Diablo Gazette • OCTOBER 2015 • Page 2 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette •(925)-298-9990

3 How To Talk to The City Council

4 Clayton’s Dave Weiner’s Priority (Bikes)

5 Journey-Man’s Journal: Road to Zzyzx

6 Resident Tales: The Great Storm of 1938

7 Computer Corner

7 Understanding Time Value of Money

8 Reviews: Book, Movie, Restaurant

9 Calendar of Events

13 Farmer Fresh Winter Squash

14 aRT Cottage

15 A Time for The Arts: Leafs

16 FrugElegance: Pumpkin Dump Cake

16 Best Of Claycord: Package Thief Goes Viral

17 What Really Matters: REO Speedwagon

Rocks the Casa

18 Bonilla Science Fair in Concord

17 Superbowl 50 - Human Trafficking Alert

18 Real Estate. There’s an App for That

19 Valle Verde Custodian Authors Children

Books

19 CVCHS Teacher Wins National STEM

Scholarship Award

20 Lifetime of Smiles: Choosing Your Dental

plan

What’s inside?

A little history and Hollywood is coming to Antioch, as the cover photo indicates. Tall Ship Lady Washington, which we all remember from Pirates of the Caribbean movie, is coming to Antioch to give tours and offer some thrilling sailing opportunities, at the helm even. Looks like that dream of becoming a pirate lives on.

Halloween is but a few weeks away, but it will be on our mind the whole month. My kids have outgrown trick-or-treating and would rather get in costume, give out the candy and just be spooky. Last year they broke out the Ouija board. Every time they summoned the spirits, one would appear at the door and yell “Trick or Treat!” Who says Ouija isn’t real? Candy isn’t all there is to Halloween. Deb Ashley recalls some Halloween art fun that kids will enjoy this time of year.

For those getting the Diablo Gazette at home, we hope you enjoy the included copy of SportStars Magazine, which features the best of local high school athletes and teams. It also includes a program for the upcoming Bay Area Golf Show. The Diablo Gazette Digital SportStars Edition posts twice a month. You can find it on our website, Diablogazette.com.

Priority Bikes celebrated its first anniversary this past August. Founder and CEO Dave Weiner, whom many local cyclists know, grew up in Clayton and repaired bikes here for years. That experience, a business economic degree, and some innovation propelled Dave to

redesign the bicycle for the causal rider. His design reduces bike maintenance, turns accessories into standard equipment, and promotes attractive pricing. He ravaged Kickstarter for 12 times his original funding goal, and went on to sell 8,000 bikes online in its first year. I just love a good local entrepreneurial success story.

Claycord.com went viral recently as well as did the mug of a local thief. Thanks to one reader who after seeing the suspects image on Claycord, spotted him on the streets and tipped the Concord police. The suspect was promptly arrested. The irony, he was also arrested doing the same thing in 2012 with the aid of Claycord.com. The viral entertainment value is watching the thief lose his loot and his companion’s purse while being chased by the homeowner. If you missed this, the story is inside. We all like it when the bad guy gets caught. In fact, two suspects were arrested in that week due to Claycord readers’ tips to the police. Both were doorstep package thieves.

To all the writers and advertisers whose contribution and support provide for the success of this publication, “Thank you.” And readers, thank you for all your kind comments. They are appreciated. I hope you enjoy this month’s edition as well.

Visit our website, like us on Facebook, and above all please enjoy the October Edition of the Diablo Gazette.

From the PublisherDavid King

David KingDavid KingPublisherDiablo Gazette

WESTON TANNERJuly 22, 1992 - Sept. 27, 2013

"And she loved a little boy very, very much - Even more than she loved

herself... She calls him son.” Miss and Love you To The Moon and

Back. Mom

----------------"Truly I tell you, today you will be with

me in Paradise." Luke 23:43

IN LOVING MEMORY

Diablo Gazette • OCTOBER 2015 • Page 3 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette • (925)-298-9990

Silence never moved a politician. When I was 11 years old in New York City a local wise guy explained government this way: “They are either listening to you, or listening to someone else, so what’s it going to be?”

Having been on the Concord City Council for the last three years or so and having attended every meeting for years prior, I have seen (and made) a whole range of mistakes and bad approaches and despite that, there is still new ground being broken in the area of ‘How not to talk to the City Council.” So here are a few tips to help you effectively approach and speak to the City Council.

The Basics in Brown:The Brown Act allows for anyone in the

public to address the Council on items not on the Agenda, typically during the

opening part of the Concord Council meeting, and generally with a limit of three minutes. You have a similar limit on items on the Agenda that come up during the course of the meeting. You fill out a speaker card with the note on what the topic is that you want to address. While there is a space there for a name and address, you are not required to fill it in, but from a practical point you have to give the Mayor someway to identify you so he can call on you when it is your turn.

If an item is NOT on the Agenda, the Brown Act PROHIBITS the Council from taking direct action, other than to refer the item to staff for review. Discussion on the issue is also very limited and should be strictly left to qualifying questions, but do not expect it (most Councils dance around pretty effectively with that part of the rule). Sometimes there will be stone cold silence.

As a resident, you can approach any Councilmember on your own outside of the formal meeting and talk about whatever it is that concerns you.

The Brown Act restricts the Council from talking to more than one other Councilmember outside of the formal meeting room. However, you can talk to all of them separately, but you are not supposed to say specifically what the other council members positions were by name. This would be a serial meeting and violates the Brown Act.

The Simplest FormatThree minutes is about one page of 12

point type in three paragraphs depending on your delivery style. You should have it typed up and handed in for the record. Be sure to include copies, five for the Council members, three for other staff, and two for the audience display table.

Here is a guideline for an individual with an individual issue:

1. Identify yourself2. Start with something positive to say

about the city or the staff3. Do not attack anyone by name or the

staff in general. Stay positive. Snarky is rarely effective if you want action taken (unless you are running for office against the Council)

4. Speak to the Mayor but make eye contact with all the Council members.

5. Introduce your concern. Try to concentrate to one topic and your strongest argument (if you have more than one concern/argument, you will find that the Council may pick your weakest point).

6. Have a specific “Ask” of what you would like to see done that is within the scope of the City’s ability. Don’t ask us to cure Cancer, sponsor a Mars Shuttle or change the mind of a cat.

If you are with a group, there are various techniques that you should consider:

1. Break up the subjects. Bringing five or six people in sequence to the podium to repeat the same message is wearing on the Council and the audience.

2. If you want to maximize impact you have to decide which of the polar opposite approaches are best:

a. The “we are many” - group your folks with easily identifiable T-Shirts, Banners, sitting together as a cheering section to applaud or demonstrate enthusiastic support for the speaker. Best used for simple yes/no non-political issues such as we want a dog park.

b. The “we are everywhere and everyone”- scatter your speakers in the audience and have them NOT be identifiable as part of ‘the’ group. Have each speaker identify themselves as a leader of this or that, or from different parts of the community with a similar but not identical concern. Such as- “When I lead my Boy Scout Troop I tell my scouts…..” “When talking to my HOA which I lead, but I am not talking here on their behalf….” This is best used on social and political issues where you want to have a swarm of supporters from different directions so as to avoid a concentrated kick back on your specific group's position.

3. As a group, have handouts for the Council and prepare letters in advance to the Council members with an emphasis on your connection to voters and active groups in the community that will resonate with the politician IF you are dealing with what is essentially a multi-path resolution or policy. Try to time it with letters to the editors and blog posts that hit the day of or before the Council meeting.

Public speaking can be a real fear for many. That is why a written statement sometimes helps. However, check out the local Toastmaster's Club that specializes in getting you conditioned to speak in public. Concord has several including Word Weavers 400 which helped me.

How to Talk to the Councilby Edi Birsan

Diablo Gazette • OCTOBER 2015 • Page 4 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette •(925)-298-9990

If you have ever taken your bike for service to either Encina Bicycle Center in Walnut Creek or at Clayton Bicycle Center, then you may have had that flat repaired, gears adjusted, or chain replaced by one of the hottest names in the business of bicycling, former Clayton resident, Dave Weiner.

Weiner is the inventor, innovator, founder and CEO of Priority Bikes, an on-line bicycle store that has taken the market by storm. Dave just celebrated Priority Bikes first full year in business this past August having sold more than 8,000 bikes.

How did a Clayton youth become the newest bicycle mogul in New York? Throughout his life, Weiner had visions of having his own bike business. He loved bikes. He worked as a mechanic in both of the aforementioned bike shops, adjusting gears and fixing flats for fellow riders from 1994 to 2002.

Dave, now 35, grew up in Clayton. He went to school at Mt. Diablo, Pine Hollow, and Clayton Valley High. He attended college at UC Santa Barbara during which where he worked on campus also as a bike mechanic. He graduated in 2002 with a degree in Business Economics.

His first job was with Giant Bikes where he worked with their industry specific software, which was eventually purchased by Microsoft. Dave realized that as a software consultant he could live anywhere and moved to New York. He consulted on and managed over 50 Microsoft Dynamics implementations in the United States as well as internationally, helping businesses grow through the use of technology. He was the CEO of Cole Systems Inc., (which became UCX Eclipse in 2012 after being purchased) out of Manhattan, where he remains today.

In Manhattan, Dave is a bicycle commuter, as are many in New York. He was aware of the issues that often plagued the casual rider: faulty chains, flat tires--not to mention the ease with which a locked bicycle can be quickly dismantled by a thief. “Bikes have really evolved on the upper end,” he says, “but there hasn’t been much advancement for the recreational rider.” Weiner saw an opportunity.

He envisioned the company’s typical customers, the casual rider: the college student going to class, the urban dweller riding to yoga or the local market, the weekend exerciser. “All too often,” Weiner says, “these people pull their bikes out of storage only to find out that something’s broken. Priority’s goal is to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

Weiner designed his bikes to be simple, affordable and easier to maintain using similar technology available on higher end bikes. Priority Bikes are manufactured with gears that don’t require any moving external parts, cable-free brakes that trigger when the rider

pedals backward, and with tires which feel more like hard plastic than rubber that are nearly impenetrable during regular riding. All of this drastically cuts down the likelihood that the bike will ever need repair. But Priority is best known for its chainless design. They use grease-free belts instead.

Other consumer friendly advantages that are standard equipment on Priority bikes include a quick release lever that allows tires and frames to be pulled from the frame. Most riders have that altered for about $50 in favor of bolts when purchasing other bike brands. The water bottle cage and a kickstand are also standard accessories that nearly all riders add on other bikes, but for which retailers tend to charge extra.

Next, Weiner studied Kickstarter to garner startup funding for his idea. He read a book on the topic, and then picked their brains about what had made their campaigns successful: a professionally made video, responsiveness, and a working prototype to show to the masses. Priority’s Kickstarter campaign, which launched in July 2014, set a goal to raise $30,000. It hit that goal within hours of launching. By the end of its 30-day run, Priority had amassed $556,286.

Weiner credits Priority’s fast success to the bike’s user-friendly design. Even with the Kickstarter campaign over, orders are still coming in. “It’s an entrepreneur’s dream come true,” Weiner says in his new office. Priority Bikes are only sold online at prioritybicycles.com, but Weiner says they are looking into the feasibility of opening brick and mortar stores in the future.

The Priority Classic bicycle recently received Inc. Magazine’s 2015 Best in Class Design Award. Everyone deserves a high quality and low maintenance bike at an affordable price. Built from an oversized aluminum

frame, the bikes weigh only 25 pounds and costs only $399 at full price.

The press has also contributed immensely with its early success. Dave Weiner and Priority Bikes have been featured and reviewed seemingly everywhere including Wall St. Journal, Inc. Magazine, Popular Science, Gizmodo, Buzzfeed, Make:, Uncrate, Mens Journal, Fitness Magazine, Gearjunkie, GQ, Outside, Hypebeast, NPR and Marketplace.org radio shows, a NY Times Video, Reuters, the Today Show, Canadian TV… and now, of course the crème de la crème, Diablo Gazette.

While Dave still lives in New York with his wife, Amanda and family (Photo), he occasionally comes back to Clayton to visit his parents and see old friends. It’s always good to know that Clayton is pumping out successful entrepreneurs whose life stories we can proudly share. But, who could be prouder than his parents?

Former Clayton Resident Becomes New York Bicycle MogulPriority Is His Priority

Dave Weiner in his workshop.

Dave Weiner, wife Amanda and family.

The Clayton Valley Woman’s Club has made donations of school supplies for six consecutive years to Silverwood Elementary in Concord.

At their September 8 meeting members donated close to $600 worth of school supplies.

Items included rulers, pencils, scissors, notebooks, paper, crayons, art supplies, erasers as well as tissue, copy paper and much more.

The Clayton Valley Woman’s Club,

affiliated with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, started in 1973 and is dedicated to meeting the needs of the community.

Members meet the second Tuesday of each month except July and August.

CVWC meets at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 5555 Clayton Road, in Clayton. New members are always welcome. For Membership information call Sheila at 925-672-7947.

Clayton Valley Woman’s Club Donates School Supplies to Silverwood Elementary

Diablo Gazette • OCTOBER 2015 • Page 5 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette • (925)-298-9990

I was born and raised in California; lived here all my life, over half a century by numerical standards. Throughout the years I’ve traveled all over the state from southern California’s dry deserts to northern California’s vast forests, and up and down the coasts of both. I’ve been to the lowest point in the state (Badwater at -282 feet below sea level) and climbed its highest peak (Mt. Whitney at 14,505 feet above sea level). And I’ve traveled countless back roads from Weed to Palm Springs, but where the heck is Zzyzx? It sounds similar to Isaac’s, but with a “Z” at the beginning and just a hint of an “x” at the end.

I first learned of Zzyzx while looking at a map and considering places to escape for the upcoming weekend. The name nearly jumped off the map, and with a distance of only 450 miles from my home town of Clayton (a good days motorcycle ride), the matter was settled. I would leave in the morning.

On the road for only a few hours, I decide to take a quick diversion and stop at Harris Ranch in Coalinga, California’s largest cattle feeder and a popular stop for truckers and travelers. It’s hard to miss, and needs no further introduction. In fact, with a herd of several thousand head of cattle located head to toe, all that is needed is a decent working nose and you’ll know when you’re getting close.

I’ll travel south the balance of the day before finally settling down in a small campground just outside of Barstow. Traveling via motorcycle is always more taxing than it appears. I’m ready for the day to end.

Morning always arrives much earlier when you sleep in the dirt, but I’m eager for the day when the sun peaks its head up and announces that a new day has begun. Before riding into the desert, I know I’ll need to top off my fuel tank, check the tire pressure, and pick up some extra water, so I set my sights on the fine city of Baker, CA (population 600).

I was pulling off the freeway, and as luck would have it, I see a large pack (or is it a herd?) of bikers hanging out in front of a local restaurant. Upon closer inspection, I see it’s a gang of bikers dressed in black leather jackets with patches inscribed with the name “Vagos, Nevada”. I can’t resist, so I pull off the road to join them.

After a little nervous tension and excitement, I decide to approach one of them for a little conversation; and a nice conversation we have. Well, let’s be honest, when I say “conversation”, what I really mean is that I mostly ask questions while my Vagos counter-part mostly stares at me with a hard, firm eye, which I generally interpret as “you’d be wise to stop talking and move along”. However, just before parting ways, he says “ride safe”, which in the biker world is a term of endearment.

Later I would learn that the “Vagos” is a “one-percenter” outlaw motorcycle club based out of San Bernardino, who was originally known as the “Psycho’s” and currently ride 4,000 members strong. They wear a green insignia on their leather jackets of the Norse god of mischief known as Loki. But I’m happy to say that I once shared a cup of coffee and

conversation with the Vagos on a sunny morning in Baker, CA and lived to tell you about it. My only regret is that I didn’t ask for a photo. After all, all they can do is say “no” (or just shoot you).

Zzyzx is located about 5 miles off of Interstate 15 in southern California, on the western edge of the Mojave National Park. Originally settled by a curious and charismatic religious “doctor” named Curtis “Doc” Springer in the 1940’s as a health resort, Zzyzx is now a research center lightly occupied by students and scientists of the California State University who use the facilities for field studies.

As the story goes, Doc sold tonics and concoctions to cure any number of ailments of the time. Known by many as the “King of Quacks” he was eventually evicted from the area and jailed. Today Zzyzx largely consists of a handful of old buildings and some adjacent housing for students and researchers.

One noticeable characteristic of Zzyzx however is the appearance of some large, strange palm trees (California Fan Palm) that dot the landscape and are

reminiscent of the long-distinct wooly mammoth. Following a brief walk around Zzyzx, it’s time to head further into the desert to visit some of the back roads.

Kelbaker Road is a long, narrow and remote road that runs from Kelso to

Baker (hence the name). Just short of 50 miles long, it cuts through the heart of the Mojave National Preserve just north of Zzyzx. It doesn’t take long to figure out why Kelbaker Road sees little traffic, as large amounts of sand and gravel cover the road every few miles from earlier flash flooding events. Traveling at speed in a car under these conditions is not so worrisome, but perched atop a motorcycle, it can be very dangerous. In fact there are few things (a good gust of wind comes to mind) that are more dangerous than loose sand and gravel on the road.

In the distance I see another road sign that appears to be slightly different than the others. As I approach it, I notice that it’s blinking and warning drivers to “Watch for Tortoise”. I ponder this for a moment, and can’t help but be humored. For starters, it’s not a sign instructing drivers to be on the lookout for several or many such animals, otherwise the sign would say Tortoise(s). The sign clearly states Tortoise, which I understand to be just one. The sign maker, I deduce, was clearly communicating that I should keep an eye out for just one, one single Tortoise who may by chance be crossing

the one and only road within this vast, enormous desert. This single Tortoise must be of enormous importance I gather, for he/she had its own blinking light and sign. So an eye out for the Tortoise I did keep, but we would never meet. I would name it the “lone tortoise of Mojave”.

Reaching the end of Kelbaker Road, with hours of daylight still remaining, I need one last side trip before calling it a weekend.

Historic Route 66, also known as the Main Street of America and the Mother Road is arguably the most famous road in America. Constructed in 1926 and running from Los Angeles to Chicago (and all points in between), Route 66 was a significant achievement in its day. Over time, Route 66 was shifted, redirected and rerouted, and eventually made obsolete. Today it is largely abandoned and no longer maintained, but still a favorite destination for adventurers and wanderers.

I entered Route 66 in Ludlow, CA and began traveling southeast toward the city of Siberia -- not Siberia Russia of course, but it may as well have been. Sure the two cities may have different climates, but it’s hard to ignore the similarity they share in their remoteness.

Seeing that the next town beyond Siberia is called Bagdad, I can’t help but laugh to myself. Finally reaching Siberia, I decide to turn back and head toward the end (or is it the beginning?) of Route 66 in Newberry Springs. Despite only traveling roughly 60 miles on Route 66, you can really feel the beauty and sadness of the once great road. Old filling stations, motels and restaurants that once stood tall and were full of people have since given way to old signs, bent from the wind and rusted from the elements, slowly taking their place in history.

A short distance from Newberry Springs is Barstow, and just beyond that Bakersfield where this journey originally began in Ernst. I’ll soon be back on Interstate 5 and heading home to Clayton, but I’ll spend the time dreaming and planning for my next adventure: how about the Saddle Sore 1,000 (riding 1,000 miles in 24 hours)?

Tales of the Road: Road Trip to ZzyzxJourney-man’s Journal

by Johnny Joyrider

Diablo Gazette • OCTOBER 2015 • Page 6 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette •(925)-298-9990

It was September 1938. It was recess time at Quaker Hill Grammar School in Connecticut. My sister, Helen Marie, and I were out on the playground enjoying recess fun with our friends. She was 12 years old; I was 9. A gusty wind began to blow, swirling around us and flinging gravel at our legs! Soon we all decided to run back inside even though recess wasn’t over. Our teachers announced that we were all to be sent home because a big storm was coming our way! Off we went with our Uncle Jud who had come to drive us home. We entered the house competing to tell our tale of the unusual morning to our mom. Of course, our dad was at his job far away.The wind and rain increased in strength. It even blew streams of water under our door and onto the kitchen floor. Helen Marie and I were astonished. Mom was alerted to the danger to our dwelling. If that wind could enter the unfinished space, under our upper floor living area, it could wreck the whole building! So, she threw rain coats on us and we scurried next door to Aunt Aggie’s house. It was an old house, but was very sturdy.We had hardly gotten into Aunt Aggie’s house when another contingent of shelter seekers arrived at her door. Uncle John, Aunt Hazel and two old ladies who were visiting them came rushing in. They had been at Jud and Hazel’s home up on the barn hill and had just rushed down the hill to Aggie’s instead of staying up where the storm’s fuller force was felt. These four people “looked like drowned rats”! One of the old ladies had lost her hairpiece—the wind just snatched it off her head and it had sailed away! The other old lady kept saying, “I always wanted to be in a hurricane! Isn’t this exciting?!”About then, we looked up through the skylight in Aggie’s kitchen where we had all gathered and saw a strange sight! There were severed tree tops sailing along over the house! The gale and driving rain had snapped off the tops of the huge pines near the house and there they flew! So, we all went into the large room adjacent to the kitchen, a safer place to be.The next morning dawned serene and sunny. It was one of those blue-sky September days that are so beloved by us New Englanders.But, when we walked outside we found nothing but destruction!Firstly, we could see immediate that almost all of the big pine trees that had lined both sides of the driveway from the town road to Great Aunt Aggie’s house had been toppled. They were lying in confused, overlapping piles like jackstraws.Looking up the barn hill toward the big

old barn, we could see that the wind had picked it up and “danced” it off of its foundation and had slammed it down with great force off to one side of its original position. There was tons of hay in the hay mow above the main floor of the barn. The cows were all in their stanchions on that lower part of the barn beneath the hay mow when the storm struck. So that great, weighty mass must have come down on top of the poor

cows. Later, when the men of the family were able to go and assess that part of the damage, they confirmed their worst fears—all of the cows had been crushed to death.We couldn’t phone my dad since all power and phone services were out all over Southern New England. We had no idea where he had been during the storm—maybe at work or on his way home???? We were left to worry and

wonder about him for several days.All that time he was making his way on foot, picking through debris, flooded streets and chaos. Then he came to that impassable driveway! But he picked his way through that mess as well and come walking into our yard! What a relief. What a joyful reunion!Mom, Dad, Helen Marie, and I together again, safe and sound!

Resident TalesSponsored by the Diamond Terrace 55+ retirement community in Clayton.

by Marge Crawford

The Great Storm

Diablo Gazette • OCTOBER 2015 • Page 7 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette • (925)-298-9990

Most people have good intentions about saving for retirement. Few know when they should start and how much they should save. Sometimes it might seem that the expenses of today make it too difficult to start saving for tomorrow. It’s easy to think that you will begin to save for retirement when you reach a more comfortable income level, but the longer you put it off, the harder it will be to accumulate the amount you need.

The rewards of starting to save early for retirement far outweigh the cost of waiting. By contributing even small amounts each month, you may be able to amass a great deal over the long term. One helpful method is to allocate a specific dollar amount or percentage of your salary every month and to pay yourself as though saving for retirement were a required expense.

Here’s a hypothetical example of the cost of waiting. Two friends, Chris and Leslie, want to start saving for retirement. Chris starts saving $275 a month right away and continues to do so for 10 years, after which he stops but lets his funds continue to accumulate. Leslie waits 10 years before starting to save, then starts saving the same amount on a monthly basis. Both their accounts earn a consistent 8% rate of return. After 20 years, each would have contributed a total of $33,000 for retirement. However, Leslie, the procrastinator, would have accumulated a total of $50,646, less than half of what Chris, the early starter, would have accumulated ($112,415).*

This example makes a strong case for an early start so that you can take advantage of the power of compounding.

Your contributions have the potential to earn interest, and so does your reinvested interest. This is a good example of letting your money work for you.

If you have trouble saving money on a regular basis, you might try savings strategies that take money directly from your paycheck on a pre-tax or after-tax basis, such as employer-sponsored retirement plans and other direct-payroll deductions.

Regardless of the method you choose, it’s extremely important to start saving now, rather than later. Even small amounts can help you greatly in the future. You could also try to increase your contribution level by 1% or more each year as your salary grows.

Distributions from tax-deferred retirement plans, such as 401(k) plans and traditional IRAs, are taxed as ordinary income and may be subject to an additional 10% federal income tax penalty if withdrawn prior to age 59½.

This hypothetical example of mathematical compounding is used for illustrative purposes only and does not represent the performance of any specific investment. The information in this article is not intended to be tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional advisor. Content is derived from information from Emerald Connect, LLC, sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.

“Lookin’ for a pot of gold, things got bad and things got worse, I guess you know the tune, O Lord, stuck in Lodi again,” Dan Fogerty.

Oh-no, my Internet is stuck on a page and I can’t get out. Sounds almost like, “help, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up,” but different because it isn’t granny on the ground, it’s you stuck in Lodi again. So, when you get stuck on a web page how do you get out, how do you clear the problem without rebooting the computer? This applies to most users but especially to Windows 8.x and 10 users.

If you’re the only person in the world not using the Internet you aren’t likely to encounter the problem of being stuck on a web page with no way out except to reboot. Otherwise, you will get stuck. Some of you will even be unlucky enough to not only get stuck on a page, but one with an annoying voice that talks to you, tells you how bad you’ve been, and orders you to click their button to get a fix.

I hope, by now, you’ve realized you are in trouble. There you are stuck on a web page, nothing gets you out and the screen is screaming at you to pay it money or else. Ouch. You’re hoping I will say something like, “oh this is easy, no problem.” Well, if you know what to do, it is easy to exit the page and keep that pesky voice message off your computer.

Although it is a two-step process, so watch carefully.

For Windows 10 users this is a new problem, for Windows 8.x it has been around a while, and here is the solution. First, don’t panic, stay calm. Second, right button click the Windows Start logo in the lower left of your screen. A menu will pop up with the choice Task Manager. Click it. Choose the tab “Processes” which is the default tab. Under Apps you will see your Internet browser (like Internet Explorer, Edge, Chrome, etc.) running. Right click it and select “End Task.” That closes the window, you’re free again… Well, maybe.

But wait, there’s more. If you reopen your browser, sometimes the annoying voice will not go away, as it comes right back. So, repeat step one and two. Now, right click the Windows Start logo (lower left) again and select “Control Panel.” Open the Control Panel and search for Internet Options. Open Internet Options, then tab Advanced. Click on “Reset Internet Explorer Settings,” then check the “Delete Personal Settings,” and hit Reset.

Bad, nasty screaming, demanding voice is gone, and you’re safe, and best of all it really was easy.

Computer CornerBy William Claney, Computers USA

See his ad right.

See her ad left.

Save Now or Save Later?

Colleen Geraghty

Stuck in Lodi Again?

Understanding Time Value of Money

Diablo Gazette • OCTOBER 2015 • Page 8 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette •(925)-298-9990

It was once a considered a Hollywood scarlet letter to portray a superhero in a big-budget blockbuster. Christopher Reeves suffered a career of low-grossing endeavors only to be constantly associated with his Supermanscreen iteration. Michael Keaton, once Batman, was nominated for an Oscar playing an actor stuck in a similar predicament. In today’s Hollywood, that doesn’t seem to be the case. Chris Hemmsworth, Chris Evans and now Henry Cavill have all stepped out of the shadows cast by their cinematic alter-egos to headline other films. Cavill takes on a role originally ear-marked for Tom Cruise, who smartly walked away when screenplay issues weren’t being solved to his liking. He should rest easy knowing that those issues still haven’t been worked out.

It’s 1963, and Cold War tensions have never been higher. CIA agent Napoleon Solo (Henry Cavill) and KGB agent Illya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer) are forced to put aside their national pride and personal hostilities, and work together to stop a mysterious criminal

organization threatening a nuclear strike that will disrupt the fragile alliance between the United States and Soviet Union. The duo’s only entry point into the underworld is the daughter (Alicia Vikander) of a missing German scientist, whom they are assigned to locate in order to prevent a global nuclear incident.

Cavill and Hammer don’t create any real chemistry as far as buddy pairings. Their’s is about as successful as pairing Samuel L. Jackson and Eugene Levy in The Man. Both stars feel as if they are reciting and a detached level of non-investment becomes distracting. Guy Ritchie ramps up his already annoying narrative tricks with more minor linear deviations and over-the-top, attention grabbing camerawork. The Man from U.N.C.L.E. may find a cult audience on home viewing, on the big-screen it feels undersized, limp and too self-aware to fulfill franchise development.

Director: Guy RitchieStars: Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer,

Alicia Vikander.

A month or so ago, when reviewing Mira Grant’s entertaining new novella Rolling in the Deep, I shared how much I love a good sea monster story.

Now I must confess to finding things to enjoy in bad sea monster stories, as well. If the author keeps the story moving fast enough, and delivers enough monster action, I’m a happy reader.

Which is why I snapped up Ryan Lockwood’s new novel, What Lurks Beneath, the very moment I noticed it on the shelf at my local Barns & Noble, despite my being less than impressed with Lockwood’s debut novel, Below (which I reviewed in October of 2013).

After cracking open the book, I was surprised, and a bit dismayed, to find that Lockwood’s sophomore novel was an unnecessary sequel to Below.

Like every other unnecessary sequel, What Lurks Beneath offers more of the same, only bigger. A lot bigger.

Instead of a shoal of Humboldt squid attacking Southern California, the threat this time is an “undiscovered" (i.e. completely fictitious) species of giant octopus, one that attacks the Bahamian island of Andros.

There is a reason for why I used quotations on the word undiscovered. The species of giant octopus in What Lurks Beneath is revealed to be the source of the region’s infamous sea monster, a half-shark, half-octopus monstrosity known as the Lusca.

Readers of a certain age might recall the silly, but dreadfully dull, 1977 exploitation movie Tentacles. They also might be familiar with Jaws 3-D, the silly, but dreadfully dull, 1983 sequel to the 1975 classic.

In What Lurks Beneath, Ryan Lockwood combines the “best” elements of those two cinematic turkeys, offering the reader a heady, and unapologetically over-the-top, mix of cat-and-mouse stealth attacks on unsuspecting victims, as well as ample giant monster destruction and carnage.

And yes, Lockwood even makes a good-natured nod to Syfy channel’s 2010 B-movie monstrosity, Sharktopus. (Which recently returned in 2015’s sanity threatening Sharktopus Vs. Whalewolf.)

Although the story does not require all of its 454 pages, this unnecessary sequel delivered enough to have me hoping for yet another unnecessary sequel, one that would bring back the giant octopus for more of the same, only bigger.

Book Endsby Chadwick H Saxelid

Movie Maverickby Jason Rugaard

Reviews

‘What Lurks Beneath’ by Ryan Lockwood

‘The Man from Uncle’Concord residents have witnessed the

Willows Shopping Center go through many facelifts and store changes over the years, many of us even recalling when Trader Joe’s called “The Willows” their home.

Anchor stores like Old Navy and Cost Plus World Market, paired with popular restaurants like Benihana and Claim Jumpers, have kept this center an active one, but recent renovations seem to have brought the Willows to new heights.

With much anticipation, a new restaurant called Eureka! opened its doors in September, serving up fresh, locally sourced food and an impressive 40 beers on tap, 20 of which are rotated seasonally.

Eureka! has something for everybody: whiskey lovers can rejoice in their carefully selected small-batch collection, foodies can once again find joy in eating a perfectly cooked burger, artists can look forward to live music on Thursdays, and families can gather to enjoy a weekend brunch on the expansive outdoor patio.

“Perfection” is the word that comes to mind when I think of Eureka! Down to even the smallest detail, this establishment aims to please their customers while delivering consistently delicious food.

Their menu features unique items such as the Fresno Fig Burger with fig marmalade, melted goat cheese, and crispy bacon, garnished with minced tomato, onion, and arugula in a spicy porter mustard.

On the weekends they serve up an exciting brunch menu, featuring dishes such as their Creole Benedict with fried green tomatoes, Virginia ham, Creole mustard hollandaise, and breakfast potatoes.

Those with a sweet tooth will look forward to their Bananas Foster Crunchy French Toast, topped with candied pecans, spiced rum syrup, and homemade whipped cream.

Those looking for a more traditional meal will find themselves completely satisfied here as well.

Signature dishes include flat iron steak that is served with sautéed kale, chimichurri, and hand cut fries. Vegetarians were not forgotten either, with an assortment of menu items to choose from, including Watermelon Salad, Marinated Grilled Portobello’s, and a Veggie Beet Burger.

As a steak lover myself, what most impressed me was that they were able to cook their meat just as I requested.

My steak was cooked to a true medium, which was refreshing as I usually have to order my meat “still mooing rare” when I suspect that an establishment considers well-done to be their specialty.

This good ol’ American restaurant is affordable, delicious, and perfect for both family-friendly outings and romantic date nights – a true winner in my book.

Although some establishments have gone with the wind in this location, this shopping center still has much to offer.

Given their mouth-watering food and world-class customer service, I’m sure Eureka! will fare well in this spot.

Eureka! Shines in the WillowsWhitney Flores

New Restaurant:

Diablo Gazette • OCTOBER 2015 • Page 9 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette • (925)-298-9990

The Diablo Gazette’s

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

The Diablo Symphony Orchestra will open its 53rd concert season on Sunday, October 11th at 2:00 p.m. at the Lesher Center for the Arts with a sparkling program of hidden classical music gems, featuring guest conductor Bryan Nies.

These little-known classical selections are brought together to create a fulfilling musical palate. Four Scottish Dances is a collection of tuneful, evocative melodies originally composed in 1957 for the BBC Light Music Festival by British composerSir Malcolm Arnold. Lovers of the symphonic genre will find much familiar about the Symphony in D by Juan Crisóstomo Arriaga, the “Spanish Mozart”. The“Fantastic Scherzo” by Czech composer and violinist Josef Suk is a brilliant, good-spirited orchestral work.

Additionally, cellist Daniel Reiter will perform Ottorino Respigi’s Adagio con Variazioni a piece in which Respighi brings together the form and complexity of the Classical and the Baroque period, with the sweeping emotionality of the Romantic.

The Diablo Symphony Orchestra is a central Contra Costa based community

orchestra celebrating its 53rdd season, and its fourth season under the leadership of Music Director Matilda Hofman. The orchestra performs 5 concert sets a year, as well as additional concerts and events through its Outreach Program. More information and tickets to the concert can be ordered through the DSO website (www.diablosymphony.org), by calling the Lesher Box Office at 925-943-SHOW (7469), by going online at www.LesherArts.org, or at the Lesher Center Box Office. For more information about the DSO, please visit our website: www.diablosymphy.org.

The Diablo Symphony Orchestra kicks off its 53rd Season with ‘Hidden Treasures’

Cellist Daniel Reiter will perform with the Diablo Symphony Orchestra this season

Diablo Choral Artists! “Diablo Valley’s OWN chamber choir performs significant works of sacred and secular choral music, Openings for all voice parts. Rehearsals are Mondays, 7-9:30 pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1924 Trinity Avenue, Walnut Creek. Mark Tuning, Music Director. See www.vmschorus.org for more information, 925-680-7089, info@dcaschorus.org

The Fall Contra Costa Crystal Fair: October 10-11 at Civic Park Community Center, 1371 Civic Drive (at Broadway), Walnut Creek Hours: Saturday 10-6; Sunday 10-4 Admission $8.00 ( Children 12 and under free). Find a magical mix of crystals, minerals, beads, gems, jewelry and metaphysical healing tools plus thousands of items at excellent prices, massage, aura reading, and psychic reading. Website: www.crystalfair.com

Holiday Boutique – October 24th at Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Oktoberfest Downtown Walnut Creek Saturday, October 17 10 am - 5 pm. Locust Street between Civic Drive and Cypress Street and Bonanza Street between N. California and Commercial Lane. Live music featuring Petty Theft, Mustache Harbor, Revolver-- Biergarten with International Music ; Micro Brew Sampling ; Arts & Craft, Activities & Pumpkin Patch, and Gourmet Food.

BG Craft Fest November 7th and 8th 10:00am – 4:00pm Walnut Creek. The Bedford Gallery brings together the best of Bay Area crafters and artists for the Eighth Annual BG Craft Fest. This curated festival is a celebration of handmade unique gifts, from jewelry to home goods. Held inside the gallery. Shop the Craft Fest and see the current exhibitions, The Art of the Brick and Became by Jud Bergeron – admission is free both days! Bedford Gallery, in the Lesher Center for the Arts at 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek.

Lady Washington, Tall Ship from Pirates of the Caribbean movie; OCTOBER 14-26, SPECIAL SAILING EVENT Antioch- Lady Washingto,n seen in the motion picture Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, will offer hands on history experiences, tours, and public excursions. The ship is a replica of one of the first U.S. flagged vessels to explore the west coast of North America. Tickets are available at www.historicalseaport.org , or by calling 800-2005-239. 10/15-16, 10/20-23: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., walk-on tours, $3 per person donation.10/17-18, 10/24-25: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., walk-on tours, $3 per person donation.10/17, 10/24-25: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Adventure Sail, $39-$47.10/18: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Encounters & Explorations (special event), $39-$47.The Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority is a notforprofit,501(c)(3) public development authority based in Aberdeen, WA. that owns and operates the tall ships Hawaiian Chieftain and Lady Washington.

Family Events

Pancake Breakfast - Supporting Veterans of foreign Wars – 2nd and 4th Sundays includes eggs, pancakes, sausage, beverage. 8 – 11 a.m. Willow Pass Road, Concord $5, $3 Children under 12. www.vfwpost1525.org

GFWC Clayton Valley Woman’s Club “Fall Fundraiser”, October 24, from 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Clayton Valley Woman’s Club presents a delightful afternoon of music, appetizers and desserts at Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center St. in Clayton. Mike Spellman and Ella Wolfe will take you on a musical excursion making you laugh, reflect and imagine. For reservation information ($25), please call Aleta Huck at 925-672-9448. For more information about the Woman’s Club, check out claytonvalleywomansclub.org.

CLAYTON COMMUNITY LIBRARY USED BOOK SALE -- The Clayton Community Library Foundation (CCLF) Used Book Sale will be held at the Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Rd., Clayton, on Saturday Oct. 17th from 10 - 6, and on Sunday, Oct. 18th from noon - 4. Most books are $1, children’s 50¢ Half price on Sunday with a $3 a bag special from 2-4PM. Member’s Only Preview on Friday, Oct. 16th 4-7 p.m. Memberships can be purchased at door.

2nd Annual Monument Awards Breakfast -- Tuesday, October 27, 2015 from7 AM – 9 AM at Pleasant Hill Senior Center | 233 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 hosted by Monument Impact. Join our community leaders. Honorees include Assembly Member Susan Bonilla, Las Montañas Supermarket, and Central County Regional Group (CCRG) – whose work has significantly enhanced the quality of life of individuals and families in the Monument Community. Ticket ($50 each) and sponsorship information is available on our website:www.monumentimpact.org. For more information, please Lorena Sanchez, Executive Director 925-682-8248 x2200.

Fundraisers

Concord Tuesdays, 10am to 2pm, year-round, rain or shine, Todos Santos Plaza. Concord Thursdays, 4pm to 8pm, odos Santos Plaza. Clayton, Saturdays 10am - 2pm Martinez, Farmers Market, Sundays, 10am to 2pm, year-round, Main St. and Estudillo.

Pleasant Hill Saturdays, through November 15th, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Downtown Plaza (in front of Jack’s Restaurant) http://www.pcfma.com http://www.pcfma.org

Walnut Creek Diablo Valley Farmers Market Saturday 9a.m. - 1 p.m. Shadelands Business Park, N. Wigett Lane and Mitchell Dr.

Contra Costa Certified Farmers Market Sundays 9 am - 1 pm, Year Round, North Locust St between Giamona and Lacassie St. (925) 431-8361 http://www.cccfm.org

Home & Garden/Farmers’ Markets

Diablo Gazette • OCTOBER 2015 • Page 10 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette •(925)-298-9990

CONCORD: 4th Friday: Concord Ducati Bike Night, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on the fourth Friday of each month at Lazy Dog Café, 1961 Diamond Blvd, Concord. 925/849-1221 http://norcaldoc.com

Mt. Diablo Branch California Writers Club - Author, teacher, and stage director Amanda McTigue will conduct a workshop on “Writing Emotion to Move Your Readers” on Saturday, October 10, at Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant, 611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. Ms. McTigue will offer a hands-on workshop, with exercises in how to write authentic emotional content across all genres. She is a Yale grad who has written for Disney Entertainment, and Paramount Entertainment. Her works for the stage have been produced at Carnegie Hall and the Minnesota Opera, among others. Sign-in at 8:30 am, Breakfast from 9 to 9:30 am. Workshop from 9:30-12:30. The cost is $40 for CWC members, $50 for guests. Reservations must be received no later than noon, October 7. Contact Robin Gigoux at ragig@aol.com, phone 925-933-9670. website, www.cwcmtdiablowriters.wordpress.com/next-program/

St. John Vianney Church and Soroptimists International of 24/680 - “Human Trafficking is Modern Day Slavery”. October 21 6:30 p.m. A video presentation as shown to the United Nations General Assembly followed by panel discussion on labor trafficking, survivor care and law enforcement. Mullens Common Vista at St. John Vianney Church , 1650 Ygnacio Valley Rd. in Walnut Creek.

CLAYTON VALLEY WOMAN’S CLUB is holding its November 10, meeting and Cooking Class at Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive in Clayton. The meeting starts at 10:00 am followed by a cooking class at 11:15 am by Chef John Evans with recipes and meal after. The cost is $22. Guests are welcome. Contact Kathy Olson at 925-524-0641 for information and to reserve a place for the cooking class and meal. Deadline is November 2, 2015.

The Stroke Support Group of Contra Costa County will hold its October meeting in the Concord I Room at John Muir Medical Center - Concord Campus, 2540 East Street, Concord Monday, Oct 12, from 7-9 p.m. The speaker will be Maureen DeGarmo. Her topic will be “Reorganize your life after a Trauma. Attendees will break up into three coping groups: stroke survivors without aphasia, stroke survivors with aphasia, and caregivers and families of stroke survivors. Each group is led by a trained professional. Contact Ann Dzuna at 925-376-6218. Meetings are free and open to the public.

Alzheimer’s Friendly BusinessSM program. A 30-minute training for local businesses designed to help employees understand the disease and provide simple techniques to ensure that customers with Alzheimer’s are treated with compassion and respect. Businesses will receive a window decal with the Alzheimer’s Friendly Business logo. Walnut Creek, Concord, Pleasant Hill and Martinez businesses can work directly with the local Home Instead Senior Care office to arrange a in-person training for their employees. An online version of the training is also available at AlzheimersFriendlyBusiness.com. For more information visit www.AlzheimersFriendlyBusiness.com or call 925-280-9688.

Club/Support Group Events

DanvilleComedy Club at the California Theatre - Marc Yaffee: Award-winning comedian featured on the Showtime special, Goin’ Native: The American Indian Comedy Slam. Marc has also been seen on the PBS special, Crossing The Line, SiTV’s, The Latino Laugh Festival and Comics Unleashed With Byron Allen. Winner of the Ventura Comedy Festival’s Funniest Person Contest in 2012. Funny not filthy. Performance(s):Saturday, October 17, 2015 at 8 PM; Ticket(s): Call the box office at 925-427-1611 Individual Tickets are $18 in Advance & $21 at the Door

Z is for…Zombie: An Improvised Zombie Apocalypse! Friday, October 16 and Saturday, October 17, 2015 at 8:15 pm. at the Lesher Center. Synergy Theater’s improvised horror-spoof! No one in town knows who are the zombies and who are the humans - not even the cast in this edge-of-your-seat, laugh-until-you-drop improvised horror show. Synergy Theater is an Improv comedy company from Lafayette. The Lesher Center for the Arts, Knight Stage 3 Theatre, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, CA, 94596. Tickets $15 at www.lesherartscenter.org or (925) 943-7469

Martinez Diablo Regional Concert Band Pops Concert Sunday, October 11th at Grace Church, 130 Muir Station Road, Martinez. The concert will begin at 3:00 p.m. Pops music includes “Chronicles of Narnia”, “A Disneyland Celebration”, “The Golden Age of Broadway” and many more. There is no charge but donations are encouraged. The Diablo Regional Concert Band is a self-supporting ensemble of 30 volunteer musicians under the direction of Cora Martens. The Diablo Regional Concert Band practices in Martinez on Thursday evenings. Everyone who enjoys playing their band instrument is welcome to sign up at the Martinez Adult Education office. For more information call Cora Martens at (925) 451-6222.

Visual Arts/Theatre/Music

Concord City Council, 1st, 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 6:30 pm, Council Chambers, 1950 Parkside Dr, Concord. Or watch online at http://www.ci.concord.ca.us/citygov/agendas/council/Concord Planning Commission 1st and 3rd Wednesdays 7 p.m. Concord Chamber, Concord Civic Center 1950 Parkside dr. www.cityofconcord.org

Clayton City Council, 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 7pm. Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Rd, Clayton. http://ci.clayton.ca.us

Martinez City Council, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays. City Hall, 7 pm, 525 Henrietta Street, Martinez. Listen online at http://www.granicus.com/streamingMediaHelp/minimumSystem.htm, http://www.cityofmartinez.org

Walnut Creek City Council, 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 7 pm. Watch online at http://www.walnut-creek.org/services/citizen/granicus.asp

Pleasant Hill City Council, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 7:30 pm, Council Chambers of the Pleasant Hill City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. Follow online at http://www.ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us/media/

Government

Diablo Gazette • OCTOBER 2015 • Page 11 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette • (925)-298-9990

•American Association of University Women - Concord Branch www.aauw-concord.org•American Legion Post 171 - 5 p.m. third Tuesdays, Veterans Memorial Hall, Concord. 687-1427.•B2F Business Networking Group - noon first and third Thursdays. 998-8844.•Beachcomber Singles - Social and service activities for active adults age 45 and above. For more information call (510) 799-2207, Or visit our website: www.beachcombersingles.org/•British Club - 11:30 a.m. first Wednesdays, Zio Fraedo’s, Pleasant Hill. 682-7978.•Circle of Friends - second Mondays, Walnut Country Club, Concord. 998-8844.•Clayton Valley Garden Club- 7p.m. second Wednesdays, February-November. Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center St., Clayton. Contact: www.claytonvalleygardenclub.org•Clutch Busters Square Dance Club - 7:30 p.m.-9:30 pm Thursdays, New dancers and those wanting brush-up are welcome. Willow Pass Community Center, 2748 E Olivera Rd, Concord. 686-3774.•Concord Art Association - 12:50 p.m. second Tuesdays, Concord Library. 646-5455.•Concord Diablo Rotary - 12:15 p.m. Wednesdays, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Concord. EXCEPT the 2nd Wednesday, meeting is at 6:15 P.M. at the Crowne Plaza. Contact EdiBirsan@Gmail.com or 510-812-8180 for more information.•Clayton Valley/Concord Sunrise Rotary Club- 7 a.m. Thursdays, Oakhurst Country Club, Clayton. 689-7640 or www.claytonvalley-rotary.org. New Meeting Place for Clayton Valley Woman’s Club -- Clayton Valley Woman’s Club will be meeting at St. John’s Episcopal Church, located at 5555 Clayton Road, Clayton. CVWC meets at 10a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. New members are always welcome. For more information please call Sheila at 925-672-7947. www.claytonvalleywomansclub.org.•Concord Garden Club - 9:30 a.m. third Tuesdays, Bethel Baptist Church, Concord. 687-2334.•Concord Lions Club - 7 p.m. third Tuesdays, La Tapatia Mexican Restaurant, Concord. 687-3594.•Concord Mystery Book Club - 2:30 p.m. second Sundays, Concord Library, 646-5455.•Concord Senior Club - ballroom dancing, 1 p.m. Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and 8 p.m. second Saturdays. 2727 Parkside Circle, Concord. 798-4557.•Contra Costa Genealogical Society - 7 p.m. second Thursdays, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Concord. www.rootsweb.com/~cacccgs.•Contra Costa Mineral & Gem Society - 7:30 p.m. second Mondays, Centre Concord. 429-2748 or www.ccmgs.org.•Creekside Artists Guild Meets 2nd Wed. each month @ 7-8:30pm. Clayton Library Story Room, 6125 Clayton Rd., Clayton. Arlene 673-9777, akiksen@aol.com•Concord United Methodist Women Monthly Meeting 510-758-4837•Diablo Numismatic Society - 7 p.m. third Thursdays, Veterans Memorial Hall, Concord. 825-0649 or xsteamerx@aol.com.•Diablo Toastmasters, every Thursday 7 – 9 p.m., Sizzler Rest., Concord. http://

www.diablotoastmasters.org. •Diablo Valley Democratic Club - 7 p.m. third Wednesdays, Ygnacio Valley Library, Walnut Creek. 946-0469 or http://www.dvdems.org. •Diablo Valley Macintosh Users Group - 6:30 p.m. 3rd Tuesdays. Bancroft Elementary School,Walnut Creek. 689-1155 or www.dvmug.org.•Diablo Valley Mustang Assoc meets 7:00 pm second Wednesdays each month at Fuddruckers Concord. All Mustang afficiados invited. Nancy Russell 925-825-5994. www.dvma.org•Diablo Valley Wings, Chapter P of the Gold Wing Touring Association - 12:15 p.m. third Tuesdays, Sizzler, Concord. 686-3774 or http://www.GWTA-CA-DVW.org.•East Bay Prospectors Club - 7 p.m.4th Wednesday, 1021 Detroit Ave., Unit D, Concord. 672-1863 or www.eastbaygpaa.webs.com.•Ellen’s Guild - 10 a.m second Tuesdays, Family Stress Center, Concord. 672-5409 or www.familystresscenter.org.•Hope Academy Concord Open House, Third Thursday of each month, 9 – 9:45 a.m. Reservations required: Judy Davies 687-7555; 5353 Concord Blvd. www.hopeacademyconcord.org•Kiwanis Club of Greater Concord - 8:15 a.m. Wednesdays, Buttercup Grill and Bar, 4301 Clayton Rd., Concord. 372-5348.•Knitting Group - 2 p.m. first Sundays, Concord Library. 646-5455.•Knights Of Columbus, Concord Council 6038Knights of Pythias, Lodge #162 meets on the 2nd Tuesday and 4th Thursday of each month. For more information and membership call Herb Lederman at (925) 631-0229or email: Herbleder_KOP@Yahoo.comMeets 7:30 p.m. 1st Tuesday of the month, St.Bonaventure Church, 5562 Clayton Road, Contact Rayce at 683-9717 or rayce@aol.com.•Mt Diablo Metal Detecting Club and have Meets at the Elks Lodge in Walnut Creek. 1475 Creekside Dr. 730 pm www.mdmdc.com meets on the second Wednesday.www.mdmdctreasurehunting.com.•Soroptimist International Diablo Vista - 12:15 p.m. first, second and third Wednesdays, Sizzler, Concord. 672-2727•National Marine Corps Business Network: www.nmcbn.com/ We normally meet the second Tuesday of each month. Contact 925-680-8714.•Odd Fellows - 3 p.m. second and fourth Tuesdays, Pacheco Lodge 117, Concord. 682-7358.•Pleasant Hill Walnut Creek Mothers’ Club, http://www.phwcmothersclub.org•Rising Stars Toastmasters. This group was created for job seekers. For more information, contact Derrick Smith at (925) 381-4551 or go to risingstarstm.toastmastersclubs.org.•Snowchasers Ski Club - Snow skiing and Snowboarding- First and Third Wednesdays of each month. Snowchasers meets 7:30 pm Sizzlers Concord.Contact iSteve and Rosalie Rhodes,925-228-8145. www.snowchasers.org•Toastmasters International - 7 p.m. Mondays, Montecito of Concord, 682-7211. Also, 7:15 p.m. Tuesdays, John Muir Concord Campus. Toastmasters can help! Our local club, Word Weavers, meets Mondays, 7:00 to 8:15 p.m. at 4756 Clayton Road, Concord 686-1818. www.toastmasters.org. •Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1525 - 9 a.m. second Saturdays, Veterans Memorial Hall, Concord.

Clubs

On Thursday, September 17, Ryan’s Case for Smiles (www.caseforsmiles.org) delivered a ceremonial, specially designed one millionth pillowcase to a child at John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek to mark an important milestone across its 120 North American chapters.

In addition to the one millionth pillowcase, Linda Patridge, SF East Bay Coordinator with Ryan’s Case for Smiles, delivered a number of other hand-made pillowcases from volunteers adorned

with the faces of cartoon characters, princesses, superheroes and dinosaurs, bringing huge smiles and boosting spirits.

John Muir Health was thrilled to be the recipient of the one millionth pillowcase and continues to partner with Ryan’s Case for Smiles to bring joy, happiness and a sense of home to the lives of children in its pediatric and pediatric intensive care units. Every child who is hospitalized receives a special pillowcase.

One Millionth Pillowcase for Ryan’s Case for Smiles to John Muir

Shana Hammers, Child Life Specialist at John Muir Health; Ayden, pediatric patient at John Muir Health; Linda Patridge, SF East Bay Coordinator, Ryan’s Case

for Smiles

Diablo Gazette • OCTOBER 2015 • Page 12 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette •(925)-298-9990

MARTINEZ:Friday’s on the Main & Market featuring a Farmers Market 4p.m - 8 p.m. and Cool Cars & Music 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. on the 600 & 700 blocks of Main. Free

Martinez Restaurant Tour - Saturday, October 10th ;1:30 - 4:00 p.m. $15.00 per person (adults only) Tickets sold at Martinez Recreation, 525 Henrietta Street & Martinez Senior Center, 818 Green Street and online @ www.cityofmartinez.org

Halloween Trunk-or-Treat Spooktacular, Downtown Martinez Sunday, October 25; 10am-2pm; SAFE, FUN, FREE Halloween festivities. Visit creatively decorated car trunks and shops lining downtown Martinez to collect candy and treats. More information (925) 228-3577. Day of the Dead Saturday October 31 Martinez 2pm - 8pm, Alhambra Pioneer Cemetery Tour, 10am to 11:30am. Free. Headstone hunt and crafts. Pre-register at www.cityofmartinez.org or call (925) 372-3510 by Oct. 30. Day of the Dead Pet Tribute 6:30 to 9:30pm. The Main St. Plaza in Downtown Martinez, CA FREE Food, Music, Community Altars Celebrating the Mexican tradition of honoring the ancestors. More information (925) 228-3577 or email director@mainstreetmartinez.org

DANVILLE: First Sunday of every •Month: Cars ‘n Coffee, First Sunday of every month at Blackhawk Automotive Museum . 8a-10a. Free. Museum opens at 9am on Cars & Coffee Sundays. 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle • Danville 925.736.2280 • http://www.blackhawkmuseum.org/carsncoffee.html

Concord: Off the Grid Food Trucks Mondays. 5P-9P Music 6p – 8P.

Antique Faire October 18. Final Show of the Season. Todos Santos Concord.

Contra Costa Blue Star Moms Veteran’s Day 5K/10K Run & Walk: Saturday, November 7th, at Hillcrest Park in Concord. All proceeds go to the veterans. Blue Star Moms provide care packages and shopping vouchers for VA Rehab facility. A parent or guardian must be present with children (under 18) to register. Register On-Line, Mail in, or in person at Concord’s Roadrunner Sports or Sports Basement. Entry Fees and info http://www.active.com/concord-ca/running/distance-running-races/veterans-5k-10k-run-and-walk-2015. Prizes to top 3 Male & Female Finishers & for top Male & Female Veterans! Race Day: Veteran’s Day Ceremony 8:15 am Races Start: 8:30 am

Pleasant Hill Instructional Garden Open House Educational Event. Sunday, October 11 from 2:00 P.M. - 5:00pm Water conservation demonstration garden, and wildlife habitat garden will celebrate its 8th year. Garden tour by Monica Olsen, Contra Costa Master Gardener, composting demonstration, weather station tour, how to attract native bees by Sara Leon Guerrero of U.C. Berkeley Urban Bee Lab, Bluebird Recovery Program, and water quality studies for a Pleasant Hill Green Team environmental project. Located 1 Santa Barbara Rd. For more info, www.phig.webs.com. RSVP at phigarden@gmail.com.

Off the Grid Food Trucks Wednesdays 5 P.M. - 9 P.M.; Trelany Road behind City Hall, Pleasant Hill

Sustainable Living Workshop Series: . The 3rd Thursday of every

Outdoors

Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services’ (MOWSOS) Fall Prevention Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser, held on Sunday, September 13th at the Pleasant Hill Senior Center, was a “syrupy sweet” success!

Held on Grandparents Day, more than 240 guests enjoyed a plate full of tall stack flapjacks, blueberries, scrambled eggs, and sausage while helping MOWSOS raise $13,690 to benefit seniors in critical need of home safety modifications.

“One in three older adults will have a fall this year and often the fall results in the loss of independence and a costly recovery,” says Alayne Balke, MOWSOS’s Fall Prevention Program Manager.

For as little as $600, the Fall Prevention Program performs home safety assessments and installs grab bars and shower benches or other assistance devices that greatly reduce the risk of a fall. These devices also help to lighten the burden for family caregivers.

“Our program also includes exercise classes because keeping active is one of the most important ways to improve balance and reduce fall risk,” says Balke.

Master of Ceremonies and Pleasant Hill Council Member, Tim Flaherty, and District IV Supervisor, Karen Mitchoff, helped facilitate a lively raffle drawing and even flipped pancakes with the kids. In the photo is Council Member Tim Flaherty with Mia Bishop, who won a $25 gift card to Century Theaters I a pancake flipping contest. Mia flipped 16 pancakes in 30 seconds.

Fall Prevention Program Raises Nearly $14,000  

month. Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center,315 Cortsen Rd, Pleasant Hill. Info and registration: www.sustainablecoco.org/workshops. October Workshop, Learn about herbal remedies to prepare for cold season. Make herbal teas to take home. $20 per workshop; includes materials, tea/coffee and pastries!

Walnut Creek: Off the Grid Every Tuesday; 1380 N. California Blvd. from 5-9pm; Live music from 6-8 pm featuring, Quinn Deveuax , wine and beer garden. http://offthegridsf.com.

First Wednesdays Street Fest! , Walnut Creek Downtown . Cypress Street (Between Main Street & Locust Street) October 7th: Sunset on Cypress; November 4th: CountryFest

Al-Anon Family Group 7:30 p.m. Mondays, St. Martins of Tours Anglican Church & Preschool, Concord. 932-6770 or www.ncwsa.org.

Alcoholics Anonymous - 939-4155 or www.aa.org.Bereavement Support Group:1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, 4:30 - 6:00 pm. pre-registration. Call (925) 887-5681 The Bridge A bi-weekly program that provides support in a safe place where grieving children, teens, adults share their experiences using art, play, journaling, music and conversation. The Bridge program starts and ends with each school year, approximately 9 months. Pre-registration (925) 887-5681.

Cardiac Care Support Group - 7 p.m. second Thursdays, John Muir Walnut Creek or Concord. 947-5206.

Hearing Loss and Cochlear Implant Wearers Support Group - 7 p.m. 1st Wednesdays, Walnut Creek United Methodist Church. HLAADV@hearinglossdv.org or 264-1199.

HIV/AIDS Support Group - 7-9 p.m. 2nd & 4th Thursdays, John Muir Concord. 925- 674-2190.

Leukemia Society Family Support Group - 7 p.m. first Thursdays. 947-4466, ext. 32797.

Living with a Mental Illness? Join NAMI Connection Peer-led support group. Saturdays 1:00 - 2:30 pm at John Muir Behavioral Health Center 2740 Grant Street Concord. Call 925-942-0767 or www.namicontracosta.org

Nar-Anon - 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, John Muir Concord. http://naranoncalifornia.org.

Pet Loss Support Group, Second Tuesday of the month, 5:30-7PM. (925) 887-5681. Pre-registration required.

Retired & Senior Volunteer Program - 472-5777.

The Stroke Support Group of Contra Costa County will meet in the Concord I Room at John Muir Medical Center - Concord Campus, 2540 East Street, Concord Monday, Oct 12, from 7-9 p.m. Contact Ann Dzuna at 925-376-6218. Meetings are free and open to the public.

Support Groups

Diablo Gazette • OCTOBER 2015 • Page 13 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette • (925)-298-9990

Thomas Fuller grew up in Pleasant Hill; went to Pleasant Hill High and to Diablo Valley College. He is a technology writer, and deeply involved in the global

climate change debate. He is not without his critics.

Fuller studied electronics and physics, courtesy of the U.S. Navy, and continued with quantum mechanics for cryptography, also courtesy of the U.S.N. After leaving the Navy, he used the G.I. Bill to double major in Journalism and Anthropology. He spent 10 years in Europe writing technology commentary

for the International Herald Tribune’s Italy Daily, and consulted on green technology for the UK government. He also co-authored “Climategate: The Crutape Letters, published in 2010.”

When it comes to global warming discussion, there are basically two volatile opposing sides, the side that is convinced that it’s happening and science proves it and humans are the cause. And the side that says science shows evidence of temperature changes but has proven nothing as to its cause.

This argument is hotly contested and is divided along political lines, conservatives vs. liberals, wealth vs. poor, republican vs. democrats, corporate vs. the people, right vs. left.

If you followed climate change debates on social media, a dialogue usually follows this typical pattern. One side states a position and offers a meme as support. An adversarial side offers a factoid to disprove the meme with yet a different meme. This is fended off with links to opinion articles from politically motivated publications or to sites offering celebrity quotes, which

in turn is countered with an anecdotal temperature experiment that includes using an anal thermometer on his opponent. If one side doesn’t concede early (which one never does), then the debate goes into overtime - the name calling rounds.

Thomas Fuller latest book, “Lukewarmer’s Way” charts a middle ground between the extremists shouting at each other from both sides of the spectrum of opinion on climate change. It is based on a careful examination of what mainstream science presents in the way of evidence--one of the major sources of information for this book is the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Fuller reviews the history of change, the opinions of various climate experts and spokespersons calls out the fallacies, and underscores the consequences of no action. He frames the responsibilities by country as to how to how manage GDP, power needs, population growth, and many factors that never make it in the news or social media discussions. “Lukewarmer’s Way” offers conciliatory agreement to both sides of the argument so that a rational path to action can be developed among nations. It is complete with stats, graphs and references to support and challenge claims from each position. For those truly interested in understanding the complexity of the issue of climate change, this book will ground you with an in-depth perspective.

Here are a few notable quotes from the book: “Everybody’s tired of the climate wars. But not tired

enough to quit fighting.”“(‘Lukewarmers Way’)offers a third point of view in

the climate debate; that anthropogenic climate change is real, poses a problem and should be addressed, but that it will not be catastrophic,…”

“Climate change caused by human emissions of CO2 was the ‘new’ theory (it was actually a century old) and seemingly attractive because it had ‘explanatory power,’

but instead of receiving a brutal baptism by fire from the scientific community it seemed to have been adopted by voice vote and become the law of the land. Academia was very kind to climate change.”

“The greatest potential outcome if the Lukewarm position were widely adopted is that we can quickly turn to policies that are both feasible and effective.”

“Lukewarmers” is published by Stairway Press and is currently available on Kindle.

The spotlight is on winter squash this month. It's a wonderfully colorful and delicious vegetable, versatile in the kitchen, yet stores well enough to use as a decorative display on your front porch or tabletop for Fall. They come in an amazing array of colors, shapes, sizes, and varieties.

Stop by your farmers’ market on a glorious fall day, talk to your local farmers, meet your friends and neighbors, have a nice hot lunch, and pick up some tasty winter squash. Look for Bautista Ranch, J&M Farms, and other producers at the farmers’ market for great winter squash and gourds for your Fall table.

Try some of these varieties this fall and winter and your taste buds will thank you.

•Acorn squash -- Nutty, meaty taste. These are popular because of their small size -- one squash can be cut in half and baked for two generous servings. The biggest drawback is that the rind is quite hard, and therefore difficult to cut.

•Banana squash -- Nice, even taste, very meaty. Rind is a nice overall yellowish-orange while the inside is darker in color. This variety is so large that it is usually found cut into smaller chunks for sale. Very tasty, but known for its beautiful golden colored flesh.

•Butternut squash -- Sweet, moist and nutty taste.

Pale yellow-orange color. This variety is popular because it is easy to use. Its rind is thin enough to peel off with a vegetable peeler. Elongated gourd shape.

•Kabocha squash is round with a flattened top and dark green color punctuated by white streaks. The deep orange flesh is flavorful but less moist than most other squash, akin to the fluffiness of a russet potato.

•Spaghetti squash -- Generally mild squash taste. Yellow inside and out. After it is cooked you can dig a fork into the flesh and pull out long yellow strands that resemble spaghetti. Though it tastes like squash, the "noodles" can serve as a low-calorie substitute for pasta.

Cooking with Winter Squash:Winter squash is not usually peeled before cooking.

And this squash is usually steamed, boiled or baked. Seasonings used with winter squash are similar to what goes well with sweet potatoes: brown sugar, vanilla,

cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and ginger (fresh, powdered, or candied.) Cooked garlic adds a nutty mellowness; herbs bring out the natural flavors. Squash can be eaten in the shell or scooped out and mashed like potatoes.

Roasted Acorn SquashPreheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut an acorn squash in

quarters lengthwise, scoop out seeds and lay on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with a small amount of melted butter and brown sugar. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until squash is soft. Delicious!

Be very careful when cutting into the harder-shelled varieties like acorn. They slip and slide when you try to cut into them. Place cutting board on a towel so it won’t slip. And sometimes you’ll need to place the knife on the squash and tap the knife with a hammer to get started.

by Debra Morris Pacific Coast Farmers Marketvwww.pcfma.com/concord

Farmer Fresh

Winter Squash

‘The Lukewarmer’s Way’

Thomas Fuller

Diablo Gazette • OCTOBER 2015 • Page 14 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette •(925)-298-9990

Just in time for Halloween! MJ Coleman’s “Monsters” Series will be featured at the aRt Cottage in Concord,

October 6 through 31. An a artist reception will be held October 9th, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM

MJ Coleman was inspired by her son’s lifelong love of Halloween and monsters like Frankenstein and Dracula. Her works are traditional copper plate etchings with aquatint, each uniquely inked before going through the press to create a mood and assuring that there are no two prints alike from the same plate. The prints’ subject matter is delightfully gruesome and MJ has managed to capture the essence of each character. The images speak to our fascination with the spine-chilling but still have a touch of humor about them.

Photos depict four of classic monsters we have all grown to know. Frankenstein, the Mummy, Dracula, and Wolfman.

Monsters coming to aRt Cottage

Local Award Winning Artist Anthony Holt Showing at the Art CottageSomething new and exciting is coming to Todos

Santos Plaza. Local Concord artist Anthony Holt, signature “ASH”, is having his first local showing at the Art Cottage. Anthony uses a unique style of painting and color combinations to achieve visually intense imagery.

Anthony was born and raised in Fairfield, California and learned early on that art gave him great intrinsic comfort. After his father passed away when he was only four, Anthony used art as his refuge for expression and feelings. Creating also gave Anthony the opportunity to further his education, graduating from California State University, Fresno with a degree in Arts and Humanities.

Refusing to sketch or outline while he paints, Anthony uses his strokes as a form of rebellion, always trying to master a flawed approach to capture emotions and memories on canvas. Portraits, abstracts, and landscapes have all been subject matter for which Anthony has given his twisted vision. “ASH” knows that his paintings are not meant to be perfect, but to

inspire tolerance and affection for life’s imperfection. This philosophy and approach have resulted in Anthony’s paintings being juried selected for shows like the 85th annual Santa Cruz Statewide Landscape Exhibit, the City of Danville’s 4th Annual Everyday Beauty Exhibit and Fairfield Visual Arts Association 51st annual juried show. Anthony’s piece entitled “Barbershop” was awarded 1st place in Vacaville Art League’s 36th annual juried show.

Anthony will be displaying all his creations during the month of October at the Art Cottage, 2238 Mount Diablo Street, in the city of Concord. Join Anthony for the official opening on October 9th from 7pm to 9pm.

Diablo Gazette • OCTOBER 2015 • Page 15 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette • (925)-298-9990

A Time for the Artsby Deb Ashley

Somehow, it is already October. The months fly by faster than ever, but we knew Halloween was coming even before the calendar said it was the tenth month of the year. Why? Because of the candy and costumes were already in the stores in September, reminding us of the season of holidays.

Kids and adults love Halloween, but children in particular go crazy about dressing up and heading out to collect bags of goodies that keep dentists in business. The fall is a wonderful time of year and California makes Halloween a season and not just a one-day event. But in addition to picking out a costume and consuming disgusting amounts of candy, there are lots of fun, creative ways to celebrate the fall and Halloween that might take the focus away from all the sugar.

One activity that we participated in every year when I was growing up was our family’s annual Leaf Contest. In North Carolina, the trees turn gorgeous shades of yellow, orange and red. My mother would set aside half a day for us to go out and hunt for the best leaves in different categories. We had the best “red, orange or yellow”, the “biggest leaf”, the “best Oak or Maple or whatever”. There were many more categories, but you get the idea. This was a major happening in our house-hold every year, and we all remember it very fondly. The whole concept could be expanded into other areas as well.

The leaf theme could also be carried over into art projects. Leaves can be traced and colored or painted with oil pastels and watercolors. Tracing the lines of the drawn leaves with oil pastel and then painting them with watercolor creates dramatic, beautiful pictures. Leaf

“rubbings” are also wonderful and you just need paper, leaves and crayons. Put the paper on top of the leaves and use the side of a crayon to rub on top of the paper so you see the texture of the leaf.

Children could also be challenged to create or design a unique costume which they could then try to construct. Sometimes it can be really fun to make up your own idea rather than buy a costume already assembled in a box. It’s also a good use of brain and creative power to come up with and work out some original design.

There are endless possibilities for creating artsy Halloween projects. Collect a random or semi-random selection of materials and have your kids put together

spooky witches, haunted houses or anything else that inspires them. It can be fascinating to see what they come up with and they will be tapping into their problem solving skills, their creativity and have fun doing it.

These are just a very few ideas that might be fun to try to get through the month of October without just waiting for the big night. We as a family, are still talking about our leaf contests and how much fun we had doing them every year. My youngest brother has carried on the tradition with his two young sons and they love it. Maybe you will find your own tradition to look forward to every year and your kids will be talking about and sharing with their kids for years to come.

More than Candy and Costumes for Halloween

Original piano compositions were featured at the 13th Annual Young Composers Concert on Sunday, September 13th. Piano students of Joan Miller gave a concert of original compositions they wrote over the summer and vocal students also sang for this event. The composers ranged in age from 9 to 17. Montecito Oakmont Senior Living, Concord, hosted the event as part of their celebration of Grandparents Day. After the concert, each participant was presented with a Certificate of Music Achievement.

“This is our first year for hosting this annual event”, stated Erinn Miller,

Activities Director at Montecito. “The students are so talented and the residents enjoyed watching them perform their own compositions. It was an added pleasure that some of the composers also sang. We hope they’ll be able to return next year!”

“Watching the students learn about composition and then create their music is a thrill for me, stated Joan Miller. “That’s why it’s my favorite concert of the year”. The participants played both classical and contemporary-styled pieces at the afternoon concert.

Music students of Joan Miller show off their Certificate of Merit Achievement after performing in the 13th Annual Young Composers Concert held at Montecito Oakmont Senior Living in Concord. Pictured back row from left: Frank Giovanni,

Kate Miller Brennan, Susan Broehm. Middle Row: Natalia Giovanni, Cassie Grayson and Allison Bertolozzi. Front Row: Allison Ghorban.

Piano Students Perform Compositions

Diablo Gazette • OCTOBER 2015 • Page 16 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette •(925)-298-9990

The recent story of a 42-year old man from Concord who was caught on security video removing a small package from the doorstep has gone viral. The suspect, Daniel Price has been arrested, thanks to claycord.com and its readers. Claycord has had a series of success of suspects captured in the act on security cameras getting posted to Clacyord.com, identified and apprehended, two this past week.

But what made this recent video popular was what happened in the next few seconds after Mr. Price picked up the package. The homeowner, Ken Jensen is seen chasing after him. You see Mr. Price dropping the

package, hopping into his car and speeding off, but not before Jensen was able to reach inside and grab a purse, which he used to help locate the suspect’s home.

The suspect is easily identifiable on the video. The Mayor, Claycord’s publisher noted, “he looked so familiar that I checked Claycord’s archives and sure enough, I had posted another security video of what appears to be the same man stealing a package in 2012!” It was the same man.

The theft happened at around 4pm on Friday, September 25 and was posted on Claycord.com on Saturday.

By close of Monday, the video had been viewed on the claycord.com over 100,000 times. The video has since been viewed on Claycord’s You Tube channel over 600,000 times. Through the services of Viral Hog, even the folks in London viewed it over 1 million times on UK

Daily Mail. Not bad for a local website.If you haven’t seen the video, these photos show the

story, but you can easily find the video on Diablo Gazette Facebook page or with Claycord search bar.

Concord Police Corporal Christopher Blakely cautions people against taking action personally, or they could put themselves at risk from the thieves. He said: ‘That is very dangerous. For safety reasons, I always recommend calling the police.’

The comments on Claycord from this story’s post reveal that there is a great public satisfaction in watching karma in action and even more satisfaction when readers are able to help police identify and find a suspect.

In this case, a Claycord reader, having seen the images, spotted Mr. Price in North Concord and notified the police. He was soon arrested.

Special occasions & holidays have their favorite recipes. But seasonal recipes can be just as significant and memorable. As we start seeing the temperatures turn cooler, Fall fruits will replace our favorites from Summer. Melons & berries that fill our Rustic Summer Tart (recipe is on our blog) -- we are sad to see those go. But, we are excited for the Fall & Winter favorites like Apples, Clementines, Pears and yeah, Pumpkins!

There's been a huge pumpkin craze with Fall the past couple of years. The driving force has been Starbucks with their Pumpkin Spice latte. Now, so many

brands are following the craze by offering limited time only products like, pumpkin muffins, cookies, cereals and so much more. Are they all catching on to Fall being a seasonal favorite and that there should be more than Pumpkin Pie on the menu?

Pumpkin Dump Cake is one of our Fall favorite recipes and it is so incredibly easy to make, we almost feel guilty about that.

*A dump cake is all about the convenience of the ingredients all being “dumped” into one bowl and pan. We decided that step #4 needed a little

change. If you follow the instructions, there can be some dry areas on the top because of the melted butter does not cover enough area. Instead of increasing the butter, we mixed the melted butter into the cake mix and then gently spread the crumbled thick pieces across the top of the batter. Then we sprinkled on the pecans and bake. This also helped the top

to cook more evenly.We do hope you will come visit us at

www.FrugElegance.com to check out more Fall favorite pumpkin recipes like our Pumpkin Pie Minis & our Pumpkin Spice Chip Oatmeal Bars! Remember to go to comment section at the bottom of any post and share your thoughts. We’d love to hear from you!

FrugEleganceWith Carol and Randi,the Frugirls

1 29oz can pure pumpkin1 12oz can evaporated milk3 eggs1 cup sugar1 tsp salt3 tsp cinnamon1 box yellow cake mix1 cup chopped pecans3/4 cup melted butter (or margarine)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.2. Mix first 6 ingredients until well blended3. Pour batter into a greased 9×13 baking pan.4. Sprinkle cake mix on top and then cover with pecans. Drizzle melted margarine over the top.* (See note)5. Bake approx 50 minutes till top is nice & brown.

Pumpkin Dump Cake

Security footage from

2012 shows the same man

stealing a package.

Recent fottage shows the

progression of the theft.

Diablo Gazette • OCTOBER 2015 • Page 17 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette • (925)-298-9990

Fall is here and I hope you are looking forward to the new season having enjoyed the last. Summertime is always such a fun time of year in California, the drought notwithstanding.

My summer started on a great note, literally. The inaugural concert for my non-profit charity called “Rock the CASA”

was a huge success, raising both month and awareness for two important causes that serve children in need. Legendary rocker Eddie Money took the stage in Walnut Creek and played to a sold out crowd with classic songs like “Two Tickets to Paradise”, “Shakin”, “Think I’m in Love”, and many more. It was all to support Court Appointed Special Advocates and Friends of Camp Concord, two causes I serve as a board member. CASA provides trained and dedicated volunteers to help children who have been removed from their homes because of abuse and/or neglect with legal issues, school concerns, medical matters. CASA literally saves and changes young people’s lives every day. FOCC sends underserved children to summer camp at South Lake Tahoe for an all-expenses paid week of outdoor activity without all of the distractions and complications of our busy lives. In the eighteen years that I have hosted a golf tournament to raise money for FOCC, we have sent eight-thousand kids to camp.

The first Rock the CASA concert to benefit these two wonderful causes was a very special night on many levels and I was gratified by the remarkable support from sponsors, volunteers, and ticket holders who made the Saturday evening of June 20th so memorable and impactful.

The next morning, my attention had

already begun to turn to the next Rock the CASA concert to be held on March 5th, 2016 and how we could improve on what we had just put together the night before. It was like a wedding, months of planning and stress all over in a few hours.

You are among the first to hear the official news, the next headliner for Rock the CASA is REO Speedwagon! This is a world-class band with decades of creating timeless music and huge hits. Tickets just went on sale and I would be honored

to have you there for a night of great music for two great causes. Please visit the Foundation’s website for information about the causes, the event, and to buy your tickets now. It’s all at: www.rockthecasa.org.

All proceeds go to benefit Court Appointed Special Advocates and Friends of Camp Concord.

Thank you very much.See you on March 5th when we will

Rock the CASA!

Getting ready to Rock the CASA with REO SpeedwagonWhat Really Mattersby Dan Ashley

Diablo Gazette • OCTOBER 2015 • Page 18 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette •(925)-298-9990

You don’t know what you don’t know, so how many homebuyers or home-sellers know they can use their smart phones to get smarter about the process?

It doesn’t matter how far along in your home-buying process you’ve come, you can always tweak things to simplify your life. Adding these nifty apps to your smart phone frees up some of your time to find just the right home.

HOME by FannieMae™The HOME by FannieMae app gives

you resources to prepare your finances, figure out what you can afford, learn all about the process of buying a home, ways to plan for home maintenance and even calculate potential savings on future home mortgage payments.

It features a dashboard to help you keep track of how you’re moving through the process and even offers instructive videos.

HomeSnapAvailable for both Apple and Android

phones, this app features unique technology that instantly tells you all about any home you snap a picture of. You can learn how much it is worth, when it last sold and even how much it sold for. You’ll see information about the number of bedrooms, bathrooms and garage spaces. You can see the lot size and even the school district. The app gives you access to information about more than 90 million homes across the United States. For homes currently on the market, you may even have access to interior photos.

Using HomeSnap helps you narrow down your home search before you go to the effort to take home tours.

House HunterThe HouseHunter app allows you

to keep track of your entire search for your dream home. It stores information, notes and pictures for every home you look at and even allows a rating system so you can evaluate and compare each home you tour. Score each home based on requirements you specify with House Hunter’s proprietary scorecard system. View images of multiple homes at once to help you remember which house is which.

AroundMeNot just for real estate, the AroundMe

app shows you what you can find in any area. So, if your find the home of your dreams, you can also see the nearby hot spots, where to find the dry cleaners, restaurants and even hospitals. It can connect you with taxi services, points of interest and a plethora of other nearby information so that you can learn about a potential neighborhood quickly without having to do exhaustive searches.

Dictionary of Real Estate TermsEvery industry has its own language

and LD Real Estate Dictionary is the app that can help you. From “points” to “policy” this app has more than 2000 common real estate terms and their definitions in common English. Navigate the massive paperwork with ease and understanding with this app.

Your agent’s mobile-friendly siteBest of all, your real estate

professional’s own mobile-friendly responsive website can keep you connected to the latest listings so you can check them out on your way home from work. Check out the new listings, view stunning images and contact your agent all from the mobile site. www.jenniferstojanovich.com

Compliments of Virtual Results.

Jennifer is a Clayton-based realtor. See her ad to the left

There’s an App for ThatJennifer Stojanovich

“Trafficking is one of the most egregious violations of human rights facing the United Nations” (Kofi Annan). World-wide, there are approximately 30 million enslaved human beings. In the USA the annual revenue from selling individuals is $9.8 billion. In California, 43% of all trafficking occurs in the Bay Area and it is #3 on the FBI’s list for child exploitation. In Contra Costa County the number of sex trafficking cases has more than tripled in the past two years. With the Bay Area hosting Super Bowl 50 in February, sex trafficking as well as forced labor trafficking will be on the rise in the weeks leading up to this football game. Recently, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that three individuals were arrested for a human trafficking operation centered in San Ramon and Danville.

St John Vianney Church and

the Soroptimists International of 24/680is presenting an awareness event, “MODERN-DAY SLAVERY” on Wednesday, October 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Mullen Commons Vista at St John Vianney, 1650 Ygnacio Valley Rd., Walnut Creek.

A video presentation that was viewed by the United Nations General Assembly, begins at 7:00p.m. Following the video, a panel of speakers will address labor trafficking, survivor care and law enforcement. ALL ARE WELCOME. This event is FREE.

Human Trafficking is ‘Modern-Day Slavery’St. Vianney Holds Human Trafficking Awareness Event Explore! Discover! Create! is a hands-

on discovery day designed for students ages 5-14. Participants will be engaged in hands-on, science and engineering activities where students will explore the STEM fields, discover new interests, and create lasting memories.

This one-of-a-kind event is completely FREE with plenty of parking. Some local school districts are providing bus services for families.

Explore! Discover! Create! is a community effort being organized and hosted by Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla in collaboration with the Bay Area Science Festival, CSU East Bay, the California STEM Learning Network, Contra Costa College, Contra Costa Community College District, Contra Costa County Office of Education, Contra Costa Economic Partnership, Diablo Valley College, Los Medanos College, and the Mt. Diablo Unified School District.

Students will enjoy activities such as making ice cream using liquid nitrogen. Attend a fascinating presentation explaining our universe, galaxy, solar system and earth. Learn about Engineering using LEGOs and other materials. And compete in the Popsicle stick catapults competition. Students will apply Physics and other STEM skills and techniques to construct

catapults to see who can launch the furthest.

Several leading institutions were tapped to partner with the event: Bio Rad, Contra Costa County Office of Education, Dow Chemical, East bay Regional Park District: The Fish Friend Club, The Gardens @ Heather Farms, Local First Robotics Teams, Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society, Project Lead The Way, Tesoro, UCSF Life Sciences, Play-Well TEKnologies, Los Medanos, Diablo Valley College, Contra Costa College, and the Office of Assemblywoman Bonilla.

The Science Fair will be on Saturday October 24 from 9 A.M. to 12 P.M. at the Cal State East Bay Concord Campus, 4700 Ygnacio Valley Road. It promises to be a wonderful opportunity for students and parents to participate.

Explore! Discover! Create! Science Fair Coming to Cal State East Bay Concord Campus

Diablo Gazette • OCTOBER 2015 • Page 19 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette • (925)-298-9990

Sarah Berger, a science teacher at Clayton Valley Charter High School (CVCHS), was honored this month with an AFCEA STEM Teacher Scholarship Award. Berger has taught Chemistry for the past two years.

Berger emphasizes to students that success is not measured by how smart you are, but by how hard you work. She asks students to thoroughly explain concepts, stretch their thinking, and return to difficult material in order to grow and improve. Berger believes that any student can be successful given the right support and the right challenge.

“We’re certainly proud of Sarah for her ability to create enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering and math subjects with our students,” said Jeff Eben, CVCHS Principal. “She’s is always finding innovative ways of engaging our students and highlighting the benefits of a STEM education beyond the classroom...”

The AFCEA STEM Teacher Scholarship program provides for a $1,000 grant per year for up to three years to winners of the scholarship who have earned their degree and are teaching a STEM subject in a U.S. middle or high school. The grant check can be used to fund STEM related hardware and software, other STEM classroom tools, STEM-focused field trips or clubs and other STEM related activities for the students of the class.

AFCEA is a 501(c)(6) non-profit

international organization dedicated to increasing knowledge through the exploration of issues relevant to its members in information technology, communications, and electronics. Education is an AFCEA core value. Collectively, AFCEA International, the AFCEA Educational Foundation, and AFCEA Chapters invest approximately $2 million in scholarships to military veterans, ROTC students, and STEM students and teachers.

CVCHS Teacher Wins National STEM Scholarship Award

Kirsten Owen (left) CVCHS Office Manager presents Sarah Berger with

$1000 Scholarship award.

Superheroes have alter egos. Superman was Clark Kent, the journalist, Spiderman was Peter Parker, high School Student… even Underdog was a humble and loveable shoeshine boy (well, dog).

And William Sawyers, a self-published author of children’s books is really Mr. Bill, custodian at Valle Verde Elementary. Okay, comparing him to a superhero may be indulging in hyperbole, unless you admire those who admire watching and helping children grow, learn and be happy.

Mr. Bill has published five books in the past nine years. His most recent book Bills P.R.I.D.E. is a short story written to persuade children ages eight and up to never try tobacco. William was a previous smoker who struggled with quitting until he came to the realization that he did not want his own children smoking and was able to stop with the help of the D.A.R.E. program.

So how did this all begin? William grew up in Pleasant Hill, attended local schools and now resides in Concord. His passion for writing began 33 years ago writing poetry to Lisa, whom eventually he married.

He began custodial work 28 years ago. He would write poetry to teachers, retirees, students and businesses, including Snapple. Snapple rewarded him with 32- 24 oz. drinks. He also wrote a poem for the Jungle and they gave him 24 free passes (That’s 32 drinks, 24 passes and a wife. Writing was not going to be an easy path to his financial freedom. Mr. Bill gave the passes to the school PTA). But, he was inspired nonetheless. From there the principle suggested he write a book of his poems and they would put it in the school library. He did, and his first book, Modern Poetry was penned.

Mr. Bill would read in the classrooms and children would laugh and giggle over his riddles. That was especially rewarding for him. He decided to become a writer of children books. His next writing, Rockets over California, was about model rocketry. Once, he caught a hummingbird in a classroom and wrote the story Hummer the Hummingbird.

Later, he published a story about a family of robins: The Nest That Could Fly, and another, What Am I? Bugs, which was a sequel to an earlier book titled What Am I?

He met a parent, Mrs. Louella Giron at P.T.A who agreed to do illustrations for his books, which she did over the course of several months. And there you have it, the making of a children’s book author.

His books can be purchased online at lulu.com and amazon.com. You can also find his books on iBook Store, Nook and Kindle. Mr. Bill now donates $1 to local schools for each book that is purchased. Bill’s Pride donations go to Gregory Glen. What Am I? Bugs donations go to Wren Avenue, and The Nest That Could Fly donations support Valle Verde. You can see all of his writings on his website, mrwilliamsawyers.weebly.com.

Does he still have the passion? “Doing book readings and book signings are very, very fun and makes all the waiting well worth it,” he says. He offers a word to those aspiring writers of any type, “Never give up!!! I've been a school custodian for 28 years and now have been published for nine years.”

Local Pleasant Hill Custodian is Children’s Book Author

Why Does Mr. Bill Write?

Diablo Gazette • OCTOBER 2015 • Page 20 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette •(925)-298-9990

Come October many employees go through “Open Enrollment” with the opportunity to stay with or select a new dental insurance from a grouping picked out by their employer. As a sign of the times, the employer may be giving employees a choice between an HMO or a PPO type plan.

The HMO plan usually has a lower premium and sometimes no deductible. These plans are marketed very well and may look very attractive on the surface, but restrict the dentist you can see and also may not cover all dental procedures. I know of some insurance products that only have one or two dentists in the whole county on their list and may not have any specialists at all.

The PPO plans give the patient the ability to go “out of network”. This means you can choose a dentist on the list or a dentist NOT on the list. Most of the time, the coverage is the same if you go “in” or “out of network”. The insurance company will tell you that if you go “out of network” and if your dentist’s fees are higher than what the insurance company feels is appropriate for the geographic area then you may incur a cost. In most cases, I know my fees are very comparable, as well as are many of my

colleagues. To be sure, you can ask your dentist and they will be able to let you know if you will incur any out of pocket cost for your preventive care. If you will incur any costs, I can honestly bet you it will only be a couple of dollars.

In some plans your coverage for non-preventive services may drop 10%, which in reality equates to about $20 for a simple filling. That’s not much for the privilege of staying with a dentist that you know and trust and is conveniently located for you. In rare cases, your maximum may be reduced by going to an “out of network” dentist. However, if you are in good dental health that really should not be an issue. It is not only my opinion that choosing a PPO plan is worth the extra premium expense it is also the opinion of many of my patients. Most times I have even found that as an “out of network” provider my patients do not incur any extra out of pocket costs.

I want to stress the MOST important detail in choosing any dental plan is the ability to go “out of network” and see anyone you want to see. I’ve never known a patient to be happy with a plan where they are limited in where they could go and the in treatment considered to be a covered benefit. Don’t let premiums

dictate which insurance plan you choose. The benefits the plan offers should be examined very carefully before choosing your dental coverage.

Most staffs are trained in the nuances of many different insurance plans, and know what kind of specialist and care their patient’s are likely to need. They can help them choose the best plan.

Also remember that if you have an HSA-Health Savings Account, you can use those funds to supplement your dental care.

Please remember to “SWISH, FLOSS, BRUSH AND SWISH AGAIN” and of course visit your dentist regularly.

-Dr. Rob-

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by Robert H. Waldman, D.D.S.

‘BUT DOC . . . YOU’RE NOT ON MY LIST’A lifetime of smiles

See his ad below.