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always for the community VOL 18, NO 4 April 2013
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SPOTLIGHT
Rugby Club wins championship
Front row: Jack Romero, Noah Garcia, Tyler Lenk, Emilio Arechaederra, Garrett Walker, Jagger Beeken, and Jack Mulholland. Back Row: Giovanni Ruiz, Cole Stephens, Joshua Perry, Aiden Vaupen, Grant Summers, Carson Jones, JP Murphy, Dylan Purandare and Giacomo Ruiz
On Saturday March 30, 2013 the Danville Oaks Rugby Club competed at the Northern California Youth Rugby (NCYRA) Championships in Orinda at the U8, U10 and U12 age group levels. The NCYRA Championships featured over 60 teams totaling more than 600 players from the San Francisco Bay Area and the greater Sacramento area to play for championships in each age bracket and weight division.
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Spring is in the air, but that’s not all! With it comes warming temperatures, flowers and allergies. For many the season brings the dread of a new season of sniffles, itching eyes post nasal drip. From February to June the largest cause of allergy related suffering is tree pollen, especially heavy after seasonal rains. Fortunately it is not the brightly flowering trees like this magnolia in the Tice Valley area of Walnut Creek that are the culprits. It is the plain looking plants that cause the most allergy symptoms. See article on page 7.
Adaptive coyotes abundant in urban and open spaces By James. M. Hale, Wildlife Biologist
Despite bounties and large-scale efforts to kill coyotes for more than 100 years, coyotes have expanded their range throughout the United States and Canada tremendously. Two centuries ago, the early explorers of this continent made frequent references to wolves and foxes in their journals, however they seldom mentioned coyotes. Extirpation of wolf populations and the expansion of widespread agribusiness and forestry have favored conditions for the adaptive coyote. The larger and more powerful gray wolf is one of the few natural checks on coyote abundance. Today, coyotes thrive in suburban settings and even some urban ones. Researchers estimate there are up to 2,000 coyotes living in the greater Chicago area and this scenario applies to other urban landscapes across North America. Coyotes inhabit Golden Gate Park after crossing the Golden Gate
Bridge and dispersal from the peninsula. They are found in Central Park in New York City after crossing bridges and are frequently seen throughout the Los Angeles megapolis. Coyotes are commonly encountered t h ro u g h o u t t h e E a s t B ay Area because of our habitat protection with the East Bay Regional Parks, Mount Diablo State Park, watersheds and open spaces. Evolutionary theory suggests the coyote evolved in North America during the Pleistocene epoch 1.81 million years ago alongside the dire wolf. Coyote is ultimately derived from the Aztec word coyotl, meaning trickster. Its scientific name, Canis latrans means “barking dog” in Latin. Because the coyote is so prevalent throughout the west,
many of our towns, lakes, reservoirs, creeks, parks and other land features have been named after this wild canine. Native American lore about the coyote is rich and plentiful. Much magic has been associated with the coyote, who is the creator, teacher, culture hero, trickster and keeper of magic.
The coyote is a fascinating animal filled with paradox, but at the heart of its energy is the balance of wisdom and folly. Their is always hidden wisdom when the coyote is concerned. Coyotes figured prominently See COYOTE page11
This month’s Special Sections:
Kids Camps & Education page 10 Health & Wellness page 7
Spring Home & Garden pages 8-9
• ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT • dining out • music • art • theater • fun events
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The Valley Sentinel
What’s So Funny? Now-April 19 Explore the art of humor in visual language. Reaching across religion and politics, h u m o r h a s b e e n a way
for artists to communicate with the masses, entertain themselves, other artists and the public. Puns, irony, sardonic narratives, dark humor all share a witty intellectual cord.
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Village Theatre Art Gallery, 233 Front St., Danville. Information and tickets: 925-820-1278 or www.danville.ca.gov/Enjoy_ Danville/Art_and_Culture/ Village_Theatre_Shows. What’s in a Name? Tracing Our Valley’s Early Families Now - April 20 Adventurous men and women traveled to California beginning in the 1840s. They moved to Alamo, Danville, San Ramon and the Tassajara Valley and, today, we see their names on roads, canyons, schools and home developments. Displaying the Museum’s archives, photographs, clothing, agricultural equipment, saddles and flags, this exhibit provides insights into the lives of our founding families. Tickets starting from $1. Museum of San Ramon Valley, 205 Railroad Avenue in Downtown Danville. Information: Visit www.museumsrv.org or call 925-837-3750.
of the theater. This is packed with non-stop laughs, an onstage plane crash, and some good romance. Tickets starting at $33. The Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive in Walnut Creek. Information: Visit www.lesherartscenter.org or call 925-295-1400. spirit, gradually captures the heart of the stern Captain. The family’s narrow escape over the mountains to Switzerland on the eve of World War II provides a thrilling and inspirational finale. Presented by Contra Costa Musical Theater. Music & Lyrics by Rodgers & Hammerstein. $40-$49. The Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive in Walnut Creek. Information: Visit www.lesherartscenter.org or call 925-295-1400.
The Sound of Music Now - April 21 When a postulant proves The 39 Steps Agency Agen too high-spirited for the Now - April 27 religious life, she is dispatched Mix a Hitchcock to serve as governess for the masterpiece with a juicy spy seven children of a widowed novel, add a dash of Monty naval Captain. Her growing Python and you have The 39 rapport with the youngsters, Steps, a fast paced whodunit coupled with her generosity of for anyone who loves the magic
Peaceable Kingdom: Animals, Real and Imagined Now-May 19 A juried show devoted to investigating our storied and rich relationship with the animal world, Peaceable Kingdom will invite prominent curators to assemble a collection of innovative and appealing works by national artists. This exhibition will explore the presence of animals in the visual arts, and how they appear as metaphors, totems, objects of fear, and sources of emotional attachment and affection. The history of human and animal interaction is filled with tales of failed domestication, unusual friendships, and fearsome predators. Human fascination with the animal kingdom has run the gamut from emotional cy connection, to economic exploitation, and even scientific curiosity. Throughout all of these interactions, however, the sense of wonder we feel when we encounter animal life has been an enduring theme that has
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• ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT • dining dining out out •• music music •• art art •• theater theater •• fun fun events events
valleysentinel.com A&E from page 2
informed their continued and abiding presence in the visual arts. This juried exhibition will encourage artists to meditate on these complex and diverse relationships, addressing such issues as antagonism, admiration, attachment, and even the politically charged issue of animal rights. Adult tickets are $5 youth (13-17) tickets are $3 and children under 12 are free. The Bedford Gallery, 1601 Civic Drive in Walnut Creek. Information: Visit www.bedfordgallery.org or call 925-295-1417.
Puppets of Impulse April 11 - 13 The Creatures of Impulse, an award-winning teen troupe featuring improv, puppets, and music perform their first ever improvised teen puppet musical. Buckle up as the human and not-so-human cast of characters expose the life of the American teenager through puppets and improvised songs. Adult tickets are $12 and student tickets are $7. Amador Theatre, 1155 Santa Rita Road in Pleasanton. Information: Visit www.firehousearts.org or call 925- 931-3444. Jazz & Poetry Concert April 12 7:30pm. Enjoy an evening of classic Jazz music from the 30’s and 40’s paired with the creative Jazz inspired poetry of San Ramon’s Poet Laureate, Kathleen Moore. Enjoy the music of jazz legends like Duke Ellington, Cole Porter and Benny Goodman and hear the stories of their lives through creative prose. The orchestra pit will be open for anyone who wants to dance. Adult tickets are $15 and youth(18 & under) tickets are $10. Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center, 10550 Albion Road in San Ramon. Information: Visit SanRamonPerformingArts.com or call 925-973-3343. The Danville Community Band: Americana April 14 2pm. The Danville Community Band invites you to join us for an afternoon of great American music with a selection of classics and marches from the past 200 years. Come see the fabulous
April 2013 auto galleries, tour the current exhibitions, and enjoy a concert all in the same building.This concert is FREE with admission t o t h e M u s e u m . Ad u l t admission is $10, seniors(65+) and students(7-17) are $7. Blackhawk Museum, 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle in Danville. Information: Visit www.blackhawkmuseum.org or call 925-736-4818. Cinderella April 19 - May 5 A young woman triumphs over her nasty stepmother and stepsisters and marries her Prince Charming, thanks to a zany fairy godmother, a trip to the royal ball in an enchanted coach, and a glass slipper. Tickets starting from $11. Front Row Theater, 17011 Bollinger Canyon Road in San Ramon. Information: Visit SanRamonPerformingArts.com or call 925-973-3343.
Quilts from the Heart April 20 - 21 A p r i l 20 , 10 a m - 5 p m ; April 21, 10am-4pm. Amador Valley Quilters biannual quilt show with featured artist Alex Anderson and a special exhibit of Quilts of Valor. The show highlights include 400+ quilts, vendors galore, door prizes, raffle baskets, activities for visitors, and the drawing for the guild’s opportunity quilt “Ruby’s Fruit Baskets Redux.” Adult tickets are $10 and children under 12 are free. Visit www. alamedacountyfair.com and www.Amadorvalleyquilters.org or call 925-426-7600. Earth Day Event April 20 12-4pm. The Town of Danville Earth Day Event is a free, fun, informative event for young and old residents and visitors interested in sustainable practices, landscape design, energy efficiency, waste reduction, recycling, water conservation, fuel-efficiency, carbon footprint, green building options - and much more! Participate in popular handson activities and visit informative and interactive booths. There will be live music, kids’ activities, giveaways, prizes, a scavenger hunt, organic
The Valley Sentinel
food choices, an art exhibit and more! Town Green, Danville Community Center and Library. Information: www.ci.danville. ca.us. 35th Annual Fine Arts and Crafts Festival April 27-28 10am-5pm. Features more than 150 professional artists traveling from throughout California and the Western United States to showcase original paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry, clothing and other fine works. Free. North Main between Mt. Diablo Blvd. and Civic Drive and Cypress between N. Main and Locust Streets. Information: www.walnutcreekdowntown. com. Two Day Town April 26-28 This event is an opportunity for the whole family to enjoy family camping and community music at Lake Del Valle Regional Park in the Ohlone Wilderness south of Livermore. While there is amplified live music on two stages throughout the day Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the real action happens around individual campsites, where musicians congregate all weekend long for impromptu acoustic jam sessions. Two-Day Town also offers the regular camping-related
activities; hiking, horseback riding, fishing and swimming. East Bay Naturalist Doc Hale will lead explorers through his “Native America” program to learn about the area’s abundant plant, animal and archaeological life. The Family Activities tables will feature a wide assortment of entertaining projects, and there will be free massages, morning yoga, and Lesley’s Lakeside Cafe for the perfect formula to a wonderful family weekend. Weekend and Single Day Passes available online or at the gate. Kids age 12 & under are admitted free if they are with a responsible adult. For more information and to purchase advance tickets, visit www.twodaytown.com or call 510-418-4707.
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American Idol finals as did Jesaiah Baer, 2010 2nd place winner. $30 for adults and $20 for students/children. Food will be provided by local restaurants and there will be raffle drawings for gift baskets. Tickets: www. sanramonvalleyrotary.com.
Valley Teen Idol April 30 Instrumentalists May 1 Vocalists Teens from 10 different middle and high schools move on to the final competitions. This event is one of the San Ramon Valley Rotary Club’s largest annual fundraisers, supporting the community, arts and young people. Two of Valley Teen Idol previous winners have made it to Hollywood. Stevie Rae Stephens, 2006 1st place winner made it to the
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April 2013
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Advertorial
HER2/neu Breast Cancer and Advances In Treatment By Shoba Kankipati, MD
B re a s t c a n c e r i s t h e most common cancer among American women, except for skin cancers. About 1 in 8 (12%) women in the US will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime. The American Cancer Society’s estimates for breast cancer in the United States for 2013 are about 232,340 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women and about 39,620 women will die from breast cancer. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, exceeded only by lung cancer. The chance that breast cancer will be responsible for a woman’s death is about 1 in 36 (about 3%). The good news is death rates from breast cancer have been declining since about 1989, with larger decreases in women younger than 50.
These decreases are believed to be the result of earlier detection through screening and increased awareness, as well as improved treatment. It is known that breast cancer carries various signatures inculding Her2neu positive breast cancer. Over the last eight months two new drugs have been approved in the treatment of HER2/neupositive breast cancer. What is HER2/neu? Genes contain the recipes for the various proteins a cell needs to stay healthy and function normally. Some genes and the proteins they make can influence how a breast cancer behaves and how it might respond to a specific treatment. Cancer cells from a tissue sample can be tested to see which genes are normal and abnormal. One such gene is the HER2 gene which makes HER2 proteins. HER2 proteins are receptors on breast cells. Normally, HER2 receptors
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help control how a healthy breast cell grows, divides, and repairs itself. But in about 25% of breast cancers, the HER2 gene doesn’t work correctly and makes too many copies of itself (known as HER2 gene amplification). All these extra HER2 genes tell breast cells to make too many HER2 receptors (HER2 protein overexpression). This makes breast cells grow and divide in an uncontrolled way. Breast cancers with HER2 gene amplification or HER2 protein overexpression are called HER2-positive in the pathology report. HER2positive breast cancers tend to grow faster and are more likely to spread and come back compared to HER2-negative breast cancers. The most commonly used medication in the treatment of HER2-positive breast care is Herceptin (chemical name: trastuzumab), which works by attaching itself to the HER2 receptors on breast cancer cells and blocking them from receiving growth signals. By blocking these signals, Herceptin may help to slow or even stop the growth of
the breast cancer. In addition to blocking HER2 receptors, Herceptin can also help fight breast cancer by alerting the immune system to destroy cancer cells onto which it is attached. Another option for some women with advanced HER2positive breast cancer is Tykerb (chemical name: lapatinib). Tykerb works by interfering with certain proteins that cause the cell to grow and divide abnormally. Pertuzumab, another monoclonal antibody that inhibits dimerization of HER2 and HER3 receptors, got approved 9 months ago. M o r e r e c e n t l y, a d o t ra s t u z u m a b e m t a n s i n e, trade name Kadcyla, which is an antibody chemotherapy conjugate consisting of the trastuzumab (Herceptin) linked to the mertansine (DM1). Trastuzumab alone stops growth of cancer cells by binding to the HER2/neu receptor, whereas mertansine enters cells and destroys them. It is called a bullet chemotherapy treatment for HER2/neu-positive cancer. The reason being because the
monoclonal antibody targets HER2, and HER2 is only overexpressed in cancer cells, the conjugate delivers the toxin specifically to tumor cells. There is also an oral medication, Neratinib (HKI272) that is being studied in HER2/neu-positive breast cancer. Along with NeuVax, a vaccine that is being studied for HER2/neu-positive cancers. NeuVax is aimed at preventing or delaying the recurrence of breast cancer in cancer survivors who achieve remission after standard of care treatment (e.g., surgery, radiation, chemotherapy. NeuVax works by harnessing the patient’s own immune system to seek out and attack any residual cancer cells that express HER2/neu. Last year including the start of this year has been an exciting time in treatment of various cancers. At least 10 new drugs have been approved. –many which would not have been possible without clinical trial participation. Dr. Kankipati is a board certified Medical Oncologist and Hematologist with Epic Care - Partners in Cancer Care, a group of experts in the diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of cancer and blood disorders. www.epic-care.com.
Cyclists will ride for wounded veterans By Staff Writer
S e r i o u s cyc l i s t s a n d recreational riders alike are invited to help severely wounded veterans by joining “V3”, the second annual Veterans Victory Velo bike ride set for Saturday, October 12, 2013 in San Ramon. Riders can choose from three routes: 30 miles, 60 miles or the more challenging 100 mile Devil Mountain Century to raise funds for the Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship Foundation (www. sentinelsoffreedom.org), a San Ramon based non-profit which has been helping wounded veterans regain their selfsufficiency and independence since its inception in 2003. Early-bird registration i s n o w o p e n a t w w w. veteransvictoryvelo.com. Registration fees increase after September 1st. All V3 rides will begin and end in the parking lot of the Foundation offices located at 2678 Bishop Drive in San Ramon. Riders from the novice to the experienced are welcome. • 100-mile Devil Mountain Century Ride begins at 7am. • 60-mile ride begins at 9am. • 30-mile ride begins at 10am.
The 30-mile ride is an outand-back along San Ramon and Foothill Blvd. to the picturesque and historic town of Sunol. The 60-mile ride loops through the Tri-Valley area, extending east from Danville to the lush vineyards of Livermore and the rolling hills of Pleasanton before returning through Dublin and San Ramon. The 100-mile Devil Mountain Century Ride takes cyclists to the ranger station on Mt. Diablo, down through Clayton and up and over Morgan Territory lands before descending into the Livermore/Pleasanton/Sunol region on the return. Participants who register by June 27th will receive a free comprehensive safety clinic and four free training rides included in their registration. The 3-hour evening class will be taught by a League of American Bicyclists certified instructor, and the group training rides will be held one per month until race day. All registrants may join the training rides regardless of registration date. Fo l l ow i n g t h e b i ke rides, there will be a familyfriendly celebration including a barbecue lunch provided by Carl’s Jr. (www.carlsjr.com),
live music provided by AKA of Ken Cooper Music (www. kencoopermusic.com), food tents, wine and beer tastings, free massages for riders, static displays from local military organizations, and other fun events. The festival is scheduled for 1 to 5pm. and is open to the public. Radio station 101.7 KKIQ (www.kkiq. com) will be broadcasting live at various times throughout the day from the Bishop Ranch start and finish line. A new custom bike jersey is available for purchase online now through ride day to commemorate the V3 event. The Club Cut, red, white and blue bike jersey, $65, is a little longer and looser than a Race Cut jersey. Cycling bibs and shorts with the V3 logo may also be purchased. Corporate sponsorship packages are still available for this event. Anyone interested in more information about race details and registration, jersey purchase, or the Sentinels of Freedom organization should go to www.veteransvictoryvelo. com or email info@ sentinelsoffreedom.org. SOF staff can be reached at 925380-6342.
valleysentinel.com
April 2013 Advertorial
Get a grip on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome By Dr. Niele Maimone, DC
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Carpal tunnel syndrome is pressure on the median nerve –the nerve in the wrist that supplies feeling and movement to parts of the hand. It can lead to numbness, tingling, weakness, or muscle damage in the hand and fingers. The median nerve provides feeling and movement to the “thumb side” of the hand (the palm, thumb, index finger, middle finger, and thumb side of the ring finger). The area in your wrist where the nerve enters the hand is called the carpal tunnel. This tunnel is normally narrow, so any swelling can pinch the nerve and cause pain, numbness, tingling or weakness. This is called carpal tunnel syndrome. Causes and risk factors Carpal tunnel syndrome is common in people who perform repetitive motions of the hand and wrist. Typing on a computer keyboard and using a mouse are the most common causes of
carpal tunnel. Other causes include: • Driving • Assembly line work • Computer work • Writing • Use of tools (especially hand tools or tools that vibrate) • Sports such as racquetball or handball • Playing some musical instruments • A number of medical conditions are associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, including: • Chronic Inflammatory Conditions • Bone fractures and arthritis of the wrist • Diabetes • Alcoholism • Hypothyroidism • Menopause, PMS and Pregnancy • Infections • Obesity Symptoms Numbness or tingling in the thumb and next two or three fingers of one or both hands. Numbness or tingling in the palm of the hand; pain extending from the elbow; pain in wrist or hand in one or both hands; problems
with fine finger movements (coordination) in one or both hands; wasting away of the muscle under the thumb (in advanced or long-term cases); weak grip or difficulty carrying bags or opening a jar (a common complaint); weakness in one or both hands Class IV Laser Therapy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Up until recently the most common treatment for Carpal Tunnel has been the use of anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, wrist splinting and surgery. These treatments do not treat the cause but the symptoms only and are not always effective long-term. Now, however, we have a powerful, effective, non-invasive solution to reverse the cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. Ending the symptoms caused by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome requires stopping the cycle of inflammation at its source. Class IV laser therapy is an excellent method for this, because it is presently the only modality that can both reduce inflammation and heal tissue simultaneously. Laser treatments at Align Healing Center are done with the K-laser 1200 a Class IV Laser. This laser does not cut or
Chamber awards deserving local recipients By Staff Writer
On March 21 the Danville area Chamber of Commerce presented the 2012 Community Awards to deserving recipients at the Annual State of the Town Luncheon at Round Hill Country Club in Alamo. Honored as Citizen of the Year was Dana Dornsife, founder of the Lzarex Cancer Foundation, currently serving as its President. Lazarex is a non-profit that exists to help fill the gap in resources for end stage cancer patients seeking treatment in FDA clinical trials. Dana serves on several boards; Epeius Biotechnologies, developing genetic medicines for the treatment of cancer; the USC Brain and Creativity Institute and the USC Huntington Institute for Advanced Studies. Businessperson of the Year was awarded to Bill White, William White Allstate Insurance Agency. For over 6 years Bill has portrayed the balance of successful business practice in Danville. He won 2010 and 2011 Inner Circle of Champions in Leadership Award for Allstate, and was the 2012 National Allstate Leadership Speaker. He makes
a substantial civic contribution through his involvement in the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce, Exchange Club, Danville D’Elegance, Lazarex Cancer Foundation, Alamo Chamber of Commerce, and was a Board Director for Adventist Health Systems. Employee of the Year was awarded to Terry Koehne, San Ramon Valley Unified School District. Terry Koehne has been the San Ramon Valley Unified School District’s Community Relations Director since 1996. He is responsible for planning, developing, coordinating and publicizing comprehensive community, business and employee information as well as communications programs that promote understanding of SRVUSD and its objectives. In his role, Terry acts as spokesperson for the San Ramon Valley Unified School District, and coordinates all media relations efforts for the district and its 35 schools. He deals with all levels of community, business and media relations, trains employees on effective communication and community relations, and maintains the district’s website, social
The Valley Sentinel burn but is gently absorbed by the tissue. During Laser Therapy the infrared laser light interacts with tissues at the cellular level, increasing metabolic activity and improving the transport of nutrients across the cell membrane. This initiates the production of cellular energy (ATP) that leads to a cascade of beneficial effects, increasing cellular function and health. Therefore, laser therapy creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness and pain. As the injured area returns to normal, function and strength are restored and pain is relieved. Relief is Possible! At Align Healing Center
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we are having great success treating carpal tunnel, plantar fasciitis, sciatica, shoulder and neck pain, migraines, arthritis, tendonitis, post surgical pain, sports injuries and more; even if it’s long-term residual pain. Arthritis and degenerative disc disease sufferers can see long term benefits from this treatment without any of the negative side effects experienced with the long term use of medications. Dr. Niele Maimone, DC is the owner and founder of Align Healing Center in Danville, CA. She has been active in our natural health & wellness community since 1999. For more information or to set up a 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
Bill White of Allstate Insurance receives the 2012 Danville Area Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year Award
media presence and electronic communication tools. The Charitable Organization of the Year was awarded to The Danville d’Elegance Foundation, which has been in existence for nine years. It is run by a steering committee of eighteen dedicated people, all volunteers. 100% of their profits are designated to fund research and patient care for Parkinson’s patients. Over the last nine years, the Danville d ‘Elegance Foundation has returned over one million dollars to their designated non-profits, the Parkinson’s Institute of Sunnyvale and the Michael J. Fox Foundation. The founders of the Danville d ‘Elegance Foundation, Chris and Jim Edlund, have been in business in Danville for the last nineteen years and Chamber members since 1995.
Seniors page 6
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It’s on the news. It’s in the papers. It’s the aging of our American population and it’s happening right before our eyes. As the number of older citizens continues to rise, a new and growing segment has emerged...the active senior. These Americans, in their late 70’s and above, can be characterized by their independent lifestyles and relatively good health. However, they can also be characterized by feelings of loneliness and their increasing inability to perform the daily tasks that let them remain independent. They need help, and their situation is becoming more common everyday. The need for in-home support services are increasing for seniors To d a y , 1 2 m i l l i o n Americans spend all or part of their day helping 5 million older family members and friends live comfortably at home. Many of these
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caregivers are their children, Baby Boomers now in their mid 40’s and 50’s, at their peak earning potential, and busy with their lives and careers. The majority are women and 25% of them care not only for both their parents, but also for their own children. Half of them work outside the home. And nearly all of them, at one point or another, find themselves overwhelmed with responsibility. Caregiving is a demanding, difficult job and no one is equipped to do it alone. Getting help is essential. Respite care provides breaks from the daily routine of caregiving. It can relieve stress, restore energy and promote the necessary balance in life. The culmination of these trends has created a new burgeoning demand for in-home assistance and companionship. And today, more than ever, active seniors and those dear to them are opting for these services, known simply as personal care & support services (or sometimes referred to as private duty services). Personal Care & Support Services Personal Care & Support services are ideal for older people who wish to continue an independent lifestyle, but who would also benefit from companionship and assistance with daily activities. Trained employees (known as care
professionals, companions or aides) either visit the home a few times a week or live in the home, depending on the need, and assist in such activities as bathing and grooming, preparing meals, providing transportation, and much more. Today, Interim’s Personal Care & Support Services are meeting this growing need for in-home assistance and taking some of the pressure off America’s 12 million family caregivers. These services help alleviate the stress naturally felt by family members and friends, and provide seniors with the a s s i s t a n c e t h ey n e e d t o continue living a happy, independent life. Karen Mudd is the Community Development Manager for Interim HealthCare. As one of America’s most trusted and experienced providers of inhome senior services, Interim HealthCare understands how important it is for people to stay in their homes. But sometimes, the challenges of everyday living get beyond even the most independentminded people. Our Care Professionals can provide the extra support needed to live an enriched life in the comfort of home. Call today for a free in-home evaluation 925.944.5779 or visit www.interimhealthcare. com/eastbay. When it matters the most, count on us.
Competitive bidding will save money for people with Medicare in the San Francisco Bay Area By David Sayen
Fo r y e a r s , M e d i c a r e beneficiaries and taxpayers have been paying too much for home medical equipment such as wheelchairs and oxygen supplies. To reduce costs and the fraud that results from excessive prices, Medicare has introduced a competitive bidding program. Competitive bidding already has proven to save money for taxpayers and
people with Medicare while maintaining access to quality medical goods and services. Round 1 of the program was very successful, reducing costs for certain products and services by more than 42 percent in nine areas of the country, including the Inland Empire region of Southern California. See MEDICARE page 7
Health & Wellness valleysentinel.com
April 2013
Allergy season is upon us once again By Staff Writer
Spring blossoms are wonderful for the birds and the bees, but more than 35 million Americans dread the beginning of the allergy season. Approximately 20 percent of the population suffers from hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & I m m u n o l o g y. A i r b o r n e allergens often cause the watery eyes, sneezing and runny noses of spring. An allergy is the body’s hypersensitive reaction to a normally harmless substance such as food, dust mites or pollen. In an attempt to protect itself, the body releases histamines, which in turn cause allergy symptoms. MEDICARE from page 6
Now the program’s benefits are coming to the San Francisco Bay Area, and here’s some information on how it works. Round 2 of the program is scheduled to begin in 91 new areas across the country on July 1, including Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo counties. It’s projected to save people with Medicare in these Bay Area counties an average of 47 percent on certain products. Those products are: • Oxygen, oxygen equipment, and supplies • Power and manual wheelchairs, scooters, and related accessories • E n t e ra l n u t r i e n t s, equipment, and supplies • Continuous Positive Airway Pressure devices and Respiratory Assist Devices and related supplies and accessories • Hospital beds and related accessories • Walkers and related accessories • Negative Pressure Wo u n d T h e r a p y p u m p s and related supplies and accessories • Support surfaces (Group 2 mattresses and overlays) Medicare also is launching a nationwide mailorder program for diabetic testing supplies on July 1.
The valley Sentinel
Most allergies are inherited. If one parent is allergic, there is a 50 percent chance of their child being allergic. When both parents have allergies, the odds go to 75 percent. Pollen can also trigger an asthma bout, according to Dr. Martin Mazar, chief of pulmonary and critical care medicine at Kaiser Hospital, Walnut Creek. If you do have allergies, there are some things you can do. Avoid outdoor activity during peak pollen times, especially in early morning between 5 and 10am. When pollen counts are high, close the windows and use air conditioning. Stay inside if it is a “Spare the Air” day. Some people use an electrostatic air filter.
Ask your doctor about an allergy vaccination or allergy shots. They reduce the need for medications in some people and may provide long-term benefit after three to five years of treatment. The shots have also shown to help prevent the development of new allergies. Avoid nasal decongestants purchased over the counter. Although they can provide immediate short-term relief, if used for more than two to three days they can lead to rhinitis, mimicking the symptoms which they were intended to relieve, and could also lead to chronic use. Check www.pollen.com for the seasonally best and worst pollen city forecasts. A lot of information is available at this website regarding
Beneficiaries will save an average of 72 percent on those supplies. Prior to competitive bidding, the costs for most of these items were based on historical charges, adjusted for inflation over time. Many studies have shown that the prices Medicare pays are excessive–sometimes three or four times higher than retail prices or amounts commercial insurers pay. U n d e r t h i s p ro g ra m , suppliers submit bids for equipment and supplies that must be lower than what Medicare pays for these items currently. Medicare uses the bids to set the amount it pays for the competitively bid medical equipment and supplies and qualified, accredited suppliers with winning bids are chosen as Medicare contract suppliers. Since Medicare is paying less, your coinsurance will be less, too. Medicare generally pays 80 percent of the cost of supplies used in the home under Part B. People with Medicare pay the remaining 20 percent. I f yo u h ave O r i g i n a l Medicare, your permanent residence is in a ZIP code within a competitive bidding area, and you use items in one of the program categories, you generally must use a Medicare contract supplier in order for Medicare to help pay for the item. If you
currently receive oxygen or oxygen equipment, or rent certain other items from a non-contract supplier, you may be able to continue renting these items from your current supplier after July 1 if the supplier chooses to become a “grandfathered” supplier. Suppliers must be accredited and meet stringent quality standards to ensure good customer service and h i g h - q u a l i t y i t e m s. T h i s means you’ll be getting the same high-quality products and services, but at lower cost. Medicare has resources to help you understand the n ew p ro g ra m , i n c l u d i n g w w w. m e d i c a r e. g o v a n d 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800633-4227). TTY users call 1-877-486-2048. You can also call your local State Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program, at 1-800434-0222. If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO), your plan will notify you if your supplier is changing. Contact your plan for more information. David Sayen is Medicare’s regional administrator for Arizona, California, Hawaii, N e v a d a , a n d t h e Pa c i f i c Trust Territories. You can always get answers to your Medicare questions by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-6334227).
pollen level by zip code, weather forecast, Cold and flu forecast and UV forecast. A l s o w w w. w e a t h e r. c o m shows a daily map of tree pollen, grass pollen, mold spores, and ragweed intensity across the country. Pollen has been collected as far as 400 miles out to sea, and two miles high. A single ragweed plant can generate millions of grains of pollen per day. It is possible to enter a zip code and “ask for” (click on the link) a special report on a topic, such as allergies. The pollen reports come from about 100 reporting stations n a t i o nw i d e. T h e n e a re s t one in this area for trees and grass is in Pleasanton. The ragweed report comes from the Alameda Naval Air Station. Think about allergens when planning backyard
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landscapes. Plants and trees with small, light dry pollens are well suited for dissemination by wind currents. What are the causes for suffering from February to June? They’re mostly tree pollens. The top pollen producing trees in the western states are ash, birch, acacia, mesquite, alder, olive, box elder, mulberry, cottonwood, walnut, cypress, j u n i p e r, syc a m o re, e l m , oak, maple, and poplar. In summer, grasses cause the most discomfort for allergy sufferers. The most common pollen-producing grasses in the western states are Bermuda, meadow fescue, brome, wild oat, timothy, red top, rye, and orchard. T h e m o re k n ow l e d g e you gain about allergies, the better prepared you may be when hay fever season hits.
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The valley Sentinel
April 2013
Healthy Practices When Painting Your Home
Solar–financing is key to savings By Mark Becker, GoSimpleSolar
Ru n a n e x h a u s t f a n continuously from the start of the painting project until 3 days after completion. Do not try to use the air conditioning or heating fans to remove the vapors as these fans simply recirculate the air inside the home. Avoid entering freshly painted rooms for 2-3 days after completion. Children and people with breathing difficulties should stay away longer. Painting is labor intensive. If possible, use a high quality paint which is usually more durable, hence paying off in the long run. Store, donate or dispose of left-over paint properly. The website Paint Care offers tips for doing that and for finding drop-off sites for left-over paint. Keep health in mind when you are painting your home. Taking the proper precautions will keep good air quality in your house so that you can better enjoy the new look of your finished project. Sundong Kwong founded Green Remodel Forum to help h o m e o w n e rs u n d e rs t a n d what you can do to improve your home to have better indoor air quality, be more comfortable, and save energy and water at the same time. There is a forum for you to raise questions and share your ideas and experience of a green home. For more health tips for homes, visit www. GreenRemodelForum.com Sentinel
American Energy Independence: The bad news is that America has again increased her appetite for energy. The good news is that the majority of the energy plants that were constructed in 2012 are renewable biomass, solar, geothermal, hydro, and wind plants. Domestic oil and gas production are also up. As a result of our ever-increasing energy independence and energy exports, there are predictions that a geopolitical shift in energy pricing will move from the Middle East to the United States within the next 10 years. This may eliminate the price fluctuations that we suffer from as a result of international events o r p o l i t i c a l l y m o t i va t e d embargos. Lease vs. Purchase of Solar: There is one very important factor that consumers must take into account when considering a s o l a r l e a s e. A l e a s e d solar system will reduce or eliminate your electricity bill. However, the leased solar system carries a monthly lease cost. The difference between the lease cost and the electric bill reduction is the savings the consumer
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By Sundong Kwong, Founder of Green Remodel Forum
Spring is in the air. If you are thinking to paint the interior of your home, spring and fall are the best times to do it. Everyone is aware of the new paint smell, which is caused by the vapor as the paints or stains dry. The vapor may contain gases, including VOCs (volatile organic compounds), known to be highly harmful to health. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) recommends, and many state air quality boards now require that VOC content be below 50 grams per liter. Other gases, while less toxic than VOCs, may also trigger different reactions in different people. American homeowners on average paint their house interior once every seven years for maintenance or to give a fresh look to their homes. Here are some steps to get rid of the harmful paint vapor in your home. Choose zero VOC (volatile organic compound) paints/ stains. While the 50 grams per liter regulation is an improvement over older paints and stains, we believe less is better. Paint during the time when the weather is drier and not overly hot. Spring and fall are the best seasons for indoor painting. Keep windows open while painting or staining. Use a window-mounted box fan to ventilate the room where paint is applied. If you are staining cabinets, try to do the staining outside the house and leave the finished cabinets outside for a few days.
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should realize. A financial company owns the leased system, and pockets most of the savings generated via the lease. It used to be that a leased solar system was the only choice for the consumer with no investment cash available for a purchase. Much like a traditional loan agreement, a leased solar system is a contract between a consumer and finance company to make payments on the leased system for 20 years. However, the main difference is that a solar l e a s e n eve r l e a d s t o a n ownership position in the solar system. Finally, there’s a thirdparty financed program I can believe in—Power Purchase A g r e e m e n t s . P PA’ s a r e nothing new, and in my opinion, the advantages far exceed the benefits of a solar lease program. In both cases, the solar system is owned by a finance company, is hosted by the home or business owner, and saves the home or business owner money on electric bills. In both p ro g ra m s, t h e f i n a n c i n g company banks the majority of the savings. I believe a PPA is a superior product to a lease program because the home or business owner only pays for power that the solar system generates. Theoretically, a properly
modeled and contracted PPA will never put a homeowner in an “upside down” cash flow situation because of low output of the solar system. In a PPA, the bank has a vested interest in ensuring the PPA system produces the most power it can; they make money on each kilowatt generated, and the customer saves money on each kilowatt consumed. In comparison, the bank owners of a leased solar system make money on the monthly equipment lease; should kilowatt production fall, the lease payment remains the same. Be choosy. A home or business owner is not the owner of the solar system in a PPA or lease, but choosing a trusted installer will determine product quality, appropriate tradesman certification, and accuracy of the contract. After all, it’s your home. 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 i n D a n v i l l e o r w w w. GoSimpleSolar.com, or email Mark@GoSimpleSolar.com.
Town Committees Seek Recruits The Town of Danville is looking for community-minded residents to fill vacancies on four Town committees/ commissions. The following commissions are looking for new members: Arts Commission: Four members, 4-year term begins July 1, 2013 Pa r k s a n d L e i s u re Services Commission: Four regular/one alternate. Fouryear terms begins July 1, 2013. Pa r k s a n d L e i s u re Services Commission Youth Representative: Two-year term begins July 1, 2013. County Connection
Citizens Advisory Committee: 2-year term begins immediately. Poet Laureate: 2-year term begins July 1, 2013. Applications are available on the Town’s website, www. danville.ca.gov. Applications must be submitted to the City Clerk’s office no later than 4pm on May 22, 2013. Interviews will take place on June 4, June 11 or June 18, 2013. The Town Council will appoint commissioners at their June 18, 2013 meeting. For more information, contact City Clerk Marie Sunseri at (925) 314-3401 or msunseri@danville.ca.gov.
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Spring Home & Garden valleysentinel.com
April 2013
April Garden To Dos
Provided by the Contra Costa Master Gardeners
General Garden Care • Adjust irrigation controller programming. Check soil moisture around plant roots, and if dry, start increasing watering frequency. • Program irrigation start times for early a.m. to reduce evaporative loss. • Empty & remove all sources of standing water to reduce mosquito habitat. • Weed: remove summer weeds while still small. • amend the soil with finished compost prior to planting and water deeply after planting. • Cover compost piles with damp burlap bags if it has stopped raining. • Group new plantings according to water requirements. Don’t fertilize until plants have been in a couple of weeks and are showing signs of new growth. Top-dress with compost to fertilize (preferable) or use a slow-release source of Nitrogen. • Fertilize turf if needed. Compost is best, or use a slowrelease fertilizer.
Fruits & Vegetables • Sow vegetable seeds in outdoor beds where the soil has warmed: beets, broccoli, corn, cucumbers endive, kohlrabi, lettuces, onions, parsley, parsnips, peas, potatoes, radishes, spinach, Swiss chard, squash and turnips. • Fertilize citrus - follow directions. • Thin most fruit when dime-sized to about 6” apart or one per cluster. • Place hot caps on tomatoes if the weather is cool. Flowers & Landscaping • M ow t h e f o l l ow i n g g ro u n d c ove rs : Ac h i l l e a tomentosa, Baccharis pilularis, Cotoneaster dammeri, Euonymus fortunei ‘Colorata’, Hedera helix, Hypericum calycinum, Juniperus spp., Lonicera japonica ‘Halliana’, Mahonia re p e n s, Pa c hys a n d ra terminalis, Rosa banksiae ( L a d y B a n k s Ro s e ) , a n d ground cover roses.
• Prune spring-blooming shrubs that have finished flowering, such as Spirea, Philadelphus, Viburnum, Cercis (redbud), Ribes, lilac, Ceanothus, Chaenomeles (quince), Genista, Acacia, Forsythia. • P i n c h b a c k : chrysanthemums, euryops, fuchsias, geraniums, impatiens, petunias, snapdragons and zinnias. • Plant: heat loving annuals if the weather has warmed up, such as ageratum, amaranth, celosia, cosmos, d a h l i a , g l o b e a m a ra n t h , impatiens, lobelia, marigolds, petunias, phlox, portulaca, salvia, sanvitalia, statice, sweet alyssum, verbena, and zinnias. • Plant drought-tolerant perennials; try something new this year like Euphorbia characias wulfenii, E. myrsinites, E. rigida. • Plant sub-tropicals i n p ro t e c t e d s i t e s : e. g . , B o u g a i n v i l l e a , H i b i s c u s, Jacaranda, Mandevilla, Plumeria. They may only live till winter in colder microclimates.
Town of Danville Earth Day event promises fun for the whole family • Be dazzled by art from Plan to Picnic on the Green at Danville’s 3rd Annual Earth Day Event. The Town of Danville, The Danville Library and Sustainable Danville Area present the 3rd Annual Earth Day Event on Saturday, April 20th, 12pm-4pm on the Town Green in front of the Danville Library. Fun for everyone in the family has been scheduled for the Village Theatre Arts Gallery, the Community Center and The Danville Library. The Town of Danville Earth Day event is a free, fun and informative affair for residents and visitors of all ages interested in green building, sustainable landscape design, solar power and home energy efficient products, waste reduction and recycling, water conservation, hybrid and electrical vehicles and much more! Pa c k y o u r p i c n i c o r purchase lunch in town while enjoying music from local band, Other People’s Money. Play with the Giant Earth Ball, visit with hybrid/electric car and electric bicycle owners and participate in popular handson activities at interactive booths, including:
• G e t r e a d y t o experience nature with Peanuts…Naturally! Fun, creative environmental crafts and activity stations presented by the Charles M. Schulz Museum. • Plant a seed to start your summer vegetable garden with The Bounty Garden and Urban Farmers. • Explore the Wonderful Wo r l d o f Wo r m s a n d Composting for Busy People. • Make an Earth Day pledge to reduce, re-use or recycle. See how Every Choice Counts and helps the Earth Day Tree grow! Everyone who adds a ‘leaf pledge’ will be entered into an hourly raffle to win a “Get Your Green On” reusable book bag. • Afternoon speaker series will help you Green Your Home, Replace your Lawn with Drought Tolerant Plants and Enjoying Local, Organic Foods for a Healthy Planet. • Be inspired at Story Time with special tales and eco-friendly ideas to celebrate the Earth all year. • Measure your carbon footprint.
The valley Sentinel
local students at the Earth Day Student Art Show in the Village Theatre Art Gallery. • Discover if solar energy is right for your home. • Tr y n e w v e g g i e s with Community Supported Agriculture–Full Belly Farms & Doorstep Farmers. And the fun doesn’t stop there. More Earth Day activities include a working model of how our water travels to Danville, meeting Mr. Funnelhead to learn how to recycle your oil, a scavenger hunt, giveaways, prizes and more! Students from San Ramon Valley High School E n v i ro n m e n t a l C l u b a re hosting free bicycle parking for the event, so please consider two wheels or your feet as parking is limited for the event. Help us achieve the Town of Danville waste reduction and recycling goal by bringing a re-usable water bottle and using our recycling bins set up around the event for your convenience. The festivities will go forward, rain or shine.
• Ta ke c u t t i n g s f ro m azaleas, carnations, chrysanthemums, fuchsias, geraniums and succulents for propagation. Garden Pests • Anthracnose in Modesto ash and other landscape trees: The leaves look scorched, turn brown, and drop. Dry weather can sometimes arrest the disease. Prune out and get rid of infected twigs and branches. Fertilize tree to stimulate vigorous growth if needed. • Ants: Control with baits or use barrier products such as Tanglefoot. • Aphids: Spray off with water before populations build up. • Control snails and slugs with hand-picking, traps or iron phosphate bait. • Lots of other pests can show up in April, including the following: Codling Moth, Powdery Mildew, Rose Mosaic Virus, Rust, and Brown Rot on peaches, plums, apples, and pears. See the links below for information on controls. Master Gardeners are trained volunteers for the U n i ve rs i t y o f C a l i f o r n i a Cooperative Extension (UCCE). They are residents who have an active interest
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in horticulture, have taken the Master Gardener training offered by the UCCE, and now share their knowledge with other members of the community. They provide University of California research-based horticultural information to the citizens of California through their volunteer efforts as Master Gardeners. It is the acquisition of knowledge, the skill in gardening, and giving back to the community that distinguishes a Master Gardener from other gardeners. Contra Costa County Master Gardener Program The first Contra Costa Master Gardener class was held in Pleasant Hill in 1983. The early classes were taught by UC Agriculture Department professionals and were quite academic. Over the years, the focus has shifted to educating home, community, and school gardeners on sustainable, environmentally friendly gardening practices. Yo u c a n c o n t a c t t h e Contra Costa County Master Gardeners by visiting www. ccmg.ucdavis.edu, by calling (925) 646-6586 or by emailing us at mgcontracosta@ ucdavis.edu.
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Kids Camps & Education page 10
The valley Sentinel
April 2013
Multitude of choices makes for a fun summer By Staff Writer
The time is here to enroll your kids in the summer camps that correspond to their special gifts. The choices are as diverse as the varied interests kids show as they mature. Knowing your children’s personalities should help you
decide whether he or she is ready for an “away” camp, or more apt to adjust to a day camp closer to home. If children are interested in sports, art, science, computers or horses, the choices are many in the San Ramon Valley and a little bit beyond. Both the Town of Danville
and the City of San Ramon have exhaustive choices to fill a child’s day, and can be seen at their respective websites. In Danville, visit www. ci.danville.ca.us/Recreation/ Camps. In San Ramon, visit www. ci.san-ramon.ca.us/parks/ recreation_guide/summer. htm. Kids who love animals and nature may enjoy the summer programs available at the Lindsay Museum in RUGBY from page 1
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The U10 Open team went undefeated on the day winning the U10 Open Championship. This capped off an undefeated season for the U10 Open team this year. In pool play, the U10 Open prevailed over Lamorinda 15-10 and North Sacramento 10 to 5. In the quarterfinals, the U10 Open prevailed over San Jose 25 to 5. In the semi-finals they met North Sacramento again and prevailed 15-0. In the Championship game they defeated East Palo Alto 15 to 5. The U10 Lights were also in action and took 3rd place on the day. In pool play, The U10 Lights were upended by Marin 15 to 10, but recovered
valleysentinel.com Walnut Creek. The variety of camps is surprising as I discovered by perusing their available programs for kids of all ages. Campers can learn about owls, dinosaurs, animal habitats, “disgusting science” and much more. There will always be those kids who dream of riding horses, taking care of them and are incessantly asking to own one. A summer riding camp is a perfect way to introduce them to the joys and responsibilities of riding and caring for these magnificent animals. A good
place to start would be Rancho Del Lago, located near Orinda in the Briones Valley. You can visit their website at www. rancho-del-lago.com, or call Mary Miller at (925) 3230219. It’s not too late to find a good, affordable option. A multitude of choices makes for a fun summer. Plus, a week or two for kids to be independent, meet new friends, and learn new activities, can help bring structure to long summer days.
to prevail over Lamorinda in a hard fought match 15 to 10. In the quarterfinals they lost to eventual champions Bowling Green from Sacramento 35 to 5. The U10 Lights bounced back and took third place by defeating Carmichael 10 to 0. The U12 Light side and the U8s also had a successful tournament by both placing second on the day in their respective divisions. While this is the end of the youth rugby season for the Danville Oaks, the high school season is still in full swing looking forward to the play-offs. The Oaks Boys Varsity Gold is undefeated and is ranked #6 in the country. They will be traveling to the National
Invitational Championships in Elkhart, IN to compete for the National Championships on May 18th and 19th. The Junior Varsity Gold team is also undefeated this year. The Oaks Girls Varsity is also undefeated and is ranked #10 in the country. They will be traveling to the National Women’s Invitational Championships in Racine, WI on May 18th and 19th. Both Varsity Gold teams are actively fundraising to defray the cost of these trips. If you would like to contribute a tax deductible donation, please contact Bob Grier at bgrier_1999@yahoo. com for the men’s varsity and Karina Newsom for the women’s varsity at newsomcrew@ hotmail.com.
valleysentinel.com
April 2013
The valley Sentinel
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Danville Area Chamber of Commerce hosts State of the Town address By Staff Writer
On Tuesday March 21 there was a full house at the annual Danville Area Chamber of Commerce State of the Town address luncheon. The event was held at Round Hill Country Club in Alamo. Danville Mayor Newell Arnerich outlined facts and information worth noting regarding the updated 2030 General Plan, Town sustainability measures, police services, transportation, and more. Approved March 21, the revised 2030 General Plan update which is the “long term blueprint for growth and development in Danville” leaves most of the original plan the same. The update changes some language and simplifies the language in the draft Sustainability Action Plan and emphasizes the voluntary nature of that plan. COYOTE from page 1
in the creation or etiological myths and narratives of the Chocheno, Rumsen, Nisenan and other Native Americans. Coyotes were hunted for their hides, which became quivers, pouches and ceremonial clothing. Coyotes owe their success to their varied diet, early age of maturation and first breeding, high reproductive output and adaptation to flexible living requirements. Coyotes typically prey on small animals. Its preferred prey in California appears to be ground squirrels, rabbits and hares. Their diet includes mice, gophers, voles, birds, eggs, insects, carrion, cactus fruit, melons, fruits and berries. In the East Bay during the fall, they sometimes rely heavily on Manzanita berries. They are capable of killing young deer and Bighorn sheep. I watched a pair of coyotes cooperatively steal a wild boar piglet from a sow, with one distracting the sow while the other quickly grabbed the unsuspecting piglet. They both shared in the bounty. It is not uncommon for them to prey on cats and dogs. They are capable of cruising at 30 mile per hour. Most ranchers dislike coyotes because they have been known to take livestock. A 2004 Wildlife Society Bulletin, 32(4):12091 21 8 , s u g g e s t s c o y o t e s are responsible for over $40 million in damages to livestock producers every year, with proportionally more damage to sheep and goats than cattle. The United
The 2030 General Plan Update can be viewed by visiting the Town’s website at www.danvillegeneralplan. com/documents.html. The Town’s plan for Sustainability incorporates current practices and programs such as recycling, improving walkability, green building, community gardens, water conservation, energy conservation, renewable energy, and storm water runoff. Mayor Arnerich stated that Danville’s new fuel reduction fleet of police cars and synthetic turf fields have reduced fuel consumption by nearly 50%. The new town-wide bicycle parking installations and way-finding/bicycle pathway master plan add to savings in energy and ease mobility. Programs such as the SRV School Bus Program TRAFFIX that transports 1250 Students over 34 routes reducing traffic
congestion around the schools, and the Street Smarts Program in the high schools, middle schools and elementary schools, educating students about traffic safety, bicycle and pedestrian safety, results in 5,000 fewer miles driven daily and 920,000 fewer vehicle miles yearly. Since 2008 when the economy plunged, Danville has had to readjust business models by marketing and branding, partnering with downtown development, and initiating retail and concierge service for small businesses. Working with the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce, and Discover Danville Association, the Town hosts events that bring over 150,000 outside special events visitors to Danville every year through street fairs, farmers markets and Shop Local events. The Town has managed to do more with less in spite
of the reduction in revenue due to the economic crisis. Capital Projects have included synthetic turf replacement at Sycamore Valley Park, pavement management, the Veterans & Senior Community Building, Danville South Park, Danville Town Meeting Hall video communication A-V improvements, SRVHS New Pool Partnership with SRVUSD, more online capabilities throughout Town government interaction with citizens, solar panel installations at Sycamore & Diablo Vista Parks and Town offices. Danville’s Police Department has managed to reduce crime by over 30% with a staff of 31 Officers, and 8 Civilian Support Personnel. In addition there are 8 Reserve Officers, and 19 Volunteers in Policing that help deliver services to the 43,000 residents.
States sheep industry was valued at $638 million in 1999 while the cattle industry was valued at $67 billion in 2000. Breeding or “alpha” coyotes are implicated in the majority of incidents. Livestock producers rely heavily on non-selective lethal control, which is not always effective and often affects non-target species. Nearly 84,000 coyotes were killed just in 2011 by the USDA Wildlife Services, at the behest of livestock producers. Research needs to continue and expand along four fronts: studies aimed at developing and improving depredation management techniques; investigations of coyote ecology relative to livestock and natural prey; comparative studies of the efficacy of specific control methods; and examination of the relative costs and benefits of different control strategies in different situations. Coyotes look like gray, b u f f y o r r e d d i s h - g r a y, medium-sized dogs. Usually 30 or 40 pounds in weight, some healthy individuals may reach 60 pounds. They have a pointed nose or rostrum and have a long, bushy tail, usually with a black tip. Their chorus of yaps, whines, barks and howls compliments the darkening skies in wild areas of California. Often initiated by one individual, many family groups or clans soon join in making it obvious these animals relish making noise together. In California, coyotes mate in February. Natural crevices and dens are used for denning. However, the den is usually an enlarged ground squirrel or badger hole
in a slope, one foot or more in diameter and ten or more feet deep. Territories can range as much as 20 kilometers in diameter around a den, although this is not typical. Three to ten pups are born some two months later. Their eyes open after about ten days, and at three weeks the pups leave the den for the first time and begin to establish dominance and social position through mock fighting. Both parents remain with the young until autumn. Family groups tend to disperse in winter as food becomes scarce. Coyotes live up to 10 years in the wild and 18 years in captivity. Versatility and the ability to adapt to a wide range of conditions is the key to the coyote’s success. Every year, hundreds of thousands of our nation’s most majestic animals (coyotes, wolves, grizzly bears, mountain lions and others) are being poisoned, trapped, and gunned down by the government and private sector. Far too often, nontarget species fall victim to these control measures. The wild carnivores and predators are integral components of their ecosystems. They help to control prey populations that we sometimes view as pests, through their interactions in the food chain. Practical non-lethal solutions to management should be explored and implemented. Exclusion techniques, cultural methods, frightening devices and guard animals are promising alternatives. James M. Hale is a wildlife biologist and Vice Chair of the Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Committee.
April 20 is Child Abuse Date: Saturday April 20 Prevention Day Child Abuse Prevention is the National Program of the Exchange Club. The National Exchange Club operates over 100 Child Abuse Prevention Centers (CAPS) and affiliates throughout the U.S. that provide parenting information and advice and referrals to various family services. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Saturday April 20 is Child Abuse Prevention Day. It will be observed all across the country during the same time period. In the San Ramon Valley it will be observed as follows: Place: Lunardi’s Market, north entrance, Railroad Ave., Danville, CA 94526
Mayor Arnerich reminded everyone that the quality of life in Danville and the desirability of living here is due to the services, the programs and in large part to the more than 150 Town volunteers who contribute over 16,000 hours in various programs, events, boards, committees and departments.
Time: 9:00am to 12:00pm Parents are invited to bring their children to be finger printed by the Danville Police Auxiliary and to pick up pamphlets containing advice on all kinds of parent-child issues provided by SRV Exchange Club members. To appeal to the kids and their parents there will be a big red fire truck, and a small petting zoo and pony ride provided by Little Red’s Barnyard Friends. Exchange Club members will be handing out Child Safety Information Kits to the parents. For more information call Alicia Watson, Chairperson; (925) 838-7570, or email her at Mrs.W@comcast.net You can also visit the website at srvexchangeclub.org.
San Ramon Rotary Club recognizes 2013 Unsung Heroes Club recognizes four individuals who personify “Service Above Self”
The Rotary Club of San Ramon has selected four individuals as the recipients of its 2013 Unsung Heroes Award. These four local community members were recognized for their service at the Club’s regular meeting on April 4th at the Crow Canyon Country Club. This year’s “Heroes” are: * Kim Tarman, Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) * Judi Caruthers, Assistance League of Diablo Valley * Elaine Maier, Friends of Discover/The Thrift Station * Yaeko Kennelly, City of San Ramon Parks and
Community Services Senior Services Each year, the Rotary Club of San Ramon recognizes several volunteers, either San Ramon citizens or residents from other communities who serve the citizens of San Ramon, who have distinguished themselves in their service. “These four individuals all represent what is good about our community,” said Hermann Welm, Awards Coordinator for the Club. “They truly take Rotary’s motto of ‘Service Above Self’ and incorporate it into the everyday lives. They deserve to be recognized.”
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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. Free E-Waste Recycling Event 1st Saturday every month–Saturday, May 4 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 in San Ramon, 1690 Watermill Road, in the Back Parking Lot. 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 old-fashioned 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. What’s in a Name? Tracing Our Valley’s Early Families Now-April 20 Adventurous men and women traveled to California beginning in the 1840s. They moved to Alamo, Danville, San Ramon and the Tassajara Valley and, today, we see their names on roads, canyons, schools and home developments. Displaying the Museum’s archives, photographs, clothing, agricultural equipment, saddles and flags, this exhibit provides insights into the lives of our founding families. Tickets starting from $1.00. Museum of San Ramon Valley, 205 Railroad Avenue in Downtown Danville. Information: Visit www.museumsrv.org or call 925-837-3750. Ruth Bancroft Garden Spring Plant Sale April 13 Membership Pre-sale: 9-10am (Membership for sale at door); Public 10-3pm. Ruth Bancroft Garden is the Bay Area’s best selection of drought tolerant plants for local gardens. Come and visit–admission will be free all day during the spring sale. Be inspired by Ruth’s world-class garden; learn from expert staff, docents, and nursery propagators; and get everything you need to create a drought tolerant paradise. Many plants are thirty percent off! 1552 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek. Information: www.ruthbancroftgarden.org. Annual Gardens at Heather Farm Spring Plant Sale April 13 & 27 9am-12pm. Our popular spring plant sale benefitting the ongoing maintenance of our free public garden and our educational programs for children and persons with disabilities at the Gardens at Heather Farm Program is now a 2-day event. Purchase new plants for your garden from a beautiful selection of Mediterranean and California native plants, plants for birds and butterflies, spring/summer annuals and vegetables, herbs,
container plants, and succulent wreaths. In addition to plants, we also will have various artisans’ crafts available for sale. GHF members receive 10% off. Gardens at Heather Farm Propagation Center, 600 N. San Carlos Dr., Walnut Creek. Information: Visit our website at www.gardenshf.org for a complete list of plants and artisan crafts available. Earth Day with Volunteers for Outdoor California April 19-21 Trail building at Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park. Please visit www.v-o-cal.org for more information and to register. The Town of Danville’s Third Annual Earth Day Event April 20 12-4pm. The Town of Danville Earth Day Event is a free, fun, informative event for young and old residents and visitors interested in sustainable practices, landscape design, energy efficiency, waste reduction, recycling, water conservation, fuel-efficiency, carbon footprint, green building options - and much more! Participate in popular hands-on activities and visit informative and interactive booths. Earth Day activities include: Electric and hybrid vehicles, meet Mr. Funnel head and learn how to recycle your oil, watershed diorama, a scavenger hunt, giveaways, prizes and much more! Town Green, Danville Community Center and Library. Information: www.ci.danville.ca.us Hike for Hope May 4 8:30am-12pm. Hike for a good cause and enjoy the beautiful outdoors. Gather your family, round up your friends and coworkers and form your teams or just come solo. Join us for this wonderful outdoor event at beautiful Del Valle Regional Park. The Hike for Hope is a memorial hike and fundraiser. Proceeds help support the vital work of Hope Hospice. There are two trails suitable for most hikers: an easy 2.6 mile route or a 4.4 mile hike with a moderate incline. Hike begins 8:3010am and ends by noon. Registration fees: $25 by April 18; $35 after April 18. 7000 Del Valle Road, Livermore. Information: Register online at TheHikeForHope.com or call Hope Hospice at 925-829-8770. Devil Mountain Run May 5 This popular event began in 1978 as a fundraiser for Children’s Hospital Oakland. It was cancelled in 2012 but is making a comeback–renamed the Danville Devil Mountain Run. Proceeds will benefit Discovery Counseling Center of Danville. The entry fee is $30 for the 5K and $40 for the 10k. Discounts available for children and families. For more information and to register online, visit www.devilmountainrun.com. The first 1,000 people to register will receive a free T-shirt. For information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact Chris McCrary at Chris@ katalysteventsllc.com.
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. 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: 925-314-3400. Sneaker Trips: All trips meet at the Danville Park & Ride lot unless otherwise noted in the trip details. Reserve your spot at the Danville Community Center, 420 Front Street, on or before the registration date beginning at 8:30am. Information: 925-314-3400.
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. 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 & Thursday, 10am-1pm. Information: 973-3250. Sign up for Casino Trips and Van Trips at the travel desk or by depositing payment with registration form in the gold drop box found at the main entryway.
BUSINESS Lafayette Chamber Mixer April 10 5:30pm. Yogaworks, 1131 Locust Ave. 2nd Floor, Walnut Creek. San Ramon Chamber of Commerce: Third Thursday Mixer April 18 5:30-7:30pm. Please join us for our Third Thursday Mixer at Firehouse No. 37 in San Ramon! Meet other business owners for an opportunity to network and make your business more visible. We’ll also have our FINAL National Treasures Raffle Drawing, where the Winner of the $13,000 Educational Trip will be picked and announced! Tickets: $5 for Members and $20 for Non-Members. No RSVP Required. Checks and cash only please. Address: Firehouse No. 37; 250 Market Place, San Ramon. Information: www.sanramon.org. Alamo Chamber Mixer April 24 5:30pm. Don’t miss a chance to explore the businesses in your town and show your support to your local area. Reinforce business connection or make new ones. Cost: $20 non-members, $10 members Address: Don Jose’s Mexican Restaurant; 3168 -E Danville Blvd. Information: alamochamberofcommerce.com Greener Restaurants April 25 10am-1pm. This seminar will explore the various pathways to the greener restaurant and how to take advantage of the available resources. Attendees will learn how easy it is to use utility incentives as a guide towards sustainability. Free. Continental Breakfast and Lunch will be provided. PG&E Foodservice Technology Center (FSTC), 12949 Alcosta Boulevard, Suite 101, San Ramon. Information: danvilleareachamber.com or call 800-398-3782. Walnut Creek B.A.S.H Monthly Mixer April 25 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. Please bring your business cards. 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.
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.
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April 2013
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Community Calendar (continued from page 12) Hope Hospice Grief Support Groups-Ongoing 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 endof-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 to learn more about our programs and call 925-829-8770 to discuss which programs may be most appropriate for you. Recurring: Mondays: Danville Rotary 12pm. Meets every Monday. Faz Restaurant, Danville. Information: danvillerotary.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. Tuesdays: Danville am Toastmasters 7-8:30am. Meets every Tuesday. New members welcome. Father Nature’s Restaurant, Danville. Information: danville am.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 925-8875678 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 925933-0107. Walnut Creek Kiwanis Club 12:10-1:30pm. Meets every Tuesday. Massimo’s Ristorante, 1604 Locust Street, Walnut Creek. Information: kiwanisofwalnutcreek.org. Walnut Creek Rotary 12:15-1:30pm. Meets every Tuesday. Heather Farms Garden Center, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: rotarywc.org. 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/TriValley-Weight-Loss-Team. 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/communityprograms.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 925-275-2412. 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. 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. Diablo Valley Quilters 7-9pm. Meets the third Wednesday of
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Danville • Blackhawk Alamo • Diablo San Ramon
you an arm and a leg for their mediocre services?! I’m offering my computer expertise to you in case you just don’t have money and/or time to go out and get it fixed yourself by the nearest “Geeks” or similar computer repair shop. I will come to you!!! I’ve been an IT for 10+ years and have the knowledge and know-how of fixing/ repairing a lot of hardware and software. I prefer to offer my basic services to you if you are running Windows-based systems small networks; and LaserJet Printers – HP, Dell, Samsung, and Lexmark. I charge $75.00/hour, plus the cost of any parts or software. If your needs stretch outside of that scope feel free to call me for a free quote. I accept
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HELP WANTED Sales Executive: Sentinel Newspapers, Inc. has immediate openings for a sales person for A La Carte magazine. Sales experience helpful. Will train the right person. Must have an outgoing personality and a positive attitude. Compensation based on performance. A La Carte magazine covers the most desirable areas of the Bay Area–Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Alamo, Blackhawk, Danville, and Diablo. Please email your resume and request for interview to us at drousset@ valleysentinel.com.
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every month. No charge for guests. Danville Congregational Church, 989 San Ramon Valley Blvd., Danville. Information: diablovalleyquilters.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 7:30pm. 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. Faz Restaurant, 600 Hartz Ave., Danville. $21 for lunch. New and long-time residents are welcome. Reservations/information: 925-828-8554.
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 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.
Rotary Club of San Ramon 11:45am. Meets every Thursday. Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville. Information: sanramonrotary.org. A Course in Miracles 7-8pm. Meets every Thursday. Each meeting is spent discussing the concepts of A Course in Miracles and
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The valley Sentinel
AUTO March 2009 April 2013
2013 VOLVO S60 T6 AWD R By David and Judy Colman
E ve r s i n c e Fo rd s o l d Volvo off to the Chinese several years ago, the Swedish automaker has been having a tough go in the marketplace. Thankfully, not as bad as Swedish compatriot Saab, w h i c h re c e n t l y d e c l a re d bankruptcy and closed its doors, but still concerning enough to make marque loyalists fret. But if the latest S60 R is indicative of Volvo’s future, the company outlook is very bright indeed. In fact, just as bright as the piercing shade of Rebel Blue that
graced our scintillating test car. If you’re in the market for a 4 place sports sedan, you’ll definitely want to consider the S60 R as a top contender, because it beats the competition from Audi and BMW in almost every department while costing considerably less. Fo r exa m p l e, t h e base price of this twin turbocharged road burner is just $43,900. Even with the addition of a $2,300 Platinum Package (Navigation, BackUp Camera) and $700 Cold Weather Package (Heated
Fro n t S e a t s a n d Wa s h e r N o z z l e s ) , t h i s Vo l v o ’ s out-the door price totaled $48,195. A comparable BMW 3 Series sedan starts about the same price as the Volvo ($43,150) but by the time you’re finished toting up the laundry list of extras, the BMW costs almost ten grand more than the S60 R. And in a straight shoot out based on performance, I’d take the Volvo every time. The “R” branding starts under the hood, where the 3.0 liter six is mounted sideways rather than lengthwise to minimize front overhang. This long stroke (93.2mm) small bore
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(82mm) motor is designed to make most of its torque low in the rpm range. Between 2,100rpm and 4,200rpm, the big six produces 354 lb.-ft. of torque. This wide rpm spread allows you to access instant power, no matter which gear the Geartronic 6-speed has selected. Volvo has also upped horsepower output this year from 300 to 325hp at 5,600rpm. Although the Geartronic system lacks paddle shifts, the console-mounted shift lever features a unique illuminated knob, which highlights the range you’ve chosen. SportMode, activated by moving the lever backwards and left, allows you to select your preferred gear manually. In practice, however, this manipulation is hardly ever necessary, due to the abundant torque of the R-specification motor. The S60 is fitted with a unibody steel passenger s a f e t y c a g e, d u a l s t a g e front seat airbags with antiwhiplash headrests, and side impact head protection for all 4 seats. All that safety gear is as reassuring as the S60’s exceptional handling. Volvo has not stinted in supplying the “R” with premium “Sleipner” alloy wheels that look like Cuisineart blades. Continental provides top notch ContiSportContact 235/40R18) rubber at each corner and Volvo stiffens the suspension of the “R” to take maximum advantage o f t h e C o n t i ’s m o u n t a i n
valleysentinel.com goat traction. This sedan will corner with the best contenders from Germany without giving them an inch advantage. Saving the best for last, the cockpit of the S60 R is a splendid exercise in Swedish modern design. Unlike most dashboards, which look like they were cobbled together by 20 different parents, the S60 R control layout looks like one mastermind did the trick. The fact that almost every surface is matte black makes the Op Art aluminum center stack throb with visual excitement. It contains just 4 large, simplified knobs which control radio volume, radio tune, and thermostats for driver and passenger. Like the silver center stack, the boldly delineated “Blue Watch Dial Instrument Cluster” is also startlingly impressive. Bold, concentric rings of silver and ice blue convert the 8,000rpm tachometer and 160mph speedometer into Swatch-like chronometer faces that are as easy to read as they are refreshing to see. Volvo designers also supply just enough “R” model designations (front grill, headrests, steering wheel spoke) to identify this sedan, without resorting to undue braggadocio. The a l l - w h e e l - d r i ve S 6 0 R i s an affordable sports sedan for the owner whose ego needs no reinforcement from badging.
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2067 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon
(925) 830-8747 www.diablomotors.com
2013 Volvo S60 T6 AWD R Engine: 3.0 liter inline 6, DOHC Continuous Variable Valve Timing, Twin-Scroll Turbo Horsepower: 325hp @ 5,600rpm Torque: 354 lb.-ft. @ 2,100rpm-4,200rpm Fuel consumption: 18 MPG City/25 MPG Highway Price as Tested: $48,195 Hypes: Sleeper Backroad Burner, Quality Fit and Finish Gripes: No Paddles, Tight Back Seat Star rating: 9.5 Stars Out Of 10
valleysentinel.com
April 2013
The valley Sentinel
page 15
Art and Bicycle Activities in the Regional Parks By Beverly Lane, East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors
At the East Bay Regional Park District we offer a variety of activities for visitors, including a new exhibit at the Tilden Nature Area in Tilden Regional Park and special bike rides. The free exhibit features the art and poetry of photographer Alvin Nathan Hadad (1943-2011). Alvin admired Jewel Lake at the Tilden Nature Area and his passions for photography and poetry will be on display. He appreciated the easy access he had to serene natural areas at Tilden, especially Jewel Lake which is a short walk from the Tilden Nature Area’s Environmental Education Center (open from 10am4:30pm, closed Mondays and holidays). The exhibit ends on Sunday, April 28, 2013. For more information visit www.ebparks.org/features, or call (510) 544-2233. The Park District Outdoor Recreation Department offers programs that help you gain
valuable skills and build confidence so that you bike in your Regional Parks. We offer four progressive bicycling series each year. T h e s e b a s i c f i ve t o seven-mile rides along paved Regional Trails and park trails introduce you to safe riding, signaling, and basic bike care. We do not teach participants how to ride a bike; but rather how to have a safe, fun, and rewarding experience in their Regional
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Parks and Trails. Some biking experience is required. We encourage new bikers to start with the Bike Safety class, and then attend a Beginning Cycling program, followed by a Road Cycling program for more intermediate to advanced bikers. Finally, we cap each month with a longer Destination Bike Adventure that features exciting East Bay destinations. These are free drop-in programs. The first basic class
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is April 13 on the LafayetteMoraga Regional Trail. The full schedule is on our web site at www.ebparks.org/activities/ biking. Bring a bike, helmet, and a friend! 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 and Pleasant Hill through Clayton.
Bicyclists at Anthony Chabot Regional Park. East Bay
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