Finaljanfocus lores

Delivered to Over 50,000 Homes and Businesses

•JANUARY 2014

FIRST ANNUAL

Food & Dining • Bars • Health & Beauty • Home Improvement • Pet ServicesProfessional Services • Recreation • Automotive • Consignment

Meet The Winners and Finalists

www.ourcommunityfocus.com January 2014

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www.ourcommunityfocus.comJanuary 2014


PUBLISHERSBecky Coburn, Jennifer Neys,

Elena Hutslarinfo@ourcommunityfocus.comAMonthlyPublicationdeliveredtoover40,000HomesandBusinessesinPleasantHill,Martinez,Pacheco,

LafayetteandWalnutCreek

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

CONTACT INFORMATION:Community Calendar:

[email protected]

Content & General Inquiries: [email protected]

6680 Alhambra Ave. Box #132Martinez, CA 94553

Phone: (925) 335 - NEWS (6397)

View the Focus online: www.ourcommunityfocus.com

SPORTS EDITORChuck Nan

[email protected]

GRAPHIC DESIGNTrish Heaney

COPY EDITORAlison Clary

ADVERTISINGReba Bower925-348-1724

[email protected]

The43rdAnnualCom-munityAwardswillbeheldonTuesday,February18,atthenewCommunityCenterinPleasantHill.Nominationsarenowbeingsoughtforsixawardcategories.Anyonecannomi-nateforthefollowingawards:Citizen of the Year –Nomi-neemustbeatleasta5-yearresidentofPleasantHillandhavemadesignificantcontri-butionstowardimprovingourcommunity.Business of the Year – CandidatemustbeinbusinessforatleastthreeyearsinPleasantHillandbeacurrentmemberoftheChamberofCommerce.Teacher of the Year –NomineemustbeateacherinPleasantHillforatleastfiveyears.Teen of the Year –CandidatemusteitherliveorgotoschoolinPleasant

Hillandhaveatrackrecordofvolunteeringinthecom-munity.Green Award –Thisawardrecognizesabusinessororganizationthathasshownleadershipandacommitmenttowastereduction,sustain-abilityandconservationofournaturalresources.Community Plus Award –Nomineemustbeanem-ployeeofeithertheCityof

PleasantHill,Recreation&ParkDistrictortheChamberofCommerce,andgoneaboveandbeyondhisorherjobinvol-unteeringordoingcommunityservice. Ifyouwishtonominatesomeone,pleasedownloadnominationformsandinstructionsatwww.pleasant-hill.net/awards.NominationsforallawardsmustbesubmittednolaterthanJanu-ary27tomnelis@ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us.

Pleasenotethatyouneedtoprovidesupportingdocumentationforeachaward,sogiveyourselfadequatetimetocompletethenominationform.Awards Ceremony CommunityAwardsNightticketsarenowonsalethroughtheChamberofCommerce.Theticketsare$45perperson(whichincludesdinner),andyoumayreserveatableoftenfor$450.Topurchaseticketsormakereservations,pleasecontactAnnLukeat687-0700oremailann@pleasanthillchamber.com.Ticketsmayalsobepurchasedonlineathttp://pleasanthillcommunityaward-snight.eventbrite.com.RSVPsandallticketsalesmustbeconfirmedbyMon-day,February10. For more information or questions about the nominations or the event, please call Martin Nelis at (925) 671-5229 or email [email protected].

Nominees Sought For Community Awards

2013 Readers’ Local Favorites Issue

•NewYearEstatePlanCheckup....... page9•ABulletProofAthlete.....................page11•LocalSports..............................pages12-13•Readers’LocalFavorites..................page14

•NewBeginnings............................ page35•FightCancerwithFoods.............. page38•SeniorActivities............................ page39•CommunityAnnouncements..... page42

TheCommunityFocusisexcitedtopresenttheresultsofourfirst

annualReaders’LocalFavoritespoll.DuringthemonthsofSeptem-

berandOctoberlastyear,ballotswereprovidedineachissueand

readershadtheopportunitytovotefortheir“favorites”inninecat-

egories.Readersalsovotedonlineusingthelinkfromourhomep-

age.Inthisissueyouwillfind75subgroupsdescribingthebestplac-

estofindaphotographer,gettires,oreatpizza.Taketheadviceof

yourfriendsandneighborswhovotedfortheirfavoritespotsfordate

night,yogaclassesorThaifood.Hopefully,youwillfindsomegems

youdidnotknowexistedasaresultofthispoll.

Wewouldliketothankthereadersfortheirenthusiasticresponse

toourfirstFavoritesissueandcongratulateallthewinnersandfinalists

forprovidingexceptionalserviceintheircategory.Itwasfunforusto

readwhatyoufeelisthebestofwhat’saround.Wehopeyouenjoy

whatCommunityFocusreadersvotedfor.TheLocalFavoritessection

beginsonpage14.


Real Estate UpdateBy Nathan Hitchcock

AsIwritethis,2013isdrawingtoaclose,andtherealestatemarketcontinuestositinarelativelyneutralbuyer-sellerstateinthispartoftheBayArea.Instarkcontrasttothehotspringandearlysummermonths,ourinventoryofhomesforsale,volumeoftransactions,andaveragesalespriceshavealltailedoff.Ofcourse,thisistotallynormalforthistimeofyear.

Whatismypredictionfor2014?Getreadyforthereturnofahotseller’smarket.Idon’texpectitwillreachthefeveredpitchweexperiencedduringthefirstseveralmonthsof2013,thanksprimarilytoincreasedinventoryfromsellerswhoareeagertocashinonthearea’simprovedsalesprices.Butevenwiththelargersupply,Ifeelthatdemandwilloutpaceitandwe’llhaveaseller’smarketagainforatleastthefirsthalfoftheyear. Bynostretchdothemajorityofindus-

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trypunditsagreewithmyprediction,how-ever;mostseemtobepredictingaflatormoderatemarketfor2014.SowhyamIsooptimistic?Herearethetopthreeindicatorsthathavemewearingrose-coloredglasses: 1.Althoughwe’reinthemiddleoftheholidayseason,myphoneisringingandmyteamisbusy.Normallywe’dbewindingdownandtakingamuch-neededrespite,butthatisnotthecasethisyear.Alargepercentageofthisactivityisinpreparationforpurchasesintheearlymonthsof2014.Additionally,manyofmycolleaguesareexperiencingasimilar“loadingofthecan-non.” 2.Theconstructionandhomeimprove-mentindustryisabsolutelyonfire.Becauseofmycompany’spropertymanagementdivision,mystaffinteractswithcontractorsonadailybasis.We’velearnedthat,acrosstheboard,ourvendorsareallhavingthebestyearsoftheircareersandarebookedmonthsout. Whatdoesthishavetodowiththestrengthoftherealestatemarket?Thecon-

structionindustryisakeyindicatorinthestrengthofanarea’seconomy.Developmentoccurswhenmoneyisplentifulandmarketsareexpanding,whichisclearlythecaseintheBayArearightnow.Allthisconstruc-tionspendingputsmoneyonthestreetsintheformofjobs.Andwhenpeoplehavejobs,peoplebuyhomes. 3.UnemploymentintheBayAreaissignificantlylowerthantherestofthestateandnation--nearly50%lessinsomeareas.Forthatwecanthankourboomingtechindustry,whereunemploymentisactuallynegative.Techcompaniescan’tseemtohirepeoplefastenough,andtheresultisasteadyinfluxoftalentmovingtotheareatofilltheneed.Andthosepeopleneedhomes. Socallmeoverlyoptimisticifyoumust,buteverythingI’mseeingasa“soldierontheground”ispointingtoarobustrealestatemarketin2014.I,forone,can’twaittoseehowwellmycrystalballisworking. Nathan Hitchcock can be reached at [email protected] or (925) 825-1100.

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

MARTINEZ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Please verify schedule at www.pleasanthillchamber.com • 925-687-0700PLEASANT HILL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CALENDAR SPONSORED BY

1/3 – Ambassador Meeting8-9am.PHCityHall,CommunityRoom.

1/8, 1/9, 1/14 & 1/22, 1/23 – 680 Breakfast Club Networking8:30-10am.

1/16 – Board of Directors Meeting8-9am.PHCityHall,CommunityRoom.

1/20 – Chamber Office ClosedforMartinLutherKing,Jr.birthday.

1/26 – Ribbon Cutting(1:45pm)& Grand Opening(2pm).PleasantHillCommu-nityCenter,320CivicDr.,PleasantHill.Seebackpageformoreinformation.

1/27 – Green Committee Meeting4-5pm.BackFortyBBQ,100Coggins

Drive,PleasantHill.

1/27 – Govt. Affairs Committee Meet-ing5:30-7pm.BackFortyBBQ,100Cog-ginsDrive,PleasantHill.

Ifinterestedinbecominganambas-sador,contactusat(925)[email protected].

1/9 – Chamber Mixer5:30-7:30pm.BoydstunConstruction&RichardCashPhotographyatBoydstunConstruc-tion,817ArnoldDr.,#100,Martinez.Greatnetworking,food,fun,rafflepriz-es(bringaraffleprizeandhaveyourbusinessannounced!)

1/11 – Crab Feed & Raffle6pm.Boys&GirlsClubofDiabloValley,1301Al-hambraAve,Martinez.ContacttheBoys&GirlsClubat925-228-3896x102topurchasetickets.

1/16 – Ribbon Cutting4pm.Ameri-ca’sTaxService,725AlhambraAve,Martinez.Pleasejoinusinwelcoming

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1/20 – Office Closed–MartinLutherKingDay.

1/24 – 15th Anniversary Celebration8–9:30am.Dr.MonaMokarramDDS,735AlhambraAve,Martinez.EnjoylightrefreshmentsandhelpDr.Mokar-ramcelebrateher15thAnniversaryinbusiness!

Save the Date – February 11,8-10am.MartinezStateoftheCityBreakfast,CreeksideChurchAuditorium,444FigTreeLane,Martinez.Enjoyafullgour-metbreakfastbuffet,$25.RSVPtotheMartinezChamber(925)228-2345.

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


THE LAW OFFICE OF DANIEL L. DUREE

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925.210.1400

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1535 North Main Street, Suite 240 • Walnut Creek www.DuReeLaw.com

New Year Estate Plan CheckupBy Daniel DuRee

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Happy2014!Asanotheryearunfoldsbeforeus,wereflectonwherewehavebeenandlookforwardtowherethiswindingpathwilltakeus.Ifyouareanythinglikeme,youresolvetoaccomplishafewthingsinthecomingyearthatyoudidn’tquitegettoin2013. Formanypeople,estateplanningis

oneitemthatlurksontheperipheryofthesubconscious“todo”listweallharbor.Whileitmayseemdaunting,theestateplanningprocessisstraightforwardand,oncecompleted,canbecheckedoffthatlisttomakeroomforothermoreexcitingactivities,suchascleaningouttheraftersinthegarage. Tomakeiteasieronyou,Icompiledalistofestateplanningissuestocheckon(andcheckoff)intheNewYear.

1.Doyouhavearevocabletrust?(Andisituptodate?) ArevocablelivingtrustiscrucialtoavoidingthelegalequivalentofwaterboardingthatistheCaliforniaprobateprocess.Makesureallyourassetsarecur-rentlyheldinthenameofthetrust. 2.Doyouhaveawillnominatingguardiansforminorchildren? Itisvitallyimportanttoensurethatyourchildrenareraisedbypeople(oraperson)youchoose. 3.Isyouradvancehealthcaredirectivecurrent? Inmyopinion,aproperlyexecutedadvancehealthcaredirectiveisevenmoreimportantthanatrust.Putyourhealthandpersonalcarewishesinavalidlegaldocu-menttoensuretheyarecarriedout. 4.Didyoucreateadurablepowerofattorneyforfinancialmanagement? Morethan75%ofpeoplethatpassawaydonothavelegalcapacitytomakedecisionsatthetimeoftheirdeath.Makesuretoappointanagenttomakefinancial,

tax,andbenefitdecisionsonyourbehalf. 5.Areyourbeneficiarydesignationformscurrent? Retirementaccounts,pensions,lifeinsurancepolicies,andannuitiesarepassedtoothersthroughabeneficiarydesignationform.Makesuretheyreflectyourcurrentwishes.Itispossibletodesignateatrustasabeneficiarysotheassetswillbedistributedaccordingtothetrustdistributionscheme. Goingthroughthisfive-pointcheck-listwillensureyourassetsareproperlyprotectedandyourwishesarecarriedoutshouldanythinghappentoyou.Ifyouneedassistance,givemeacall.Iamhappytohelp.Inacoupleofshortmeetingsun-certaintycanbetradedforpeaceofmind. Wishingyouandyourfamilyahappyandhealthy2014fromtheLawOfficesofDanielL.DuRee. Daniel L. DuRee is a third genera-tion resident of Contra Costa County and a licensed attorney practicing in Walnut Creek. He can be reached at (925) 210-1400 or visit www.DuReeLaw.com.


2014 WishesBy Colleen Callahan, CLU, CASL, LUTCF

A strong community starts with a strong bank.Community banking is at the heart of what we do. From giving customers more convenient access to their money tofinancing their homes in the neighborhood, Union Bank® believes in acting locally.1 We also believe that investing in localbusinesses helps everyone. For nearly 150 years, Union Bank has grown strong, one community at a time. We live here.We do business here. And we’re here, for you.

Experience the strength of community banking. Stop by your local branch today.

Martinez Branch – 634 Ferry Street, Martinez, CA 94553Ricky Aquino, Branch Manager, 925-228-1300

Pleasant Hill Branch – 1902 Contra Costa Boulevard, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523Rosanna Sezar, Branch Manager, 925-687-7504

Walnut Creek Branch – 1555 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Walnut Creek, CA 94596Reimund Maks, Branch Manager, 925-945-8759

©2014 Union Bank, N.A. All rights reserved.

unionbank.com

(1) Loans subject to credit and collateral approval. Financing available for collateral located in CA, OR, or WA. Restrictions may apply. Terms and conditions subject to change.

WiththeDecember23deadlineforCoveredCali-forniaapplicationspast,itisachallengetothinkofsome-thingprofoundtosayfortheNewYear.Perhapsitwouldbebesttoexpressgratitudetomyteam,loyalclientsandcolleagues.2013wasayearofchallengesandchanges;thesupport,kind-ness,andunderstandingfromallofyouwasamazingandempowering.THANKYOU!A few wishes for 2014: Business – IhopemyteamandIcon-tinuetohelppeopleofallagesobtaintheinsurancecoveragetheyneedandwant. IhopethatCoveredCaliforniaimprovesitsservice.Ithasbeentoughonagents.Agentsworkwithclients.Welis-tentotheirneedsandstrugglesandworktofindasolution.Clientscallmyofficeandapersonanswersthetelephone.Wedonothaveanautomatedsystemthattellsaclientorprospectthatthereare161peopleinline

aheadofthem. Ihopethatconsumersbecomemoreawareofthetruecostofthisnewhealthinsur-ancesystembyaskingques-tionsaboutnewtaxesbeingimposedtopayforCoveredCalifornia. Ihopethatmoreyoung

peoplewillrealizetheimportanceandvalueoflifeinsurance.Ideliveredadeathclaimlastyear. Ihopethatpeopleworkingbeyond65yearsoldplanforMedicareBEFOREtheyretire. Personal – IhopethatIcanaccom-plishmygoalofvisitingall50states.Ihavesixremaining.MyhusbandCaryandIhavehadamazingexperienceswithpeoplefromallregionsofourcountry.Iwonderwhatawaitsusinthelastsixstates? Colleen Callahan Insurance Services is located at 140 Gregory Lane, Suite 170 in Pleasant Hill. She can be reached at 925-363-5433.

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A Bullet Proof AthleteBy Kevin Arndt

Buildingthebulletproofathleteisactuallyeasierthanitseems.It’snotallaboutbeingthestrongest,butbeingthemostbalanced.Eventhoughstrengthisessential,it’simportantnottofocusonthatuntiltheathletehasworkedout

imbalances.Sportshavethetendencytobeveryrepetitiveinnature,withaveryhighpoweroutput.Mostinju-rieswecomeacrossareusuallyduetoover-use.Whenanathleteisthrowingaballhundredsoftimesorswimming

thousandsofyardsapractice,certainmuscleswillover-de-velopandotherswillweaken.Whenthishappens,injuriesoccur.Andtheinjuriesfromsportstendtobethesamerecur-ringinjury.However,combatingthisisrelativelyeasy,itjusttakestime. WecopiedahierarchyphilosophyfromMikeBoyle,awell-respectedstrengthcoachinBoston.Whentrain-ingathletes,theorderofimportanceisasfollows:1)keepthemsafeinthegym,2)keepthemsafeonthefield(orinthepool),and3)makethemabetterathlete.Thisshiftsthefocusawayfrompushingheavyweightaroundtoana-lyzingmovementsinsearchoffaultymotionpatternsandthencorrectingthem.Wehavehadagreatdealofsuccessjustbycreatingbalance.We’vehelpedsomeathletesdevelopenoughstrengthtosquatover400poundsand

deadliftover500pounds,butsomeofourbiggestsuccessstorieshavecomefromathleteswhocametousinpain,unable

toparticipateintheirsport,toswimmingandsettingnewpersonalrecords,justbecausewewereableto

gettheirbodybalancedagain. Sinceusingthisapproach,

ourathleteshaven’thadanyinjuriesotherthanthe

inevitableonescausedfromcollisionsonthefield(knockonwood.)Whenlookingforastrengthcoachoratrainingprogramforanathlete,findonethatemphasizesbringingbothbalanceandstrengthtotheathlete,notjustthelatter.Thishasproventobeanapproachthatworksbestandisusedbysomeofthegreateststrengthcoachesintheworld. Kevin Arndt is an athletic trainer at Forma Gym in Walnut Creek. Con-tact him via [email protected] or visit www.formagym.com.

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ALHAMBRA Cross Country1st Team:AllieTimbrellFootball2nd Team Offense:MonteCabreraandGrantHill2nd Team Defense:GregRossiHonorable Mention:JoshEvans,HugoParedesandMaxLichtGirls TennisHonorable Mention: ChaneCillersGirls Volleyball2nd Team:AiniseTaimaniHonorable Mention:TeresaFahyBoys and Girls Water Polo1st Team:MichaelBull2nd Team:DrewCisterman,HeleneHollidgeandJamieWanketHonorable Mention:HarrisonBrownandMaddieFarr

COLLEGE PARKBoys and Girls Cross Country1st Team:NathanielComar,ShaneMcKenzie,KevinOrellanaandSelenaSaliba2nd Team:TarynNiederbergerandMarianaPerezHonorable Mention:

PaulRamstadandOliviaRayFootball1st Team Offense:RayJackson,AngelMorenoandChrisSlininger1st Team Defense:AngelMoreno,TimmyJacksonandDimitriSalido2nd Team Offense:TrevorSprung,MichaelSabetiandSamArmstrong2nd Team Defense:DominicaBuscagliaandGageMessierGirls Tennis1st Team:EricaKemp2nd Team:OliviaBailey,MiaKawamoto,RaePerezandStephanieSchenkGirls Volleyball1st Team:SierraStratton2nd Team:AnikaAndersonHonorable Mention:RachelHenryBoys and Girls Water Polo1st Team:BrandonHutslar2nd Team:DylanCarrollandDemainPandzaandCourtneyRailtonHonorable Mention:KevinNeys,DanielSarrasin,GariellaGarcia-RoyandKylaMiller

2013 Fall All-League Selections

CarlyBergerhouseandNinaCretan,seniorsatAlhambraHighSchool,wereamong300exceptionalhighschoolcheer-leadersselectedfromacrossthenationtoperformintheworldfamousLondonNewYear’sDayParade.TheyaretwoofonlythreewhowerechosenfromContraCostaCounty,andtheywerethefirstevertoparticipatefromAHSsincethistraditionbeganin1987.BothhavebeendedicatedandaccomplishedcheerleaderssincetheirfreshmanyearatAHS.Theywereinvitedtoperformintheparadeaftereachwaschosenasan“AllAmeri-canCheerleader”atoneofthesummercampshostedbyUniversalCheerleadersAssociation(UCA),NationalCheerlead-

ersAssociation(NCA),andUnitedSpiritAssociation(USA). AllAmericansareselectedtotryoutbasedonsuperiorcheerleadingskillsatcampsacrossthecountry.Onlythetop5%ofcheerleaderswhoattendvarsitysummercampsearnthechancetomarchintheholidayspectacular.“Thisisthe26thyearwe’vebeenabletobringtalentedcheerleaderstoLondon,wheretheycanshowcasetheirskillstoaveryenthusiasticinternationalaudience,”saysMikeFultz,thevarsityinternationaleventcoordinator. For more information, visit www.varsity.com or contact Mike Fultz at (800) 238-0286 or [email protected].

Saturday, February 1, 2014At The New Pleasant Hill Senior Center

233 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill, CA

Must be 21 or olderTickets must be purchased in advance at

6:00 pm – Midnight $60 per person

TO SUPPORT HIGHSCHOOL SPORTS

http://cphs.mdusd.org/collegeparkathleticboostersAlso see the website to �nd out how you can help donate an item or service

for the auction. Donations may be tax deductible.

This is our largest fundraiser that helps keep our sports program functioning.Please come have a great time and support our student athletes.

24th Annual Crab FeedLive and Silent Auction Fundraiser

College Park High SchoolAthletic Boosters

Local Cheerleaders Perform In London

Carly Bergerhouse and Nina Cretan, seniors at Alhambra High School, were selected to perform in the world famous London New Year’s Day Parade.


The 1989 undefeated regular season football team will be induct-ed into the DVC Athletic Hall of Fame on February 20. If you were a member of that team, please contact Steve Ward, Hall of Fame Chairman, as soon as possible, for tickets and to participate in this memorable ceremony, 925-969-2762 or [email protected].

Back row: Coach Jon Giannini, Christina Abudayeh, Karina Umali, Laura Bocek, Jessica Vinogradov, Rylee McCormick and Coach Lino Ordaz. Middle row: Mia Delos Santos, Julia Giannini, Sammie Monroe, Ol-ivia Rosen, Mia Vahey and Emily Gillett. Bottom row: Carlee Palmer, Katie Gingrich, Maia Pecher, Grace Shughrou and Zeta Olvera. Photo Submitted by Lia McCormick.

Bolt Takes First CP Girls Golf Heritage Soccer Club’s U12 Girls Gold Team, Bolt, took 1st place in the fall league for their division.

KendraVanWestropwaschosentorepresentthe2013CollegeParkgirls’golfteamintheDVALLeagueChampionship.Sheplayedverywellinherfirstcom-petitivetournamentoftheseason,shootingascoreof113in18holesatBoundaryOaksGolfCourseinWalnutCreek.Kendrafinishedtiedfor14thoverall.GreatjobKendra!The2013golfteamgotalatestartintheseason.CoachJoecontinuedhisrecruitingeffortsuntilhehad11girlssigneduptopracticeasateam.KendraVanWeststrop,JaquelineMalkavick,MinhaHansan,KaytlynKhalvati,MiaKraik,MiaLi,SamanthaBennett,LaurenSmith,HaileyHall,MarlenaHeimandFaithWankoallworkeddiligentlyontheirgolfgame.Theteamcontinuespracticeses-sionsinpreparationforsomematchesandreadinessinAugustforthe2014leagueseason.GoFalcons!

Pictured: Coach Creamer, Kendra VanWestrop and Coach Joe.

DVC Athletic Hall-of-Fame

www.diablofc.org 925 798-GOAL

Diablo FC is pleased to be selected as

U9-U11 Feb. 1 - 9

Pre-register at www.diablofc.orgNo charge to tryout.

U8 8/1/06 - 7/31/08U9 8/1/05 - 7/31/06U10 8/1/04 - 7/31/05U11 8/1/03 - 7/31/04U12 8/1/02 - 7/31/03U13 8/1/01 - 7/31/02U14 8/1/00 - 7/31/01

2014 Age Matrix

Diablo FC offers players:

2014 Season Tryouts

For updates on Diablo FC follow us on @DFCsoccer

U9-U14 Girls & Boys TryoUTs

U9-U11 Girls & Boys

U12-U14 Girls & Boys

Register today for tryouts in Concordwww.diablofc.org

Programs are designed to bring professional

experience and guidance to youth soccer players

professional coaching staff has created a

curriculum to build the necessary FUNdamentals

for your child to develop as a soccer player and

continue to grow in their love for the sport.

Soccer Academy teaches basic dribbling and

juggling skills, passing and receiving the ball and

ball striking. The emphasis is on individual player

development in a fast-paced, friendly environment

without the pressure of game performance.

Academy Director: Adam Cooper

Head coach, St. Mary’s College

2-time WCC Coach of the Year

West Region College Coach of the Year

DAYS & DATES: Mondays and Thursdays, Jan. 16 to Feb. 27, 2014

Time & Location: 5 - 6 p.m. at Willow Pass Park #5, Concord

(Salvio St. @ Olivera Rd. next to Pixieland Park)

Eligibility: Girls & Boys ages 5 to 10. All skill levels welcome!

Cost:

T-shirt, Diablo FC pin & window sticker.

3 ways to Register!Complete online

registration form and pay by credit card.

P.O. Box 97, Clayton CA 94517

13th

Season

“You won’t find a better soccer

experience for your child!”

Sign up Today!Free Sessio

ns

Jan. 9 & 13

All welcome!

U12-U14 Feb. 22 - Mar 2

Diablo FC AlumnusChris Wondolowski

US Men’s National Team

The Readers’ Local Favorites start here! This quick list of winners and finalists in each category is followed by brief highlights of the qualities that made them rise to the top. These are the businesses, people and places

that support our community and have won spots in the hearts of our readers.

FOOD & DININGOverall Best RestaurantJack’s Lemon Grass Wence’s Haute Stuff

Family/CasualJack’s La Tapatia, Martinez Marty O’s

Date DiningJack’s Barrel AgedWence’s

BBQKinder’s Meats & BBQBack Forty Beaver Creek Smokehouse

BurgerIn N Out Nation’s Five Guys Burgers

Ice CreamCold Stone CreameryBaskin Robbins Main St. Sweets

Frozen YogurtIan’s Coco Swirl Yogurt Land

BreakfastCopper Skillet CourtyardJack’s Plaza Café

LunchJack’s Corner Bakery Chipotle

PizzaZachary’s PizzaMelo’s Marty O’s

SandwichKinder’s Meats & BBQLuigi’s Togo’s

SteakRuth Chris Tahoe Joe’s Outback

ChineseMing’s Sunflower Garden Zen

Greek/Middle EasternYanni’s Jack’s Daphne’sOpa

IndianNaan & Curry Sargam Swagat

Japanese/SushiKobe Japan Restaurant Hanabi Sushi Nama

SeafoodScott’s Yacht Club Dead Fish

MexicanLa Tapatia Cinco de Mayo Los Ponchos

ThaiLemon Grass Royal Thai Do Sit

Italian Dallimonti’s Italian RestaurantDeVino’s Bravo Bistro

BARSSignature DrinkBarrel Aged Jack’s La Tapatia

Beers on TapCreek Monkey Tap HousePyramid AlehouseBJ’s

Wine SelectionVa di Vi Jack’s Haute Stuff Roxx on Main

Happy HourJack’s Kobe JapanTahoe Joe’s

Sports BarMagoo’s GrillJack’s Masses Sports Bar & Grill

Live MusicArmando’s Dallimonti’s Italian RestaurantPyramid Alehouse

HEALTH & BEAUTYHolistic CareMyra Nissen, CCH RSHom(NA) Chris Woolf , Woolf Spinal Care

ChiropractorCasey Strand, Contra Costa Chiropractic Dr. Lujan, Contra Costa Chiropractic

DentistDr. Stephen C. Francis, Muir Family DentistryDr. Daniel LeungKurt Schwartz

Medical DoctorDr. Nikolas MakhoulDr. Rush

OrthodontistDr. Stephen J. HarperDr. Jennifer Martin Tanner and Reichhold Family Orthodontics

Esthetician/Spa/MassageKelly Ann’s Salon & Day SpaSkin Science Medical Spa Changes Salon & Day Spa

GymStep it Up GymYMCA 24 Hour Fitness

Yoga/PilatesStep it Up GymYMCA Aspire Pilates

Boot CampStep it Up Gym

Dance StudioIn Motion Studio ANew You Dance Center

Martial ArtsFamily Martial Arts of America (FMAA) Powell’s Taekwondo CenterUFC

Hair SalonCitrus SalonAlma Bella

Nail SalonLily’s Nail SalonBollinger Nail Salon

HOME IMPROVEMENTCarpet/FlooringGil’s Carpets

Heating & A/CHammer’s Heating and Air ConditioningBig Air Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.

ContractorsBali Construction

Interior DesignLaura Frost Cole’s Interiors

PaintersPayless Painting

PlumbersErnie’s Plumbing & Sewer Services Stefano’s Plumbing & Drain

ElectriciansBrazil Electric

HardwareBill’s Ace HardwareEames Hardware

Pest ControlLeading Edge Pest ControlClark’s Pest Control

Home ApplicationsMoulding Company

PET SERVICESPet SittingMeow & Howl Barbara Booth, Pet and Home Care

GroomingAnimal Crackers

VeterinarianHillcrest VetMontecito Animal ClinicGeary Veterinary Hospital

PROFESSIONAL SERVICESReal EstateFlaskerud / RE/MAXCole’s Real Estate

TaxH & R Block Lemonade Accounting

Senior ServicesPleasant Hill Senior Center Senior Helpers Martinez Senior CenterChateaus 1 & 2 Pleasant Hill, Assisted Living

InsuranceMatt Rinn, State Farm Chuck Reyna, FarmersChristine Sampson, State Farm

Financial PlanningAmy Wasser, Edward Jones John Fuller, Edward Jones

PhotographerSusan Wood PhotograpyTod Gomes Photography

CatererLesley Stiles Wilma Lott CateringHaute Stuff

BakerBella Cakes Saucie’s Bakery & CaféSinful Bliss

Business ServicesCantrell’s Computer Sales and ServiceUPS Store, Martinez

AUTOMOTIVEMechanicHagin’s AutomotiveAA Automotive Martinez Automotive

TiresLes Schwab Tire Center America’s Tire Big O Tires

Auto BodyMartinez Auto Body Mikes Auto Body Pleasant Hill Collision

CONSIGNMENTHomeEstates ConsignmentConsignment Plus

ClothingDéjà VuLeah’s Closet Plato’s Closet

AntiquesAntiques and ThingsAlley Cats Thrift & Collectibles

LEISUREGolfContra Costa Country Club Franklin Canyon Pine Meadows

HikeBriones Martinez Marina Mt. Wanda

ParkPleasant Hill Park Rankin ParkHidden Lakes

Swim ClubRankin ParkPleasant Hill Aquatics Forest Hills

Indoor RecreationYMCA Sky HighPaddock Bowl

Bike ShopDevil Moutain Cyclery Mike’s Bikes

MEET THE WINNERS!

Martinez 536 Center Ave 925-957-1400Pleasant Hill, 2227 Morello Ave, 925-798-2333Concord, 1776 Arnold Industrial Way, 925-825-2333Walnut Creek, 1293 Parkside Dr, 925-952-9000Walnut Creek, 1831 Ygnacio Valley Rd. 925-952-9393

Catering available for pick-up, delivery or on-siteHoliday Parties • Business Luncheons

Corporate Events

www.kindersbbq.com

A BAY AREA FAVORITE SINCE 1946

Thanks for voting us Best BBQ and

Best Sandwiches!

Overall BestRestaurant

Date Dining

1922 Oak Park Blvd, Pleasant Hill •(925-566-8971Wencesrestaurant.com

Brunch • Lunch • Dinner

Overall Best RestaurantJack’s Restaurant & Bar - Win-ner in 6 categories and a finalist in 4 categories! Jack’sRestaurantseamlesslytransitionsasaplacewherecus-tomerscangoforadressed-upmeal,aburgerandbeerbeforeorafterthemovie,abusinessmeet-ingoracelebrationforoneoflife’smilestones.Perhapsbecausetheyarealsoopensevendaysaweekforbreakfast,lunchanddinner,offerindoorandoutdoordiningandmakeyoutofeelcomfortableanytimeyouwalkin,theywontheReaders’LocalFavoritesOverall Best Restaurant.Sinceopeningin2010,Jack’shasgrowntobecomethedestinationforhappyhourandwine,winningthemtheawardforBest Wine Selectionand Best

Happy Hour.Theirwinelistisex-tensive,offeringaselectionofover50redandmorethan25whitewinesbythebottle.Halfbottlesandaselectionof25winesbytheglassarealsoavailable.Jack’shostshappyhourMonday–Friday,from3:30-6:30pm,andtheyofferfourbeersontap,cocktailsandappetiz-ers,withallitemsunder$6.Thebarincludeshightopseatingandaccommodates50people.Manyguestscomeinfortheirsignaturedrinks:PomegranateinaPearTreemadewithGreyGooseLaPoireandIvan’sMargaritamadewithCazadoresReposado.AdventurousfolksordertheclassicGreekdrinkOuzo,makingJack’safinalist in the Best Signature Drinkcat-egory.Thespaciousbarsidearea(separatefromthediningside)includesfourgiantHDTVsthataffixthewallsandkeepguestsup-to-dateonthelatestsportsscores,makingJack’safinalistintheBest Sports Bar category.

Therelaxedatmosphereattractsfamilies,andthewide-rangingmenuhassomeMediterraneaninfluences,whicharepopularenoughtovoteJack’safinalist in the Greek/Mediterranean Res-taurant.KidsloveJack’sfortheirchickentendersandselectionofmac-n-cheese--sixchoicestobeexact,includingbaconorhotdogmac,winningthemBest Family Restaurant.Jack’sisawinnerintheBest Lunchandafinalist in the Best Breakfast categoriestoo.Whetherit’sforbusinessorpleas-ure,thereisplentytochoosefromonthemenutoimpressclientsoryourfriendsfromoutoftown.De-lectableeggsbenedict,aselectionofomelets,twelvesaladchoices,tensandwichesofferingsandhalfadozenpastadisheskeepfansofJack’sreturningformore. Thereareplentyoftablesfortwo,andcouplesoftencomefordatenighttoenjoyameal,eitheroutsideonthepatio(heatedinthewinter)withwhitelightsromanti-callystrungoverheadorinsideatacomfortabletablealongthewindow.SpecialoccasionsarecelebratedwithabottleofPerrie-JouetChampagneandachoco-latetuxedocakefordessert.It’snotsurprisingthatJack’sisalsoawinnerintheBest Date Diningcategory.60 Crescent Dr., Pleasant Hill, (925) 849-6195, www.jack-srestaurants.com.

Haute Stuff – Finalist521 Main St, Martinez, (925) 229-0521

Lemongrass – Finalist TheownersofLemongrassBistroenvisionedavenuewherepeo-plecouldcometogethertoenjoy“contemporary”SoutheastAsiandishespreparedbytheirmotherBounPhenginanupbeat,cozy“bistro”setting.Withthatinmind,therestaurantwasredesignedandremodeledwiththehelpofstudentdesignersfromtheAcademyofArtinSanFranciscotomakethisvisionarealty.LemongrassBistrohasbecomearecognizedrestaurantinthecommunity.Lunch:M-F11am-3pm&Sat12-2:30pm.Dinner:M5-8:30pm&T-Sat5-9pm.501 Main St., Martinez, (925) 387-0388, www.lemongrass-bistro.com.

Wence’s Restaurant – Finalist Thisnew,family-runrestaurantoffersavarietyoffreshlypreparedentreesforalltastebuds,includingmusselsandseabass,whitetrufflemacandcheese,specialtyburg-ers,andfiletmignon!Theownersbelieveeventhesmallestdetailmatterstoensureeverycustomerispleasedandeagertoreturn.BrunchSat&Sun,lunchanddin-nereveryday.Theycatertoo!1922 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill, (925) 566-8971, www.wencesres-taurant.com.

140 CRESCENT DRIVE - 925.602.7000DINE-IN OR TAKE-OUT

Thank you Community Focus readers for voting Zachary’s

BEST PIZZA! ~ Zachary's Employee-Owners

Family/CasualJack’s – Winner 60 Crescent Dr., Pleasant Hill, (925) 849-6195, www.jacksrestaurants.com

Marty O’s – Finalist802 Main St., Martinez, (925) 228-7792

La Tapatia (Martinez) – Finalist Thisfestiverestaurantnotonlyservesaward-winningMexicandishes,buthostsbirthdaypartiesandfundraisingevents,offersdin-nerspecials,onlineorderingandtakeout,Mariachinights,TuesdayKidsEatFreenights,andmanyotherdailyspecials. Needtohostanevent?Theyofferfullserviceanddrop-offcateringandrentbanquetroomsforupto200peo-ple.Sun–Th:11am–9pm,Fri&Sat:11am–10pm.536 Main St., Martinez, (925) 229-3866, 1802 Willow Pass Rd, Concord, (925) 685-1985, www.latapatia.net.

Date DiningJack’s – Winner 60 Crescent Dr., Pleasant Hill, (925) 849-6195, www.jacksrestaurants.com

Barrel Aged – Finalist 823 Main St., Martinez, (925) 228-7795

Wence’s Restaurant - Finalist Enjoyanintimatedinnerthat’sfreshlypreparedandartfullypresented.Wence’sfriendlystaffprovidesimpeccableservicewhile,intheback,ChefGerardoWenceandhishighlyskilledteampre-paresanoutstandingmeal!Ondatenight,trytheirpan-searedscallops,artichokesalad,Wence’schickenGorgonzola,followedbybreadpudding.Theyofferbrunchontheweekendsandlunchanddinnereveryday.HappyHourisM-Th3-6pmandF3-5pm.Theycatertoo!1922 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill, (925) 566-8971, www.wenc-esrestaurant.com.

BBQKinder’s Meats & BBQ – Winner You’llfindKinder’slegacyandinnovativespiritinamouth-water-ingassortmentoffoods,sauces,marinadesandrubs.Kinder’suseslighterfruitwoodsforjustahintofsmoke,andthefreshflavorsofcitrus,garlicandchiliestogiveasweet-spice-smokinessthat’sabsolutelyaddictive.Itsbold,brighttastewinsbarbecuecook-offsacrossthecountry,convertingfanstothelighter,fresherflavorsofCaliforniaBBQ.2227 Morello Ave., Pleasant Hill, (925) 798-2333. 536

Center Ave., Martinez. (925) 957-1400, www.kindersbbq.com.

Back Forty – Finalist 100 Coggins Dr., Pleasant Hill, (925) 935-1440

Beaver Creek Smokehouse – Finalist PitmasterandownerRobZa-vatero(RobZ)bringscompetitionstyleBBQtoMartinez.Hehaswonnumerousawards,including1stplaceinribsattheSiliconValleyBBQChampionship,1stplaceinchickenattheWineCountyBigQueand1stplaceinporkattheKingoftheCounty.HehaswonmanyTop10awardsoverthelastfewyears.BeaverCreekmakesalltheirsidesanddessertsfromscratchandofferscateringandsmall,on-siteparties.601 Main Street, Martinez, (925) 335-9915, www.beavercreeksmokehousetav-ern.com.

BurgerIn N Out – Winner 570 Contra Costa Blvd., Pleasant Hill, (800) 786-1000

Nation’s – Finalist 1900 Contra Costa Blvd., Pleasant Hill, (925) 798-4280

Five Guys Burgers - Finalist 100 Crescent Dr., Pleasant Hill, (925) 609-8400

Ice CreamCold Stone Creamery – Winner Since2001,ColdStoneCream-eryinPleasantHillhasservedupthefinest,freshesticecream,cakes,smoothiesandshakesusingonlythehighestqualityingredi-ents,alongwithoursignatureprocessofpreparingcustomicecreamcreations.ColdStone’sicecreamcanbemadetoorderandmixedwithyourchoiceofcandy,

Dallimonti’s Restaurant

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

www.dallimontis.com

• A Family Tradition Since 1982 • Open for Lunch & Dinner• Reservations & Take Out Available • Small Banquets Welcome

• Full Bar & Wine List • A Touch of North Beach in your Neighborhood

FRIDAY KARAOKE NIGHT • LIVE MUSIC EVERY SATURDAY Come for the food stay for the music!

1/4 The Famous Three-O • 1/11 Loose Blues • 1/18 The Big Jangle • 1/25 The Shillz

Thanks for helping us become a favorite place

for so many people...~ Ron & ChristyWinner Italian Finalist Live Music

Thank you to all our valued customers for all your support. In just 6 months you voted Beaver Creek Smokehouse

a finalist in the Best of BBQ category.

925-335-9915601 MAIN ST.

MARTINEZ

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US THE BEST THAI FOOD AND THE FINALIST FOR OVERALL BEST RESTAURANT.

WWW.LEMONGRASS-BISTRO.COM

925.387.0388501 MAIN ST, MARTINEZ

cakes,fruitsornutsonafrozengranitestone.Inaddition,shakes,smoothies,yogurtandsorbetisavailable.PleasantHillColdStoneCreamerywouldliketothankourwonderfulandloyalcustomersforvotingusa2013LocalFavoriteforBestIceCream!Pleasecheckoutourwebsiteatwww.coldstone-cakes.com.On-linecakeorderscanbedonein24hours!60 Crescent Dr., Suite J, Downtown Pleasant Hill. 925-288-0388.

Baskin Robbins – Finalist1175a Arnold Dr., Martinez, (925) 229-3999

Main St. Sweets – Finalist815 Main St., Martinez, (925) 229-9677

Frozen YogurtIan’s – Winner530 Center Ave., Martinez, (925) 229-3580

Coco Swirl – Finalist35 Crescent Dr. # E, Pleasant Hill, (925) 685-2626

Yogurt Land – Finalist2390 Monument Blvd., Pleasant Hill, (925) 689-8929

BreakfastCopper Skillet Courtyard – Winner811 Ferry St., Martinez,(925) 228-3457

Jack’s – Finalist60 Crescent Dr., Pleasant Hill, (925) 849-6195, www.jacksrestaurants.com

Plaza Café – Finalist1912 Contra Costa Blvd., Pleasant Hill, (925) 827-2811

LunchJack’s – Winner60 Crescent Dr., Pleasant Hill, (925) 849-6195, www.jacksrestaurants.com

Corner Bakery – Finalist12A-B, 35 Crescent Dr., Pleasant Hill, (925) 363-6267

Chipotle – Finalist60 Crescent Dr., Pleasant Hill, (925) 674-0615

PizzaZachary’s Pizza – Winner Recognizedlocallyandnation-ally,withover150BestPizzaAwards,Zachary’sofferstwostylesofpizza:aChicago-stylestuffedpizzaandatraditionalthincrustpizza.Everypizzaismadewiththeirmildlyspicy,tangytomatosauce,made-from-scratchdough,andtheiruniqueblendofqualitycheeses.Allingredientsarethefin-estandfreshestavailable.Delicioussaladsareavailableaswell.Dineinandtakeout.M-Th&Sun:11am-10pm;Fri&Sat:11am-10pm.140 Crescent Drive, Pleasant Hill, (925) 602-7000, www.zacharys.com.

Melo’s – Finalist1660 Contra Costa Blvd., Pleasant Hill, (925) 687-1880

Marty O’s – Finalist802 Main St., Martinez, (925) 228-7792

SandwichKinder’s Meats & BBQ – Winner AtKinder’s,“sandwich”ispracticallysynonymouswiththeirfamous“balltip,”slowlycookedtoperfection,thinlyslicedandstackedonasourdoughrollwithlettuce,tomatoesandKinder’saward-winningBBQsauce.Buttheyofferanumberofotherhotsandwichesthathaveplentyoffansaswell,fromaLouisianaStyleHotLinktoajuicycheeseburger,or,createyourownsatisfyingdelisandwichfromawideselectionofhigh-qualitymeats,cheeses,produceandbreads.2227 Morello Ave, Pleasant Hill, (925) 798-2333; 536 Center Ave., Martinez, (925) 957-1400, www.kindersmeats.com.

Luigi’s – Finalist537 Main St., Martinez, (925) 229-8920

HAPPY HOUR M–F 11AM-5PMASK INSIDE THE STORE FOR DETAILS!

*NEW*

PRESENTS

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US A 2013 Local Favoritefor Best Ice Cream!

Togo’s – Finalist1135 Arnold Dr., Martinez, (925) 228-0844; 55 Crescent Dr., Pleasant Hill, (925) 687-9111

SteakRuth Chris – Winner1553 Olympic Blvd., Walnut Creek, (925) 977-3477

Tahoe Joe’s – Finalist999 Contra Costa Blvd., Pleasant Hill, (925) 687-8096

Outback – Finalist150 Longbrook Way, Pleasant Hill, (925) 687-2225

ChineseMing’s – Winner2653 Pleasant Hill Rd., Pleasant Hill, (925) 934-9393

Sunflower Garden – Finalist Withover20yearsinthedown-townMartinezneighborhood,

SunflowerGardenRestaurant&Barhassuccessfullyandcon-tinuouslycreatedareputationforfreshanddeliciousChinesecuisine.Relaxintheclassicyetcontemporaryambianceoftheirbarroom,andbringyourfam-ilyfordinnerinthecomfortablediningroom.ViewtheirmenuandyouwillseethereissomethingforeveryoneatSunflowerGarden.M–Th:11am–9pm;F–Sat:11am–9:30pm;Sunday–closed.436 Ferry Street, Martinez, (925) 372-0842, www.sunflowergardenrestaurant.com.

Zen – Finalist2642 Pleasant Hill Rd., Pleasant Hill, (925) 287-8899

Greek/Middle EasternYanni’s – Winner6635 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 943-5771

Jack’s – Finalist60 Crescent Dr., Pleasant Hill, (925) 849-6195, www.jacksrestaurants.com.

Daphne’s – Finalist55 Crescent Dr., Pleasant Hill, (925) 825-8644

Opa – Finalist1532 N Main St., Walnut Creek, (925) 891-4700

IndianNaan & Curry – Winner2068 Salvio St., Concord, (925) 825-6226

Sargam – Finalist140 N Civic Dr., Walnut Creek, (925) 937-2700

Swagat – Finalist1901 Salvio St., Concord, (925) 685-2777

Japanese/SushiKobe Japan – Winner AtKobeJapan,youwillfindnotonlythebestJapanesecuisinethissideoftheBay,butentertain-ingchefsastheyprepareyourTeppanyakimealatoneofsevenTeppanyakitables.ChoosefromKobebeeffromSnakeRiverFarm,Mainelobstertail,orhibachiclas-sicorhibachicombinationplates.Kobealsooffersasushiloungeandsportsbar.Opensevendaysaweekforlunchanddinner,HappyHourdailyfrom4pm-6pm.1918 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill, (925) 705-7065,www.kobejapanrestau-rant.com.

Hanabi Sushi – Finalist1155 Arnold Dr., Martinez, (925) 957-0407

Nama – Finalist2375 Contra Costa Blvd., Pleasant Hill, (925) 356-0292

ON MAINOpen for lunch Weds - Fri. Closed Sun, Mon & Tues

627 Main St., Downtown Martinez925.370.7699 • Roxxonmain.com

Like us on Facebook.com/RoxxOnMain

small platesfine wine

good brew

FINALIST BEST WINE

FINALIST - BEST CHINESE FOOD

SeafoodScott’s – Winner1333 N California Blvd., Walnut Creek, (925) 934-1300

Yacht Club – Finalist1555 Bonanza St., Walnut Creek, (925) 944-3474

Dead Fish – Finalist20050 San Pablo Ave., Crockett, (510) 787-3323

MexicanLa Tapatia – Winner Foralmosttwodecades,LaTapatiahasprovidedtheBayAreawiththefinestinMexicancuisine,cateringandbanquets.TheytakeprideinprovidingtheextraordinaryflavorsofauthenticJaliscocuisine,includingtheir“worldfamous”sizzlingfajitas,savoryenchiladasverde,andanarrayofseafooddelights.Indulgeyourselfwithoneoftheirfinest100tequilas.Checkouttheirbeautifulbanquet

rooms(seatingcapacitiesupto200).Sun–Th:11am–9pm;Fri&Sat:11am–10pm.536 Main St., Mar-tinez, (925) 229-3866, 1802 Willow Pass Rd, Concord, (925) 685-1985, www.latapatia.net.

Cinco de Mayo – Finalist2250 Pacheco Blvd., Martinez, (925) 335-0960

Los Ponchos – Finalist5872 Pacheco Blvd., Pacheco, (925) 689-4430

ThaiLemongrass – Winner LemongrassBistrofocusesoncreatingdishesthatcombinearo-maticinfluencesofLaos,Vietnam,Thailand,andMalaysia,emphasizingthecustomsinherentindiningasafamily.EssentialtotheauthenticityofLemongrassaretheeffectsofSouth-eastAsianherbsandspicesonthepalateofgueststostimulateadesire

formore.Relishinthenon-traditionalandenjoyavisualpresentationguaranteedtoenhanceyourdiningexperience.Lunch:M-F11am-3pm&Sat12-2:30pm.Dinner:M5-8:30pm&T-Sat5-9pm.(925)387-0388,501 Main St., Martinez, www.lemon-grass-bistro.com.

Royal Thai – Finalist RoyalThaiRestaurantprovidesauthenticThaicuisinefromcen-tralThailandalongwithspecialThaidishesyouwon’teasilyfindanywhereelse.Dishesareavailablefortakeoutanddelivery.Visitthewebsiteandviewthemenupagefortheirfavoritedishesandspe-cials.ComeforKaraokeFridayandSaturdaynights.Needcateringorabanquetroom?RoyalThaihasthattoo.LocatednexttotheAmtrakstation,414 Ferry St, Martinez, (925) 313-9185, myroyalthai.com

Do Sit – Finalist1520 Palos Verdes Mall, Walnut Creek, (925) 933-3889

Italian Dallimonti’s Italian Restaurant – Winner Dallimonti’sisnotedforitsfamily-styleItaliandinners.OwnersRonandChristythoughttheconceptof

familydining,ofsharingatureenofsoup,salad,plattersofpastaandgoodItaliancomfortfoodwouldbeagreatidea.Dallimonti’scontinuestoentertainoldfriendsandnewinacasualsettingthatwillleaveyousatisfiedandhappyyoustoppedin.Dinnerservednightlyat5pm(closedMondays),andlunchTuesday-Friday11:30-1:30.KaraokeeveryFridayandlivemusiceverySaturday.1932 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill, (925) 944-5224, www.dallimontis.com.

DeVino’s – Finalist2221 Morello Ave., Pleasant Hill, (925) 689-6666

Bravo Bistro – Finalist1050 Contra Costa Blvd., Concord, (925) 363-4443

Signature DrinkBarrel Aged – Winner823 Main St., Martinez, (925) 228-7795


CREEK MONKEYTAP HOUSE

611 Escobar St. Downtown Martinez

925.228.8787

www.CreekMonkey.com

26 Taps! Beer – Cider - Wine

Pint NightsLunch and Dinner

Family CentricLocally Sourced Fresh Food

4 Big Screen TV’sOpen Mic NightsCreekside Dining

Private Banquet Room

Thank you for voting us BEST BEER on TAP!

HOURS:Mon-Thurs: 11am – 9pm

Fri & Sat: 11am – 11am-10pmSun: 12pm – 8pm

Facebook.com/CreekMonkeyTapHouse

And more fun thana barrel of monkeys!

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Happy HourJapanese / Sushi

La Tapatia – Finalist LaTapatiahaswonnumerousawardsforit’sMexicancuisine,butit’salsoknownforbarspecialsandagreathappyhour.Tryoneoftheirfinest100tequilas,ortrytheLaTapa-tia32oz.MonsterMargarita,allmadewith100%agave.Theafterdin-nerdrinkmenuincludesFrangelico,MochaJamocha,MexicanMunktonameafew.VisitonWednesdaysandFridaysformargaritaspecialsandThursdaysfor$3LemonDrops.Sun–Th11am–9pm;Fri&Sat:11am–10pm. 536 Main St., Mtz., (925) 229-3866, 1802 Willow Pass Rd, Concord, (925) 685-1985, www.latapatia.net.

Beers on TapCreek Monkey Tap House – Winner AtCreekMonkeyTapHouseyoucanfind26beersontapaswellascider!Theysourcehighqualitybeersandwinesandknowmostoftheproducersoftheseproducts

personally.Theyofferuniqueandtastybeersyoucan’tnormallygetontapatotherplaces,andtheyro-tatethemfrequentlytomakeeachvisitanadventure.CreekMon-keyalsomakessmallbatchesofbeerthemselvesandtheirgoalistohaveafullproductionbreweryoneday.Theyservelunchanddin-nerandofferaroomupstairsforparties.611 Escobar St., Martinez, (925) 228-8787, www.creekmon-key.com.

Pyramid Alehouse – Finalist1410 Locust St., Walnut Creek, (925) 946-1520

BJ’s – Finalist385 Sun Valley Mall, Concord, (925) 849-1090

Wine SelectionVa di Vi – Winner1511 Mt Diablo Blvd., Walnut Creek, (925) 979-0100

Jack’s – Winner60 Crescent Dr, Pleasant Hill, (925) 849-6195, www.jacksrestaurants.com

Haute Stuff – Finalist521 Main St., Martinez, (925) 229-0521

Roxx on Main – Finalist ProprietorRoxanneColecom-binesanoutstandingselectionofeclecticinternationaltapasstylesmallplates,auniqueselectionofwines,plusthefriendlinessandcomfortofaneighborhoodrestaurant.RoxxonMainfeaturesanever-changingwinelistofdo-mesticandimportedwinestotemptyourtastebuds.Chooseafewdishes,aglassofwine,orper-hapsanartisanwineflight.Wed–Fri11am-2:30pm;Th-Sat:5-10pm;closedSun&Mon. 627 Main St., Martinez, (925) 370-ROXX, www.roxxonmain.com.

Happy HourJack’s – Winner60 Crescent Dr., Pleasant Hill, (925) 849-6195, www.jacksrestaurants.com

Kobe Japan – Finalist KobeJapanoffersauniquehap-pyhourmenu,7daysaweek,4-6pm(excludingholidays).Choosefromclassicandsignaturesushirolls,anextensivelistofspe-cialsincludingoysters,shrimptem-pura,sashimisalad,Kobebeefslid-ersoraKobehotdogwithhome-madefries.Themenuincludessev-eralnon-alcoholicbeverages,andthebarfeaturessixhighdefinitionTVsandofferseightbeervarietiesontapandsomeuniquebottledbeerandalebrands.Allofyourfavoritemixeddrinkcocktailsareavailable,alongwithseveralvari-etalsofwine. 1918 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill, (925) 705-7065, www.kobejapanrestaurant.com.

Stephen C. Francis, DDSVictor D. Truong, DDS

“Thank you to all who voted for us as

your Readers’ Favorite.”

Thank you to our patients for all your support and votes! We are happy to be your local favorite Orthodontist!

Stephen J. Harper DDS 2805 Alhambra Ave • 925-228-8330 • www.harperortho.com

Stephen J. Harper DDS Stephen J. Harper DDS

Tahoe Joe’s – Finalist999 Contra Costa Blvd, Pleasant Hill, (925) 687-8096

Sports BarMagoo’s Grill – Winner1250 Contra Costa Blvd #203, Pleasant Hill, (925) 682-4868


Masses Sports Bar & Grill – Finalist2721 N Main St., Walnut Creek, (925) 256-7665

Live MusicArmando’s – Winner 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, (925) 228-6985

Dallimonti’s Italian Restaurant – Finalist Dallimonti’sisnotedforitsfamily-

styleItaliandinners.OwnersRonandChristyenjoyentertainingaswell.Ev-eryFridayeveningtheyhostKaraoke.Youneverknowwhomaydecidetotakepart!Theyhostlivemusicev-erySaturdaynight,withadifferentlineupeverymonth.Ifyou’relucky,you’llhearownerRonDallimontibeltoutafewtunes.Comebyfordinneranddrinksandstayforthemusic.Nocovercharge!1932 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill. (925) 944-5224, www.dallimontis.com.

Pyramid Alehouse – Finalist1410 Locust St., Walnut Creek, (925) 946-1520

Holistic CareMyra Nissen, CCH RSHom(NA) – Winner Metabolicbalance®,homeopa-

thyandhairmineralanalysisareindividualized,non-intrusiveheal-ingdisciplinesbasedonthebody’sabilitytohealitself,givingyouthequalityofhealthtofullyenjoylife.Myraofferssolutionstoeasethesymptomsofmanyhealthis-suesincludingweightloss,weightgain,asthma,migraines,depres-sion,sleepproblems,PTSDandPMS/PMDD.Shecanhelpmakeatrueshiftinyourhealth.HerBayAreaofficeislocatedat43 Quail Court Office Park, Ste.102, Walnut Creek. Contact Myra Nissen, CCH, RSHom(NA), at (925) 826-3858, or www.myranissen.com.

Chris Woolf, Woolf Spinal Care, – Finalist391 Taylor Blvd, Pleasant Hill, (925) 798-1770

ChiropractorCasey Strand, Contra Costa Chi-ropractic – Winner

620 Contra Costa Blvd, Pleasant Hill, (925) 680-0640

Dr. Lujan, Contra Costa Chiropractic – Finalist620 Contra Costa Blvd, Pleasant Hill, (925) 680-0640

DentistDr. Stephen C. Francis, Muir Family Dentistry – Winner Dr.StephenC.Francis,anAl-hambragraduate,hashadaden-talpracticeinMartinezforalmost30yearsthatissharedwithhisassociate,VictorD.Truong,DDS.Theyprovidegeneral,familyandcosmeticdentistryinacaring,low-stressenvironment.Bothdoctorsareexperiencedinallphasesofcosmeticdentistryincludingve-neersandsamedaycrowns.Theyreplacemissingteethwithden-talimplants,creatingbeautifulcrowns,bridgesanddentures.Theofficeisconvenientlylocatedinthe

Dr. Melissa HubiakEmail: [email protected]: 925.334.2210

Stephanie Knight, Licensed Clinical EstheticianEmail: [email protected]: 925.381.5627

JENNIFER L. MARTIN, D.D.S.

Specialist in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

401 GREGORY LANE, SUITE 126PLEASANT HILL, CA 94523

925.676.8485 FAX 925.676.0288www.drjennifermartin.com

GET YOUR NEW YEAR

STARTED OFF RIGHTContact us to schedule a registration appointment • Bring this ad for a FREE REGISTRATION

www.stepitupgym.com • 925.588.8109 • [email protected]

24/7 Key Access Gym • Group Classes • Boot Camp • Personal Training

Muir Shopping Center at 582 Center Avenue. (925) 372-4747.

Dr. Daniel Leung – Finalist3159 Putnam Blvd., Suite B, (925) 689-4404

Dr. Kurt Schwartz – Finalist3801 Alhambra Ave, Martinez, (925) 372-6969

Medical DoctorDr. Nikolas Makhoul – Winner401 Gregory Ln, Pleasant Hill, (925) 682-2401

Dr. Rush – Finalist91 Gregory Ln, Pleasant Hill, (925) 685-0843

OrthodontistDr. Stephen J. Harper – Winner Since2007,HarperOrthodonticshasbeentreatingadultsandchil-drenutilizingthelatesttechnology,offeringmodernbracesandappli-ancestohelphispatientsobtainthesmileoftheirdreams.HarperOrthodonticsstrivestoofferthe

bestandmostmemorableorth-odonticexperienceinafriendly,comfortableandfunenvironment.“Werealizethatstraightteethnotonlycontributetohealthyteethandgums,theyboostconfidenceandself-esteem.”2805 Alhambra Ave, Martinez, (925) 228-8330, www.harperortho.com.

Dr. Jennifer Martin – Finalist Asecond-generationorthodon-tist,Dr.Martinisdedicatedtothepracticeoforthodontics.Sheknowsandunderstandsherpa-tients,andstrivestoprovideaunique,custom-tailoredexperienceforeachindividualshetreats. Asaspecialistinorthodontics,Dr.Martiniscommittedtoprovid-ingthemostadvancedorthodon-tictreatmentoptionsforoptimalcareandcomfort.Sheworkswithpatientsofallagesprovidingearly,interceptivetreatment,phaseoneandtwoorthodontics,andInvis-alignandInvisalignTeenbracesaswellastraditionalmetalbraces,andceramicbraces.401 Gregory

Lane, suite 126, Pleasant Hill. (925) 232-0646, www.drjennifermartin.com.

Tanner and Reichhold Family Orthodontics – Finalist2991 Treat Blvd., Suite F, Concord, (925) 689-4790

Esthetician/Spa MassageKelly Ann’s Salon & Day Spa – Winner607 Gregory Ln, Pleasant Hill, (925) 944-5655

Skin Science Medical Spa – Finalist Withover22yearsofcombinedexperience,Dr.MelissaHubiakandlicensedestheticianStepha-nieKnight,bringyouSkinScienceMedicalSpa!Asaphysicianownedandoperatedmedicalspa,youcanbeassuredthatyouaregettingthehighestqualitycare.Weoffercus-tomizedtreatmentplansandstate-of-the-arttechniquesinafriendlyandrelaxingenvironment.ComevisitusforyourBotox,Dysport,Fill-

er(JuvedermandRestylane),chem-icalpeelsorestheticservices.Findusatwww.skinsciencemedspa.comandonFacebook. 101 Gregory Lane, Suite #27, Pleasant Hill, (925) 334.2210 or (925) 381.5627.

Changes Salon & Day Spa – Finalist1475 N Broadway, Walnut Creek, (925) 947-1814

Gym Step It Up Gym – Winner StepItUpGymisa24-hourkeyaccessgymthatoffersavarietyofequipmentintheareasofcardio-vascular,strength,coreandflexibil-itytraining.OwnedandoperatedbyPersonalTrainerRyanMcNabb,StepItUpGymwasestablishedtoprovideequipmentandservicestoaccommodatealldifferentgoalsandlifestyles.Withaccessibility24/7,StepItUpGymcanbeusedbyanymemberatanytime!2625 Pleasant Hill Rd, (925) 588-8109, www.stepitupgym. com.

Winner in Best

Indoor Recreation

Finalist in Best Gym

and Pilates & Yoga

GET STARTED

STAY MOTIVATEDStart your new year off right with an investment in health and

wellness. The Irvin Deutscher Family YMCA has programs and

activities for all ages, interests and fitness levels.

Irvin Deutscher Family YMCA 350 Civic Drive Pleasant Hill (P) 925 687 8900 www.ymca-cba.org

Free 1 Week Guest Pass in January!

YMCA – Finalist TheIrvinDeutscherFamilyYMCAinPleasantHillisafinalistinboththeGymandYoga/Pilatescat-egories.TheYMCAisaone-stophealthandwellnesscenterforfamiliesandpeopleofallages.Theindooramenitiesinclude:a4,100sq.ft.WellnessCenter,state-of-the-artcardioandstrengthtrain-ingequipment,personaltraining,adrysauna,aerobicsstudio,groupcyclingstudioandmind/bodystu-dio.Themind/bodystudiooffersPilatesIandPilatesII,Yoga,in-cludingVinyasaYoga,amoredy-namicflowformofyogawithafocusonaddedmovementandstrengthbasedposesaswellasTri-YogaFlow,acompleteHathayogamethodemphasizingtheunionofposture,breathandfocus.Thereisevenyogaforkidsintheafter-noon.Inadditiontothehour-longPilatesclasses,thereisa30-minutecorestrengthabsandbackclass

thatfocusesenhancingfunction-alstrengthandstability.Monthlymembershipsrunfrom$34to$88dependingonyourneeds. 350 Civ-ic Drive, Pleasant Hill, (925) 687-8900, ymca-cba.org/locations/irvin-deutscher-family.

24-Hour Fitness – Finalist2033 N Main St., Walnut Creek, (925) 930-7900

Yoga/PilatesStep It Up Gym – Winner StepItUpoffersmatPilates,Pi-latesontheTRX,Pilates/yogacom-bo&yoga.AfterteachinggroupXforover30years,ownerandoperatorKikiMcNabbfocusesontheimportanceoftheseclassestoachieveabalancedworkoutregi-men.Ourmatclassescanincludethesmallball,Pilatesringandmore.OurcomboclasscombinesPilatesmoveswithcomplimentaryyogastretches.OurTRXPilatesis

asmallgroupclassdesignedtochallengeouradvancedPilatesstu-dents.2625 Pleasant Hill Rd, (925) 588-8109, www.stepitupgym.com.

YMCA – Finalist350 Civic Drive, Pleasant Hill, (925) 687-8900, ymca-cba.org/locations/irvin-deutscher-family.

Aspire Pilates – Finalist AspirePilatesCenterinConcordhascreatedamotivatinganden-couragingenvironmentwhereallstudents,regardlessoffitnessortraininglevel,canchallengethem-selvesandimprovetheirbodyme-chanicssafely.Aspirebelievesthatwiththerightsupportandguid-ance,everyonecanrealizetheirmostchallengingAspirations.As-pireoffers55-minutesPrivate,Duet,orTriosessionsforclientswhopreferamoreintimate,per-sonaltouch.Inaddition,Aspirehas

asmallgroup(maximumof5stu-dents)MatandApparatuswork-shop,asmallgroup(between6and8students)Mat1andMatIIworkshopwherestudentsde-velopastrongfoundationinPi-latesMattechnique.IntheReleaseworkshop,studentslearnskillsofpersonalmassage.Finally,forthemoreadvancedPilatesstudents,AspireoffersOpenReformerClass-es.1485 Enea Court, Suite 1460, Concord, (925) 680-4400. www.aspirepilatescenter.com.

Boot CampStep It Up Gym – Winner AtStepItUpweofferavarietyofbootcampstyleclasses.Westartourweekoffwitha1½hourbootcamponMondaymorningsalongwithaseveralother1hourclassesthrough-outtheweek.Oursmallgroupclassscheduleincludes“TeamTraining”fortheearlybirds,alongwithaFri-dayeveningandaSaturdaymorn-

We have been open just 18 months and voted a Finalist in

2013 Readers’ Local Favorites!If you haven’t tried us out, come in for your FREE Dance Class!

TAP • JAZZ • BALLET • HIP HOP • CHEER TUMBLING • CONTEMPORARY & MORE!

All Levels Welcome • Boys & Girls from age 2 to Adult1424-D Shell Ave Martinez • 925-293-4726 • www.NYDCDANCER.COM

Thank you to all who voted for New You Dance Center!

We offer classes for all ages• Children: Learn confidence and discipline in a fun and safe environment.• Adults: Physical fitness and defense specialists.

Thank you for making us #1!!!

Family Martial Arts of America835 Arnold Dr #106Martinez CA925-370-6000

Bring in this adTo receive a one

month trial for $36Includes uniform

New students only

www.InMotionDancer.com835 Arnold Dr, Martinez, CA 94553 • 925-229-5678

Thank you to the readers and our families for choosing us as the 2013 favorite DANCE STUDIO WINNER!

ingclasstostartoffyourweekend.Theseclassesareallverydifferentandincludeweights,bands,glider,TRX,bike,etc. 2625 Pleasant Hill Rd., (925) 588-8109, www.stepitup-gym.com.

Dance StudioIn Motion – Winner InMotionDanceCenteroffersavarietyofclassesinJazz,Ballet,Hip-Hop,Tap,Contemporary,Pre-Dance,Tumbling,andCompetitiveTeamsfordancersofallagesandabilitylevels.Perfectyourdanceskillsinthreestate-of-the-artdancestudios,withsprungfloors,full-lengthmirrors,videoforfeedbackandairconditioning.Awardwin-ningdanceranddirectorDeenaRomingstartedoutlearningtodanceinacenterjustlikethisandwantstoshareherloveandpas-sionfordance.835 Arnold Dr, Martinez, (925) 229-5678, www.inmotiondancer.com.

Studio A – Finalist2245 Morello Ave, Pleasant Hill, (925) 691-0505

New You Dance Center – Finalist NewYouDanceCenteroffersawidevarietyofdancestylesthataretaughtinaFUNandlearningenvi-ronmentforbothboysandgirlsages2½thruadult,beginnertoadvanced.ThegoalofNewYouDanceCenteristhatdancersENJOYdancewhilelearningpropertechniqueanddevel-opingconfidence,poise,coordina-tionandrhythm.Callformoreinfor-mationandclassschedules.1424 D Shell Ave, Martinez, (925)-293-4726, www.newyoudancecenter.org.

Martial ArtsFamily Martial Arts of America (FMAA) – Winner FMAAisdedicatedtothehigh-estqualityofmartialartstrain-ing.Theybuildconfidencethroughachievementandprovideanen-

vironmentconducivetobuildingpositiverelationships,fosteringself-discipline,self-confidence,andself-respect.FMAAisdedicatedtothepracticeoftraditionalkarate-d.Al-thoughtheirstyleisprimarilyShoto-kanbased,theyalsoincorporateele-mentsfromShorin-Ryu,Kenpo,andJujutsuintotheteachings.Theyof-ferclassesforchildrenages5+,of-feringonaverage9classesperweekplusseminarsandotherspecialtrainingopportunities.Privateles-sonsarealsoavailable. 835 Arnold Drive, Suite 106, Martinez, (925) 370-6000. www.fmaa-karate.com.

Powell’s Taekwondo Center – Finalist1441 A. Franquette Ave, Concord, (925) 680-0406

UFC – Finalist1975 Diamond Blvd E340, Con-cord, (925) 265-8130

Hair SalonCitrus Salon – Winner CitrusSalonoffersafull-serviceexperiencerangingfromhaircut-tingandcoloringtohealingfacials.Thisisyouronestopshopforhairandskincare.CitrususesnaturalAVEDAproducts,whichareavail-ableforpurchasesoyoucaneas-ilymaintaintheCitrusSalonlookeveryday.Whetheryourhairiscoarseandthickoryou’relook-ingforamen’scut,dramaticstyle,orcreativecolor,Citrushastheskillstomaintainyourfunkyorchiclook.Concernedwithacne,aging,dull,dry,oroilyskin?Citrus’esthe-ticianwillgetyourskinbalancedandbackontrack.631 Main St, Martinez, (925) 228-2010, citrus-salon.com.

Alma Bella – Finalist2363 Boulevard Cir #24, Walnut Creek, (925) 938-4611

Honest & Reliable

877- 586-8302Please Contact Mike Hammer • Owner & Operator

Providing Superior Services throughout the East Bay for over 20 years Lic.# 672344

www.HammersHeatingandAC.com

SALES • INSTALL • SERVICEFREE ESTIMATES ON ALL

EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION

• ALL MAKES & MODELS• ALWAYS PROMPT & RELIABLE

CALL US FOR ALL OF YOUR HEATING & COOLING NEEDS.

925-229-2779 Thank you for voting us a

2013 Readers’ Local Favorite!

Carpet • Vinyl • Hardwood Tile • Window Coverings

For Residential and Commercial Properties

982 Howe Rd. Martinez CA 94553Phone: 925-685-1818

Fax: 925-370-6859www.gilscarpets.com

Nail SalonLily’s – Winner1904 Oak Park Blvd, Pleasant Hill, (925) 979-1169

Bollinger – Finalist1420 Contra Costa Blvd, Pleasant Hill, (925) 680-8600

Carpet and FlooringGil’s Carpets – Winner Gil’sCarpetsisafamily-ownedandoperatedbusiness.Fromourfamilytoyours,weofferhighqual-ityflooringsolutions,competitivepricing,exceptionalserviceandqualityinstallationcustomizedto

yourproject.Forover49yearsthemajorityofourbusinesshasbeenthroughourexcellentcustomerre-ferrals,whichiswhyourcustom-ersalwayscomebacktoGil’sfortheirflooringneeds.Givingbacktoourcommunityisalsoahugepartofoursuccess,andwecontinuetosupportourlocalschoolsandteams. 982 Howe Rd., Martinez, (925) 685-1818, www.gilscarpets.com.

Heating & A/CHammer’s Heating and Air Conditioning – Winner Withover25yearsofexperi-ence,ownerMikeHammerhasareputationforhonestyandinteg-rity,havingbuilthisbusinessinthecommunitywherehelivesandraiseshisfamily.Hammer’sHeatingandAirConditioningspecializesin

high-efficiencyupgrades,provid-inghigh-quality,personalheatingandairconditioningrepairandre-placementservicetoBayArearesi-dencesattrulycompetitiveprices.Hammer’sisBBBaccreditedandislicensedandbondedbythestateofCalifornia.Mikeprovidesfreeestimatesonrepairsandequip-mentinstallation.(925) 229-2779 or (877) 586-8302, www.hammer-sheatingandac.com.

Big Air Heating & Air Condition-ing, Inc. – Finalist BigAirisafamily-ownedandoperatedheatingandaircondi-tioningcontractor,providingqual-ityservicetoresidential,industrial,andcommercialclientsintheEastBay.Theyinstallenergy-efficientheatingandairconditioningequip-ment,includingTrane,RheemandFujitsu.BigAirisknownforclean,highqualityinstalls,reliability,andapersonalbutprofessionaltouchwitheachandeverycustomer.Theyarefullylicensed,insured,andGreenCertified.1000 Detroit Ave., Suite W, Concord. (925) 687-7942. www.bigairmechanical.com.

ContractorsBALI Construction – Winner AConstruction,Management&DesignCompany.BALIConstruc-tionisahigh-endgeneralcontract-ingcompany,specializingincustomresidentialandcommercialconstruc-

tion.Byprovidingindividualizedat-tentiontodetail,BALIcreatesim-pressiveprojectsofonlythehigh-estquality,meetingandexceedingcustomerexpectations.Wepartnerwithaward-winningarchitects,en-gineers,anddesignerswhoworkcloselywitheachclienttodeveloppersonalized,creativeplansfortheprojectoftheirdreams.Wespecial-izeinhigh-endconstructionfeatur-inginspireddesigns,withafocusondetailedfinishes.1508 3rd Ave., Walnut Creek, (925) 478-8182, www.bali-construction.com.

Interior DesignLaura Frost – Winner25A Crescent Drive #169, Pleasant Hill, (925) 293-6008

Cole’s Interiors – Finalist2260 Commerce Ave., Concord, (925) 680-5325

PaintersPayless Painting – Winner PaylessPaintingisafamily-ownedandoperated,customer-centered,full-servicepaintingcom-pany.Theyprovidedetailedwrit-tenproposals,references,andaprofessionalpaintcrew,andtheystandbehindtheirwork100%.PaylessPaintingwonKRON4BestoftheBayViewersChoiceAwardin2011forBestPaintingContrac-torinNorthernCaliforniaandaregreencertifiedthroughtheBay

Many thanks to my clients and neighbors who voted for Meow & Howl Pet Sitting. Cats and dogs, big or small, we love them all.

We o�er in-home visits (at your home) to feed, care and play with your pet.

• Fresh food and water at every visit • Dog walks • Cat Sitter • Cleaning of litter box • Medication/Injections • Small household chores (mail/newspapers)

925-270-9827 • www.meowandhowlpetsitting.com BONDED – INSURED – PSI MEMBER

AreaGreenBusinessProgram.Theyspecializeinbothinteriorandexteriorresidentialandcommercialrepaints.Pleasevisitourwebsiteatwww.PaylessPainting.comtolearnmore.160 Grove Cir., Pleasant Hill, (925) 935-1176.

PlumbersErnie’s Plumbing & Sewer Services – Winner3795 Pacheco Blvd., Martinez, (925) 825-0360

Stefano’s Plumbing & Drain – FinalistLafayette, (925) 383-8506

ElectriciansBrazil Electric – Winner2079 Strand Rd., Walnut Creek, (925) 944-9600

HardwareBill’s Ace Hardware – Winner Bill’sAceHardwareinMartinez

hasbeenpartofthecommunityfor60years.Thisstoreistheindus-trialsupplierofthechain.BecauseitislocatedwithintheindustrialbusinessdistrictofMartinez,theynotonlystockresidentialhardwareproducts,theystockthe“thebigstuff”too!Bill’sAceHardwareinPleasantHillpridesitselfwithex-ceptionalserviceandanextensivearrayofhardwareandhomeim-provementproducts.Acemoveditslocationfromacrossthestreetafter30yearsandadded“Bill’s”totheirnametocelebrateBillWy-galSenior,whostartedthebusi-nessin1948.1530 Contra Costa Blvd., Pleasant Hill, (925) 682-5000 & 3610 Pacheco Blvd., Martinez, (925) 228-6135, www.billsace-hardware.com.

Eames Hardware – Finalist2665 Pleasant Hill Rd., Pleasant Hill, (925) 975-0515

Pest ControlLeading Edge Pest Manage-ment, Inc. – Winner LeadingEdgeisawoman-ownedcompanythatusesthemostad-vancedandeffectivecontrolmeth-odstoeradicatetermite,beetleandfungusproblemsfromhomes,apartments,buildingsandchurch-es.LeadingEdgeimplementsIn-tegratedPestManagement(IPM),asystemofcontrollingpeststhatcombinesbiological,chemical,

cultural,mechanicalandphysi-calcontrolmethodsinawaythatminimizeseconomic,healthandenvironmentalrisks.LeadingEdgeisoneofthefirstcompaniesintheworldtoearntheprestigiousdes-ignationasaGreenProCompa-ny.1250 Contra Costa Blvd. Suite #201, Pleasant Hill. (925) 689-2222, www.leadingedgepm.com.

Clark Pest Control – FinalistMartinez, (925) 372-5690

Call us today or visit us on the web.

925.935.1176 • PaylessPainting.comCall us today or visit us on the web.

FAVORITE PAINTERThank you for voting usFAVORITE PAINTER

in 2013!

WE CAN HELP YOU GET ORGANIZED!

Martinez3610 Pacheco Blvd.

at Morello Rd.228-6135

Pleasant Hill1530 Contra Costa Blvd.half mile south of Sun Valley Mall

682-5000

Ace Hardware is committed to truthful and accurate advertising. We do, however, reserve the right to correct printing errors.

Bill’s Ace . . . when minutes count, and service matters!

29915-1/2 Qt. Storage Tote, 6165195...$3.9931 Qt. Storage Tote, 6162309...$4.9964 Qt. Storage Tote, 6161087...$7.99112 Qt. Storage Tote, 6164123...$11.9960 Qt. Underbed Tote, 6165203...$14.99

6 Qt. Shoebox 4/Pk. 6174270

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399-$1 with

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7-1/2 Qt.Storage Tote6165849

Concord4451 Clayton Road

near Treat Blvd.825-4100

Home ApplicationsMoulding Company – Winner TheMouldingCompany,family-ownedandoperatedsince1969,offersvariousapplicationsofmoldingfrombasiccasings,chairrails,andbaseboardstoelabo-ratecrowns,columns,corbelsandwainscoting.Theyalsohaveafulllineofexteriortrimsidingsandac-cessories.TheMouldingCompanyoffersalargeselectionofdesign-erqualitytriminstock,atafford-ablepricing,withnext-daydeliv-ery.2310 ‘D’ Bates Ave., Concord. (925) 798-7525, www.themould-ingcompany.com.

Pet SittingMeow & Howl – Winner Meow&HowlPetSittingSer-

vices,runbylong-timeMartinezresidents,offersinhomevisitstofeed,careandplaywithyourpet,includingbirds,hamsters,rab-bits,fishandeventurtles.Meow&HowlPetSittingofferspetcarewithintegrity,safetyandreliabilityandwantsyourpettofeelsecureandlovedwhileyouareaway.Ser-vicescanbecustomizedtoaccom-modateyourpet’sspecialneeds.Martinez, (925) 270-1802, www.meowandhowlpetsitting.com.

Barbara Booth, Pet and Home Care – Finalist(925) 200-4891

GroomingAnimal Crackers – Winner1541 Palos Verdes Mall, Walnut Creek, (925) 930-9119

VeterinarianHillcrest Vet – Winner HillcrestVeterinaryHospital(HVH),

operatingsince1976,isledbyJo-sephA.Thibedeau,DVM;LouisaM.Asseo,DVM;andHospitalAd-ministratorJaneThibedeau.Since1994,wehaveearnedAmericanAnimalHospitalAssociationcertifica-tion,includingrigorousexaminationof900+standardsin19areas.Weworkwithdogs,cats,rodents,rep-tiles,andrabbits.Openhours:Mon-day-Friday8:00am-6:00pm,andSaturday8:00am-4:00pm.WeareproudrecipientsofCommunityFo-cus2013Readers’LocalFavoritesforFavoriteVeterinarians.2211 Morello Ave., Pleasant Hill, (925) 676-1909, www.hillcrestvet.com.

Montecito Animal Clinic – Finalist5280 Pacheco Blvd., Pacheco, (925) 686-0683

Geary Veterinary Hospital – Finalist1514 Palos Verdes Mall, Walnut

Creek, (925) 938-8010

Real EstateFlaskerud/RE/MAX – Winner ThankyouforelectingusyourfavoriteRealtor!Wesoappreci-ateit!We’vebeenRealtorsfor26years,Erikforthree.OurprimaryfocusisrepresentingsellersandbuyersofPleasantHillhomes.WeliveinPleasantHillandraisedourfamilyhere,atownweloveverymuch!Recently,oursonErikjoinedus.Helovesrepresentinghomesellersandbuyersanddoesitwell.AyearagoweopenedRE/MAXTo-day,ourownbrokerage,locatedat367 Civic Drive, Suite 7, Pleas-ant Hill. Drop by or call us at (925) 676-5859, or email [email protected], or [email protected].

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

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

Don & Norma Flaskerud

Erik Flaskerud

RE/MAX Today

Don & Norma Flaskerud

Erik Flaskerud

RE/MAX Today367 Civic Drive #7 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523�

Visit them at www.PleasantHillRealEstate.com

or email [email protected]

or [email protected]

A big thank you to allwho voted for us!

With much appreciation,we look forward to 2014.

We’ll continue working to bethe best Realtors we can be!

We thank all of you we’ve had thepleasure of representing thus far.

We look forward to meeting thosewith whom we have yet to work.

Best wishes for a wonderful,prosperous, healthy 2014!

*The number of homes

they have sold in

PLEASANT HILL ALONE!!

925-676-5859

Congratulations to Don and Norma

for winning Readers’ Local Favorites!

to choose the Flaskerud Team—Don, Norma and Erik—as YOUR Realtor!

Our Professional Staff

2310 “D” Bates Avenue (Near HWY 4)

Concord, CA Mon- Fri 7 - 5 • Sat 9 - 2

925-798-7525 • 1-800-566-8534

Come visit our designer showroom

Knowledgeable Sales StaffLarge Selection in Stock

Designer Quality at Affordable PricingNext Day Delivery

Best Price in Town

themouldingcompany.com

Showrooms also in Santa Clara & Milbrae

Cole’s Real Estate – Finalist3237 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 228-2414

TaxH & R Block – Winner1600 Contra Costa Blvd., Pleasant Hill, (925) 827-9985, 1021 Arnold Dr, Martinez, (925) 229-2877

Lemonade Accounting – Finalist1620 Pacheco Blvd., Martinez, (925) 330-2982

Senior ServicesPleasant Hill Senior Center – Winner233 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill, (925) 798-8788, phseniorcenter.com

Senior Helpers – Finalist SeniorHelpers’missionistoen-sureabetterqualityoflifefortheirelderlyclientsandtheirfamiliesbyprovidingdependableandafford-

ablecare.Whethercaregiversareneededjustafewhoursonedayaweekorallday,everyday,ourcaregiverswillhelpwithavarietyofdailyactivitiessuchas:compan-ionshipandconversation,fallpre-vention,mealpreparation,lighthousekeeping,errandsandtrans-portation,medicationreminders,Alzheimer’sanddementiacare,andsomuchmore.Forafree,in-homeassessment,call(925) 677-2150. 1170 Burnett Ave., Concord, www.seniorhelpers.com.

Martinez Senior Center – Finalist818 Green St., Martinez, (925) 370-8770

Chateaus – Finalist2770 Pleasant Hill Rd., Pleasant Hill, (925) 935-1660

InsuranceMatt Rinn, State Farm – Winner

MattRinnhaspracticallybecomeahouseholdnameinthePleasantHillandsurroundingareas,forhishardworkandsuperbcustomerservice.Inthecommunity,heishighlyrecognizablethroughhisvolunteereffortsandsponsorshipsthatsupportseveralyouthsportsteams,schoolsandotherorganiza-tions.Matthasestablishedhimselfbyhelpinghisclientsfeelsecure,thattheyandtheirlovedonesareprotected,andmakingthecom-munityabetterplacetoliveandwork140 Gregory Ln. #245, Pleas-ant Hill, (925) 671-0222, www.my-agentmatt.net.

Chuck Reyna, Farmers – Finalist318 Diablo Rd. #260, Danville, (925) 725-0202

Christine Sampson, State Farm – Finalist1920 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill, (925) 685-9752

LEADING EDGEPEST MANAGEMENT, INC

Lic. #PR6202

What’s buggin’ you?

www.LeadingEdgePM.com

Termite & Pest Control(925)689-2222 • (800)471-5555

Thank you to our Loyal customers and

friends that voted for us! Winner Pest Control - 2013

Financial PlanningAmy Wasser, Edward Jones – Winner AmyWasser,anEdwardJonesfinan-cialadvisorinPleasantHillwithover14yearsofexperience,offersapersonalap-proachtoinvestingandretirementplanningforyourlong-termfinan-cialgoals.Shebelievesindoingbusinessface-to-face.AmyWasserwantstogettoknowyouruniquefinancialobjectivessoshecande-velopastrategytohelpyouachieveyourlong-termfinancialgoals.So,whetheryouwanttoplanforretire-ment,saveforcollege,reduceyourtaxbillsorjustacquireextraincometomeetmonthlyexpenses,youcanexpectpersonalizedserviceandinfor-mationoninvestinginqualityinvest-

mentsforthelong-term.Amy Was-ser, CFP®, AAMS®, 367 Civic Drive Suite 8,Pleasant Hill, (925) 798-5297, www.edwardjones.com.

John Fuller, Edward Jones –Finalist JohnFullerisafinancialadvisorwithEdwardJones,afinancial-ser-vicesfirmdedicatedtoservingtheneedsofindividualinvestors.Withnearly12,000financialadvisorsservingnearly7millioninvestors,theirfirmhasbeenbuiltonthebe-liefthattheonlywaytodobusi-nessisonaone-on-one,personalbasis.JohnFullerdoesthatbyget-tingtoknowyou,understandingyourgoals,anddevelopingindi-vidualizedstrategiestohelpyoureachthem.JohnandhisbranchofficeadministratorJeniworkasa

teamtogiveyouthepersonalser-viceyoudeservewhenitcomestoplanningforyourfinancialfuture.Pleasecallorstopbytheoffice,orvisitwww.edwardjones.comformoreinformation.608 Las Juntas St., Martinez, (925) 370-0184.

PhotographerSusan Wood Photography – Winner TherelationshipsSusanbuildswithherclientsareasspecialasthephotosshecreates!Whetheryou’reinthestudiooron-location,herclientsALWAYShavefun!Shetakesprideincapturing“Unfor-gettableMomentsinTime”andsharingthemthroughhigh-qualitydigitalandprintimages&enlarge-ments.Throughthelensofhercamera,SusanWoodseesnewpossibilitieseveryday,andeverydayisdifferent-Formal&CandidPor-traits,Corporate&FamilyEvents,Nature&Wildlife,Adventures

“On-Location,”andAviation.(925) 939-7060, www.susanwoodpho-tography.com.

Tod Gomes Photography – Finalist Lifeisfartooshortformemo-riesalone!CallTodGomesofTodGomesPhotographytotalkaboutpreservingyourfamily’smemorieswithportraitsthatwilllastalifetime.Todspecializesinactionandadren-alin-styleportraitsofkidsandfami-lies.Imagineimagesofyourownstarathleteoryourfamilywiththedogsatthebeach.You’veneverseenany-thinglikeTod’sportraiture!Callto-dayforacomplimentaryconsultationandspecialoffers. (925) 787-1063, www.todgomes.com. You’ll LOVE the results – guaranteed!

CatererLesley Stiles – Winner Atirelessadvocateforlocal,sus-tainablefoodsources,Lesleypur-

FINALIST

I Understand Commitment.For decades, Edward Jones has been committed to providing

financial solutions and personalized service to individual investors.

You can rely on us for:

To Our Community, We'd Simply Like to Say,

“Thank You.”

• Convenience

Locations in the community and face-to-face

meetings at your convenience

• A Quality-focused investment Philosophy

A long-term approach that focuses on

quality investment and diversification

• Highly Personal Service

Investment guidance tailored to your

individual need

We appreciate your continued

support and business.

Amy Wasser has been serving small businesses

and individual investors for over 14 years.

[email protected]

367 Civic Dr. Suite 8Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

925-798-5297

Bella Cakesllllllllll a Ca C k

[email protected]

Cindy Gil — Owner 925-286-2768

custom cakes for any occasion

SUSAN WOODCapturing unforgettable

moments in time.

Portraits and much more.

PHOTOGRAPHY

925.939.7060susanwoodphotography.com

925-787-1063 • www.todgomes.com

Congratulations Tod!Finalist - Photographer

chasesasmuchasshepossiblycanforyourpartyoreventfromlocalsources.Sheshopsfarmers’mar-ketsandlocalfarmsforproduce,oilsandvinegars,eggs,meatsandcheesesandmakeseverythingfromscratch,wheneverpossible.Lesleyoffersfull-serviceaswellasrentalservices.Menuitemsincludegrilledpeachesandprosciuttow/balsamicdrizzleandarugula,tur-keybreaststuffedw/driedfigs,chevreandgarlic,androckyroadbrowniesfordessert.Forsophis-ticated,creative,handmadefood,craftedspecificallyforyou,callLes-leyforcateringquotes.(925) 323-3230, www.lesleystilesfoods.com.

Wilma Lott Catering – Finalist3840 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 372-8612

Haute Stuff – Finalist521 Main St., Martinez, (925) 229-0521

BakerBella Cakes – Winner CindyGill,ownerofBellaCakes,hasgarneredastellarreputationsinceopeningBellaCakesashorttimeago.Sheleftherbankingca-reertopursueherpassion,andithasproventobeadreamcometrueforherandhercustomers.Cindy’sclientsappreciateherpro-fessionalismandherpersonableandfriendlydemeanor.“Cindyhasanaturaltalentandabilitytobringlifetoyourvision.Hercakes,cook-iesandcupcakesareexceptionallydecoratedwithdetailandprecisionandaresoverymoistandtasty.”Forcakes,cookiesorcupcakes,contactBellaCakesat (925) 286-2768. View her portfolio at www.facebook.com/bellacakesbycindy.

Saucie’s Bakery & Cafe– Finalist712 Main St., Martinez, (925) 957-9063

Sinful Bliss – Finalist35 Crescent Dr., Pleasant Hill, (925) 689-0200

Business ServiceCantrell’s Computer Sales and Service – Winner Since1998,Cantrell’shasbeenalocallyowned,quality-driven,com-puterretailstorewithacomputerservicedepartment.Althoughthetechnologyhasrapidlychangedovertheyears,thebasicneedforqualitycomputerequipmentandpersonalizedcomputerrepairser-viceremainsaconstant.Cantrell’sisfortunatetoemployagreatstafftoprovidethebestpossiblecom-putingsolutionsfortheircustom-ers.Cantrell’smakeseveryefforttoprovideITsolutionsthathavethelowesttotalcost,basedonthespecificneedsofeachcustomer.Theyhavebeena“GreenBusi-ness”since2006(firstcomputerbusinessinContraCostaCounty

tobecertified).1936 Linda Drive in Pleasant Hill, (925) 827-1200, www.crsfbay.com.

UPS Store Martinez – Finalist TheMartinezUPSstoreonAr-noldDrivehastheknowledgeandexpertisetohandleallofyourmailbox,packing,shipping,andprofessionalprintingneeds.Whetheryouareasmallbusinessthatneedshelporsimplysomeonethatneedsprofessionalprinting,customizedpackagingandship-pingsolutions,amailboxtohan-dleyourmailandpackagereceiv-ing,orevenshippinglargefreightitemslikecarsorantiques,theUPSstaffcanhelp.TheyarecertifiedpackingexpertswiththePack&ShipGuarantee.1155 Arnold Dr., Martinez, (925) 372-7662, www.theupsstorelocal.com/0272.

Lesley Stiles CateringSophisticated local, sustainable, creative and handmade food, crafted specifically for you.

925.323.3230www.lesleystilesfoods.com

lesleystiles.blogspot.com

Caterer, Speaker, Educator and Gardener

925-827-12001936 Linda Drive Pleasant Hill www.crsfbay.com

Monday - Friday: 9AM to 6PM • Saturday: 10AM to 4PM • Closed on Sunday

50% DISCOUNT FOR ANY COMPUTER SERVICE

• Extend the useful life of your laptop, PC, iMac and MacBook!• Valid for both on-site and in-shop service!

• Improve your network connectivity!• We recommend and sell Windows 7!

• Hurry – Offer expires 4/30/14!

Valid with coupon • Discount limit $100 • Limit 1 per household

MechanicHagin’s Automotive - Winner Hagin’sAutomotiveisproudtobeafull-serviceandpreventivemaintenanceautorepairfacility,performinghighqualityautore-pairssince1998.Hagin’sAutomo-tiveonlyhireshighlyqualifiedandskilledASECertifiedServiceTech-nicians.TheASECertifiedServiceTechnicians,advancedtools,andprecisiontodetailarewhatmakethemoneoftheleadingMartinezautorepairshops.AndyHaginbe-lievesindoingthejobrightthefirsttimesoyoucangetbacktoyourbusyschedule.3725 Alham-bra Ave., Martinez, (925) 228-5115, www.haginsauto.com.

AA Automotive – Finalist2807 Main Ave., Concord, (925) 676-7601

Martinez Automotive – Finalist741 Green St., Martinez, (925) 957-9918

TiresLes Schwab Tire Center – Winner AtLesSchwabTireCentersinMartinezyoucanexpectfriendlyandpromptserviceatapricethatwon’tbreakthebank.LesSchwabsellstirestofitanystylecarortruck.Youcanalsohavethemin-stalllifts,repairorreplaceshocksorstruts,pickoutnewrimsforyourcarandsomuchmore.Theyarealsoexpertinbrakes,align-ments,batteriesandwheels.Theirmissionistodeliverworld-classcustomerserviceandthebesttire

valuetoeachandeverycustomer.3800 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 370-6382, www.lesschwab.com.

America’s Tires – Finalist2575 Monument Blvd., Concord, (925) 682-2288

Big O Tires – Finalist1845 Contra Costa Blvd., Pleasant Hill, (925) 825-8203

Auto BodyMartinez Auto Body – Winner MartinezAutoBodyhasbeenpartofthedowntownMartinezcommunitysinceitsinceptionin1952.Thepresentowner,GaryHernandez,becameanemployeein1975andpurchasedthebusi-nesslaterthatsameyear.Marti-nezAutoBodystrivestokeeptheirpricescompetitive.Nevertheless,

theybelievecontinuedsuccessandgrowthdependsprimarilyonqual-ity.“Ourpricesreflectqualityma-terialsandqualityworkmanshipbytrainedtechnicians.Ourcustomersknowthatanddependonthat.”615 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, (925) 228-3689, www.martineza-utobodyshop.com.

Mike’s Auto Body – Finalist100 Mayhew Way, Pleasant Hill, (707) 255-1739

Pleasant Hill Collision – Finalist1581 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill, (925) 939-1160

martinezautobodyshop.com

Thanks to our customers for voting us #1!

CONGRATULATIONS SENIOR HELPERSFINALIST SENIOR SERVICE

Home Estates Consignment – Winner1500 Contra Costa Blvd, Pleasant Hill, (925) 682-6800

Consignment Plus – Finalist1299 Parkside Dr, Walnut Creek, (925) 927-6600.

ClothingDéjà Vu – Winner DejaVuistheplacetoshopforwomenlookingforhigh-endmer-chandiseataffordableprices.Withnewinventorybeingreceiveddaily,thereisalwaysafantasticselectionofwomen’sclothingandshoesin

arangeofsizesaswellashand-bags,jewelryandaccessories,allatafractionoftheiroriginalretailcost.OwnersNancyRondumandSueDamheseltakegreatprideinthestore’sboutique-styleopenfeeling,whereexcellentquality,personalattentionandcustom-erservicearealwaysthepriority.1630 Contra Costa Blvd., Ste. A, Pleasant Hill (near Melo’s), (925) 808-8765, thedejavuboutique.com.

Leah’s Closet – Finalist831 Main St, Martinez, (925) 372-6700

Plato’s Closet – Finalist959 Contra Costa Blvd, Pleasant Hill, (925) 691-6700

AntiquesAntiques and Things – Winner Antiques&Thingscarriesadi-verserangeofvintageandan-tiqueitemsforgarden,kitchenandhome.Thestore’sstockcontinu-allychangesbutusuallyincludesdishes,glassware,costumes,jew-elry,furniture,paintings,dolls,tools,lampsandmore.Antiques&ThingsoffersanoutdoorsaletwiceayearandaholidayboutiqueinNovember. 5807 Pacheco Blvd, Pa-checo, (925) 685-8930.

Alley Cats Thrift & Collectibles – Finalist720 Main St, Martinez, (925) 229-5509

GolfContra Costa Country Club – Winner801 Golf Club Rd., Pleasant Hill, (925) 798-7135

Franklin Canyon Golf Course – FinalistHighway 4, Hercules, (510) 799-6191

Pine Meadows Golf Course – Finalist451 Vine Hill Way, Martinez, (925) 228-2881

HikeBriones – Winner2537 Reliez Valley Rd., Martinez, (888) 327-2757

Women’s Quality Consignment

1630 Contra Costa Blvd., Suite A Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

925.808.8765thedejavuboutique.com

TUE-SAT 11-6SUN 12-5

ThingsAntiques

We carry thousands of unique items:

Military • Hand Crafted PiecesShabby Chic • Jewelry • Pottery

China • Glass • Furniture

AND

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

5807 Pacheco Blvd.Pacheco, CA 94553

[email protected]

Martinez Marina – Finalist7 N Court St., Martinez, (925) 313-0942

Mt. Wanda – FinalistAlhambra Valley Rd. at Highway 4, Martinez, (925) 228-8860

ParkPleasant Hill Park – Winner147 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill, (925) 682-0896

Rankin Park – FinalistWest end of Buckley Street, Martinez, (925) 372-3510

Hidden Lakes – FinalistChilpancingo Pkwy. and Morello Ave., Martinez, (925) 372-3510

Swim ClubRankin Park – WinnerWest end of Buckley Street, Martinez, (925) 372-3510

Pleasant Hill Aquatics – Finalist468 Boyd Rd., Pleasant Hill, (925) 932-9595

Forest Hills – Finalist375 Lindsey Dr., Martinez, (925) 372-0134

Indoor RecreationYMCA – Winner TheIrvinDeutscherFamilyYMCAinPleasantHillwontheIndoorRecreationcategory.TheYMCAisaone-stophealthandwellnesscenterforfamiliesandpeopleofallages.Beyondfitnessequipmentandexerciseclasses,theyprovideeducationalactivitiesandprogramsthatsupportthewholeperson—spirit,mindandbody.TheYMCAindooramenitiesinclude:a4,100sq.footWellnessCenter,state-of-the-artcardioandstrengthtrainingequipment,personaltraining,adrysauna,aerobicsstudio,groupcy-clingstudioandmind/bodystudio.

TheYMCAisopenMonday-Fri-dayfrom5am-10pmandSaturdayandSundayfrom7am-8pm.350 Civic Drive, Pleasant Hill, (925) 687-8900, ymca-cba.org/locations/irvin-deutscher-family.

Sky High – Finalist1631 Challenge Dr, Concord, (925) 682-5867

Paddock Bowl – Finalist5915 Pacheco Blvd., Pacheco, (925) 685-7812

Bike ShopDevil Mountain Cyclery – Winner DevilMountainCycleryisecstaticto

havebeenchosenas2013Readers’LocalFavoritebicyclestore.It’seasytoseewhatseparatesDevilMountainfromtherest-customerservice,ex-pertiseandpassion.Theyhaveawideselectionofbikesformoms,dadsandkidsandathoroughlyequippedmechanicsshop.They are located off 680 and Treat at 1510 Second Ave. / N. Main in Walnut Creek (925) 932-7477. ComeonintoseewhatmakesDevilMountainCyclerythe2013Readers’LocalFavorite,www.devilm-ountaincyclery.com.

Mikes Bikes – Finalist1615 N California Blvd., Walnut Creek, (925) 954-1490


Is Your Car Back to College Ready?

By Hagin’s Automotive

It’seasyforcollegestudentstore-membertogetnewclothes,schoolsup-pliesanddormandapartmentfurni-ture,butwhataboutpreparingthecarthat’sgoingtohaulallthatstuff?TheCarCareCouncil,anautomotivecon-sumereducationgroup,remindsstu-dentsandtheirparentstonotoverlookVehicleMaintenance101. TheCarCareCouncilrecom-mendsperformingaregularpreven-tativemaintenanceinspectionbeforehittingtheroad.Aregularpreventativemaintenanceinspectionincludesin-spectingthefollowingitems:allexteri-orlights,wiperblades,hornoperation,allfluidlevelsandconditions,airfil-

ter,fluidleaks,drivebelts,suspension,chassis,exhaust,brakesandbattery. TheCarCareCouncilalsorecom-mendsthatcollege-boundstudentshaveimportanttelephonenumbersintheircellphoneorgloveboxincaseofabreakdownoremergency.Vehiclesshouldhavearoadsideemergencykitthatincludesflares,afirstaidkit,atire-changingjack,atirepressuregauge,jumpercables,bottlesofwaterandablanket. Seeyousoon, Hagin’sAutomotive For more information, please call us at (925) 228-5115 or send us an email at [email protected].

Best Mechanic

LAFAYETTE-ORINDA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHWhere everyone is welcome, nobody is perfect and anything is possible with God.

Programs for Kids6-mos. through 12th grade

Sundays 9:00 & 11:00 a.m.LOPC.org

NewYear’sisatimefornewbeginnings.Wedreamofworldpeaceandstrivetobeabetterversionofour-selves.Manyofushaveastrongdesiretogivebacktoourcommunities.We’dlovetodomorevolunteerworkandbemorephysicallyac-tive,butwhohasthetimeto“doitall”?Workingwithacharitythatneedsvol-unteersforphysicalworkisaperfectblendofimprovingboththeworldandus. Hereareafewexamplesinourarea: Animals: OrganizationssuchasGuide Dogs for the Blind andARFhavevolunteerdogwalkers.Youwillmakeananimalveryhappywhileget-tingsomeexercise. Arts:VolunteerasanUsherforGrown Women Dance CollectiveorDiablo Ballet. BothorganizationsbringtheperformingartstoContraCosta

andexposeunderservedpopulationstodance.Ush-ersoftenwalkafewmilesanight. Food Equity:HelpingatThe Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano, the Monu-ment Crisis Center, or The Lemon Ladycaninvolve

sortingfood,packingbags,andhar-vestingfruitfrombackyards.Youcanburncalorieswhilemakingsureyourneighborshaveenoughtoeat. Seniors:Meals on Wheelsdeliv-ershealthymealstoseniorswhomaynotbeabletogetaroundontheirown.Deliveringfoodandcompanionshipasa“runner”(walkingfromhousetohouse)maybetheonlyoutsidecontactsomeseniorsget. Youth & The Environment:The Sierra Clubtakesinnercitychildrenoutforlife-changingbackpackingad-ventures.You’llgetanamazingworkoutandprovidehealthyrolemodelingforchildrenwhiletheyfallinlovewiththeenvironment. Shiftyourmindsetfromthehamsterwheeltreadmilltobringingaboutpositivechangeinyourcom-munity. Whilewemaynotyetbeabletosolveworldpeace,we’llbetakinghealthystepsintherightdirection. Tonya Marie Amos is a fully certi-fied Pilates instructor. For more infor-mation, please call (925) 680-4400 or go to www.AspirePilatesCenter.com.

New Beginnings: Exercise and Volunteering

By Tonya Marie Amos, Aspire Pilates

Pilates for Athletes • Pilates for Dancers Modern Dance

Core Strength to take your game to the next level.

Boutique Style Consignment Store “Bay Area Parent” Magazine Family Favorite Since 2004!

Tu-Sat 10-6, Sun-Mon 11-5www.aweechange.com • 925.930.8442

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

WHEN YOU

SPEND 25

We carry

women’s

clothingtoo!

Spendings of pre-tax savings cannot combine with other coupons or Comback Bucks. EXP 1/31/14

Winter Clearance SaleJanuary 20th - 26th15% - 50% OFF EVERYTHING!

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

Sale does not include Girl Scout Merchandise


OUR PRODUCTSWe have designed products that are environmentally preferable

and ecologically friendly: Colored Mulch, Natural Mulch, Organic

Soil, Compost products.

THE COMPANYLocally owned by Grant and Heather Hamilton, Ecomulch was

founded to re-purpose the woody materials generated by parent

company, Hamilton Tree Service, Inc. All of our materials are

derived from local tree and landscape companies and are

processed right here in Martinez.

VISIT OUR RETAIL SITE:Monday - Friday 7:30am-4:30pm5010 Pacheco Blvd.,Martinez, CA 94553

Landscape MaterialsLandscape Materials

[email protected]

myecomulch.com925.228.1673

[email protected]

myecomulch.com925.228.1673

Like us on Facebook!

MOLINO’S RAVIOLI FACTORYHomemade Ravioli since 1925

Come and Visit our Production Line and see Ravioli Made the Old-Fashioned Way Come and Visit our Production Line and see Ravioli Made the Old-Fashioned Way

Ravioli FlavorsBeef • Chicken • Spicy Chicken • Cheese

Cheese & Basil • Seafood • Butternut Squash Vegetarian • Portabella Mushroom • Sweet Potato

Sauces • Cannelloni • Lasagna • Fresh PastaPoleta Pie • Soup • Potato Gnocchi

• Large & Small Ravioli • And Much More

2150 Pleasant Hill Rd.Pleasant Hill, CA

925-934-7075www.MolinosRavioli.net

LARGE FAMILY PARTY TRAYS Whole Roasted

Garlic Crab

Homemade Ravioli Dinner-To-Go

2995*

HOMEMADE MEALS - JUST HEAT & EAT

Grayson Rd. Gregory Ln.

Boyd Rd.

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Taylo

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LASAGNA Beef, Cheese or vegetable, OR Spaghetti & Meat Balls, serves 6-8.

Plus FREE 1/2 loaf of garlic bread

ThePleasantHillCommunityEmergencyResponseTeam(CERT)willbeconductingitsnexttrainingcoursestartingonJanuary13,2014.TheCERTtrainingisfreeandopentoallPleasantHillresidentsandbusi-nessesinPleasantHillages14andup.Thetrainingprovidespracticalskillsforsafelyassistingfamily,neigh-

borsandco-workersduringandafteremergencies.Itisa6weekcourse,one3hournightaweekconcentratingondisasterpreparedness,firesafety,di-sastermedicaloperations,includingtriage,injuryassessment,treatmentandhygiene,lightsearchandrescue,teamorganization,disasterpsychology,withafinalcoursereviewandasimu-

Emergency Preparedness Training

By Cliff Bowen, Pleasant Hill CERT Operations Chair

lateddisasterexerciseincorporatingallsubjects.ThedatesfortheclassesareJanuary13,27,February3,10,24,andMarch3.Theclassesallstartat6:00pm.ThesimulateddisasterexercisewilltakeplaceonMarch8,2014.ClasseswillbeatthePleasantHillAdventistAcademy,796GraysonRoad,PleasantHill. ComejoinotherPleasantHillvol-unteersand“learnhowtomakeadif-

ference”forfamily,friendsandneigh-borsinPleasantHillbeforethenextdisasterstrikes. For additional information con-tact Pleasant Hill Police Lieutenant Dan Connelly at (925) 288-4633 or Jim Bonato at 938-5433 or go to the Pleasant Hill CERT website: http://www.pleasanthillcert.com/. Register online at www.pleasanthillcertsignup.com.

EL TAPATIOJOIN US FOR HAPPY HOUR!

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40 Golf Club RD., Pleasant Hill 925.676.2420 • WWW.ELTAPS.COM


Fight Cancer with Foodsin the New Year

by Tinrin Chew, RD AccordingtotheAmeri-canInstituteforCancerResearch,the“newAmericanplate”isanimportantcancerfightingtool.Atmealtime,trytostrikeabalanceofatleasttwo-thirdsplant-basedfoodswithnomorethanone-thirdanimalprotein. Fruitsandvegetablesarerichincancer-fightingnutrients,andthemorecolortheyhave,themorenutrientstheycontain.Byeatingahealthydietfulloffruitsandvegetables,youcanalsoshedextraweight,whichmaydecreaseyourriskfordevelopingcolon,esophageal,andkidneycancers. Colorfulfruitsandvegetablesarenotonlygoodforyou,buttheycanalsohelpprotectyoufromfreeradicaldamageaswellasUVrays(whichhavebeenknowntocauseskincancers).Red,pinkandorangefruitslikecantaloupeandpinkgrapefruitcontainlycopene,anaturallyoccurring carotenoidwhichhelpswardoffharmfuleffectsofthesun.Tomatoes,particularlytomatopaste,blueberries,strawberries,andred,yel-lowandorangepeppersarealsogreatsourcesoflycopene.Thereisevidencesuggestinglycopenehasaprotectiveeffectagainstlung,stomachandpros-tatecancer.Lycopenemayalsoprotectagainstcervical,breast,mouth,pancre-atic,esophagealandcolorectalcancers. Strawberries,raspberriesand

blueberriescontainpowerfulantioxidentsthatmayfightcancerbydeactivatingcer-taincancercausingsubstanc-esandslowingthegrowthofcancercells.Antioxidantsfightcancerbyriddingthebodyoffreeradicalsbeforetheycandodamagetocells.

Cruciferousvegetableslikebroccoli,cauliflower,cabbage,brusselssprouts,bokchoy,andkaleanddarkleafygreenvegetablessuchasmustardgreens,let-tuce,chicory,andspinachhavecompo-nentsthatmayhelpyourbodydefendagainstcancerssuchascolon,breast,lung,andcervix,aswellasmouth,lar-ynx,pancreas,lung,skin,andstomach. Nosinglefoodcanreduceyourriskofcancer,buttherightcombinationoffoodsmayhelpmakeadifference.Themostimportantthingtorememberisthatapersonwhoeatsahealthydietfulloffruitsandvegetables,lowerstheirchancesofdevelopingcancersimplybecauseofthefoodtheyeat.AhealthyNewYear’sresolutionwouldbetoincludemoreofthesehealthyfoodsinyourdietdaily! Tinrin Chew is a registered dieti-tian who is a Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition. She provides nutritional counseling for patients at Diablo Valley Oncology, John Muir Health and the Cancer Support Com-munity.

PAID ADVERTORIAL

PAID ADVERTORIAL

Acupuncture Can Help Keep Your Cold at Bay

By Richard Weissman, L.Ac., Acu-Wellness Center Tistheseasonforcoldsandflu,butluckilytherearewaystoboosttheim-munesystemandwaiveoffillness.Acu-punctureisoftenthoughtofasonlyapain-relievingtreatment,butdidyouknowitcanalsonaturallyboostyourim-munesystem? Acupuncturehasbeenusedforthousandsofyearstohelpenhancetheimmunesystem.Theacupuncturistas-sessesyourhealthandwellbeingverydifferentlythanWesternmedicinedoes.Theacupuncturistdiagnosesimbalancesinenergy,sleep,temperature,fluidmove-ment,digestionandmuchmore.Thisinformationisgatheredfromadetailedintakeform,personalhistoryandobjec-tiveinformationfromyourradialpulsesandtongue. Thetermsyinandyangarerelativeprinciplesleadingtoanenergeticevalu-ationofimbalance.Acupuncturetreatsyoursymptomsbymakingyouimproveintheshort-term,whilecorrectingnerveandchemicalcommunicationforthelong-term.ThisEasternperspectivesaysyourbodycanpotentiallygothroughsixstagesofsicknesswhenyoucatchacold.Whereyouareintheprogressionofyourcolddeterminesthelocationforinsert-inghair-thinsterileneedlestoboost

yourimmunityandhelpyourbodytostrengthen,focusandgetwell. Conventionalmedicinepaysclos-erattentiontoacupunctureasresearchstudiesshowittobesafeandeffectiveinitscomplexmechanismsofactiontoimprovehealth.Sciencehasbeenabletodeterminetheroleofacupunctureinboostingthebody’simmunesystembyenhancingtheproductionofnaturalkillercells,whichistheprimarydefensemechanismagainstorganismsthatmakeussick.Italsoactsonacompleximmunebuildingsystemthatregulateswhitebloodcellsdirectlylinkedtothefightagainstinfections,allergicreactions,andevenautoimmunedisorders. Forpatientswhoareseekingtobuildtheirimmunesystemtoprotectthemfromgettingsick,amulti-disciplinaryapproachisoftenbest.Acupuncturecaneasilybeincorporatedintoyourconven-tionaltreatmentplanandworksintan-demwithphysicians.Ifyouareinterestedinanaturalwaytoboostyourimmunity,youmaywanttoconsiderafree,one-hourevaluationasanintegratedoption. The Acu-Wellness Center in Pleas-ant Hill has 18 years of experience. All questions can be answered at 925-671-2100.

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

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

shop for bargains, shop for foster children

Youth Homes Auxiliary Thrift Shop raises money in support of the

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

SENIOR 5% DISCOUNT EVERYDAY

www.ourcommunityfocus.com

Pleasant Hill Senior Activities

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

233 Gregory Lane (925) 798-8788

Linda J. WeihofenReverse Mortgage Specialist

925.348.4267 • [email protected]

SENIOR CALENDARS SPONSORED BY:

Helping you to understand the NEW Reverse Mortgage

Jan. 12 - Pancake Breakfast 8am – 11am. Pancakesortoast,sausage,eggs,orangejuiceandcoffee.Everyoneiswelcome.Cost:$3.50foradults/$2forchildren10andunder.Handmadecrafts,perfectforgifts,willbeonsaleduringthebreakfast

Feb. 1 - 9th Annual Crab Feed.Doorsopenat5:45pm/Dinnerat6:30pm.Famousgourmetsalad,pasta,garlicbread,deliciousmarinatedcrabanddessert,pluscomplimentaryicetea,waterandcoffee.Wineandbeerwillbeavailable.Plentytoeatsobringyourappetite.Cost:$48.Callthecenter370-8770fortickets,spaceislimited.Deadlinetopur-chaseticketsisFriday,January17unlesswereachourcapacity.

Feb. 3 - Collette Trip Presentation 10am.CanyonCountry-Sep.25-Oct.3,2014.Zion,BryceandtheGrandCanyon.EnjoythestarkbeautyofMonumentValleyduringajeepridenarratedbyamemberoftheNavajotribalcommunity;endyourtripintheneon-litspectacleofLasVegas.Lastcall–checkforavailability.ExploringSouthAfrica,VictoriaFallsandBotswana-Feb.2015.Epicscenery,windingcoastlines,remarkableculturaldiversityandabundantwildlife.Seven“gamedrives”lookingforthe“BigFive”–Lion,AfricanElephant,CapeBuffalo,LeopardandRhino.Washington,D.C.-ExploringAmerica’sCapital-Spring2015.VisittheU.S.CapitolBuilding,WWIIMemorial,WhiteHouseVisitorsCenter,MountVernon,ArlingtonNationalCemetery,Smithsonian,Alexandria,Annapo-lis,WashingtonNationalCathedral,Ford’sTheatreandPetersenHouse.

Feb. 28 - C.E.R.T. Presentation 10am-12:30pm.Pleasecalltheofficetoregisterforthisseminar.

Jan. 9 - The Care Management Series, SeniorCenter,2-3:30pm.Avarietyoftopicsfromexpertsinourcommunity.SponsoredbytheChateau’sofPleasantHill.2ndThursdayofeachmonth.Free.Spacelimited.Reserveyourspotbycalling798-8788.

Jan. 9 –Feb. 27 (Thursdays) – Stress Management and Self Healing with Qigong–NEW!SeniorCenter,6:15-7:30pm.Studentslearnaboutstressandhowitaffectsphysicalandmentalhealth.The20gentlemovementsofT’aiChiChih/Qigong(aformofmovingmeditation)willteachstudentstobecomemorecalm,relaxedandbalanced.8classes$109/$95(Member)Instructor:WendyHelms,Ph.D.

Jan. 24 – Pleasant Hill Senior Center Annual Crab Feed,ChateauRoom.Doorsopenat5:50pm,dinnerat6pm.Ticketsonsalenow.Enjoyallyoucaneat:freshcrab,pasta,salad,garlicbreadanddes-sert.Newthisyear,bidonaspecialdesserttohaveforyourtableortotakehomeandenjoylater!Don’tforgetaboutour50/50splitcashraffle!Purchaseyourticketsearly.Ticketswillnotbesoldatthedoor.Reservationsmaybemadeforpartieslargerthan4people.TicketspurchasedbeforeJanuary10:$35.Ticketspurchasedafter:$45.

Feb. 2 - Pancake Breakfasts, ChateauRoom,8-10am.BreakfastsfeaturepancakesorFrenchtoast,eggs,sausage,orangejuiceandcoffee.Allageswelcome!FirstSundayofthemonth,exceptinAprilduetoEasterPancakeBreakfast.Adults(11+):$5,Children(5-10yrs):$3,4U:Free!

Garden Club Gives Back Donating cheerful houseplants to homebound hospice patients is an annual holiday tradition of the Pleasant Hill Garden Study Club. Members brought plants to the club’s December meeting and delivered them the next morning. This year, 30 plants were given to Hospice of the East Bay and anoth-er 30 went to Sutter Care at Home. Delivering the plants (pictured left to right) were PHGSC members Gail Sutherland and Carol Nelsen. Member Jan Egan prepared identification la-bels. Jory’s Flowers in Concord generously donated label stakes. Submitted by Eileen Housfeld.


Circumcision......What?!By Jeremy Lieb, MD

No,I’mnotgoingtopro-videanopinionregardingthedecisiontodoacircumcision. Thatisapersonal choicethatshouldbemadeafterconsid-eringtherisksandbenefitsoftheprocedurewithassistancefromyourpediatrician.ThisarticleisintendedtoprovidefeedbackregardingsomeofthemorecommoncomplaintsandcomplicationsIseeafteracircumcisionhasbeencom-pletedinababy. Themostcommontechniquefor

doingacircumcisionisus-ingaplastibell. Thisinvolvesaplasticringthatusuallyfallsoffinaboutaweek. Don’tworry;ifitfallsoffearly,itwilllookinflamedfor1-2weeks,mightlookscarytothepar-ents,butwillmostoftenhealjustfine. Rarely,theringwill

getstuckandrequireaquickofficeproce-duretoremove. ThemostcommoncomplaintIhearfromparentsisfeelingthedoctorlefttoomuchskin;attimes,thepeniscanlook

buriedinthefat.Let’suseasimplede-scription:itisbettertogrowintoyourskinthangrowoutofit. Oncethebabyfatisgone,thissituationwilllookmuchbettercosmetically. Theworstthingistoremovetoomuchskinandthenrealize,asanadult,thatyouwishyoucouldhaveitback. Youcanalwaysremovemoreinthefuture,ifneeded. Anothercommoncomplaintisthattheskinis‘stuck’tothehelmet.Usually,thisissimplymildadhesions,kindoflikeitwasgluedorstuckliketape.Thiswillalwaysimproveovertime.Thebestadviceistogentlypulltheskinbackinawarmbath.Itmaybleedatinybit.Attimestheskincanactuallyformascartothehel-met.Thisrequiresaquickofficeproce-duretocutitfree. Thebestadviceistokeepitclean! Warmwaterandsoapisyourbestfriend.

Dr. Lieb is a Board Certified Urolo-gist with Pacific Urology and focuses on treating pediatric patients. Pacific Urol-ogy has offices in Walnut Creek, Con-cord, San Ramon Brentwood, Livermore and Antioch. Call 925-609-7220 or visit www.PacificUrology.com

JANUARY SPECIAL

2 Eggs with your choice of 1/2 waffle or 2 flapjacks,

and 2 strips of baconor 2 sausage links or 1/2 ham

$4.99 All Day Everyday

PLEASANT HILL2390 Monument Blvd.

687-4100Kohls Shopping Center

Country Cookin’ at itsOld Fashioned Best

BREAKFAST & LUNCH

HappyNew Year!Happy New Year!ppyppyppyppy

Look Good, Feel Goodin the New Year

By Kay Hogan TheAlexanderTechniqueisthemostanti-agingthingIhaveeverspentmytimeandmoneyonanditcanactu-allychangeyoudramaticallyovertime. WhatdoPaulMcCartney,MadonnaandIanMcKellen(akaGandolfinTheLordoftheRings)haveincommon?TheyhaveallstudiedtheAlexanderTechnique,asmanyartistsandperform-ersdo.ItisnowarequiredcourseatTheJulliardSchoolofPerformingArtsinNewYorkCity. Manydoctorsnowrecommenditforbackpainbecause,in2008,TheJournalofBritishMedicinepublishedastudyintheU.K.thatdemonstratedTheAlexanderTechniquewas85%effectiveinrelievingbackpainforitsparticipants

(www.bmj.com/content/337/bmj.a884). TheBerkeleySchoolofHealthrec-ommendsTheAlexanderTechniqueinitsbookHowToManageBackPain. Sowhatisit?Itisaseriesofhour-long,private,one-on-onelessons,onceaweek,withacertifiedAlexanderTech-niqueteacherthatre-educatesyouonhowtouseyourbodyinamoreefficientwaytorelievemusclesfrompain,movemoregracefullyandhelpyoustanduptoyourfullheight.Notonlydoyoufeelbetter,youlookbetterandmovebettertoo.Itisagifttoyourselfthatkeepsgiv-ing. Find out more by visiting www.kayhogan.com, or call 925-767-3696 or email [email protected].

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RehabCare Therapy Services, providing outpatient physical therapy and personal

training in Pleasant Hill, CA.•We offer therapy services for orthopedic, sports

and musculoskeletal dysfunctions as well as post surgical conditions and work related injuries.

•We specialize in geriatric rehabilitation by offering one on one personalized sessions to help restore motion,

strength and a greater degree of independence.

•We offer personal training at affordable rates.

•We work with most insurance plans

•We handle worker’s compensation

Our primary goal is to help patients return to their highest possible level of function.

399 Taylor Blvd., #208, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 925.692.1160 • www.rehabcare.com


SWS1700 Pacheco Blvd., Martinez CA 94553

Shell Western States Federal Credit Union

925-228-4545 Visit us on the web: www.swsfcu.org

Hometown banking at it’s best...

Local since 1946, Shell Western States Federal Credit Union offers banking services to all

Martinez and Pacheco residents. Join today to enjoy:

• Free Checking

• Free Bill Pay and Homebanking

• Visa Debit Cards

• Free Checks for First Order of Personal Checking Accounts

• High Yield Rates on Savings Accounts

• Personal Branch Service

• Low Cost Loans

• Retirement Solutions/IRA Rollovers

Includes a tasting glass,wine glass charm, winetasting passport/map Spend a relaxing afternoon

strolling the tree-lined streetsin downtown Martinez, sipping wine and sampling chocolate

at local businesses.

Purchase tickets in advance at theselocations, Cash only:

For more information(925) 228-3577

MainStreetMartinez.org

Tickets: $15 eain advance$20 at the event

AtticChild FUNiture, 653 Main St.Leah’s Closet, 831 Main St.Main Street Martinez,649 Main St., Suite 106

Purchase tickets with a credit card atwww.MainStreetMartinez.orgRedeem advanced purchase tickets orbuy tickets at the event beginning at2pm at either these locations:Martinez Gallery630 Court St. orMain Street Martinez649 Main St., Ste 106

Must be 21 years or older to participate. No refunds.

I Downtown Martinez

SaturdayFebruary 8th2:00pm-5:30pm


Community AnnouncementsCCHS on the Move.TheContraCostaHumaneSociety&KittyCornerhasmovedto171MayhewWay,Suite101,PleasantHill.Allgreatjourneysstartwithasinglestepandthismoveisjustthefirstphaseofabigger,bolderplantosecureapermanenthomeforCCHS.MoreinformationonpetadoptionsandwaystosupportCCHScall925-279-2247orvisitinfo@cchu-mane.org.

Effective Communication for the Gay and Lesbian Community. Freesixweekclass,7-8:30pm startsJan.7,at2275MorelloAvenue,Pleas-antHill. Limitedtothefirst12peo-plewhosignup. Apersondoesnothavetobeinarelationshiptobeintheclass. Registerbycalling925-708-5337orviaemailatron@connectingwith-lifenow.com.

16th Annual Preschool & Parent-ing Fair, Saturday,January11,11am–2pm,PleasantHillSeniorCenter,233GregoryLane.SponsoredbythePleasantHill/WalnutCreekMother’sClub.Preview40pre-schoolslocatedinAlamo,Concord,Lafayette,Pleas-antHill,Martinez,andWalnutCreek

andamyriadofparentingandfamilyresourcesintheEastBay.Forinforma-tionvisitwww.phwcmothersclub.org.

Marching with Martin, Wednesday,January15,7–8:30pm,404GregoryLane,PleasantHill.PhotojournalistBobFitchshareshisiconicimagesofthepeace,socialjusticeandculturalmovementsofthe1960’sand1970’s.Thisisanintimatephotodocumen-taryofDr.MartinLutherKingJr.,theBlackCivilRightsMovement,CesarChavezandtheUnitedFarmwork-ers,andotherpersonalitiesofthisvi-brantperiodofhistory.ThefreeeventissponsoredbyHillcrestCongrega-tionalChurch’sElderingMinistriesprogram,925-689-8260orvisitwww.hillcrestucc.org.

The 2014 Wine and Chocolate StrollpresentedbyMainStreetMartinez.Saturday,February8,2-5:30pm.Sam-pledeliciouswineandchocolatesatparticipatingbusinesses.Agreatwaytospendtheafternoon!Detailsandticketsalescomingsoon,www.Main-StreetMartinez.org.

How to Raise Your Own ChickensSundays,February9and23,from1-3:30pm.LafayetteresidentPapaJohnKieferwillofferworkshopsonraisingyourownchickens.Topicswillincluderaisingyoungchicks,layinghenmaintenanceandsustainablecoopconstruction.Workshopsarefreeandreservationsarerequired.ContactPapaJohnKieferatjhkiefer@comcast.net.RaisingRabbitsforFoodworkshopsarealsoavailableonuponrequest.

Crab FeedsBoys & Girls Clubs of the Diablo Val-ley 35thannualCrabFeedonJanu-ary11,6pm,attheBoys&GirlsClubsoftheDiabloValley,1301AlhambraAve.,Martinez. ContacttheBoys&GirlsClubat925-228-3896x102topurchasetickets.

Diablo Symphony’s Crab GalaSatur-day,January25,DelValleClubhouse,Rossmoor.Silentandliveauction,localcelebritiesandlivemusicalentertain-ment.Cocktails&silentauctionat6pm(nohostbar);dinnerandliveauctionat7pm.$65perperson,taxdeductible;$500/tableof8.Ticketsavailableonline: www.eventbrite.com/event/9062009715.

Mt. Diablo Hall of Fame Crab Feed. SupportingMt.DiabloHighSchoolsportsprograms,Saturday,January25atZioFraedo’s,PleasantHillat6:30pm.Mealincludesfreshcrackedcrab,pasta,salad,dessert,dancingandraffleprizes.Don’tdelayyourregistra-tion.Ticketsare$60.Formoreinfor-mationvisitourwebsite:MDHSSHF.orgtodownloadaflyer,orcallLouAdamoat925-212-9332oremail:[email protected].

Christ the King CYO Crab Feed Sat-urday,February1.$50peradultorgathersomefriendsandputtogetheratableoftenpeople.Formoreinforma-tionvisitwww.ctkcyohoops.org.

Creekside Crab Feed. Don’tmissoutonthe8thAnnualCrabFeedtakingplaceonJanuary31andFebruary1,2014!Allyoucaneatcrab,chickenandsteak!Costis$50perticket.Youcanpurchaseticketsonlineatwww.creekside.orgunder“Events”then“CrabFeed,”oryoucancontacttheCreeksideofficeat925.228.8156.Pro-ceedsbenefitMartinezschoolsandAf-termathStudentCenter.

C ash

Door

Prizes!Silent

A uction!

CRAB FEED

Pleasant Hill Police Association

Law Enforcement Torch Run

10th Annual

Saturday, February 8th, 2014Tickets must be obtained in advance at:www.CrabFeedEastbay.com

Doors open at 5:00 pm, Dinner 6:30 pm

St. Andrews Church - Celebration Center1601 Mary Drive, Pleasant Hill

(Corner of Harriet Drive and Mary Drive)

Donation $40 per person

Tickets available Monday, January 6, 2014Seating is limited to 250 tickets, sells out fast!

No host prawn barPLEASE NO OUTSIDE ALCOHOL

Gary Brown at [email protected] Tom Mueller at (925) [email protected]

Saturday, February 1st, 20146:00 pm -11:00 pm

Contra Costa Country Club, Pleasant Hill

Ruby Boots “There’s No Place Like Home” is Contra Costa Interfaith Housing’s 6th annual major fundraising gala. Enjoy exquisite hors d’oeuvres and a plated dinner, fine wine and

dancing to live music and silent and live auctions.

For tickets and information visit www.ccinterfaithhousing.org


925-827-12001936 Linda Drive Pleasant Hill CA 94523

[email protected] • www.crsfbay.com

Mention this ad and receive 10% OFF.

NEW NAME SAME GREAT SERVICE YOU EXPECT!

Mention this ad and receive 10% OFF.

ANTS • SPIDERS • MICE • RATSANTS • SPIDERS • MICE • RATSMark Ellinwood, Owner • PO Box 23774 • Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

JOANNE’S DOG GONEMOBILE SALON

• Professional Pet Grooming at Your Home• Located in Martinez• No Cages, No Barking Dogs

925-339-5841

Antiques & ThingsFind what you're looking for at

(925) 685-8930!

Tue-Sat: 10am-5pm!

Sun-Mon: 11am-5pm!

[email protected]

5807 Pacheco Blvd!

Pacheco, CA 94553

"It's bigger than it looks!"

NAILS BY KRISTINA

925.330.3308DES AMIS NAIL SALON101 GREGORY LN. SUITE #41

PLEASANT HILL, CA 94523

• BUSINESS SERVICE DIRECTORY •BUSINESS SERVICE DIRECTORY • BUSINESS SERVICE DIRECTORY • BUSINESS SERVICE DIRECTORY •

1/31/14

Winter CleaningSpecial


J A N U A RY

262 0 1 4

You're Invited!Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District’s NEW Community Center

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 1:45 PM320 Civic Drive, Pleasant Hill

January 26, 2014 | 2:00 - 5:00 PM

Explore your new Community Center

Preview Register for Classes (special discounts!)Play Visit Clubs & Community partners

Taste Enjoy live entertainment

Thank you for your support tomake the Community Center a reality!pleasanthillrec.com

GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION

Finaljanfocus lores

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