Danville Today News, March 2013

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March 2013 Save Mount Diablo: Focus on the Future

By Jody Morgan Viewing Mount Diablo from the surrounding valleys generates a false sense that everything in sight has been preserved. When Save Mount Diablo (SMD) was founded in 1971, the State Park contained 6,788 acres. Today, thanks to the efforts of SMD and partner agencies such as East Bay Regional Park District, 110,000 acres in more than forty parks comprise a network of public open space including the now 20,000-acre State Park. Yet huge tracts of land in the midst of the Diablo Wilderness remain at risk of being utilized in ways detrimental to the quality of life of area residents.

You don’t have to be enthused by environmental issues to recognize the value added to valley real estate by the Mount Diablo vista and the remarkable recreational possibilities the Diablo Wilderness offers.

“The mountain forms a visual framework for the entire Bay Area,” remarks Malcolm Sproul, SMD Board President for fourteen years. If enjoying more than the visual impact of a pristine peak is on your agenda, take a hike. “In the Making the Diablo Wilderness available for recreation is an midst of a very developed area there is a large area of public important part of the SMD mission. Photo by Scott Hein. open space – so large you can walk for four days crossing only two little-traveled roads,” notes Scott Hein, current SMD Board President.

Hein’s serious involvement with SMD began when his mother died. He and his sister wanted to honor her memory by donating a Heritage Tree. “Staff member, Seth Adams, joined us for a hike on the property, and by the time we were done, we hadn’t chosen a tree – he had convinced each of us to adopt an entire grove.”

Always interested in photography, Scott welcomed Seth’s encouragement. Hein’s photographs bring the mountain to everyone.

If you are free April 24th-27th for an exceptional experience of pampered camping, Four Days Diablo (FDD) will take you on a 30-mile adventure from Walnut Creek to Brentwood. Local restaurants provide gourmet meals. Because wine and beer are offered at the close of the day, participants must be at least 21 years old. SMD volunteers transport and set up all gear, even inflating luxury-size air mattresses.

Experts on hand each day guide hikers. You may see peregrine falcons, tadpoles of the endangered red-legged frog, or even a golden eagle. What about wildflowers?

“Mount Diablo has 10% of California’s flora both native and non-native. That includes seven mountain-specific or regional endemic species,” notes Heath Bartosh, SMD Board member and Rare Plant Program Chair for the California Native Plant Society. Bartosh helps hikers spot the exquisite botanical treasures found along the trailside. Rare, endan-

See SMD continued on page 20 Local Postal Customer

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Serving Danville Lindsay Wildlife Museum

By Fran Miller Diablo Magazine recently named the Linds a y Wi l d l i f e Museum as one of 13 great date locations. Those believing the Museum to merely be a fun grade-school field trip setting might scoff at the notion of courting amongst the critters. But Diablo Magazine is on to something - there is nothing quite like the soul-stirring site of a golden eagle’s outstretched wings to make the heart go pitter-patter.

Just what is the measurement of that wingspan? Step over to the new Raptors! exhibit, hold out your arms, and compare your own reach to the eagle, a condor or a hawk. Look to the left, and view the real deal. As the museum’s “ambassadors,” this grouping of live, native California birds sits above the crowd surveying the curious. They will spend their lives at the Museum due to physical or behavioral disabilities that prevent them from being released in the wild.

Release is what the Museum strives for. As a working wildlife hospital, and one of the oldest and largest rehabilitation centers in the United States, Lindsay treats more than 5,000 injured, sick, or abandoned animals annually. Some of those who cannot ultimately fend for themselves in the wild find a home at the Museum (And when full capacity is reached, the Museum’s nationwide network is tapped to find homes for those in need). About 95% of animals treated are admitted due to adverse contact with human activity. While the hospital provides treatment, the Museum provides educational programs to help prevent the problems that have brought the animals to their care.

Daily Museum programs open to the public include the Petting Circle where one can learn about and touch a rabbit, guinea pig, or hamster. The

See Lindsay continued on page 19 Local Artist Honors Father at Air Force Museum John W. White, Jr., a long time Danville resident and wildlife artist was recently honored by the Eighth Air Force Museum in Savannah, Georgia. They will display his original painting of his Father’s B-17 which was piloted by Lt. John W. White, Sr.. White Sr. flew 23 successful missions and the 24th was over Bohlen, Germany. His aircraft designated “Hamtramack Mama” was required to make a second pass over the target due to cloud cover. Heavy flack resulted in severe damage and

Volume IV - Number 5 3000F Danville Blvd. #117, Alamo, CA 94507 the entire crew bailed out safely. They were captured (925) 405-6397 and spent six months in German prison camps until Fax (925) 406-0547 the war’s end. They all returned home, and some of the crew still attend the reunion at the 457th Bomb Wing. Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher John Jr. researched the archives and crew stories editor@ regarding that fateful day in order to recreate his yourmonthlypaper.com dad’s aircraft. Although his artistic endeavors involve wildlife, with emphasis on Africa, he was fascinated opinions expressed herein belong with his father’s exploits. Prints of the original painting The to the writers, and do not necessarily entitled “Target Obscured” were sent to the crew reflect that of Danville Today News. members who called his father “the old man” (he was Danville Today News is not responsible for the content of any of 26 at the time). the advertising herein, nor does For more information on the Mighty Eighth Air Force publication imply endorsement.

Museum, please visit www.mightyeighth.org.

Page 2 - March 2013 ~ Danville Today News

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Boulevard View

By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor In this age of heightened food awareness, I reflect on what our family eats now and what we ate a few short years ago. Due to newly discovered allergies, new exercise regimes, and concerns about the common food supply, our diet has opened up to many different new foods and preparation techniques.

I consider cooking to be an essential life skill that I made sure our children had under their belt before leaving the nest. While they weren’t initially eager chefs, they all enjoy home cooked meals and have embraced, and jumped into, the fun and art of cooking.

They have even started requesting cooking gadgets for birthday and holiday gifts.

Over Christmas I purchased two smaller turkeys rather than one large one to feed the crowd. However, when the time came to start marinating and prepping the turkeys, I lost my motivation to prepare them. I came up with a brilliant (in my-mind and albeit self-serving) idea and convinced my two sons that everyone needs to know how to cook a turkey. I created a challenge and gave them free rein to each cook a turkey however they wished. They immediately embraced the challenge and began internet searches to find the perfect recipe. Of course they found we needed to add a new device to our gadget collection, so we were off to the store for an infuser to shoot in the concoctions of spices they came up with. One of my sons prepared a more traditional recipe while the other chose a “General Tso’s” variation. While one turkey was the victim of an out-of-whack oven temperature, and a pan that wasn’t as effective, both were delicious, and great learning occurred (especially when it came to delving into the bag of spare parts in the turkey cavity).I further reinforced the experience by having one of my younger nephews learn how to

properly carve the turkey. I got to sit back and enjoy the event!

My mother-in-law’s vintage crock pot sat on our shelf unused for a number of years. It was pulled out of the cupboard after having a delicious crockpot ham at a friend’s house and has since become a staple in our kitchen. We now cook big batches of stews and other meat dishes and freeze them. The frozen meals, which also include dozens of homemade breakfast and dinner burritos, are shipped with friends who travel from our area to my two children who are still in college.

The meals get them through times when they need something quick and easy, and they don’t have extra money to spend.

I have probably single-handedly caused multiple shelf restockings at the store as I have switched from most of my plastic storage containers to glass ones. Mason jars aren’t just for canning fruits, veggies, and preserves. They are the perfect vessel for soups, sauces, salads, and quick oatmeal breakfasts. Do a websearch on “mason jar meals” and you’ll find a plethora of meals that you can freeze, microwave, bake, and pack in a lunchbag.

My current favorite (pictured above) is differently flavored oatmeal with fruits and seeds that are perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts.

Our middle child called me after an outing spearfishing in Santa Barbara, and he wanted to know how to cook the fish he had just caught. His first thought and question was, “Can I just fry it and put cream of mushroom soup on top?” Yes, that was one way to do it, I noted, but I further shared that he should “respect the fish” and simply savor it as the special food it was and not try to hide it under some “gluppy” sauce. There is still more for my children to learn about cooking, but we are enjoying our new food journeys.

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Danville Today News ~ March 2013 - Page 3

Lend-a-Hand Day The Town of Danville and local community volunteers will once again join together on April 27th to assist Senior Citizens with no-cost yard work and minor home repairs.

As part of the annual Lend-a-Hand Day, over 200 local volunteers will be raking, mowing, trimming, and sprucing up local residences in observance of Older Americans Month in May. The Town of Danville is looking for community-minded individuals who would be interested in helping to provide assistance during Lend-a-Hand Day to the Town’s seniors.

Seniors who would like to have help with yard work and home project or those interested in volunteering to be part of a work crew can contact the Danville Senior Center.

Applications for assistance or volunteering are available at the Danville Senior Center, 115 E. Prospect Avenue. All applications for assistance must be turned in by April 5th.

For more information, contact the Danville Senior Center at 925-314-3490 or e-mail at seniors@danville.ca.gov.

Danville’s Top 1% Producers Pending in 3 Days with Multiple Offers 217 Monterosso Court, Danville $1,295,000

Residents Sought for Vacancies The Town of Danville is looking for community-minded residents to fill vacancies on four Town committees/commissions. The following positions are available: • Arts Commission: Four members, 4-year term begins July 1st • Parks and Leisure Services Commission: Four regular/One alternate 4-year terms begins July 1st • Parks and Leisure Services Commission: Youth Representative 2-year term begins July 1st • County Connection Citizens Advisory Committee: 2-year term begins immediately.

• Poet Laureate: 2-year term begins July 1st Applications are available on the Town’s website at www.danville.ca.gov and must be submitted to the City Clerk’s office no later than 4PM on May 22nd.

Interviews will take place on June 4th, June 11th, or June 18th. The Town Council will appoint commissioners at their June 18 meeting.

For more information, contact City Clerk Marie Sunseri at (925) 314-3401 or msunseri@ danville.ca.gov.

Danville Home Sales Bed/Bath List Price Sale Price 204 Abigail Circle 254 Abigail Circle 160 Almadine Way 486 Bolero Drive 1605 Brush Creek Place 114 Center Court 2111 Creekview Place 400 Fairview Street 531 Ferncroft Court 9 Gold Poppy Court 1268 Greenbrook Drive 1287 Greenbrook Drive 1614 Harlan Drive 88 Hillview Drive 198 Joaquin Circle 11 Junewood Court 897 La Gonda Way 165 Larkwood Circle

4/2½ 4/2½ 5/4 5/3 3/2½ 4/3½ 5/4 4/3 3/2 4/2½ 5/2½ 3/2 4/2 4/2 5/3 4/2½ 3/2 4/2

$739,000 $600,000 $1,159,000 $999,000 $599,000 $700,000 $949,900 $787,500 $620,000 $859,500 $824,900 $849,950 $799,900 $799,000 $849,900 $785,000 $949,000 $775,000

$739,000 $590,000 $1,140,000 $945,000 $525,000 $731,854 $945,000 $820,000 $565,000 $835,000 $790,000 $840,000 $820,000 $820,000 $825,000 $785,000 $918,000 $750,000

112 Laurelwood Drive 5/5 $1,799,000 $1,755,000 911 Matadera Way 4/2½ $1,250,000 $1,190,000 1486 Menton Street 4/2½ $875,000 $875,000 6 Montego Place 4/3 $899,000 $862,500 208 Nanterre Street 4/3½ $788,000 $800,000 838 O’Brien Place 5/4½ $1,653,990 $1,575,000 372 Paraiso Drive 4/3 $950,000 $945,000 56 Pulido Court 4/2½ $819,950 $819,000 1843 Rioja Street 5/4½ $989,999 $975,000 1038 River Rock Lane 3/2½ $610,000 $642,000 669 Saint George Road 4/2 $580,000 $570,000 103 Saint Patricks Drive 4/2 $719,900 $701,000 1314 Strawberry Court 3/2 $600,000 $595,000 753 Sweet Water Drive 4/3 $784,900 $790,000 415 Triomphe Court 3/2 $689,000 $700,000 807 Tunbridge Road 4/3 $1,375,000 $1,350,000 770 Ynez Circle 3/2 $789,000 $835,000 317 Zagora Drive 4/3½ $899,000 $865,000 All single family homes sold in Danville 01/21/13 thru 02/21/13

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GFWC Danville Women’s Club General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) Danville Women’s Club, a 101 year-old San Ramon Valley Organization, cordially invites you to attend our Spring Get-Acquainted Tea and celebrate National Women’s History Month.

The tea will be held Thursday, March 28 at noon at 242 Linda Mesa Avenue in Danville. Lunch will be served.

RSVP by calling (925) 837-1165 or e-mailing danvillewc@gmail.com by March 18.

Delta Nu Psi Collection for the Troops Delta Nu Psi will be again collecting “gourmet junk food” for the Troops at CVS in Alamo and Lunardi’s in Danville.

The CVS Alamo collection will be held March 8th, and the collection at Lunardi’s in Danville will be held on March 15th. The hours at both stores will be 11am to 2pm.

On February 21st ten boxes were shipped to the Troops. The group has now mailed 1053 boxes weighing 26,026 pounds. All of this wouldn’t be possible without our excellent shoppers. Cash donations for postage are also welcome.

For more information, visit deltanupsi.org.

Morning with the Mayor After a two month hiatus, Morning with the Mayor will be returning on Friday, April 12th. The program will return in a modified format from 7:30am to 8:30am at the Veterans Memorial Building located at 400 Hartz Ave. in Danville.

The event will provide residents with updates on Town projects and programs four times during the year: • April 12: Highlights from the Mayor’s State of the Town Address • June 28: Budget and CIP Overview • September 27: Highlights on Completed Capital Projects and Ongoing Programs • January 24, 2014: The Year Ahead Morning with the Mayor will also be an opportunity for community organizations and service clubs to send representatives to learn more about the Town’s efforts and share information on their activities. Residents will continue to have the opportunity to meet with and hear from the mayor to discuss issues in the Town of Danville.

For those unable to attend, Morning with the Mayor will be videotaped and available for viewing on the Town’s website and social media.

For more information on Morning with the Mayor, contact Assistant to the Town Manager Nat Rojanasathira at (925) 314-3328 or nrojanasathira@danville.ca.gov.

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Page 4 - March 2013 ~ Danville Today News

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Valley Teen Idol The San Ramon Valley Rotary Club is hosting auditions for Valley Teen Idol on March 9 and 10. Middle and high school students with a talent for singing or playing a musical instrument are encouraged to audition. Semi-finals will be conducted on April 9 for instrumentals and April 10 for singers. The Final Competition will be held on April 30 for instrumentals and May 1 for singers at the Village Theater located at 233 Front Street in Danville. Grand prize is $1,000 and a recording session, 2nd prize-$500, 3rd prize-$250, and 4th to 10th-$50.

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Kiwanis Club of SRV Calls for Grant Applications Offering More than $35,000 to Non-Profit Organizations The Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley, through its affiliation with the San Ramon Valley Kiwanis Foundation, has issued a call for community non-profit organizations throughout the area to apply for more than $35,000 in grants to be awarded during 2013. Ranging from $500 to $3,000, the Kiwanis grants are designed to support programs and projects that help both specific organizations and the broader community.

According to the grants chairman, John Lineweaver, the bulk of the grants will be awarded in May. Additional monies will be held in reserve to provide emergency grants, fund Kiwanis community service projects, support four local Kiwanis High School Key Clubs, and support Grad Nights of local Public High Schools. The total of this direct youth support will exceed $15,000, making the total dollar amount of community service grants and funding by Kiwanis $50,000 for 2013.

Lineweaver noted that Kiwanis generally recognizes grant applications from projects that serve residents of the San Ramon Valley, although non-profit organizations need not be located in the Valley itself. Specific eligibility criteria are listed on the Kiwanis website at www.kiwanis-srv.org. Because Kiwanis makes a single grant to the San Ramon Valley Education Foundation for distribution to district schools, grants are NOT available for individual schools.

Grant consideration is given to programs that focus on children, the infirm or the elderly, and those in need of solace, comfort or consolation.

Applications and further information, including eligibility criteria, can be obtained from the Kiwanis website at www.kiwanis-srv.org or by contacting John Lineweaver at 925-837-3665. The deadline for grant applications is Monday, March 11, 2013.

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. More than 600,000 Kiwanis family members in 96 countries make their mark by responding to the needs of their communities and pooling their resources to address worldwide issues. Through these efforts, Kiwanis International truly is “Serving the Children of the World.”

Anyone interested in learning more about the Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley is invited to visit www.kiwanis-srv.org. The club holds weekly luncheon meetings at noon on Thursdays at Round Hill Country Club in Alamo.

Please join the club for lunch, and find out more about the organization.

For the eighth consecutive year, students from a large high school in the South of France are coming to Danville. Every visit by the students has been better than the last. The students will arrive on April 20th and depart May 2nd (after our local Spring Break).

The teens stay with local families and have a full itinerary of activities during the days and only require your attention in the evenings and one weekend.

The visit is an ideal opportunity to experience another culture and hopefully consider visiting France in return. Anyone interested in hosting a student (or students!) is welcome to participate.

For more information or to find out about past year’s programs, please contact Martine Causse (teacher in charge of the group), at caussefly@wanadoo.fr or dachary.martine@orange.fr.

There are many happy local host families ready to discuss any questions with you (including the editor of this paper!). The local contact is Danville parent Kevin Dimler, who can be reached at kevindimler@ gmail.com or 925-718-5052.

A Night on Broadway Come join the Xenophon team of supporters for A Night on Broadway gala dinner, auction, wine toss, dance, and more to support Xenophon Theraputic Riding Center.

The annual gala is the biggest fundraising event of the year. The event takes place on March 9th from 6-10pm at Round Hill Country Club in Alamo. The cost is $100/ person, and reservations are required. For more information, visit www.xenophontrc. org, email mparino@xenophontrc.org, or call Mari Parino at (925)212-8788.

Xenophon Therapeutic Riding Center is located in a beautiful rural setting in Orinda. They offer life-changing experiences for children with a wide range of disabilities. They provide therapeutic horseback riding in a safe and secure environment. The children achieve goals that they never before dreamed possible, and focus is put on enhancing their unique abilities. With a horse as their guide, there is no limit to what they can achieve.

Veterans of Foreign Wars The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) will be held on Wednesday, March 20th. The VFW Post 75 of San Ramon Valley meets every third Wednesday of the month at the Veterans Memorial Building located at 400 Hartz Avenue in Danville. The building is located on the corner of East Prospect Avenue and Hartz Avenue.

Doors open at 7PM, and the meeting begins at 7:30PM. For more information, contact Post Commander Ernie Petagara at (925) 362-9806. Find out more about the VFW and our Post on the internet at www.vfwpost75.org.

Correction In the February 2013 article “The Wheelchair Foundation: Giving Hope Gaining Purpose” The acronym for LDS Charities was incorrectly typed. The church is further known as “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.”

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History Comes to Life In conjunction with the current exhibit “What’s In a Name, Tracing Our Valley’s Early Families,” the Museum of the San Ramon Valley will host special presentations every Saturday morning in March at 10:30AM. Featured guests will talk with visitors about the Valley’s colorful history, discussing the portraits and items on display in the Museum.

• March 9: Roxie Wiedemann Lindsay, as Mary Wiedemann, will talk about her family and Wiedemann Ranch.

• March 16: Betty Humburg Dunlap will discuss her family – the Stones and the Humburgs.

Betty Casey re-enacting Rose Peters at the • March 23: Betty Casey will rep- Danville Cemetery Tour. resent Rose Peters and the Portuguese Americans who settled in the Valley.

• March 30: Sonya Borlandelli will speak as Mary Cox Baldwin, grandmother of Congressman John F. Baldwin, Jr. The Museum of the San Ramon Valley is locate at 205 Railroad Avenue in Danville. To find out more, call (925) 837-3750, email srvmuseum@ sbcglobal.net, or visit www.museumsrv.org.

Alamo-Danville Newcomers Club Please join us for a free Welcome Coffee on Thursday, March 28th, 10AM to noon to meet members and learn about the Club. For details, call (925) 281-1307.

Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley The Exchange Club of San RamonValley meets for lunch the secondWednesday of every month at Faz Restaurant in downtown Danville. The Club’s sign-in and social time begins at 11:30AM. The meeting starts promptly at noon and ends promptly at 1PM. The one-hour program features guest speakers and a business networking speaker. Guests are welcome.

Price is $16 for members and first time guests and $20 for returning guests.

For more information, call Karen Stepper, President, at (925) 275-2312, email coachstepper@yahoo.com, or visit www.srvexchangeclub.org.

Danville Today News ~ March 2013 - Page 5

Home Farms Historic Park & Glass House Museum Come to Forest Home Farms Historic Park and the Glass House Museum for Fun on the Farm from 10am to 2pm the second Saturday of each month.

On March 9th the theme for the day will be “Mystery Gadgets and Tools.” Over the years the patent office has been busy recording the latest ideas to make work in the kitchen and around the farm easier. Many of these time-saving contraptions have been replaced by newer technology. See if you can guess what some of the objects in our collection were used for, and then try using a few of these hand-powered devices.

Tours of the restored Victorian Glass House Museum will be held at 10am, 11am, 12pm and 1pm, and tours of Forest Home Farms Historic Park, including the tractor museum, will be held at 11am and 1pm. Each tour lasts approximately 45 minutes, and the fee is $5 per person or $8 for both tours taken on the same day. Tour tickets can be purchased in the Gift Shoppe. Children ages two and under are free.

For more information call (925) 973-3284 or visit www.SanRamon.ca.gov. The Park is located at 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd. in San Ramon.

San Ramon Valley Republican Women Federated Present Businessman, Tom Vaillancourt, “Obama Doesn’t Care”!

How much do you know about Obamacare? Our March speaker has been studying this Plan for a long time and has become an expert on the issue. Mr. Vaillancourt has developed a presentation that breaks down Obamacare into understandable segments. He concentrates on the big picture and shows how this horrific law affects every American. He has met with doctors, people in the insurance industry, and other professionals to understand this Plan. If you are as confused about what is in Obamacare as many are (remember they voted on it before they read it!), then plan to attend the March meeting. We need to prepare ourselves with what is “kicking in” on January 1, 2014!

The talk takes place Tuesday, March 26th. Social hour begins at 11:30am, and the luncheon and speaker start at noon. The cost is $25.

For reservations, call Mary at 925-837-5465 or email srvrwf.lunch@gmail. com. Reservations are due by Thursday, March 21st. To assure yourself a place at the table, make your reservation early!

For more information about San Ramon Valley Republican Women Federated, visit www.srvrwf.org.

Page 6 - March 2013 ~ Danville Today News

Would You Like to Serve on Contra Costa’s Retirement Board?

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Free Tax Preparation Free tax preparation for the 2013 tax season is available starting in February from AARP’s Tax-Aide and United Way’s Earn It, Keep It, Save It (EKS) programs. All tax preparers are trained and certified by the IRS. While both programs serve taxpayers of any age, Tax-Aide does not have an income limit for whom they can serve. EKS can only serve individuals whose incomes do not exceed $50,000.

For information or to make an appointment for the Tax-Aide sites please call (925) 973-3250 for the San Ramon Senior Center site, or (925) 480-7202 for the St. Isidore Ministry Center site. For general information and other site locations, call (925) 726-3199. For information on EKS sites, call 2-1-1 or visit www.earnitkeepitsaveit.org.

To complete your tax return, Tax-Aide will need you to bring to the appointment your: • Social Security Card or ITIN letter for all individuals to be listed on the return • Photo ID for yourself and spouse • Copies of all W-2s • 1098s and 1099s • Other income and deductions • Your 2011 Tax Return.

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is seeking individuals with a sound business background, experience in pension fund investment or administration, or in equity investments or banking, to serve on the Contra Costa County Employees’ Retirement Association (CCCERA) Board of Trustees.

The Retirement Board is responsible for the administration, management, and guidance of the County’s defined benefit pension system with assets over $5.5 billion and an unfunded liability of close to $1.2 billion. Board trustees are fiduciaries who analyze the merits of investment products and work with the staff (internal Chief Investment Officer and outside investment consultants) to determine successful diversification for the pension fund. Part of the investment duties of the Board trustees may include onsite visits to existing or proposed investment managers and attendance at investment educational Meals on Wheels Seniors in your community need your support! Meals on Wheels and Seseminars throughout the year.

The Board reviews actuarial valuations, studies, and economic assump- nior Outreach Services has been supporting seniors in YOUR neighborhood tions to protect and maintain CCCERA’s financial viability for current and since 1968. Two of our programs, Meals on Wheels and Friendly Visitors, future members. Board trustees make policy decisions that shape how this rely on the support of volunteers, and we need your help now more than ever. Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers deliver meals to local homebound complex system functions, including implementing benefit structures and seniors through regular two hour shifts once per week or as substitute drivers. contribution rates for employee and employer members.

Friendly Visitors volunteers provide weekly one-hour companionship visits to Board trustees approve service retirements, disability applications, and isolated seniors. To volunteer for either program, please call (925)937-8311. retiree cost-of-living adjustments. With legal guidance, the Board makes decisions on a variety of issues, from listening to members with specific concerns to IRS regulation compliance.

The Retirement Board is made up of 12 trustees. Four trustees (including an alternate) are appointed by the County Board of Supervisors, four trustees (including a police/fire “Safety” alternate) are elected by CCCERA’s active If you find him and your name is drawn! plan participants, and two trustees, including one alternate, are elected by the retired membership. Alternates vote in the absence of specific trustees.

The County Treasurer serves as an ex-officio member. Board members serve He has become lost in this paper!

He is very small, so you will have to look hard if you want to find him. three year terms, with the exception of the County Treasurer, who serves To be eligible send a letter telling us where you found him, during his tenure in office. along with your name and address, to: Regular meetings of the Retirement Board are held the second and fourth Lost Dog! ~ Danville Today News Wednesdays of each month beginning at 9AM and sometimes extending into 3000F Danville Blvd #117 • Alamo, CA 94507 the afternoon. There may also be additional meetings on special topics that arise from time to time. Members of the Retirement Board receive $100 per meeting, up to a monthly maximum of $500, plus reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses.

This recruitment seeks to fill one permanent seat that will become vacant on June 30, 2013. The appointment will be made for a new three-year term beginning July 1, 2013 and concluding on June 30, 2016. Application forms can be obtained from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by calling (925) 335-1900 or by visiting the County website at www.co.contra-costa.ca.us. Applications should Purveyors of classic, exotic, and be returned to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, Room 106, County Administration Building, 651 high-performance cars for more than 30 years.

Pine Street, Martinez, CA 94553, no later than 5PM California’s #1 Classic Car Dealer on Friday, April 12, 2013. Applicants should plan Over 200 vehicles in inventory! to be available for public interviews on Monday, May 13, 2013 and Monday, June 10, 2013. Further information about the Retirement Board can be obtained by calling Retirement CEO Marilyn Leedom at (925) 521-3960 or by visiting the website at www. cccera.org.

To be considered, candidates must be County residents, must not be CCCERA members or retirees, and may not market any investment, consulting, Showrooms in Pleasanton, Benicia, and Fairfield. or related service to the CCCERA Board or any other www.SpecialtySales.com | 800.600.2262 1937 Act Retirement Board.

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Danville Today News ~ March 2013 - Page 7

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Sustainable Danville Area Tip of the Month The Essence of Herbs

By Joey Mazzera, Danville Area Sustainable Business Owner, Green Apple Acupuncture In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herbal medicine is at the root, so to speak, of achieving balance in the body. For thousands of years Chinese doctors have used nature, more specifically food, as not only preventative but also active medicine. When we think of herbal medicine, we tend to think of sticks, roots, flowers, and maybe even some obscure animal parts. All of those do in fact make up the Chinese Pharmacopeia. However everyday foods are also considered medicine. In TCM, dietary choices are the anchor of health and healing. As an acupuncturist, people are always asking me about weight loss, a faster metabolism, and what specific foods they should be eating. The fact of the matter is that how you eat is just as important as what you eat.

Keep it simple and listen to your body.

Every body is a different machine that requires an individual and specific dietary plan. The TCM diet is very much a personalized approach to food and nutritional health. The foundation begins with eating fresh foods, eating as seasonally as possible, and acknowledging how your body reacts to certain foods. Eating mindfully with intention can teach us how we are assimilating our foods and how we may need to change our dietary ways. The preparation of foods changes the energetic properties. For instance, a raw carrot may cause a different metabolic reaction than a baked carrot. Understanding what you need from an individual food will change the way you prepare it. For someone who can’t digest raw vegetables, a light sauté may be the way to incorporate those important veggies. If someone runs too hot but still wants spicy food, pairing that dish with something cooling in nature is a way to eat those spicy treats. When you start to look at foods as a balancing act, you begin to understand how to create the perfect harmonious plate.

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When we use food as medicine, it is important to think of food in terms of energetics. All foods and herbs are composed of three elements - energy, movement, and flavor.

The energy of foods relates to a food’s ability to either create heat or act as a coolant. When a person generates too much heat in their body, we can see things like hot, itchy skin issues or a hot red face. In these cases it’s beneficial for that person to eat foods cool in nature. Bamboo shoot, chrysanthemum (a staple Chinese herbs), and bananas all have a cooling effect on the body.

Contrarily, a person with arthritis that is exacerbated by a cold and damp day would do better with warm foods such as pumpkin, onions, peppercorns, etc.

When we think of movement of foods, we think in terms of guiding the “Qi” of certain foods. Food and herbs have the ability to move inward, outward, up and down. For example, at the first sign of a cold you can make a strong cup of ginger and garlic tea in efforts to induce a sweat (an outward motion) to expel pathogens and help body recover from the cold more quickly.

Finally, there are five flavor categories that food falls into - salty, sour, bitter, sweet, and pungent. Each of these flavors has a specific action in your body and are often used in conjunction with each other to create a balanced meal.

Understanding the flavor relationship can enhance your digestive assimilation of nutrients as well as help guide you to the food your body needs. The flavors of foods are often associated with specific organs and related processes.

Using food as medicine is a primal and instinctive way to get in touch with our bodies and reconnect with our health. Food should be fun and interesting and used a way to nourish not only our bodies but also our heart and souls. Bon appetite!

Sustainable Danville Area and the Danville Library present The Essence of Herbs on Thursday, March 21st at 6:30pm at the Danville Library, Mt. Diablo Room, 400 Front Street. Joey Erwin Mazzera of Green Apple Acupuncture, a Diplomat of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine with the NCCAOM, and a licensed Acupuncturist with the state of California will guide an exploration of the five food categories and dozens of herbs that delight the senses, enhance food and your health. For more information, visit www.sustainabledanville. com. Follow us at www.facebook.com/sustainabledanvillearea.

Page 8 - March 2013 ~ Danville Today News

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Stone Valley Middle School

By Shaun K. McElroy, Principal Childhood Obesity Solutions

Charlotte Wood Middle School

By Christopher George, Principal We are well underway with our second semester, and we are thrilled that we have been having such a successful year so far. Thanks to the work of our teachers, parents, and students, we have had a fantastic year in regards to student discipline and behavior. We attribute that to the fact that our parents, teachers and students cooperate and work well continually in our students’ best interests.

By now, you probably have heard about the coming Common Core Standards that we have discussed often.

We continue to work towards making the instructional changes necessary for these curricular adaptations. However, we have also begun looking at structural changes to Charlotte Wood’s day in order to facilitate the best instruction in coming years.

To that end, we are very seriously looking at a modified block schedule for next year, which would incorporate three days per week of eight periods (as they are now) and two days per week in which classes would be twice as long, yet meet only one of those two days. These changes are advantageous in that it allows our teachers to create in-depth, hands-on lessons, as well as assess and debrief with students on those lessons in the same period. We will have more information on that in coming months, but for now, we are soliciting student and parent feedback on that idea, and we would be glad to hear any ideas or comments.

One of the advantages of the block schedule is that it would permit us to devote around 35 minutes per week to an advisory program which would be dedicated to student behavior, climate, and character issues. We believe that by addressing our student body through such a time, we would be able to augment the academic program at Charlotte Wood with one that truly addresses the needs of the whole student.

As always, I look forward to your comments, concerns, and questions at cgeorge@srvusd.net. Enjoy the end of winter and the coming spring.

Adolescent Subcultures & Current Drug Trends It’s not easy for parents to stay on top of all the new trends in their child’s world that could lead to risky behavior. This multi-media presentation will help close that information gap and provide parents with important knowledge and tools they need to navigate through those challenging adolescent years.

On Tuesday, March 19th a Parent Ed event will be held at Monte Vista High located at 3131 Stone Valley Rd, in Danville. Information tables will be set up from 6-6:30PM, and panel presentations will be held 6:30 - 8:30PM. Topics include Media Influences, Image Disorders,At Risk Social Groups, MostAbused Illegal Drugs, Technology Dangers, Prescription DrugAbuse,Adolescent Party Scene, and Parenting Tips - What Can YOU Do? The presentation is suitable for parents with children in 4th grade through college. Adults only please. Register to attend this FREE event at www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E45A8A928A02-adolescent.

According to the Center for Disease Control (www. cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/facts.htm), childhood obesity has more than doubled in children, and tripled in adolescents, in the past 30 years. In 2010, more than one third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese. Childhood obesity can be the result of any of the following: poor eating habits, overeating or binging, lack of exercise (i.e., couch potato kids), family history of obesity, medical illnesses (endocrine, neurological problems), medications (steroids, some psychiatric medications), stressful life events or changes (separations, divorce, moves, deaths, abuse), family and peer problems, low self-esteem depression, or other emotional problems.

Addressing the obesity issue in school, and at home, can be challenging.

For the past three years we have made a concerted effort to have more active classrooms and to create high activity classes by implementing: SPARK PE - This is a physical education class that focuses on individual fitness versus competitive games. It was created by teacher Ron Hirschman.

The class meets before school every day at 7:15am. The impetus for the class was the bestselling book Spark-The revolutionary new science of exercise and the brain by John Ratey M.D. Please visit http://youtu.be/A5-kbfnCq6M to see a short video with Dr. John Ratey.

Mr. Hirschman spent a summer developing the curriculum for the class.

One of the primary resources for content came from the P90X fitness program (www.beachbody.com). The class was originally structured for 36 students and each year we have over-filled the class to number in the mid 40’s assuming several students would drop out because of the early wake up time or the intense physical demands. To date not a single student has dropped the class. SPARK PE provides students the opportunity to learn lifetime fitness activities in a non-competitive and supportive atmosphere.

Environmental Marine Science (EMS) - This class is also in its third year.

EMS is a semester class where students spend most of their time outdoors physically maintaining our community garden. Students learn the value of “doing the work yourself” by digging, planting, carrying loads of recycling, composting, building, and harvesting crops. Students literally enjoy the fruits of their labor. At harvest time students pick and eat the crops from the garden. Teacher Jeff Hager is charged with keeping 30+ middle school boys and girls engaged in the outdoor classroom every day. The community garden is a one acre plot at the north end of the campus.

Home Economics - The most popular class at Stone Valley is Home Economics. The roster is dominated by 7th and 8th grade boys who refer to the class as “Foods.” Teacher Wendy Paulson teaches students valuable life lessons including nutritional value of food, proper food preparation/storage, and the reading of food labels. Students also learn how to clean and do laundry. Knowledge about how the food you eat affects your health is an essential element in maintaining a healthy weight.

After School Sports - Our after school sports program is like an intramural sports event; everyone plays and no one is cut from a team (except golf). Students participate in a wide variety of recreational sports, including track and field, dodgeball, ultimate Frisbee, golf, cross country, volleyball, and basketball.

Our after school sports program may be the last opportunity that some students have to participate in a recreational setting. Coaches in our after school sports programs also schedule friendly games where parents and staff get to play against students in volleyball, basketball, and dodgeball. This is an excellent opportunity for team building, and it creates another opportunity for exercise.

Physical Education Classes – All students have a daily 45 minute physical education class where they participate in lifetime activities: bowling, dance, running, badminton, and soccer. Additionally, students engage in competitive sports such as flag football, trashcan ball, track and field, street hockey, and team handball.

What can parents do to encourage a healthy lifestyle for their children?

In 2010 First Lady Michelle Obama launched Let’s Move! a campaign to bring together community leaders, teachers, doctors, nurses, moms and dads in a nationwide effort to tackle the challenge of childhood obesity. The Let’s Move! campaign recommends planning healthy meals and eating healthy snacks, making physical activity a part of your family’s routine, reducing time in front of electronic screens and devices, organizing a school health team, and planting a kitchen garden. For more information and ideas, visit www.letsmove.gov/parents.

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Danville Today News ~ March 2013 - Page 9

Del Amigo High School By Joseph A. Ianora, Principal With spring quickly approaching, our job of educating becomes more complicated as we find ourselves competing with the warmer weather for our students’ attention. Our 4th Session will be ending near the time that you are reading this article – here are some of the “goings on” at Del Amigo: • As of March 7th, our next set of Del Amigo graduates, eight to be exact, completed the requirements for their high school diploma. While we are sad to see them leave, we are very proud of their achievement. Five will go on to higher education, while the other two are committed to the military.

• Our second semester “Spaghetti Feed” was quite successful, with many families and students in attendance. The evening consisted of dinner (provided by staff) and dessert (prepared by students), some fun door prizes, and information regarding our second semester. We ended the evening with individual teacher-parent meetings.

• On March 8th and 11th, Dr. Sharroky Hollie, Ph.D. will be visiting our district to train staff on Culturally Responsive Teaching and Learning. At Del Amigo, we are fortunate that our entire staff will be able to attend both days of this powerful program. Dr. Hollie will be addressing our parent community as well on March 7th, from 4:15 – 5:15PM, at Dougherty Valley High School. I encourage you to attend.

• Del Amigo is partnering with San Ramon Valley High School for the “Every 15 Minutes” program to be held on April 16-17th. This has been an exciting collaboration as it allows students and staff from both schools to educate our student communities as to the effects/consequences of drinking and driving.

As always, Del Amigo offers a special educational experience – one that allows a student to feel success, gain mastery, and recover credits; which in turn helps them to be a more productive member of society.

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Lent Means Change

SRV Christian Academy

By Maria Ward, Principal St. Isidore School

By Jan Brunkal, Principal

It’s a busy time of year at St. Isidore School.

This past month, there were many fun activities in which our students participated. Our third grade classes hosted a Grandparent’s Day celebration.

Many grandparents and special guests flew in to be with their loved one for this very special event.

The day started with Mass, then the students performed, and finally the day ended with a lively game of Bingo. Grandparent’s Day is a tradition in our school, which creates very special memories for our students and their relatives.

3rd graders Margaret Gallagher, Annaliese Giusto and Megan Balousek and their grandparents.

Lent has begun and our theme this year is “Lent Means Change.” When students were given ashes on Ash Wednesday, there were reminded to “Repent and hear the Good News.” We remind our students of this throughout the month by asking them to recognize when they hear and see God in their everyday lives. It is so important to our school that we realize God is everywhere. Throughout Lent, we celebrate Mass as a school every Friday. Please join us and pack the pews, if you are available. It is inspiring to see our community practicing our faith together.

There is always an activity happening at St. Isidore School. One of our favorite family events will be held Friday, March 8th – Family Bingo Night. Parents, grandparents, and children enjoy the night spent together as a family.

We will host our New Student Testing on Wednesday, March 13th. If you are interested in enrolling your child at St. Isidore School, please contact the school office. Our school band will perform on Thursday, March 14th in the Bensen Center for all to enjoy.

In partnership with our local Catholic high school, De La Salle and Carondelet High Schools, youth educators come every Thursday to talk to our seventh grade students about issues young people face in this day and age, such as alcohol and drug abuse and bullying. We aim to provide a solid program that educates the whole child and prepares them for being positive influences in our society.

Holy Week will bring our busy month to a close. Our third and sixth grade students partner to host a living Stations of the Cross for our students and families on Holy Thursday, March 28th. This is a solemn event that reminds everyone of how much Jesus suffered for our sins. We celebrate the Resurrection of Christ on Easter Sunday, March 31st, which also begins our Liturgical Year.

If you are interested in participating in any of the events mentioned above, please contact our school office at 925-837-2977.

Spring is coming and SRVCA is its usual busy place.

On February 23rd, our Parent Teacher Fellowship held our annual fundraiser. This year our Crab Feed Fundraiser & Auction took place at the beautiful Veteran’s Hall in downtown Danville. A good time was had by all! This year, our annual fundraiser has enabled SRVCA to purchase new technology and curriculum while keeping tuition down.

Our eighth grade students recently returned from a memorable trip to Washington DC and New York City. For seven days, we made memories at Capitol Hill, the U.S. Supreme Court, the White House, and the Smithsonian Museums, to name a few. In addition, we paid respects at Arlington Cemetery, the Vietnam War, Korean War, and U.S. Marine Corps Memorials.

We had the privilege of leaving a wreath in the honor of Josh “Chachi” Corral, a beloved former alumnus. This year our students had the privilege of visiting New York City where the events of 9/11 were made personal. Before leaving for the trip, Deena Burnett, wife of Flight 93 hero Tom Burnett, visited with our students.

Tom, Deena, and their three girls were a part of our SRVCA community when the September 11th events happened in 2001. Mrs. Burnett reminded us that God has a plan for each of our lives, and He gives us the courage and bravery to do the right thing and work through life’s hardships. At the 9/11 Memorial in NYC, we located Tom’s name – a tangible reminder of the tragedy that was felt by all.

Our entire 8th grade class participated in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The memories and lessons will forever shape these future leaders of our community!

Another exciting event for our 8th grade class is the annual 8th grade play, held on March 21st. Under the direction of Miss Katie Hugill, our students will be presenting Alice in Wonderland this year.

SRVCA students have also been busy participating in a variety of events such as the Math Olympics and Spelling Bees. One of our fourth graders took first place in the ACSI district spelling bee!

March is an exciting month at SRVCA. Students in 6th grade participate in our annual Greek Day. This is a fun day of Greek costumes, Olympic events, and amazing Greek food. The Miners Store is a highlight for our 4th graders. Dressed as ‘49ers, our students play old fashioned games and make butter and crafts that reflect the era. The day full of activities is in preparation for the overnight “Rock ‘N Water” 49ers camp held in May. Our 3rd grade students always do an amazing job on their Famous American speeches, and this year was no exception. This is always a great opportunity to remember some of the amazing men and women who had courage in founding our nation and contributing to the country we are today. Students memorize and dress up as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Betsy Ross, Annie Oakley, and many others and share their inspirational stories.

We are currently accepting elementary (K-5th grade) applications. Evaluations for kindergarten begin soon. To schedule a tour of our school and find out more about our amazing all-day kindergarten program, call our offices at 925-838-9622.

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Page 10 - March 2013 ~ Danville Today News

The Myth of the Second Semester Senior

By Kelsey Nyland, San Ramon Valley High senior I promise to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. I will swear on a stack of Harry Potter books. I am about to expose a hideous scandal that has plagued high schools across the nation.

The moment I stepped foot on San Ramon’s high school campus, I was overwhelmed. In all honestly, the transition from middle school to high school is steeper than Disneyland’s Tower of Terror (California Adventures, for the fact-checkers).

I went from filling in crossword puzzles to dealing with the traumatic death of Lenny in Of Mice and Men. However, there was always a light at the end of the tunnel. I had been informed by numerous sources, be it older friends, family, or Hollywood, that the second semester of my senior year would make this entire struggle worthwhile. I would be free. I would live in a world of no homework and no rules. Somehow, I would spend twenty weeks in Oz. Now, here I am, a fullfledged second semester senior, and I can say without inhibitions that my alleged Oz is a wasteland full of more stress than I have experience in my entire life so far.

All of this stress emerges from one common source: college. In six months, I will be on my own. I will have to pay bills, and do laundry, and cook food, and manage my money, and keep track of my homework, and make new friends, and get a job, and stay alive. The combination of these realizations has forced me to understand something that is inherently depressing. I am not a functioning adult. If I were to go to college right now, I would prob-

ably die within a week. No amount of good grades and academic accolades will change the fact that I can’t boil pasta or clean my delicates. I have six months to graduate from Functioning Adult Boot Camp. If I fail to do so, the repercussions will be dramatic.

Everyone always told me that I could take an academic holiday during my second semester of senior year. Colleges don’t look at those grades, and teachers don’t care. After three years of rigorous AP and Honors classes, I was ready for a break. This is myth number two of the second semester senior. Teachers still care, and if my theory is correct, they assign even more homework just to make sure we are still paying attention. In addition to this, colleges send you threatening emails. This is not a joke. I have received emails from numerous colleges that warn me about the “consequences” of slacking off. Not only do I feel insulted, because I do not slack off, but I also feel like Big Brother from 1984 is watching my every move.

Finally, the most stressful aspect of second semester senior year is the waiting. Every student has to wait an average of three months to find out their future. This has to be cruel and unusual punishment. I spend three months of my life waiting for dozens of collegiate institutions to decide whether or not I am intelligent, involved, and athletic enough to receive an admission email.

Normally, three months of school would fly by, but this is second semester senior year, and the rules of time do not apply here. Every minute is an hour.

Every buzz of my phone is an email from a college telling me I suck. Every B on a test is Big Brother ruining my life.

I wish the myth of the second semester senior was true – that fact alone would spare me a lot of stress dreams. Unfortunately, that myth is no truer than Zeus’ addiction to chucking thunderbolts at innocent bystanders.

Monte Vista High School

High School Writers Contest

By Janet Terranova, Principal

The California Writers Club Tri-Valley Branch will be sponsoring their Second Annual High School Writers Contest. The theme is “My Story, My Vision” and is open to all students attending high schools in Danville, Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton, and San Ramon in grades 9, 10, and 11.

The contest is free to enter. Deadline for submission is March 22, 2013. Entry categories include poetry, personal essay, and short story. Cash prizes will be awarded to nine students. For more details, visit http://trivalleywriters.org/high-school-contest/.

The second semester at any high school is filled with excitement and a little nostalgia as school academic and extra-curricular activities increase, and seniors begin thinking about their last semester in high school. Third quarter progress grades are due soon, and students and parents are beginning to learn about several standardized assessments being given this spring. The California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) will be administered to all 10th graders on March 12th and 13th. While 10th graders are taking the “real” test, our 9th graders will be taking a “Mock CAHSEE.” The results of this “mock” test will help guide instruction for our 9th graders next year.

One topic I would like to address this month is social media. Our students are bombarded with all forms of social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and other sites that pop-up quickly. All of these may have a place in our ever increasing technological world. However, as our students become more entrenched in this technology, they do not always make wise choices. They often forget that once something is posted on the Internet, it is there forever.

Deleting a post or picture from their account does not mean that post or picture is really deleted. Messages get copied and forwarded. Once something is posted, it takes on a life of its own that is really not under the control of the student.

High schools and even middle and elementary schools deal regularly with students who have posted inappropriate messages and pictures. Posting in the privacy of your own room, with no one around, often empowers students to say things that they would never consider saying to someone directly. While the destructive message may start off campus, it frequently finds its way onto campus as students confront each other at school. What may start as an innocent comment to a friend can often boomerang back as students begin to comment to each other with each comment becoming more hurtful or exaggerated.

What can we you do? First, regularly discuss with your student the importance of cyber safety and security. Help them understand the perils of posting before thinking. Remind them that once something is posted, that post stays in cyberspace forever. A good rule for all of us to follow: Would you say this in front of a large group of people whom you may or may not know? Would you show this picture to anyone? If the answer is not yes, it shouldn’t be posted. Finally, access your student’s social media. Check their Facebook page, their Twitter account, etc. You are not being intrusive, you are helping to keep your student safe.

If you want to know more about Monte Vista and our activities, please visit our website at www.mvhs.schoolloop.com.

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Danville Today News ~ March 2013 - Page 11

Secrets for Being Prepared for the SAT Exam

By Susan Sokat, Club Z! In-Home Tutoring Many high school juniors are beginning to prepare for the spring SAT exam. Test dates are March 9th, May 4th, and June 1st. It’s important to be fully prepared for this exam since the SAT predicts how well students will perform academically as college freshmen. College admissions personnel use the SAT or ACT as a single, standardized means of comparison in their acceptance decisions.

What’s Important to Know?

What is on the test? Math, Critical Reading, and Writing are the subsections of the SAT. Each has a possible score of 800, or 2,400 total. The math section contains arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and a miscellaneous section including probabilities, data interpretation, and logical analysis. Calculators may be used. The reading section contains sentence completion and passage based reading. The writing section contains a multiple-choice portion and an essay.

How is the test scored? On the SAT, incorrect answers are scored against you. It is important to know when to guess and when to skip. Questions are rated as easy, medium, and difficult.

Submitting scores. Study the College Board website www.collegeboard.org to learn about submitting scores.

Retesting is common. Colleges typically use your highest score from each subsection from multiple test dates.

This is called superscoring. So, if one time you score better on reading, and another time you score better on math, that’s okay, they will use your best.

What score should you try to obtain? Study www.collegeapps.about.com, click on “Top Universities� at the bottom, and learn what the average SAT score is for each college. This is the best way to see if your score is competitive for the college of your choice.

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Helping Teenagers to Make Smart Choices Â&#x2019; 4@73<2:G @3:7/0:3 A3@D713 Spring is coming and for some reason, this time of year tends to see an escalation in teenagers making problematic choices. One of the biggest questions for me as princiÂ&#x2019; :713<A32 0=<232 pal, is whether we present information in a manner that teenagers can acquire and use.

7<AC@32 &!!"$ Teenagers do not think the same way that adults do. They do not process information Â&#x2019; 4@33 1=<AC:B/B7=<A or make choices in the same way either.

As school staff, we deal with many different challenges including Cyber safety, appropriate technology use, bullying, drug and alcohol use, safe driving, emotional wellbeing, and making safe personal behavioral choices - to list but a few. The debate, of course, is whether schools provide enough information, the right information, and the correct information presented often enough. We spend a lot of time and resources trying to educate students about how to make 2319A Â&#x2019; 2@7D3E/GA Â&#x2019; 43<13A Â&#x2019; 4:/5AB=<3 the right choices and how they should apply this knowledge in different circumstances. While education >/B7=A Â&#x2019; ABC11= Â&#x2019; 0@719E=@9 Â&#x2019; E/:9E/GA 6=CA7<5 3FB3@7=@A Â&#x2019; =CB2==@ 4C@<7BC@3 certainly helps many of our students, we will always continue to have teenagers making problematic choices.

There is evidence to show that the brain isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fully developed until around age 25, which makes it easier to ' # '#! !#!% understand why 14-15 year olds make the most â&#x20AC;&#x153;mistakes.â&#x20AC;? They have 10 years of cerebral development to go until we can expect them to fully consider their options before making good choices.

An article in Time magazine titled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Why the teenage brain is drawn to riskâ&#x20AC;? discusses why teenagers are not always dissuaded from making problematic choices even when â&#x20AC;&#x153;they should know better.â&#x20AC;? The article states, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Teens have a different style of information processing. They may get lost in the details about specific risks and overly focused on possible rewards, while ignoring the overall â&#x20AC;&#x153;gistâ&#x20AC;? of the problem i.e., the ultimate consequences.â&#x20AC;?

They also perceive risk differently than adults, exhibiting more tolerance for uncertainty and ambiguity than adults do. This means that while a grown up may immediately know that a situation is dangerous and will say, â&#x20AC;&#x153;No,â&#x20AC;? a teenager might not see it in such concrete terms.

As educators wrangle with the different issues that teenagers face, it is critical that we provide students with appropriate ways to receive the information and digest it. To do that we need a better understanding of exactly how teenagers process information and make decisions. This is sometimes difficult for adults.

Providing them with honest, unbiased information and focusing on helping them perceive the ultimate consequences and potential outcomes is very important.

Teenagers need to be walked through the steps that might get them from point A to a conclusion. They canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always fill in those gaps themselves.

But the other challenge is recognizing that teenagers make mistakes, and that learning from these mistakes is a crucial part of their development.

Mistakes donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make them bad kids, they are merely exploring their world and discovering what works and what does not. Development cannot happen in the absence of learning.

So, where does that leave us? We need to do our best to make sure that those mistakes are smaller - not catastrophic - the kind that teenagers can learn from.

That is the best outcome of the education we provide.

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Page 12 - March 2013 ~ Danville Today News

Invest in Curiosity

By Evan Corstorphine, Portable CIO I’m often asked how I got my start in computers and electronics. People ask me what classes I’ve taken or where they can learn how to do what my staff and I do on a daily basis. The truth is, it’s a combination of nature and nurture, and it goes way back. I was always the curious kid who liked to tear into and fix discarded equipment. Whether it was a stereo, a CB radio, a light, or a broken appliance, I was interested in either fixing it, or dismantling it for its components. I wasn’t always successful mending the broken piece, but I was always shocked at how much “good stuff” people discarded with simple flaws. I still feel that way. It’s always been easy for me to diagnose and fix things.

I’m the youngest of seven children. My dad worked three jobs to make ends meet. He wasn’t around a lot, but he saw something in me, and he tried to feed my aptitude by buying me electronic kits to assemble. I remember creating my first crystal radio at our kitchen table and winding fine copper wires around iron cores to make my first motor. I began to learn electronic theory there, and I learned even more in John McCollum’s electronics class at Homestead High in Cupertino, CA. McCollum was a great teacher and was responsible for teaching and facilitating a generation of engineers, including Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs of Apple. I wish I had been a better student, but I still learned so much.

In those nascent days of electronics, everyone was getting on the bandwagon.

Everything was fresh and new, and there were scores of companies founded to bring electronics to the masses. One of those companies, Heathkit, had been around for decades, and it was a major supplier of do-it-yourself electronics kits for the amateur radio hobbyists. They had a great reputation, but as digital electronics came to the fore they lost focus and market share. They went through bankruptcy and as recently as 2012 tried to re-kindle the fire, but now they’re gone for good.

I think Heathkit failed because they were too focused on the large scale endproduct and not focused enough on the smaller “teaching” circuits. They wanted to sell a $2,495 computer kit, not a fundamental $39.95 circuit that taught theory.

The niche that needed filling was for small functional kits, like the ones that I built as a child, to teach a new generation of kids about electricity and electronics. They could have sold millions. But Heathkit was more concerned with really large kits, and they were unable to keep up with the speed of Moore’s Law while building computer kits for the masses. They couldn’t sell their inventory, because why would someone want to buy a kit of last year’s computer parts, when they could buy a brand new one, fully assembled and functional for less? They became dated and irrelevant because they couldn’t keep up with the pace of digital innovation.

In the 1980’s and 1990’s, while the actual computer industry went berserk, we went through a sort of “dark ages” as far as teaching aids and electronic kits are concerned. In fact, here in California, all of the trades took a hit in our public schools. We used to have metal shop, wood shop, drafting, electronics, and even our own TV studio at my high school. During this time it was dismaying to go to electronics stores and not be able to find the types of products that I enjoyed as a child. There was a whole generation of kids who grew up with nothing but academics and no clue about how things work. As a result, they’re just consumers, not builders. But in the last decade there has been a renaissance, and there is now a wonderful selection of kits, components, and circuits that the hobbyist can buy and assemble inexpensively. My own son is using off-the-shelf kit components to design two separate circuits he hopes to mass produce for the motorcycle industry. I’ve had a lot of fun helping him figure out how to make things work, and it’s brought us together doing something we both love.

Do you know any youngsters that seem to have ‘the knack’ for gadgets? If you do, buy them a kit and feed their imagination! You can go online to places like Amazon.com, and search for electronics kits. The have a great selection. Even better, go down to your local Radio Shack, and choose from what they have on the shelf. I’m completely impressed by the broad selection of novice to advanced build-it-yourself kits. If it weren’t for these kits and my father being wise enough to feed my interest, I may never have gotten into this field. The knowledge I’ve gained over a lifetime of tinkering has given me a career, friends, and a lot of fun.

If you’re looking for ideas, give the friendly staff at Portable CIO a call at 925-552-7953, or email helpdesk@theportablecio.com. We’re always here to help.

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Tax Talk with Bob Tax Anxiety’s...No Need For Them

By Bob Shalon, IRS Enrolled Agent Fear takes many forms in our minds and can be a powerful and paralyzing aspect to our character and behaviors. Fear of the unknown is right up at the top of the list of worries and is shared by everyone. What shapes us is what we do about it.

As an income tax professional, I encounter many unknowns which can be particularly traumatic for my clients, especially when the IRS involved...IF AND ONLY IF YOU DO NOT FACE THE ISSUES HEAD ON! My reason for writing on this topic was inspired by a few situations that have occurred in my office this tax season. One was the case of a very successful, but fearful, young lady who had not filed a tax return in five years until receiving an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) letter with a large tax bill. After obtaining account transcripts from the IRS and Franchise Tax Board (FTB) and discussing her professional situation with respect to the tax code, she actually had refunds due for all five years. The shame is that she will only receive her money for three of those years as it is too late to amend the first two years.

In other situations, threats of leans and garnishments have been voided simply by contacting the IRS and FTB and filing returns or meeting with them. In each case the clients feared the worst and couldn’t deal with it.

To close this article on a positive note, know that eliminating the unknown eliminates the anxieties. Covering the reasons for your current year refund or balance due, looking at different scenarios that could happen in the future, and seeing, not fearing, the tax affect, should be part of your tax planning with your preparer. If done properly, you should already know your tax return situation each year to within a very small margin well before you receive your first tax document in the mail.

That will leave you free to worry about really important things, like will the Giants repeat as World Series Champions?!

Please call me at any time at 925-820-9570 or email bob.shalon@tax. hrblock.com with questions.

Advertorial

Sophia Colello Earns Girl Scout Silver Award Sophia Colello, a Danville Girl Scout Cadette, has recently completed her Silver Award project. Sophia organized a massive collection drive of winter clothes to send to Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh, a mountainous region in Eurasia. Sophia collected over 750 pounds of clothing and shoes and worked with local humanitarian organizations, including Clothes for Karabakh and the Armenian Relief Society - Erepuni chapter, to distribute the clothing to impoverished communities in Armenia.

In addition to three clothing drives, Sophia, along with Lillian Ohara and Bailey Maxwell, organized their Danville Girl Scout troop 30067 in putting on a city-wide caroling event as a fundraiser. Over 200 Brownies and Girl Scouts in Danville congregated for crafts and good cheer before sharing their singing charms with over 16 local neighborhoods. The funds raised from this event were used to offset the expense of shipping almost 20 large boxes of clothing abroad. The Silver Award is the second highest award a Girl Scout can earn.

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Solar Currents

Danville Today News ~ March 2013 - Page 13

By Mark Becker, GoSimpleSolar

Bring Me Data Bring me data, and bring me documentation of that data - solar customers should take this approach with solar contractors who provide them with proposals. A solar photovoltaic (PV) system proposal is a detailed financial transaction that utilizes many criteria to arrive at the estimated savings gained through the use of a solar system. Guaranteed kilowatt production numbers, warranty information, annual kilowatt production information, and shading information are just a few bits of data provided to a consumer in a comprehensive solar PV proposal. However, most consumers don’t ask for the documentation as to how the contractor arrived at their data.

Every bit of data needs to be backed up by solid documentation. If your solar contractor balks, or is unable to provide the requested documentation to you in writing, then you’re not getting the customer service you deserve. If you cannot get the documentation you deserve, it’s logical to suggest that the proposal provided should not be considered an accurate proposal or an accurate summary of financial savings and product quality. Financial savings generated by a solar PV system are predicated on many criteria, none of which can be shortcut.

Virtual proposals (online, no site visit before contract signing) can be convenient for the contractor, but they can prove to be inaccurate.

The average consumer needs to perform a significant amount of research to determine the validity of a contractor’s solar PV proposal. I believe there needs to be more oversight in the process in order to protect the consumer.

Considering the behind-the-scenes complexity of a solar PV transaction, why is it that this portion of the solar industry is unregulated, and that the onus is “buyer beware,” especially in leased solar program contracts? Simply put, it’s in the contractor’s and financier’s interest to make their proposal look the most appealing to the consumer in order to make the sale. Solar PV energy systems can, and do, save homeowners and business owners hundreds of thousands of dollars. When I take out a car loan or buy a CD at a bank, regulators oversee the process. Why is it any different when a contractor generates solar financials and models financial savings for a consumer?

Finally, a third-party financed program I can believe in - Power Purchase Agreements (PPA’s) are nothing new, and in my opinion, they exceed the benefits of a solar lease program. In both cases, the solar system is owned by a finance company, is hosted by the home or business owner, and saves the home or business owner money on electric bills. In both programs, the financing company banks the majority of the savings. I believe a PPA is a superior product to a lease program because the home or business owner only pays for power that the solar system generates. Theoretically, a properly modeled and contracted PPA will never put a homeowner in an “upside down” cash flow situation because of low output of the solar system. In a PPA, the bank has a vested interest in ensuring the PPA system produces the most power it can; they make money on each kilowatt generated, and the customer saves money on each kilowatt consumed. In comparison, the bank owners of a leased solar system make money on the monthly equipment lease; should kilowatt production fall, the lease payment remains the same.

Be choosy - A home or business owner is not the owner of the solar system in a PPA or lease, but choosing a trusted installer will determine product quality, appropriate tradesman certification, and accuracy of the contract. After all, it’s your home.

Consumer Alert - Since the financiers make their money on each kilowatt produced in a PPA contract, it’s important that the PPA solar array is not oversized. Oversized systems can result in the consumer paying for kilowatts that are unused. Choose your contractor well. In all solar contracts, insist on documentation for all the data.

Mark Becker is the President of GoSimpleSolar, by Semper Fidelis Construction Inc, a Danville based Solar Installation Firm (License 948715). Mark can be reached at 925.915.9252. Visit GoSimpleSolar’s showroom at 114 West Prospect Avenue in Danville or www.GoSimpleSolar.

Advertorial com, or email Mark@GoSimpleSolar.com.

Page 14 - March 2013 ~ Danville Today News

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Quick Trips

By Linda Summers Pirkle San Francisco Performing Arts Center Tour

I have been to the ballet and opera in the War Memorial Building and to the symphony at the Davies Hall and various concerts at the Herbst Theater, but I did not know much about the history of these diverse and beautiful buildings. Davies Symphony Hall, War Memorial Opera House, and Herbst Theater are part of the San Francisco Performing Arts Center, and “behind the scenes” tours are offered every Monday.

My friend Kathy and I rode BART to the Civic Center Station, walked one block to the Louise M. Davies Hall, and were greeted by a team of professional, dedicated, and knowledgeable volunteers. Mr. George Lucas, one of the original founders of the tour program and retired ballet dancer who performed in London, Italy, and South Africa, oversees the very efficient tours for the Performing Arts. According to Mr. Lucas, the tours started when Davies Hall opened in 1981, and each building had their own tour. Now, you can visit all three theaters with one guide.

The tours, which last approximately one hour, focus on the historical, architectural, and acoustical features of the buildings.

We started in the Davies Hall. Melissa Aurand, our guide, led us to the area above the orchestra section where we sat in the seats behind the front stage.

We then moved to the Second Tier where we could view the entire 2,743 seat theater. What a unique experience for us! Except for the “ghost lamp” on stage, the lights were dimmed, and we were able to experience the quiet of this gorgeous theater.

Our next stop was the War Memorial Opera Building. Our guide gave us the history of this beautiful Beaux Art building and its twin, the Veterans building next door. Soil from WWI battle fields were sprinkled in the “Court of Memory,” the park section between these two buildings. Our guide explained that many people assume that the Opera House/Veterans buildings were WPA projects because they were built during the Depression. However, they were built with private funds. It was the collaboration between opera lovers and war veterans that made the buildings a reality, opening in October 1932 with the opera “Tosca.”

Our last stop was the Herbst Theater, originally called the Veteran’s Auditorium. When it was built, it had a flat floor and no permanent seating. It was converted to a theater with a donation of $750,000 from the Herbst brothers. Our guide referred to the theater as “a little jewel,” and we were in total agreement.

You may want to take this delightful tour before June. Our guide mentioned that the Veterans Building is going to go through a seismic retrofit, similar to the retrofit of the Opera House a few years ago. This retro-fit is scheduled to start in June, during which time the building will be closed. The retro-fit process may take up to a year.

Our tour lasted almost two hours since we had lots of questions, and our guide was very generous with her time.

• For a quick tour of the Opera House, drop-in “Glimpse tours” are offered. This option is less of a tour, more informal, and an opportunity to have a brief “look-see.” The schedule for the “Glimpse tours” are Tuesday thru Thursday, from 11AM to 2PM. The cost is $1. Guides meet you at the entrance of the War Memorial House, 301 Van Ness Ave at Grove St., across from City Hall. These short tours are only available during the summer, starting in June.

• Performing Arts Tours (War Memorial Opera House, Davies Hall, and Herbst Theater) are held every Monday on the hour (except for holidays) between 10AM and 2PM. The tour starts at the Davies Symphony Hall, Grove Street entrance. To reach their office for additional information, call (415) 552-8338. Cost is $7, Seniors and Students $5.

• Arlequin Café (www.arlequincafe.com) is a short walk from the Davies Hall. Their Arlequin baked mac n’ cheese, macaroni pasta with gruyere, grana padano, and grafton Vermont white cheese is delicious. Their address is 384B Hayes Street, and their phone number is (415) 430-6540.

Linda Summers Pirkle, travel consultant and long term Danville resident, has been arranging and leading tours for the Town of Danville for several years. Inspired by the many wonderful places to visit in the Bay Area, she organizes day trips, either for groups or for friends and family. “If it’s a trip for my husband and me, my husband drives and I talk (he’s a captive audience) – the perfect combination! What a great place to live, so much to see, so much to do.” To share your “Quick Trips” ideas email Coverthemap@gmail.com.

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Danville Today News ~ March 2013 - Page 15

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Page 16 - March 2013 ~ Danville Today News

Spring Pruning

By Blaine Brende & Joe Lamb Once again, it’s that time of year when the landscape grows lush, beautiful – and out of control. At Brende & Lamb, we prune to balance the practical with the aesthetic. When our clients ask us to restore their views, bring more light into their gardens, and reduce fire hazards, we do our best to keep their screening intact and to protect their privacy. At the same time, we work hard to enhance the natural beauty of their trees.

Balancing your tree care needs are skills we’ve developed over decades of caring for trees.

Aesthetic Pruning Each plant has a natural growth pattern. Aesthetic pruning accentuates the shape given the plant by nature, and good pruning creates a light and open feeling. A well pruned plant enhances the observer’s experience by accentuating the interplay of light and shadow, open spaces and denser spaces, and the sculptural elements revealed in a tree’s trunk and branch.

The first step in aesthetic pruning is to see the flow of the tree. We begin by looking at the base of the trunk, and then let our eyes follow the trunk upward into the branches and out to the branch tips. We notice how the flow of the branches determines the tree’s form. The form may be weeping, as with Willows and Chinese Elms. Perhaps, as with Monterey Cypress, the branches form at acute angles to the trunk, giving the tree an upswept look.

Or the branches may bend and twist, forming complex arcs, as does the Coast Live Oak. Within these patterns, each tree has its own unique form and flow.

Pruning and Size Reduction It is important to prune in a manner that does not harm the health of the tree. When thinning a pine, for example, it is important not to strip the major branches of their smaller branches, a practice called “lion-tailing” which leaves a branch denuded except for foliage at the end. Lion-tailing increases the chance of branch failure by concentrating the weight at the branch tips.

Clip Notes

By Jody Morgan

Although their ancestors hail from the same European continent as mine, I view the golden-helmeted hordes of mustard marching across California meadows as an insidious invasion force. Characterizing wild mustard in her 1884 novel Ramona, Helen Jackson complains: “The plant is a tyrant and a nuisance, the terror of the farmer: it takes riotous possession of a whole field in a season …”

The above quote is one of many Judith Lowery incorporates in Gardening with a Wild Heart. Having established a native plant garden in her yard that blends with the “greater garden beyond the fence,” Lowery underscores her frustration at seeing plants valued by English gardeners since the nineteenth century largely ignored in their homeland.

Fortunately, native plants have not been totally dispossessed by exotic intruders. From January-April one of mustard’s more modest American cousins decorates Northern California’s wooded hillsides and canyons. Garbed in white petals, the clustered blossoms are known colloquially as Milkmaids. The peppery flavored tuber from which they sprout is tooth-shaped. Practitioners of the Doctrine of Signatures believing that the form of a plant indicated how man might employ it called these perennials Toothwort and used the tubers to treat toothache. Botanists originally labeled the genus Dentaria accordingly.

Currently our local native’s proper appellation is Cardamine californica.

Colorful California annuals blanket grassy slopes in protected areas throughout spring months. Mary Bowerman, who began recording data on Mount Diablo in 1930, writes in The Flowering Plants and Ferns of Mount Diablo California: “In years of good rainfall, whole hillsides are colored blue

by Gilia tricolor, or yellow by Lasthenia californica. These two species in addition to being characteristic of the grasslands are limited to them.”

Annie’s Annuals touts the first species, commonly known as Bird’s Eyes or Bird’s-eye Gilia, as a “heart stealer” that’s easy to grow and delightfully chocolate-scented. Welcome this lovely native to your yard so you can tuck the dainty blue blossoms into a free-spirited arrangement of spring flowers.

Lowery notes: “Birds-eye gilia benefits from the close inspection a bouquet

A healthier tree, and more subtly beautiful look, is achieved by thinning to highlight the spaces or “layers” in a trees natural patterns. Removing diseased wood, and removing or reducing crossing branches that interrupt the natural flow, lets in more light and air, encouraging interior growth and overall health. Careful pruning can increase desired screening over time by encouraging interior growth.

Aesthetic View Work In view work, the beauty of the view and the beauty of the tree often seem to be in conflict. Some tree-workers will sacrifice the tree for the view by “topping” the tree. Topping is almost always a bad idea. “Topping” creates a dense re-growth in “water-sprouts” that is unsightly. But more than the tree’s beauty is at stake here. Topping wounds the tree and promotes disease, including heart rot, and can make the tree dangerous. The water-sprouts on a topped tree are not deeply anchored in the trunk and are subject to failure in high winds. Add in the fact that these sprouts may be anchored onto a rotting trunk, and you have a safety problem that gets worse over time. Responsible arborists do not top trees. Removing a tree, perhaps replacing it with a smaller variety that can be kept out of the view, is usually preferable to beheading it.

Looking at tree and view as two elements that complement each other can often solve view problems. Sometimes, lightly bringing the tree back without cutting into major branches can prevent further encroachment on the view.

To open even more of the view, we create windows by selectively removing branches not essential for the tree’s natural form. We can enlarge these windows by removing branchlets that rise or drop into the view. Thinning above and below the window creates a feeling of openness, rather than gaping hole. The image formed by Mt. Diablo framed by the trembling leafs of a well-windowed tree proves that nature and civilization can complement each other.

If your trees need a little TLC, please call 510-486-TREE (8733) or email us at bl@brendelamb.com for a free estimate. Additionally, go to our website www. brendelamb.com to see before and after pictures, client testimonials, and work Advertorial in your neighborhood. provides and makes a great unifier for an otherwise diverse bouquet.”

Goldfileds is the moniker of the second species referenced in the Bowerman quotation. The yellow daisy-like flowers carpet ridge tops, re-seeding year after year. Lowery reflects: “Wildflowers such as goldfields that in small groups do not seem fragrant will sometimes reveal delicious aromas in large masses.” Goldfields can be tamed for garden plots and adapted to containers.

Low growing, it makes an exquisite edging for a spring path.

A third native annual popping up on moist grassy slopes is Purple Owl’s Clover (Castilleja exserta), also known as Purple Indian Paintbrush. The botanical name honors Domingo Castilleja (1744-1793), Professor of Botany in Cadiz, Spain. Purple Owl’s Clover, along with another species of Owl’s Clover and a native plantain (all present on Mount Diablo) are critical larval food for the endangered Bay Checkerspot Butterfly. Adult butterflies emerge in April at the end of the rainy season. With distinctive black banding framing panes of orange-red and creamy yellow their wings are reminiscent of miniature Tiffany shades. The amount of rainfall regulates the display of annual wildflowers in a given season. Consequently, any lack of precipitation limiting the supply of native host plants stresses the population of butterflies they support.

Although Bay Checkerspots may not yet have returned to the Diablo wilderness, there are many rarities thriving or surviving in the area. Endemic to the mountain, the Mount Diablo Sunflower (Helianthella castanea) is not shy about showing off its sunshine yellow petals. But don’t look for it elsewhere in California. Botanists have yet to determine why similar sunflowers growing in nearby spaces have evolved as distinct species. Bowerman records the occurrence of blossoms from April to June. As a general rule she comments: “Altitude influences the blooming period. A given species may begin to flower four weeks later on the upper slopes than on the lower.”

Another specimen found flowering on Mount Diablo from March to May is the Oakland Star Tulip (Calochortus umbellatus). Telos Rare Bulbs, purveyors of this and other interesting indigenous species, suggests this plant was “probably once abundant, but now rare due to development.” The delicate lavender blossoms delight those dedicated to tracking them down in the wilderness as well as those interested in adding them to a native plant garden.

To appreciate natives in their own habitat, check the calendar of guided hikes offered by the East Bay Chapter of the California Native Plant Society: www.ebcnps.org.

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Life in the Danville Garden Surface Trends

By John Montgomery, ASLA, Landscape Architect One of many important decisions you will make while designing your Danville garden will be regarding what kind of surface materials you will be using for your patios, walkways, decks, and hardscape. Today, the choices in materials are numerous. Sometimes they’re overwhelming! When you think of what has been available in the past, you think of dull gray broom-finished concrete, tan Arizona flagstone, and red brick. When you think of decking materials, redwood has dominated the industry for the past fifty years. Today, a myriad of hardscape materials are now available.

Natural stone products such as flagstone, slate, wall ledger, and rock have dominated current trends in hardscape materials. In the past ten years the natural stone industry has grown by leaps and bounds. When considering natural stone as your primary surfacing material, you must understand this is the most expensive approach. Generally, natural stone surfacing runs $15 to $35 a square foot* when mortared over a concrete base. *Prices indicate current market averages including material, labor, and profit by licensed contractors.

With the awareness of “Green” building methods, manufactured surfacing material choices have also gone off the chart. There is an abundant choice of manufactured stone and pre-cast concrete products in a multitude of colors. These products make long-lasting affordable surfaces for patios, walls, and veneers. They are less expensive and less labor-intensive to install, and prices range from $12 to $25 a square foot, depending on your surface and product.

A very popular trend that came into the industry about 15 years ago is interlocking concrete pavers. When first introduced, the shapes, colors, and surface choices were limited. Today, interlocking pavers span a wide range of colors, textures, and shapes. Pavers have become the new “cheaper” solution to large expanses of surfacing, such as driveways, patio, plazas, and streetscapes. Concrete once dominated the industry as the number one choice of surface materials. Recently, pavers have taken over because of effective costness, ease of installation, sustainability, and a more creative design detail. Interlocking paving generally ranges from $9.50 to $15 a square foot, although large, expansive streetscapes can be installed for as low as $3.50 a square foot.

Concrete is still one of the most popular choices for hardscape. It is cost effective, although concrete prices have sky-rocketed over the past five years as petroleum prices increased shipping costs. Concrete’s versatility is its strong point. Innovations in concrete treatments have soared in efforts to keep up with the natural stone industry growth. New treatments such as dust-on color hardeners, pigmented acid stains, multi-colored stamped concrete, and creative designs have given concrete a new lease on life. These new treatments have replaced exposed aggregate, salt finish, and broom finished concrete. Concrete prices range from $9 to $25 a square foot. Other uses include lightweight concrete counter tops for outdoor kitchens.

A specialized product that I have been enjoying lately is a product called “ArcusStone™.” This product is very attractive and durable. It adds an element of elegance and uniqueness that other hardscape materials don’t have. Basically the material is an overlay of a cementitious limestone with natural mineral pigments that can be customized into any design and color range thinkable. When you think of “Old World” techniques, this is exactly that. It takes a trained craftsman to apply it because it is totally shaped, colored, and created at your project site. It runs

Danville Today News ~ March 2013 - Page 17 $12 to $25 a square Specializing in foot when overlayInterior & Exterior ing concrete or a wall, and it can • Power Washing Prep be used as a pa• Painting tio, walkway, wall • Spray-Enamel Finish face, cook center • Restaining Decks countertops, fireSince 1970 place, or bar top.

Free Estimates Wood surfaces have fallen in Tim O’Halloran • 925.743.9535 popularity because of rising costs, maintenance concerns, and environmental issues. Redwood was once abundant locally but has now become expensive and marginal in quality because of the halt in foresting and environmental concerns. If a natural wood product is what you’re looking for, redwood has been replaced with Ipe (e-pay), or ironwood, and other sustainable woods. Manufactured wood products such as “Trex” and “TimberTech” have also become extremely popular because of their environmental approach and low maintenance. If you are looking for a woodlook as a choice in hardscape, there are many choices ranging from $25 to $35 a square foot.

One of my favorites is the use of gravel or decomposed granite for informal patios and paths. This is the lowest cost solution, ranging from $3-$5 a sq ft.

When I work with my clients in the creation of their garden environment, choosing the hardscape material can sometimes be one of the highest hurdles to get over. With adherence to the design process, the choices are narrowed by the design goals and budget decisions to an appropriate choice that you will be happy with for many years to come.

A hot tip from your local Landscape Architect: Don’t order catalogs; the internet is a great place to start your search for hardscape materials. A lot of suppliers and manufacturers have good pictures of ideas on their websites. Check our new HOUZZ profile. www.houzz.com/pro/jmla/john-montgomery-landscapearchitects Gardening Quote of the month: “Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads.” ~Thoreau If you would like me to write on any particular subject email your ideas to jmontgomery@jm-la.com or for design ideas visit www.jm-la.com. Advertorial

Page 18 - March 2013 ~ Danville Today News

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The Often Neglected Piece of Estate Planning By Robert J. Silverman, Attorney at Law Estate Planning is largely about providing for the smooth succession of management of your personal and financial affairs to those you trust. The bulk of discussion about estate planning focuses on Wills and Living Trusts.

Wills and Trusts are extremely important. However, in many ways, two other documents are more fundamental. They govern who will handle your affairs during your life if you become unable. These two documents are a Durable Power of Attorney, sometimes called a “General Power of Attorney” or Durable Power of Attorney for Property Management (“DPA”), and an Advance Health Care Directive (“AHD”).

Every adult - irrespective of one’s circumstances - should have a DPA and AHD. In short, a DPA and AHD enable you to appoint someone you trust who will have legal authority to make financial and health care decisions for you if you are ever temporarily or permanently unable to do so. The potential consequences of not establishing both of these documents can be harsh.

These consequences may include incurring substantial, ongoing legal fees, costs, delay, and inconvenience in connection with a court conservatorship proceeding – in which a court appoints a conservator to act on your behalf. Tragically, the judge could appoint someone as conservator whom you would never choose nor want to make these critical personal and financial decisions for you.

When I review an existing estate plan for new clients, in many instances I find a Will and Living Trust in place, but there is either a missing or outdated DPAs and/or AHDs. If you do not have appropriate, up-to-date DPAs and AHDs, you should take action to establish them. It’s not overly cumbersome or expensive to hire an attorney to help you.

Hiring an experienced estate planning attorney to assist you is worthwhile if: a) you are unsure about whether or not your DPA and/or AHD are currently compliant with the law and appropriate for your situation; or b) if your wishes have changed since your documents were executed; or c) if you answer “no” to any of the following questions:

Durable Power of Attorney 1) Do the express terms render it “durable,” meaning that the agent’s authority extends beyond the date you become incapacitated? Although instinct would dictate that all forms include language making the powers “durable,” many forms do not.

2) Is the primary agent (legal term: “attorney-in-fact”) you named still the trustworthy and responsible person you’d prefer to transact financial business for you in your stead?

3) Have you appointed at least one suitable alternate agent in case your primary agent is unwilling or unable to serve when needed?

4) Are the powers broad and appropriate? It’s important that the powers do not unnecessarily impede your agent’s ability to manage all of your financial affairs?

5) If your DPA is “springing” – meaning that your agent’s powers are triggered by your incapacity - is the definition of “incapacity” reasonable and practical? The method by which your agent is required to prove your incapacity may be looser or stricter than you may want or need.

Advanced Health Care Directive 1) Is the primary agent you appointed still the person you’d prefer (trustworthy and responsible) to make health care decisions for you in your stead?

2) Have you appointed at least one appropriate candidate to serve as alternate agent in case your primary agent is unwilling or unable to serve?

3) Did you appoint only one primary agent (and only one alternate at a time)? Note that if you name co-agents, and they disagree or reach an impasse, it could cause family heartache, compromise your health care decisions, and possibly result in litigation.

4) Is the AHD still valid? In or before the early 90’s, AHDs (then called “Health Care Powers of Attorney”) automatically expired after seven years, so some people have older documents they don’t realize have expired.

5) Is a HIPAA release included in the body of the document or attached?

Current HIPAA (federal privacy law) render this specific release necessary to ensure that a copy of your medical records will be given to your agent when he or she needs them.

6) Does your AHD have provisions directing your agent to carry out your particular wishes, such as those governing “heroic measures,” organ/ tissue donations, and disposition of remains?

Mr. Silverman is an attorney with Buchman Provine Brothers Smith LLP, 1333 N. California Street, Suite 350, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; (925) 944-9700; rsilverman@sbllp.com. His practice emphasizes Estate Planning, Trust Administration & Probate, Real Estate, and Business.

Mr. Silverman offers a free introductory consultation.

This article is intended to provide information of a general nature, and should not be relied upon as legal, tax, financial and/ or business advice. Readers should obtain and rely upon specific advice only from their own qualified professional advisors. This communication is not intended or written to be used, for the purpose of: i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code; or ii) promoting, marketing, or recommending to another party any matters addressed herein.

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Over 10,000 People Will Turn 65 Everyday in the Next 18 Years

By Karen Mudd, Interim HealthCare It’s on the news. It’s in the papers. It’s the aging of our American population, and it’s happening right before our eyes. As the number of older citizens continues to rise, a new and growing segment has emerged...the active senior.

These Americans, in their late 70’s and above, can be characterized by their independent lifestyles and relatively good health. However, they can also be characterized by their feelings of loneliness and their increasing inability to perform the daily tasks that let them remain independent. They need help, and their situation is becoming more common everyday.

The Need for In-Home Support Services is Increasing for Seniors Today, 12 million Americans spend all or part of their day helping five million older family members and friends live comfortably at home. Many of these caregivers are their children, Baby Boomers now in their mid 40’s and 50’s, at their peak earning potential and busy with their lives and careers. The majority are women and 25% of them care not only for both their parents, but also for their own children. Half of them work outside the home. And nearly all of them, at one point or another, find themselves overwhelmed with responsibility.

Caregiving is a demanding, difficult job, and no one is equipped to do it alone.

Getting help is essential. Respite care provides breaks from the daily routine of caregiving. It can relieve stress, restore energy, and promote the necessary balance in life.

The culmination of these trends has created a new burgeoning demand for inhome assistance and companionship. And today, more than ever, active seniors

Take Advantage of Higher IRA Contribution Limits

By Sima Alefi For the first time since 2008, contribution limits have risen for one of the most popular retirement savings vehicles available: the IRA. This means you’ve got a greater opportunity to put more money away for your “golden years.”

Effective earlier this year, you can now put in up to $5,500 (up from $5,000 in 2012) to a traditional or Roth IRA when you make your 2013 contribution. And if you’re 50 or older, you can put in an additional $1,000 above the new contribution limit.

Over time, the extra sums from the higher contribution limits can add up. Consider this example: If you put in $5,000 per year to an IRA for 30 years, and you earned a hypothetical 7% per year, you’d wind up with slightly over $505,000.

But if you contributed $5,500 per year for those same 30 years, and earned that same 7% per year, you’d accumulate almost $556,000 — about $51,000 more than with the lower contribution limit.

Keep in mind that if you have invested the above amounts in a traditional, tax-deferred IRA, you’ll be taxed on your withdrawals at your ordinary income tax rate. With a Roth IRA, your contributions are made with after-tax funds, but your withdrawals have the potential to be tax-free — provided you’ve had your account at least five years and don’t start taking withdrawals until you’re 59½.

(Not everyone is eligible to contribute to a Roth IRA, as income limits apply.)

If you have an IRA, you already know its advantages. If you aren’t investing in an IRA, you should be aware of these key benefits: Tax-deferred growth — A traditional IRA can provide tax-deferred growth while a Roth IRA can potentially grow tax-free, provided you meet the conditions described above. To get a sense of just how valuable these tax advantages are, consider this example: If you put in $5,500 per year (the new IRA maximum) for 30 years to a hypothetical investment that earned 7% a year, but on which you paid taxes every year (at the 25% tax bracket), you’d end up with slightly more than $401,000 — about $155,000 less than what you’d accumulate in an IRA. As mentioned above, you will eventually have to pay taxes on your traditional IRA withdrawals, but by the time you do, you might be in a lower tax bracket.

Furthermore, depending on your income level, some of your contributions to a traditional IRA may be tax-deductible. (Roth IRA contributions are not deductible.)

Variety of investment options — You can invest your funds within your IRA in many types of investments — stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit (CDs), U.S.

Danville Today News ~ March 2013 - Page 19 and those dear to them are opting for these services, known simply as Personal Care & Support Services (or sometimes referred to as private duty services).

Personal Care & Support Services Personal Care & Support Services are ideal for older people who wish to continue an independent lifestyle, but who would also benefit from companionship and assistance with daily activities. Trained employees (known as care professionals, companions, or aides) either visit the home a few times a week or live in the home, depending on the need. They assist in such activities as bathing and grooming, preparing meals, providing transportation, and much more.

Today, Interim’s Personal Care & Support Services are meeting this growing need for in-home assistance and taking some of the pressure off America’s 12 million family caregivers. These services help alleviate the stress naturally felt by family members and friends, and they provide seniors with the assistance they need to continue living a happy, independent life.

As one of America’s most trusted and experienced providers of in-home senior services, Interim HealthCare understands how important it is for people to stay in their homes. But sometimes the challenges of everyday living get beyond even the most independent-minded people. Our Care Professionals can provide the extra support needed to live an enriched life in the comfort of home. Call today for a free in-home evaluation 925.944.5779. When it matters the most, count on us.

I am honored to be a new contributor to Danville Today. Passionate about helping people, I will provide you with facts, tips, commentaries, and answers to any questions you may have regarding in-home care for chronically ill, disabled, or senior individuals.

Faced with family caregiving challenges throughout my life and with 13 years experience working in a hospital, it is my hope to provide useful information for you and your family. Contact me at karenmudd@interimhealthcare.com.

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Treasury securities and so on. In fact, within your IRA, you can create a mix of investments that are suitable for your risk tolerance, time horizon and long-term goals. Of course, investing always carries some risks, including loss of principal — but the risk of not investing may be greater, in terms of not having enough assets for retirement.

Here’s one more point to keep in mind: The earlier in the year you “max out” on your IRA contributions, the more time you’ll give your account to potentially grow. By reaching the new, higher contribution limits, and by fully funding your IRA as early in each year as possible, you can help yourself take full advantage of this powerful retirement savings tool.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

To contact Sima at Edward Jones call (925) 648-2590. Her office is located at 3472 Camino Tassajara, Danville in the Blackhawk Safeway Shopping Center.

For more information, visit www.edwardjones.com.

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Lindsay continued from front page new Wildlife Hospital Behind the Scenes presentation allows for a real-time peek at animal exams and treatment. The new Raptors! exhibit allows for a true bird’s eye view of flight, as participants lie horizontally in front of a simulation screen, a la Disney’s Soarin’ Over California. Meet one of the ambassadors at close range, and then watch him take his afternoon meal, or sit for a while, and lose yourself in the beehive activity of up to 10,000 honeybees obeying their queen (who is identified with a large white dot).

More than 50 species of live, non-releasable, native California animals are on display at Lindsay, such ground squirrels, Virginia opossums and a gray fox named Kin-tah who was found in a barn near Humboldt, California. Other creatures, such as Mexican free-tailed bats and tarantulas, dwell behind the scenes and make appearances for special presentations and school programs.

Officially founded in 1955 by Alexander Lindsay, a local businessman who taught neighborhood children about nature, the Museum has experienced a number of name and location changes over the years. Originally housed in an elementary school, the Lindsay Junior Museum moved in 1965 to a 5,000 square foot water pump house in Larkey Park where it housed non-releasable native wildlife and natural history objects.

In 1987, The “Junior” was dropped from the name in order to reflect its appeal to all age groups. Another move to its current 28,000 square foot location at 1931 First Ave in Walnut Creek was necessitated in 1993, and in 1996, the word “Wildlife” was added to the title to better express the Museum’s objectives.

Lindsay Wildlife Museum currently serves more than 100,000 visitors each year, including 40,000 school children. Approximately 600 volunteers are active in the museum's work, contributing more than 120,000 hours of service each year to education, wildlife care, museum operations, fundraising, and outreach. There is a volunteer job for nearly every interest and age group. Youth can participate as

See Lindsay continued on page 22

Page 20 - March 2013 ~ Danville Today News

Join Me at a Bridal Fair

By Barbara Persons, MD, Persons Plastic Surgery, Inc. First, a warm congratulations to the two fabulous women on my all-women staff who just got engaged.

As I watch these young brides plan their weddings, I find myself reflecting on what we all do to prepare for weddings, and how much has changed.

In 1946 my father, a fighter pilot just back from World War II, saw my mother walking across the quad at Auburn University. “She was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen,” he said to me, even now smiling at the memory, “and I knew right then I would marry her.”

Less than a year later, in a simple ceremony, my father in his a light tan suit and my mother in a modest Sunday dress, they were married. On Valentine’s Day this year, I brought my father home from the hospital to celebrate with my mother; they enjoyed dinner at my new home along with the rest of the family. Romance, I thought, has so many different faces.

It is thus that I think of weddings as more than a day to look beautiful, for over the years the wedding has become an event, even an entire weekend, unto its own.

Tattoo Removal

By Dr. Jerome Potozkin Some things in life simply aren’t made to last. At least that’s what Rachel M. learned several years ago when she was in her twenties dating someone named William. She and William were in love, and one summer evening Rachel decided to have “William” tattooed onto her lower back. The summer ended and so did Rachel’s relationship with William. Rachel was depressed because she now had her ex-boyfriend’s name on her back as a permanent reminder of her failed relationship. She was also very concerned about how this would impact her future relationships and if she would have to limit her dating pool to guys named William. Rachel consulted with me as to what her options were. Thankfully for Rachel, her story had a happy ending.

Tattoos and body art are very popular in the United States and throughout the world. An estimated 20 million Americans have a tattoo. About half of those report wishing they could remove their tattoo. My only advice for people choosing to have someone’s name tattooed is to only tattoo the name of your child or parent as those relationships are forever. If you are thinking about permanently placing the name of a boyfriend or girlfriend, don’t do it. It is always easier to not place the tattoo in the first place than to have it removed later on.

In my practice we have treated many tattoos. Laser tattoo removal has become the gold standard. Laser technology has made great strides in removing tattoos. A tattoo simply represents ink particles embedded in the dermis of the skin. The laser emits an intense beam of light that passes through the outer layer of skin. The light energy is converted into heat energy when it is absorbed by the ink particles. The particles are shattered into tiny pieces which are then removed by the cells of the body’s immune system. We numb our patients so that they do not feel anything during the procedure. If you were to have this done without numbing it would feel like bacon grease spattering on the skin. Ouch! Most professional tattoos require multiple treatments spaced about 6-8 weeks apart. After the treatment, the tattoo will gradually fade over time. Risks of treatment include crusting, loss of pigmentation, scarring, and partial fading. Most people do very well with laser tattoo removal. Laser treatments have much lower risk of scarring than the older methods of tattoo removal such as dermabrasion or surgical excision. I have seen some patients who tried a commercially available over the counter solution for treating tattoos.Unfortunately, these remedies do not work and can burn the skin.

Fortunately for Rachel, we were able to remove her tattoo. She is now happily married to someone not named William. If you have a tattoo that you would like to have removed, there is hope. We can help you just as we have many other people.

We are accepting new patients at our fully accredited laser facility in downtown Danville. Please call us today at 925-838-4900 to schedule a consultation.

Dr. Potozkin is a board certified dermatologist who has been serving the local community since 1993. His office is located at 600 San Ramon Valley Blvd, Suite 102 in Danville. He is accepting new patients. Please call 925-838-4900 Advertorial or visit Potozkin.com for more information.

www.yourmonthlypaper.com Vows taken are shared by families and loved ones, and promises are made not only between the betrothed but between friends and relatives. They wish to see each other more, to stay in touch, to remain inspired and hopeful. And, no matter what the age of the couple, there is a particular youthfulness about a husband and wife to-be that cannot be replicated elsewhere. The actual day is one of spontaneity (from spur-of-the-moment toasts to unconstrained laughter), happiness (the joy of the present to the promise of forever), and celebration (Music! Dancing! Love!).

Whether we are the mother of the bride, the maid of honor, or the flower girl, this is a day we all cherish—not just because of the way we looked, but because the way we felt-- just joyous!

My mother, I am sure, prepared far less for her entire wedding than my two nurses have done in the past week, but her marriage was no less inspired for it. Still, all that we do as we look towards the weddings to come this season is nothing short of fun. From tanning beds to flower arrangements, from public gift registries to hush-hush beauty tweaks, there is much to plan. One place to begin the merriment is a bridal fair. There are some upcoming events in our area. I will be at a few of them, and I hope you will be there too!

• Saturday, March 9th, 11am-3pm - Bridal Open House, Tiburon • Sunday, March 10th, 11am-4pm - The Romancer Wedding Show, Alameda • Sunday, March 17th, 11am-4pm - Happily Ever After Starts Here Bridal Faire, El Cerrito • Sunday, April 7th, 11am-4pm - The Bay Area Wedding Fair, San Ramon • Sunday, April 21st, 11am-4pm - San Francisco’s Bay Area Wedding Fair & Gown Sale, San Francisco • Saturday, April 27th, 1pm-4pm - Bridal Faire, San Ramon Dr. Barbara Persons is a Plastic Surgeon and owns Persons Plastic Surgery, Inc. located at 911 Moraga Rd, Suite 205 in Lafayette. She may be reached at 925.283.4012 or drbarb@ personsplasticsurgery.com.

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SMD continued from front page gered, newly discovered, and recently rediscovered plants populate the Diablo Wilderness.

In 2005, Michael Park took a different route back to his car while doing graduate study work on Mount Diablo and spied a dainty annual thought for 69 years to be extinct: Mount Diablo Buckwheat.

Attempts to establish additional The Mount Diablo Sunflower is found only in the Diablo colonies with seedlings grown wilderness. Photo by Scott Hein. at UC Berkeley have not succeeded. Camera traps triggered by motion have been set beside the single known population to determine what fauna co-exist with this species. On Lime Ridge in 2008, amateur botanist David Gowan discovered two previously unknown plant species: the Lime Ridge navarettia and the Lime Ridge wooly star.

Warning: the magic of the mountain indigenous Miwok people considered the seat of creation is hard to resist. Many of the participants in Four Days Diablo become avid volunteers and/or significant donors. Hannah Alger had never heard of SMD before her sister-in-law gave her information about FDD last spring. At 77 Alger found the invitation to hike once again a welcome challenge. “I never before met such a dedicated, enthusiastic, and happy group of volunteers. I want my grandchildren and yours to have and share this beautiful landscape.”

John and Tena Gallagher became dedicated volunteers after experiencing FDD in 2005. John, now a Board member, trucks the “kitchen” and other equipment from site to site during the April event. Tena takes home tableware to sanitize in the dishwasher and return to the mountain. Hikers attend a preparation meeting a month before the trek and rejoin one another for a reunion months later highlighted

by Scott Hein’s exceptional photographs.

Sue Ohanian became involved with SMD when she retired. “Four Days Diablo synthesized my prior experience with Save Mount Diablo as a donor and volunteer, and it strengthened my belief in the cohesion of the organization. Core cohesion is so critical.”

Nancy Woltering read about FDD in the Clayton Pioneer and signed up for the 2011 excursion. Now a part-time staff member, she describes the way the

See SMD continued on page 22

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Vertigo

By Kimberly Liotta, DC and Melissa Ko, DC, Sycamore Valley Chiropractic What is it?

Vertigo is the sensation that you are spinning, whirling, tilting, or even falling. Other symptoms of vertigo include headache, jerky eye movements, sweating, ringing in the ears, hearing loss, or feeling nauseous. People suffering from vertigo are prone to losing their balance and may have trouble walking or standing up without falling over. Over Dr. Liotta 30% of people over the age of 65 suffer from dizziness, and patient care costs are over $8 billion per year for falls and $1 billion per year for balance disorders. Causes of dizziness and vertigo are unexplained in 40 – 80% of cases and are one of the most common complaints in a primary care facility.

What causes it?

Vertigo is caused by a confusion of nerve signals between the four balance and positioning systems in the body and the brain. These four systems are vision, the inner ear, sensory nerves, and skin pressure. All of these systems provide information to the brain about where you are in space. This information is what helps us make minor postural adjustments to continue standing still, even on uneven surfaces. In patients with vertigo, the inner ear system most commonly is the source of un-matched information. The inner ear is made up of three tiny bones, semicircular canals, and the vestibulocochlear nerve. These components all work in conjunction to pass fluid through the ear and transmit a signal to the brain about where the body is in space. When these structures become misaligned, fluid builds up around the nerve, thus disrupting the message to the brain. However, this is only one possible cause of vertigo. Injury or disease of the inner ear can also cause a false detection of movement leading to vertigo. It is important to check with a health care provider to rule out other complicating factors.

How can Chiropractic Help?

Doctors of Chiropractic check a patient’s spine for alignment and make gentle adjustments so that the spine and nervous system can function optimally. For patients with vertigo, it is important to check for alignment in the neck. The first bone in the spine, called atlas or C1, is located between the skull and the rest of the spine. Being

Your Personal Nutritionist

By Linda Michaelis, RD. MS. Good Nutrition Means Avoiding Constant Hunger and Cravings for Sweets Dr. Jeff, a local physician, decided to take advantage of my Eight Week Royal Treatment weight loss program. This special program is based upon several studies that confirm if a person changes their eating habits over a two month period, they have the optimal chance of reducing weight and keeping it off – less time is not as effective, and more time has diminishing returns. My eight week program includes visiting the client’s home, making an assessment of their refrigerator and pantry, taking them on a supermarket tour, planning detailed menus, and following up frequently through phone, email and face-to-face sessions.

When Jeff called me he was complaining that in his quest to lose weight he felt he was always hungry and craved sweets, and as a result he could not drop the weight he wanted. He came to my office for an initial session with his wife Ellyn and brought a food diary covering a few days. I could immediately see why he is always hungry - his diet was very low in protein and fiber, especially during his busy day. For the second session I went to his home and made an inventory of their refrigerator and pantry where my low protein and low fiber diagnosis was confirmed. There were several types of cheese, leftover spaghetti with marinara sauce, fresh eggs, veggies, and a fruit bowl on the counter. Jeff is a “cracker boy,” as he noted and explained the many boxes of unhealthy crackers in the pantry.

There were no ready to take meals or snacks for the office, such as hard boiled eggs.

Jeff and his wife agreed to go with me to Trader Joe’s to set them up with fresh, tasty meals that would be available for their high paced lifestyle. Jeff loves Trader Joe’s but was shocked to see all the great food items that he simply overlooked or was unaware of how to prepare. We went aisle by aisle and through each item where we discussed meal and snack ideas based on what we saw.

In the lettuce section I introduced them to the organic bags of arugula that is delicious with diced fennel, fresh beets, and fresh quartered artichokes to be thrown in salads. We bought shredded cabbage and shoestring carrots that would

Danville Today News ~ March 2013 - Page 21 closest to the brain, every nerve in your body goes through C1, making it the most important area to check, especially when a patient has neurologic symptoms. The inner ear is also examined for alignment. If needed, this is a very quick and easy adjustment with tremendous results! It helps the inner ear structures to realign allowing the built up fluid to move properly through the canals. Once the fluid has drained, the nerve signal to the brain will clear up, and the patient will stabilize. The number of adjustments needed varies from patient to patient. Patients in our office have been relieved of symptoms in as little as a single adjustment Dr. Ko and up to four or five adjustments in more severe cases.

Other ways to help…

There are several things patients can do at home to relieve and reduce the symptoms of vertigo. Simple dietary changes, such as eating regular meals each day and sipping fluids rather than gulping them, can help keep fluid levels in the ear balanced. Also, foods that are processed, sugary, high in salt, or beverages containing caffeine should be eliminated as they also disrupt fluid balance and pressure. Nutritional supplements such as CoQ10 can be beneficial as it increases blood flow to the brain. Walking and exercising regularly will improve function of both the body and the nervous system. There are also exercises that can be done to prevent or reduce the symptoms of vertigo.

The most simple and popular is called the Brandt-Daroff Exercise: The patient begins seated upright and moves into a side lying position with the nose pointed 45 degrees up. Hold this position for 30 seconds, and return to the seated position.

Repeat this movement on the other side, and complete 20 repetitions twice per day.

The best gift you can give a person with vertigo is the gift of living stable and balanced. If you or a loved one is suffering for symptoms of vertigo or dizziness, consider a spinal check by a Doctor of Chiropractic.

1 http://vertigo-round.com/statistics-on-vertigo-dizziness-and-balance-disorders/ 2http://vertigo-round.com/statistics-on-vertigodizziness-and-balance-disorders/ 3http://www.webmd.com/brain/tc/dizziness-lightheadedness-and-vertigo-topic-overview?page=2 4 http://vertigo-round.com/vertigo-and-dizziness-diet-and-nutrition-tips/ 5http://www.livestrong.com/article/410135-supplements-vertigo/

Sycamore Valley Chiropractic is located at 565 Sycamore Valley Rd. West in Danville. Please visit their website at www.sycamorevalleychiropractic.com or call 925-837-5595 for more information or to schedule an appointment. Advertorial make delicious Asian coleslaw, along with Persian cucumbers, cilantro, sundried tomatoes, and sesame oil to be used to make low-fat hummus. I introduced them to Just Chicken, Fresh Grilled Chicken Strips, and Balsamic Grilled Chicken Breasts which are all better than greasy rotisserie chickens. We bought the 97% fat free Hebrew National hot dogs that will be enjoyed with fat free baked beans, and pickles. We also purchased individual serving packages of almonds that Jeff liked for taking to the office, and I suggested he create a trail mix with dried cranberries and Kashi Go Lean cereal which would help slow down his consumption of too many nuts. In addition, I showed Jeff the best cracker on the market called Akmak, which has lots of protein and fiber. He found he liked the nutty, grainy taste.

We went to the grains section where they found foods they never heard of such as quinoa, whole wheat couscous, faro, barley, and bulgur. We scheduled a cooking lesson the next day where I would show them how to simply prepare these grains. I pointed out the popular Roasted Red Pepper and Butternut Squash Soups which I recommend as a side to lunch. They learned that the lentil vegetable, black bean, and minestrone soups are heartier and provide protein and fiber and they are a great complement to a sandwich or a chicken caesar salad.

The couple was excited to see how I put meals together for them while shopping. At their home, I helped them prepare the hot dogs with fat free baked beans, which were served alongside pickles and sauerkraut that they had in the pantry.

Jeff was so full after this meal that he said he felt like he would never be hungry again. We then made tabouli with whole wheat couscous and veggies, coleslaw, and low fat hummus to be kept in the refrigerator for quick snacks.

I set up a meal plan for them and then followed this up with evening phone calls to see how they liked the menu I planned. I was thrilled to hear that Jeff was experiencing a happy fullness after each meal without wanting to snack. He felt that his energy level during the day was high and remained constant while seeing patients. I am also glad to inform you that Jeff has lost 10 pounds, which he said was painless. Now Jeff shops weekly and makes sure that at home there are many choices for meals that are properly balanced with protein and fiber.

I am glad to inform you that your health insurance may pay for nutritional counseling. Please call me at (925) 855-0150 or e-mail me at lifeweight1@yahoo. com and tell me about your nutritional concerns. Refer to my website www.

LindaRD.com for past articles, recipes, and tips in my blog section. Advertorial

Page 22 - March 2013 ~ Danville Today News

The Eye Opener

By Gregory Kraskowsky, O.D., Alamo Optometry Broken Blood Vessel in the Eye When patients call into the office with a concern of a broken blood vessel (subconjunctival hemorrhage) in the eye, they are usually pretty scared about what is happening to their eye. In a very high percentage of cases, this is a completely benign condition; it just looks a lot worse than it actually is.

For patients who have never had this happen to them before, it can be a scary situation to see your eye extremely red. We have found

SMD continued from page 20 organization negotiates to get groups with totally disparate priorities to agree on common goals. “Save Mount Diablo overcomes polarity by extending a welcoming hand to many different individuals and groups; it brings people together to enjoy, appreciate, and ultimately preserve the mountain and its surroundings.”

Executive Director Ron Brown and the SMD staff monitor more than 40 planning agendas a week to evaluate their potential impact on the mountain. The more the population in communities surrounding the mountain grows, the more important the mission of making the Diablo Wilderness appropriately available for recreation becomes. Ron explains that the approach required to preserve this large, diverse ecosystem for future generations needs to satisfy everyone’s interests whether economically, politically, environmentally or aesthetically based.

Communications Coordinator Beryl Anderson addresses the misconception that SMD is anti-development. By advocating intelligent planning for development that preserves the watershed, wildlife corridors and breathtaking vistas, SMD ensures that development enhances real estate values and provides future generations with access to an incomparable wilderness in their own backyards.

In 2012, 1,450 volunteers gave 15,000 hours of service to Save Mount Diablo. Stewards walk properties under SMD management to inspect the condition of trails, fences, and buildings. Others offer services that don’t include outdoor expertise. Whatever time or talent you want to donate to the mission is valued.

Mount Diablo State Park was first dedicated in 1921, with no funding allocated to purchase land. In 1930 the park still contained zero acres when Mary Bowerman began cataloguing the plants of Mount Diablo for her UC Berkeley senior undergraduate project. Walter Frick, owner of much of the mountain, granted Mary permission to wander throughout his property. In 1931, California bought 348 acres from Frick, and the park was dedicated once again.

The opening of I-680 in the1960s created a population explosion that brought conservation advocates together. On December 7, 1971, Mary Bowerman and Arthur Bonwell held the first meeting of Save Mount Diablo.

Their original goal of protecting the mountain by advocating conservationbased legislation soon evolved as they realized that raising funds for land acquisition was a critical component of preservation.

“Mary Bowerman was one of the people going back to the time of John Muir carrying on the conservation tradition of the Bay Area to protect places they felt were special,” Sproul explains. Art Bonwell had the practical skills to make Bowerman’s visions viable. Today SMD carries on their work by matching complimentary skill sets such as Land Programs Director Seth Adams’s ability to visualize how properties fit into the preservation puzzle and Executive Director Ron Brown’s capacity to rally community support.

For information on Four Days Diablo, day hikes, family events, volunteer opportunities and much more, visit www.savemountdiablo.

SMD founders Mary Bowerman and Art Bonwell org or call the office at 925-947-3535. on the mountain in 1993. Photo by Stephen Joseph.

www.yourmonthlypaper.com that patients generally think the worst when something goes wrong with their eyes and/or vision. As I tell everyone, thankfully most of the time the condition is treatable and will not lead to permanent vision loss. However, that is not the case all the time; therefore a visit to the eye doctor is prudent to come up with the correct diagnosis and treatment plan.

A subconjunctival hemorrhage occurs when a very small blood vessel (capillary) bursts within the layers of the front part of the eye. This bleeding will usually obscure the eye so you can’t see through to the white part of the eye, and it can happen anywhere on the surface of the eye. These small bleeds generally get larger after the initial incident because the outside layer of the eye has a cellophane look and feel to it; this tends to push down and spread out the blood. I will tell patients that the eye will look a little worse in the initial 24-48 hours before the blood starts to get reabsorbed.

With a hemorrhage of this kind, the patient should have no other symptoms besides the red eye. There should be no pain, discomfort, vision loss, or discharge. Patients often do not even notice it until they look in the mirror or are asked by someone else, “What is wrong with your eye?” It is at this point that a call is made for an office visit.

The most common cause of this condition is “It just happens.” Most of the time, a patient will go to bed fine and wake up with the hemorrhage. Other typical causes are trauma to the eye, heavy lifting, coughing, high blood pressure, and secondary to some medications. I have found that blood pressure is usually not the cause as it would require extremely high blood pressure to have an effect. Some medications including aspirin, prescription blood thinners, and some OTC medications such as ginkgo biloba in some people can cause the blood to thin too much and be a reason for the hemorrhage. However, these medications are usually prescribed for a heart condition and some blood disorders, and they are therefore necessary for the health of the patient. I will always instruct the patient to not change their current medications, but know that it might lengthen the time for full recovery.

Once the diagnosis is made, there is no treatment necessary. The blood will reabsorb within 1-2 weeks depending on the size of the initial hemorrhage. As the blood breaks down on the surface of the eye, it might start to change colors, similar to a “black and blue bruise.” If the cause of the hemorrhage was a foreign body to the eye, then I will prescribe a mild antibiotic to cover against an infection.

Cool compresses will not hasten recovery, but I would avoid warm compresses as heat dilates your blood vessels, thus bringing more blood to the area. I find most patients just need to understand what happened, to have reassurance that it is nothing to worry about, and to know that it is not contagious. Even though this condition is completely benign, it can be confused with other issues that require treatment. You should have your eyes checked at the office to ensure that the eyes are healthy and that there is no need for treatment or referral.

Dr. K. at Alamo Optometry is your hometown eye doctor for outstanding service, vision care, and designer eyewear. He can be reached at 925-820-6622 or visit his office at 3201 Danville Blvd., Suite 165 in Alamo. Visit our newly updated website at www.alamooptometry.com, and become a fan on our Alamo Optometry Facebook page.

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Lindsay continued from page 19 teacher’s helpers or interpretive guides. Adults can participate in rehabilitation or animal husbandry. They can be museum interpreters, docents, or exhibit volunteers. Volunteers are also utilized in the gift-shop – a treasure trove of beautiful and whimsical wildlife items including puppets, books, tee’s and socks.

Orinda resident Jim Lautz has been volunteering his time since 2009 and has held nearly every volunteer position available. As a semi-retired media content professional, Lautz spends about 11 hours minimum per week at the hospital. He also takes part in the Home Care Program, where in the past he has housed in his backyard a pack of raccoons. He claims that the Museum’s ambassador birds know him and recognize his voice – something he proves by holding a “conversation” with the resident raven.

Volunteer Miriam Delay-Friant is new to the Museum. The Danville resident was looking for a volunteer activity that involved her love of animals, specifically birds. She works three hours per week as a docent, walking the exhibition hall and dispensing information that she herself has learned on the job. “It is so rewarding, learning about the animals, and sharing that knowledge with others, especially children who are like sponges and are thirsty to know more.”

To learn more about the various volunteer programs, call 925-935-1978 or visit the Museum’s informative website at http://wildlife-museum.org. Learn more about the Museum ambassadors, exhibits, and program dates and times. A free volunteer orientation will be held June 13th, from 5:30-7pm. And finally, there is no medical insurance for wildlife. Community donations allow the Museum to save the lives of thousands of patients. Contributions are vital to sustaining the Museum, its educational programs, and wildlife rehabilitation hospital. Become a member and take your significant other on a date that you won’t soon forget – and make sure to catch the golden eagle.

editor@yourmonthlypaper.com

Danville Today News ~ March 2013 - Page 23

New Drugs Give Hope for Colon Cancer

By Jewel Johl, MD

March is colorectal cancer awareness month and a reminder to patients aged 50 and older to be screened either through occult blood test or colonoscopy. Screening for colorectal cancer can identify premalignant lesions and detect early stage cancer.

Approximately 150,000 new cases of large bowel cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States, of which 108,000 are colon cancers and the remainder rectal cancers. Annually, approximately 50,000 Americans die of colorectal cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death, and it accounts for approximately nine percent of cancer deaths overall.

Several new drugs have been approved for metastatic colorectal cancer and have the potential to extend survival and improve patient quality of life. Some of these drugs work in a unique, biological way. While some are approved to be given in combination with chemotherapy, one is approved to be given by itself to patients who have advanced metastatic colorectal cancer and have run out of standard chemotherapy options.

While new drugs continue to give hope to colorectal cancer patients, early detection is still critically important to patient’s survival. Screening for colorectal cancer can identify premalignant lesions and detect early stage cancer. There are several tests that are available for colorectal cancer screening. While stool occult blood test can detect cancer at an early stage, colonoscopy has the potential to prevent cancer by detecting polyps that can be removed prior to malignant transformation. Screening needs to start even earlier for patients with hereditary forms of colon cancer (HNPCC) or when a strong genetic predisposition is suspected.

Jewel Johl, M.D. is a Medical Oncologist with Diablo Valley Oncology. One of his specialties is treating colorectal cancer. He practices at the California Cancer and Research Institute in Pleasant Hill and at a satellite office in Brentwood. For more information, call (925) 677-5041.

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Page 24 - March 2013 ~ Danville Today News

The Combs Team Professionals You Can Count On

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925- 9 8 9 - 6 0 8 6 www.TheCombsTeam.com Danville Real Estate Sales: Pricing Tricky in a Changing Market One of the greatest challenges facing a buyer and seller in a rapidly changing real estate market that we currently find in Danville is pricing to market value. Market value is defined as “the price a willing buyer and willing seller agree in the absence of duress.” What this means is simply that the seller is not forced to sell and the buyer is not forced to buy due to abnormal pressure. In our market, a short sale creates duress for the seller. Lack of alternative properties (low inventory) creates duress for the buyer. Our current Danville market has elements of both.

We have a limited quantity of quality inventory, and about 1/3 of properties sold are distressed.

The fact that Danville properties are selling in a range that includes sales below $300 per square foot and more than $500 per square foot clearly illustrates that both buyer and seller duress is present in Danville Real Estate Market. Otherwise, Danville Real Estate would be selling in a tighter range. In nearly every article I write, I discuss average price as it is a great measure to show overall price movements between time periods. Think overall price trends. Median price is a good measure for showing the mix of properties being sold. During the down turn large expensive properties were not selling well. Smaller less expensive homes were. Hence, there was a much lower median price than prior to the downturn, and there is a higher and improving median price today as lenders are once again making super jumbo loans. While both measures are useful, neither measure is in itself perfect for every property at any given point in time.

The attached graphic, a simple bell curve, illustrates this point perfectly. From February 19, 2012 to February 19, 2013 a total of 390 Danville homes sold. The average price was $891,112 dollars, while the median price was $793,750.

Moving from left to right on the chart we can see that the bottom 25% of homes sold at an average price of $601,981 and a median price of $624,500. In the center the middle 50% of properties sold at an average price of $815,124 and a median price of $797,000. To the far right you can see that the top 25% of Danville home sales begin at $978,250. The median price is $1,200,000 and the average price is $1,343,716.

At first glance it seems clear that pricing a home sitting in the middle 50% is far less of a challenge than pricing at the margins. In the middle, average and median price are separated by a mere $18,000, while at the margins the spreads are more than $100,000. If only it were that simple.

When we dig into the detail in the numbers, we discover that nearly $200,000 separates the high-

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est priced home from the lowest priced home sold within each of the three separate groups on the bell curve.

So how do you determine the right price to sell your Danville home, and how does a buyer determine what price to offer? If the seller uses average price and the buyer uses median price, it seems likely that there is a better chance of making a deal on those properties sitting in the middle 50% than at the margins. However, because of the manifold differences among individual properties, neither measure is necessarily useful.

Correctly pricing Danville Real Estate for sale today involves both an element of science (the numbers) and art which comes from experience with all types of properties selling within the Danville market. Only solid judgment based upon extensive local market experience and correctly choosing the right comparative homes recently sold can help with this.

If you have been thinking about selling your home, Nancy and I would be glad to prepare a free market analysis specific to your home. We would welcome the opportunity to help you develop ideas on how to best prepare your home to optimize its market value. Please feel free to give us a call or send and email to joecombs@thecombsteam .com. Nancy and I routinely publish articles about our local market that never make it to the newspaper. These articles can be viewed on our website www.thecombsteam.com.

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Data presented in this column is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the Contra Costa and Alameda MLS service and other quoted sources.

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