The Valley Sentiinel_August 2013

Alamo • Danville • Blackhawk • Diablo • San Ramon

Look inside for the latest Regional in Nature Activity Guide!

VALLEY

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SENTINEL always for the community VOl 18, nO 8

august 2013

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SPOTLIGHT

America’s Wounded Military Heroes’ Dinner and Golf Classic Sunday, September 29, 2013 Sentinels of Freedom Dinner Gala Diablo Country Club, Diablo, CA Guest Speaker Read Admiral Winston Copeland, USN (Ret.) Monday, September 30, 2013 Sentinels of Freedom Golf Tournament Diablo Country Club, Diablo, CA.

ECRWSS

PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID DANVILLE, CA PERMIT NO. 70

Thank you to the sponsors that have committed to this event to date: Fieldstone Cabinetry, Destino Wines, Chevron, John Muir Health, Anvil Builders, Braddock and Logan, The Prescott Family, Sentinel Newspapers, Excel Graphics, ALIVE Media, American Airlines, ENGEO, Vietnam Veterans of Diablo Valley.

There are still sponsorship opportunities available. For information call (925) 3806342.

On July 18th the first of two annual Hot Summer Nights Car Shows in downtown Danville had a fantastic turnout.

This year marks the 60th year since the first generation of Corvettes, and there were many to see. This is a great family event and includes music, food, great cars and a throng of lookers. It’s a blast from the past! Come for the next show on August 15th from 4pm to 9pm.

Hartz Avenue Beautification Project

Changes are soon coming to the north end of Danville’s downtown

Postmaster: Dated Material

By Staff Writer

Sentinel Newspapers, Inc. 390 Diablo Road, Ste. 145 Danville, CA 94526 925-820-6047

The north end of Hartz Avenue is reminiscent of the 1950’s when stores had glass façades with parking in the front. For several years, though, the Town has contemplated sidewalk and roadway upgrades to extend the charm and character of Danville’s

historic downtown to this northern retail area. Upgrades to the roadway such as antique street lamps, brick-banded sidewalks, and rows of street trees were imagined.

With the recent acquisition of right-of-way from adjoining

property owners, the Town is now poised to bring the dream to reality with a $1.9 million project to beautify the Hartz Avenue streetscape between Railroad Avenue and Diablo Road. Diagonal public parking will replace spaces that currently abut the buildings on the west side, as well as drainage improvements and street repairs. Unneeded pavement will be replaced with ornamental landscaping including areas designed to

This month’s Special Section:

Kids & Teens – Back to School

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filter rainwater before it drains to San Ramon Creek. The project will bring a renewed look and vitality to this important retail area.

Construction of the project, which is expected to get underway in the winter of 2013, will be complicated by the Town’s need to first relocate existing buried utilities.

Electricity, telephone, cable, See IMPROVEMENT page 8

• ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT • dining out • music • art • theater • fun events

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The Valley SenTinel

California Society of Printmakers Now-September 5 T h i s ex h i b i t f e a t u re s printmaking of all types: book arts, silkscreen, monotype,

august 2013

woodcut and linocut, lithography, mixed mediums, e t c h i n g a n d l e t t e r p re s s.

The California Society of Printmakers is the oldest continuously operating

31st Annual

sic & u o M ival m a st e Al F e Win Alamo Plaza

fit ne ! e b ls o ds ee scho c o al r P oc l

Sponsored by the Alamo Rotary Club

September 7, 2013 Noon - 10 p.m.

Music provided by Push (Dan Ashley) Agency & Groove Doctors Dinner provided by Faz, Maggie Ray’s and Rotary BBQ

Dinner Tickets $15

Agency

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association of printmakers in the United States. It is a non-profi t arts organization with an international membership of print artists and supporters of the art of fine printmaking. Harrington Gallery: 4444 Railroad Avenue in Pleasanton. Information: Visit www.firehousearts.org/ harrington-gallery or call 925931-4850.

Hot Summer Nights Car Shows August 15 4-9pm. A street party like no other, Danville’s Hot Summer Nights Car Show combines classic cars and camaraderie to create an evening of summer celebration. Downtown streets are lined with muscle cars, hot rods, and vintage rides dating up to 1976–some traditional and some sublime–while live bands play ‘50s and ‘60s music to people dancing in the streets. You can also browse the myriad of food, drink, and souvenir booths along the way, or stop off in one of the downtown shops or restaurants. Free. Downtown enc y Danville.

Information: 925437-3649.

Thank You San Ramon!

Movies August 16, 23 The City of San Ramon invites you to help us celebrate

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• Auto • Home

valleysentinel.com o u r 30 t h a n n i ve rs a r y o f incorporation while we say thank you for making San Ramon a wonderful place to live, work and play. “The Goonies” will be playing on the 16th at the Dougherty Station Community Center from 8:30-10pm. Put on your favorite fashions for film favorites from the 1980’s on the 16th, also at the Dougherty Station Community Center.

On the 23rd, bring your floats and deck chairs and dive-in at the San Ramon Olympic Pool to enjoy “E.T.”. The pool will open at 7pm for free swimming with the movie starting at 8pm, Dougherty Station Community Center; 17011 Bollinger Canyon Rd., S a n Ra m o n ; S a n Ra m o n Olympic Pool and Aquatic Park; 9000 Broadmoor Drive., San Ramon. Information: www.sanramon.org.

Dixieland Jazz 2-5pm. On the 3rd Saturday of every month you can enjoy the music of the Devil Mountain Jazz Band.

Bring your own beverages, snacks and a friend or two!

There is a large dance floor and lots of free parking. $15.

Grange Hall, 743 Diablo Road, Danville. Information contact Ken at www.jazznut.com or phone 925-625-2707.

Art and Wine Stroll August 22 6-9pm. Enjoy a fun-filled evening of wine tasting,

small bites from Danville restaurants, the latest offerings from our shops, live music, a commemorative wine glass and trolley rides during the 10th Annual Art and Wine Stroll in Danville.

Select businesses will stay open late to host some of our area’s finest wines as you stroll throughout downtown Danville, Danville Livery and The Rose Garden. Enjoy live music and entertainment throughout the evening.

Tickets are $25 each and can be redeemed for wine glasses at each venue from 5:30-7:30pm the night of the event. Information: www. discoverdanvilleca.com.

Where Have All the People Gone?

August 23-September 30 With more than thirty paintings and sculptures, “Where Have All the People Gone?” is an in-depth survey of figurative work from the artists at NIAD (National Institute for Artists with Disabilities) Art Center in Richmond, California. Long known for its powerful abstract paintings, NIAD Art Center has a secret: a cadre of its artists also produce an amazing

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James C. Leonard, Artist WWW.JAMESCLEONARD.COM Studio Visits by Appointment 925-314-9451

• ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT • dining dining out out •• music music •• art art •• theater theater •• fun fun events events

valleysentinel.com A&E from page 2

and vibrant body of work that, well, looks at bodies.

Following in the painterly footsteps firmly established by the first generation of Bay Area Figurative painters, NIAD’s artists have found numerous ways to re-invigorate the tradition. Village Theatre Art Gallery: 233 Front Street in Danville. Information: Visit www.villagetheatreartgallery. com or call 925-314-3400.

Red Dragonfly Productions: Diablo Valley College Rock, Rhythm, and Blues Revue August 25 2pm. Steve Sage and Diablo Valley College present music students of all ages in a showcase revue featuring a wide variety of musical genres and instrumental and vocal settings. This is rollicking fun for everyone! $7/advance and

august 2013 $9/door-General Admission.

Empress Theatre; 330 Virginia St., Vallejo. Information: Call (707) 552-2400 or visit www. empresstheatre.org.

Laurent Fourgo Ensemble August 29 Not your typical Bay Area Jazz band! Laurent Fourgo brings his crooning, smooth vocals to the standards made famous by artists such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bobby Darin, Louis Armstrong, Nat King Cole, and more recently Michael Buble. Complementing Laurent is Jason Bellenkes delivering incredible, enthusiastic, colorful and warm sounds on reeds (sax, clarinet). The rhythm section includes Doug McKeehan on the piano, double bass player Tom Martin and the incredible Bill Belasco on drums; some of the best musicians in the Bay Area. Ageless, passionate performances of the immediately recognizable vintage favorites guaranteed to please any audience! The Village Theatre: 233 Front Street, Danville. Information: Visit www.villagetheatreshows. com or call 925-314-3466.

Heartland Danville Antique and Art Faire September 2 9am-3pm. Discover Danville Association will host the Antique and Art Faire on Railroad Avenue.

Antique retailers from the Tri-Valley and local artists will display their collectables for your shopping pleasure. The Museum of the San Ramon Valley will host an antique appraisal clinic, and for a nominal fee you can dust off those hidden treasures in your house and take them in for an appraisal.

Ella the Musical September 6-October 12 The Queen of Jazz. The First Lady of Song. The great

The Valley SenTinel Ella Fitzgerald. It’s a life lived out loud in this exhilarating new musical that weaves myth, memory and music to tell the uplifting and poignant story of one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time. It’s 1966 and the fabled songstress is preparing for one of the most important concerts of her career. Ella reflects on her life, her secrets and the love of music that made her soar.

Center REP: 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: Visit www.centerrep.org.

Internet Cat Video Festival September 7 3-10pm. Whether they are eating cheeseburgers, playing keyboard, or just being grumpy, cats are the stars of the Internet. In honor of our feline friends, Community Concern 4 Cats invites you to the Internet Cat Video

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Festival. The film will be shown At sunset on a big screen–bring a picnic and save a spot! Prior to the show there will be music, art, children’s activities, and animal rescue organizations. Great food will be available including catering from Diablo Valley College Culinary School’s students.

The East Bay Vintners Alliance will be pouring from numerous area wineries and Pyramid Ale House will provide beer. $10 for adults, $5 for children 3-12, free for 3 and under. Heather Farm Park on Ygnacio Valley Road in Walnut Creek. For more information contact Ann Fox @ 925-588-5885, or visit www. communityconcernforcats. org/2013/05/catvid/or visit our Facebook page.

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The Valley Sentinel August 2013 Advertorial

Solar–part of a diversified portfolio

By Mark Becker, GoSimpleSolar

I would have never predicted that the disappearance of the California Solar Initiative rebates for residential customers (except for new or fully remodeled homes) would have had no negative impact on the solar business. Conversely, business is better than ever. Aside from an improving economy, the continued adoption of solar PV can be attributed to a growing recognition on the consumer’s part that there is essentially very little downside risk for solar as an investment.

If only we could predict the future. Would it create more happiness?

My initial thought would be yes! Stock Market, absolutely!

Is it going to be a boy or girl?

Well…sometimes surprises are nice. With further reflection, despite its benefits, I think that being able to predict the future would take the excitement out of life.

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Unlike the potential of picking a poor stock or being stuck in a declining stock market, energy prices continually rise.

A high percentage of our solar PV projects are installed on the homes and businesses of financial professionals; their only concerns are the details of the installation vs. the details of the financials. They know they want solar, they are simply seeking the right contractor to install it. They understand the advantage of hedging energy costs at prices lower than today’s PG&E prices. If you could have bought all the gas for your car ten years ago at $1.50/gallon, think of the money you’d be saving today. It’s the same principle.

The financial professionals also understand that payments to PG&E will never provide a financial return on investment.

“Solar, part of a diversified investment portfolio” is how the purchase of solar PV is viewed by these professionals. They also understand that the lowest long-term cost of ownership of a solar PV system is not achieved by lowest installation cost. It’s achieved by choosing field proven products and a specialty licensed installation team. It’s your roof, and a 25+ year investment.

Electric Cars (EV’s): I’ve found that my EV has saved me the cost of maintenance and gasoline–it’s a business write-off as well. I think there is little doubt that a car fueled with electricity is the car of the future. If you purchase or lease an EV, check out our website to determine if switching to an electric car charge rate is the correct choice for you. Not all kilowatts are charged equally.

In most cases, due to the nature of the “time of use” costs of the PG&E car charge rate, there are better rate choices unless you have a solar PV system installed. To reduce the cost of an EV, there are California and Federal rebates available up to $10,000. Many EV’s are inexpensive to lease as well.

Further validation of the financial returns of solar: The United States has just surpassed 10 gigawatts of installed solar PV capacity, the fourth nation to do so. We’ve increased our energy sources, and reduced the amount of emissions into our environment. It would be logical for one to think that the world’s largest economy with the world’s largest energy demand would have the most solar energy capacity. However, that title goes to Germany.

To their credit, the world’s worst polluter, China, is trying to clean up its act by tripling the amount of solar PV production.

Not all of this program is

altruistic. This program has the added benefit of propping up their failing solar panel companies; even more reason to buy American.

Technology: One of the most common questions posed to me is about solar PV technology; whether a customer should wait for something new. Two years ago I had the fortunate experience of making a visit to the home of the lead solar PV scientist for Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. I posed the same question to him. His response: “There is no new technology that will be within financial reach of the average business or homeowner for the next ten years.” It turns out that there are materials more efficient than silicon, but silicon is the currently the most plentiful and inexpensive material to turn sunlight into energy.

“The future is not something we enter. The future is something we create.”

—Leonard I. Sweet Mark Becker is the President of GoSimpleSolar,

by Semper Fidelis Construction Inc, a Danville based Solar Installation Firm (License 9 4 8 71 5 ) . M a r k c a n b e reached at 925.915.9252. Visit GoSimpleSolar’s showroom at 114 West Prospect Avenue in Danville or visit www.

GoSimpleSolar.com, or email Mark@GoSimpleSolar.com.

Advertorial

925-984-2497

How to help prevent cancer

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Do you know what to do about back pain?

By Gautam Prasad, M.D., Ph.D.

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When I see men and women who were diagnosed with cancer, they frequently ask, “why me?” Many tell me that they have led healthy lifestyles including engaging in regular exercise, not smoking, and drinking in moderation.

Unfortunately, cancer is the result of mutations in our cells and cannot be fully prevented.

However, there are several things you can do to improve the odds in your favor: 1. U n d e r g o r o u t i n e screening tests as directed by your primary care physician.

These include annual mammograms for women and annual rectal exams for men. In addition, a colonoscopy every 10 years is recommended.

Many times these tests can find pre-cancerous conditions which can be treated with minimal side effects and much better outcomes.

2. Eat healthy with an emphasis on fresh fruit and vegetables. Colorful fruits and vegetables are full of important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. While you can get some of these nutrients by taking multi-vitamins, they cannot replace raw fruits and vegetables.

3. Exercise regularly.

While you don’t have to go to an expensive gym, it is important to regularly engage in physical activity. You can jog, speed walk, ride a bike, or swim at least three times per week for 30 minutes or more.

4. Don’t start smoking or, if you do smoke, quit as soon as possible. Smoking is a causative factor in numerous cancers including those of the lung, head and neck. Even if you smoke heavily, quitting dramatically reduces your risk of cancer.

5. A s k y o u r f a m i l y members about their own personal experiences with cancer. If you have had multiple family members with cancer it is possible that you may have a genetic disorder that

predisposes you to cancer. If that is the case, your primary care physician can recommend specific preventative measures or screening tests.

Otherwise healthy patients sometimes ask me why they can’t simply get a “scan” (CT or MRI) to see if they have cancer.

The problem is that these scans, if done indiscriminately, very rarely find cancer but often show benign “lumps” or “masses.” Biopsying these masses to rule out cancer can be painful and cause numerous side effects. For instance, if you have a mass in your lung and it is biopsied with a needle it can cause your lung to collapse and require you stay in the hospital with a tube in your chest. This is why doctors must remain judicious in ordering scans.

While you cannot fully prevent cancer, the above steps are proactive measures you can take to improve your odds.

Dr. Gautam Prasad is a Radiation Oncologist with Epic Care, a group of experts in the diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of cancer and blood disorders. www.epic-care.com

valleysentinel.com August 2013

The Valley Sentinel

Advertorial

Are you living with a pain in the neck?

Natural treatment for chronic neck pain

By Dr. Niele Maimone, DC

If you are suffering with neck pain from a pinched nerve or herniated disc, you know how debilitating it is and how the pain slowly leaks the vitality from your life. At Align Healing Center we specialize in treating pain naturally. It is our mission to help relieve pain without the use of drugs, invasive procedures and without inducing more pain!

If you or someone you care about suffers from pinched nerves or disc related pain, it is worthwhile to explore the natural therapies that are available today.

What is cervical disc herniation?

The bones (vertebrae) that form the spine in your back are cushioned by round, flat discs. When these discs are healthy, they act as shock absorbers for the spine and keep the spine flexible. If they become damaged, they may bulge abnormally or break open (rupture), in what is called a herniated or slipped disc. Herniated discs can occur in any part of the spine, but they are most common in the neck (cervical) and lower back (lumbar) spine.

A herniated disc usually is caused by wear and tear of the disc. As we age, our discs

lose some of the fluid that helps them maintain flexibility.

A herniated disc also may result from injuries to the spine, which may cause tiny tears or cracks in the outer layer of the disc. The jellylike material (nucleus) inside the disc may be forced out through the tears or cracks in the capsule, which causes the disc to bulge, rupture or break into fragments.

What are the symptoms of a herniated disc in the neck?

Herniated discs in the neck (cervical spine) can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the neck, shoulders, chest, arms, and hands. In some cases a very large herniated disc in the neck may cause weakness or unusual tingling affecting other parts of the body, including the legs.

Arm pain from a cervical herniated disc is one of the more common cervical spine conditions. The arm pain from a cervical herniated disc results because the herniated disc material “pinches” or presses on a nerve in the neck, causing pain to radiate along the nerve pathway down the arm. Along with the arm pain, numbness and tingling can be present down the arm and into the fingertips. Muscle weakness may also be present due to a cervical herniated disc.

How can I heal my pain without drugs or surgery?

1. Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy Non-surgical spinal decompression is a state of the art treatment that has been helping thousands of patients with chronic neck or low back pain, sciatica, and herniated, bulging or degenerated discs.

This is an entirely different treatment from traditional chiropractic adjustments.

Many of the patients who are candidates for this procedure have already tried chiropractic, physical therapy, injections, and/or were told they would need surgery.

This breakthrough treatment works by gently separating the vertebra which decompresses the disc, thus causing the bulging material to be drawn back into the disc. Non-surgical spinal decompression is very effective, has a high success rate, and can be utilized for both cervical and lumbar disc injuries.

2. Class IV Laser Therapy Laser treatments at Align Healing Center are done with the K-laser 1200 Class IV Laser.

Class IV Laser therapy gets to the root of the injury and treats it at the cellular level, providing energy to the cells so they can heal. This laser does not cut or burn but is gently absorbed by the tissue. During

Dead birds in Danville test positive for West Nile Virus 925-771-6195 or visiting www.

The Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District announced that eight more dead birds in Contra Costa County are positive for West Nile virus. Two of the birds, both American Crows, were found in Danville near the intersection of Camino Ramon and Greenbrook Drive. Other birds have also been recently found in Antioch, Brentwood, Concord, Pittsburg, and Walnut Creek.

Birds are the reservoir for West Nile virus. People can become infected when a mosquito bites a bird and then a person. West Nile virus symptoms of the mild form include fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, and swollen lymph glands.

While the illness can last only a few days, even healthy people have reported being sick for several weeks. West Nile virus of the severe form can be fatal.

“It only takes one bite to get West Nile virus from an infected mosquito and anyone

of any age can get this disease,” said Deborah Bass, public affairs manager for the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District. “But, contracting the virus is largely preventable by taking simple, but very important precautions. They are worth the time. In the words of a local survivor of the disease, having West Nile virus is like ‘having the flu, polio, and a stroke all at the same time.’”

Residents are urged to help reduce their risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases by following these guidelines: Dump or drain standing water. Mosquitoes can’t begin their life without water.

Defend yourself against mosquitoes using repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.

Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are present, typically dawn and dusk.

Report neglected swimming pools by calling

ContraCostaMosquito.com.

Anonymous calls accepted.

Just one neglected pool can produce more than 1 million mosquitoes and affect people up to five miles away.

Since 2005, 42 people in Contra Costa County have been diagnosed with West Nile virus.

In 2006, two people died from the disease. Recent studies have shown that the majority of cases are not diagnosed and grossly under reported. For 2013, a total of four groups of mosquitoes and 19 dead birds have tested positive for the virus.

Visit the District’s website or click on these links for current West Nile virus activity.

Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District, an independent special district and public health agency, serves Contra Costa County, including Danville. Call the District to report mosquito problems at (925) 771-6195.

each painless treatment, laser energy increases circulation, drawing water, oxygen and nutrients to the damaged area.

This creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness and pain.

As the injured area returns to normal, function is restored and pain is relieved.

There is hope!

We have found that a combination of Class IV laser therapy and spinal decompression offers outstanding results in

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healing stubborn pain due to a pinched nerve, bulging discs or spinal degeneration.

This unique combination of non-invasive therapy offers a chance for realizing a permanent cure for neck or back pain.

This eliminates the long-term care commitment forced upon patients by other symptomatic low-back pain treatments, such as drugs, injections or surgery. With proper care and rehabilitation of your spine you can be back to your healthy self quickly!

For more information about Dr. Niele Maimone, DC or to set up a complimentary consult call 925.362.8283 or visit www. alignhealingcenter.com.

7 Things You Must Know Before Putting Your Home Up for Sale San Ramon Valley - A new report has just been released which reveals 7 costly mistakes that most homeowners make when selling their home, and a 9-Step System that can help you sell your home fast and for the most amount of money.

This industry report shows clearly how the traditional ways of selling homes have become increasingly less and less effective in today’s market.The fact of the matter is that fully three quarters of homesellers don’t get what they want for their homes and become disillusioned and worse–financially disadvantaged when they put their homes on the market.

As this report uncovers, most homesellers make 7 deadly mistakes that cost them literally thousands of dollars. The good news is that each and every one of these mistakes is entirely preventable. In answer to this issue, industry insiders have prepared a free special report entitled “The 9 Step System to Get Your Home Sold Fast and For Top Dollar”.

To hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE copy of this report call toll-free1-866-265-1682 and enter 2000. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Get your free special report NOW to find out how you can get the most money for your home.

This report is courtesy of J. Rockcliff Realtors #01763819.

Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. Copyright © 2013

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The Valley SenTinel

august 2013

Dangerous and plentiful, wild boar are destructive to wildlife and habitat

By James Hale

Wild boar (Sus scrofa) are the wild ancestors of the domestic pig and feral hogs, both animals with which they freely hybridize. Wild boar are native across much of Europe, the Mediterranean Region, North Africa’s Atlas Mountains, most of Asia, Japan and Indonesia. Populations have been introduced as a big game animal for hunting in some parts of the world, including the Americas and Australia.

In the 1700’s Spanish and Russian settlers introduced domestic pigs to California a n d m a ny b e c a m e f e ra l populations. They are now found in all 58 California counties.

Wild boar were first introduced into California by George Gordon Moore. He obtained a dozen animals from Hoopers Bald, North Carolina, from Ural Mountain Russian stock, and introduced them into Carmel Valley at the San Francisquito Ranch. Two dozen more were released in Las Padres National Forest some eight years later. These true wild boar individuals have increased their range, interbred with feral hogs and have been relocated throughout the state.

Wild boar are the most popular hunted big game animal in California. Some

6 million wild boar inhabit at least 39 states in North America.

Other populations have become established after escapes of wild boar from captivity and hunting enclosures. In the East Bay, they’re found all around Mount Diablo, through Morgan Territory Preserve and the Sunol Wilderness as well as other open spaces in Contra Costa County.

Wild boar are one of the most ferocious animals. When a boar is wounded, with young or cornered, it can become very dangerous.

Wild boar d o n o t h ave good eyesight, however their hearing and sense of smell are acute and they will know of your presence long before you will know of theirs.

Great regional differences exist with respect to the size, shape, color and other characteristics of the wild boar.

In general, the body is compact, the head is large, the legs short and the pelage consists of stiff bristles underlined with a usually finer fur. Wild boar are typically dark grey to black or brown, however whitish to silver animals are known from Russia and central Asia.

Adult boars can measure over 80 inches in length, not counting a rope- like tail up to 16 inches, and have a shoulder height of over 45 inches. Large wild boars of 450 to over 500 pounds are not uncommon.

Romanian and Russian boars over 700 pounds have been confirmed.

Adult male boars develop continuously growing tusks, or upper and lower canines, which serve as weapons and tools. The upper tusks are bent upwards in males and are constantly sharpening the lower ones to produce near razor sharp edges.

The tusks often exceed 6 inches in length and may exceed 9 inches in huge males.

W i l d boar piglets have marbled chocolate and cream stripes lengthwise over their bodies. At 6 months the stripes begin to fade as the piglets take on the adult’s coloration.

The chief enemy of wild boar are humans, although mountain lions, coyotes, bobcats and golden eagles take a few young and subadults.

Adult male wild boar are usually solitary, while females and their offspring live in groups called sounders with

valleysentinel.com numbers varying from 15 to over 50 individuals.

Depending on environmental and nutritional factors, puberty for sows ranges from 8 to 24 months, with pregnancy lasting approximately 115 days. Before birth (farrowing), the sow will construct a mound-like nest out of vegetation and dirt.

Wild boar and feral hogs can rapidly increase their population. Sows can have up to twelve offspring per litter, although litter size is typically 4 to 6 piglets. Sows are able to have two litters per year.

Each piglet reaches maturity at six months of age. Piglets weigh 1 to over 2 pounds at birth, and rooting behavior, digging in the earth for food, begins as early as the first few days of life. Wild boar piglets begin to eat solid foods such as worms and grubs after about two weeks. They are fully weaned after three to four months.

Wild boar are omnivores, consuming almost anything, including green vegetation, roots, tubers, fruit, crayfish, frogs, salamanders, eggs, f l e d g l i n g b i rd s, ra b b i t s, newborn fawns and carrion.

In the fall, acorns, walnuts and pecans become their staple diet. The os narialis, a sensitive and flexible cartilaginous disk at the tip of the snout, helps the boar to locate food in the soil when rooting with their tusks. Captive wild boar are trained to “sniff out” truffles, an expensive fungal delicacy that grows underground.

Wild boar rooting can be beneficial to some species while having negative effects on other plants and animals.

W i l d b o a r b r i s t l e s h ave been highly prized in the manufacture of paintbrushes because the naturally flagged bristle tips hold and disperse paint extremely well. Wild boar meat is sought after worldwide for human consumption and wild boar farming is becoming more popular.

I n M e d i eva l h u n t i n g the wild boar, like the hart (stag), was a beast of venery, the most prestigious form of quarry. Ulysses hunted the wild boar of Mount Parnassus.

Hercules’ fourth labor was to capture the wild boar of Mount Erymanthus alive. In Europe the wild boar and a boar’s

head are common charges in heraldry. They represent what are often seen as positive qualities of the boar, namely courage and fierceness in battle. The ancient Lowland Scottish Clan Swinton is said to have acquired the name Swinton for their bravery and clearing their area of wild boar.

In Celtic mythology the boar was sacred to the goddess Arduinna, and boar hunting features in several stories of Celtic and Irish mythology.

Gullinbursti (meaning “Gold Mane or Golden Bristles”) is a boar in Norse mythology.

In Hindu mythology, the third Avatar of Vishnu was Varaha, a boar. Folklore, in the Forest of Dean, England, tells of a giant boar, known as the Beast of Dean, which terrorized villagers in the early 19th century. Richard III used the white boar as his personal device and badge.

W i l d b o a r a n d f e ra l hogs have become a serious economical management issue throughout North America, particularly in Texas and California, where they cause agricultural and environmental d a m a g e. A c o n s e r va t i ve estimate of the cost of wild pig damage to agriculture and the environment in the United States currently stands at $1.5 billion annually, with $400 million in damage in Texas alone. Further, they pose a significant threat to native plants and wildlife.

Potential for disease transmission exists when feral hogs are associated with domestic livestock. Cholera, swine brucellosis, trichinosis, foot and mouth disease, African swine fever, and pseudorabies are all diseases that may be transmitted to livestock.

Hopefully, damage control through hunting and trapping programs will help to offset or mitigate some of their destruction.

James M. Hale is a wildlife biologist and Vice Chair of the Contra Costa Fish and Wildlife Committee.

valleysentinel.com August 2013

Key property acquired in East County

By Beverly Lane, East Bay Regional Parks District

With the purchase of the 1,885-acre Roddy Ranch near Antioch, East Bay Regional Pa r k D i s t r i c t w i l l a d d a key property to its public parklands in East Contra Costa County.

As was approved by the Park District board in June, the district will enter into an option to purchase Roddy Ranch for $14.2 million, the fair market value determined by an independent appraiser.

It’s proposed that the majority of the purchase price will be funded in partnership with the East Contra Costa Habitat Conservancy, using grants from the California Wildlife Conservation Board and a private foundation.

The balance will come from

the District’s Measure WW land acquisition bond funds, approved by voters in 2008.

The Roddys are a prominent, longtime ranching f a m i l y i n t h e a re a w h o partnered with the district to see that a large portion of their property would be set aside for wildlife habitat and public enjoyment, rather than development.

The land is located along Deer Valley Road south of Antioch. It’s beautiful, a level valley with prominent ridgelines on both sides. The conservancy has designated the majority of the property as a high priority for acquisition and protection because it is significant habitat for threatened and endangered species including the tiger salamander and California red-legged frog.

Acquisition is a major step in the creation of Deer

Valley Regional Park, which will be right in Antioch’s backyard. While it is closest to Antioch, it is not far from Marsh Creek Road which links to Clayton.

Often the Park District concentrates on adding land to existing Regional Parks.

However, the Deer Valley area was earmarked for a new park in 2007. Since that time, two parcels along Briones Valley Road were purchased by the Park District and another nearby parcel by Contra Costa Water District. The new Marsh Creek State Park provides an additional large preserved area to the east as does the water district’s Los Vaqueros Reservoir to the south. So, with all this open space, a possible regional trail is in the works which could eventually connect two regional preserves: Black Diamond Mines and Round Valley.

The valley Sentinel For people interested in wildlife corridors, the Roddy Ranch property just became the linchpin in open space large enough to make lots of animals very happy.

When you add up all the public lands between Black Diamond Mines and Round Valley/Los Vaqueros, the resulting wildlife corridor totals 36,820 acres.

In addition to the Roddy Ranch property, the Park District owns and manages thousands of open space acres in several regional parklands serving East County re si d e n ts. B e s id e s Bl a ck Diamond Mines and Round Valley, these include Antioch/ Oakley Shoreline and pier, Bay Point wetlands in Bay Point, Big Break Shoreline and Visitor Center in Oakley, Browns Island in the Delta, Contra Loma Regional Park in Antioch, Vasco Caves and Hills, Byron Vernal Pools south of Brentwood and a Delta Access property north of Discovery Bay, as well as Morgan Territory Regional P re s e r ve e a s t o f M o u n t Diablo. Several of these

August Garden To Dos General Garden Care Water all trees/shrubs deeply at least once every three weeks if in the ground.

Plants in containers may need daily water to survive.

Keep compost piles slightly moist, turn frequently.

Pick up and compost fallen fruit.

Stay cool—garden in the early morning or late afternoon. Avoid mid-day sun!

Fruits Prune berries when fruiting is finished.

Prune Apricots before rains to prevent Eutypa lata fungus from infecting pruning wounds.

Prop up fruit tree branches if needed to help with the fruit load.

Vegetables Raise squash and cucumbers off the ground so pests cannot tunnel into the fruit.

Start seeds of fall vegetables: direct seed beets, onions, Swiss chard, carrots, p a r s l e y, s p i n a c h , p e a s ; radishes, lettuce.

Start containers of broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale.

Plant a last row of corn to ripen in the fall.

Harvest vegetables frequently.

Flowers & Landscaping Plant fall blooming bulbs (Crocus, Lycoris).

Deadhead spent blossoms to keep plants blooming.

Divide bearded iris rhizomes if over three years of age.

Fertilize spring blooming plants- they are setting their buds now.

Fertilize warm season lawns.

For fall color, plant seeds of calendulas, Icelandic poppies, stock, snapdragons, sweet alyssum, sweet peas, violas.

Cut and dry summer flowers & herbs in dry shade.

Cut back straggly early summer color plants.

Fertilize chrysanthemums at the end of the month.

Garden Pests Drippy acorns? Drippy a c o r n s a re c a u s e d by a bacterium similar to Erwinia amylovora, the organism that causes Pear Fireblight. There is little to be done, just keep the plants as stress-free as possible and clean up fallen leaves regularly. Check plants for mite damage.

properties are in land bank status or awaiting transfer of ownership.

Once again, the District thanks all of you for your support, as the Regional Parks now cover 113,000 acres in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Be sure to look for Regional in Nature, the bimonthly calendar of District events which appears in this and other newspapers and is available at libraries and Regional Park visitor centers.

Or go to www.ebparks.org for a schedule of upcoming events.

Beverly Lane is a member of the East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors.

Her ward includes Central Contra Costa County from San Ramon through Concord.

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The Valley SenTinel

IMPROVEMENT from page 1

gas, and water services will be moved beneath the proposed sidewalk. The Town has engaged the various utility companies in discussions to move these services in advance of the road work. When this initial project phase is completed in the spring of 2014, roadway improvements will commence. A flurry of activity will be evident as concrete is poured, pavement is laid, and street trees are planted. The Town is working with local merchants to assure that access to your favorite stores is not obstructed.

Despite these efforts, some noise, dust, and inconvenience should be expected.

Completion of the project will represent another significant investment in Danville’s downtown as part of the Town’s Capital Improvement Program.

The Town encourages you to walk, dine, and shop while patronizing our local businesses.

And please remember to Shop Danville First.

For more information about this project, please contact Michael Stella, P.E., Senior Civil Engineer, at mstella@danville. ca.gov or ph. 925-314-3316.

august 2013

valleysentinel.com

Surviving Lunchtime While Staying Healthy

By Nora Heston

S c h o o l l u n c h e s h ave come under fire in recent years for being unhealthy.

Whether they are high in fat, carbohydrate-heavy or full of preservatives, the bottom line is some of the options your school is serving up may not be the best for your child.

I f yo u h ave t h e t i m e and the resources, packing your child’s lunch may be a better way to avoid the fatty, less nutritious meals being offered at school, but how can you pack a well-balanced brown bag lunch that your kids will actually eat?

Look beyond the obvious.

Pre-packaged lunch snacks are not always the best place to turn for healthy lunch bag fillers. Instead, try making your own “snack packs” with reusable mini sandwich bags and nutritious items from your local grocery store.

Fruits and veggies make excellent midday snacks, and the best part is – most kids enjoy at least some of the options your grocery store offers. Find your kid’s favorite and pack them in their lunch. If they have a few favorites, try alternating them throughout the week to keep things fresh. Items like veggie chips are gaining popularity, too – a great alternative to the usual bag of salty, greasy potato chips.

Browse the health food aisle to come up with other lunch bag stuffers, such as wheat crackers, baked chips or pretzel sticks. Even popcorn that isn’t overly

buttered and salted is a healthy alternative to most salty snacks.

Some nuts are even tasty to kids. Find out if your kid likes, and can safely eat, peanuts, pistachios, cashews or other kid-friendly items.

These nut options may be some of the tastiest for kids and will get them the protein and other healthy ingredients they need to stay full and energized throughout the day.

Next, the anchor. Get your kids the protein they need with a sandwich they won’t refuse. Chicken is a food that tastes good both hot and cold, so a grilled chicken sandwich packed w i t h f re s h p ro d u c e a n d healthy fats, like avocado, can be a lifesaver for their lunch pail (Not to mention healthier than the average packaged lunchmeat) Don’t h ave a c h i c ke n - l ove r o n your hands? Make a PB&J with all-natural peanut butter and a preservativefree jelly. If you have the time, you can even whip up your own creations like egg or tuna salad with low-fat or homemade mayonnaise.

When all else fails, opt for organic lunchmeat over the preservative-packed brands).

Don’t forget to throw a few icepacks in if the food needs to stay slightly chilled.

Sandwiches can get boring so look to other options to spice up a lunch.

Fun, colorful salads can be dressed up, or down, f o r k i d s. W h e n a n i t e m looks appealing, they are

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more likely to eat it. Or use alternative salads like fruit salad, pasta salad or your own salad creations packed with proteins to provide them with the boost they need to make it through the day. Check out Parents.com’s recipe section to learn how to make a salad your kids will love.

Don’t forget to throw in a special treat for your child.

Take one of their favorite items and make it a specialty once or twice a week. This can be done the same day every week as something to look forward to, or it can be given on days you know your child has a big test or a stressful presentation.

Don’t have time to pack a lunch every morning? Some parents find alternative ways to help their kids eat healthy without the daily chore of packing their lunches for them. Consider asking your child, if he or she is old enough, to make his or her own lunch. Teach them about nutrition and what food groups they should be hitting so they can pack a lunch you would approve of. Require a bag check to make sure they are following protocol.

Another alternative is to prepare lunches for the entire week on Sunday night so they can be easily thawed or stored until needed. Mark bags with the day of the week to help your family stay organized.

If school lunches are your only option, talk to your child about how to make healthy choices. Most schools offer some healthful options that beat the usual pizza and French fries that tend to be a lunch line staple.

Giving your child the tools he or she needs to create balanced meals will be an invaluable tool for them in the future, helping them make positive food choices not just today, but tomorrow, as well.

L o o k i n g t o re a l l y g e t creative with your lunches? to find well-balanced lunch creations all of your child’s friends will be jealous of, check out Real Simple’s guide (www.realsimple.com/foodrecipes and in the search box type “school lunch recipes.”

valleysentinel.com

august 2013

The Valley SenTinel

page 9

Recognizing signs of eating disorder can mean life or death

By Pamela Carltom, MD

“You can never be too rich or too thin.” This was written on a refrigerator magnet in the kitchen of my childhood home.

We all know that obesity is a real problem in the United States.

We hear about it daily on TV, on the radio and in the newspaper.

However, what we need is not only a battle against obesity.

We do not need a diet that cuts out fats and carbs in a frantic push towards thinness. What we need is to learn moderation and how to have a healthy, realistic relationship with our bodies and food. The truth is, there are medical risks at either extreme of the weight spectrum, but there’s a lot of room in the middle.

As a physician who treats teens and young adults with eating disorders, I constantly see the consequences of our society’s obsession with the “thin ideal” and the fear of fat. I care for children, some as young as twelve years-old, who have weakened hearts and brittle bones because they are not eating, over exercising and/or vomiting in an attempt to “not get fat.” There is no one reason why a child develops an eating disorder but one of the factors can be living in a society that demonizes fat and emphasizes

unrealistic body images. With a balanced diet and appropriate physical activity, people can be healthy at a great variety of weights. We need to shift our focus from weight and body size to physical health and body satisfaction.

Our children learn by emulating what they see and hear. If we send them healthy messages at home, hopefully, we can counter some of the dangerous messages they are bombarded with in the media.

There are three simple things that we can focus on.

Everybody’s body is different It’s commonplace in our society to freely comment on body size. Comments such as; “I hate how fat I am.” and “Wow, you look great. Have you lost weight?” reinforce that it’s good to be thinner and bad to be heavier. Instead of making comments such as these, we should teach our children that bodies come in all shapes and sizes and we must appreciate and celebrate this diversity.

There is a place for all foods in a healthy diet A balanced diet that includes all of the basic food groups is essential for good health.

However, because of various fad diets our society has managed

to demonize fats, sugars and carbohydrates, labeling them as “bad foods.” Totally eliminating these foods from our diets would cause serious nutritional deficiencies and medical complications. I am not saying that having doughnuts at every meal is healthy. I am, however, promoting a healthy balance.

None of the food groups are bad. We need them all in our diet in reasonable amounts in order to be healthy. And we need to explain this to our children.

Exercise is FUN While part of a healthy lifestyle is being physically active, today’s focus on exercise seems to only be about losing weight. When we say, “I have to go to the gym to get rid of these last 5 pounds,” we are sending a message that exercise is something to be dreaded.

Instead, physical activity should be promoted as a fun integral part of a healthy lifestyle. Getting out and doing active things as a family can accomplish this. Go ice-skating, hike or just splash around in the pool with your kids. Try different activities until you find a few that your family enjoys.

By taking the focus off of body size and instead focusing on a balanced diet that

includes all food groups, and appropriate physical activity you will increase the chance of your children developing a healthy body image and a healthy relationship with food. However, even with the healthiest messages at home, people sometimes develop eating disorders. Some of the warning signs that might indicate that your child is struggling with an eating disorder are: • L a rg e c h a n g e s i n weight • Preoccupation with weight, food, calories, fat grams and/or dieting • Preference to eat alone or excuses to avoid family meals • Development of food rituals such as limiting food choices, eating very slowly or cutting foods into small pieces • Cutting out whole food groups such as meat, carbs, fat, etc.

• Rigid exercise regimen despite weather, fatigue, illness or injury • Loss of menses, dizziness and fatigue • Social isolation, depression and moodiness If you are concerned that your child might have an eating disorder it is crucial to get help immediately. Eating disorders are life-threatening illnesses and

the sooner one gets treatment the better the chance that they will recover. Call your child’s doctor and explain that you are concerned that your child may have an eating disorder. If the doctor is comfortable treating eating disorders he or she can evaluate your child and help you to establish a treatment team if needed. If your child’s doctor is not experienced in treating children and teens with eating disorders, he or she can refer you to a specialist.

Over the years I have thought about that saying, “You can never be too rich or too thin.” And I realize, I’m not sure if you can be too rich, but I know that you can definitely be too thin.

Pamela Carlton, MD, Co-Founder of The Healthy Teen Project, Director of The Carlton Clinic for Eating Related Disorders. For more information call 650-962-4500 or visit www. doctorcarlton.com/the-healthyteen-project.

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valleysentinel.com

august 2013

What home health services does Medicare cover?

To be eligible for home

By David Sayen nursing care, physical therapy, speech-language pathology services, and occupational therapy.

Such services used to be available only at a hospital or doctor’s office. But they’re just as effective, more convenient, and usually less expensive when you get them in your home.

Medicare covers a variety of health care services that you can receive in the comfort and privacy of your home. These include intermittent skilled

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health benefits, you must be under a doctor’s care and receive your services under a plan of care established and reviewed regularly by a physician. He or she also needs to certify that you need one or more home health services.

In addition, you must be homebound and have a doctor’s certification to that effect. (Being homebound means leaving your home isn’t recommended because of your condition, or your condition keeps you from leaving without using a wheelchair or walker, or getting help from another person.)

Also, you must get your services from a home health a g e n cy t h a t ’s M e d i c a re approved.

If you meet these criteria, Medicare pays 100 percent for covered home health services for as long as you’re eligible and your doctor certifies that you need them.

For durable medical equipment (like a walker, w h e e l c h a i r, o r o x y g e n equipment), you pay 20 percent of the Medicareapproved amount, after you

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What isn’t covered? Some examples: · 24-hour-a-day care at home; · Meals delivered to your home; · Homemaker services like shopping, cleaning, and laundry (when this is the only care you need, and when these services aren’t related to your plan of care); · Personal care given by home health aides like bathing, dressing, and using the bathroom (when this is the only care you need).

If your doctor decides you need home health care, you can choose from among the Medicare-certified agencies in your area. (However, Medicare Advantage plans may require that you get home health services only from agencies they contract with.)

One good way to look for a home health agency is by using Medicare’s “Home Health Compare” web tool, at www. medicare.gov/HHCompare.

This tool lets you compare home health agencies by the types of services they offer and the quality of care they provide.

Fo r m o re d e t a i l s o n M e d i c a re ’s h o m e h e a l t h benefit, please read our b o o k l e t , “ M e d i c a re a n d Home Health Care.” It’s online at www.medicare. gov/publications/pubs/ pdf/10969.pdf.

David Sayen is Medicare’s regional administrator for Arizona, California, Nevada, Hawaii, and the Pacific Territories. You can always get answers to your Medicare questions by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-6334227).

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pay the Part B deductible ($147 in 2013).

Skilled nursing services are covered when they’re given on a part-time or intermittent basis. In order for Medicare to cover such care, it must be necessary and ordered by your doctor for your specific condition. Medicare does not cover full-time nursing care.

Skilled nursing services are given by either a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse under an RN’s supervision. Nurses provide direct care and teach you and your caregivers about your care. Examples of skilled nursing care include: giving IV drugs, shots, or tube feedings; changing dressings; and teaching about prescription drugs or diabetes care.

Any service that could be done safely by a non-medical person (or by yourself) without the supervision of a nurse, isn’t skilled nursing care.

P h y s i c a l t h e r a p y, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology services have to be specific, safe, and effective treatments for your condition.

Before your home health care begins, the home health agency should tell you how much of your bill Medicare will pay. The agency should also tell you if any items or services they give you aren’t covered by Medicare, and how much you’ll have to pay for them.

This should be explained by both talking with you and in writing. The agency should give you a notice called the Home Health Advance Beneficiary Notice before giving you services and supplies that Medicare doesn’t cover.

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valleysentinel.com

august 2013

The Valley SenTinel

page 11

New report shows real benefits of the Affordable Care Act for the people of California The Administration issued a new report highlighting the benefits of the Affordable Care Act for the people of California.

Thanks to the health care law, the 82% of Californians who have insurance have more choices and stronger coverage than ever before. And for the 18% of Californians who don’t have insurance, or California families and small businesses who buy their coverage but aren’t happy with it, new choices are just around the corner.

“Soon, the Health Insurance Marketplace will provide families and small businesses who currently don’t have insurance, or are looking for a better deal, a new way to find health coverage that fits their needs and their budgets,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

Open enrollment in the Marketplace starts Oct 1, with coverage starting as soon as Jan 1, 2014. But California families and small business can visit HealthCare.gov right now to find the information they need prepare for open enrollment.

Options The Health Insurance Marketplace Beginning Oct 1, the Health Insurance Marketplace will make it easy for Californians to compare qualified health plans, get answers to questions, find out if they are eligible for lower costs for private insurance o r h e a l t h p ro g ra m s l i ke Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and enroll in health coverage.

New coverage options for young adults Under the health care law, if your plan covers children, you can now add or keep your children on your health insurance policy until they turn 26 years old.

Thanks to this provision, over 3 million young people

who would otherwise have been uninsured have gained coverage nationwide, including 435,000 young adults in California.

Ending discrimination for pre-existing conditions As many as 16,133,192 non-elderly Californians have some type of pre-existing health condition, including 2,236,001 children. Today, insurers can no longer deny coverage to children because of a pre-existing condition, like asthma or diabetes, under the health care law. And beginning in 2014, health insurers will no longer be able to charge more or deny coverage to anyone because of a pre-existing condition.

Scrutinizing unreasonable premium increases In every State and for the first time under Federal law, insurance companies are required to publicly justify their actions if they want to raise rates by 10 percent or more. California has received $5,324,242 under the new law to help fight unreasonable premium increases.

Removing lifetime limits on health benefits The law bans insurance companies from imposing lifetime dollar limits on health benefits – freeing cancer patients and individuals suffering from other chronic diseases from having to worry about going without treatment because of their lifetime limits.

A Stronger Medicare Program M a k i n g p re s c r i p t i o n drugs affordable for seniors In California, people with Medicare saved nearly $574 million on prescription drugs because of the Affordable Care Act. In 2012 alone, 299,896 individuals in California saved over $183 million, or an average of $609 per beneficiary. In 2012, people with Medicare in the “donut hole” received

a 50 percent discount on covered brand name drugs and 14 percent discount on generic drugs. Nationally, over 6.6 million people with Medicare have saved over $7 billion on drugs since the law’s enactment. That’s an average savings of $1,061 per beneficiary. In addition, the average premium for a basic prescription drug plan in 2014 is projected to remain stable for the fourth year in a row, at an estimated $31 per month.

Covering preventive services with no deductible or co-pay With no deductibles or co-pays, cost is no longer a barrier for seniors and people with disabilities who want to stay healthy by detecting and treating health problems early.

In 2012 alone, an estimated 34.1 million people benefited from Medicare’s coverage of preventive services with no cost-sharing. In California, 2,153,101 individuals with traditional Medicare used one or more free preventive service in 2012.

Protecting Medicare’s solvency T h e h e a l t h c a re l aw extends the life of the Medicare Trust Fund by ten years.

From 2010 to 2012, Medicare spending per beneficiary grew at 1.7 percent annually, substantially more slowly than the per capita rate of growth in the economy. And the health care law helps stop fraud with tougher screening procedures, stronger penalties, and new technology. Over the last four years, the administration’s fraud enforcement efforts have recovered $14.9 billion from fraudsters. For every dollar spent on health care-related fraud and abuse activities in the last three years the administration has returned $7.90.

To s e e t h e re p o r t f o r California visit: http://www. hhs.gov/healthcare/facts/ bystate/statebystate.html.

Danville Fall Adult Sports league registration underway ed kickball, or act like a big Wednesday evenings and

The Town of Danville offers a variety of sports to get you out of the house and into a healthy exercise habit while having fun.

Pa r t i c i p a t i n g i n s p o r t s leagues is a great way to be active and spend time with friends. You can get your heart rate up with a little 5 on 5 basketball, unleash your inner child while playing co-

leaguer playing softball. For those who like their sports to be a little less physically demanding and a little more social, bocce ball may be the right choice for you.

Basketball is played on Tuesday evenings at Diablo Vista Community Gym. Bocce takes place Monday through Friday evenings at Sycamore Valley Park. Kickball is on

softball is played on Monday, Tu e s d ay, T h u rs d ay, a n d Friday evenings at Sycamore Valley Park. A completed roster and payment are due at the time of registration.

For more information about adult sport leagues, contact Sports and Fitness Program Coordinator Ian Murdock at (925) 314-3480 or imurdock@danville.ca.gov.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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For additional Community Events visit: www.ValleySentinel.com If your event is not listed... Please email your information to info@valleysentinel.com

We hope to see you there!

COMMUNITY EVENTS Volunteers Needed: Read to Preschoolers Volunteers are needed at childcare centers in Concord, Pittsburg, and West County. The Contra Costa County Library will supply books and resources. For more information, please contact Maureen Kilmurray at 925-927-3288.

Danville Farmer’s Market Every Saturday, Year-round 9am-1pm. Get the freshest seasonal fare at the Danville Certified Farmers’ Market. You’ll find fruits and vegetables direct from local farmers, along with fresh-cut flowers, bedding plants, fresh breads, and delicious specialty food items. Railroad & Prospect Avenue, Danville. Information: www.ci.danville.ca.us. (You can make donations of fresh vegetables and fruit for our local food pantries at the Loaves & Fishes Booth at the Danville Farmers Market.)

Free E-Waste Recycling Event 1st Saturday every month 9am-1pm. Got E-Waste? Bring unwanted electronic equipment, such as tvs, monitors, printers, computers and more to a FREE E-Waste Recycling event. ALL e-waste collected will be recycled in the U.S. Sponsored by Electronic Waste Management, a U.S. Certified E-Waste Collector. DVC on Golf Club Rd. in Pleasant Hill. Please visit www. noewaste.com or call 866-335-3373 for accepted and non-accepted items and more info.

Forest Home Farms Historic Park & Glass House Museum–Open for Fun on the Farm 2nd Saturday of each month.

10am-2pm. Enjoy tours of the Glass House Museum, the farm and its history, interactive exhibits including the tractor museum, the beautiful grounds and free activities. Visit the Welcome Center and purchase oldfashioned toys and gifts at the Gift Shoppe. Tours are $5 per person, or $8 for both tours on the same day. 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon. Information: 925-973-3284 or visit www.sanramon.ca.gov.

Trains Now-August 17 Tuesday through Friday 1-4pm, Saturday 10am-1pm; Sunday 12-3pm.

The exhibit features the collections of the MSRV Train Club. Entry fee: Adults $3, Children $1, Family $5, and Student with ID $2. Donations welcome. Museum of San Ramon Valley, 205 Railroad Avenue in Downtown Danville. Information: Visit www.museumsrv.org or call 925-837-3750.

Our Garden–Starting a Winter Garden August 14 9:30-11:30am. Speaker from 10am-11am: Janet Miller, Master Gardener.

Gardening Help Table from 9:30-11:30am. Believe it or not, it’s time to start planning and planting your winter garden! Janet Miller will talk about how growing vegetables in the winter has its advantages over summer vegetables, and what allowances have to be make for shorter days and less intense sunlight. Our Garden is a public demonstration garden of the Contra Costa Master Gardeners, located in Walnut Creek at the corner of North Wiget Lane and Shadelands Drive, just off Ygnacio Valley Road. Weekly speakers present a variey of information on edibles gardening and home gardening in general. North Wiget Lane and Shadelands Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: Visit ccmg.ucdavis. edu or email ccmg@ucanr.edu.

Ruth Bancroft Gardens: Yoga in the Garden August 15, 22, 29 6- 7pm. Breathe, stretch, pose and leave your eyes open to enjoy the nature around you with Yoga in the Garden! Sugi Yoga is a yoga technique that anyone can do. It is ‘comfort-based’ yoga which leaves you feeling flexible and renewed, not sweaty and worn-out. Pair it with the beauty and serenity of The Ruth Bancroft Garden and you have something really special. Spend some summer evenings with Jan Enderle, who will lead you through a gentle and energizing class that brings the garden and all that live there into your yoga practice. $15 General Admission; $12 Members – sign up for one class or the series. The Ruth Bancroft Garden; 1552 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek. For more information and to register: Please visit www.ruthbancroftgarden.org/ index.html or call 925-944-9352.

Wills and Trusts: a Legal Workshop at the San Ramon Library August 15 6:30-8:00pm. The Contra Costa County Bar Association is sponsoring this event. Attorney Ivette M. Santaella will talk about the importance of starting estate and business succession planning early, and setting in place the proper kinds of insurance. Experienced in estate planning and technology law, Ms. Santaella is certified and financially trained on life and long-term care insurance, and knowledgeable about special needs issues. She is fluent in both English and Spanish. Free. San Ramon

Library, 2nd floor meeting room at 100 Montgomery St., San Ramon, at the corner of Bollinger Canyon Road and Market Place. Information: Call the San Ramon Library at 925-973-2850

group; pets are not permitted on hikes. To find out the exact meeting location and to get on the email list, please call the Senior Center or email trailblazer88@comcast.net.

30th Anniversary Sustainability Fair September 7 10am-3pm. The Contra Costa Master Gardeners’ 2013 Sustainability Fair will be a day-long celebration of our commitment to sustainable and healthy gardens, with hands-on demonstrations and presentations throughout the day that will give you tangible ways to make your gardens flourish. Free. “Our Garden” is located at North Wiget Lane and Shadelands Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: ccmg@ucanr.edu or visit ccmg.ucdavis.edu.

Page Turners Senior Book Group Third Thursday of the month 1:30pm Drop in–all are welcome! Copies of this month’s book are on reserve for you at the San Ramon Library Front Desk. Book group meets at Alcosta Senior and Community Center, 9300 Alcosta Blvd.

Information: Carol Yuke, Adult Services Librarian 925-973-2850.

Annual 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony September 11 5:50-6:40pm. The Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley along with local veterans’ organizations are hosting the Annual 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony for the residents of the San Ramon Valley.

This event will feature prominent guest speakers, hundreds of Scouts with an array of American Flags, joint Police and Fire Dept. honor Guard, the San Ramon Valley High Chamber Choir, a flight of doves and many other patriotic contributions.

Immediately following the ceremony there will be free ice cream for the kids provided by Engeo. Current sponsors include PG&E, ATT, Pacific Rim Recycling, White Wing Dove Release and Danville Hot Summer Nights Car Show Team. All Wars Memorial, Oak Hill Park, 3005 Stone Valley Road, Danville. Information on Exchange Club of SRV please visit our website at srvexchangeclub.org

SENIORS Danville Seniors Unless otherwise noted, the following activities are held at the Danville Senior Center, Veterans Memorial Building, 115 E. Prospect, Danville.

For more information call 925-314-3490 or visit www.ci.danville.ca.us/ Recreation/Seniors.

Buzz Sessions: Get the buzz on topics and issues facing today’s older adults and talk with the experts. Buzz Sessions are always free! Information: 925-3143400 or visit www.ci.danville.ca.us/Recreation/Seniors.

Sneaker Trips: The Town of Danville’s Senior Sneakers program is a great way for you to make new friends and get out and around the greater Bay Area.

There’s always something new to see and learn.

All trips meet at the Danville Park & Ride lot unless otherwise noted in the trip details. Reserve your spot at the Danville Senior Center, 115 E. Prospect, Danville, CA 94526, on or before the registration date beginning at 8:30am. Information: 925-314-3400 or visit www.ci.danville.ca.us/ Recreation/Seniors/Senior_Sneaker_Trips.

The Danville Area Senior Hikes (DASH) are open to all adults and meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month. The group will set out from the Danville Park-n-Ride (next to the Sycamore Valley 680 North exit) at 9AM and return about 1Pm. Most hikes are not strenuous, but gradients are involved due to the local terrain. Distances are usually in the 4- to 5-mile range, and the pace is moderate, with stops to view scenery, wildlife and to talk about location history when appropriate.

Trailheads are reached via carpools; passengers are asked to make a donation of 10 cents/mile to the driver. If you are physically active join us for the open air, great scenery, fascinating nature, and friendly companionship. Information: 925-314-3400 or visit www.ci.danville. ca.us/Recreation/Seniors/Senior_Hiking.

San Ramon Seniors The following events are held at the Alcosta Senior & Community Center, 9300 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon, unless otherwise noted. For more information call 925-973-3250 or visit www.sanramon.ca.gov/parks/ programs/ages55+.htm.

Wisdom Wednesdays: Free workshops and informational sessions that will benefit you. They will give you free access to coffee, knowledge and a better understanding of important issues. Information: 925-973-3250.

Trips Trip Desk is open Tuesday from 10am-1pm. Sign up for trips at the travel desk or by depositing payment with registration form in the gold drop box found at the main entryway. Information: 973-3250.

Wednesday Morning Hikes (time and location varies) Join the San Ramon Trailblazers if you are interested in meeting new people, enjoying the outdoors, having fun and getting in shape. The group meets once a week at various locations, This is an adults only

BUSINESS Northern California Human Resources Association Presents: Developing a Successful HR Strategy August 7 9:30 am-3:30pm. Five Strategic Recertification Credits (also qualifies for general). HR managers juggle dual roles. As administrators, they focus on managing operations, while as strategists they focus on future organizational outcomes. Effective, technically proficient HR professionals move easily between these two roles. Learn the value and skills of taking a strategic approach to HR, and how it ensures you and your company thrive in tough economic times. Discover the operational HR functions with strategic potential you can use to improve productivity and ROI, while reducing legal risks and improving labor costs. You’ll leave the program able to: think strategically while acting operationally; determine whether your administrative competency hinders your credibility as an HR strategist, and vice-versa; use analytical measurements and techniques to influence policy and support business decisions; and measure what matters to positively impact the bottom line. Cost: General- $329 / NCHRA Members- $249. Heffernan Insurance Brokers; 1350 Carlback Ave., Walnut Creek. Information: www.nchra.org , call (451) 291-1992, or contact Denise Granados at dgranados@nchra.org Danville Area Chamber of Commerce: After Hours Business Mixer-San Damiano August 8 5:30-7pm. Business After Hours Mixer at the beautiful San Damiano Conference and Retreat Center. Join in lively conversation with other professionals! Have fun and bring lots of business cards to share. 710 Highland Drive, Danville. Information: www.danvilleareachamber.com SEO for Small Business Workshop August 13 8:30 am-12pm. San Francisco Business Times Workshop. Learn the practical fundamentals of Search Engine Optimization to help your company boost its visibility in Google and Bing. Diablo Country Club; 1700 Clubhouse Road, Diablo. Information: www.walnut-creek.com.

For complete information and regisration, go to www.sanfranciscobusinesstimes.com/seo.

San Ramon Chamber Third Thursday Mixer August 15 5:30-7:30pm. Meet other business owners for an opportunity to network and make your business more visible. $5 for members and $20 for non-members. Checks and cash only please.Sight and Sound Home Theater. 3151 Crow Canyon Place, Suite A,San Ramon. Information: Visit www.sanramon.org or call 925-242-0600 Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce: Business Financial Boot Camp August 21 9am-5pm. During this session, the presenters will outline the importance of bank financing options in cash flow management for business. Our experts will also discuss the components of business, the importance and purpose of bookkeeping, and the purpose of different financial reports. The importance of accounting, budgeting, and bookkeeping terminology will also be discussed. Other points to be discussed are as follows: lines of credit vs. business loans, cash vs. accrual accounting, and proper accounting data flow processes. The presenters will also discuss how to avoid excessive tax penalties and how to reduce small business’ taxes, as well as understanding many of the taxes that affect business and profits. $89.00. Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau; 1777 Botelho Drive #103.

Information: www.walnut-creek.com Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce: Your Third Happy Hour August 21 5:30-6:30 pm. Come join us for your Third Happy Hour. The Third Wednesday of every month, Third Workplace will be hosting a fun happy hour for our members. Grab a brew or a glass of wine with us and check out this sweet workplace perk. Meet fellow Third Workplace community members and gain valuable, professional relationships. This meet up is valuable for anyone who wants to take a break from their day for some good conversation with great people! RSVP to reserve

Please email your calendar events to the Sentinel at Info@valleysentinel.com by 5pm on the 20th of the month preceding publication month.

Inclusion in the calendar pages is at the sole discretion of Sentinel Newspapers, Inc.

valleysentinel.com

august 2013

The Valley SenTinel

page 13

COMMUNITY CALENDAR (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12) your place now! Third Workplace, 7000 Sunne Lane Suite 112, Walnut Creek.

Information: www.walnut-creek.com Alamo Chamber Mixer August 28 5:30-7:30pm. Chamber mixers are a great way to meet new people and network with business owners. Bring a raffle prize and you will have the opportunity to give a 30-second commercial! Come to network or catch up with old friends. $10 members, $20 soon-to-be members. Oak Hill Farm.

Information: alamochamberofcommerce. com.

Walnut Creek Chamber of CommerceB.A.S.H. (Business & Social Hour) Monthly Mixer August 29 5:30-7pm. Please join us at our next B.A.S.H. (Business and Social Hour).

The B.A.S.H. is a great opportunity to network with chamber members, government officials, educators and local businesses. This event is FREE to all Walnut Creek Chamber members and guests of members; non-member price is $10.00. Please bring your business card.

ManorCare Tice Valley; 1975 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. Information: www. walnut-creek.com

CLUBS and ORGANIZATIONS Fibro? CFIDS? Chronic Pain? If these are familiar to you, call about the San Ramon Valley support group for people who need support, information, classes and friendship from people who know what it’s like. We like to laugh while getting well.

Call 925-837-0510.

Hope Hospice Grief Support GroupsOngoing Hope Hospice provides support to help you understand and manage grief in a way that is healthy and appropriate.

Our Grief Support Center is available to all community members at minimal or no cost–whether or not Hope Hospice provided end-of-life care for your loved one. We begin by listening to how your grief is affecting you and together select a program that best meets your needs.

Hope Hospice offers individual grief counseling sessions and a variety of support groups tailored for children, teens, and adults, including a drop-in pet loss support group. Information: visit www.HopeHospice.com or call 925-8298770 to discuss which programs may be most appropriate for you.

taurant, Danville. Information: danvillerotary.org.

Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: rotarywc.org.

San Ramon Alzheimer Support Group 7-9pm. Meets the second Monday of each month, except on holidays. Sponsored by the Alzheimer Association.

People who know or are caregivers of Alzheimer victims can get information on how to help them through this difficult time in life. San Ramon Senior & Community Center, 9300 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon. Information: 925-973-3250.

Tri-Valley Weight Loss Team Meetup Group 5pm-6pm. Meets every Tuesday. Join a small, supportive group of people who have a common goal of losing weight.

Led by Dr. Dan Perez, the meetings focus on effective lifestyle strategies to lose weight and keep it off. Topics covered include diet, nutrition, eating strategies, exercises, motivational strategies, and any topic the group is interested in addressing. Information: www.meetup. com/Tri-Valley-Weight-Loss-Team.

Tuesdays: Danville am Toastmasters 7-8:30am. Meets every Tuesday. New members welcome. Father Nature’s Restaurant, Danville. Information: danvilleam.freetoasthost.org.

Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary 7am. Meets every Tuesday morning.

Crow Canyon Country Club, Danville.

Information: dsvrotary.com.

Diablo View Toastmasters 8:15-9:15am. Meets every Tuesday.

CMG Mortgage, 4th Floor Conference Room, 3160 Crow Canyon Rd., San Ramon. Information: 4160.toastmastersclubs.org.

ARF Pet Loss Support Group 12-1:30pm. Meets first Tuesday of every month. In a nurturing small group, you are encouraged to process feelings of grief resulting from the loss of pet.

Register with Vicki at 925-887-5678 or vickis@hospiceeastbay.org. ARF, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: arf.net.

Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Workshop Tuesdays, April 16 through July 30 11am-1pm. This 12-week workshop is for women who have just been diagnosed and are either in treatment or starting treatment. This series will help them address the emotional and physical issues that surface after diagnosis.

Guest medical experts will present information to the group. Meets at Cancer Support Community, 3276 McNutt Avenue, Walnut Creek. FREE. Please call to register 925-933-0107.

Recurring:

Walnut Creek Kiwanis Club 12:10-1:30pm. Meets every Tuesday.

Massimo’s Ristorante, 1604 Locust Street, Walnut Creek. Information: kiwanisofwalnutcreek.org.

Mondays: Danville Rotary 12pm. Meets every Monday. Faz Res-

Walnut Creek Rotary 12:15-1:30pm. Meets every Tuesday.

Heather Farms Garden Center, 1540

Prostate Cancer Group 7:30–9pm. Meets 2nd Tuesday of the month. Drop-in prostate cancer group for men and their loved ones. San Ramon Regional Medical Center, South Building, West Day Room. 6001 Norris Canyon Road, San Ramon. Information: 925.933.0107 or www.twc-bayarea.org/ community-programs.html.

Wednesdays: Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley 12pm. Meets the second Wednesday of every month. Sign-in and social time begins at 11:30. Guests are welcome with lunch reservations. Faz Restaurant, 600 Hartz Ave., Danville. RSVP 925275-2412. Information: coachstepper@ yahoo.com.

Alamo Rotary 12:15pm. Meets every Wednesday.

Round Hill Country Club, 3169 Roundhill Road, Alamo. Information: alamorotary. org.

Walnut Creek Host Lion’s Club 12:15pm. Meets the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Black Bear Diner, 700 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek. Information: walnutcreeklions. org.

Exceptional landscaping plants at great low prices. Local. Call 925 285-0351.

SERVICES Pool Service-If your pool looks like a pond, call John at 925-584-6333. It’s the last pool maintenance call you will have to make.

Decorative Painting-Painted Artistically Glazed Cabinets. Save money and let me paint and glaze your kitchen and bathroom cabinets or furniture. 25 years experience. Faux finishes/Murals. Free estimates. www.

Votartist.com. Christine Vota 925-8272358.

We all experience challenges in life, times when we could benefit from the support of a caring person. Stephen

Community News & Information Danville • Blackhawk Alamo • Diablo San Ramon

Ministers at Community Presbyterian Church in Danville, are trained to provide confidential, emotional and spiritual care to these individuals in our community. This is a FREE service open to all individuals. For more information, please call this private and confidential telephone number at (925) 855-1367, extension 558.

HELP WANTED Staff Psychologist (Level 1) Supervised job. Diagnose disorders based on assessments, tests, and records. Design, implement, evaluate and modify a variety of treatments.

Attend ind/grp supervision and didactics. Complete doc incl charts, notes, progress reports, assessments, trtmt plans, and discharge/transfer summaries. Must be a CA lic. Psych

Publisher/Editor-Denise Rousset Chief Financial Officer-Jeff Gummere Graphic Designer-Laurie Prindle Writers, Auto-David & Judy Colman IT Support-Light Speed Systems Interns-Michelle Du & Aaron Peng

www.valleysentinel.com

Danville Toastmasters Club #1785 7:30-9pm. Meets every Wednesday. Room W204 at Diablo Valley College,1690 Watermill Road, San Ramon. Information: danvilletoastmasters1785.com.

Veterans of Foreign Wars 7:00pm. Meets the third Wednesday of every month. Veterans Memorial Hall, 400 Hartz Avenue, Danville. Information: Post Commander Ernie Petagara at 925-362-9806 or vfwpost75.org.

Thursdays: San Ramon Valley Newcomers 11:30am-2pm. Meets the third Thursday of every month. New and longtime residents are welcome. Faz Restaurant, 600 Hartz Ave., Danville. $21 for lunch. Reservations/information: 925-828-8554.

Rotary Club of San Ramon 11:45am. Meets every Thursday. Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville. Information: sanramonrotary.org.

Blvd., Pleasant Hill. Information: www. windbellcenter.com/wp.

Diablo Numismatic Society 7-9pm. Meets the third Thursday of every month. Concord Police Community Meeting Room, 1350 Galindo Street, Concord. Information: diablocoinclub.org.

Clutterers Anonymous 7-8pm. Meets the second Thursday of every month. St. Luke’s Lutheran Church room 7, 2 491 San Miguel Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: 925-736-8627.

Diablo Valley Lions Club 7:30pm. Meets the 1st, 3rd, and 4th Thursday of every month. 1400 Montego Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: diablovalleyca.lionwap.org.

Saturdays: Diablo Region of the Porsche Club of America 7:30-9am. Meets every Saturday.

Buttercup Bar and Grill, 660 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. Information: diablo-pca.org.

A Course in Miracles 7-8pm. Meets every Thursday. Each meeting is spent discussing the concepts of A Course in Miracles and how to apply this practical philosophy in everyday life. Move through the lessons and reading at your own pace. Donations accepted. Windbell Wellness Center, 1924 A Oak Park

San Ramon Valley Rotary 7pm. Meets every Wednesday. Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville. Information: sanramonvalleyrotary.com.

Walnut Creek Toastmasters 7-8:15pm. Meets every Wednesday.

1660 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill.

Information: walnutcreek.freetoasthost. net.

Blue Star Moms 7-9pm. Meets the second Wednesday of every month. Danville Veterans Memorial Building, 400 Hartz Ave. Information: bluestarmoms.org.

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Diablo Valley Quilters 7-9pm. Meets the third Wednesday of every month. No charge for guests.

Danville Congregational Church, 989 San Ramon Valley Blvd., Danville. Information: diablovalleyquilters.com.

and BCBA certified. Must have a Ph.D. in Clinical Psych.

Please send resume, proof of licensure and certification to job site: Portia Bell Hume Behavioral Health and Training Center, 1333 Willow Pass Road, Suite 102, Concord, CA 94520. Attn: HR Manager.

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page 14

AUTO

March 2009 The valley Sentinel August 2013

2013 Porsche Carrera 911S

By David and Judy Colman

Back in the sexist 1930s, Packard used the adage “Ask The Man Who Owns One” to seal the deal on the superiority of its brand. Since we currently own three Porsche 911s, you might want to ask us that same question about the company’s latest offspring, the 2013 911 Carrera S. In a nutshell, this newest addition to the model line is better in every way than any previous 911 Porsche has built.

When we first learned about the specifications for this new model, internally designated “991,” our reaction to it was tepid. Logic seemed to dictate that the 991’s 4 inch longer wheelbase would make it more comfortable to ride in, but slower to react to steering input and directional change.

And to a tutored eye accustomed to the svelte and chiseled 911 profile, the 991 looked bulbous and overweight. We couldn’t have been more wrong on all counts.

The extended wheelbase does indeed help eliminate the harsh ride quality of its immediate predecessor, the 997 version of the 911 that Porsche produced from 2005 to 2011.

Although the ride quality of the 2013 Carrera S is more relaxed and luxuriant than that of the

997, it is even better snubbed and more informative than its choppy predecessor. And when it comes to ultimate handling, the 991’s wider front and rear track elevates this new model to a new echelon of stability never before achieved by any previous 911. Helping in this regard are several features exclusive to the “S” model Carrera, such as 20 inch diameter alloy wheels measuring 8.5 inches wide up front and 11 inches wide in the rear. Porsche has generously shod these standard S rims with Pirelli’s best rubber, P Zero Nero tires measuring 245/35R20 front and 295/30R20 rear. In addition, the S enjoys standard “torque vectoring” technology which subtly brakes the inside rear wheel on a turn to promote better traction for the outside rear wheel.

The cumulative effect of these measures yields a 911 so confident in handling, so adept at directional change, that you could enter this stock coupe, as delivered, in any 24 Hour race and expect to finish well up in the overall standings. That’s because the new Carrera S has been sired by a long line of stellar race cars including the infamous 935, and more recently, the GT3

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RSR version of the 997, which is still winning at the international level. The breeding line shows in every facet of the 991. Its informative 5 gauge cluster looks avionics correct when ordered in optional (no extra charge) “dials in black.” Its phenomenally effective Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) headlights not only blaze the night, but swivel to illuminate corners as you turn into them.

And speaking of corners, there must have been at least a thousand of them on the 43.2 mile drive through wine country we enjoyed, along with 23 other Porsches from the Porsche Club of America. With a starting point in Sonoma’s picturesque town square, this backroad adventure proved the mettle of this latest generation 911, not only to us, but to everyone else in the Porsche Club who witnessed its incredible agility. The 991, in S trim, guarantees you will rule the road.

To enjoy the new 911 Carrera S, you don’t need to extend its engine beyond 5,000 rpm.

Because our test car had only 551 miles on the odometer when delivered to us (and appropriately, 991, when our week ended), we decided to do the right thing and break in the motor properly by observing a

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5,000 rpm redline and not using full throttle. Amazingly, these self-imposed restrictions never materially impinged on the 911’s performance, because the new S engine has so much torque available so low in the rpm range that you never really need to boot it to redline to maximize forward progress. Even though this engine, when broken in, will comfortably scream to its 400 hp redline of 7, 400 rpm, it makes peak torque of 325 lb.-ft. at just 5,600 rpm. Keeping the revs down also helps achieve reasonable fuel consumption of 22 MPG overall.

If there’s a better sports car available than the new 911 Carrera S, than we’ve yet to drive it.

valleysentinel.com

2013 PORSCHE 911 Carrera S ENGINE: 3.8 liter opposed 6, Direct Fuel Injection, Variocam HORSEPOWER: 400hp @ 7,400rpm TORQUE: 325 lb.-ft. @ 5,600rpm FUEL CONSUMPTION: 19 MPG City/ 27 MPG Highway PRICE AS TESTED: $107,830 HYPES: Superb Dynamic Chassis, PDLS Headlights, Mega Pirellis GRIPES: Don’t Have One in Our Garage Yet STAR RATING: 10 Stars Out of 10

Local author’s strong debut This debut novel by local author Sean Lynch follows the destructive path of a psychopathic killer and his relentless pursuit by recently retired San Francisco Police Inspector Bob Farrell.

When Farrell reads about a brazen attack and kidnapping in broad daylight and the subsequent murder of the child, he recognizes the brutal killer whom he had arrested twenty years earlier from the particular details of the crime.

Determined to put this guy away for good, Farrell convinces Iowa police rookie Kevin Kearns to help him track the perpetrator. Kearns had narrowly escaped death at the hands of this individual during the kidnapping and was being demonized by the media for not having stopped the crime.

Always one step ahead of local law enforcement they use unconventional means to glean information from Federal and State agencies while repeatedly trumping the FBI. This book has been described as “a heart-wrenching cross between No Country for Old Men, and Silence of the Lambs”. Dark and gritty, this page-turner is not for the squeamish. If you like a graphic adventure that leads into the underbelly of the drug and

crime world of meth and murder, this book should keep you awake.

About the Author B o r n and raised in Iowa, Sean Lynch came to California to pursue a career in law enforcement, after having s e r ve d i n t h e A r my o n active and reserve duty, then getting his college degree in criminology.

During his law enforcement career Sean served in a number of assignments. He was a Sector Patrol Officer, Foot Patrol Officer, Motorcycle Officer, Field Training Officer, S.W.A.T. Team Officer, Firearms Instructor, S.W.A.T. Team Sniper, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Juvenile/ Sexual Assault Detective, and Homicide Detective. He retired in 2012 at the rank of Lieutenant and as Commander of the Detective Division from a Bay Area Detective Division.

Meet Sean Lynch at Read Booksellers, 3630 Blackhawk Plaza Circle on August 17 at 6:45pm. He will be speaking and signing copies of his book.

For more information call 925736-9090.

valleysentinel.com August 2013

Mount Diablo’s sight will be restored: Beacon Fund Campaign is Complete Recently the “Eye of Diablo”, the historic aviation Beacon which sat atop Mount Diablo since 1928 and shined in honor of those who served at Pearl Harbor each December 7th, was lifted off of its perch to undergo much needed restoration.

Save Mount Diablo, the non-profit organization ove rs e e i n g the Beacon Restoration P ro j e c t o n behalf of California State Parks, received the final $10,000 needed to repair the aging and weathered Beacon. “The scope and magnitude of the response to the Beacon restoration effort have been overwhelming,” said Ron Brown, Save Mount Diablo’s Executive Director.

Many donors and businesses have stepped up to help make the project possible for the community in honor of all who served at Pearl Harbor.

The final $10,000 came from

Chevron who had initially installed the aviation beacon as Standard Oil. “Chevron is proud to partner with Save Mount Diablo on the restoration of the historic beacon atop Mt. Diablo,” said Linda Padon, General M a n a g e r, Public Policy and Corporate Responsibility for Chevron. “In partnership with the United States Department of Commerce, we built this beacon on the mountain in 1928 in support of the thenburgeoning a v i a t i o n industry, and are pleased to provide the final contribution needed for its restoration.”

Chevron also produced videos to aid in the restoration f u n d ra i s i n g e f f o r t s. T h e estimated costs to fully restore the Beacon totaled $100,000 and thanks to a $50,000 matching grant from the Dean and Margaret Lesher Foundation the funds have been raised.

The Beacon Restoration Project has set a fantastic precedent for private, public and non-profit partnerships as many have come together to make sure this heartfelt symbol in the community can be restored despite continued State Park budget cuts. Shell Refinery in Martinez and Maxim Crane donated a crane and rigging crew to safely lift the Beacon off the Summit Building so work could begin.

Local companies like Redwood Painting and Global Village are helping to provide some of the services and expertise for the Beacon’s repairs. Assembly member Joan Buchannan wrote and helped pass legislation to allow non-profit Save Mount Diablo to oversee the project with support from California State Parks. This project may set an example for more State Park partnerships with businesses and nonprofits to continue to manage and maintain its parks.

Thanks to these donated services, any remaining funds after the restoration will be used for future Beacon maintenance. Together, these partners are ensuring that the Beacon will shine over the community for generations to come in remembrance of

The valley Sentinel those who died for us at Pearl Harbor. “The Beacon not only commemorates Pearl Harbor but is also a shining light to remind us of how precious our freedoms are and the responsibilities we have to one another, our community and future generations,” said Brown. The newly restored Beacon will be returned to Mount Diablo’s Summit building this fall in time for this December 7th.

Save Mount Diablo is a non-profit 501(c)(3) conservation organization, which has been preserving

page 15

lands on and around Mount Diablo and educating the public to the mountain’s natural values since 1971.

Preserved lands have increased from 6,788 acres in one park to more than 110,000 acres in more than 40 parks and preserves. Save Mount Diablo continues to preserve, defend and restore the remainder of the mountain for people and wildlife to enjoy. Contact: Save Mount Diablo, telephone: (925) 947-3535, fax: (925) 947-0642, 1901 Olympic Blvd., Suite 320, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; www.SaveMountDiablo.org.

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