.Tobesure,werecommendthatyouconsultyour

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Mar. 9 - Wine, Art & Silent Auction Fundraiser.Sipaglassofwinewhilebrowsingthelocalartists’work.Shopforthatperfectpieceandplaceyourbetsatthesilentauction!5pm-7:30pm.TicketsavailableattheSeniorCenter.ProceedsbenefittheNEWSeniorCenterandTeenCenter.CalltheSeniorCenterformoreinformationabouttheevent.ArtistswillbelocalandsomearefromtheMar-tinezArtsAssociation.WinslowCenter,2590PleasantHillRd.,$15Members/$18General.

Mar. 24 – Pleasant Hill Senior Center Quilt Sale –9am-1pm.VFWBldg.:1919Wen-dellLn.,PleasantHill.Freeadmission.Handmadequiltsofallkinds!

Mar. 25 - Bunco.Potluckat2pm;Buncobeginsat3pm.Funandfriendlyat-mospherewherenopriorknowledgeofthegameisnecessary!BuyyourticketattheSeniorCenteroffice(relocatedtotheLittleHouse.)Tickets:$4plusbringpotluckitemtofeedfourpeople.VFWBldg.:1919WendellLane.

Mar. 28 – Classroom in the Community: “Tests you Want to Take” –10am-11am.Thefirst10peopletoregisterwillreceiveafreelunchfromourCCCafé,compli-mentsofSCANHealthPlan.Ifyouarenotoneofthefirst10tosignup,youmaystillreserveamealfor$2.Lunchisservedat11:30am.Pre-registrationisrequiredforlunch.CalltheSeniorCentertoregister:798-8788.Freeadmission.St.An-drew’sChurch,1601MaryDr.,PleasantHill.

Mar. 11 – Pancake Breakfast – 8am – 11am-Thisdeliciousbreakfastincludespancakesortoast,sausage,eggs,orangejuiceandcoffee.Everyoneiswel-come.Costis$3.50foradults/$2forchildren10andunder.Handmadecrafts,perfectforgifts,willbeonsaleduringthebreakfast.

Mar. 30 – Vagabond Players present Beyond Reasonable Doubt – 1pm - “With-outadoubt,mysteryloverswillenjoythisdrama!SirDavidMetcalfeisconduct-ingthemostimportantdefenseofhiscareer–hisown!Accusedofthewillfulmurderofhisterminallyillwife,SirDavidfindshimselflockedinalegalcombatwithhisoldrival,AnthonyBlair-BoothQC,prosecutingcounsel.Takeyourseatinthejuryforoneofthemostcompellingcourtroomdramasofalltime.DuringintermissiontheaudiencecaststheirvoteontheguiltorinnocenceofSirDavidbeforeenjoyingalightbuffet.Cost:$10members,$12non-members.Ticketsonsalenow.Don’tmissthisentertainingafternoon.DeadlinetopurchaseisMon-day,March26,unlesswereachcapacitybeforethatdate.

April 6 – AARP Refresher Course- 11am-4pm (Includes a 30-minute break) - Thisone-day4.5-hourcourseisforanyonewhohastakenthe8-hourAARPDriverSafetyTraininginthepastfouryears.Eithercoursequalifiesyouforamaturedriverdiscountwithyourautoinsurancecompany.(Pleasecheckwithyourinsuranceagentfordetails.)Feeis$12forAARPmembersand$14fornon-mem-bers.Classwillfillupquickly.Registernowbycalling370-8770.Makecheckspayableto“AARP”andgivetotheinstructorthedayofclass.

AscompletionofthenewSeniorCenterdrawsnear,thePleasantHillRec-reation&ParkDistrictinvitesyoutojointheBrickBrigadeandhelppavetheway!Thecompletiondateforthenewbuildingisestimatedforthisfall,andthegoalistohaveasmanypersonalizedbricksforthegrandopeningaspossible. Membersofthecommunityarein-vitedtopurchaseinscribedbricksthatwillbeinstalledinthewalkwayleadingtothebeautifulnew22,000squarefootSeniorCenterandalsotheliningforthefrontentrytothebuilding.Thisisyouropportunitytoleaveyourlegacyatthedoorstep. Brickbybrick,giftbygift,pledgebypledge,yourpartnershipisneededtoreachthisgoal,andthedeadlineiscom-ingrightup.Alimitednumberofbricksareavailableforinscription,andmanyordershavealreadybeenplaced.Yourtaxdeductiblepurchasewillhelpfundfurnishings,fixturesandequipmentforthenewSeniorCenter.EachbrickpavingthewaytothenewSeniorCenter

costs$200andallowsthreelinesofupto20charactersperline.Usingstate-of-the-artlasertechnology,thesedurablebrickswillcreatealastingimpressionaswellasasourceofprideforourcommunity. Anumberofadditionalwaystogivearedescribedonthedistrict’scampaignwebsite.Gotowww.pleasanthillrec.comandclickontheCapitalCampaigntab.PledgeandbrickorderformsalongwithPurchaseandNamingOpportunitiesarealsoavailabletherefordownloading. PleasecalltheDistrictOfficeat(925)682-0896formoreinformationortomakeacontributionbyphone.ChecksshouldbemadeouttothePleasantHillCommunityFoundation(thefiscalagentforthecampaign)andmailedto147GregoryLane,PleasantHill,Ca94523.

13

St. Andrew’s Church 1601 Mary Dr., Pleasant Hill

$25 (60 years & up) ~ $30 General Admission

To date, Gary Bogue has written a daily column on pets, wildlife, & environmentalissues for the Contra Costa Times for 42 years & has published 5 books.

Attend the free senior resource faire with over 50 vendors. Enjoy your cateredlunch and buy your tickets for our famous raffle drawing which will feature prizes

from the Oakland Athletics and many more!

13

St. Andrew’s Church 1601 Mary Dr., Pleasant Hill

$25 (60 years & up) ~ $30 General Admission

To date, Gary Bogue has written a daily column on pets, wildlife, & environmentalissues for the Contra Costa Times for 42 years & has published 5 books.

Attend the free senior resource faire with over 50 vendors. Enjoy your cateredlunch and buy your tickets for our famous raffle drawing which will feature prizes

from the Oakland Athletics and many more!


intheirweightclasses. TheDiabloValleyCollegefootballprovidedopportunityformanyofitsplayerstoextendtheircareersatfour-yearschoolsastheyleftamarkonNa-tionalSigningDay.EightVikingplayerssignedtocontinuetheircareers.LeadingthewaywasstandoutsafetyEricFine-feuiaki,whosignedwithSanJoseState.AlsosigningwereJuliusChulu(Mid-westernState),ClydeIgnont(Menlo),ChrisMamon(Stonybrook),KevinMoss(MontanaTech),ChrisMotley(CentralWashington),DadaRichards(NewMexi-coState)andMarcThompson(NorthernArizona). InearlyFebruary,ZachHammerof

theAlhambragolfteamscoredahole-in-oneduringapracticeroundatFranklinCanyonGolfCourse,theBulldogs’homecourse.Hammerhittheaceonthefourthhole,a165-yardpar-three.Accordingtoreports,Hammerusedan8-ironforthefeat.Itwastheyounggolfer’sfirstaceandwitnessedbyteammatesTimO’LearyandMattWhite,aswellasCoachSteveSloper. Inmid-February,juniorAnastasiaLobsingerofAlhambrawasthelonechampioncrownedattheNCSWrestlingChampionships.Lobsingerwasvictori-ousinthe154-poundclass.

hOME TEaMSeason Ticket

By Chuck NanLocal athletes Dominate the Page Severallocalplayerswereselectedtotheboys’highschoolAll-Americanwaterpololist.DominicLucido,aseniorwaterpoloplayerfromAlhambra,wasselectedasanEighth-TeamAll-Americanforthe2011season. Tyler“TJ”Sylvia,aseniorsoccerplayerfromAlhambra,signedaLetterofIntenttoattendtheUniversityofSanFrancisco. OmarOmilabu,agraduateofAl-hambra,playedfortwoseasonsatLaneyCollegeinOakland.ThebiglinemanhasannouncedthathehassignedontoattendCal-PolySanLuisObispotoplayfootballthisfall. AccordingtotheMartinezNews-Gazette,AlhambraLadyBulldogsplayerAnneWhipplesignedaletterofintenttoattendSt.Mary’sCollegetoplaysoccerinthecoming2012-2013seasonandbe-yond.Whipple,asenior,isoneofthebestplayersonvarsityandhasplayedatthatlevelsincehersophomoreyear.WhipplehasbeenamainsourceforoffensethisseasonforAlhambra. EthanLipson-GokcenoftheAlham-braboy’ssoccerteamallowedjustonegoalintwoDFALwins.Lipson-Gokcen,theteam’sgoalkeeper,stoppedeightshotsina3-1winovervisitingLasLomasonJan.25,thenmadesevenmoresavesina2-0winatMiramonteonJan.27. AlyConway,a2008graduateandbasketballstandoutfromAlhambra,willgraduatefromSonomaStateinMaywithanappliedmathematicsdegree.Conway

isPresidentoftheStudentAthleteAdvi-soryCommittee(SAAC),teamcaptainofthebasketballteamandhasmaintaineda3.025GPAforthelast31/2years.ThispastsemesterConwayrecordeda3.825. Onthebasketballfloor,Conwayhasa63.5%shootingpercentageandasolid51.2%forherfour-yearcareeratSSU.ThatmakesherNo.1inshootingper-centagealltimefortheLadySeawolves.Inaddition,Conwayhas46blockedshots(20thisyear)whichisthirdall-time.Sheisjust40pointsawayfromthe“500Club.”Witheightgamestogointheseason,shewilldefiantlyleavehermarkintherecordbooksatSSU. SantiagoAlejandrooftheAlhambraboy’ssoccerteamwasonasizzlingtear.Alejandroscoredfivegoalsoverathree-gameperiodastheBulldogstiedtwoandwonthethird.AlejandroistheDFAL’sgoal-scoringleaderwith18forthesea-son.TheDogsare9-7-5in2011-12. MichaelDailyoftheCollegeParkboy’sbasketballteamtallied16pointstoleadtheFalconstoa54-59winoverrivalConcordtoclose-outthemonthofJanu-ary.Dailythenfollowedthatgamewith24pointsinthe59-40winoverClaytonValley.Dailyissecondontheteamwitha10.3scoringaverage.JuniorMikeyEgg-letonleadstheteamwith14.3pointspergame.TheFalconsclinchedtheDVALtitleonFebruary14th. TheCollegeParkHighwrestlingteamenjoyedasuccessfultwodaysatthePumaClassicinSantaRosaastheyearnedsecond-place.BrianSergi(147)andJ.J.Chou(162)wonindividualtitles

www.lesschwabmartinez.comVISIT US AT:

3/31/12

Alhambra senior Tyler “TJ” Sylvia is signing a letter of intent to play soccer at the University of San Francisco. Photo by Conrad Rowling, 510.385.4869

TJ Sylvia Signs With Dons


hOME TEaM

TheAlhambraCompetitionCheersquadearnedthird-placeattheUCANor-CalChampionshiponFebruary4andthennotchedsecond-placetheverynextdayattheUSACaliforniaOpen.TheentireAHScom-petitioncheersquad,CoachErinChin,andAssistantCoachTinaStetenfeldwereveryappreciativetoMorganSepulvedaforsteppinginonshortnoticefortheinjuredCandyBennett. Thisyear’steamiscomprisedofJennWebb,AneysaMartinez,ToriCarozza,AmandaHerndon,RiannaHawes,MorganSepulveda,SarahGrilli,SabrinaSwice-good,MaryWhite,ShelbyFortner,MichaelaHenry,LexiLozow,SarahMahy,MariahPergakis,DaniHerndon,CarlyBergerhouse,MarisaAguilar,SabrinaSchulhauser,KateHopkinsandAmandaNoel.

College Park wrestling earned their 7th straight DVAL Championship qualifying all 14 wrestlers for North Coast Sectionals (NCS). Alex Encarnacion, a senior at College Park, is currently ranked 3rd in the state at 220 pounds. He has been ranked as high as 2nd this year. He won his first league championship February 15th at CPHS. As of press time, he is looking to win his first North Coast Section cham-pionship at Newark Memorial HS. He is currently ranked 1st in NCS. He will then be looking for his first CIF State Championship the first weekend in March in Bakersfield.

Pleasant Hill Baseball Association will hold its Opening Day on Saturday March 10. The festivities will start at 8am with a parade beginning at the intersection of Boyd Rd. and Pat-terson Blvd ending at Pleasant Hill Middle School. There will be food and games for the kids.

The Martinez parade will take place on March 10 as well, starting at 10am at City Hall Plaza. The parade will make its way to Alhambra Ave. then on to Main St. ending at Las Jun-tas Street. The team introductions will be made at Main Street Plaza. A picnic at the marina will follow the parade. The JV Lady Falcons celebrate being undefeated in league! Photo by Lisa Rumpf

Three cheers Varsity DVaL champs

cP DVaL champs

Baseball Parade Info

Super Season for JV

alex ranked 3rd in State

Women’s Varsity Soccer ends the season with an 11-1 league record and 16-6-2 overall. They lost to the California Grizzlies 1-0 in the 2nd round of NCS playoffs. Photo by Lisa Rumph

College Park was victorious in their second matchup with Northgate, 53-43 clinching their championship. They have begun North Coast Sectional playoffs seeded 3rd.

Tod Gomes, creativelookphoto.com


Tutoring can helpBy Neville Yeung, Yeung Tutorial Group

addiction Treatment:a Family affair

By Marilee King, Executive Director Vision Quest Whensomeoneisaddictedtodrugs(includingalcohol,marijuanaorpills),everyoneinthefamilyisaffectedandshouldgethelp.Thebesttreatmentforaddictionisoneinwhichtheentirefam-ily’sissuesareaddressed.Astheillnessofachemicallydependentpersongetsworse,thefamilyspiralsintoamoredysfunctionalplace.Unhealthybehav-iorsthatprotect“thesecret”addictionmustbechallengedandnewer,healthierbehaviorsneedtobereinforced.Familiestouchedbyaddictionsmustlearnnewwaysofcopingwithoutdrugs,alcohol,co-dependencyandshame. Peoplewithaddictionsneedtogaininformationandsupportfromothercleanandsoberpeople.Partnersofaddictedpeopleneedtotakecareofthemselvesandletgoofcontrollingtheaddict.Withhelp,partnerswillbegintosetboundariesandkeepthemenforced. Itisimportantthatchildrenlearn

theydidn’tcausetheproblemandthattheycan’tcontrolorcuretheproblem.Whenallfamilymembersareinvolvedintherecoveryprocess,ithelpstoalleviatestress,whichcanleadtodepression,anxi-etyandothermentalhealthdisorders. Marilee has an MA in Counseling Psychology, Drug and Alcohol Treatment Certification, Adult Education teach-ing Credential, and has worked in many counties with a diverse population of people. She is the director of Vision Quest: Educational and Group Programs in Pleasant Hill. You can reach Vision Quest at: 925-231-5556, 380 Civic BLDG. #200 – H, Pleasant Hill.

Wanttoraiseyourgrades?Needtoprepareforcollege?YeungTuto-rialGroupcanhelp!Beingsmartisn’taboutknowingalltheanswers,becausethat’simpossible.It’saboutbeingabletoadapttoanyobstaclethatcomesyourway.AtYeungTutorialGroup,wedon’tcramyourheadfullofformulasandvocabularywords,hopingyou’llproducetherightoneattherighttime.Weteachyouusefulskillsthatwillgetyouthroughamathexam,SATtestoranythingelselifethrowsyou. YeungTutorialGroupoffersavarietyofprogramsthatwillempowerstudentstosucceedinanyacademicendeavor: Easy Math: Makematheasy!Ourmathenrichmentclasswillguideyoutounderstandandmasterdifficultmathematicalconcepts. Writing Workshops:Learnhowtowriteakilleressay,personalstatement,timedwritingforSAT/APexams,younameit. SAT Prep:TheSATisn’tatestofintelligence;it’sagamewithhighstakes.Withus,you’lllearnhowto

beattheodds. Homework Help:Ourprogramhelpselementaryandmiddleschoolstudentsfinishassignmentsontimeandprepareforupcomingtests. Wealsoofferindividualtutoringinanysubject:math,science,English,socialsciences,etc.Checkoutourweb-siteatwww.yeungtutorialgroup.com! To get more information about our services, call (925) 689-2996 or e-mail [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you to achieve your goals.

©

Marilee King, Executive DirectorAn experienced group facilitator with nearly 20 years of experience working in groups with children, adults, teens and families.

Education & Healing Group ServicesAssisting People From All Walks of Life

We offer many programs including:Alcohol & Drug Treatment Recovery ProgramsChildren Affected by AddictionTeen Insight Groups for those using alcohol and/or drugs

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

Meet Marilee!March 3, 10, 1711am-1pmHave a story about your team or an athlete?

Got a nice story everyone needs to know?

We want to hear from our Teen Community!

Deadline for submission is 2nd Friday of each month. Pictures need to be a min. of 1MB in size.

Send to [email protected]

GET IN FOCUS?wanna

Submit your story and photos to us on our website:www.ourcommunityfocus.com or

call 925-335-NEWS. Deadline is 2nd Friday of each month.

We want to hear from you.


1603 Oak Park Blvd.,Pleasant Hill, CA 94523925-935-4247 • www.lejardinatthespa.com

• Face Framing Highlights and a Haircut $95.00• FREE Make-up application with any hair service• Hydrating Facial $65.00• FREE 15 minute foot massage up-grade to any MassageThese specials can not be combined with any other offers. Expires 4/30/12.Please mention specials when booking your appointments.

Update your look this springat Le Jardin!

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Doyouwantmoreoutofyourwalkingroutinebutknowinyourheartthatrunningisnotforyou?Doyouneedto“feeltherush,”butknowyourjointscannotstandthepoundingofthepavement?This“Walk,March,Walk,Skip”routinemayseemoverthetopandsilly(possibly…probably…embarrassing)butitwillsurelygetyourheartrateupandputasmileonyourface—bothofwhichwillreduceyourstress,strengthenyourbody,andbrightenyourday. Startwithyourregularwalkingrou-tineasyourwarm-up.Enjoythesensationofstandingtallanduprightandcongratu-lateyourselfontakingthetimetocareforyourself.Afteryourbodyiswarmandready,channelyourinnerchildandbeginmarching.Imagineyouareadrummajorinafancyuniform.Whilekeepingyourbellypulledtowardsyourspineandhold-

ingyourselfbeautifullyupright,takeastepandbringyouroppositekneeashighasyoucantowardyourchest.Thendothesamewiththeotherleg.Step,march,step,march.Inordertoexecutethismove-mentwhilestandingtall,themusclesofyourlegs,hips,abdominalsandupperbackhavetoworkextrahard.Marchuntilyou’vehadenough,beingsuretostopbeforeyouexhaustyourmusclesandarestillabletokeepyourjointsinhealthyalignment. Nowstartwalkingagain.Onceyou’vesettledintowalking,starttoskip.Yes,skip. Channelyourinnerchildagain,becarefreeandforgetaboutanyonewhomightbelooking.Honestly,whodoesn’tinstantlysmilewhentheyskip(orseesomeoneelseskip)?Noticethatnomatterhowseriousyourdaylooks,youhavetosmile(andmaybegiggle)whileyou’repassingyournosyneighborwho’speekingoutherwindow.Nowcheckyourheartrate.You’llseethatithasjoyfullyincreasedwhileyourknees,feetandback

Springwillbeherebeforeyouknowit.Theseeasytipswillgetyoureadyforthenewseason. 1. Protect yourself from the sun.Themostimportantwaytopreventwrin-klesandskincancerisavoiddirectandprolongedsunexposure.Alifetimeofex-posurecancausewrinkles,agespotsandotherskinproblems,aswellasincreasetheriskofskincancer.UsesunscreenwithanSPFofatleast30onyourfaceandhands.Onyourbody,useanSPFofatleast15andreapplysunscreeneverytwohourswhenyou’reoutdoors--moreoftenifyou’reswimmingorperspiring. 2. Hydrate.DrinkslotsofWATER!Keepthosetoxinsmoving.Tocalculatethecorrectamountofwatertodrinkperday,takeyourbodyweightinpoundsanddividebytwo.Forexample,a140poundwomanshoulddrinkseventyouncesofwaterperday. 3. Manage your stress with mas-sage.Massageisofferedalongsidestandardtreatmentforawiderangeof

medicalconditions.Studieshavefoundthatmassagehelps:relievestress,manageanxietyanddepression,alleviatepainandstiffness,controlbloodpressure,treatsports-relatedinjuries,andboostimmu-nity. 4. Exercise.Wanttofeelbetter,havemoreenergyandperhapsevenlivelonger?Looknofurtherthanexercise.Athirty-minutebriskwalk,fourormoretimesaweek,canmakeaworldofdifference. 5. Don’t Forget About Your Face.Facialshaveanti-agingbenefitsandcanslowdowntheonsetofwrinkles.Regularfacialscanimproveadullcomplexionbytreatingacne,toningandclarifyingtheskin,eliminatingpuffinessandrenewingskincells.Additionally,facialscangiveapersonacleanandbrightcomplexionbytreatingacneandremovingdirtandblackheads. Visit Le Jardin at the Spa on 1603 Oak park Blvd., Pleasant Hill. 925-925-4247 www.lejardinatthespa.com

Walk, March, Walk, SkipBy Tonya Marie Amos, Aspire Pilates

how to care for Your Skin By Nancy Robinson, Owner Le Jardin at the Spa

JENNIFER L. MARTIN, D.D.S.

Specialist in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

401 GREGORY LANE, SUITE 126PLEASANT HILL, CA 94523

925.676.8485 FAX 925.676.0288www.drjennifermartin.com

aren’treceivingtheintensepoundingofrunning. Sowhenyouwanttoincreaseyourwalktothenextlevel,mixinsomedrummajormarchingandskipondowntheroad.You’llfindyourheartratehasin-

creased,you’llgetthat“rush”you’vebeenlookingfor,andyourbodyandinnerchildwillthankyou. For more information, please call (925) 680-4400 or go to www.AspirePil-atesCenter.com


“Egg”citing Egg hunt

Bears, Bears, Oh My!

recreation - Not Just a Job, But a Way of LifeBy Carole Lucido

AfterworkingalmostfortyyearsforthePleasantHillRecreationandParkDistrict,DodieJonesannouncedherdeparturetothesurpriseofall.TomMcHalefirstmetDodiein1964,whenhewasdatingoneofherdaugh-tersandwellbeforeheworkedforPHRPDandwasamemberoftheBoardofDirectorsfornineteenyears.HerememberedvisitingtheirhomeinAlameda.“DodiewasthefirsthippyIevermet,”hesaid.“Theyalwayshadacraftprojectsetoutonthekitchentableorweredoingsomethingcreative,andtheydidn’thaveaTV.” Dodieworkedasafter-schoolSportsDirectorandCulturalArtsSpe-cialistfortheAlamedaRecreationandParkDepartment,andTomremem-bersthatDodiewasaskedtocoachaboy’sflagfootballteamforintra-muralsportscompetitions.Sheknewnoth-ingaboutthegameoffootball,butwenttothelibrary,learnedthegame,andcoachedtheteam. Tom“borrowedDodiefromAlamedaandnevergaveherback,”hiringherasaRecreationLeaderforTot-Timebecausehelikedherap-proachtoteaching.Sheencouragedthechildren’snaturalcuriosity,letthemexploreandcomeupwiththeirownquestions.Torepresentdinosaureggs,Dodierecalledbringingcantaloupestoworkonedayandhidingthem.“Thechildrenloveditandspenttheafter-noonfindingthem,countingthem,

learningallaboutprehistoriccreaturesand,finally,eatingthem,”shesaid. Dodietouchedthelivesofhun-dredsofpreschool-agechildren.ShewaspromotedtoCo-Directorofthe“Runabouts”PreschoolProgram,alongwithJeanHolm. BobBerggren,GeneralManagerofPHR&PDsaid,“DodieandJean’spre-schoolprogramwassecondtonone.Theywereanoutstandingteamthattaughthundredsofkids,preparingthemforthenextstepofKindergarten.Iwasfortunatetohavemytwodaughtersattendthisoutstandingprogram.” DodieisanexcellentceramistandtaughtpotteryaswellasavarietyofclassesovertheyearsincludingCakeDecorating,HolidayDecora-

Thankstothegenerosityofalocalcollector,over400stuffedandceramicbearshavebeendonatedtoFriendsofRodgersRanchandthePleasantHillHis-toricalSocietytosell.ThisfundraiserwillhelpintherestorationofRodgersRanch,afarmhouseonCortsenRoadthatwasbuiltin1867andoffersheritagepro-gramstothepublic.ItislistedontheNationalRegistryofHistoricPlaces. Therearecutebearsdressedinout-fits,cuddlybearsreadytobesnuggled,ceramicbearsfordisplayingandcol-lectiblebearsincludingSteiff,HermannandBoyd.(Collectiblebearsareinaprivatehomeuntildayofsale.)Weevenhavesomenon-bearcuddlies. ThesalewillbeSaturday,March24andSunday,March25,10am-4pmatRodgersRanch,315CortsenRd.,Pleas-antHill.Formoreinformationaboutthesale,visitwww.rodgersranch.orgorcontactDeniseKoroslevat925-387-0158.

OnSaturday,April7,RainorShine!Comebeapartofthis57-yearPleasantHilltradition!ThePleasantHillRecreation&ParkDis-trictandthePleasantHillLionsClubwillonceagainpresenttheirpopularegghuntforchildrenagestenandunder.ComeouttoPleasantHillParkandenjoyabeautifuldaywithgreatmusicfromStrawberryFieldsDJ.Checkinat9:30am.Thefirstegghunt,forages0-3,beginsat10:30am,followedbyegghuntsforages4–5;andthen7–10year-olds;Costis$6perchild.FindtheGoldenTicketinyoureggandwinaveryspecialprize!Pre-registrationisrequiredbynoononApril6;call(925)682-0896orvisitwww.pleasanthillrec.com.

tions,Crafts&Masks,ChristmasCards,Sports,andotherclassesforbothkidsandadults.SheinitiatedanddirectedtheHolidayDecorationShowinAlameda.Sheisalsoanoutstand-ingphotographerandalwayshadhercameranear. In1980,shewaspromotedtoProgramsSupervisorforadultartsandcraftsclasses,fitness,martialarts,pluscooking,dance,tennis,andgolfclasses

forbothadultandyouth.DodietookovertheDistrict’sRecreationSummerSchoolin1995,asix-weekenrichmentprogramforyouth.In2000,Commu-nicationswasaddedtoherjobde-scriptionandshesupervisedateamtoproducetheActivityGuidethreetimesayear,aswellasflyers,posters,ban-ners,andthedistrict’swebsite.Dodiealsoinitiated,organized,andimple-mentedmanyspecialeventsincludingthedistrict’s50thanniversaryin2001,andtheMulticulturalCelebrationin2002-2004.ShealsomanagedLiteraryWomeneveryyearsince2002. ShehasreceivednumerousawardsfromCaliforniaPark&RecreationSocietyformarketingcampaigns,brochures,programs,andtheweb-site.InNovember2002,shewontheCommunityPlusAwardbytheCityofPleasantHill.ThePHRPDhostedacelebrationonJanuary27andmorethan120friendsandco-workersat-tended.Dodiethankedthegroupfortheimpacttheymadeonherlife,andwelcomedalltokeepintouch.Dodieleavesalegacyofrecreationthroughthemanylivesshehastouched.

Al Hurtado, Dodie Jones and Stephen Foreman


NOW OPEN!

Change "Open House" to "Now Open"Change "Friday, March 11" to Monday-Friday 7:30 - 5:00Add phone number (925) 609-6420Add somewhere: "Serving Builders, Architects & Designers with top quality custom doors, windows and millwork."

Monday - Friday 7:30 - 5:00925.609.64205399 Pacheco Blvd. Pacheco CA 94553

Serving Builders, Architects, Designers & Homeowners with top quality custom doors, windows and millwork.

Limit one coupon per customer. Not valid with other oers.Restrictions apply. Valid and redeemable only when presented at a participating location. The UPS Store centers are independently owned and operated. © 2010 Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. Exp. 3/31/2012

Agoodfriendsharedastoryduringarecentphonecallthathadsuchanef-fectonme,Ithinkothersmightbenefitfromhearingit. Likeallofus,mybuddywantsnothingbutthebestforhischildren.Hissixteenyearolddaughterisajuniorstandoutsoftballandbasketballplayeratalocalhighschool,andsinceshewasin7thgrade,hehasinvestedtimeandmoneyinhisattemptstogetherthatelusivecollegescholarship.Theyhavespentcountlesshourspracticingontheirownorwithhercompetitiveteams,andhaveworkeddiligentlywithcostlyinstructorstogethertothenextlevel.Weekendshavebeenspentatprestig-iousshowcasetournamentsinSouthernCalifornia,Stocktonandelsewhere,hopingshewouldbe“seen”bycollege

scouts.Nottomentiontheconstantmanipulatingofheronlineathleticandacademicresumeandtheendlesse-mailstopoten-tialsuitors.Littledidherealizehowthis“fulltimejob”wastakingitstollonhisprized“pupil.” Recently,shecon-tactedherfatheratworkandsaidshewouldliketohaveasit-downconversationwithbothparentsthatevening.Whentheydid,myfriendwasbroughttohiskneesbythemessageshedelivered. Theveryemotionalyoungladysomehowfoundthecouragetotellherparentsthatenoughwasenough.Forthenexthour,thetearsflowedasthe4.1

GPAstudent explainedshehaddoneallthisforherfatherandhowscaredshehadbeentotellhimhowshereallyfelt.Shewentontosaythatsheenjoyedsoftballandbasketball,butdidnotwant therestofherschoolyearstopassherby.Shewantedtohangaroundwithherfriendsmore,at-tendschooldances,enjoy

bikeridesandhikes,andgoondates.Ultimately,shejustwantedtobeakid.Thefinalbombdroppedwhensheaddedthat,althoughsheabsolutelyplanstocontinuehereducationafterhighschool,shehadnoaspirationsofaddingathleticstoher collegiate schedule. Inmyfriend’sownwords,“Ifmydaughterwasconsideredemotionaldur-ingthatconversation,thenImusthaveseemedlikeaninfantweepinguncon-trollably,notbecauseshehadnointerestinsportsatthenextlevel,butbecauseI

didnotrecognizewhatshereallywantedandbecauseshefelttoofrightenedtocometalktoherownfatherbeforenow.”Thatiswhathurthimthemost.Hesaidheknewhehadthebestintentionsforhisdaughter,butthosewereblurredbywhathewantedforherinsteadofwhatshewantedforherself. Afewweekshavegoneby sincetheirconversation,andwiththeweightoftheworldoffhershoulders,shecontinuestoplaybasketball,averagingaroundfifteenpointsacontest,butdadnolongerpusheshertoshootahundredfreethrowsaftergames.Instead,shemayenjoyaColdStoneicecreamwithteam-mates.Sheisverymuchlookingforwardtotheupcoming varsitysoftballseason.Popswilldefinitelybeinthebleacherswatchingandcheering,butwillnotbeinhisusualspotbehindthebackstopanalyzinghereveryswingorcritiquingthewayshefieldsgroundballs. Turnsout,thiswasoneofthebestphonecallsIeverreceived.

Eyes Wide ShutBy Andy Armosino


Hire My Husband

925-969-0133

Contractor Lic. # 943231www.HireMyHusband.com

• Interior Painting

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All kinds of Interior and Exterior handyman projects.

Taxable or Non-Taxable Income?By Donna Berggren

SAMUELSCONSTRUCTION

General Contractor Lic#652185

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PHONE:925.827.1400 380 CIVIC DRIVE, STE. 200

PLEASANT HILL, CA 94523

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berggren tontiputman

Showrooms also in Santa Clara & Milbrae

“Indoors or out, no one relaxes in March, that month of wind and taxes, the wind will presently disappear, the taxes last us all the year.”-OgdenNash WelcometothemonthofMarch!Youstillhavealittleoversixweekstofileyourtaxreturns,soyoumightlikeabitofinformationonthetaxationfront.Al-thoughmostincomeyoureceiveistax-ableandmustbereportedonyourfederalincometaxreturn,therearesomein-stanceswhenincomemaynotbetaxable. Thefollowingitemsdonothavetobeincludedastaxableincome:•Adoptionexpensereimbursementsforqualifyingexpenses•Childsupportpayments•Gifts,bequestsandinheritances•Mealsandlodgingfortheconvenienceofyouremployer•Compensatorydamagesawardedfor

physicalinjuryorphysicalsickness•Welfarebenefits•Cashrebatesfromadealerormanufac-turer•Lifeinsuranceproceeds,whichwerepaidtoyoubecauseoftheinsuredper-son’sdeath,aregenerallynottaxable Someincomemaybetaxableundercertaincircumstances,butnottaxableinothersituations.Examplesofitemsthatmayormaynotbeincludedinyourtax-ableincomeare:•CancellationofDebt. Incomefromthedischargeofindebtednessisgenerallyincludedinincome,however,thereareexclusionsprovidedforcertaincircum-stances.•ScholarshiporFellowshipGrant. Ifyouareacandidateforadegree,youcanex-cludewhatyoureceivedasaqualifiedscholarshiporfellowshipfromincome

amounts.Amountsusedforroomandboarddonotqualifyfortheexclusion.•Non-cashincome. Taxableincomemaybeinaformotherthancash.Oneex-ampleofthisisbartering,whichisanex-changeofpropertyorservices.Thefairmarketvalueofgoodsandservicesex-

changedisfullytaxable. Obviously,theselistsarenotallinclu-sive,andifyouhaveanyquestionsorcon-cernsaboutyourtaxsituation,pleasegiveusacall.Weareatyourservice!Putman, Berggren, Tonti Certified Public Accoun-tancy, (925) 827-1400.


Anyonewhohaseverreceivedamonthly“boxofpro-duce”fromaCSA(CommunitySupport-edAgriculture)knowsthatyougetwhatisinseason,andsometimesyoujustdon’tknowwhatthatthingisorwhattodowithit.Oneofmygoalsinworkingwithfarmers’marketsovertheyearsistodemonstratehowtouseweirdandunusualproducethatshowsupinyourbox. IhaveafewunderusedfruitsandvegetablesIliketohighlightthistimeofyear.Oneisleeks.Slicedupandsau-téedinoliveoil,theywillcaramelizeandbecomealmostleekbutterthatyoucanmarrywithanyproduceandfin-ishcookingtogether.Theunionwilllastforeverinthehappyfoodpartofyourbrain.RoyallystatuesqueandwellknownasafavoriteofNero’s,4000yearsofsweetflavoredleeksareourstopartakethisseason.Longcylinders

ofbundledleafsheathswithblanchedwhiteinnardsandbrightgreentops,theleeksareattheirpeakinwinter.Usetheentireleektocookwith,andyou’llunderstandthedifferencebetweentherefinedbottomhalfandthesubtlesweettopofthisonionfamilymem-ber.Sautéedleeksandpotatoesclassi-callycombinedwithchickenstockandatouchofcream,broughttoasimmerforabitandblended,resultinavelvetyVichyssoise.Whenusinganentireleeksautéedinoliveoilwithshitakemush-room,slicesofchickenbreastandfreshtarragon,theendproductwillillustratethesubtletyofthealliumsandtheneedtohabituallyplacetheminourmarketbasket.Whileatthefarmers’market,youmayoccasionallycomeuponaleekflower.Thisraretreatmustbequickly,quietlyswoopedupon,takenhome,choppedup,placedinatartcrustwithwhipped,saltedeggsandchévreandbakedtogolden,bubblingperfection.Choppedleekflowerslendmysteriousflavorsprinkledingreensaladstossed

Sweet Leeks and Winter citrusBy Lesley Stiles

ThE GarDEN

withRoquefortdressing.Ofcourse,thereisalwaysthesweetandspicyCocka-leekysoupwaitinginthewingsforarevitalizedcreationallitsown. Anotherunderusedandpossiblyfearfullookingwinterfavoriteisthepommelo.Pommeloscurrentlyreignaswintercitrusrockstars.Knownasanaphrodisiac,thisancientfruitsup-posedlybringsgoodluckintheChi-neseNewYear.Theygrowasbigasbasketballsandtheirthick,cushyskincanbeintimidatingforthewannabepommeloeater,butwithlittleeffort,greatrewardsawaitthepalate.Itsfleshrangesincolorfromlimegreentorubyred,andyou’llwanttopeelitdowntothefruitandslurpupthejuicethatissweeterthanitsgrapefruitcousin.Sec-tionasyouwouldanorangetoembel-lishNapacabbage,toastedpeanut,scal-lionandroastedchickensaladdressed

withchoppedmint,cilantro,ricevin-egaranddrizzledsesameoil.Caramel-izesectionsinmeltedbutterandbrownsugartoslatheroverwintershortcakedollopedwithcrèmefraiche.Tosswithkiwi,kumquats,navelandCaraCaraorangesforanamazingwinterfruitsal-ad.Impressiveinsizeandtastinglikeatruesweetheartofacitrus,pommeloswillcaptivateyoursensesandrenderyouabeliever. Allatthefarmers’marketawaitingyourpurchaseandconsumption.This,myfriends,isthestuffofNewYear’sresolutioneating.Stillthere? Lesley Stiles is a graduate of the California Culinary Academy, sus-tainable caterer and school garden ed-ucator. Contact Lesley at [email protected], www.lesleystiles.blogspot.com and visit her new website: www.lesleystilesfoods.com.

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TheCollegeParkGradNightFoodCommitteeChairsarelookingforaparentofajuniororyoungertoshadowthemthisyear.Ideallythisparentwouldco-chairwiththecur-rentfoodcommitteeandthenco-chairagainin2013.Thatisalotofco-chairingbutitmeansyouneverhavetodoitbyyourself!Thisismy4thandfinalyearasfoodpersonforCPgradnightandIwillmissit.Itisablasttodo.Yougettothinkupfunideasforthefoodthatgoesalongwiththethemeanddécor.Thesys-

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Cocka-Leeky Soup

In a large soup pot heat olive oil to medium high and sauté leeks and garlic for 10 minutes. Add celery, carrots, sweet potato and barley. Sauté for another 10 min-utes. Add stock and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 more minutes. Add chicken and simmer another 10 minutes. Season to taste with hot sauce, herbs, salt and pepper. Serves 10.

6 large leeks, cleaned and sliced thin2 stalks celery, sliced2 large carrots, chopped4 cloves garlic, chopped1 sweet potato, chopped2 tablespoons olive oil3 pounds chicken thighs, boneless, skin removed, cut up

12 cups chicken stock1/2 cup barley2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsleySea salt and cracked pepper to taste1 teaspoon of Sriracha hot sauce or your favorite hot sauce

Ingredients:

Directions:


3/31/12

In the MixBy Paul Cotruvo

WalnutCreek’sMattTidmarshmaynotonlybethefriendliestmusicianinthearea,butheisthebiggest!Unofficially6’8”inheight,heliterallystandsabovetherest.StandingnexttoMattremindedmeofthemovie“Twins,”asIchanneledmyinnerDannyDeVito!NowIknowwhyhiswebsiteiswww.BigBassMan.com.BorninLaJolla,TidmarshandhisfamilylivedinLosAngelesandHawaiiforthefirstyearsofhislife,butendeduplivingintheEastBay.AfterashortstintasanElvisimpersonatorinJapan,TidmarshbecameafoundingmemberofthepopularcoverbandsTaintedLoveandSuperDiamond.Healsoperformsinhisrockabillyband,Spinout.Mattwaskindenoughtograntmealittleinterview.Duetosecurityissues,wemetatanundisclosedlocationandthen,afterbeingblindfoldedanddrivenaroundforhours,IfinallyendedupattheTidmarshcompound. What inspired you to become a musician? Musicchoseme.Mymotherused

totellmethat,whilelivinginHawaii,shestartedtolearntoplaytheukulele.EverytimeshewouldpracticewhileIwasatoddler,Iwasmesmerized.Ican’tthinkofatimewhenIwasn’tintomusic.I’llbeplayinginsomecapacityalways.I’llprobablybeplayingtubainthecommunitybandwhenI’minmy80’s. Who were some of your influences?I’mjustanothersuburbankidwholovedTheBeatlesandLedZeppelin.IlearnedmyinstrumentwhilelisteningtojazzbassistslikeJacoPastoriusandStanleyClarke.Ididn’tgetintoElvisuntilthe1980’s.ThesedaysI’mlisteningtooldrecordingsofLittleRichard.Thoseguysknewhowtorock. Were you always a Neil Diamond fan or did you learn to appreciate him after becoming a member of Super Diamond? IguessIwasasecondgenerationNeilDiamondfanviamymom.WhenIgotthecallaskingifIwasinterestedinplayinginaNeilDiamondband,IwasplayinginaveryhardrockbandandIhadverylonghair.Ihadtothinkaboutitforasecond,butIknewmymomreallylovedNeilDiamond.Ithoughtitwouldbeahoottoplayhismusicfora

March 1: Chris Cain Band, Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8:00pmMarch 10: Sin Silver, Rocco’s, 2909 Ygnacio Valley Rd., Walnut Creek, 8:30pmMarch 10: Golden Ticket, Back Forty Texas BBQ, 100 Coggins Drive, Pleasant Hill,6:00pmMarch 23: Wonderbread 5, Dan’s Bar, 1524 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, 10:00pmMarch 23: Tender Mercies, Armandos, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8:00pmMarch 24: Lumberyard, Dallimontis, 1932 Oak Park Blvd, Pleasant Hill, 9:30pm

PaUL’S PIcKS FOr March:

fewshowsinsomeoftherockclubsinSanFrancisco.Whoknewitwouldturnintoabusiness.Anyway,Ihadtoborrowmymom’srecordssoIcouldlearnthematerial.IthinkNeilDiamondhaswrittensomeverywellcraftedsongsthathavewithstoodthetestoftime.Peoplestillgocrazywhentheyhearthem. Do you have a favorite moment of your career so far? PlayingtheDavidLettermanshowwascool,especiallybecauseitwasrecordedattheEdSullivanTheater,whereElvisandTheBeatlesperformed.IthinktheHollywoodBowlhastobemyfavoritemomentsofar.Itwasawesometosay,“Everybodyclapyourhands,”to18,000peopleandhavethemdoit! If you were an Elvis song, what song would you be and why? Itdepends.WhenI’mdownandoutitwouldbe“YouGaveMeaMountain.”

IfmyfriendssayI’mactingwildasabugandinloveitwouldbe“AllShookUp.” CheckoutSuperDiamondonMarch2,atBimbo’s365ClubinSanFranciscoandSpinoutatDan’sBarinWalnutCreekonApril21.QuoteoftheMonth:“Youarethesun,IamthemoonYouarethewords,IamthetunePlayme”–NeilDiamond

Dallimonti’s Restaurant

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

www.dallimontis.com

• A Family Tradition Since 1982 • Open for Lunch & Dinner • Small Banquets Welcome• Reservations & Take Out • Full Bar & Wine List • A Touch of North Beach in your Neighborhood

LIVE MUSIC EVERY SATURDAY • COMING IN MARCHFRIDAY KARAOKE NIGHT • GRAB THE MIC AND ROCK OUT

We “ROCK” St. Patricks Day! MARCH 17

3/3 The SolMates • 3/10 Loose Blues3/17 St. Pat's Party w Ken Cooper & David Martin

3/24 Lumberyard • 3/31 The Shillz

Serving Corned Beef and all of the �xings!


925.335.9915601 Main Street, Martinez

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

FUNDRAISING! TWO OPTIONS AVAILABLECALL US FOR MORE INFORMATION

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A LOCALFAVORITE! BREAKFAST & LUNCHBREAKFAST & LUNCH

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links, or ½ ham All Day Everyday

CLAYTON5435 Clayton Rd., B

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DANVILLE428 Railroad Ave. • 838-8824

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LIVERMORE1803 Holmes Street • 443-9904

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PLEASANT HILL2390 Monument Blvd. • 687-4100

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DUBLIN7274 San Ramon Rd. • 833-9077

LIVERMORE6049 Northfront Rd. • 294-9630

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Family OwnedSince 1991

HappySt. Patrick’s Day

1250 Contra Costa Boulevard, Pleasant Hill, California 94523 • 925.682.4868

Announcing the $6.99 Lunch Special

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Join our new Birthday Club and receive a $30 Birthday Certificate to spend at Kobe Japan Restaurant during the month of your birthday. You will also receive special offers and information

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Ongoing - Moving for Life –ExerciseforCancerRecovery.Thisclassisanationallyrecognizeddance-basedexerciseprogramtai-loredforpeoplewithcancer,fromdiagnosisthroughtreatmentandonward.Thisaerobicandexpressiveexerciseprogram:Promotesincreasedrangeofmotion,lymphaticdrain-age,aerobiccapacity,strength-training,flexi-bilityandcoordination;enhancesbodyimageandoverallbody-mindedwellness;addressesfatigue,muscularweakness,weightgainandjointorbonepain;providesrealistictoolstodealwithstress;awakensandenlivensbodiesandsouls.Designedtoteachandempower,soyoucanusetechniquesathomeandhelpstoalleviatesymptomsofchemobrain.Tuesday,6-7pmandThursday,10-11am.CaliforniaCancerandResearchInstitute,400TaylorBlvd.,#300,PleasantHill.Formoredetailsandtoregister,callShaynaat925-677-5041x231.*PleasebringyourownYogaMat.

3/1-3/22 – Learn To Bowl.Learnsome-thingfunandmakenewfriendsintheproc-ess.Ages6-18.Studentsneedtowearsocks.Pleasepre-registerbycalling372-3510.Thursdays,4:30pm-5:30pm.$18/Martinezresidents;$20/nonresident.Feeincludesuseofbowlingballandshoes.PaddockBowl,5915PachecoBlvd.,Pacheco.

3/4- 3/20 - PH-Martinez Soccer Association Registration.PleasantHillMiddleSchool,1SantaBarbaraRd.,PleasantHillonthefollowingdates:3/4:9am-3pm;3/8:6pm-9pm;3/20:6pm-9pm.$85perplayer,3rdplayer$60.Anyonebornbetween8/1/93and7/21/08canplay.Visitwww.eAYSO.comformoreinformation.

3/7 – Fairytale Princess Party.Forages2-6.Wearyourprincessdressandbeaprincessforadaywithyourmomordad.IncludesFairy-talePrincessstorytime,asnack,andcreatingaveryspecialprincesscrown.3:30pm-4:30pmatWinslowCenterAssemblyRoom,2590PleasantHillRd.,PleasantHill.$9/child,$6/adult.RegisterbyFebruary29bycalling(925)682-0896orviawww.pleasanthillrec.com.

3/9 - Registration Closes for Adult Sports Spring Leagues.Softball,soccer,volleyball,kickball,flagfootballandbasketball.Foraregistrationpacketgotopleasanthillrecsports.com,callSheilaat925.682.0896oremailher

eVeNTS

THeATeR PRODUCTIONS

AT THe LIBRARy

calendar

3/16 - 4/1 - The Crucible. DirectedbyNicoleHessDiestlerandwrittenbyArthurMiller.Basedontrueeventsin1692Salem,Mas-sachusetts.Theplay’sactionhighlightshu-mangreed,malice,deception,judgement,andmaniaandisaparableoftheCongres-sionalCommunistwitchhuntsledbySenatorJoeMcCarthyin1950’sAmerica.Perform-ances:Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, Sun-days at 2:30pm.

3/23 - 4/1 - Babes In Arms. ACenterStage&S.T.A.G.E.TroupeMusicalProduction.Thisfast-pacedmusicalcomedyboastsoneofthegreatestscoreseverwritten,withthelyricsandmusicofRodgers&Hart.FamoustunesincludeFunnyValentine,TheLadyisaTramp,andJohnnyOneNote.Call943-SHOW.Director:StephenForeman.Produc-er:DoñaForeman.Location:LesherCenterfortheArts:1601CivicDrive,WalnutCreek.Tickets:$14.

3/16 - 4/15 - CCMT’s Sunset Boulevard. ContraCostaMusicalTheatrepresentsAn-drewLloydWebber’sSunsetBoulevardatWalnutCreek’sLesherCenterfortheArts.Ticketsrangefrom$44to$49(withdiscountsavailableforseniorsandstudents,andspe-cialgrouprates)andareonsaleattheLesherCenterTicketOffice,1601CivicDriveinWalnutCreek.Call:925.943.SHOW(943-7469).Ticketscanalsobepurchasedonlineatwww.lesherArtscenter.org.

Pleasant HillTuesdays - Pick up your box of organic fruits and vegetables everyweekbysigningupwithDoorstepFarmers,aCommunitySupportedAgriculture(CSA)servicethatsupportsthelocalagriculturalcommunityandsustainablehealthyliving.LocallygrownproducedeliveredeveryTuesdaybetween5-7pm.Allsubscriberswillreceivea5%dis-countforchoosingPleasantHillLibraryastheirpick-uplocation.

Mother Goose Storytime.Ages0-3.Wednes-days-11:15-11:45am;Fridays-11:15-11:45pm&1:15-1:45pm.

Thursdays - Preschool Storytime,ages3-5.11:15-11:45am.

Saturdays – Saturday Story Time, Babies,Preschoolers,Kids.11:15-11:45am.

3/10 & 3/24 (Saturdays) –eReaderExtrava-ganza!LearnHowtoDownloadLibraryEb-ooks.2pm-3pmintheComputerLab.

3/13 – Book Club. The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the AmazonbyDavidGrann.RoomA;6:30pm-7:30pm.Contact:646-6434.

3/14 – The PHUN Team,PleasantHillUnit-edNerdsTeam,formerlyknownastheTeenAdvisoryGroup(TAG).Forages13-18.Meetotherteensandtheyoungadultlibrariantoshareandplanwhatyouwanttoseehappenatthelibrary.Every2ndWednesday.RoomA;3:30pm-5pm.

3/27 – Jungle Joe Puppet Show -JoinusonawildadventureintothejunglewithJungleJoe’s“AnimalTrainer”puppetshow!Thishilariousperformanceteacheskidshowtomakeanimalsounds,doanimaltricks,andhowanimalswanttobetreated!6:30pm-7:30pm.Contact927-3235.

Thursdays 3/1, 3/16 & 3/29 – Wii for Teens –Playsomeboardgamestoo!RoomA;3pm-4:30pm.

Martinez:

Mondays 3/5, 3/12, 3/26 - Pajama Time.6:30pm-7:30pm,allageswelcome.

3/5 – Pajama Time & Dr. Seuss Birthday Party!Rememberthatfellow,theCatintheHat?Comeenjoystories,gamesandtreatsinhonorofDr.Seuss’birthday.GetyourfacepaintedliketheCat,thenrollupyoursleevestohelpuspaintamuralofthosezanySeusscharacters.

Tuesdays - Mother Goose Storytime -10:30-11am,ages0-3.

3/13 – Book Discussion Group - JoinusaswediscussBrooklynbyColmTóibínAdults.6:45pm.ContactCatherineOliverat(925)646-9900.

[email protected].

3/9 - Simply Wine…Wine, Art & Silent Auction Fundraiser. Rescheduledfrom1/27.5pm-7:30pmattheWinslowCenter,2590PleasantHillRd.Ticketsare$18.Casuallysiponaglassofwinewhilebrowsingtheworkoflocalartists.Shoparoundforthatperfectpieceandplaceyourbetsatthesilentauc-tion!TicketsavailableattheSeniorCenter.ProceedsbenefittheNEWSeniorCenterandTeenCenter.CalltheSeniorCenterformoreinfoontheevent.TheMartinezArtsAssocia-tionalongwithotherlocalartistswillhavefineartandgoodsondisplayandforsale.

3/16 - St. Pat goes to Hollywood! 6:00pm.ThePleasantHillRotaryjoinstheBigCAth-leticClubinaSt.Patrick’sDaycelebrationandfundraiser,“St.PatgoestoHollywood.”Ticketsare$45.00perperson or$425for atableof10.Includeschampagne,appetizers,food,entertainment,dancing,andIrishmer-riment. Allproceedstobenefitmanychari-ties! DressasyourfavoriteHollywoodchar-acter.BestCostumewinsaprize.Spaceisseverelylimited,socontactJessicaBravermantobuyticketsnow([email protected]). Corporatesponsorshipoppor-tunitiesarestillavailable.TheBigCAthleticClubislocatedat1381GalaxyWay,Concord.

3/31 - Mini Motorland. Forages2-5yearsoldandfrom10amtoNoon.Auniquetrackforelectricride-oncars,bigwheelsandtricy-clesattheJohnMuirAmphitheateronTaran-tinoDrive.Youngsterswillbeabletostopforgas,visitthetireshop,carwash,library,historicalmuseumandothercoolplaces!Bringyourchild’sfavoriteridingtoy.Spaceislimitedtothefirst150children.Toreserveaspot,pre-registerbycallingMartinezRecrea-tionat372-3510.$8perchild.Nodogs.Nogaspoweredride-onvehicles.

3/31 - Hippity Hop Art Workshop & Bunny Visit.Forages3–6andfrom9:30–10:30am.Enjoyamorningwithbunnywhileyoucreatefunspringartsandcraftsprojects.Lightre-freshmentsincluded.Parentparticipationre-quired.Don’tforgetyourcamera!Toregister,call682-0896.Signupearly;spaceislimitedto20personspertimeslot.RegisterbyMar.23.Location:M.J.Studios,670GregoryLn.,SuiteG.,PleasantHill.$10/child;$7/Adult.

4/7 - Lion’s Club Easter Egg Hunt. 10:00amattheWaterfrontParkgrassareainMartinez.Forages2–9.EnjoyfacepaintingBringyourowncameratotakepictureswiththeBunny.


Sunset Boulevard Premiers in the East Bay

(L to R) Keyboardist Joan Cifarelli and Musical Director Karl Pister collaborate with lead cast members Nicole Helfer, Robert Lopez and Annmarie Martin (Member, Actors equity Association) during

the first full rehearsal of CCMT production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard. Photo by Randy Wanser

Havingcelebratedits50thAnni-versarySeasonin2011,ContraCostaMusicalTheatre(CCMT)willbuildonitsreputationforpresentinglocalpre-mieresbytreatingEastBayaudiencestotheAndrewLloydWebbermusical,Sunset BoulevardattheWalnutCreek’sLesherCenterfortheArts,March16throughApril15.Inrecentseasons,CCMThaspremieredblockbustershowsincludingTitanic, The Musical(2004),The Full Monty(2005), Urine-town, The MusicalandDisney’s Beauty and the Beast(2006),RENT(2010)andHairspray (2011). Sunset Boulevard tellsthemesmer-izingtaleofsilentmoviestar,NormaDesmond,wholongsforareturntothebigscreen,havingbeendiscardedbyHollywoodwiththeadventof‘talkies.’Herglamourhasfadedinallbutherownmind.WhenshemeetsstrugglingHollywoodscreen-writerJoeGillisunderdramaticcircumstances,theirsubsequentpassionateandvolatilerelationshipleadstoanunforeseenandtragicconclusion.Sunset BoulevardboastsLloydWebber’s“mostshame-lesslyandartfullyconstructedscore,andofferstwoofhisbestsongsin‘WithOneLook’and‘AsIfWeNeverSaidGoodbye.’”(TimeMagazine).ThewritingteamforthestageproductionreinventedBillyWilder’s1950classicfilmnoirasaromanticmusicalspecta-cle,adheringcloselytothescreenplayco-authoredbyWilder.Praisedbymanycriticswhenfirstreleased,thefilm,starringGloriaSwansonandWil-liamHolden,wasnominatedforelevenAcademyAwardsandwonthree.LloydWebber’smusicaladaptationwasfirstproducedinLondon’sWestEndinJuly1993,featuringPattiLuPoneasNormaDesmond.TheAmericanpremiereopenedinLosAngeleslaterthatyearandfeaturedGlennClose.Ms.CloserecreatedherrolefortheBroadwayPremierein1994,earningheraTonyAwardforBestPerformancebyaLead-ingActress.TheproductiongarneredanadditionalsixTonyAwards,includ-ingthoseforBestMusical,BestScoreandBestBookofaMusical.Theshow

isalmostexclusivelysungthrough,withonlyoccasionalmomentsofdialogue.CCMTwillbetacklingthelushandintricatescorewithatwenty-fivepieceprofessionalorchestra,directedandconductedbymulti-Shellieaward-win-nerKarlPister. BasedinWalnutCreek,ContraCostaMusicalTheatreisacommunitybased,non-profitorganizationthatproducesmusicalsandprovidesahometolocalandnationaltalent.CCMThasbeenhonoredwithnumerousShellieAwardsandBayAreaTheatreCriticCircleAwardsfortheirproductionsandfortheworkoftheirartists.Sinceitsmovetothe800-seatHofmannTheateratTheLesherCenterfortheArtsin1990,andwithongoingsupportfromitsSeasonPartner,theDiabloRegionalArtsAssociation,CCMThasproducedmorethanfortyfull-scaleproductionsofBroadwayclassicsandrecenthitmusicalshows. Threeyearsago,CCMTjoinedwithEastBayproducingtheatregroup,CenterRepertoryCompany,toof-ferpatronsafullannualcalendarofentertainment.CCMTandCenterREP’spartnershipgiveslocaltheaterpatronstheopportunitytoseetenproductionsonallthreestagesofthe

Lesher–includingclassicmusicalsandplays,recentTonyAwardwinners,andprovocativenewwork. TicketsforSunset Boulevardare

availablenowatTheLesherCenterfortheArtsTicketOffice,locatedat1601CivicDrive,WalnutCreek,andatBarnes&NobleWalnutCreekTicketOutlet,1149S.MainStreet.Purchaseticketsbyphoneat(925)943-7469oronlineatwww.lesherArtscenter.org. CCMTisalwayslookingfortalentandvolunteers.IfyouareaBayAreaDirector,MusicalDirector,Chore-ographer,LightingDesigner,ScenicDesigner,Costumer,TechnicalDirec-tor,SoundDesigner,orStageManager,CCMTwelcomesyourresumeviaemailatresumes@ccmt.org.Volun-teeropportunitiesincludeStageCrew,FollowSpotOperators,andservingononeofseveralcommittees.Emailyourinteresttovolunteers@ccmt.org. Forthoseinterestedinperform-ing,auditionsareheldtwicepersea-son:inMay/JunefortheFallproduc-tion;andOctober/Novemberforthespringproduction.Auditionsarebyappointmentonly.

craft Beer Festival OnSaturday,April2,theBayAreaCraftBeerFestivalreturnstoMartinez.ThisyeartheeventwillbelocatedatthebeautifulMartinezWaterfrontParklocatedonJoeDiMaggioDr.,closetotheHistoricCanneryDistrict.Enjoymorethan30topmicrobrewerieswestoftheMississippiandrock-inglivemusicincludingGaragelandRodeo,andPUSHfeaturingDanAshley,localanchorforChannel7news. AdvanceGeneralAdmis-sionticketsare$35andcanbepur-chasedonlineoratselectoutlets;visitwww.bayareacraftbeerfestival.comforlocations.Admissionincludescom-memorativeglass,unlimitedtastingandentertainment.Designateddriverticketsarealsoavailablefor$5.Tick-etsandIDarerequiredforentry(allattendeesmustbe21yearsorover).Gatesopenfrom12pmto4pmfor

food,musicandbeertasting. Freeshuttlesareprovidedto/fromNorthConcordBARTandtheMar-tinezBestWesternJohnMuirInn.Theeventisconvenientlylocatedwithina

shortwalkingdistancefromtheMartinezAmtrakStation.

Plentyoffreeparkinglo-cateddowntown,walkingdistancetothefestival.TheBestWesternwillhavespecialroomrates

forbeerfestivalattendees.Visitthefestivalwebsitefor

moredetails. Theeventisrainorshine,withfab-ulousfoodavailableforpurchasefromvendorsincludingseveraldowntownrestaurants.ThefestivalispresentedbyMainStreetMartinez,Inc.,andbenefitslocalnon-profits.Foradditionalin-formation,topurchasetickets,tojointhefestivalmailinglist,ortovolunteer,visitwww.BayAreaCraftBeerFestival.comorwww.MainStreetMartinez.org


WORKING TO MAKE OUR COMMUNITY SAFE AND FAIR.

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

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

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

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

SOAR LIKE A

HAWK

Experience new interactive exhibits, behind-the-scenes programs and live wild animals!

Visit Wednesday–Friday noon–5pm and weekends 10am–5pm.

Go to www.wildlife-museum.org to learn more.

193 1 F IRST AVENUE | WALNUT CREEK | 925 -935-1978

CoyotesareasymbolofthewilduntamedWest,sowhataretheydoinginourbackyards?ItturnsoutthatcoyotesareprobablythemostadaptableanimalinNorthAmericaandcanlivejustaboutanywhere.Theythriveinsuburbanandevenurbanareasbecausetheyarescav-engersthateatalmostanything.Theirnormaldietissmallmammals—rats,gophersandgroundsquirrels—buttheywillalsoeatground-nestingbirds,lizards,snakes,frogs,largeinsects,fruit,petfood,smallpets,birdseed,roadkillandgarbage. Coyotesliveinastrongfamilygroupandusuallyhuntinpairs.Theydeninburrowsandhaveanaverageofthreetoninepupsinalitter.Theadultsaremostactiveinthespring,whenfeedingandprotectingtheiryoung.

Theyaremostlynocturnal,buttheycanbeoutatanytimeofday. Coyotescanrunuptofortymilesperhourwhenchasingprey,butweusuallyseethemjustlopingalong,lookingliketheyareenjoyingtheday.Ifyouhikeinopenspace,it’snotun-commontoseecoyoteswalkinginthesamedirectionandkeepingpacewithyou—theyarejustcuriousaboutwhoisintheirterritory. Coyotescanbecomeveryboldwhentheyassociatepeoplewithasourceoffoodandlosecautioniftheyhavefreeaccesstoeasyfood.Theyquicklylearnthatresidentialareashavelotsofopportunitiesforfindingfood.Tokeepcoyotesfrombecominganuisanceandtoreducethechanceofconflictswiththem,weallneedtotakesomecommonsensesteps. •Donotfeedcoyotes,eitherintentionallyorunintentionally.Don’teverputoutfoodtolurethemclosersoyoucangetagoodlookatthem;use

binocularsinstead. •Feedpetsindoorsorpickupleftoverpetfoodifyoufeedoutside. •Don’tallowpetstorunfreeandkeepthemindoorsatnight.Providesecureshelterforpoultry,rabbitsorothervulnerableanimals. •Putawaybirdfeedersthatcanat-tractrodentsatnight(ratsareafavoritefoodofcoyotes). •Pickupfallenfruitandcoveryourcompostpile. Relocationisnotanoptionforcoyotesinourneighborhoods.Itisuptoustolearntolivewiththem.Coyotesareadaptabletochangeandwillquicklylearnnewwaystosurvive.Don’tbesurprisedtoseetheminyourneighborhood,evenifeveryonetakesmeasurestoreducetheavailablefoodforthem. For more information about Lind-say Wildlife Museum and ways you can help wildlife, visit www.wildlife-museum.org.

coyotes in Our Neighborhoods By Susan Heckly, Lindsay Wildlife Museum

Photo by Brian Murphy


Thekidneysareimpor-tantorgansthatcleanandbalancethechemistryofthebloodandremoveexcesswa-terandtoxinsfromthebody.Kidneyfunctioniscrucialforthought,memory,concentra-tion,andoursurvival. Webster’sDictionarystatestheword“kidney”wasderivedfromLatin“renes,”throughOldFrench“reins,”andhasgivenplacetotheword“kidneys”inmodernEnglish.Itdefinesthekidneysastheseatoffeelingsorpassions. AccordingtotraditionalChinesemedicine,theZhispiritlivesinthekidneys.Zhitapsintothecollectiveunconsciousandpresidesoverthemostinaccessiblepartsofthepsyche,thein-stinctualresponsesofthesexorgans,thebiochemicalintelligenceoftheendocrinesystem,andtheknowingofourbones.TheNationalKidneyFoundationhasdeclaredMarchWorldKidneyAware-nessMonth,callingonallAmericanstoprotecttheirkidneysandpreventdamagebyeducatingthemselvesaboutkidneydiseaseandtheproactivewaystheycanreducetheirriskofkidneyfailure. Morethantwenty-sixmillionAmeri-

canshavechronickidneydisease,andmillionsmoreareatriskbutmostdon’tknowit.Knowingtheriskfactorsandcontrollingthemajorones,suchasDiabetesTypeII,highbloodpressure,andhighcholesterolmaypre-ventkidneyfailure.Regular

physicalactivityandanimproveddietcanmakeabigdifferenceinreducingriskandpreventingcomplications.Metabolicbal-ance®isapersonalizedfood-onlyweightmanagementprogramthathasaproventrackrecordforreducingbloodsugar,loweringbloodpressureandrestoringnormalbloodpressure.Therightfood,therightportionsandtherighttimingisallittakes. For more information, please visit www.MetabolicBalanceCalifornia.com. I am available to talk with you about kid-ney health and will offer free metabolic syndrome screenings on Saturday, March 31 at noon - 2pm at Vitamin Shoppe, 1601 Mt. Diablo Blvd. in Walnut Creek, or give me a call: 826-3858. Myra Nissen, CCH, Certified Homeopath and meta-bolic balance® coach. www.MyraNissen.Com.

Kidney awareness MonthBy Myra Nissen, CCH, Certified Homeopath

a Multivitamin a Day... By Jewel Johl, MD

amazing Babies Moving By Beverly Stokes

PaID aDVErTOrIaL PaID aDVErTOrIaL

Multivitaminuseiswide-spreadintheU.S.Thereisageneralbeliefthatmultivi-taminshelppreventdiseasessuchascancerandcanreducetheriskofrecurrenceamongcancersurvivors.MorethanhalfoftheAmericanpopu-lationcurrentlyusesdietarysupplements,themajorityofwhicharemultivitamins.Eventhoughvitaminde-ficiencyisuncommonintheU.S.,theuseofvitaminsisgrowing;itiscurrentlya$20billionindustry. Thereisconflictingdataontheben-efitofmultivitaminsforreducingtheriskofcancer.TheWomen’sHealthInitiativestudy,forexample,didnotdemonstrateanyreductionintheriskofcancerforthosewhousedmultivitamins.Severalstudies,however,haveshownthatcertainvitaminshelpfightcancersuchasfolate,vitaminC,vitaminD,vitaminE,calciumandretinol.Eventhoughaspirinisnotavitamin,itsusehasbeenassociatedwithreducedriskofcoloncancer,especiallyinindividualsathighrisk,suchasthosewithLynchsyndrome. Thereisevenlessinformationaboutthebenefitofmultivitaminsforpatientswithestablishedcoloncancer.ThisissuewasexploredinaclinicaltrialinwhichpatientswithstageIIIcoloncancerwhoweretreatedwithchemotherapywere

askedwhethertheytookmul-tivitaminsonadailybasis.Inthisclinicaltrial,almosthalfofthepatientswithcoloncancerwhoreceivedchemothera-pytookmultivitaminsonadailybasis.Therateofcancerrecurrenceinmultivitaminuserswasthendetermined

andcomparedtothosewhodidnotusemultivitamins.Therewasnodifferenceintermsofriskofrecurrenceofcoloncancerineithergroup.Inotherwords,theuseofmultivitaminsdidnothelppreventrecurrenceofcoloncancer.TheseresultsareconsistentwithaconferencestatementfromtheNationalInstitutesofHealththatconcludedtherewasinsufficientevidencetorecommendtheuseofmultivitaminsforchronicdiseaseprevention.Nonethe-less,furtherresearchisneededtoassesstheutilityofindividualvitaminsinpa-tientswithestablishedcolorectalcancer. Dr. Johl is a Medical Oncologist specializing in treating colorectal cancers. He practices with Diablo Valley Oncol-ogy, located at the California Cancer and Research Institute in Pleasant Hill. The center brings together medical oncology, hematology, radiation, chemotherapy, diagnostic imaging, clinical trials, and supportive care services. Satellite offices in Rossmoor, San Ramon, and Brent-wood. 925-677-5041

BeverlyStokeswillpresentmaterialfromher“AmazingBabiesMoving”re-searchandDVDattheMartinezLibraryonSaturday,March10at2pm. StokesisaCertifiedMovementAnalyst(CMA)andMovementPat-ternAnalyst(MPA)whosebookandvideosareusedworldwideinavarietyofsettings:graduateandundergraduatecollegeprograms;childhoodeducationtraining;psychologyandsomaticeduca-tionprograms;infantinterventionandparentingprograms,andmore.Sheisthefounderof“AmazingBabiesMoving,”aglobalinteractivenetworkthatprovides“ParentingThroughMovement”pro-gramsforparents,educatorsandprofes-sionalswhoworkwithfamilies.Ather

upcomingpresentation,Stokeswillfocusonthechild’sfirstyearoflife.Shewilldiscussherresearchandthemovementprogramsdevelopedby“AmazingBabiesMoving.”Herpresentationwillincludephoto/videovignetteswithtimeforQ&A.Thisinformativesessionisgearedtothosewhoworkwithinfants,fromin-homedaycareproviderstoearlychildhoodeducationprofessionals,fromparentstograndparentsofnewbabies.Don’tmissthisopportunitytolearnaboutsomeofthenewestresearchanditsapplicationstotheamazingbabiesinyourlife! For further information, visit http://ccclib.org/locations/martinez.html or contact Lea Stone at [email protected] or 925-646-9900.

Pleasejoinusforoursecondchar-itywalkonMay5tobenefitRoyalFamilyKidsattheContraLomaRegionalParkinAntioch.Toregister,pleasevisitwww.rfkccharitywalk.dojiggy.com.Thewalkis9amto11amandcosts$25.00perperson;children15andunderarefree.Refresh-mentsandT-shirtpickupbeginsat8:00am.RoyalFamilyKidstakesabused,abandoned,andneglectedseventoelevenyearoldfosterchildrenofContraCostaCountyforaweek-longFREEsummercamp.Since2000,ourcampshavetakenover425fosterchildrenfromContraCostaCountytocamp.Westartedamentorprogramforthesekidsaswell.Thecostof

takingeachchildtocampisapproximately$800-$1000.Wedonotchargethecounty,stateoranyfosterparentsforadmissiontocamp;weexistsolelyonthedonationsofindividuals,companiesandorganizations.Allourstaffarevolunteers;wehavenopaidemployees.Theamountofmoneyraisedduringtheyeardirectlydeterminesthenumberofchildrenwecanaffordtotaketocampandmentorthroughouttheyear.Wehavemanyfosterchildrentosendtocamp,sopleasejoinourcharitywalksomorekidscango!Encourageyourfriendstosignuptoo;itwasalotoffunlastyear!Wealsohavesponsorshippackagesfor$150,$250,$500,and$800.

royal Family Kids Benefit


OnSunday,March11at3:00pm,theBayArea’sbeststudentjazzmusiciansfromfourteenhighschoolsandfourteenmiddleschoolswillperformatAcalanesPerform-ingArtsCenteraspartoftheLafayetteJazzFestival.The9thAnnualContraCostaCountyMiddleSchoolHonorJazzBand,withguestdirectorJohnBremis,willbefollowedbythe10thAnnualContraCostaCountyHighSchoolHonorJazzBand,withguestdirectorMaryFettig.Threelocalmusicianswereselected:MartinezresidentJordanFetterman,a7thgraderatSequoiaMiddle,BrennanWilliams,aPleasantHillresidentandsophomoreatCollegeParkandEricNakanishi,aPleasantHillresidentandafreshmanatNorthgate.

Fifty-eightmiddleschoolersandthirty-sixhighschoolersauditioned.Studentswereabletodownloadthesheetmusicaheadoftimeforoneofthepiecestheyneededtoperform.Todemonstratetheirimprovisationalskills,theyhadtosightreadapiece,andthenplayanothersongoftheirchoosing.ThebandmemberswillpracticetogetherforfourSaturdaystopreparefortheconcertonMarch11. Ticketpricesare$10foradultsand$5forstudents. AmatineeperformanceoftheHonorJazzBandswillbe$5generaladmis-sion.Forticketinformation,contacttheLa-fayetteChamberat(925)284-7404orvisitwww.lafayettechamber.org.ForLafayetteJazzFestivalinfo,visithttp://gijf.org.

MarkyourcalendarsforMarch11attheWinslowCenter.It’stimeagainforthePleasantHillTeenCouncilfashionshow!MembersoftheTeenCouncilwillmodelthelatestdressesandtuxedosinpromfashions,providedbyStarletBridalindowntownPleasantHill.Allfundsraisedwillgotowardsfurnishingthenewteencenter,currentlyunderconstruction. Oncetheteencenterisdone,therewillbeavarietyofactivitiesandpro-gramsforteensinthePleasantHillcom-munity.Yourappearanceatthisfundrais-erwillhelpTeenCouncilreachitsgoalofmakingtheteencenterfurnishedandcomfortable.

ThePleasantHillTeenCouncilhasworkedhardtomakethefashionshowaneventthateveryonecanenjoy.Rafflesandextravagantprizesshouldmakethefashionshowevenmoreinteresting!Lightrefreshmentswillbeserved.TheTeenCouncilandcommunityofPleasantHillareveryexcitedforthenewteencentertocome;nowwejustneedtofurnishit!Welookforwardtoseeingyouatthefashionshowandappreciateyoursupport! What: TeenCouncilFashionShowforthenewTeenCenter.When: Sunday,March 11,2:30pm.Where: WinslowCenter,2590PleasantHillRoad.Tickets:$12apiece;toordercall682-0896

Fashion for a cause By Helena Strand

Mt Diablo Unified Grad Night: a Safe Event By Kelly St. Germain

Local Musicians honored

Girl Scouts celebrate 100 GirlScoutsisturning100thismonth,andyou’reinvitedtothecelebration! GirlScoutsoftheUSAwasfoundedbyJulietteGordonLowonMarch12,1912inSavannah,Georgia,witheighteengirlsinthefirsttroop.GirlScoutshassincegrownto3.2millionmembersworldwide.Itistheleadingorganizationdedicatedtohelpinggirlsgrow,buildconfidence,andtaketheirplaceintheworld. Tocelebratethegroup’scentennial,GirlScoutsacrossthecountrywillbegather-ingontheeveningofMonday,March12tomarktheoccasion.TheCreeksideGirlScoutServiceUnit,whichrepresentsnearly100troopsandover1,500girlandadultmembersinPleasantHillandMartinez,is

hostingcandlelightceremoniesonMarch12inbothcities.Theentirecommunityisinvitedtojoinincelebratingthisanniver-sary,withaspecialinvitationgoingouttoalllocalGirlScoutalumnae. Botheventswillfeaturemayoralproc-lamations,songs,agroupcandlelightcer-emony,andrefreshments.Bothprogramswillbeginpromptlyat7:00p.m.Troopsshouldarrivenolaterthan6:45p.m.toreg-isterandcollecttheircandles. InPleasantHill,thecelebrationwilltakeplacebythepondatCityHall.InMartinez,thecelebrationwilltakeplaceatCityHallPlaza.Formoreinformation,pleasecontactCreeksideServiceUnitDi-rectorOliviaLovettat925-947-0559.

Pictured are members of the Pleasant Hill Teen Council modeling the new prom fashions donated by Starlet Prom and Bridal. Photo by Tod Gomes.

Last years Grad Night at the Centre Concord.

Atthestartofeachschoolyear,par-entvolunteersfromfiveMDUSDhighschoolsbegintopooltheirtime,pas-sion,resourcesandtalentastheyplanaspectacularcelebrationfortheirgraduat-ingseniors’specialnight.Thisall-nightcelebration,knownas“GradNite,”isheldatCentreConcordimmediatelyfollowingcommencementceremonies. Althoughmeticulouslyplanned

together,GradNightisnotcelebratedto-gether,aseachhighschoolhasexclusiveuseofthejointlydecoratedfacilityforitsowneventduringtheMDUSDgradu-ationweek.Thisyear,theCollegeParkClassof2012willcelebratetheirGradNightonMonday,June11. TheGradNightcommitteesfromeachschooljointlyselectathemeforthepartyanddecidewhichparticular

areaofthefacilitytheywishtodecorate.Roughly150parentvolunteersateachschoolplan,decorate,stafforchaperonetheevent.Inkeepingwithtradition,thethemeforthisyear’sGradNightisnotrevealedtothegraduatingseniorsuntilthenightoftheirevent. TheoverarchinggoalofGradNightistoprovideafun-filledenvironmentforgraduatingseniorsthatwillallowthemtosafelycelebrateoneofthemostexcitingeventsoftheirlives.Awarethatgraduateswanttocelebratetheirachievementwithfriendsonthenightofgraduation,par-

entshavebondedtogethertomakethisalcoholanddrug-freepartymemorable,safeandsober. Withoutgivingawaytoomanysurprises,GradNightisanon-stoppartyoffood,games(indoorsandoutdoors),music,dancing,casinogambling,spatreatments,bowling,prizesandentertain-ment.TolearnmoreaboutGradNightatCollegePark,includinghowtobuyticketsforyourstudent,donateprizes,providefinancialsupport,orvolunteeryourtalents,pleasevisittheirwebsiteatwww.cpgradnite.homestead.com.


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California Pacific Federal Credit UnionColdstone Creamery

Computer Sales and ServiceCountry Waffles

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Hagins AutomotiveHire My HusbandHitchcock Realty

Home Detailers HousekeepingJack’s

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Les Schwab TiresLindsay Wildlife Museum

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Martinez Chamber of CommerceMatthew C. Rinn, State Farm Insurance

Martinez early Childhood CenterMinuteman Press Molinos Ravioli

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April Community Focus