Valley View Hike

Saturday, November 17, 8 a.m.

Meet at County Line Staging Area Next to South Watershed Entrance Kiosk

Join Naturalist John Mottashed on a moderately strenuous, hilly, south watershed hike that will offer excellent views of the reservoir and Livermore Valley. You’ll need drinking water, sturdy hiking shoes, hat, snacks and sunscreen.

Directions: Take the new Vasco Road toward Livermore, turn right onto Los Vaqueros Road and drive to the entrance kiosk.

For information, call (925) 688-8010 on weekdays and (925) 240-2440 on weekends.

Parking fee is $4 per car for CCWD area residents, $6 for non-residents, and $5 for non-resident seniors.

Post Black Friday Hike

Saturday, November 24, 10 a.m. to Noon

Join Naturalist Briana Moore on a moderately strenuous, 5-mile loop hike to work off your Thanksgiving dinner and holiday stress. Meet at the Interpretive Center and plan to climb some hills. Bring at least 2 liters of water, sturdy hiking shoes, hat, snacks and sunscreen.

Directions: Take the Highway 4 Bypass through Brentwood and turn right on Walnut Boulevard before you drive onto new Vasco Road. Continue driving on Walnut Boulevard 2 miles into the watershed and to the end of the road, next to the Los Vaqueros Dam.

For information, call (925) 688-8010 on weekdays and (925) 240-2440 on weekends.

Parking fee is $4 per car for CCWD area residents, $6 for non-residents, and $5 for non-resident seniors.

For more information visit www.ccwater.com/losvaqueros.

#1. Los Vaqueros Fun Day — Three Activities on One Saturday, October 13, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

You can spend the whole day or just a few hours having fun and learning about nature in the Los Vaqueros Watershed. All activities are based at the John Muir Interpretive Center, where you will also find picnic facilities and a trail that leads you to the top of the dam.     

• Fall Bird Hike 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.

• Arachnophobia Spider Program 10 a.m. to Noon

• All About the Incredible Edible Acorn 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The programs are free, however there is a $4 per car parking fee. To reach the center, drive to 100 Walnut Blvd, Byron, then drive about a mile more to the Los Vaqueros Dam. For more information, call (925) 688-8010 on weekdays or (925) 240-2440 on weekends. A full schedule of all interpretive center programs can be found at www.ccwater.com/losvaqueros/.  To reach the interpretive center from the Highway 4 bypass, drive south on Walnut Boulevard about three miles to the point where the road ends at the base of the dam.  If you use GPS, drive to 100 Walnut Boulevard, Byron, and continue another two miles to the end of the road.  The interpretive center phone number is (925) 240-2440 (Saturdays and Sundays).

#2. The Los Vaqueros Marina is reopening on Monday, October 15,  after being closed for about a year.  It has been moved to higher ground to accommodate the new, larger size of the Los Vaqueros Reservoir. Besides being moved, the marina facilities have been refreshed and expanded.  A nice shaded and landscaped picnic area is now located adjacent to the building, and a small event room in the building is available for the public for get-togethers.  Boat rentals, boat docks and fishing piers, including a pier that is wheelchair friendly, are available at the marina,  just like before the building was moved. The reservoir has been recently stocked. The marina is nestled between Brentwood and Livermore on Los Vaqueros Road, off of Vasco Road.  For GPS, use 9990 Los Vaqueros Road, Byron.   The marina phone number is (925) 371-2628 (7 days a week).

#3. The annual TarantulaRun is happening Saturday, October 20, at the Kellogg Creek Picnic Area in the Los Vaqueros Watershed.  (100 Walnut Blvd. Byron).  Races are 5k, 10k, and a hilly half-marathon. The picnic area opens at 6:30, and races start at 8 a.m.  There is also a free kids 1k.  Registration is $25. Runners can register at www.active.com until October 18.  After that, they can still register at the event before the races begin. More information can be found at www.ccwater.com. Phone number for info about the race is (925) 688-8175.

Off distance wedge shots from the fairway are one of the key areas of the game that separates better players from mid to high handicappers. It is very common for the mid and high handicappers to take too long of swing and try to decelerate just the right amount to get the ball to go the right distance.

This creates a multitude of errant shots which include fat, bladed, blocks right and pulls left, besides shots rarely going the correct distance. Oten when they do go the right distance there isn’t any check on the ball so it bounces right on through the green.

Better players will keep the acceleration in this shot which helps the ball not only go the right distance but also stay on line and and “check” with backspin. Here are some keys to help you understand this off distance shot and improve your scoring:

•The lie. Understand that you need to be in the fairway or short cut grass to play this shot. The lie has to be tight. A “hard pan” lie will also apply. With this shot we are trapping the ball between the clubface and the turf in a downward fashion; “trap” is a key concept; unlike a shot coming from the rough where a player might try and slide the club under the ball.

•The ball. Play a ball that spins. This is essential. There are a lot of them out there to chose from. I use a Titleist Pro V1 which has a Urethane cover and a firm outer core so as to help the ball get the check on this type of short shot. A hard ball isn’t going to cut it.

•The groves. The USGA recently changed the rulings on the manufacturing of wedges, but unless you are playing USGA and tour events, you don’t have to worry about playing wedges with conforming groves and I would encourage you not to so you can get the benefit of the technology.

•The set up.

– Ball position: We are going to trap the ball here, so the ball position must be back. Anywhere from 1” to 3” behind center. The further back, the lower the shot is going to take off. When playing into the wind, keep it further back so you can hit it low and driving and keep control of the ball.

– Stance: Narrow and open with weight slightly forward. This will help with the trapping motion, particularly the opened stance. You don’t want the club going inside on the back swing too fast but rather more with the alignment of the feet. This will allow for a steeper decent on the ball and the trap or pinch motion. For those who are old enough to remember, a la “Lee Trevino”.

-The Swing motion:

§ Let the wrists set or cock on the way back, but keep them firm on the way down and through. Setting them on the way back helps set up the “trap” to the shot. Firm on the way through keeps from flipping the clubhead and sliding it under the ball and makes the clubface literally trap the ball between it and the ground.

§ Use your core. This isn’t an arm only shot. In fact it is more of a shot from your core and torso leading the acceleration.

§Use your legs. The legs are very important and the better golfer realizes it. The legs shifting the weight back and forth keep the shot in rhythm and works in unison with the core.

§Finally, hit down. If you set up right you will be able to hit down hard and aggressive through the ball and you will catch the ball first. You don’t need to worry about fatting the shot even though you are going to take some turf because of the way you set up. So take a divot. That is going to help with the trap and getting some spin.

If you are interested in reviewing other articles from Coach Ron go to www.lonetreegolfcourse.com under “The Course” tab. Thanks for playing this great game and be sure to share it with someone else. Next month: The “skidder”.

At Lone Tree, we are a First Tee facility. The summer session just began and I have the privilege to teach the Eagle class which is the level the kids achieve after completing Player, Par, and Birdie certifications. The program is fantastic and this month I wanted to give readers a feel for the fun the kids and coaches have by sharing one of the life skill and golf skill concepts we touch upon in Eagle class, Strength through Diversity. The following are some of the activities that we will introduce to the kids that introduce diversity and appreciation for diversity. The coaches goal is to keep the learning “activity based” (not lectured based learning). Some activities are as follows

• Diversity warm up/introduction: Discussion regarding favorite food and favorite foods their family enjoys during the holidays. This is always interesting conversation with the kids and stimulates great conversation and interest in other family traditions.

• Play an entire hole with their #7 iron. By having the limits of the seven iron, appreciatition for other clubs occur, ie. The driver and the distance it gets from the teeing area. Because they putt with a #7 iron, they get creative on how to putt. I’ve seen hooded #7 irons, bellied 7 iron putts, and even putts off the toe of the 7 iron. With this exercise they also learn to change different ball positions to hit the ball lower and get more roll if the shot calls for it, or in the situation where they have to have a softer shot, they move ball position forward to get more height or softness in the shot. So again learning about the diversity of shots with diversity in their set up.

• Play a team alternate shot where one player hits only metal-woods, one hits only full irons, one is only the dedicated chipper or sand shot, and one is only putting. We follow with discussion of how if you are good with the driver, you might want to put a good putter or chipper on your team to help your be the most competitive. We talk about how when doing a group report at school do you want all team members who are just like yourself or is their strength by having a mix of people with different talents and abilitities?

• Chip with various clubs. Initially, we start with a basic chip shot on short, fairway cut grass and ask the kids to chip and get it close. Leaving instructions at that. Invariably the kids grab their wedge and chip away. Then we try the same shot but with a putter (texas wedge). Then with a hybrid or fairway wood. Then with a 7 iron. Then we will try these diverse clubs in different positions, just off the green but in the rough; or up against the curtain of the green. The learning for different clubs in different positions occurs fast. You might try it, chips aren’t always about the wedge.

• We hit clubs while seated in a chair on the driving range. Or while kneeling on a towel. Standing on one leg, then the other. Or with one arm only. Further understanding of how the swing works occurs from these exercises and when mentioned that golfers with physical disabilities might play in a similar manner, appreciation continues.

At the end of such activities, we close with discussion and the kids have much to share. It is truly a delight. You might try a couple of the above and see if you can strengthen your golf game and more through such an activity.

To add a personal note, As your Pro, there is not a day that I don’t think of this life skill while working at your golf course. The diversity of golfers and patrons that support and frequent here, and the diversity and dedication of managers and employees here, paired with the diversity of our Lone Tree Board of Directors and their business acumen they lend, and the support and commitment from the various City Officials and representatives, and the patronage of the untold community organizations truly make Lone Tree an amazing public Golf Course and Event Center, the best public course in Northern California in my opinion, one that truly embodies and understands the First Tee’s concept of Strength through Diversity. Thank you to the so many who are a part in that.

If you are interested in further supporting the First Tee, The annual First Tee Golf Tournament and fundraiser will be help at Lone Tree and Diablo Creek on July 20, 2012. Go to www.lonetreegolfcourse.com under events to get more information.

Ron Parish is the Director of Golf at Lone Tree Golf Course in Antioch, and a member of the PGA.

By Greg Enholm

Have you wanted to go a museum but could not go on a free day or afford the entrance fees? Thanks to our Contra Costa County Library, any Library cardholder can receive a FREE or REDUCED PRICE pass for 30+ museums and other cultural institutions in the Bay Area. All you need to do is know about when you want to go, go to the County Library website (www.ccclib.org), look at the left-hand side column, and click on “Discover & Go” under MUSEUM PASSES. You will then be able to choose among all available options and print out your pass at home without going to the Library. But if you want, you can also go to any of our 26 community Libraries and a Librarian can help you find the museum or cultural institution pass you want.

As of July 1, the following museums and other cultural institutions offer FREE or REDUCED PRICE passes to County Library cardholders (It is very easy to become a cardholder – it’s free and available at any of our 26 community Libraries): Aquarium of the Bay, Asian Art Museum, Bay Area Discovery Museum, Bedford Gallery, Blackhawk Museum, California Academy of Sciences, California Historical Society, California Shakespeare Theater, Cartoon Art Museum, Charles M. Schulz Museum, Children’s Creativity Museum, The Contemporary Jewish Museum, Exploratorium, GLBT History Museum, Golden State Model Railroad Museum, Habitot Children’s Museum, The Lawrence Hall of Science, Lindsay Wildlife Museum, The Marine Mammal Center, Museum of Children’s Art, Museum of Craft and Folk Art, Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD), Napa Valley Museum, Oakland Aviation Museum, Oakland Museum of California, Oakland Zoo, Pacific Pinball Museum, Peralta Hacienda Historical Park, Ripley’s Believe it or Not! ODDitorium , Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art, San Jose Museum of Art, The Tech Museum, UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley, USS Hornet Museum, Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum, and Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. Detailed information about what kind of passes are available for each institution including time restrictions is available on the website.

Antioch’s main library is located across the street from Antioch Middle School at501 W. 18th Street. Hours are Monday & Tuesday Noon – 8 pm; Wednesday & Thursday 10 am – 5 pm; Saturday Noon – 5 pm; CLOSED: Friday and Sunday.

Antioch’s Full-screen Prewett – GenOn Gateway Center for Learning is across from Deer Valley High School at 4703 Lone Tree Way. Its hours are Tuesday 10 am – 7 pm; Wednesday and Thursday Noon – 8 pm; Friday and Saturday Noon – 5 pm; CLOSED: Monday and Sunday.

Enholm is County Library Commissioner (5^th District – Antioch, Bay Point, Crockett, Hercules, Martinez, Pittsburg, and Rodeo). He can be reached at gbenholm@hotmail.com.

Antioch’s own water park at Prewett Park is open for the Summer.

Rates are as follows: Saturday, Sunday and Holidays $14, Monday through Friday $12, Daily After 4 p.m. $5, Seniors & Active Military (ID required) $5, Lap Pool Swim $4 and children 2 and under Free.

Open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., now through September 2, and the Lap Pool is open from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Group Rates, Parties, Rentals and Buy Outs are available.

Located at 4701 Lone Tree Way, across from Deer Valley High School, the park also offers a snack bar to satisfy the thirst and hunger of their patrons.

For more information or details call (925) 776-3070 or visit www.ci.antioch.ca.us/CitySvcs/Prewett/#

BART customers will be able to get to the world famous Bay to Breakers race in San Francisco on Sunday, May 20, 2012, because the transit agency will open early and run additional long trains. The race is celebrating its 101th anniversary this year. All BART stations will open early with service starting at approximately 5 am Sunday so racers can get to the race well before Bay to Breakers begins at the new, early start time of 7 am. Trains running before 8 am will run at 20-minute intervals.
Download the special schedule (.pdf) for Bay to Breakers service.
Embarcadero & Montgomery Street Both Convenient
Because the Bay to Breakers race attracts thousands of runners and spectators, BART encourages riders originating from Peninsula and San Francisco stations to get off at Montgomery Street Station. Riders coming from the East Bay should use the Embarcadero Station. Both stations are just a short distance from Howard and Spear Streets, the starting point of the race.

More Tips for Runners
Runners can save themselves time and trouble by getting a Clipper card in advance of race day to pay their  fare. Those who do are reminded to be sure to load enough cash on the card to pay for a round trip fare. Clipper cards are available at transit ticket offices, through ticket vending machines in SFMTA stations and at most Walgreens and other retail locations. BART Ticket Vending Machines will allow you to add cash value to your Clipper card, but do not vend the cards.

Wet or damaged BART tickets will not work in fare gates, so runners who keep a round-trip ticket in their pockets while running seven miles may be disappointed when they try to get home. BART suggests that runners who don’t have a Clipper card should buy two one-way tickets: one ticket before heading to the race and the other before catching the train home instead of buying a single round-trip ticket.

BART reminds runners that shoes and proper attire are required on BART despite the “anything goes” attitude of the famous race. A reminder that there is no eating or drinking in the stations or on the trains so BART officials ask that runners do their pre-race carbo-loading before arriving at the stations. BART will not permit bicycles on the early Bay to Breakers trains that run prior to 8 am.

By James Ott

Nearly 200 people crowded the new boat launch at the Antioch Marina to witness the inaugural ribbon cutting ceremony and the official opening of the boat launch last Saturday.

Citizens of Antioch, the U.S. Coast Guard, Antioch Police, Contra Costa County Sheriff Marine Patrol and Jet Skiers were all on hand to watch the ceremony hosted by Antioch Deputy Director of Community Development Ryan Graham.

After the U.S. Coast Guard presented the U.S. flag on the water for the playing of the National Anthem, Graham spoke to the crowd about the new boat launch.

“This is really exciting,” said Graham. “It’s been a long time coming but… it’s a beautiful facility for the City of Antioch and this is one of many events we plan to have here.”

After the ceremony Diablo Jet Ski Action hosted a jet-ski race in front of nearby Humphrey’s Restaurant and the new boat ramp.

Saturday marked the end of eight years of planning, development and construction for the $3.7 million, state-of-the-art facility.

The facility has parking space for 129 boaters and thanks to another grant received back in January, the new launch will eventually have restrooms, a third boarding float and a payment kiosk.

The launch will be free until the payment kiosk is added, after which boaters will need to shell out $5 to launch their watercraft.

The project was funded in 2004 by a grant from the Department of Boating and Waterways.

Graham and other city leaders say the new facility will provide a better, safer alternative to the free-to-launch Fulton Shipyard Boat Ramp. Although City Council voted to keep it open while they and a core group of dedicated volunteers try to decide how best to update and clean up the decades-old boat ramp, its future is still unknown.

The unsteady future of the Fulton Shipyard boat launch remains an open wound for some Antioch residents, with some claiming the city only wants to shut down the Fulton facility to increase attendence, and thus spending, at the new facility.

Jim Boccio, owner of the Red Caboose – a restaurant near the Fulton boat ramp – was present Saturday to witness the opening of the new Antioch Marina Boat Launch.

“This new ramp is a tremendous facility, we hope that people will come to it,” said Boccio. “But we hope access will remain at both facilities.”

Rick Robinson, a resident of Antioch for 57 years and an attendee at Saturday’s event, agreed: “The more access to the river in Antioch, the better.”

Despite some opposition, overall reaction to the new marina boat launch has been positive.

24-year-old jet skier Johnny Barton was enamored with the new ramp that promises better access to the water for the sport he loves.

“It’s a beautiful day, it’s a beautiful facility and there’s a big turnout,” said Barton. “I think this will bring more people to the water.”

Twins Gabby and Molly Brodowski, 10, both had good things to say about the boat launch.

“It’ll be really good for the city” said Molly.

“It’s a better and safer launch,” said Gabby.

And they both agreed the day was, “really exciting.”

Perhaps one of the new boat launch’s biggest backers is Diablo Jet Ski Action Race Director Jim Lambert, who, until Saturday, had not had the chance to host a jet ski race on the waters of the city he grew up in for three years.

Lambert, who is also a Contra Costa County Sheriff Marine Patrolman, is big on water safety. Which is a big reason why he founded Diablo Jet Ski Action – to provide a safe outlet for speed on the water – and a big reason why he supports the new boat launch, which he said is much safer than the old Fulton facility.

“The new boat launch is incredible,” said Lambert. “Fulton wasn’t functional and safe enough for residents. This [new facility] is in the heart of downtown… [and] it’s completely lit up at night – it’s a five star facility – it really is.”