april 2012 community focus

Delivered to Over 40,000 Homes and Businesses

• april 2012

“Brought into right relationships with the wilderness, man would see that his appropriation of Earth’s resources beyond his personal needs would only

bring imbalance and begat ultimate loss and poverty by all.” -John Muir 1838-1914

Spring & Summer Activity Guide: Pages 17-19 & 23-24College Park Spring Sports Pullout: Pages 20-21 John Muir Birthday Celebration & Earth Day: Page 5Photos Courtesy of National Park Service

www.ourcommunityfocus.com April 2012

Pleasant Hill

20112011 BusinessPersonOf The Year

BusinessPersonOf The Year

FREE $4�o�18-pack Medium white eggs

Valid at Pleasant Hill Grocery Outlet only. One coupon per person. Minimum purchase excludes dairy and aldohol. Not valid with any other o�er. No cash value. Limit 1. Duplicated coupons will not be accepted. Coupon must be surrendered at time of purchase. Expires 04/30/12.

Valid at Pleasant Hill Grocery Outlet only. One coupon per person. Minimum purchase excludes dairy and aldohol. Not valid with any other o�er. No cash value. Duplicated coupons will not be accepted. Coupon must be surrendered at time of purchase. Expires 04/30/12.

with a $30 minimum purchasea $40 minimum purchase

We became owners of your Pleasant Hill Grocery Outlet on November 29, 2011. If we haven’t met, please say “hi” next time you’re here!

Jason & Kathy OlsonIndependent Owners/Operators

1671 Contra Costa Blvd. • Pleasant Hill, CA925-676-3660

8 am -9 pm Every Day!

Visit them at www. .com

or email Donand

PleasantHillRealEstate

[email protected]#1 since 1994

Don & Norma Flaskerud

Erik Flaskerud

Re/Max CC Connection

925-676-5859

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

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

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JUliE SaYS

MyhusbandMurrayandImethissisterNancyandherhusbandJoeoneSaturdayinMarchforlunchinSanFrancisco.Theyhadarrivedtheprevi-ousnightfromtheirhomeinTerrace,B.C.inCanada.What,neverheardofTerrace?It’sabouteightymilesinlandfromPrinceRupertontheSkeenaRiv-er.Ifyou’rehavingtroublepicturingthatlocation,howabout(aboot)fortymiles(twentyfivekilometers)northofKitamat? Anyway,allfourofuslovetovisitnewplaces,sothetalksoonturnedtotraveltales.AndthisishowIheardabouttheAccidentalMum-miesofGuanajuato. Guanajuatoislocatedabout150milesnorthwestofMexicoCity.Evidently,thesoilconditionsanddryclimatetherecausebodiesburiedinthecity’scem-eterytodryoutnaturallybeforetheydecompose,resultinginwell-preservedmummies.Youmightbewonderinghowthiswasdiscovered,thebodiesbeingundergroundandall. Well,alocallawrequiredrelativeswhosefamilymemberswerelaidtorestintheGuanajuatocem-eterytopayagravetax.Ifthetaxwentunpaidforthreeyears,thecorpsewasdugup,andoftenfoundtobenaturallymummified. Atfirst,theunearthedremainswerehousedinanossuarybuilding.Soon,enterprisingcemeterywork-ersbeganchargingtouristsafeetoseethemummies,

andin1894,Elmuseodelasmomiasopenedtothepublic.Thereareoveronehundredmummiescurrentlyondisplay,exhumedfrom1865un-til1958,whenthelawaboutdiggingupbodieswithlapsedpaymentswaschanged. Trafficatthemuseumreportedlysoaredafterthereleaseofthe1970movie,“SantoVersustheMummiesofGuanajuato,”Santobeingamaskedwrestlerofsomesort.(Seriously?Peoplewenttoseethatfilm?)Andin

1978,RayBradburypublishedabookonthemum-mieswithphotographybyArchieLiebermanwhichisdescribedas“haunting.”Thebookisoutofprint,butI’msuregoingtotrytogetmyhandsonacopy. Ifyouhavenotyetfinalizedyourplansforthecomingsummer,itmightbeworthconsideringfittinginatriptoGuanajuato,includingavisittothemu-seumhighonahilloverlookingthecity.Traveltips:TheclosestairportisinLéon,andthereisbusservicefromMexicoCityifyouprefertolandthere.IfNancyandJoecouldfindtheirwayfromTerrace,atripdi-rectlyfromSFOshouldbeapieceofcake! Ifyouabsolutelycan’tmakeit,thencheckoutthewebsiteatwww.mummytombs.com.Thereisanon-linephotogallerywithawesomeshotsoftheacciden-talmummiesofGuanajuato.Enjoy! Pleasesendcommentsandyourweirdtraveltalestomeatjulieakross@comcast.net.

accidental MummiesBy 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

COpY EDiTOrAlison Clary

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

CONTaCT iNFOrMaTiON:Community Calendar:

[email protected]

Content & General Inquiries: [email protected]

6680 alhambra ave. Box #132Martinez, Ca 94553

phone: (925) 335 - NEWS (6397)

independent & locally Owned

The Community Focus is a free, independent, monthly publication dedicated to highlighting

the vibrancy of the local businesses and residents while strengthening and building connections

within our community.

MiSSiON STaTEMENT

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

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

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

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

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

The Community Focus is available at the following locations:

www.ourcommunityfocus.com

•Assignment:Thailand...................................page7•MartinezCitizensoftheYearWinners.......page9•SeniorActivities.......................................... page12•CollegeParkSpringSports...................page20-21

•NotYourAverageJoe......................................page27•LeJardininFocus............................................page30•LocalLiveMusic.............................................. page32•RodgersRanch................................................. page35

MOVING & STORAGE

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Office & Light Industrial • SeniorsResidential• Storage & Warehousing


Earth Day & John Muir’s Birthday Celebration JohnMuirinspiredpeopleallovertheworldto“keepclosetonature’sheart.”Inthisspirit,wecelebrateJohnMuir’sApril21stbirthdayathisformerhome,alongwithEarthDay,whichbringsusclosertoknowingourplanetandpracticalwaystohelpit

thrive.Bringthefamilyforfreefun-filledactivitiesandentertainment:•Morethanfiftyexhibitorswithsome-thingforeveryone:•Livemusic•RecycledFashionShow•Silentauctions

•Self-guidedtoursofthe1882historichomeandtheCalifornianativeplantgarden•JuniorrangerprojectswithNationalParkServicerangers•“JohnMuir”sharesstoriesandbirth-daycakeandmuchmore! Foodandbeveragesareavailableforpurchase.Thiseventwillbeheldrainorshine—dressfortheweather.Thecelebrationismadepossiblebyourgreatsponsors:CityofMartinezand

AlliedWaste. TheeventwillbeheldattheJohnMuirNationalHistoricSiteinMartin-ez,whichincludeshis1882Victorianhomeat4202AlhambraAvenuenearHighway4inMartinez. FreeparkingattheAlhambraHighSchoolandMartinezAdultEducationisavailable;shuttlesareprovidedtotheMuirSite.ThecelebrationispresentedbytheJohnMuirAssociationandtheNationalParkService.

COME TOGETHER

COME TOGETHER

COME TOGETHER

An All-Star Benefit Show for Pleasant Hill Teen Programs

WINSLOW CENTER2590 Pleasant Hill Rd.Pleasant Hill

Friday, April 20, 2012

7:30 PM

Swoon

Mark Stanley

Toni Bryant & Paul Cotruvo

The Bell Brothers

Dan DeShara & Channing Dahl

Sin Silver

Jenny Starmack & Chris Bryant

Gary King

Scotty O'Neill

Featuring:Featuring:

$20TICKETS

(925) 682-0896Must be 21 years or older

“Forever Young”“Forever Young”

www.cometogetherbene�t.eventbrite.com

Beer Festival Features30+ Top Microbreweries

OnSaturday,April21,theBayAreaCraftBeerFestivalreturnstoMartinezatthebeautifulMar-tinezWaterfrontParklo-catedonJoeDiMaggioDr.,closetotheHistoricCan-neryDistrict.Enjoymorethan30topmicrobrewerieswestoftheMississippisuchasE.J. Phair, 21st Amendment, Ale Industries, Creek Monkey, Crispin, Drakes, Firestone Walker, Heretic, Hoppy, Lagunitas, Lost Coast, Stone, Strike, Triple Rock andSpeakeasy Ales and Lagersjusttonameafew!RockinglivemusicperformedbyGarageLandRodeo12-1:30pm,andPUSHfeaturingDanAshley,localanchorforChannel7newsfrom2–4pm. AdvanceGeneralAdmissiontick-etsare$35andcanbepurchasedonline

oratselectoutlets;visitwww.bayareac-raftbeerfestival.comforlocations.

Admissionincludescom-memorativeglass,unlimitedtastingandentertainment.Designateddriverticketsarealsoavailablefor$5.Tickets

andIDarerequiredforentry(allattendeesmustbe21years

orover).Gatesopenfrom12pmto4pmforfood,musicandbeertasting. Theeventisrainorshine,withfab-ulousfoodavailableforpurchasefromvendorsincludingseveraldowntownrestaurants.ThefestivalispresentedbyMainStreetMartinez,Inc.,andben-efitslocalnon-profits.Foradditionalinformation,topurchasetickets,tojointhefestivalmailinglist,ortovolunteer,visitwww.BayAreaCraftBeerFestival.comorwww.MainStreetMartinez.org.

Photos Courtesy of National Park Service


Hope lives at Garden park apartmentsBy Belinda Sullivan, Director of Outreach, Contra Costa Interfaith Housing

Atitsannualfundraisinggalalastmonth,RubySlippers“There’sNoPlaceLikeHome,”ContraCostaInterfaithHousing(CCIH)presentedthecovetedChildren’sChoiceAwardtotheCityofPleasantHill.PleasantHillhasquietlyimprovedthelivesofformerlyhome-lessfamilieswithspecialneedsatGardenParkApartments(GPA).Ithasprovidedfundingtoreplacetheroofofthis27-unitapartmentcomplex,resultinginim-provedfunctionality,appearanceanden-ergyconservation. TheCityisalsosup-portiveofCCIH’scommunitybuildingexpansionplans.Theremodeledbuildingwillcreateanadditionalapartmentforanotherneedyfamilyandallowformoreprogrammingspaceforbothchildrenandfamilies. Withasmileandahandshake,aresi-dentofGardenParkpresentedtheawardtoPleasantHillMayorJohnHanecak. Followingthepresentation,thisyoungman’sspeech,transcribedhere,remindedthewell-heeledcrowdofalmost250peo-plewhytheyneededtobethere. “Good evening! I am here tonight because I know what a difference living at Garden Park Apartments makes in a per-

son’s life. I have seen it with my own eyes, and I have lived it. I wish I had a happy childhood to share with you. Garden Park Apartments did not exist when I was young. I moved here when I was twelve. Here’s a small piece of my story: I had my first encounter with the police at age two. I was playing on the roof! At age three, a bullet barely missed me. When I was six years old I can remember get-ting beat up really bad and the big guys took my sister’s bike I was riding. When I was seven, my sister was eleven and she called 911 because we needed help. They put me and my sister in a foster home. I was so scared that I kept trying to sneak in and sleep with my older sister for comfort. After that they moved me to a different foster home to keep us separate. When we returned to living with my mom, we were living in a condemned building. I hate remembering the birthday when my mom wouldn’t wake up because she was passed out. I’m not sure what age I started stealing. And what was I thinking when I brought a knife to school in fifth grade? I now know I was just trying to feel safe. By the time I got to GPA, I felt like a loser. I did not attend homework club. I

was not successful at school. I didn’t want anyone to know how far behind I was with my learning. It took me some time to trust the staff, but now we have lived there for seven years, and we use the support all the time. I know I would be in jail, in a gang, or dead if it was not for what you people have made possible. Today I play on a basketball team, tutor at an elementary school, and soon I will be graduating from high school and going to college. My best friend lived at Garden Park and he’s in college in Ver-mont right now. My mom has gone to col-lege and has a substance abuse treatment certificate. She earned this certificate while working nights, because she wanted to be home with me and my sister. My sister was the first to graduate from high school at Garden Park. She is also the first to gradu-ate from high school in my family. I hope to be the first in my family to graduate col-lege and become a business man. Today I am proud of my family and I am proud of myself.

As you can see, the main thing I’ve learned at GPA is there is hope. It’s never too late. I want to close tonight by saying - Thank you so much for giving people the tools and the chance to change their lives.” ContraCostaInterfaithHousing(CCIH)isanon-profit,charitablehu-manservicesorganizationdedicatedtoendingthetraumaofhomelessness.CCIHpartnerswithaffordablehousingdeveloperstoprovideacombinationofhousingthatisaffordabletoextremelylowincomeContraCostaresidentsandon-sitesupportservicesthathelptosta-bilizeandbuildself-sufficiency.CCIH’sprogramsareevidence-basedanddem-onstratepositive,measurableimpacts. CCIHrecentlyaddedaHIVHousingAdvocateprogramtoitscurrentlistofprogramslocatedinPleasantHill,BayPoint,andPittsburg.Theon-sitesupportservicesCCIHprovidesatallsiteshelphigh-riskfamiliesstabilizeandbecomehealthyandcontributingmembersofso-ciety.

presents...

Saturday April 21

7:00pm

Sunday April 22

2:00pmDVC Performing Arts Theatre(Use Golf Club Rd parking lot)

$12.00 ($5 under 18) in advance

$15.00 ($10 under 18) at door

Tickets available at: Rec & Park

District Office and PH Police Station

Reception & Art Show, 6pm Saturday and 1pm Sunday

PLEASANT HILL STARQ

UES

T

Star Quest

FOR

MORE INFO

689-2249

20th Annual Youth Talent ShowSponsored by Rotary Club of Pleasant Hill

Star Quest 2012�Star Quest 2012�

Homecoming!Homecoming!A 20th Anniversary

A reunion performanceof past and new stars!


assignment: ThailandBy Susan Wood, Susan Wood Photography

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Pleasant Hill City Hall Photo by Susan Wood Photography

Oneweekafterreceivinganincred-ibleopportunity,Iwasboardinganairplanetotravelhalfwayaroundtheworldwithmycam-eras.TheglobalnewsmediahadreportedontheunprecedentedfloodinginThailand,vividlydocumentingthedevastationthathaddisplacedmil-lionsandtakenoverfourhundredlives.FearwassoaringandcountriesaroundtheworldwerewarningtheircitizensnottotraveltoThailand. EntertheTourismAuthorityofThailand(TAT)withaplantoensuretherapidrecoveryofitscrucialtouristtrade.TheirplanincludedinvitingthemediaandtravelagentsfromaroundtheworldtoseedirectlywhatwashappeninginThailand.Ourassignment?ToobserveThailand’stouristindustryfirst-handduringitsrecoveryfromthefloodsandsharethoseobservationsbackinourowncountries. TheTATwelcomeduswithanunfor-gettableeventthatincludedmagnificentfloralarrangements,incredibleculturalperformances,andahugearrayofbeauti-fullypresentedfoodstoamazethepalate.Theartistryandimpeccableattentiontodetailwereawe-inspiring.GuidedbythegenuinewarmthandhospitalityoftheThaipeople,wewereimmediatelytransportedtoawholenewworld. CosmopolitanBangkokwasbustlingwithactivity,andcontrastsofancientvs.modernandrichvs.poorwereevery-where.Riverboatsandscootersare

popularmodesoftransportation,andstreetfoodvendorsareonvirtuallyeverycornerofthecity,twenty-fourhoursaday.Modernshoppingmallsquenchthethirstofthefashionconsciousaswellasthebudgetminded.Clothing,jewelry,scarves,craftsandmorecanbepurchasedatbusystreetmarketsdayandnight. TravelingintoNorthernThailand,weexploredthecountry’sancientheritagewithvisitstotemples,handicraftvillagesandahilltribevillage.Werodeelephantsandwanderedthroughopenmarketspurchasingauthenticwaresfromthelocalswhomadethem.WewerepamperedwithrestorativetraditionalThaimassages,exploredtheGoldenTriangle(theinter-sectionofThailand,MyanmarandLaos),andlearnedaboutthehistoryofThailand’sopiumtrade. FloatingdowntheMekongRiverasitcarveditswaythroughricefieldsandriv-ersidetowns,wesawwaterfrontpropertieslinedwithdilapidatedshacksthatpeoplecallhome,oftensittingnexttomodernhigh-risebuildings. Throughoutourtrip,weweretreatedlikeroyalty,stayinginworld-classresortswherefriendlylocalstaffwentoutoftheirwaytomakeusfeelwelcomeandcomfort-able.Fromupscalerestaurantstostreetvendors,weweretakenonadeliciousandspicyculinaryjourneytosamplesomeofthebestfoodI’veevertasted. BuddhismisanimportantinfluenceonthewayThaipeoplethinkandbehave.GivingalmstoamonkandleavinglotusblossomsandincenseforBuddha--dailypracticesofThaipeople--werehighlights

TAT Welcome Event Buddahs in Northern Thailand

Night View of River through Bangkok. All photos by susanwoodphotography.com.

ofmytrip. Withthefloodsoverandthetouristindustrywideopenforbusiness,Thailandofferssomethingforeveryone:beautifulbeaches,treksthroughjungles,mountainbiking,kayaking,rafting,zip-lining,Thaiboxing(MuayThai),golfing,snorkeling,scubadivingandmore.AllwithfriendlylocalThaiswhowanttomakesureyourex-perienceintheircountryisunforgettable. ThisexoticescapetoThailandwasmysteriousandconfounding,butap-

proachableandinviting.Thaihospitalityisagenuineart,craftedbyaculturethattakesprideinputtingpeopleatease!Thailand’stropicalclimate,uniqueculture,naturalwonders,andincomparablevaluepairedwiththewarmthofitspeoplemadealast-ingimpression.IreturnedtotheUnitedStateswitharealappreciationandloveforthisamazingcountryanditspeople! ThankyoutotheTATandthepeopleofThailandforthistrulyinspirationalexperience!


There’snodisputingitanylon-ger.Ourlocalrealestatemarkethasre-bounded,andreboundedingrandfash-ion.Anyonewhoarguesotherwiseisflat-outmisinformed. InContraCostaCounty,newlist-ingsaredown12.0percentfordetachedhomesand18.4percentforcondosandtownhomes.Pendingsalesareup62.6percentfordetachedhomesand52.9percentforcondosandtown-homes.Themonth’ssupplyofinventoryhasdropped38.6percentfordetachedhomesand63.3percentforcondosandtownhomes. Allthisactivityhaspushedmediansalespricesup3.0percentfordetachedhomesand9.1percentforcondosandtownhomescountywide. Inmyopinion,thesenumberssoundgood,butdonottellthewholestory.Thedramaticeffectsofourex-tremelylimitedinventoryandheight-enedbuyerdemandarejustnowstart-ingtoshowupinthemarketstatistics.Mypredictionisthatthehousingnum-bersreleasedoverthenextfewmonthsaregoingtobeexponentiallystronger.Insomeofthestrongerneighborhoods,Iexpectthatwe’llseeaveragehomeval-uesincreaseby10-15%injustamatterofmonths. WhydoIfeelthisway?Fromtheperspectiveofarealtoronthestreet,it’smayhemoutthere,especiallyonthelowertomiddleendofthemarket.Anypropertythatisevenremotelyreason-ablypricedisreceivingmultipleofferswithindaysofbeinglisted.Therearesimplynotenoughavailablehomestomeetbuyerdemand.PropertiesthatIwassellingattheendof2011for$350K,afterweeksonthemarket,arenowget-tingbidsuptowellover$400Kinafewdays. Therealquestionishowlongthistrendwilllast.Inmyopinion,thein-creasedbuyerdemandisheretostay.Whatisyettobeseenishowmuchin-ventorywillarrivetomeetthatdemand.Therearemanypotentialsourcesfornewinventory.Lendersmaystartramp-

ingtheirforeclosuremachinesbackup;moreupside-downhomeownersmayfinallygiveupanddecidetoshortsaletheirhomes;orsidelinedsellersmayjumpbackonthemarketnowthatthetidehasturnedintheirfavor. Sofar,ourcountywideinventoryofhomesforsalehasdroppedeverydaysince2001,whichisactuallyaveryrareoccurrence.Typically,inventoryin-creasesstartJanuary1anddon’tletupuntilmid-summerorfall.Lasttimewesawinventorytrenddownwardearlyintheyearwas2004,ayearofdouble-digitappreciation.Atthispoint,it’sgoingtotakeasignificantincreaseininventorytoputevenahintofdownwardpressureonhomevalues.Onethingisforsure,it’sgoingtobeoneveryinterestingrideinthemonthsahead. NathanHitchcockisthemanagingbrokerofHitchcockRealty,[email protected](925)825-1100.

real Estate UpdateBy Nathan Hitchcock

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27281 Las Ramblas, #150 • Mission Viejo, CA 92691

Wednesday April 11th10:00AM to 12:00PM

Lafayette Library & Learning Center3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd.

Lafayette, CA 94549Family and Friends Welcome

Thursday April 19th5:00PM to 7:00PM

Martinez Senior Community Center818 Green Street

Martinez, CA 94553Family and Friends Welcome


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

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

CalENDar SpONSOrED BY CalENDar SpONSOrED BY

Martinez Citizens of the Year Winners ThewinnersoftheMartinezCitizensoftheYearwerehonoredMarch24thattheMartinezEventCenter.Thean-nualeventissponsoredbytheMartinezChamberofCommercetohonorresi-dents,employees,educators,businessesandyouthwhostrivetomakeapositiveimpactintheMartinezcommunity.ListedbelowarethenamesoftheawardrecipientsalongwithabriefsummaryoftheirgenerouscontributionstotheMartinezcommunity.Woman of the Year – lorena Castillo LorenaCastilloistheInternshipCoordinatoratVicente,Briones&NewLeafhelpingstudentsgetinvolvedinthecommunity.SheisanactivememberofMartinezArtsAssociation,DowntownArtGallopandisinvolvedwithMartinezOpenStudios,SwanDayandArtinthePark.LorenaisalsoaboardmemberoftheMartinezKiwanisClub.Man of the Year – Doug Stewart HailedasalocalherointheMartinezarea,DougStewartspendscountlesshourscaringforhomelessanddisplacedpeopleseekinghelpthroughPacheco-MartinezHomelessOutreach,whichhefounded.Heworkssevennightsaweek,usuallyfrom4pmto4am,provid-ingessentialnecessitiesandguidancetothehomeless,oftenwhenservicesfrom

governmentagenciesarenotavailable.Young Woman of the Year – Sophie Hatch Sophieexemplifiesthespiritofvolunteerismthatwelookforinyoungpeople.Hercompassionforspecialneedschildren,unselfishvolunteerworkinthecommunity,participationinschoolac-tivities,andcommitmenttotheartsandentertainmentofhercommunity,giveherthedrivetomakeMartinezthebestplacetolive.Young Man of the Year – Dominic lucido Dominic’sleadershipskillsandcom-mitmenttothecommunityhaveinspiredmany.Alongwithhisacademicachieve-

april pleasant Hill Chamber Calendar4/6 - ambassador Meeting -PHCityHall,8am-9am4/10 – leadership lunch -(formerlyAmbas-sadorLunch),Rubios-2390MonumentBlvd.PH,11:45pm-1pm4/12 – Business Showcase 2012 - CrownPlazaHotel,45JohnGlennDr.,Concord,4–7pm.Regis-teratwww.pleasanthillchamber.com4/19 – Board of Directors Meeting - PHCityHall,7:45am4/19 – Mixer - BravoBistro1050ContraCostaBlvd.,Concord,5pm-7pm4/30– Green Committee - BackFortyTexasBBQ,4pm-5pm4/30 – Government affairs Committee - BackFortyTexasBBQ,4:30pm-6:00pm

april Martinez Chamber Calendar ambassador Meeting –Ifinterested,contactReba:(925)228-23454/16 – Chamber Mixer – BoydstunConstructionco-hostedwithTJ’sCafe–817ArnoldDr.,#100,Martinez,5:30pm-7:30pm(Bringaraffleprizeandhaveyourbusinessan-nounced!)4/19–EducationalSeries–#2TheArtofPublicRelations(part2of3),pre-sentedbyFadhilaHolman,CEO,CaliforniaPa-cificFederalCreditUnion-12-1pm-Doorsopenat11:30.JohnMuirBestWesternInn,445MuirSta-tionRd.FreetoChamberMembers,Non-Mem-bers$10.Lunchincluded.Spacelimited.RSVP:[email protected].

ments,DominicispresidentofAlham-braHighSchool’sInteractClubaswellasstudentbodypresident.Withtheseendeavors,hehasinitiatednewactivitiesthatencouragemorestudentparticipa-tionintheschoolandcommunity.lifetime achievement – Frank Walsh FrankWalshhasbelongedtotheMartinezKiwanisforfortyyears.MostofhisvolunteerismandcontributionshavecenteredonhisinvolvementandsupportofcivicorganizationsintheMartinezCommunity.AsarepresentativeofboththeMartinezHistoricalSocietyandtheJohnMuirAssociation,andasAmbas-sadorfortheCityofMartinez,Frankhasspentcountlesshoursgivingback.Teacher/Educator of the Year – Mark Duarte MarkDuarteisaphysicaleducationteacherandcoachatMartinezJuniorHighSchool.Inanerawhenafter-schoolactivitiesarequicklydisappearing,Mr.Duartecoordinatesandcoachessoftball,trackandbasketball.Heenjoysdonatinghistimeandmakinganadventureoutoftakingstudentstoout-of-towncompeti-tionsandcoordinatingparentdrivers.Charles laird award – Gay Gerlack Withtirelessenergy,GayGerlackcanbeseenaroundMartinez,volunteeringatalmosteveryevent.GayisamemberoftheKiwanis,LionessandSoroptimistClubs;ontheBoardofDirectorsforvari-ouscivicorganizations;andontheParkRecreation,Marina&CulturalCommis-

sion.Witheverycontribution,GayhelpsmakeMartinezabettercommunity.Martinez Chamber Business of the Year – richard Cash photog-raphy Withcamerainhand,RichardCashcanbeseenateveryribboncutting,mixer,andspecialeventaroundthecom-munity.Heissupportiveofallcommu-nityeventsandisinstrumentalinmakingMartinezvisiblewitheverypicturehetakes.ambassador of the Year – adam Hoffert Withboundlessenthusiasm,AdamHoffertvolunteersateveryMartinezChamberevent,participatesateveryrib-boncuttingandmixer,andgivestimeonvariouschambercommittees.IfyoujoinourFacebookpage,youwillseeAdam’smagicatwork!!Ifthatwerenotenough,heisalsoontheMartinezChamberBoardofDirectors.Service Without Borders – Fadhila Holman FadhilaHolman,CEOatCaliforniaPacificFederalCreditUnioninConcord,hasbeeninstrumentalinnumerouscommunity-orientedfundraisersandevents.Adynamicsupporter,sheisontheBoardofDirectorsoftheFriendsofFaith,Inc.,whichbenefitsuninsuredandlowincomewomenthroughouttheBayAreawhoarebattlingbreastcancer.Fa-dhilaisagreatsupporteroftheMartinezChamberofCommerceandMainStreetMartinez,andsheisalsoontheMartinezChamberBoardofDirectors.

L-R; Richard Cash, Adam Hoffert, Sophie Hatch, Fadhila Holman, Frank Walsh, Lorena Castillo, Doug Stewart, Gay Gerlack, Mark Duarte and Dominic Lucido.


architectural review CommissionApril 5, 19City Hall, 100 Gregory LaneLarge Community Room, 5:00pmContact: 671-5209

City CouncilApril 2, 16City Hall, 100 Gregory LaneCouncil Chambers, 7:30pmContact: 671-5229

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

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

planning CommissionApril 10, 24City Hall, 100 Gregory LaneCouncil Chambers, 7:30pmContact: 671-5209

Zoning administratorApril 12, 26City 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 BUZZMayor’s Message

John Hanecak, Mayor of Pleasant Hill It’sinter-estingtolearnwhatmakeslocalresidentsbe-comeinvolvedintheircommuni-ties,politicallyorthroughservice.Formanyofus,itmighthavetodowithhowwewereraisedoranactivitywewereinvolvedwithatschool.Uponturningeighteen,manyofusregisteredtovoteandthencastthatfirstvoteinthenextelection.Ajurysummonsmayhavefollowed.Whatmotivatespeoplewithbusylivestobecomeevenmoreactivethroughpoliticsorcommunityservice?Theanswersmakegreatsto-ries. AftervariousdiscussionswithleadersandresidentsthroughoutPleasantHillandthecounty,commonthreadsbecomeapparent.Peopleareoftenenergizedbyaspecificissuehav-

ingtodowitheducation,publicsafety,qualityoflife,thoseinneed,theenvi-ronment,taxation,andsoforth.Per-hapsaparticularcandidatewasinspira-tionalandencouragedsomeonetotakethenextstepandanswerthecall. Thatextralevelofinvolvementispresentintheresidentswhoserveonourcityandcountycommissions,councilsandboards;volunteeratalllevelsinourlocalnonprofits;offeras-sistancetoneighborsandschools;andhelpmakeourmanyeventsasexcep-tionalaswehavegrowntoexpect. Regardlessofwhatmotivatedeachofus,theoutcomeisinvaluable:ashowofrespectforourpriorgenera-tion,anopportunitytoexperienceanoutstandingqualityoflifetoday,andacommitmenttoleaveourcommunityabetterplaceforthenextgeneration.It’sansweringthatcallthatcontinuestoimproveourcityandisanintegralpartofthefabricofPleasantHill.

Grant applications

astound Now available

New location for Farmers’ Market

Seniorcitizensattendcomedyshowsattheirassistedlivingfacility.Highschoolgraduatesenjoyasafecelebration.Anadultdaycarecenteraddsatherapygardentotheiractivities.Apopularelementaryschoolholidayperformanceisenhancedwithanewsoundheadsetandprops.Familiesreceivenutritionsupport.ThePleasantHillCommunityFoundation(PHCF)hasmadesuchbenefitspossible.ThePHCFhasjustreleasedits18thAn-nualCommunityGrantsapplicationforpublicandnon-profitorganizationsinPleasantHill.Anyrecreational,culturaloreducationalprogramthatservestheresidentsofPleasantHillmayapply. PleasantHillCommunityFounda-

tionPresidentTedWinslowstates,“IthinkthatjustabouteveryoneinPleas-antHillhasbeentouchedbyatleastoneoftheprojectswehavefundedoverthepastseventeenyears,anditisallbecauseofthegenerosityofourdonors.” ApplicationsmaybedownloadedfromtheFoundation’swebsiteatwww.phcommunityfoundation.organdwillbeaccepteduntilApril15.ContacttheFoundationatinfo@PHCommunity-Foundation.orgwithquestions. ThemissionofthePleasantHillCommunityFoundationistostrength-encommunityorganizations,buildendowmentfundstomeetongoingandfutureneeds,andofferflexible,tax-de-ductibleoptionsforgivingatalllevels.

AstoundCablehasbeeninstallingtheirtelecommunicationnetworkinareasofPleasantHill,andserviceisnowavailableinthesouthernpartofthecity(southofBoydRoad).Phase2ofthein-stallationwillcommenceshortlyintheareaboundedbyContraCostaBoul-evard(east),BoydRoad(southern),TaylorBoulevard(west),andTaylorBoulevard(north),asitchangesdirec-tiontowardContraCostaBoulevard. AstoundPhase2constructionwork(similartoPhase1work),consistsprimarilyofinstallingadditionalabove-groundtelecommunicationcablesalong

theexistingutilitypolesandreinforcingutilitypoleswithadditionalguidewires(asnecessaryforsupport).Mostworkisaboveground,andlimiteddisruptiontotheneighborhoodandlocaltrafficisanticipated.Astound’sworkisplannedtobefinishedbytheendofsummer2012. Astoundwillbeprovidingprojectnotificationtoresidentsdirectlyadja-centtotheproposedworklocations.ThenotificationswillincludephonenumbersofcityandAstoundstaffforresidentswhohavequestionsorcon-cerns.

ThePleasantHillFarmers’Marketopensforthe2012seasononSatur-day,May5.Therearetwosignificantchangeswhichprovidemarketshopperswithmoreopportunitiestopurchaseproduceandotheritems.ThemarketisrelocatingtothedowntownplazaareabetweenJack’sRestaurantandSweetTomatoes.Thisnewvenueismorepe-destrianfriendlyandwillcreateamore

festiveatmosphereformarketvisitorsandresidents.Also,thefarmers’marketwilloperatefrom9amto1pm,onehourlaterthantheprevioustwoyears.Thesechangeshavebeenmadepos-siblethankstothecooperativeeffortsofdowntownPleasantHill,thecity,marketmanagers,andPacificCoastFarmers’MarketAssociation.Formoreinformation,contactwww.pcfma.com.

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦


MarTiNEZ CiTY BUZZ

City Calendar of Events

TheMartinezWaterfrontandMarinaisanim-portantfacetofthehistoryoftheMar-tinezcommunity.In1847,Dr.RobertSempleprovidedferryservicefromMartineztoBenicia,theonlyserviceavailableontheCarqui-nezStraitatthetime.Martinezbecameaweighstationthatservedthosetravelingtothegoldrushanditwassoonlaidoutasatown.In1850,itbecamethecountyseatofContraCostaCounty(whichatthattimeincludedallofpresentdayAl-amedaCounty). ThewaterfrontlocationmadeMarti-nezahuboftransportationwiththeferrycrossingandthenewtranscontinentalrailroadrunningalongtheshoreline.Inthelate1800’sandearly1900’s,immi-

grantsfromEuropeandAsiawhosoughtabetterwayoflifesettledinMartinezandtransformedthesmallsettlementintoabustlingfishingvillagethatlastedwellintothe1950’s. ThishistoricaltietothewaterfrontisakeycomponentofthepersonalityandeconomicdevelopmentofMartinez.AsyouhavereadinmypastMayor’sMes-sages,wehavebeenworkingforyearstorebuildthemarinaonboththewa-tersideandlandsideareas.Althoughwehavehadseveralsetbacksinourefforts,mostprominentlywiththeDepartmentofBoatingandWaterways,wehavebeenabletoachievesomesuccess.Thedecrepitoldferrypierwasremoved,newlightingwasinstalledalongthebreakwaterandfishingpier,andaferryplazawascom-pletedwithnewboatlaunchramps. Wearenowplanningforascaledback,short-termimprovementplan

Mayor’s Message Rob Schroder, Mayor of Martinez

For Confirmation Visit: www.cityofmartinez.org

thatwilldredgethemarina.Thiswillal-lowentryandexitathighandlowtidesandbringbackmanyboatersandfish-ingchartersthathaveleftduetothesilt-ation.Someimprovementstotheexistingdockswillalsobeperformed.MeetingswiththeDepartmentofBoatingandWa-terwaysarebeingscheduledtoreviewtheoutstandingloansthatoriginallybuiltthemarinafifty-plusyearsago. WearealsocollaboratingwithothermarinasintheBayArea,manyofwhichhavethesamechallengesthatwehaveinMartinez.Forexample,SanLeandroisalsostrugglingwithsiltationanddete-rioratingdocksthatneedtobereplaced.Theyhaverecentlyissuedastudyout-liningseveralalternatives,spanningthespectrumfromlettingthemarinareturntoitsnaturalstateofwetlands,reducing

thesizeofthemarinaandlettingpartofitbecomewetlands,toafulldredgeandre-build.Overlaidontheseplansareseveraloptionsforcommercial,officeandresi-dentiallandsidedevelopment. Ithasbecomeapparentthatanyfu-turedevelopmentofthemarinawillneedtorelyonprivateinvestment.Recently,theLegislativeAnalystsOffice(LAO)recom-mendedthattheDepartmentofBoatingandWaterwaysloanprogramforsmallcraftharborsandmarinasbediscontinuedandthatthedepartmentbemergedintotheDepartmentofParks&Recreation.Vesselregistrationfeesandtaxesonma-rinefuelsaleshavefinancedthisprogram.Youcanbesurethesetaxeswillbedivert-edfromthepurposeforwhichtheywereintended:thebenefitofthewaterfrontcommunitiesandtheboatingpublic.

All City Meetings at City Hall, 525 Henri-etta Street, Unless Otherwise Indicated

Martinez Clean-Up DayVolunteer to help downtown sparkle on Saturday April 28 from 7:30am to 1pm. Donuts, coffee, barbeque lunch and a reusable water bottle for all volunteers. For more information visit mainstreetmartinez.org.

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City Council MeetingApril 4, 187:00pm-11:00pmContact: 925-372-3500

Design review MeetingApril 11, 253:00pm-5:00pmContact: 925-372-3500

park, recreation, Marina &Cultural CommissionApril 177:00pm-11:00pm

planning Commission MeetingApril 10, 247:00pm-11:00pmContact: 925-372-3500

Zoning administrator MeetingApril 4, 183:00pm-5:00pmContact: 925-372-3500


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pleasant Hill Senior activities

Martinez Senior activities818 Green St. (925) 370-8770

249 Gregory lane (925) 798-8788

Apr. 13 – Laugh, Love & Learn- Senior Live Well Forum –8:30am-2pm.Freeeventcombiningentertainment,humorandeducation!ProceedsbenefittheSeniorCenterManagementProgram.$25(60yrs.&up),$30GeneralAdmission–in-cludescontinentalbreakfast,lunchanddoorprizes.Over50exhibitors!Opentoall.

Apr. 20 – Friday Flik: “Dolphin Tale”-1pm.Abadlymaimedjuveniledolphinisgiv-enanewtail,andanewlife.StarringMorganFreemanandAshleyJudd,ratedPG.WinslowCenter,2590PleasantHillRd.

Apr. 25 – Classroom in the Community: “Living With Arthritis” –10am-11am.First10peopletoregisterwillreceiveafreelunchfromourCCCafé,complimentsofSCANHealthPlan.Ifyouarenotoneofthefirst10tosignup,youmaystillreserveamealfor$2.Lunchservedat11:30am.Pre-registrationisrequiredforlunch.CalltheSeniorCentertoregister:798-8788.Freeadmission.St.Andrew’sChurch,1601MaryDr.,PleasantHill.

Apr. 29 - Bunco.Potluckat2pm;Buncobeginsat3pm.Funandfriendlyatmos-pherewherenopriorknowledgeofthegameisnecessary!BuyyourticketattheSeniorCenteroffice(relocatedtotheLittleHouse.)Tickets:$4plusbringpotluckitemtofeedfourpeople.VFWBldg.:1919WendellLane.

April 8 - AARP Driver Refresher Course.12pm–4:30pm.Oneday,4.5-hourcourseforanyonewho’stakenthe8-hourAARPDriverSafetyTraininginthepastfouryears.Eithercoursequalifiesyouforamaturedriverdiscount(checkwithyourinsuranceagentfordetails).$12forAARPmembersand$14fornon-members.Registernow,classwillfillupquickly.Makecheckspayableto“AARP”andgivetotheinstructorthedayoftheclass.

April 10 - Pancake Breakfast. 8am–11am.Pancakesortoast,sausage,eggs,orangejuiceandcoffee.Everyonewelcome.$3.50foradults/$2forchildren10andunder.Handmadecraftswillbeonsale.

April 15 - Fashion Show Luncheon and Tea.12pm.Afternoonbeginswithmimosasfollowedbyatrioofcreativesaladsandbreads.Wineandjuicewillbeservedwithlunch.Enjoyawideassortmentofteasservedwithourspecialdessert.FashionshowfeaturesveryaffordableoutfitsfromHospiceBoutiqueThriftShoppeinWalnutCreek.Someitemsavailableforpurchase.$11members/$13non-members.

May 11 - Let’s Be Informed – Welcome To Medicare. 9:30am–10:30am.Getup-to-dateinformationaboutMedicareplansandsupplements.FreeHICAPclassdesignedforthosenewtoMedicareandthoseconsideringreplacingcurrentMedicareplans.TopicsincludebasicMedicarebenefits,MedicarealphabetsoupandwhatA-B-C-Dmeans,Medicaresupplemental(Medigap)plans,Medi-careAdvantageplans:HMOandPPO,prescriptiondrugplans,coordinationwithotherhealthinsuranceincludingemployerplan,retirementplansandVA,Retirementhealthplans.Callforareservationat(925)370-8770.


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let Your Voice Be Heard - Cp parent Survey is available Shareyourperceptionsofstudentbehaviorandattitudes,schoolprogramsandpolicies,andtheoverallschoolclimateastheyrelatetostudentwell-beingandlearn-ing.Totakethesurvey,goto:www.wested.org/parent,login(useallnumbers):0731646password(alllowercaseletters):cbmdthr.SurveymustbecompletedbeforeApril6,2012.Formoreinformation,visittheCPwebsite.Scholarships available for Senior athletes TheCPHSAthleticBoostersareawarding$750scholarshipstofiveseniorathletesthisyear.Theinformationandapplicationisavailableonthe AthleticBoosterwebsite:www.cphsboosters.com.ThedeadlinetosubmitanapplicationisTuesday,April17.“anything Goes” Spring Musical TheCollegeParkHighSchoolPerformingArtsproudlyannouncesthespringmu-sicalproduction,“AnythingGoes!” ThisColePortermusicalisahilariouslovestoryfeaturingmadcapanticsaboardanoceanlinerboundfromNewYorktoLondon.BillyCrockerisastowawayinlovewithheiressHopeHarcourt,whoisengagedtoLordEv-elynOakleigh.NightclubsingerRenoSweeneyandPublicEnemy#13MoonfaceMar-tinaidBillyinhisquesttowinHope. Showtimesare:April19,20,27,&28at7:00pm;April25at4:00pm.Ticketpricesare:Students/Staff$5;Adults$8.Theshowisco-directedbyMs.LopateandMr.Jimé-nezwithMr.Rockwellservingasvocaldirector.

On Saturday, April 14, the Alhambra High Athletic Boosters are having their 1st Annual Car, Bike & Truck Show, hosted by the Midnighter’s Car and Truck Club. Admission is free for spectators and will he held at the high school. Registra-tion is from 7am-10am with a $25 registration fee. The show is open to all makes, models and bikes. Judging is from 10am – 2pm with the trophy ceremony at 3pm. Come for the music, vendors and raffles—great for all ages!

alhambra Key Club

Brickyard race Benefits X-Country & Track

College park News

Car, Bike, Truck Show

OnFebruary25,theKeyClubparticipatedinthePolarPlungeinSanFrancisco,afundraiserforSpecialOlympics.Theclubraisedover$600andtheoverallfundraiser,withover1000participants,raisedmorethan$230,000forSpecialOlympics. TheKeyclubisacommunityser-viceclubatAlhambra, partneredwithKiwanis,tobetterthecommunity.TheyparticipateinprojectssuchasthePo-larPlungeandMartinezclean-ups,andtheypartnerwiththeContraCostaHu-maneSocietyonprojectsfortheirani-malfoodbank. AccordingtoKeyClubmember,KelseyMaytum,“Theplungewassuchaworthycause.Iffeltgreattobeabletohelpoutandmakeadiffer-

enceinsomebody’slife.Itwassoeasytoo--wesentemailstofriendsandfam-ilyandtheydonatedonline.Onthedayoftheplunge,weweresurroundedbypeoplethatyoucouldtellreallycared.TherewereSpecialOlympicsathleteswiththeirfamiliesanditfeltgreattoseetheirfaceslightupwhentheyheardhowmuchmoneywehadraised;itjustdrovethepointhomehowmuchthemoneywasappreciatedandwhatagoodcauseweweredonatingto. Ourfriendsandfamilydonatedthemoney,theathletes’familiessupportedthemandtheath-letesworkedhardtosucceed,sotheleastwecoulddowasplungeintosomecoldwater.Weareplanningondoingitformanyyearstocome.”

Thelong-establishedandpopularBrickyardRacereturnstoMartinezonApril15afterbeingpostponedlastyearduetotheanticipatedRankinParkcon-struction.Thismonth,the4-mile/8-milerunwillbeginandendinfrontoftheRankinParkpoolonTalbertStreet,whichwillalsobeutilizedastheregistra-tionandstagingarea. Organizationdutiesfortheracehavechangedhandsovertheyears,from

formerAlhambrateacherandcoachLukaSekulich,whoestablishedtheraceoverthirtyyearsago,toTimBruder,an-otherformercoachandteacherwhopassedawayin2009. Thisyear,KevinSearls,whohasplacedinthetopteninmanyBrickyardracesinthepast,wasaskedbyAlham-bracoachesPatErtolaandAngelaPara-disetoorganizethisforty-three-year-oldevent.

Alhambra students, Kelsey Maytum, Megan Gregory, and Christian Giannini taking the plunge!

The8-mileBrickyardRacedeliverspicturesqueviewsalongCarquinezSce-nicDriveandprogressesthroughmanytwistsandturnsofSnakeRoadandfi-nallytakesyoutothesiteoftheaban-donedPortCostabrickyard.AccordingtoSearls,“Therewillbeaturnaroundattwomilesforthoseparticipantswhodesireashorterrunorwalk.”ProceedsbenefitAlhambraHighSchoolCrossCountryandtheMartinezRecreationDepartment. Inkeepingwithtradition,brickawardsfor1st,2ndand3rdplacewillbegiveninthevariousagegroups.Feesfor

theraceare$25ifreceivedbyApril8and$30onracedayApril15.Feesincludeat-shirtandawardceremony.Onlinereg-istrationwillcloseatmidnightonApril8.Afterthisdate,registrationwillonlybeavailableonraceday.Check-Inandracedayregistrationbeginsat7amwiththestartoftherunat8:30am.Toregisteronline,visittheAlhambraHighSchoolfacebookpage,orgoto:http://www.ac-tive.com/running/martinez-ca/the-mar-tinez-brickyard-run-4mile-8mile-2012.ThereisnoparkinginthelotatRankinPark.Youmustparkonthesidestreetsnearthepark.


Honor That Jazz

Teen Council applications

prom preview Fashions

JENNIFER L. MARTIN, D.D.S.

Specialist in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

401 GREGORY LANE, SUITE 126PLEASANT HILL, CA 94523

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Starlet Pleasant Hill ThePleasantHillRecreation&ParkDistrictiscurrentlyacceptingap-plicationsforthe2012-2013Pleasant

HillTeenCouncil.Studentsmustbeingrades6-12forthe2012/2013schoolyear.TeenCouncilisanexcellentwayforteenstogetinvolvedinthePleasantHillcommunity. Councilmembersattendtwomeetingspermonth,volunteeratcom-munityevents,andhelpplanactivi-tiesfortheircommunity’speers.WiththeopeningofthenewPleasantHillTeenCenter,itisagreattimetogetinvolved. Formoreinformation,call682-0896.Applicationsareavailableathttp://pleasanthillrec.com/teen%20scene/teencouncil.htmlorattherec-reationofficeat147GregoryLane.Ap-plicationdeadlineisApril20.

OnMarch11,PromStarletpart-neredwiththePleasantHillTeenCoun-cilforaprompreviewfashionshowandfundraiserattheWinslowCenter.PromStarlet,locatedinDowntownPleasantHill,providedthelatestpromfashionsfromtheirsweepingselectionofdesignerdresses. PromStarlet’sdressesarereadyto

wear;walkin,tryonandtakehome!Dazzlingaccessoriesandshoesarealsoavailableinstore.PromStarletworkstoensurethatthesocialoccasionoftheyearisunforgettable. Byregisteringeverygowntheysell,thebuyercanfeelsecureknowingthatanothergirlwon’twalkintothepromwearingthesamedress.

OnSunday,March11,theBayArea’sbeststudentjazzmusiciansfromfourteenlocalhighschoolsandfour-teenmiddleschools,allcametogeth-erforaperformanceattheAcalanesPerformingArtsCenteraspartoftheLafayetteJazzFestival.Threelocalmu-

sicianswereselected:JordanFetter-man,atrumpetplayerand7thgraderatSequoiaMiddle,BrennanWilliams,atenorsaxplayerandsophomoreatCollegeParkandEricNakanishi,analtosaxplayerandafreshmanatNorthgate.

Pleasant Hill Teen Council modeled fashions from Pleasant Hill businesses, Prom Starlet and Selix Formalwear. Photos by Kate Brown, kebphotos.org.

Pictured LtoR: Brennan Williams, Eric Nakanishi, and Jordan Fetterman.

TEEN SCENE

www.ourcommunityfocus.com April 2012 COMMUNITY FOCUS SPRING AND SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE 2012

Martinez Recreation Summer Camps (1-week sessions)Nancy Boyd Playground 4yrs-5th gradeM-F, June 18-Aug. 10, 9am - 3pm. $87/$82 Mtz residentDrop-in rate $20/$18 Mtz resident.

Get up and Go Camp 6yrs–5th gradeM-F, June 18 - July 13, 9am - 3pm. Fees TBD.No drop-ins. Golden Hills Park, end of Bernice Ln.

Swim and Nature Camp 6yrs-5th gradeM - F, July 16-Aug. 10, 9am - 3pm. Fees TBDNo drop-ins. Rankin Park.

Summer’s End Camp 4yrs-5th gradeM - F, Aug.13 - Aug.17, 9am - 3pm. $87/$82 Mtz resident. Drop-in rate $20/$18 Mtz resident.Golden Hills Park, end of Bernice Ln.

Rankin Aquatic Center Classes Water AerobicsDate: May 1 - June 7, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday Time: 3:15 - 4:15pm. Fitness Lap SwimSwim at your own pace or follow a work-out provided by the sta�. Date: May 2 - June 6, Mon, Wed & Fri (does not meet 5/28) Time: Mon & Wed, 3:15 - 4:25pm, Fri. 4:30 – 6:30pm. Fee: Adults: $52/Session or $5 drop-in, Seniors: $42/Session or $4 drop-in.After School Swim LessonsSwim lessons for children in grades 1 - 5. Lesson includes rescue skills, water safety and a CPR demon-stration. Admission tickets will be provided the last day of class. Days/Dates: Monday & Wednseday; May 1 - May 30 (8 classes) • Times: 3:30 - 4:15pm. May 1 - May 30 (8 classes) • Fee: $57 Residents and $62 Non-ResidentsJunior Lifegurard/Swim Aide ClassStudents ages 10 - 14 will gain the skills and knowledge to assist a lifeguard in an emergency and work on swimming endurance. You will be trained By the Pool Manager and former graduate of the program. Instruc-tor: Sierra Elsken, Pool Manager. Days/Dates: Tues & Thurs., May 1 - May 31 • Times: 3:15 - 4:30pm • Fee: $60 Resident $65 Non - Resident.

M.J. Studios Art and Music M.J. Studios owners Bruce and Pat Jackson, believe that everyone has the potential to be creative in the arts and our goal is to nurture that creativity.

The Studio is a unique experience, with music and art in one location for the whole entire family. In ourwaiting room gallery, we o�er a relaxed atmosphere with a beverage and snack cafe. We also have a music store that carries instruments, accessories, music and art books.

Please come by and visit the studio, we are located at 670 Gregory Lane #G, Pleasant Hill 94523 or visit us at our website www.mjstudiosartandmusic.com. Our hours are Mon-Fri 10am - 7pm & Sat 10am - 6pm.

Spring Summer Activity GuideandGrizzliesmostofthegame.AshlyDickinson,PilarSouderandKendallStuscavagehadgreatshotsongoal,butjustcouldnotgetonein.TheGriz-zlieswereabletogetonepasttheCPgoalkeeperandwonwithafinalscoreof1-0. AshlyDickinsondominatedtheleagueandNCSwith29goals!TheLadyFalconsscoredatotalof73goalsontheseasonandallowedapproximately22.

Withtheendoftheseason,theCollegeParksoccerprogramsaysgood-byetonineseniors:JordanVaelei,MabelleGozun,AllyLaborde,ChristiannaStafford,NicolleBoschetti,AshlyDickinson,SelenaGonzalez,SaraMorleyandKarlaHernandez.Wewishthemthebestintheirfutureendeavors.CongratulationstotheteamforsuchagreatseasonandkudostocoachesRandyMadisonandRyannBrooks.

HOME TEaMCp Girls Varsity Soccer Season Wrap-Up

Submitted By Stacy Boschetti Expectationswerehighforthe2011-2012CollegeParkGirlsVarsitysoccerseason,withthirteenreturningplayersthatincludedtwofourth-yearplayers,AshlyDickinsonandJordanVaelei.Withtheadditionofoutstand-ingfreshmanJacquelynScharffandatalentedgroupofseniors,juniorsandsophomores,CPlookedtomakearunfortheDVALchampionship.FromthefirsttimetheseyoungladiessteppedontothepitchinDecember,itbecameapparentthiswasgoingtobeaspecialyear.Whentheirreliablekeeper,JordanVaelei,wasoutduetoaconcussion,firstyearjuniorkeeperKylieAliamusjumpedinandhadsomeoutstandinggames. Aftersomenon-leaguegames,theseasonbeganwithagameagainstNorthgate.NorthgatetookanearlyleadafterdefenderKendallMarshwentdownwithanACLinjury.ButtheLadyFalconscamebackandwontheirfirstleaguegame2-1.TheonlydefeatoftheleagueseasoncameagainstClaytonValleyonFebruary2,witha2-1loss.It

wasnotaproblem,though,astheLadyFalconswrappeduptheleaguetitletheweekbeforeagainstYgnacioValley.TheFalconsendedtheseasonwithan11-1-0record. InNCSplay,theDVALleaguechampionsFalconswereseeded12th.TheirfirstopponentwasagainstBerke-leyHighinBerkeley.ThesetwoteamsmetpreviouslyintheTri-Valleytourna-mentinDecember,whenBerkeleydefeatedtheLadyFalcons3-0.Berkeleywasrated#4inNCS,soCollegeParkexpectedatoughmatch.Andtoughitwas!Athalftime,thescorewas0-0.Inthesecondhalf,itremained0-0untilafreekickbyJacquelineScharffgaveCollegeParka1-0lead.Soonafter,AshlyDickinsonsentabeautifulbend-ingshotfromthetouchlineintothecornerofthenettosealthewin,2-0.ItwasagamefortheagesandsetupthenextgameversusCaliforniaHigh. OnFebruary18,CollegeParkhostedCaliforniaHigh.CalHighwasratedhigherthanCP.Falconsfoughthard,dominatingandpressuringthe

www.lesschwabmartinez.comVISIT US AT:

4/30/12

College Park seniors. Photo by Lisa Rumph.

COMMUNITY FOCUS SPRING AND SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE 2012

Martinez Recreation Summer Camps (1-week sessions)Nancy Boyd Playground 4yrs-5th gradeM-F, June 18-Aug. 10, 9am - 3pm. $87/$82 Mtz residentDrop-in rate $20/$18 Mtz resident.

Get up and Go Camp 6yrs–5th gradeM-F, June 18 - July 13, 9am - 3pm. Fees TBD.No drop-ins. Golden Hills Park, end of Bernice Ln.

Swim and Nature Camp 6yrs-5th gradeM - F, July 16-Aug. 10, 9am - 3pm. Fees TBDNo drop-ins. Rankin Park.

Summer’s End Camp 4yrs-5th gradeM - F, Aug.13 - Aug.17, 9am - 3pm. $87/$82 Mtz resident. Drop-in rate $20/$18 Mtz resident.Golden Hills Park, end of Bernice Ln.

Rankin Aquatic Center Classes Water AerobicsDate: May 1 - June 7, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday Time: 3:15 - 4:15pm. Fitness Lap SwimSwim at your own pace or follow a work-out provided by the sta�. Date: May 2 - June 6, Mon, Wed & Fri (does not meet 5/28) Time: Mon & Wed, 3:15 - 4:25pm, Fri. 4:30 – 6:30pm. Fee: Adults: $52/Session or $5 drop-in, Seniors: $42/Session or $4 drop-in.After School Swim LessonsSwim lessons for children in grades 1 - 5. Lesson includes rescue skills, water safety and a CPR demon-stration. Admission tickets will be provided the last day of class. Days/Dates: Monday & Wednseday; May 1 - May 30 (8 classes) • Times: 3:30 - 4:15pm. May 1 - May 30 (8 classes) • Fee: $57 Residents and $62 Non-ResidentsJunior Lifegurard/Swim Aide ClassStudents ages 10 - 14 will gain the skills and knowledge to assist a lifeguard in an emergency and work on swimming endurance. You will be trained By the Pool Manager and former graduate of the program. Instruc-tor: Sierra Elsken, Pool Manager. Days/Dates: Tues & Thurs., May 1 - May 31 • Times: 3:15 - 4:30pm • Fee: $60 Resident $65 Non - Resident.

M.J. Studios Art and Music M.J. Studios owners Bruce and Pat Jackson, believe that everyone has the potential to be creative in the arts and our goal is to nurture that creativity.

The Studio is a unique experience, with music and art in one location for the whole entire family. In ourwaiting room gallery, we o�er a relaxed atmosphere with a beverage and snack cafe. We also have a music store that carries instruments, accessories, music and art books.

Please come by and visit the studio, we are located at 670 Gregory Lane #G, Pleasant Hill 94523 or visit us at our website www.mjstudiosartandmusic.com. Our hours are Mon-Fri 10am - 7pm & Sat 10am - 6pm.

Spring Summer Activity Guideand

M.J. STUDIOS

ART & MUSIC

Beginning and Advanced

Fine Art classes*Music lessons

Music Store * Gallery Fundamentals, Drawing, Painting, Manga,

Cartooning, Pastels, Pen & Ink

Summer Art or Rock Band Camp Classes starting July 2 – Aug. 17 Register Now By Calling

(925) 472-0715

670 Gregory Ln. #G * Pleasant Hill 94523

WWW.MJSTUDIOSARTANDMUSIC.COM


NorCal Courts MartinezDan Middleton, part owner of NorCal Courts in Martinez is opening his facility to the community this month by adding an open gym on Friday afternoons and Sunday nights.

Middleton, who is also part owner of Cal Stars Basketball and head varsity coach of the Northgate high school girls basketball team, had been looking for a youth sports facility since 1999. He discovered the perfect space in one of the old Zocchi buildings on Ferry Street. Last year, Middleton and his partners worked with the City of Martinez to secure a lease on 360 Ferry Street for 15 years with a 5-year renewal. NorCal Courts opened for business in March.

The 30,000 sq. ft. facility currently holds 3 regulation size basketball and 4 regula-tion size volleyball courts. It is predominately used as a rental facility for bay area basketball and volleyball club teams to hold practices, clinics, camps and tourna-ments. On average, it is $55 an hour to rent to clubs and teams. “I’m the lowest in the area,” boasts Middleton.

NorCal Courts is now providing an adult lunch time open gym every Friday from 11am-1pm and adult leagues on Sunday nights at 6pm. The community can sign up individually or as a team with a small drop in fee.

Middleton is also involved with the UCP Hoops basketball camp for special needs children. His further plan for NorCal Courts is to run a camp with the help of Alhambra High School basketball players. He explains that, “Beginning in May, we want to run a UCP Hoops every second Sunday of the month. Players from Alham-bra would be invited to help teach basic basketball skills and play some friendly games. We’d like to make it a year-round thing.”

Today, the gym is alive with after school basketball practices and tournaments. The ultimate goal of NorCal Courts, says Middleton, is to have people “looking to have a good time with their friends and stay healthy.”

For more information, visit: www.norcalcourts.com or contact Dan Middleton at 925.465.4498.


New adventures with live animals, science experiments, games and crafts held indoors and outdoors. Register today as camp �lls quickly.

Creepy Crawly Critter Camp, ages 4-6 - June 25-29, 1- 3:30pm

Getting Down to Earth, ages 6-9 - July 9-13, 1- 4:30pm

Behind the Scenes – Wildlife Rehabilitation, ages 10-12 - July 23-27, 1- 4:30pm

Animal Adaptations, ages 6-9 - July 30-August 3, 1- 4:30pm

For more information on camps, classes and workshops for ages 2 through adult, go to www.wildlife-museum.org.

Visit during Spring Break- 10am-5pm each day,1931 First Avenue, Walnut Creek(925) 935-1978

Lindsay Wildlife Museum Wild Times Summer Science Camp

Registration is now open! For more information go to our website at www.ymca-cba.org.

Traditional camps are available along with selected specialty camps in Alamo! Speciality camps include art and Lego camps.

THE SUMMERTO DISCOVER

IRVIN DEUTSCHER FAMILY YMCA350 Civic DrivePleasant Hill, CA 94523(P) 925 687 8900

Summer Camp 2012IRVIN DEUTSCHER FAMILY YMCA

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At Wild Times Summer Science Camp, your young naturalist will marvel, laugh and learn with new adventures every day—live animal

encounters, fun science experiments, games, stories and crafts.

Weekly half-day sessions for ages 4–12.

Learn more and register today at www.wildlife-museum.org

1931 F IRST AVENUE | WALNUT CREEK | 925 -935-1978

LOOK. TOUCH.

DISCOVER.

Lindsay-ScienceCamp-4.75x5.375-ComFocus-REV1.indd 1 3/20/12 1:00 PM

Buena Vista Swim ClubOpen house saturday may 12

Memberships Still Available For Summer 2012• Quiet, relaxed, shaded lawn setting • Lifeguards on duty - Gated kiddy pool

• Holiday Parties, BBQ and Picnic area • No swim team to interfere with pool access

come join us noon to four p.m.come join us noon to four p.m.

• New members receive (4) 30-minute private swim lessons• Private swim lessons open to non-members.

Call Karen Jovin (510)366-9344 or Jane Locke (510)590-8481

For membership inquiries Contact Christine at [email protected] Cortsen Road, Pleasant Hill • www.buenavistaswimclub.org

Memberships Still Available For Summer 2012


NorCal Courts MartinezDan Middleton, part owner of NorCal Courts in Martinez is opening his facility to the community this month by adding an open gym on Friday afternoons and Sunday nights.

Middleton, who is also part owner of Cal Stars Basketball and head varsity coach of the Northgate high school girls basketball team, had been looking for a youth sports facility since 1999. He discovered the perfect space in one of the old Zocchi buildings on Ferry Street. Last year, Middleton and his partners worked with the City of Martinez to secure a lease on 360 Ferry Street for 15 years with a 5-year renewal. NorCal Courts opened for business in March.

The 30,000 sq. ft. facility currently holds 3 regulation size basketball and 4 regula-tion size volleyball courts. It is predominately used as a rental facility for bay area basketball and volleyball club teams to hold practices, clinics, camps and tourna-ments. On average, it is $55 an hour to rent to clubs and teams. “I’m the lowest in the area,” boasts Middleton.

NorCal Courts is now providing an adult lunch time open gym every Friday from 11am-1pm and adult leagues on Sunday nights at 6pm. The community can sign up individually or as a team with a small drop in fee.

Middleton is also involved with the UCP Hoops basketball camp for special needs children. His further plan for NorCal Courts is to run a camp with the help of Alhambra High School basketball players. He explains that, “Beginning in May, we want to run a UCP Hoops every second Sunday of the month. Players from Alham-bra would be invited to help teach basic basketball skills and play some friendly games. We’d like to make it a year-round thing.”

Today, the gym is alive with after school basketball practices and tournaments. The ultimate goal of NorCal Courts, says Middleton, is to have people “looking to have a good time with their friends and stay healthy.”

For more information, visit: www.norcalcourts.com or contact Dan Middleton at 925.465.4498.


New adventures with live animals, science experiments, games and crafts held indoors and outdoors. Register today as camp �lls quickly.

Creepy Crawly Critter Camp, ages 4-6 - June 25-29, 1- 3:30pm

Getting Down to Earth, ages 6-9 - July 9-13, 1- 4:30pm

Behind the Scenes – Wildlife Rehabilitation, ages 10-12 - July 23-27, 1- 4:30pm

Animal Adaptations, ages 6-9 - July 30-August 3, 1- 4:30pm

For more information on camps, classes and workshops for ages 2 through adult, go to www.wildlife-museum.org.

Visit during Spring Break- 10am-5pm each day,1931 First Avenue, Walnut Creek(925) 935-1978

Lindsay Wildlife Museum Wild Times Summer Science Camp

2012 Season Tryouts

April 15 - 22

U15-U18 Boys

Sunday, April 159-10:30am - U1510:30am-12noon - U16 12noon-1:30pm - U171:30-3pm - U18 Clayton Valley High School, ConcordTues. & Thur., April 17 & 194:30-6pm - U15, U16 6-7:30pm - U17, U18 Hillcrest Park, Concord

U15-U18 Girls

Mon. & Wed., April 16 & 184:30-6pm - U15, U16 6-7:30pm - U17, U18 Boatwright Fields, ConcordSunday, April 22 9-10:30am - U17 10:30am-12noon - U18 12noon-1:30pm - U15 1:30-3pm - U16 Clayton Valley High School, Concord

MissedU9-U14

Tryouts?

Visit www.diablofc.org and register for the appropriate U9-U14 age group in the Tryout tab and you'll be contacted about player evaluation appointment.

U15 8/1/97 - 7/31/98U16 8/1/96 - 7/31/97U17 8/1/95 - 7/31/96U18 8/1/94 - 7/31/95

Age Matrix

Are you next?

We’ve sent players to professional soccer

and nearly 200 alumni to over 70 colleges

across the USA. You can be next!

Call (925) 779-2102 for tryout weather updates.Tryouts will be held rain or shine!

Pre-register at www.diablofc.org

No charge to tryout.

Diablo FC offers players:• Unparalleled coaching staff with US Men’s National Team and college coaches• Innovative training program • Goalkeeper & Striker training• National Premier League• Western College Development Assn.• True club atmosphere • College preparation• New Teams forming

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

form today. Players are encouraged to attend all tryouts to maximize their exposure to the coaches.

Diablo FC is the area’s premier youth soccer club with competitive teams for boys and girls from Under 8 through Under 23. Diablo FC takes pride in the development of each player and the excellent performances of our players and teams in all age groups and as alumni.

Chris “Wondo” WondolowskiClub Alumnus

2010 & 2011 MLS Top Goal Scorer2011 MLS All-Star

2011 & 2012 USA Men’s National Team

Calen Carr Club Alumnus

Houston DynamoStarter MLS Cup 2011

Aly WingetClub Alumnus

NCAA ChampionUniversity of North Carolina

www.diablofc.org 925 798-GOAL

A brand new 30,000 sq. ft. Sports Facility with 3 Basketball

and 4 Volleyball Courts.

Call 925-465-4498 to schedule your open gym times

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Open Daily, Monday thru Friday at 4 pm.Saturday and Sunday for

tournaments and special events.Sunday-Open gym from 6-9 pm.

Adult lunch time basketball every Fridayfrom 11am-1pm. Small drop in fee of $5

or $4 Martinez residents.360 Ferry Street, Martinez CA

925.465.4498

Adult leagues forming soon!

Like NorCal Courts on Facebook

email [email protected]


COURAGE • PRIDE • HONOR • SACRIFICE SPECIAL PULLOUT SECTION PROVIDED BY CP BOOSTERS

A GENEROUS THANK YOU TO OUR DEDICATED SPONSORS

BECOME A PART OF SOMETHING GREAT - JOIN THE BOOSTERS. FOR INFO GO TO WWW.CPHSBOOSTERS.COM

SPRING SPORTS SCHEDULE

VARSITY SOFTBALLDATE OPPONENT SITE4/3 Clayton Valley Clayton4/5-4/7 LIVERMORE STAMPEDE TBD4/17 Mt. Diablo CPHS4/24 Berean Christian CPHS4/25 Northgate Northgate 4/26 Ygnacio Valley YVHS5/1 Concord CPHS5/3 Clayton Valley CPHS5/10 Mt. Diablo Mt Diablo5/15 Northgate CPHS5/17 Berean Christian Berean5/22 – 5/23 NCS 1st Round5/25 – 5/26 NCS Quarter Finals5/29 – 5/30 NCS Semi-Finals 6/1 – 6/2 Championships

JV SOFTBALL4/3 Clayton Valley CPHS4/5 Concord CPHS4/17 Clayton Valley Clayton4/25 Northgate CPHS5/1 Concord Concord5/3 Clayton Valley Clayton 5/8 Concord Concord5/10 Clayton Valley Clayton5/15 Northgate NorthgateAll gametimes 4pm except finals

VARSITY LACROSSEDATE OPPONENT SITE & TIME4/5 Dublin CPHS 5PM 4/17 Oak Tech CPHS 5PM4/20 Justin-Sienna Justin-Sienna 6PM4/24 Northgate Northgate 7PM4/27 Berean CPHS 5PM5/1 Clayton Valley Clayton 7PM5/4 Northgate CPHS 5PM5/8 Berean Berean 4PM5/11 Clayton Valley CPHS 5PM

JV LACROSSE4/2 Bentley Bentley 4PM4/20 Justin-Sienna Justin-Sienna 4:30PM4/24 Northgate Northgate 5:30PM4/27 Berean CPHS 3:30PM5/1 Clayton Valley Clayton 5PM5/4 Northgate CPHS 3:30PM5/8 Berean Berean TBA5/11 Clayton Valley CPHS3:30PM

GOLFDATE OPPONENT SITE4/3 Concord CCCC4/5 Berean Christian Boundary Oak4/17 Clayton Valley CCCC 5/14 NCS Championships TBAAll matches 3:30pm

BOYS TENNISDATE OPPONENT SITE4/3 Mt. Diablo Mt. Diablo 3:30PM4/5 Northgate CPHS 3:30PM4/17 Concord Concord 3:30PM4/19 Clayton Valley Clayton Valley 3:30PM4/23 DVAL Tournament Northgate 10AM4/23 DVAL Tournament Northgate 4PM5/10-5/12 NCS TBA

VARSITY BASEBALLDATE OPPONENT SITE4/3 Clayton Valley Clayton 4PM4/9 Tourny vs Los Gatos at Archbishop Mitty 4PM4/10- 4/12 Valley Shark Crown Classic TBD4/17 Mt. Diablo CPHS 4PM4/19 Northgate Northgate 4PM4/21 Montgomery CPHS 2PM 4/24 Berean CPHS 4pm4/26 Ygnacio Ygnacio 4PM5/1 Concord CPHS 4PM 5/3 Clayton Valley CPHS 4PM5/10 Mt. Diablo Mt. Diablo 4PM5/15 Northgate CPHS 4PM5/17 Berean DVC 4PM5/19 CPHS ALUMNI GAME CPHS 8AM

FROSH/SOPH BASEBALL4/4 Valley Christian CPHS 4PM4/7-4/10 Dougherty Tourny TBA4/19 Northgate Northgate 4PM4/21 Millennium Millenium 2PM4/27 Marin Catholic CPHS 4PM4/28 Concord Concord10AM5/4 Berean CPHS 4PM5/5 San Ramon Valley San Ramon 11AM5/12 Logan CPHS 10AM5/15 Northgate Northgate4PM

JV BASEBALL4/3 Clayton Valley CPHS 4PM4/7 Liberty Liberty 10AM4/9-4/11 Concord HS Tourney TBD4/19 Northgate CPHS 4PM4/21 San Ramon San Ramon10AM4/24 Berean Berean 4PM4/28 Mission San Jose San Jose10AM5/1 Concord Concord 4PM5/3 Clayton Valley Clayton 4PM5/11 Las Lomas Las Lomas 4PM5/15 Northgate Northgate 4PM5/17 Berean CPHS 4PM


COURAGE • PRIDE • HONOR • SACRIFICE

A GENEROUS THANK YOU TO OUR DEDICATED SPONSORS

BECOME A PART OF SOMETHING GREAT - JOIN THE BOOSTERS. FOR INFO GO TO WWW.CPHSBOOSTERS.COM

SPECIAL PULLOUT SECTION PROVIDED BY CP BOOSTERS

SWIMMINGDATE OPPONENT SITE4/4 Northgate Northgate 4PM4/18 Ygnacio Valley Ygnacio 3PM4/27 Concord CPHS 4PM5/4 Berean Christian CPHS 3PM5/10 DVAL Diving TBA 4PM5/11 DVAL Trials TBA 9AM5/12 DVAL Finals TBA 8AM 5/14 NCS Diving TBA5/17-19 NCS Championships TBA

TRACK AND FIELDDATE OPPONENT SITE4/4 Berean CPHS 3:30PM4/6-4/7 Stanford Invitational Stanford4/18 Mt. Diablo/Concord CPHS 3:30PM4/25 Northgate CPHS 3:30PM4/27 Robert Warren-Charlie Eaton Relays Acalanes4/28 Sacramento Meet of Champions5/2 Clayton Valley Clayton Valley 3:30PM5/9-5/10 DVAL Trials Northgate 5/12 DVAL Finals Northgate5/19 NCS Granada5/26-5/27 NCS Meet of Champions Berkeley

VOLLEYBALLDATE OPPONENT SITE TIME4/3 Clayton Valley Clayton Valley JV 5PM, V 6PM4/4 St. Patrick’s/St. Vincent’s CPHS JV 6PM4/17 Campolindo CPHS JV 5PM4/17 Mt. Diablo CPHS V 6PM4/19 Northgate Northgate JV 5PM, V 6PM4/21 Deer Valley Tournament Deer Valley JV 8AM4/24 Berean CPHS V6PM4/24 De La Salle CPHS JV 5PM4/26 Ygnacio CPHS JV 5PM, V 6PM4/28 California Tournament California JV 8AM4/28 Foothill Tournament Foothill V 8AM5/1 Concord Concord JV 5PM,V 6PM5/3 Clayton Valley CPHS JV 5PM, 6PM5/10 Mt. Diablo Mt. Diablo V 6PM5/16 – 5/25 NCS Championships TBA V 7PM

SPRING SPORTS SCHEDULE


“Egg”citing Egg Hunt

Business Challenge

100th Celebration

TomandRubyMacDonald,foundingownersofCarltonSeniorLiv-ingCommunities,TheChateausofCon-traCostaCounty,haveofferedPleasantHillRecreation&ParkDistrictatwo-for-onechallengegrantforitscapitalcampaign.Aslong-timefriendsandsupportersofthePleasantHillRecre-ation&ParkDistrict’sSeniorCenter,theMacDonaldshaveissuedthefollowingchallengetothebusinesscommunity:

Forevery$1,000raisedwithinthelocalbusinesscommunity,theMacDon-aldswilldonate$2,000tothecampaign,uptoamaximumof$50,000!EachcontributingbusinesswillberecognizedonaplaqueprovidedbytheMacDon-aldsandpermanentlydisplayedonthe

wallofthenewPleasantHillSeniorCenter.Yourbusiness’namewillbeseenbythousandsofseniorsandcommunitymemberswalkingthrougheveryweek.

This“BusinessTwo-for-OneChal-lenge”isdesignedspecificallytoequipthenewPleasantHillSeniorCenterwithfurniture,fixtures&equipment.PleasejoinTom&RubyMacDonaldasaCampaignFundingPartner.Withyourgenerousgift,thenewPleasantHillSeniorCenterwillopenlaterthisyear,fullyequippedandreadytoserveourseniorsandcommunity.CallSeniorCenterSupervisorKendraLuketodaytodiscussgiftopportunitiesat(925)[email protected].

HopondowntoPleasantHillParkonSaturday,April7forafun-filledmorn-ingofegghunts,facepainting,greatmu-sicfromStrawberryFieldsDJandmuchmore.ThePleasantHillRecreationandParkDistrictalongwiththePleasantHillLionsClubwillonceagainpresenttheirpopularegghuntforchildrenagestenandunder.

Egghuntswillbeginontimeandareorganizedbyage,soeverychildhasequalopportunitytofindtreasure-filledeggs.FindtheGoldenTicketinyoureggandwinaspecialprize!Check-instartsat9:30amwiththefirstegghuntforages0-3at10:30am,followedbyegghuntsforages4-5andthen7-10year-olds.Costis$6perchild

Spaceislimited!Pre-registration

requiredandmustbedonebynoononApril6.Call(925)682-0896orvisitwww.pleasanthillrec.com.

CubScoutPack282watchedtheircreationsroardownthetrackatthepine-woodderbyraceheldatStrandwoodEl-ementaryonMarch2.Originatingin1953,thisisoneofthemostpopularfam-ilyactivitiesinCubScouting.TheCubScoutsdesignedandbuiltsmallwood-enmodelvehicleswithhelpfromtheirfamilies,thenassembledinthemulti-useroomtowatchastheircarsraceddownatrackpoweredbygravity. Belowisthelistofwinnersfromtheevent: Den Winners- 1st place:HendrickRead,KeithMcBride,KeoneTakahashi,IainHiggins,IanWaldandMichaelHuth;2nd place:KameronNushi,BrettLubeck,PeterKaiser,EmilioBarrera,MatthewHutchinson,AlexanderIgoe;3rd place: JordanHoffman,LoganGomez,LoganKorsgaard,CharlesBoyle,JohnnyHoff-manandAlphonsoPalermo.Rank Win-ners-1st place:HendrickRead,KeoneTakahashi,IanWald,MichaelHuth;2nd place: KameronNushi,LoganKorsgaard,IainHiggins,AlexanderIgoe;3rd place:JordanHoffman,KeithMcBride,EmilioBarrera,andAlphonsoPalermo.Pack Winners-1st place:AlexanderIgoe,2nd

GirlscoutsyoungandoldgatheredatthepondatPleasantHillCityHallonMarch12tocelebratethe100yearanniversaryofGirlScouts.TheywerejoinedbyPleasantHillMayorJohnHanecakandenjoyedacandlelightceremonywithsongsandrefreshments.

local pinewood Derby Excitement

Scout Colby Keck shows off his vehicle, the “Toy Mater,” and proudly explains, “It was a really fun

project. It took about a month to build. My dad and I researched pictures on the computer and my neighbor helped me build it with tools in his

garage. I sanded it and painted it!”

place:IanWaldand3rd place: HendrickRead.Open Class Winners- 1st place:MaxWald,2nd place:MarkGomezand3rd place:RonIgoe.

Pictured are Alana Webster, Maddy Dodson, Marissa Dodson, Sophia Best and Adiva Asefi. Photo submitted by Cynthia Webster.


2012 Pleasant Hill RebelsThe Pleasant Hill Rebels Youth Football and Cheer is part of Diablo Valley Youth Football. We strive to provide a positive environment for our youth to participate both in football and cheer. We stress academics, dedication and teamwork to ensure all participants learn values, life lessons and continue to develop into positive role models in our community.

Rebels Cheer and Football have been a winning tradition in the Pleasant Hill Community for over 50 years. Rebels registration is now open for both Cheer and Football, so come join the winning tradition. www.phrebels.org925-289-3918

Spring Break Lego CampJedi Master Engineering with Lego! The force is strong in this camp. Build complex machines and structures based on the best designs from a galaxy far, far away. Projects include X-wings, AT-AT walkers, Pod Racers, Star Destroyers, Cloud Cities, settlements, and fortresses.

Play-Well's Jedi instructors reinforce key engineering concepts such as gear trains, worm drives, pneumatics, eccentric motion and more as students tap into the power-ful forces of imagination and engineering.

Spring Break Lego Camp is for ages 8-12 Yrs.Call (925) 682-0896 to register or visit us online at www.pleasanthillrecreation.com.

SOCCER CAMPS

For registration visit our webstite at www.futurestarsfutbol.com

Future Stars Soccer Academy Session 1 Dates: July 23-27 • Time: 9am-2pmLocation: Boatwright Youth Complex, Concord Ages: 6-16 • Cost: $175

Future Stars Soccer Academy Session 2 Dates: July 30-August 3 • Time: 9am-2pmLocation: Rudgear Park, Walnut CreekAges: 6-16 • Cost: $175

Brian Voltattorni

Future Stars Soccer Academy o�ers soccer camps for players of all ability levels. If you are the serious soccer player looking to develop your game at a higher level or just starting soccer for the �rst time,

this is the soccer experience for you. Join us this summer and learn soccer the Future Stars way!

NK Dinamo Zagreb Soccer CampInstructed by the Youth Coaches from NK Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia, a European player development powerhouse. Dates: July 9-13 • 9am-3pmLocation: Boatwright FieldsAges: U9-U18 Boys & Girls • Cost: $225

Future Stars Skills AcademyDesigned for competitive soccer players.Dates: July 23-26 • Time: 9am-12pmLocation: Boatwright Youth Complex, ConcordAges: 10-16 • Cost: $125

SOCCER CAMPS

Brian Voltattorni 925.212.8460 • [email protected]

www.heritagesc.com

Heritage Soccer Club - Summer Camps 2012

2012 HSC (OLDER) Tryouts Boys and Girls Ages U15-U18 Dates: April 3rd, April 5th, April 17th, April 19th, April 21st Go to WWW.HeritageSC.COM for Locations, Sign-up & Tryout Times !

HERITAGE SOCCER CLUB

Please contact Coaching Director Julio Borge at [email protected] with any questions related to HERITAGE SOCCER CLUB

related to the Heritage Club Soccer.

Heritage Soccer Club (HSC) Offers:

• Excellent Coaches & Trainers • Affordable Club Fees ! • FREE Clinics & Camps • FREE Health, Strength & Conditioning Programs (HSC) • Local HOME Fields (All-Weather and Grass) • HSC is a Non-Profit Organization

NEW Summer Camps!

Boys Camp June 25th - June 28th at Tesoro Fields

Schedule: Monday-Thursday from 8:30am-1:30pm Fee for the Camp: $250.00 for Non-HSC Players and $150.00 for HSC Players

Girls Camp

July 9th - July 12th at Tesoro Fields Schedule: Monday-Thursday from 8:30am-1:30pm

Fee for the Camp: $250.00 for Non-HSC Players and $150.00 for HSC Players

For ALL Camps go to WWW.HeritageSC.com to register via Sportability 21st, 22nd & 28th 8am-5pm

Boys and Girls Ages U8-U14

Where: College Park HS Turf Field. Go to WWW.HeritageSC.COM for details & forms!


HOME TEaM

Basketball Champs

Hawks Coach Honored

Martinez Opening Day

CTK First in league

rush Takes Third

Standing L-R - Coach Gino Scodeller, Victor Ortega, Joey Finnegan, Zach Helsing, Max Jordan and Coach Matt Helsing. Kneeling L-R – Gabriel Scodeller, Bradley Morrison, Nate Behrens and Jacob Se-rafino. Not pictured: Russell Buckley. Photo Credit: Sherri Morrison

Pictured L-R: First Row: Kalane Bessard, Lauren Etnyre, Abigail Radutiu, and Maggie Scaff. Second Row: Leah Walton, Jasmine Safarians, Evelyn Kim, and Kianie Ramirez. Third Row: Coaches Ray Ramirez and Michael Kim.

The Christ The King 6th grade American CYO girls basketball team recently completed anoth-er incredible season, coming in 1st place in their league with a 10-0 record (19-3 overall). The Crusaders ended the season in grand style in the Diocese playoffs, beating St. Ignatius (34-11) and St. Francis (20-16), which propelled them into the championship game versus a very tough St. Anne’s squad (10-0 league and undefeated in the last two years). The championship game was a battle, however in the end, CTK edged out St. Anne’s for a thrilling 33-30 finish.

OnOpeningDay,March10,RussellCarroll,PleasantHillBaseballTravelingCommissioner,presentedlongtimecoachPaulDamheselwithaplaquetohonorhistwenty-fifthyearofdedicationtothePHBAHawksprogram. Theinscriptionreads:The Pleasant Hill Hawks Baseball Program would like to thank you for your 25 years of coaching. During these years, over 350 young men have learned of commitment, sportsman-ship, responsibility and respect for the game of baseball. It is because of your tireless dedication and love of the game that each of these players left the program a better player and a better person than when they entered. You made becoming a Pleasant Hill Hawk something special, something

to be proud of. For all of this we owe you a special thank you and our sincere gratitude.

The Christ the King boys 6th grade CYO basketball team finished 9-1 for the Red Division in the 2011-2012 season. This team was invited to play in the Diocese Tournament of Champions, held at Heritage High School in Brentwood, where they finished in second place in a tough final match against St. Perpetua of Lafayette.

Tod Gomes, creativelookphoto.com

Representing Pleasant Hill in the Paso Robles Tournament in February, Rush, the U12 girls team, took the 3rd place medal in overtime! It all came down to penalty kicks after playing five long games in two days. Good job girls! Submitted by Jodi Robinson

Friends Shannon Kelly (Eagles) and Kamryn Lee (Broncos) take a break from the parade to pose for the camera. They play softball for the Martinez Youth Baseball and Softball league. Photo submitted by Melinda Lee.

Most Valuable player Basketball:Co-MVP’s:MichaelDaily,CPHS&MikeyEggleton,CPHSSoccer:AshlyDickinson,CPHSMOST ValUaBlE OFFENSiVE plaYEr Soccer: SantiagoAlejandro,AHS1st TEaM all-lEaGUEBasketball:MollyShoenwieler,CPHSSoccer: TylerSylvia,AHS;MasonQuin-tero,CPHS;AnnaWhipple,AHS;MabelGozun,CPHS;JackieScharff,CPHS;PilarSouder,CPHSWrestling:QuentinPerez,AHS;CodyTeifel,CPHS;CaseySalmon,CPHS;BrianSergi,CPHS;AnthonyUrbina,CPHS;JoeyAvila,CPHS;JJChou,CPHS;ConorYoung,CPHS;NickOrpin-Wilkes,CPHS;AlexEncarnacion,CPHS;CoryCamp-bell,CPHS2nd TEaM all lEaGUEBasketball:JohnDaily,CPHS

Soccer:OsielMendoza,AHS;BobbyGonzalez,CPHS;BrittaniPygeorge,AHS;JuliaWilkins,AHS;ChristianaStafford,CPHS;KendallStuscavage,CPHS;Jor-danVaelei,CPHSWrestling:MiguelLara,AHS;KaelenKelly,CPHS;RomelloMonjares,CPHSHONOraBlE MENTiONBasketball:BlakeMartin,AHS;JustinSmith,CPHS;KyleePerez,AHS;StormyCotton,CPHS;LaurenHantos,CPHS;ToriPeleras,CPHSSoccer:JesusMaldonado,AHS;EthanLipson-Gokcen,AHS;JuanSanchez,AHS;ScottWalker,CPHS;EllenGriffitns,AHS;GabriellaGonzolves,AHS;Mag-gieAires,AHS;SelenaGonzales,CPHS;AlexandraLaborve,CPHSWrestling: LuisHaefke,AHS,QuentinWright,AHS,AndrewReyes,CPHS;ShaneGerhard,CPHS

2012 WiNTEr all-lEaUGE pErFOrMErS College park High (CpHS) & alhambra High (aHS)


PleasantHillBaseballAssociation’s(PHBA)annualOpeningDayparadeandgamestookplaceonSaturday,March10andwas,onceagain,ahugehitamongtheplayers,familiesandthelocalcommunity.PHBAhasbeensupport-ingtheyouthofPleasantHillbyofferingbaseballandsoftballforfifty-fouryears.PHBAprovidesaleaguewhereeverychildplays,aswellasamorecompetitivetravelingleagueforadvancedplayers. TheeventbeganwithaparadefromSequoiaElementarySchooltoPleasantOaksPark(acrossfromPleasantHillMiddleSchool).Theparadestartedpromptlyat8:00amandwasledbyMay-orJohnHanecakandPoliceChiefPeterDunbar.Family,friends,andsupporterslinedtheparaderouteandcheeredontheparadeparticipantsthatincludedbaseballandsoftballteams,afireengine,antiqueandcustomcars,apolicecar,ahaywagon,BoyScoutColorGuardandmuchmore. Followingtheparade,therewereopeningceremoniesatthePHBASports

Complextoringinthenewseason.Baseballandsoftballgamesfollowedthroughouttheday,aswellasbar-b-

que,battingcages,speedtrackpitching,slides,gladiatorjoust,bouncehouse,raf-flesandmanymorefunactivities.There

wassomethingforeveryoneanditwasagreatwaytocelebrateandstartthe2012season!

pHBa Opening Day

Sponsors and Advertisers of the 2012 Pleasant Hill Baseball Association

A�ordable ElectricAll Out BaseballAllstate InsuranceAppraisal ExpeditersAspen Surgery CenterAuPairCare Live-In ChildcareBack Forty Texas BBQBay Area Property ServicesBest Bounce, Inc.Better Homes RealtyBid Right ConstructionBig Air Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.Bill's Ace HardwareBME Electric Inc.Calloway Portable SheltersCarol "Tu Tu" ValdezCasey Strand ChiropracticChris' Discount Mu�er & BrakesCollins ManagementComar & Associates Ameriprise FinancialConcord Tow WorldCondon-Johnson & Assoc.Cottage KennelCurran ElectricDallimonti's RestaurantDavid C. Fontan PaintingDenon and Doyle Disc Jockey Co.Deutsche BankDiablo Handyman IncorporatedDiablo Trophies & Awards

Direct Line Tele ResponseEames Hardware & SupplyEnvironmental Packaging IncERM - WESTFalafel Software, Inc.Farmer's ProduceFast SignsFirst RealtyFive Guys Burger and FriesFrank Zablocki General ContractorGeopolis Spatial SolutionsGryco SportswearHermelin Law FirmHorizons DentalImpact TransportationJennifer Y. Kim DDSJohn I. Cooper Restoration SystemsKaren BoothKaren SullivanKerns & Associates Industrial ProductsKobe JapanLaura Wucher - RealtorLehmer's Concord Buick GMCLes Schwab Tire CenterMark Rolandelli ConstructionMartin OrthodonticsMatthew Rinn - State Farm AgencyMechanics BankMichael E Huguet, DDS Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

Mike Murphy BaseballMVP SportscardsNight Owl PediatricsPaci�c Utilities SupplyPapa Murphy'sPG&EPleasant Hill Collision Repair CenterPleasant Hill Lions ClubPleasant Hill Police AssociationPremier Property MaintenancePro Home SystemsRotary Club of Pleasant HillRubens Nunnemaker LLPSafety Compliance ManagementSaint Mary's College Athletic Summer CampsSteel Smokin BBQSteve's LandscapingStrategic Property Solutions, Inc.Tacky Mac WeldingThe Bonney Law FirmThe Moulding CompanyTHI (Troy Hess Instruction)Trenery Homes, Inc.USSSAWalnut Festival AssociationWatson Electric, Inc.Webcor BuildersWing StopZio Fraedo's

Thank you for your support of P.H.B.A.


Not Your average JoeBy Randy Wanser

Chewonthis:OutofanestimatedseventymillionyouthathletesacrossAmericaandapproximatelytwelvemil-lionofthosewhoplayedbaseballinama-joramateurorganizationin2011,PleasantHill’sownJoeDeMers,whorecentlyturnedfifteen,tookhomethenationalYoutheeawardforMaleAthleteoftheYear.ThisFebruary,votersfromAlaskatoMaineselectedthepower-pitchingandhard-hittingDeMers,byanearlyfortypercentmajorityoverfourotherfinal-istsatthecountry’slargestannualyouthsportscelebration. NotthatawardsandrecognitionareanythingnewtoDeMers;hisimpressivelistofaccomplishmentshavepeopleinelitesports’circlestalkingabouthimasthenumberonebaseballprospectinthecountryforthe2015highschoolgradu-atingclass.(Hisfastball,clockedat91mph,doesalotoftalking,too.)DeMersearned“TravelBallSelectPlayeroftheYear”nationalhonorsinboth2010and2011.Atfourteenyearsofage,DeMers

securedacovetedpitchingroleontheultra-elite16UUSANationalTeamthatwonthegoldmedalinMexico.Oneyearprior,DeMersrepresentedhiscountryonthe14UUSANationalTeaminNicara-gua,wherehepitchedaperfectgameto

winthebronzemedalversusBrazilandrecordedthreehomerunsinthetourna-ment. Accordingtohismother,LisaDeM-ers,Joe’sphysicaltalentsbecameevidentveryearly.Alwaysabigkid,Joeplayedsoccerupuntilsecondgrade.ThatcareerendedmercifullywhenamammothblastofthesoccerballfromJoe’sfootactuallybrokethegoalkeeper’sarm.Joewaseven“toobig”toplayfootballwithhispeers,andwouldhavehadtoplayseveralagelevelsuptomatchhisweightandsize.Andso,“BigJoe”ashecametobecalled,begantofocushisskillandpowerprima-rilyonthebaseballdiamond. LisaDeMersrecalls,“Intee-ball,he’dhittheballsofar,thatafterhe’dgonearoundthebases,Joewouldruntotheoutfieldtohelptheotherteamfindtheball.” AsapitcherplayinginPleasantHillBaseballAssociation’sPioneerleagueforeightyearolds,Joepitchedaperfectsea-son.Yep,youreadthatright.Heretiredeverybatterhefacedduringanentiresixteen-gameseason.Fromthere,travelteamsbeckoned,andJoecontinuedtomakethemostofhisopportunities.Inhisfirstmajortournament,playinginPhoe-nix,ArizonaforLamorindaBaseball,Joehitseveralhomeruns,pitchedthecham-pionshipvictory,andwasnamedMVP.EliteWorldSeriestitles,moreMVPs,and

severalperfectlypitchedgamesfollowedthroughouthisyouthcareer. CollegeParkHighSchoolvarsitybaseballcoachMattLislerememberswhenDeMershithisradarafewyearsago.“Anothercoachhadtoldmeaboutthislocaleleven-year-oldhehadseenhitahomerunatatournamentgameatDiabloValleyCollege,wherethefencesare375feetfromhomeplate.Threeyearslater,JoejoinedourFalconsvarsityteamasafreshman.” LislesaysthatwhileDeMersclearlypossessesphysicalgiftsthatmakehima“once-in-a-coaching-career”talent,hishopeforJoeisthathewillcontinuetoworkhard,pushhisabilitiestohigherlevels,andtakeawaypositiveteamworkandlifeskillsfromhishighschoolplay-ingdays. “I’veneverseenanyplayerplateauasafreshman,neitherphysicallynorasateammate,”saysLisle.“So,whileJoewillnaturallygrowandhispitchingspeedwillincrease,IwanttoseeJoe,throughcontinuedhardworkanddedication,takecontrolofhisowndestiny.Hecantrulybegreat.” Thatpotentialgreatnesshasalreadycaughttheattentionofscoutsatthenextlevel.DeMershasbeencontactedbyfortyuniversitiesandcollegeswithtopbaseballprograms,threeofwhichhaveofferedfull-ridescholarships. Success.Awards.Scholarships.That’sheadystuffforayoungman,allof15.WhenaskedhowJoehandlesthefameandaccolades,LisaDeMerssaysofherson,“That’swhatMomandDadaremostproudof.Joehasremainedhumble.Hehasagreatattitude.That’swhatUSABaseballlooksfor,andwhathashelpedJoeearntherighttorepresenthiscountrythepasttwoyears.” Whatdoes“BigJoe”thinkaboutallthis?Askedwhatmotivateshim,here-plieswithouthesitation,“Winning.”But,thenadds,“WhatIstilllikemostaboutbaseballisgettingoutthereandplayingwithfriendsandcompetingagainsteachother.” Apparently,thegreatAmericanpastimeisaliveandwell.

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

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15-year-old College Park High School freshman Joe DeMers at bat March 3, 2012 in a 5-0 victory over Walnut Creek’s Las Lomas High, a game in which “Big Joe” also pitched six stellar innings, striking out eight batters. DeMers, of Pleasant Hill achieved national acclaim, being named 2011 Male Athlete of

the Year in the country’s inaugural youth sports awards program in February.


COrKS aND FOrKS

pair UpWith La Sommelierre Maria Terry

Misticanza Salad w/ White Balsamic VinaigretteINGREDIENTSFor the salad:½cupsunflowerseeds(raw,unsalted)8-10cupsblendofbibb,arugula,andradicchiolettuces1cupthinlyslicedseedlesscucumbers½cupradishes,sliced1cuphalvedgrapetomatoes½cupshavedfennelbulbFor the vinaigrette:¾cupextra-virginoliveoil¼cupwhitebalsamicvinegarSaltandfreshlygroundpepperFor the crostini:4ouncesrobiolacheese4tablespoonsmincedchives4tablespoonsextra-virginoliveoilSaltandfreshlygroundpepper

(8)½-inch-thickslicescrustybread,toastedDIRECTIONS Toastsunflowerseedsinadrypanforabout3minutes.Tosslettuce,arugulaandradicchioinalargebowlwithcucumber,radish,tomatoandfennel.Whisktogetherallingredientsforthevinaigretteuntilemulsified.Mixtogetherrobiola,chivesandoliveoil,andseasonwithsaltandpepper.Spreadtherobiolamixtureontotheslicesoftoastedbreadtomakethecrostini.Lightlydressthesaladwiththevinai-gretteandtosstocoat.Sprinklewiththesunflowerseedsontopandservewithcrostini.Yield: 8 Servings

Spring CelebrationSalad,pastaanddessertcanbe

theirowncelebration.Preparethismealofspringlambwithfreshricottacheeseandahintofmint,andyouwillagreethatspringhassprung.

Springisagoodtimetotryanewwhitewine.LookfortheInsoliaorInzo-liagrapemadeintoitseponymouswinefromSicily.TheInsoliagrapeisclassi-callyusedtomakeMarsalafromSicily(alongwithGrilloandCatarratto),butitisalsomadeintoadelicate,drierwine.Insoliawineisbothfloralandtropicalwithredpearandwhitegrapefruitnotes

and,likemostItalianwhites,ithaszestyaciditythatwillstanduptoasaladliketheMisticanzaSaladdressedwithwhitebalsamicvinaigrette.Can’tfindInsolia?ASauvignonBlancwillsubstitute.Addasliceofcrustybreadwithaspreadofcheeseandchives,andyouhaveanotherbridgetopairinggreatness.

Forthepasta,simmer-upapotofheartyLambRagu.Ilovethisrecipewithitstoppingoffreshricottaandmint.Lessexpectedthanbasilandparmesan,thisgarnishscreams,“It’sspring!”PairtheraguwithanItalianBarolomadefromtheNebbiologrape.Soveryearthyand

bright,ItalianredshaveslightlyhigheraciditythanCalifornian.And,theyalsohavearichgaminessthatisperfectwithlamb.However,ifyourcellarislowonItalianreds,tryaPinotNoir;itwillfittheacid,earthprofile.

FinishyourmealwithTiramisu,aclassicItaliandessertthatislightanddecadentatthesametime.Ipreferserv-ingitwithbitterblackcoffeetoprovidecontrasttothesweetnessofTiramisu.Plus,theheatfromthecoffeewillcleanseanylingeringfatfromthecream.Con-

siderchoosingaKonaCoffee.Islandcof-feesaremoretypicallyspicy,withnutty/chocolatyundertonesthatwillsingwiththedelicatechocolatenotesinthisdish. Findremainingrecipesonmyweb-sitewww.LaSommelierre.com.So,goon.PairUp!

MariaTerryisaCertifiedSom-melierandWineEducatorintheSanFranciscoBayArea.FormoregreatwinesandinformationpleasevisitMa-ria’swebsiteatwww.LaSommelierre.com.

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!

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

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

shop for bargains, shop for foster children

Youth Homes Auxiliary Thrift Shop raises money in support of the

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

SENIOR 5% DISCOUNT EVERYDAY

HATS OFF TO THE GRADS!Show them how proud you are by putting

them in the Community Focus! Ads up to 35 words are only $15.00. If you wish to include a photo (2.75 x 1.75) the price is only $30.00. Send

announcements to [email protected]. Deadline is the 2nd Friday of each month. Photo must be in jpeg format. 1 MB miniumum size.


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_________________________

THE GarDEN

Likeitornot,wintercameandwentandwearenowfullintospringwithflowersbloomingeverywhereyoulook.Aswewalkedalongtheca-nal,mymomandIsawhawksbuildinganestinoneofthetallerpinetrees,draggingbranchesfromonetreetotheother.Duckswerehappilygo-ingcrazygettingreadytodotheirowneggthingwhileflyingahundredmilesanhourfeetfirstintothecanal.Lately,thereisaqualitytotheairasitbrushesyourskin.Asyourbloodrisestothesurface,itmakesyoublushandfeelasgiddyasthoseducks. Seasonalfoodchangesenterintoplay.Afteralongenoughrunwithbroccoliandcauliflower,asparagusisstandingtallandproudonfarmers’markettables,beggingtobepickedupandsautéedwithbabyspringgreengarlic.Oneofmyfavoritespring“wel-cometothenewseason”dishesissauté-ingchoppedasparaguswithgreengarlic,scramblingwithfresheggsandshowering

withManchegocheese.Crackseasaltoverandtakeadeepbreathbeforeyoudivein.Braisedgreensaswellassaladgreensareattheirbestinthespring.Obscenelyperkyandsportingcolorsoffthewheel,char-treuselettucewithroastedbeets,feta,andchopped,toasted,localwalnutssprinkledoverwillsetmouthstowateringandimagi-nationsrunning. Breatheagain.Thereusedtobeapastadish,notonthemenu,attheoldBertola’sinMartinez,calledTheJudgesPasta.Itcon-sistedofmassiveamountsofchoppedSwisschard,sautéedinabunchofgarlicandol-iveoil,andtossedwithcapellinipastaandgratedparmesancheese.Aslonglostpiv-otalfoodmomentstendtodo,thispastahasblownuphugelyinmymindasoneofthebestthingsIhaveeverhad.Ihavebeencookingitdailyforaweekforanyoneandeveryonethatwilleatit.Luckily,Swisschardisatitspeakrightnow,leavingusaroyalbountytoplaywith.Chopfromendtoend;theribsarejustasoutstandingastheleaves.Braisinggreenscookwaydown,sousealot

Greens, a Spring FavoriteBy Lesley Stiles

morethanyouthinkyouneed,andyouwillhaveenoughforeveryonetobesatedandfeelingreallyhealthy. DowntownMartinezhasayearroundSundayfarmers’marketfromwhichtosnagyourgreens,asparagus,amazinglysweetfreshpeasandgreengarlic,andPleasantHill’sfarmers’marketwillopenthefirstofMay,inanewspotintheplazabyJack’s.Yippee!Someofushavebeenwaitingyearsforthislocationandareveryhappyaboutit!Anywayyougetthem,fromyourfarm-

ers’marketorgarden,experimentwithyourloveofspringproduceandyouwillbeaverypopularperson.Getoutontheca-naltrailorintothelocalhillsandcelebratespringandgoodhealthinourownlittlepieceofheavenwecallhome. LesleyStilesisagraduateoftheCali-forniaCulinaryAcademy,sustainableca-tererandschoolgardeneducator.ContactLesleyatlesleystiles@comcast.net,www.lesleystiles.blogspot.comandvisithernewwebsite:www.lesleystilesfoods.com.

My Version of the Judges’ Pasta

Boil pasta until al dente. While it is cooking, heat a large sauce pan with oil. When hot, add garlic and sauté a few minutes. Add chard and sauté a few minutes more. The chard will cook down considerably, so just keep adding it as the room appears in your pan. Add the stock and lemon peel, and simmer until chard is very tender and not quite bright green anymore. Drain pasta and toss into pot with the greens. Season with salt and pepper and “mangia!” Garnish with parmesan. Will feed 6 people.

1 pound brown rice or regular capellini2 big bunches of Swiss chard, can be any chard, green rainbow, chopped 3 big stalks green garlic, chopped, greens and whites

3 tablespoons olive oil2 cups chicken or vegetable stockRind of 1 large lemonSalt and pepper to tasteGrated good parmesan to garnish

Ingredients:

Directions:


AtLeJardinattheSpa,OwnerNancyRobinsonandEducationDirec-torMicheleMartinezhaveacombinedtotalofsixty-eightyearsofexperienceinthebeautyindustry.Topmanufac-turesfromaroundthecountryhaveflowninforadviceonproductpackag-ing,productperformance,andmarket-ingstrategies.Theduomakesagreatteambecausetheycomplementeachother’sstrengths. AsEducationDirectorforLeJardin,Micheleisawalkingdictionaryonproductingredients.Sheisanexpertonhaircolortheoryandtrainsstylistsoneveryaspectofcolorformulation,designandplacement.Micheleisalsoaneducatoronallkeratinsmoothingservices,makingoursalonthefirstinNorthernCaliforniatobecertifiedinKeratinComplexTreatments.Asaproductdistributoreducator,Michelehastraveledtocountlesssalonsandtaughtthemaboutthenewestprod-uctsandtechniques.Shehasbecomealeaderinourindustry. ThestrengthofLeJardinOwnerNancyRobinsonliesinherabilitytorunallaspectsofherbusinesswithcompetence,whetherit’smarketingtonewcustomersormentoringnewstylists.Afterthirty-oneyearsasahairstylistherselfandeightyearsasowner

ofthepresentlocation,Robinsonhassteppeddownfromtakingclientsandwillputallofherenergyintorunningherbusiness.Withtwenty-oneserviceprovidersatLeJardin,Robinsonsays,“Runningabusinesssolargeiseasybecauseofthetalentedpeoplewehave.Eachyearbringsanewchallenge,butnowisthebestcombinationofgreatclients,happyserviceprovidersandabeautifulbusiness.”Robinsonhasbeensoughtbymanysalonownersandenjoysusingherskillstohelptheirbusinessesbecomemoreprofitable. Comebyforatourofoursalonanditsbeautifulgrounds,andseeforyourselfwhyweareawinningteam!

Have 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

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

• Face Framing Highlights and a Haircut $95.00• Make-up application with any Hair Service• Hydrating Facial $65.00• 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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Whenyouwereachild,howmanytimesdidyourmomtellyouto“situpstraight,”or“fixyourpos-ture”? Posturemaybringtomindaladyinetiquetteschoolwalkingwithabookonherheadorthesoldierwithhisshouldersthrustbackandcheststuckout. Butgoodposture(aka“goodalign-ment”)issimplytheplacewhereallourjointslineupintheiroptimalplace-ment. It’saplumblinethatrunsthroughthebodyandgivesuseaseofmovementwithminimumeffortorstrain. Ourpostureisoftendeterminedbyphysicalhabitscombinedwiththelong-termeffectsofgravity. Howweholdapen,carryourpurse,sitatacomputer,orwalkinheelsallhaveanaffectonourposture. Goodposturemakesuslookhealthy,confident,graceful,self-assured,proudandreadytotakeontheworld.Infact,goodposturecanevenmakeus

feelbetterbecauseproperalignmentcanimprovecirculationandoptimizeourbreathing. Poorposturecanmakeuslookshy,intimidated,depressed,inse-cureorweak. Italsocanleadtochronicbackpainandnegativelyaffectsourbal-ance,breathing,energy,strength,andflexibility. Sohowdoyouachievegoodpos-ture? Startbybuildingastrongcore.Corestrengthbuildsouralignmentfromthe“insideout.”Itfacilitatesgoodbodymechanicsandbetterweightdistribu-tionthroughoutallourjoints,whichpre-ventslong-termwearandtearandin-jury. Corestrengthalsohelpsourbodiescounteracttheforcesofgravity,makingusfeellighterandmoreincontrol. Improvingpostureisaloteasierthanyouthink. Withtherightcombi-nationofexercises,changescanbeseenratherquickly. Ifyourpostureisalreadyfabulous,thensendahuge“thankyou”toyourMom...oryourPilatesteacher! Formoreinformation,pleasecall(925)680-4400orgotowww.AspirePil-atesCenter.com

posture: More Than looking GoodBy Tonya Marie Amos, Aspire Pilates

le Jardin at the SpaNancy robinson + Michele Martinez = Business Success

iN FOCUS•iN FOCUS•iN FOCUS•iN FOCUS•iN FOCUS•iN FOCUS


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PaulSamuels’constructioncareerbe-ganattheageoftwelve,whenafamilyfriendtookhimunderhiswingforasum-merjob.HelaterspentfiveyearsasaSea-bee,abuilderintheNavyConstructionBattalion.Withdecadesofplanningandconstructionexperienceunderhisbelt,PaulSamuelsiscelebratinghis20thyearofbusi-nessinPleasantHill.

Alocalthroughandthrough,PaulwasborninWalnutCreek,raisedinDanvilleandeventuallysettledinGregoryGardenstoraisehistwosons.HehaslivedinPleas-antHillfortwenty-sevenyears.ClientsofSamuelsConstructioncanattesttothehighqualityofremodelsandrepairsdoneonhomesintheGregoryGardensarea: Paul - I appreciate the opportunity to

have you as my Licensed General Contrac-tor on the total remodel of my home. Your professionalism and expertise, matched with your uncanny ability to foresee a problem before it arose saved me money, worry, stress and headaches. During this process, I was kept informed as to what was going to happen next. You stayed within my budget and time frame. It was comforting to know that some-

one with your knowledge and connections had the best interest of my home in sight. It was a pleasure working with you. ~Sandi, PH Paul Samuels has been my general con-tractor for over 10 years. The house I own in Pleasant Hill is over 40 years old. When I bought the house, it was in serious need of remodeling – particularly in the bathroom. I interviewed six different general contrac-tors for the job. Paul Samuels was the only contractor who submitted a proposal and estimate. I never heard from the rest. He was awarded the job because of his conscientious-ness, fair price, and commitment. Paul did an amazing job on the bathroom, and since then has remodeled my kitchen/dining room area, and added a laundry room. The age of my house has also required some serious struc-tural work over the years, and Paul devel-oped an ingenious approach for stabilizing the foundation and eliminating the potential for water damage. Paul has an uncanny ability to anticipate issues, which for my house, has been invaluable. His depth of knowledge and experience, and the quality of his work is ex-ceptional. He is a pleasure to work with and I wouldn’t consider any other contractor when it comes to my home.~Julia, PH Concrete,foundationrepairs,kitchenandbathadditions,andentireremodelsconstitutejustsomeoftheworkPaulcandoforyou.CallSamuelsConstructionforallphasesofconstruction,fromtheplanningstagetocompletion.925.260.4448.

Showrooms also in Santa Clara & Milbrae


Dallimonti’s Restaurant

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

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GRAB THE MIC AND ROCK OUTCome for the food stay for the music!

MOLINO’S RAVIOLI

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Regular Store Hours Mon- Sat 9am - 5:30pm • Sunday 10 - 52150 Pleasant Hill Road., 925.934.7075

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Thereisnoquestion;Iamtheluckiestguyintheworld!NotonlydoIgettowriteforthispublicationeachmonth,butthroughoutmymusicalcareer,I’vegottentomeetandsometimesplaywithsomeofthemostamazingtalentintheBayArea.OneofthosetalentsisStephanieHarwood.FromtheveryfirsttimeIheardhersing,shetouchedmyheart.ShehasvocalskillsIcanonlycomparetoAdele,Janis,andChristinaAguilera.ThisCollegeParkgraduateis“TheVoice.”MusichasbeenapartofStephanie’slifebeforeshecouldtalk.Straightoutofhighschool,shemovedtoNewYorkCityandwonawardsandrecognitionforhercabaretperformances.In2006,shewascastinBeachBlanketBabylonasValDiamond’sunderstudy.ShehasperformedtheNationalAnthematGiantsgames,NASCARandcollegefootballgamesandperformedatDavisSymphonyHallwiththeSanFranciscoSymphony.Currently,shewritesandperformswithherbandSwoonand

enjoysteachingyoungerkidstosing.How old were you when you first sang?Myfirstsoloperformanceinfrontofrealpeople(notjustmybedroommirror)wastheChristmasshowatmyelementaryschoolwhenIwasfive.Isang“SilentNight”inmySundaybestandfeltlikeasuperstar.Who were your influences?WhenIwasakid,itwassingerslikeWhitneyHouston,MariahCarey,andCelineDion.Iwouldpracticealltheirsongslikemylifedependedonit.NowthatI’mgrownandwritingsongs,I’msoinspiredbyFlorenceandtheMachine,Sia,ImogenHeap,andRadiohead.Where do you get your inspiration to write?Mostlyitcomesfromexperience.ThethingsI’veseenorfelt.Painisrelativeandyou’dbesurprisedathowmanypeople(eventheoneswhoseemtohaveeverything)canrelatetopassionatelyrics.Ialsotrytoletthemusicguideme.Ithink,“Howdoesthismusicmakemefeel?”ThenIgofromthere.What have been some of the highlights of your career?PerformingwiththeSanFranciscoSymphonywithMichaelTilsonThomas

April 4: Melody Guy, Armandos, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, 8:00pmApril 5: Chris Cain Band, Armandos, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez , 8:00pmApril 6: Cover Story, Roxx on Main, 627 Main St., Martinez, 7:00pmApril 20: “Come Together” Benefit for Pleasant Hill Teen Center featuring: Swoon, Mark Stanley, Cover Story, The Bell Brothers, Sin Silver, Dan Deshara & Channing Dahl, Jenny Starmack & Chris Bryant, Gary King and Scotty O’Neill Winslow Center, 2590 Pleasant Hill Rd., Pleasant Hill, 7:30pmApril 21: Spinout, Dan’s Bar, 1524 Civic Drive Walnut Creek, 10:00pm April 28: Rocco’s Pizzeria, 2909 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek, 8:30pm

paUl’S piCKS FOr april:

conducting.Itwasanhonorandahugelearningexperience.Michaelreallyshowedmehowtoviewmusicdifferently.Notjustasavocalistbutthewaythemusicguidesyou.ThefirsttimeSwoonperformedatSlim’swashugeaswell.Itwastotallyliberatingtoperformthesongswehadwrittenonagreatstage!If you were a song, what song would you be?IthinkIwouldbealittleknownsongbyImogenHeapcalled“SpeedingCars.”It’sasongaboutthetrialsthatlifebringsandhowyoulearnfromthem,andintheendit’saboutlovingyourselfandthosearoundyou.“The paper cuts, the cheating lovers, the coffee’s never strong enough. I know you think it’s more than just bad luck. Bye, bye, baby, it’s just

textbook stuff. It’s in the ABC’s of growing up. Bye, bye, darling. Oh, don’t lose your head. Cuz’ none of us were angels and you know I love you, yeah.” DoyourselfafavorandmakesureyoucatchStephanieandherbandSwoon.Youwillnotbedisappointed!Herearesomeupcomingdates:April 6:ShattuckDownLow,2284ShattuckAvenue,Berkeley,9:00pmApril 20:“ComeTogether”WinslowCenter,2590PleasantHillRd.,7:30pmMay 30:FreightandSalvage,BerkeleyChecktheirscheduleat:Facebook.com/swoonband.Quote of the Month:May you always be courageous Stand upright and be strongMay you stay forever young -B. Dylan


925.335.9915601 Main Street, Martinez

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DANVILLE428 Railroad Ave. • 838-8824

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PLEASANT HILL2390 Monument Blvd. • 687-4100

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ANTIOCH5865-A Lone Tree Way • 779-0134

DUBLIN7274 San Ramon Rd. • 833-9077

LIVERMORE6049 Northfront Rd. • 294-9630

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Happy Easter!

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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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Golden Notes Chorus

ThisisthetimeofyearwhentheLindsayWildlifeMuseumreceivescallsfromcon-cernedresidentsaboutbirdsthatrepeatedlythrowthemselvesagainstwindows.What’sgoingon?Springisthetimeforbirdstostakeoutterri-torysotheycanselectthebestmate.Themalesofmanybirdspeciesdon’tlikecompetitionandwilltrytochaseoffinterlopers.Whentheoffendingbirdisactuallythebird’sreflectionintheglass,it’sespeciallyhardtoevict,hence,repeatedparriesatthewindow,hubcap,rearviewmirrororanyotherreflectivesurface.Thisbehaviorusuallylastsforonlyafewweeks,andthebirdsdon’tseemtoinjurethemselvesinthisexercise.Ifitbothersyou,hangsome-thingontheoutsideoftheglasstotakeawaythereflection,andthebirdwill

happilyassumehe’swontheterritoryfromthebirdthatwouldn’ttakethehint. Notallbird/windowinteractionsareasbenign,however.Howmanyofushavehadtheexperienceofhearingabirdhitawindowinourhome?Thesoundcanbefrightening.Birdsoftenhitwindowsbecausetheyseereflec-tionsoftrees,bushesorskyinsteadoftheglass.Thespeedofstrikingthewin-dowcancauseinstantdeathorheadinjuriesthatleadtodeathwithinafewdays.Itisconservativelyestimatedthatatleastonebillionbirdsbecomewin-dowcasualtieseachyearintheUnitedStates.What should you do if a bird hits your window?•Ifthebirdimmediatelyfliesaway,itisprobablyOK.•Ifyouareabletoapproachandpickupthebird,putitintoapapergrocerysackandbringittothewildlifehospitalassoonaspossible.

Knock Knock, Who’s There? By Susan Heckly, Lindsay Wildlife Museum

©

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-1pm

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“AnythingGoes!”That’sthetitleofthesecondannualspringconcerttobepresentedbytheGoldenNotesChorusofPleasantHill.Thisconcertwillbeheldat3:00p.m.onSunday,April29,atSaintAndrewsPresbyterianChurch,1601MaryDriveinPleasantHill. Theprogramwillincludesomebigbanderamusic,ballads,spirituals,nov-

eltysongsandmore.Refreshmentswillbeservedduringintermission.Ticketsare$6.00andmaybepurchasedeitheratthetemporarySeniorCenterat249GregoryLane,fromanyGoldenNotesmember,orbycallingMaryAnnDyeat938-6791. Someticketsmaybeavailableatthedoorfor$7.00.

How can you prevent birds from hit-ting your window? •Covertheoutsideofyourwindowwithplasticgarden-protectionnetting,mountedonaframeandinstalledonefootawayfromthewindow.•Hangcloselyspacedstreamersontheoutsideofthewindow,attachedattopandbottom.•Letyourwindowremaindirtysoitisn’treflective.•Keepbirdfeederswithinthreefeetorfurtherthantenfeetfromwindow.

•Eliminateitemsthatattractbirdstoocloselytowindowssuchasbirdfeed-ers,wateringareas,ornutritiousandaestheticvegetation.•Fornewconstruction,anglewin-dowpanesslightlysothatthegroundisreflectedratherthantheskyorsur-roundinglandscape. FormoreinformationaboutLind-sayWildlifeMuseumandwaysyoucanhelpwildlife,visitwww.wildlife-museum.org.


wringers,writingwithquillpens,mak-ingpaperfromscratch,learningaboutspinningandlooms,digginglikearche-ologists,andplayingassortedold-fash-ionedgames.

RodgersRanchwillalsobethefuturesiteofthePleasantHillHistori-

calSocietyandiscurrentlyhometothelocalherbsociety.Additionally,JohnMatthesonandMarianWoodard,whoranthemastergardenprogramatShadelands,willbeofferinginstruc-tionalgardeningtechniquesattheranch,incooperationwiththePHRPD.

Denisesays,“RodgersRanchisPleasantHill’sconnectiontoit’spast.Itoffersabeautiful,serenesettingforimagininghowlifewasinsimplertimes.”Tolearnmoreabouttheranchorattendanopenhouse,checkwww.rodgersranch.org.Ifyou’dliketohelpRodgersRanchortheP.H.HistoricalSocietywitharchiving,restoration,orprograms,e-mailrodgersranch@ya-hoo.comorcallDeniseat387-0158.Lookforanupcomingarticleontheranch’skitchenrestoration,currentlyunderway!

rodgers ranch: pleasant Hill’s Secret GemBy Alison Clary

paST TO plEaSaNT

ResidentsofPleasantHillmaydrivepastthesmallRodgersRanchsignonGraysonRoadorwalktheirdogsaroundCortsenCourtregularlybutstillwonder“Whatisthatcharm-ing,old-fashionedwhitehousewiththelargetreesandlovelygardens?”De-niseKoroslev,presidentoftheboardofFriendsofRodgersRanch(FORR)andlong-standingboardmemberDanaMatthews,whoisalsosecretaryforthePleasantHillHistoricalSociety,provideawealthofinformationaboutthehis-toryofRodgersRanch.

In1866,HiramM.Smithpur-chasedlandattheendofCortsenRoadandbuiltahouseandgranarybarnthere.Soonafter,PatrickRodgers,whohadcomefromIrelandasaboyandlat-erparticipatedinthegoldrush,movedfromSonoratothetownshipofpresent-dayPleasantHillwithhiswifeMaryAnnandthreechildren.Withencour-agingprospectsforfarmingandonlynineotherfamiliesinthevicinity,theRodgersboughtthehouse,barn,and149acresoflandfor$2,500in1868.Theyfarmedthehearty,hard-kernelledredwheat,acropknownas“kingofthevalley,”andmostlikelyshippeditoutofPortCosta.Oncesoildepletionandthebenefitsofcroprotationintheregionwereunderstood,however,othercropssuchaspear,almond,andwalnuttreesaswellasgrapeswereeventuallygrown.In1907,thelandwenttotheRodg-ers’fourchildren,thenpassedthroughmanyhandsandunderwentseveralreductionsinsizebeforeDr.andMrs.KahoDailyboughttheranchin1942andmaintainedanactivelyproducingalmondorcharduntil1978.

Currently,theremainingtwo

acresoflandandtheranchhouseareownedandmaintainedbythePHRPD.Theranchhasundergoneextensiverenovationovertheyears,thankstotheformationofFriendsofRogersRanch(FORR).Otherthanequippingthehousewithmodernelectricalandplumbingconveniences,FORRisdedi-catedtokeepingtheranchashistorical-lyauthenticaspossible;RodgersRanchwasplacedontheNationalRegisterofHistoricPlacesin1991.Thebiggestprojectofallwillbetore-buildtheorig-inalwheathouse(barn),whichwasthefirstofitskindwestoftheMississippiRiver.Itiscurrentlydisassembledandconservedinstoragebut,onceenoughfundsareraised,itwillbeproperlyre-constructed.

Inthemeantime,theranchservesasalivinghistorymuseumandprovidesasiteforvariousprograms,meetings,andschoolfieldtrips.Theranch’spopu-larsummer“RoundUp”campsgivechildrenatasteoffarmlifeinthe1800s.Kidsarepioneersforthedayandpartic-ipateinactivitiesthatinclude:churningicecreamandbutter,pumpingwaterbyhand,launderingwithwashboardsand

Rodgers Ranch. Photo by Alison Clary

OnMarch3,101mothers,fa-thers,sons,anddaughters“BravedtheShave”fortheSt.Baldrick’sFoundationatCreekMonkeyTapHouseindown-townMartinez. Asanactofsolidaritywithchil-drenwholosetheirhairduetocan-certreatment,CitrusSalonshaved101headsclean!ThirtyfamiliesfromChristtheKingParishparticipated,thirty-eight“shavees”beingstudentsatChristtheKingSchool.Over$40,000wasraisedtofundlifesavingchildren’scan-cerresearch. Allparticipantswereproudtobe

workinginsupportofour“honoredkids”:ArielG.,NatalieC.,RyanD.,SarahG.,andTigheG.AlsosupportingtheeventweretheRaiderettes:Alli,An-gel,Ashley,andMaureen.Theymadeawonderfulguestappearancetohelpcheeronthe101heroes!OolaRock-steadyalsorockedthehousewithgreatmusic.Amillionthankyou’stoallwhohelpedsupportthisexcellentcommuni-tyeventandagreatcause!Checkusoutonline@www.stbaldricks.org/events/creekmonkeyandlookforusnextyear-2013promisestobeevenbiggerandmoreexcellent!

an act of SolidarityBy David Sweeney

HATS OFF TO THE GRADS!Show them how proud you are by putting

them in the Community Focus! Ads up to 35 words are only $15.00. If you wish to include a photo (2.75 x 1.75) the price is only $30.00. Send

announcements to [email protected]. Deadline is the 2nd Friday of each month. Photo must be in jpeg format. 1 MB miniumum size.


PleasantHill’sthirdannualRelay For Life®,a24-hourfundraiserfortheAmericanCancerSociety,willbeheldatPleasantHillMiddleSchooltrackbeginningat9:00am,Saturday,May19.Relayteamswillwalkthetrackroundtheclockandparticipateinceremoniestorememberthosetouchedbycancerandtheircaregivers,andtofightback.Livemusic,“funlaps”andcancerpreventionawarenessactivitieswillbefeaturesoftheevent. Relay For Life®wouldliketohonorcancersurvivorsandthosewhoarestillinthefight:comewalk

thefirstlap,the“survivors’lap,”asamemberofarelayteam,oronyourown.Thereisnofeeforhonoreestoparticipate.Receiveat-shirtandgood-iebagandbeaspecialguestatthepan-cakebreakfastservedbythePleasantHillLionsClubpriortotheopeningceremony. Relayforsomeoneinyourlife:lead

ateam,joinateam,donateorvolunteer.Formoreinforma-tiononRelay for Life®,call925-944-4898,[email protected],orgotothewebsiteatwww.relayforlife.org/pleasanthillca.

AnexcitingneweventiscomingtoPleasantHillonApril21:theFounda-tionforPleasantHillEducation’sfirstAmazingRaceofPleasantHill.ThefocusofthisraceistonotonlybringattentiontoPleasantHillschools,buttogettoknowthePleasantHillcom-munity. Participatingteamswillconsistofeitherafamilyofanysizeoragroupoffourorless.Onthemorningoftherace,eachteamwillreceiveanemailwiththeirfirstclue.Therewillbenu-

merouslegstotheraceandfunactivi-tiessuitableforallages.Theracewillrunfrom10:00amtoabout3:30pmand,afterwards,everyonewillgatheratCityHalltodeterminethewinner.Allproceedsoftheracewillgotowardsthisspring’sFPHEannualgrantprogram. Overthelastthreeyears,theFoun-dationhasraisedabout$85,000ingrantstotheelevenPleasantHillpublicschools.Formoreinformationandtoregisterateam,pleasegotowww.fphe.org.

OnSaturday,February25,ViceMayorMichaelHarrisjoinedmem-bersofthePleasantHillPoliceDepart-mentandwentintothefreezingwatersofSanFranciscoBayfortheSpecialOlympicsPolarPlunge.ThePleas-antHillPoliceDepartmenthasbeena

majorsupporterofSpecialOlympicsthroughitsannualcrabfeedandthePolarPlunge. Injustthefirsttwomonthsof2012,thePleasantHillPoliceDepart-menthasraisedover$50,000forthisworthwhilecause.

Join the amazing race

Upcoming relay for life

polar plunge

Pictured at the plunge are Police Chief Pete Dunbar, Sgt. Gary Brown, Vice Mayor Michael Harris, and Lieut. Jose Delatorre.

You’veheardthebuzzaboutstemcells,butwhataretheyandhowdotheywork?Stemcellshavebeeninthenewsforyears;stemcellsaretheearlystageundifferentiatedcellsthathavenotyetgrownintospecificcelltypes,suchasthecellsofyourliver,heart,andbrain,whichcanbeusedfortherepairofdamagedtissues.Evenasadults,ourbodiescontinuetoproducetheirownnaturalstemcells.Asweage,however,thegenerationrateofnewstemcellsde-clines,whichcausesourbodiestotakelongertohealandreplacedamagedcellsthroughoutoursystems. Letussharesomebreakingnewsontherenewal,repair,andrejuvena-tionoftissuesfromoldinjuriesaswellasotherimportanthealthconcernsthataffectusall.Leadingstemcellresearch-

ershavepioneeredaformulathatusesnaturalplant-basedproductstonourishbonemarrowtoproduceupto100%moreofitsownnaturalstemcellsinjustfourteendays.Thisincreasedgenerationofreplacementstemcellsprovidesthebodywiththenecessarycellularsupplytorepairmuchfaster.ThisdramaticbreakthroughcomesatatimewhenthepoorhealthofmostAmericansisbe-comingmorecommonlyknown.Nowthereisabrandnewhopeforimprovedhealing,cellrenewal,andtherestorationthatwesodesperatelyneed. AttendourFREEeventonSat-urday,April28,11:00am–1:00pm,attheUnityCenterofWalnutCreek,1871GearyRd.WalnutCreek.Seat-ingislimited.PleasecallMaryStarktoreserveyourseatat925-969-7749.

Stem Cell Buzz

paiD aDVErTOrial


4/2 - 4/9 – 2012 Forest Hills Swim Team Registration. 5pmto7pm.FHSTislook-ingforyoutotakeaSPLASHforthe2012swimseason.ForinfoonthisandourSpringClinics,pleasevisitwww.fhst.org.(Alateregistrationdatemaybeadded-checkwebsiteforuptodateinfo).375LindseyDriveMartinezCA94553.Contact:[email protected].

4/7 - Martinez Lion’s Club Easter Egg Hunt-10amattheMartinezWaterfrontParkgrassarea.Ages2–9.EnjoyfacepaintingandEasterfun.BringyourowncameratotakepictureswithTheBunny.

4/7 - “Egg”citing Egg Hunt!PleasantHillPark,147GregoryLane.Pre-reg.requiredbyNoon,April6.CallourAdministrativeOfficeat682-0896.

4/21 & 4/22 - Pleasant Hill Star Quest 20th Anniversary.FeaturingtalentedyouthofPleasantHill.Call682-0896.DVCPerformingArtsCenter.Under18yrs:$5advance/$10atthedoor,18yrs&over:$10advance/$15atthedoor.Saturday,4/21at7pm,Sunday,4/22at2pm.

4/21 - Document Shredding Fundraiser.RaisemoneyfortheCancerSupportCom-munity(formerlytheWellnessCommu-nity).Bringoldtaxreturns,bankstate-ments,andotherdocumentscontainingpersonalinformation.MakeacharitabledonationandSHREDWORKSwillshredyourdocumentsonthespot!SponsoredbyCaliforniaCancerandResearchInstitute,400TaylorBlvd,PleasantHill(parkinglot),1-3pm.

4/21- John Muir Birthday – Earth Day Celebration hostedbytheJohnMuirAsso-ciationandtheNationalParkServiceattheJohnMuirNationalsiteinMartinezfrom10amto4pm.

4/22 – Earth Day Event – Garden Work Party & Free Garden Tour. Volunteertohelpcleanupyourenvironment.Learnto:savewater,usedrought-tolerantplants,mulch,compostandprovideawildlifehabitat.Bringgardentools,water,gloves,hatandacamera.2:00-6:00pm,4:30pmtour,exhibits,[email protected].

EVENTS

AT THE LIBRARY

Calendar

Pleasant HillTuesdays - Doorstep Farmers Pick Up.5-7pm.

SignupwithDoorstepFarmers,alocalCSA,atwww.doorstepfarmers.com.Allsubscriberswillreceivea5%discountforchoosingPleasantHillLibraryastheirpick-uplocation.

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

Wednesdays – English Conversation PracticeforAdults.1:30-2:30pm.ThisESLgroupmeetsweekly.Ages18+.

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

Thursdays 4/12 & 4/28 – Wii for Teens – Playsomeboardgamestoo!RoomA;3pm-4:30pm.

Fridays – NEW! Contra Costa Teen Chess Club.3-5pm.Instruction,friendlymatches,andtournaments.Pleasecomeifyouareatallinterestedinlearningmoreaboutchess,improv-ingyourgame,andmeetinglike-minded,localteens!Alllevelsarewelcome.

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

4/10 – PH Book Club. Prodigal Summer,byBar-baraKingsolver.6:30pm-7:30pm.

4/11 – The PHUN Team,PleasantHillUnitedNerdsTeam.3:30-5:00pm.Meetotherteensandtheyoungadultlibrariantoshareandplan

4/28 - Metabolic Balance & Metabolic Syndrome.FindoutifyouareatriskforMetabolicSyndrome,stroke,heartdisease,orDiabetesTypeII.LearnthesignsandhealthrisksofhavingMetabolicSyndrome.FreescreeningwithMyraNissen,CertifiedHomeopathattheVitaminShoppe,1601Mt.DiabloBlvd.,WalnutCreek,11am–1pm.

4/29 - Family Fun Triathlon. JoinPleasantHillRecforanoncompetitive,family-fun,fitnesstriathlonevent,whichincorporatesswimming,bicycling,andrunning!14yrs&underrace:250-yardswim,5-milebike,2-milerun;15yrs&overrace:500-yardswim,10-milebike,4-milerun.1SantaBarbaraRd.,PH.Pre-registerbyApril12andgetaFREET-shirt.Individual:$44Pre-Reg(by4/12);$54Apr.13toraceday.Relay(upto3persons):$93Pre-Reg(by4/12);$108Apr.13toraceday.Racedaycheck-inbeginsat8am;racestartsat9am.

4/29 – Pleasant Hill Lion’s Club Poker Night.BackFortyTexasBBQ.$50includesfoodandpoker.Foodisservedat3pmandpokerat4pm.1stprizeis$400andallfinaltablecontestantsreceiveaprize.Allfundsraisedgobacktothecommunityforthecharitiesthatwesupport.PleasecontactKenWombacherat687-0858orPhilMadrugaat933-8061fortickets.

5/5 – Charity Walk benefitting Royal Family Kids-9-11amContraLomaRegionalPark,Antioch.RoyalFamilykidstakesabused,abandonedandneglected7-11year-oldfosterchildrenofContraCostaCountyforaweek-longFREEsummercamp.Registeronlineatwww.rfkccharitywalk.dojiggy.com.Cost$25.00,children15andunderfree.RefreshmentsandT-shirtpickupbeginsat8am.

5/11-5/13 - Martinez Open Studios 2012.Friday,May11-OpeningArtists’Recep-tionandGroupExhibition6:00-9:00pm;Saturday,May12–11:00amto6:00pm;Sunday,May13–11:00amto4:00pm.Location:I’veBeenFramed,411FerrySt.,Martinez.

whatyouwanttoseehappenatthelibrary.Ages13-18.

4/24 – The Spring Thing.6:30-8:00pm.Springintoafuneveningofcrafts,games,dancing,andmoreforthebigthingoftheseasonthatfamiliesofallageswon’twanttomiss.

Martinez:Mondays 4/2 & 4/30 - Pajama Time. 6:30pm-7:30pm.Allageswelcome.

Tuesdays 4/17 & 4/24 - Mother Goose Story-time -10:30-11am,ages0-3.

4/4 – Wii Wednesday.2–4pm.

4/10 – Book Discussion Group -Joinusaswediscuss......Adults.6:45pm.

4/14 – A Jazz Appreciation Concert.2–3pm

4/16 – Dr. Recycle presents Junkology.3:30–4:30pm.Dr.RecycleappliesalittleTLC(Think-Laugh-Create)tocommontrashandgetssomewildandwackyresults.Ages5-11.4/17 – Wills & Trusts Free Legal Workshop.5:30–7:30pm

4/23 – Magic by Alex.6:30–7:30pm.Don’tmissthismagicshowbyaworld-classtalentwhenAlexRamonreturns!Ages(0-11)

4/28 – eReader Mini Workshop.2:00–3:00pm.ForAndroideReaders&othertablets.

GRAD NIGHT INFO

Buy Your Grad Nite Tickets Now! $110.00 85% of the graduating class attends!

Volunteers Are Still Needed! Nearly200volunteersmakeGradNiteasuccess.Signuponourwebsite!DonationsAreGreatlyAppreciated!Yourtaxdeductiblemonetaryandprizedonationsarecarefully

spentandwildlyimpactful.Donatethroughmail,onlineorinpersonbyvisitingourwebsite!

www.cpgradnite.homestead.com.

COLL

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GradNight’s“LifeisaGift”5thAnnualDinner,DanceandAuction

Blue(andGold)Hawaii…April21stattheMartinezEventCenter6PM-Midnight, $45/TicketFor Donations and Tickets:

http://auctions.readysetauction.com/alhambrahighschool/home


WORKING TO MAKE OUR COMMUNITY SAFE AND FAIR.

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

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

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

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

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

Atonetimeoranother,manyofushaveexperiencedanoutbreakofitchyredbumpsontheskincalledhives.Hivesareanoutbreakofswollenredbumpsorwhealsontheskinthatap-pearsuddenly.Theycanitch,burnorsting.Hivescanap-pearanywhereonthebodyincluding,lips,face,tongue,throat,andears. Hivesusuallycomefromanal-lergicreactionfromasubstancecalledhistamine,releasedfromspecializedcellsalongbloodvesselsintheskin.Thesereactionscanbetriggeredbyanumberofthingssuchascertainfoods,chemicals,insectstings,sunlightex-posure,andemotionalshock.Triggerscanbedifferentforeachindividual. Medicationssuchasantihis-taminesorcorticosteroidscanbetemporarymeasures.Coolcompresses,workingandsleepingincoolrooms

andlooseclothingcanpro-viderelief. Hiveslastingmorethansixweeksareconsid-eredachroniccondition.Ihavebeenabletohelpmanypeopleovercomechronichiveswithnaturalmethodsusinghomeopathyandan

advancephytotherapycalledgemmo-therapy.Reliefislonglasting. Somehomeopathytrivia:AprilisWorldHomeoapthyAwarenessMonthbecauseitisthebirthmonthofSamuelHahnemann,homeopathy’sfounder,whowasbornApril10,1755. Iofferauniquepersonalizedap-proachtowellness,andifyoumen-tionthisarticle,youcanreceiveafreehomeopathicwellnessassessmentforasavingsof$30.PleasecontactMyraNissen,CCHBoardCertifiedHomeo-pathformoreinformationat925-826-3858orwww.MyraNissen.com.

Chronic HivesBy Myra Nissen, CCH, Certified Homeopath

Vote YES on prop 29By Matthew Sirott, MD

paiD aDVErTOrial

paiD aDVErTOrial

IwouldliketoraiseawarenessonProp29,theCaliforniaCancerResearchAct.Prop29isa$1surchargeoneachpackofcigarettessoldinthestate.Thepur-posesofthepropositioninclude:• To raise fundsforcancerresearch(andothercigaretterelateddisease,includingheartdisease)be-causemoneyissorelyneededandotherresearchfundshavedwindled.Theex-pectationisthatover600milliondollarswillberaisedannually.• To save lives.TheCaliforniaDepart-mentofPublicHealthhasreportedthepassageofthisactwillsave104,000lives.• To prevent children from smoking.TheCaliforniaDepartmentofPublicHealthhasalsoestimated228,000kidswillstop(orneverbegin)smokingbecauseoftheincreasedcost. Prop29hassafeguardsandac-countability.ThemoneywillstayinCaliforniaandgotoCalifornia-basedresearchprojects.Thedollarscan-notbesiphonedoffforotherprojects.Administrativecostsarelimitedto2%.Fundingdecisionsaredeterminedbyanindependentpanelofleadingresearchorganizations,publichealthadvocates,cancerresearchersanddoctors,andcancersurvivors. Argumentsagainstthisproposi-tionareusuallyraisedby“nonewtaxes”organizations.Thepropisatwo-edged

sword;eitherwayitcutstotheheartofillness.Ifsmok-erscontinuetosmoke,thenmoneyisraisedforcancerresearchandtreatment.Ifsmokersrebelagainstthenewtaxandquit,thenthebillisevenmoresuccessful.Livesaresavedandhealth

carecostsdrop.NobodyHAStopaythistax! Withpassageoftheproposition,themajorpotentiallosersarethebigtobaccocompanies.Ifpassed,cigarettesalesareexpectedtodropsignificantly.Theverypowerfultobaccolobbywillspendmillionsofdollarstomisleadandmisconstruethepurposesofthebill.Theywilltalkabouttakingmoneyfromschools,takingmoneyfromexistingrevenues,theeffectsoncurrentbudgetsanddrainingfundsoutofCalifornia. ThephysiciansandstaffofDiabloValleyOncologywholeheartedlysup-portProp29.Itisbadforthetobaccocompanies,butgoodforthehealthofallCalifornians.Liveswillbesaved,kidsandadultswillquitsmoking,andimportantresearchwillbefunded.VoteYESonProp29inJune. Dr.SirottisaMedicalOncologistandHematologistwithDiabloValleyOncology.925-677-5041.LocatedinPleasantHill,DiabloValleyOncologyisthelargestfreestanding,non-hospitalbasedfacilityinContraCostaCounty.Formoreinformation,visit:www.DiabloValleyOncology.md.


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BUSiNESS SErViCE DirECTOrYSHOp lOCal • SHOp lOCal • SHOp lOCal • SHOp lOCal • SHOp lOCal • SHOp lOCal • SHOp lOCal • SHOp lOCal • SHOp lOCal

Acupuncture WellnessAdvanced Hearing

Architectural Wood ProductsArmando’s

Artesa DentalAspire Pilates CenterBCI Cabinet Design

Best Western Plus John Muir InnBig Air Heating and Air Conditioning

Bryce Schumacher, J. RockcliffBuena Vista

California Pacific Federal Credit UnionCamp ConcordCity of Martinez

Coldstone CreameryCollege Park Boosters

Computer Sales and Service

Country WafflesDallimonti’s

Diablo Futbol ClubDiablo Theatre CompanyEast Bay Summer Camps

Flaskerud- Re-MaxFPHE

Future Stars Soccer AcademyGeneration Mortgage, Rod Harris

Hagin’s AutomotiveHeritage Soccer Club

Hire My HusbandHitchcock Realty

Home Detailers HousekeepingIrvin Deutscher Family YMCA

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

The Law Offices OfC.R. Abrams

Le Jardin at the SpaLes Schwab Tires

Lindsay Wildlife MuseumMagoo’s Grill

Main Street MartinezMatthew C. Rinn, State Farm Insurance

Minuteman PressM.J. Studios Art & Music

Molino’s RavioliMoulding Company

Navlet’sNorCal Courts

Parkway Smiles DentistryPayless Painting/Quick Change

Pleasant Hill Baseball Association

Pleasant Hill Grocery OutletPleasant Hill Rec & Park

R.B. Investments, LLCRebels Football and Cheer

Remnant FlooringSamuels Construction

Senior HelpersSmokey D’s

StarletTahoe Joe’s

UPS – Virginia HillsVenardi Law Firm

Vision QuestWaters Moving and Storage

Yeung Tutoring GroupYouth Homes Thrift Shop

THaNK YOU aDVErTiSErS!

4/30/12

Winter CleaningSpecial


Dining Out Downtown Martinezwww.MainStreetMartinez.org

611 Escobar St., Downtown Martinez925.228.8787 www.creekmonkey.com

RoxxON MAINsmall platesgood brewfine wine

627 Main St. • downtown Martinez • 370-7699 • www.RoxxOnMain.comMon - Wed 11-3 Thurs 11-8 Fri 11-90 Sat 5-9

APRIL 21, 2012 - 12pm to 4pm

30+ Top Microbreweries!

Fabulous Food Available for Purchase!

Rockin' Live Music!Garageland Rodeo 12:00-1:30

PUSH with Dan Ashley 2:00-4:00

Beer Tasting $35 (at the door $45)Includes Logo tasting glass & unlimited tasting!

Designated Drivers $5 (at the door $10)Event is 21 years and over only. Beer tasting 12-4

FREE Shuttle from North Concord BART andthe Martinez Best Western John Muir Inn.

BUY TICKETS NOW BEFORE IT SELLS OUT!

www.BayAreaCraftBeerFestival.comwww.BayAreaCraftBeerFestival.com

Main Street Martinez649 Main St., Suite 106, Martinez, CA 94553

925.228.3577

Martinez Waterfront Parknear the Historic Cannery District

BAY AREA CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL

Combining an outstanding selection of eclectic international tapas style small plates, featuring the freshest locally sourced, organic, and sustainable ingredients, an ever changing

selection of wines, plus the friendliness and comfort of a neighborhood restaurant.

Creek Monkey Tap House

20 Craft Beers on Tap!Lunch Menu - Dinner Menu - Kids Menu

featuring locally sourced food and a friendly staff3 big screen tv’s plus 120” projection screen upstairs

Banquet room for meetings and private partiesOutdoor seating in the Biergarten

Mon/Tues 11-8, Weds/Thurs 11-9, Fri/Sat 11-10, Sun 12-8

M

ARTINEZ

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EEK MONKEY

Community through the magic elixir � beerCommunity through the magic elixir � beer

The Best Pizza in Martinez!

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Locally owned! Open 7 days a week. Pick up and delivery.

Open until 11am-10pm every day!500 Main St., downtown Martinez (925) 370-1234

Ask about our Catering & Party DiscountsDelicious Pizza • Cheesy Bread Stix • Lasagna Fresh Garden Salads

Hot Wings • Homemade Chocolate Eclair Cake!

12” Pizza 14” Pizza

16” PizzaExpires 4/30/12. Can not be combined with other offers. One per customer.

18” Pizza

COUPON

april 2012 community focus

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