The Valley Sentinel_April 2017 by Sentinel Newspapers

Regional Parks

Alamo • Danville • Blackhawk • Diablo • San Ramon

VALLEY

Inside this month...

THE

SENTINEL always for the community VOl 22 nO 4

Look inside

for this Activity Guide

East Bay Regional Park District Regional in Nature Activity Guide

april 2017

www.valleysentinel.com

SPOTLIGHT

SRVUSD Teachers of the Year

ECRWSS

Postal Customer

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

SRVUSD Board President Mark Jewett, Kelly Giotta, Marissa Ware, SRVUSD Superintendent Rick Schmitt On Tuesday, March 7, 2017, the San Ramon Valley Unified School District’s (SRVUSD) Board of Education recognized Kelly Giotta and Marissa Ware as the 20172018 Teachers of the Year. Giotta is a 6th grade Core teacher at Gale Ranch Middle School in San Ramon. Ware is a 2nd grade teacher at John Baldwin Elementary School in Danville and a District See TEACHERS page 9

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

4 Days Diablo is a “Gently Roughing It” small group camping trip held each spring that leads you on a 30-mile adventure on the Diablo Trail. Hikers journey through rarely seen Mount Diablo landscapes, led by expert naturalists, botanists and birders. This year’s trip ﬁlled up quickly, so make a note now to sign up for next year! If you’re looking for a day hike, Save Mount Diablo also hosts a free guided public hikes, walks and tours series, “Discover Diablo” with events held twice monthly. For information, call Save Mount Diablo at (925) 947-3535 or visit www.savemountdiablo.org.Photo by Scott Hein, Nature Photographer and Save Mount Diablo Board President.

Double-crested Cormorant By James Hale

The Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) is a fairly common and conspicuous sight on open water areas, throughout Contra Costa County, that can provide sufficient fish. It is a member of the cormorant family of seabirds, and related to pelicans. They are widely distributed across North America, from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska down to Florida and Mexico, near rivers and lakes and along the coastline. Five subspecies are recognized. The Double-Crested Cormorant is a dark, black bird with webbed feet and set-back legs, which are adaptations to their diving habits. Juvenile birds are grayish for the first two years, particularly on the throat and underside. The birds grow darker with age. They may be up to a yard long with a wing span reaching up to five feet in length, and up to six pounds in weight. The sexes are not sexually

dimorphic. They often may be seen swimming partially submerged.The long, slender bill is sharply hooked for capturing fish and other prey.

the birds are agitated or during the breeding season. The Double-Crested Cormorant flies low over the water, with its bill tilted slightly upward, and the

The facial skin and throat pouch are bare, and a very colorful, orange year-round. The double, sagittal head crests are wispy white and particularly prominent when

distinctive kinked thick neck. The Double-Crested Cormorant was first described by Rene Primevere Lesson in 1831. Its generic scientific name is derived from the

Greek words for “bald” and “crow”, or “raven”. The Latin epithet auritus, for “eared”, refers to the nuptial crests, which are beautiful white plumes. DoubleCrested Cormorants hunt by swimming and diving, as they pursue their diet of fish. When opportunities arise, they will also consume frogs, snakes, crayfish, and other prey. The Double-Crested Cormorant is capable of diving up to twenty-five feet for more than one minute as it pursues fish. In parts of the Orient and Japan, captive cormorants are used for commercial and subsistence fishing. The birds are tethered with a loose noose around their neck so that they won’t escape or swallow the fish.

This month’s Special Sections: Kids’ Camps page 8 - 9 Spring Home & Garden page 10

See CORMORANT page 15

Celebrate

Earth Day April 22

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

page 2

The Valley SenTinel

The Town of Danville presents Color Play Now – April 15 Featuring large-scale and small works, this exhibition provides a variety of color experiences, including paintings and prints of diverse media and materials. Artwork by five Bay Area artists will be on view: Ellen Levine Dodd, Elise Morris, Karen OlsenDunn, Sharon Paster and Julia Rymer. Village Theater, 233 Front Street, Danville. www. villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400. Rock and Entertainment Legend Photographs and Memorabilia April 12 7-9pm. The public is invited to “A Fan’s Point

april 2017

of View,” a free night of rock and roll memories. Alamo resident Donna Paula will present her collection of rock stars and music legends photographed as they appeared onstage and backstage during the 1960’s and 1970’s. Legends photographed in her private collection include the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendricks, Led Zepplin, Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, Bob Dylan, Frank Sinatra and many others including jazz and blues artists. There will be a no-host bar and live music. Photos will be available for purchase. Free. Crow Canyon Country Club, Silver Lake Drive, Danville. Information: Steve Hawkins, (818) 8256262.

Making little ones laugh, dance, and sing-along since 2009, the Town of Danville is pleased to continue to present fun and unique top-level entertainers for preschool-aged children. $5. Village Theater, 233 Front Street, Danville. www. villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400.

Preschool Performance Series - Steve Chaney April 14 10am. Presented in 1 hour with no intermission.

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Laughing Stock April 14 - 30 Artistic Director Gordon Page is looking to save his struggling summer stock theatre by producing Dracula, Hamlet and Charlie’s Aunt in repertory. Being short of time, talent and money aren’t obstacles. This is the theatre! Mixing slapstick with sweetness, Charles Morey’s Laughing Stock celebrates all the things we love about theatre and everything that can go wrong in the making of it. Village Theater, 233 Front Street, Danville. www. villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400.

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Friday Foreign Film Series: The Fencer April 21 7pm. This is the story of a real-life teacher who unselfishly made an impact on the lives of children in a small post-war village in Estonia even though he put his personal safety at great risk. (In Estonian/

valleysentinel.com with English Subtitles) Not Rated. 99 min. $10 Front Row Theater, located inside the Dougherty Station Community Center, 17011 Bollinger Canyon Rd., San Ramon. Information / tickets: www.sanramon. ca.gov/parks/theater or call 925-973-3343.

Dixieland Jazz Apr 15 1:30-4:30pm. On the 3rd Saturday of every month you can enjoy the music of the Devil Mountain Jazz Band. Bring your own beverages, snacks and a friend or two! There is a large dance floor and lots of free parking. $15. Grange Hall, 743 Diablo Road, Danville. Information visit www.jazznut.com or phone 625-2707. Student Recognition Project Visual Artists Paintings and Drawings April 22 - May 6 Aprill 22 Opening Reception 1-3pm. This is a free event. This new exhibition features student works from California, Del Amigo, Dougherty Valley, San Ramon Valley, Monte Vista and Venture High Schools. The Student Recognition Project partners with the San Ramon Valley business and arts community and encourages students to gain 21st century skills and knowledge through projects that inspire creative exploration and learning that last a lifetime. Village Theater, 233 Front Street, Danville. Information: contact Visual Arts Coordinator Marija Nelson Bleier at (925) 314-3460 or mbleier@danville.ca.gov. Cultural Connection - A Multicultural Dance Event April 22 2pm. Performers include: AXIS Dance Company, Nadhi Thekkek/ Nava Dance Theatre, Los Lupeños de San José, Nritya Laya Darpan, Tatseena’s Middle Eastern Dancers, and Xiaopei Chinese Dance!

$10. Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center, located on the Dougherty Valley High School Campus, 10550 Albion Rd., San Ramon. Information / tickets: www.sanramon. ca.gov/parks/theater or call 925-973-3343.

Suburban Thunder Improv Company presents Night At The Improv: Earth Day April 22 8pm. Join Suburban Thunder Improv Company for spontaneous improvisational theater! All based on your suggestions, we’ll create a one-of-akind show just for you! Celebrate Earth Day with Improv! We’ll create scenes and play games all to honor our little blue and green marble that we live on. Suitable for ages 14+. $10. Front Row Theater, located inside the Dougherty Station Community Center, 17011 Bollinger Canyon Rd., San Ramon. Information / tickets: www.sanramon. ca.gov/parks/theater or call 925-973-3343.

San Ramon Youth Symphony Concert April 24 8:30pm. Be inspired by the incredible musicianship of The San Ramon Youth Symphony led by Director David Sego. The group is made up of talented young people from the Tri-Valley

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

valleysentinel.com area. You will be impressed and entertained as they play both classics and well known music. Free. Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center, located on the Dougherty Valley High School Campus, 10550 Albion Rd,. San Ramon. Information / tickets: www. sanramon.ca.gov/parks/ theater or call 925-973-3343.

Sing-Along Mary Poppins presented by The San Ramon Arts Foundation April 29 6:30pm. Step in time with Mary, Bert and the rest of the memorable characters from the Disney classic Mary Poppins at this sing-along screening. You’ll receive a complimentary bag of props to use and there will be a costume parade for all the chimney sweeps and nannies in the audience. Chock-full of classic songs like A Spoonful of Sugar, Chim Chim Cheree and more, this story of a practically perfect nanny with a touch of magic still delights. The audience is encouraged to dress as their favorite characters and compete for costume prizes. Come early and have your picture taken with everyone’s favorite nanny and chimney sweep! $15. Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center, located on the Dougherty Valley High School Campus, 10550 Albion Rd., San Ramon. Information / tickets: www. sanramon.ca.gov/parks/ theater or call 925-973-3343.

Pleasanton Public Library Presents Island Of Lost Souls (1932) May 1 6:30pm. “What is the Law?” Before experiments with dinosaur DNA in Jurassic Park, ego-driven

april 2017 Dr. Moreau was testing the boundaries of bioethics. Based on elements in H.G. Wells’ novel The Island of Dr. Moreau, this risktaking film plays with philosophical questions and wonders who should answer them. Free. Pleasanton Library Large Meeting Room, 400 Old Bernal Ave, Pleasanton. For more information, please call the library at (925) 931-3400 ext. 4

Preschool Performance Series - Juggler and Comic Fred Anderson May 5 10am. Presented in 1 hour with no intermission. Making little ones laugh, dance, and sing-along since 2009, the Town of Danville is pleased to continue to present fun and unique top-level entertainers for preschool-aged children. $5. Village Theater, 233 Front Street, Danville. www. villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400.

An ‘A Cappella’ Evening May 5 7:30pm. Celebrate a different kind of Cinco di Mayo with a refreshing blend of “a cappella’ singing from longtime award winning Bay Area favorites La Di Da and Houseblend. The quartets together on stage for the first time mix up a musical cocktail of vocal styles with an abundance of smooth harmony, bold rhythm and wry humor. Viva “La Blenda!” $25. Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek. Please visit www.lesherartscenter.org to purchase tickets.

The Valley SenTinel

page 3

Join Tri-Valley SOCKS

(Stepping Out for Cancer Kures)

Saturday, April 29, 2017 at the 12th Annual

Bras for the Cause

Breast Cancer Walk on Main Street in Downtown Pleasanton Spontaneous Shakespeare! May 5- 6 8pm. Mayhem, mirth and merriment abound at Spontaneous Shakespeare, a completely improvised two-act comedy in the style of the immortal bard! Chock full of bawdy humor, mistaken identities, outrageous disguises, star crossed lovers, mischievous spirits, wily servants, exciting sword fights, hysterical wordplay, and more “thees” and “thous” than you can shake a cudgel at, this outrageous improvised comedy is made up entirely on the spot and all based on your suggestions! $17 - $20. Village Theater, 233 Front Street, Danville. www. villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400.

Registration and information: www.TriValleySOCKS.org

• Caterers • Jewelers • Photographers • Equipment Rentals • Linens • Florists • Venues • Event Planners • Bridal Gowns • DJs • Bakeries and much more... • Food & wine samplings, giveaways and chance to WIN amazing raffle prizes! • Discover lots of great local sources for wedding products and services!

Saturday • April 15, 2017 • 11 - 4pm Calling all brides to be. Come to the Spring Bridal Show! There will be vendors showcasing everything that a bride needs to make her special day one to remember. The event is free of charge.

Danville Veteran’s Memorial Building 400 Hartz Ave, Danville For information visit www.Danvilleareachamber.com or call the Chamber at (925) 837-4400

Mt. Diablo Peace & Justice Center presents: THE 19th ANNUAL DENNIS THOMAS ART & WRITING CHALLENGE - 2017 Open to all Contra Costa County middle and high school students. This years topic: “Do Your Little Bit of Good” For an application please visit creatingpeacefulschools.weebly.com/upcoming-events. Applications must be postmarked or delivered by 5pm Friday, April 21, 2017 to the Mt. Diablo Peace & Justice Center, 55 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek, CA 94596. For more information contact (925) 933-7850.

page 4

The Valley Sentinel April 2017

valleysentinel.com

Sponsored Content

Buying Real Estate in Your IRA By Robert Cucchiaro

Every so often I will get a call from a prospective client who hates the stock market and wants to know if they can buy real estate inside of their IRA. While this is not something most Advisors would recommend (for reasons you shall see), yes it is possible. For starters, this is not something you can do with an IRA at Charles Schwab, Fidelity, Vanguard or any of the major custodians. You must establish what’s called a self-directed IRA and there are only a few custodians that offer these. Second, you have to be very careful in how you handle this account because any violation of the rules could lead to the entire IRA losing its tax-exempt status, which would mean a huge and unnecessary tax bill. One such example would be buying a property inside of your IRA and then renting it out to your family members or to a business that you also have an ownership stake in. If at any time in the life of the self-directed account you rent to a related party, the retirement account will lose its tax-exempt status.

Another consideration has to do with how you pay for property expenses (repairs, insurance, taxes) when your IRA owns real estate. Since you are not the owner, your IRA is, all payments associated with the property must be made from the IRA itself. This means that if you hold $1,000,000 in your IRA, you cannot buy a property for $1,000,000 (unless you take on a mortgage which is the next issue) because you must set aside a reserve fund to cover these expenses. If you pay for these expenses out of your own pocket then they are deemed as an excess IRA contribution for that year. The final complication here has to do with holding a mortgage on a property owned inside of an IRA. When you borrow money inside of an IRA the earnings on that part of the property are no longer tax-exempt. This is called UBTI, or unrelated business taxable income. This would mean you have to pay tax on a portion of the income received and yet cannot depreciate the property because its owned inside of your IRA, thus eliminating one of the primary tax benefits of real estate as an investment.

Finally, self-directed IRA custodians make their money off of fees that you must pay for each transaction that takes place inside of your IRA. And because there is not a lot of competition in this space, the fees can add up to thousands of dollars per year. Despite all of this, if you hate the stock market and are set on owning real estate inside of your IRA, consider buying a property with a triple net (NNN) lease. This means the tenants pay the insurance, property taxes and maintenance. If you can do this without a mortgage and secure a good tenant with a long lease, you can at least avoid a lot of the headaches I mentioned above. Now is the time to get started on building your longterm retirement plan. Whether you are already retired or 10 years away, Summit Wealth & Retirement can help. Summit Wealth & Retirement is now conveniently located in Danville at 55 Oak Ct. Call us to make a complimentary appointment at 925-927-1900 or visit our website at www. summitwealthandretirement. com

SENTINELS OF FREEDOM Scholarship Foundation

Housing • Education • Employment • Mentoring • Ongoing Support

Sentinels of Freedom provides the resources and support needed for severely wounded veterans to live active, engaged, and successful lives as they recover from the physical, emotional, and psychological impact of their injuries, learn to live with their disabilities, and work their way back to a life of complete self-sufficiency. To learn more about our organization please visit us at: www.sentinelsoffreedom.org www.facebook.com/sentinelsoffreedom (925) 380-6342 info@sentinelsoffreedom.org

Sentinels of Freedom Hosts Commandant of the US Coast Guard in Honor of Our Nation’s Veterans Have you ever listened to a speaker so compelling that you were at the edge of your seat during their presentation, hanging onto their every word? Local nonprofit Sentinels of Freedom assists severely wounded and injured post-9/11 veterans as they pursue higher education. They recently hosted their third annual Sentinels Gala and had not only one, but several, such distinguished speakers in their lineup. The gala was held in order to recognize the important work of the US military and to honor the nonprofit’s scholarship recipients, called Sentinels, for their service to our nation and their journey toward civilian success. This year’s honored branch was the US Coast Guard. Present at the event to speak of the importance of the Coast Guard’s work was Admiral Paul F. Zukunft, Commandant of the entire branch. The Admiral’s speech focused on the global significance of the Coast Guard and his experiences of working with international leaders. Admiral Zukunft was also happy to announce that the Coast Guard had secured continued funding– a piece of news to which the whole audience responded with heavy applause. In closing, the Admiral spoke of his respect for the mission of Sentinels of Freedom, noting how important it is to continue to support Veterans as they transition back to civilian life – a task that can often be filled with many obstacles. As a dedicated Veterans Service Organization with a comprehensive program, Sentinels of

Freedom sees it as their duty to aid this process for the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country’s freedoms. Another Coast Guard guest of honor was Chief Michael S. Spencer, who talked about his time with the Coast Guard in a remarkably captivating fashion. Filled with personal anecdotes and accounts of some of his most memorable missions thus far, Chief Spencer took the audience on a vivid journey. One such account had to do with a rescue mission at Cape Kiwanda, an event for which the Chief received the Coast Guard Medal with Extraordinary Heroism – one of the branch’s highest honors. The audience listened to Chief Spencer’s description and watched a recording of the actual event in complete silence, witnessing how the rescue swimmer entered, and momentarily disappeared, into a cave while hooked to a helicopter in rough water conditions. After the video, the audience was in awe. By the end of the evening, guests had gotten the chance to not only listen to engaging speeches by distinguished guests, but to also meet and talk to some of the Sentinels who were present. This yearly event is an opportunity for community members and leaders, as well as local businesses, to come together and witness the positive impact that the organization’s program has had on these Veterans’ lives. To learn more about Sentinels of Freedom and how you can make a difference in a Veteran’s life, visit sentinelsoffreedom.org.

Senior Living valleysentinel.com

page 7

april 2017

How to ﬁle a complaint against your Medicare drug or health plan By Greg Dill

Having practiced pharmacy for many years, I often find myself talking to people about their Medicare prescription drug, or Part D, plans. People with Part D usually share their thoughts about a favorite pharmacy or pharmacist, or how their plan offers medicines at affordable prices. Sometimes they report problems with a Part D plan, ranging from the cost of drugs to difficulty in getting a specific medication their doctor prescribed. A first step to correcting problems is always to

contact your drug plan (contact information is on the back of your drug card). A call to the plan usually will resolve your issue. If that doesn’t work, you can file a complaint. You can do that by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or going online at www. Medicare.gov. Complaints can be made against Part D drug plans as well as Part C health plans, also known as Medicare Advantage plans. The online Medicare Complaint Form is easy to use. Medicare takes the information you send and directs it to your plan. Then we follow up and monitor how well the plan resolves your complaint. To find the complaint form, go to www.Medicare. gov and locate the blue box near the top of the page that says “Claims & Appeals.” Place your cursor over that box until a dropdown menu

appears and click on “file a complaint.” When the next page comes up, click on “Your health or drug plan.” You can also lodge a complaint by calling or writing to your plan. Your complaint could involve a problem with customer service, difficulty in getting access to a specialist, being given the wrong drug, or being given drugs that interact in a negative way. If you file a complaint about your Part D drug plan, certain requirements apply: • You must file your complaint within 60 days from the date of the event that led to the complaint. • You must be notified of the decision generally no later than 30 days after the plan gets the complaint. • If your complaint relates to a plan’s refusal to make a fast coverage determination or redetermination and you haven’t purchased or gotten

the drug, the plan must give you a decision no later than 24 hours after it gets the complaint. In addition, you can make a complaint if you have a concern about the quality of care or other services you get from a Medicare provider. This includes doctors, hospitals, or other medical providers; your dialysis or kidney transplant care; or a Medicare-certified supplier of durable medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, and oxygen equipment. How you file a complaint depends on what your complaint is about. For more information, go to www.medicare.gov/ claims-and-appeals/file-acomplaint/complaint.html. As a Medicare beneficiary, you also have certain appeal rights. What’s the difference between a complaint and an appeal?

A complaint is generally about the quality of care you got or are getting. For example, you may file a complaint if you have a problem contacting your plan or if you’re unhappy with how a staff person at the plan treated you. However, if you have an issue with a plan’s refusal to pay for a service, supply, or prescription, you file an appeal. For more information on appeals, take a look at your “Medicare & You” handbook, mailed each fall to every Medicare household in the country. Or go online at www.medicare.gov/ claims-and-appeals/file-anappeal/appeals.html. Greg Dill is Medicare’s regional administrator for Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and the Pacific Territories. You can always get answers to your Medicare questions by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800633-4227).

Proﬁles in Courage:

Enjoy Life More

Shell Shock by Eugene O’Neill and The Rescue by Rita Creighton Smith

Homeowners 62 years or older:

Men, Women and Mental Illness During the dawn of the 20th century, ideas of what it is to be human were evolving. The field of modern psychology was emerging as a major force shaping our views of the human experience. Mental illness as an explanation for the challenges of our lives was a new concept. This May Playwrights’ Theatre will feature two voices from the Provincetown Players delving into the relationship of gender and mental illness. Rita Creighton Smith’s The Rescue, tells a story of a family of women coping with the prospect of inherited madness. Eugene O’Neill’s Shell Shock shows a man struggling to make sense of his war time experience and the burden it has placed on his psyche. “This unique pairing lends a deeper understanding to the

role gender plays in shaping our ideas of mental illness” says EONF Artistic Director Eric Fraisher Hayes. The performances of Shell Shock and The Rescue will be presented as a collaboration between the Eugene O’Neill Foundation, Tao House and Symmetry Theatre Company of San Francisco. Symmetry is a professional company committed to addressing issues of gender parity in theatre and society. Additionally, both performances will be followed with a lively discussion of the relationship of gender and mental illness led by scholars and the artists involved in creating this presentation. These plays will run May 6 at 8pm and May 7 at 2pm at the Old Barn, at the Eugene O’Neill Tao House in Danville. For tickets and information, visit www. eugeneoneill.org

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Kids’ Camps & Education page 8

The Valley SenTinel

april 2017

Super Summer Fun By Staff Writer April means the hunt is on for great summer camps for kids. Parents and kids need to plan now to make this summer a fond childhood memory. Nearly everyone can recall a summer camp experience or job that contributed to future choices and accomplishments. Camp does not need to be labeled educational to produce a positive learning experience along with a dose of freedom and fun. Whether it’s day camp or live-away, the nature of the summer camp must fit the child’s personality and maturity level. Explore camp options together. Kids need to have some interest in going, or they will be miserable and possibly reject attending camp in the future. This is a chance to piggyback on a child’s interests and talents, or for kids to explore new ones. It can be a challenge to combine activity preferences, time, and budget constraints with choice camp schedules, especially if there is more than one child in the family. The longer families wait to sign up, the fewer choices there will be, so start investigating camps now.

The first criterion to consider is whether the camp is a safe and nurturing place. Find out if counselors have had background checks, know CPR and have first aid training. The American Camp Association has required standards for member camps. Check to make sure that the camps you are looking at meet these requirements. Ideally, families can visit a resident camp. If that is not possible, camps usually provide brochures, CDs or videos. In these cases, remember to ask for references. Check online for blogs and parents’ comments and compare camp information with other parents. The second criterion is to try to determine if the child will feel comfortable at the camp. If it is a skill-based camp, is the skill level a good match for the child? Make sure youngsters are not going to be asked to do something they either dislike, or are very unfamiliar with. That does not mean that kids should only associate with the same kinds of people they see at school every day. Exploring new experiences Danville Moraga Berkeley Saratoga

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117 Town & Country Drive Ste. B Danville, CA 94526

(925) 699-9602 www.visiontechcamps.com

and cultures is one of the benefits of camp. Figuratively rubbing shoulders with different kinds of people, new sights, sounds and ideas allows kids to become more independent and develop a better understanding of the world at large. Make sure the camp is age appropriate. In other words, young children generally have a more positive experience when they are with other young children and are not away from home for too long. A short session at the local recreation program could be a great way to introduce kids to the habit of going to summer camp. City of San Ramon’s day camp is an example of a great camp for younger children. Many of the camp activities occur behind the gardens bisected by San Ramon Creek (www.ci.san-ramon. ca.us/parks/activitiesspdf or 925/973-3200). The distance from home, cost, and whether it is a day camp or a residential camp are also other important factors to consider. Web Resources BayAreaKidFun.com is a helpful website for parents looking for kid-oriented outings and experiences. It includes information on summer camps. Summercamps.com is a website that can provide information and help locate camps that fit your particular needs. There are listings for everything including academic camps, art camps, technology, adventure, tour and travel camps, sports camps, military, day camps, YMCA, Scouting and more. Find them at www. summercamps.com Day Camp It is not necessary for kids to leave home to have a wonderful camp experience. School or day camps in the region are an easy way to give kids enrichment and a change of pace. Church camps, Girl Scout and Boy Scout Camps and YMCA camps come to mind as similar, conveniently located day camp destinations (http://ymcacba.org). Adventure Day Camps in Walnut Creek offers camps for youth aged 3-15 at Seven Hills School and from ages 4-14 at the Seven Hills School in Walnut creek and the Dorris Eaton School in San Ramon.

valleysentinel.com They offer a wide array of activities with experienced staff and individual attention to each camper. (www. adventuredaycamp.com). John Muir Mountain Day Camp, located at the National John Muir Historic Site in Martinez, blends nature and outdoor fun, history and experiences in art, literature, cooking, singing, inventions and more for kids age 8 to 12. The camp occurs during two separate weeks in July. (www.johnmuirassociation. org/muircamp) East Bay Regional Park District has a complete schedule of summer camps in various locations. Call 1-888-327-2757 to receive a camp directory and information on camperships or visit www.ebparks.org/ activities/kids Old fashioned outdoor fun and adventure can be found in the South lake Tahoe area of Sierra mountains at Camp Concord. This long established summer camp is not just for Concord residents and has special youth, teen and basketball sessions. It is A.C.A. accredited. Visit www.friendsofcampconcord. org/camp-concord-2/ or call 925/671-3273 for more information. Academics and Skill Based Camps During the busy school year, students may want to sharpen computer, math or language skills, but find there is not enough time. Summer can be the time to catch up, or zoom ahead in these kinds of fields. Vision Tech is a not for profit San Ramon company that operates computer camps for children throughout the Bay Area. The program includes such subjects as Game Design, Film Making, Build a PC, and Robotics. Each course in the camp is for 5 days and each one is for a different age group. The Robotics program is for younger children aged 6-10, and the other programs are available for children up to age 17. The Digital Medical Academy has camps for kids ages 9 to 14 at Cal Berkeley and other university sites for hands-on digital film making, robotics, special effects, web design and flash animation. Students who register before March 14 save $75.Visit www.digitalmediaacademy. org to learn more.

Consider the Chabot Space & Science Center for youth space education where they have full-day session summer science camps. Camp runs daily from 9am to 4pm. Optional early care is available from 8-9am, and after care is from 4-6pm. Kids can learn about Earth, astronomy, satellites, and space travel. Camps are designed for grades 1-8 and are held from July 10 to August 4. See www. chabotspace.org, or call 510/336-7436. Broadreach offers summer adventure camps for kids age 13 to 18 that involve travel and high adventure learning experiences such as live-aboard sailing and scuba diving, and Surf Costa Rica, Australia Down Under and Honduras Eco Adventures. It is hard to categorize these as just sport or skill-based, but they sure look like fun. Check www.broadreach.info for details. The California Shakespeare Theater has two and four-week sessions for ages 8 to 18 that meet Mon.Fri. from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. They are held at the Orinda Community Center, from June 19-July 14 (4 week) and July 17 to July 28 (2 week) conservatories. They are BART accessible. Mornings at the camp are spent learning acting, improvisation, stage combat, voice, movement, text and more, while afternoons are for rehearsing the final production (www. calshakes.org or 510/5489666). Adventure and Sports In Walnut Creek, North Gait Equestrian Center runs summer camps in June and July in three sessions Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Small groups of youngsters learn horse safety, anatomy, tacking, riding, mucking and bathing the horses, as well as old fashioned fun experiences like line-dancing and bobbing for apples. (www.northgait.com or 925/932-2282). There are usually high quality summer basketball camps held at Carondelet and De La Salle High Schools. Some information can be found at www. excelinbasketball.com for the DLS location. FastBreak was the name of the program See CAMPS page 9

Kids’ Camps & Education valleysentinel.com

april 2017

Young San Ramon Valley Filmmakers Honored at San Ramon Valley Street Smarts “Be Reel” Video Contest Awards Ceremony! Tuesday, April 4 at 1pm Over 130 parents, students, first, second, and third place Thursday, April 6 at 5pm school staff members, and videos were announced. Saturday, April 8 at 11am elected officials came to view The first place video was Sunday, April 9 at 8pm the creative work of 26 aspiring “Street Smarts Rap,” produced Tuesday, April 11 at 1pm filmmakers from San Ramon and directed by Mia Hill and CCTV is available to watch Valley middle schools at the Regan Moore, 7th graders at in Contra Costa County on Street Smarts “Be Reel” Video Iron Horse Middle School. The Comcast Channel 27, Astound Contest Awards Ceremony on second place award winning Channel 32, and AT&T U-verse Thursday, March 26, 2017 at video was “Adventures of Channel 99 CCTV. Please check the Danville Village Theatre. Super Safety,” produced and the Street Smarts website at The “Be Reel” Video Contest directed by Carson Foster and http://www.street-smarts.com/ encourages middle school Darian Pak, 7th graders at students to work in teams of Charlotte Wood Middle School. programs/video_contest.htm for additional links to all the up to four students to create The third place video went finalists’ videos. 60-second public service to “Special Safety Report,” The “Be announcement Reel” Video videos on a Contest is just traffic safety one of the theme. This many programs year’s theme offered by Street was “Be Safe, Smarts, which Be Smart, Be is a traffic Seen!” Street safety education Smarts received program 50 video serving the San submissions Ramon Valley. from 120 Funded in part students this by a federal school year. Of Safe Routes to the 50 videos (Left to right) First place winners – Mia Hill and Regan School grant, submitted, 13 Moore of Iron Horse Middle School Street Smarts is were chosen as Second place winners – Darian Pak and Carson Foster of a collaborative finalists. Charlotte Wood Middle School effort by the City Danville Third place winners – Ben Dowler, Natalia Bobroff and of San Ramon, Mayor Renee Annie Ashton of Los Cerros Middle School the Town of Morgan emceed Photos by: Lara George Danville, the the event, with San Ramon Valley Unified the help of Scott Perkins, produced and directed by School District, the County Councilmember, City of San Natalia Bobroff, Annie Ashton Ramon; Candace Andersen, and Ben Dowler, 7th graders at of Contra Costa and the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District 2, Contra Costa Board Los Cerros Middle School. District. Each year, the program of Supervisors; Ken Mintz, The top placed winners holds contests, presentations Vice President, San Ramon not only walked away with a Valley Unified School District’s gift card but also with the pride and hands-on activities at elementary schools, middle Board of Education; Lisa of making a video that will schools, and high schools Blackwell, Councilmember, positively affect others. All the in the San Ramon Valley. Town of Danville; and Derek finalists’ videos will be aired The program’s goal is to Krause, Deputy Chief, San on Contra Costa Television educate drivers, bicyclists, and Ramon Valley Fire Protection (CCTV) on the following dates pedestrians on issues related to District. After premiering each and times: traffic safety through outreach of the top 13 finalist videos, Thursday, March 30 at programs. the filmmakers were invited 5pm For more information, visit: on stage to answer questions Saturday, April 1 at 1am www.street-smarts.com. about their work. Then the Sunday, April 2 at 8pm CAMPS from page 8 at Carondelet last year. Visit www.fastbreakbball.com for more information. The Nike Junior Golf Camps held at Canyon Lakes Golf Course in San Ramon offer full and half day camps, and advanced camps. This program is designed for boys and girls between the ages of 7 and 17. There is small group instruction from experienced

teaching professionals, Daily course play drills and games focusing on putting, chipping, pitching and full swing. For more information email Kim Stevens, LPGA Golf Pro at kim@svgolfpc.com or call Kim at (510) 589-1644 and visit www.ussportscamps. com/golf/Nike/nike-juniorgolf-camps-canyon-lakes The Bridges Golf Club is offering a four-day program for juniors that will cover the fundamentals of golf. Classes are for beginner and

intermediate students. Classes will cover basic technique, short and full-swing skills. Rules, etiquette and safety will also be reviewed. Classes in categories of youth 6-10 yrs., and 11-15 yrs. between June 19 and July 27. All classes are Monday to Thursday from 9am to 11am with short breaks for water and a snack. For more information contact Bill Laimer, Head Golf Professional at 925.735.4253, or email blaimer@ thebridgesgolf.com

The Valley SenTinel TEACHERS from page 1 literacy teacher-on-specialassignment. Giotta and Ware will represent the San Ramon Valley Unified School District in the Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year Program. “When people tell me that they moved to the San Ramon Valley for our schools, they really mean they moved here for the staff members who make our schools such special places. Both Kelly and Marissa represent the best of the best and we are so fortunate to have such excellent teachers working with our students,” said SRVUSD Superintendent Rick Schmitt. “Congratulations to Marissa and Kelly on this achievement!” In 2012, Giotta joined SRVUSD at Gale Ranch Middle School where she has taught an array of subjects including Core and Spanish. At Gale Ranch she has been a champion for a number of programs including the Magnet English Learners program, the Columbia Reading and Writer’s teaching strategies, Culturally Responsive Teaching and Learning, the Geography Bee and school’s drama program. “Kelly’s classroom is every principal’s dream— engaging, rigorous, inclusive, safe—it’s where I send teachers to learn and bring visitors to observe,” said Gale Ranch Middle School Principal Sue Goldman. “She embodies the essence of Gale Ranch Middle School.”

page 9

Ware has been with SRVUSD since 2000. As a 2nd grade teacher at John Baldwin Elementary, she creates an engaging classroom environment where students experience hands-on learning through cross-curricular lessons. As a literacy coach, she facilitates professional development that supports teachers in developing creative strategies that support student growth. “The staff of John Baldwin couldn’t be more proud of Marissa. As a teacher and literacy coach Marissa exemplifies our school’s educational philosophy: teaching to the whole child and instilling a love and joy of learning,” said John Baldwin Principal Joe Romagna. “Her classroom lessons are filled with imagination, inquiry, and wonder. Marissa has taken her role as a literacy teacher on special assignment to heart. I think she has true talent and future in coaching. Many staff members have told me how appreciative they are for Marissa’s mentoring and the tools and strategies that she has shared. As a principal I am thankful for the time and resources she has provided to me as I continue to grow as an educator.” Each year all Contra Costa County School Districts select Teachers of the Year. An expert committee, with representatives from education and the community, then chooses one of these candidates to represent Contra Costa County in the State Teacher of the Year Program.

Orinda Academy will be hosting an

Open House event for Fall 2017 Enrollment April 19 from 7-9 pm 19 Altarinda Rd., Orinda, CA

Phone: 925.254.7553

Spring Home & Garden page 10

The Valley SenTinel

april 2017

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Four San Ramon gardens featured on the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour This spring four stunning San Ramon gardens, along with thirty six others, will be open on Sunday, May 7 from 10:00 to 5:00 as part of the Thirteenth Annual Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour. Three of the San Ramon gardens are nextdoor neighbors whose properties back up to Bishop Ranch Regional Preserve. The spectacular views from their back gardens, across the valley and to the oak-covered hills in the distance, are equaled by their beautiful California native plant gardens, which burst with an exuberant springtime blend of colors and textures. Lorraine Kalich, Melissa Bandler, and Nancy and Clark Vandell all received rebates to remove their lawns and replace them with water-conserving native plant gardens. Not only have these families saved water, but they have been rewarded by knowing that they have created habitat for wildlife. Now that the gardens have been transformed, hummingbirds, butterflies, native bees, and families of quail visit their gardens. On the day of the Tour talks on how to choose and care for the right native plants for your garden, and how and why to retain rainwater on site will be given. (Hint: this will keep your garden green longer.) Native plants and seeds will be sold. Starting at 3:00 local musician Mike Thelen will play acoustic

guitar and perform songs from the ‘60s and ‘70s. Rolling Sloane’s popup cart will sell a variety of pastries, pies, pop tarts, and more. The free, awardwinning, self-drive Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour features forty Contra Costa and Alameda county gardens that are pesticidefree, water conserving, provide habitat for wildlife, and contain 60% or more native plants. Forty talks will be offered on the weekend of the Tour. Registrants will have the opportunity to learn how to select and care for California native plants, lower their water bills, design a lowmaintenance garden, attract butterflies, birds, and bees, and to garden without using pesticides. See the website for the schedule. Free, but donations are appreciated Preregistration at www. BringingBacktheNatives.net is required.

valleysentinel.com April 2017

Celebrate Earth Day in Danville

Come enjoy family-friendly events on the Town Green Get ready to explore, play and learn at the 7th annual Danville Earth Day Celebration! The Danville Library and Town of Danville Clean Water Program present a special Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 22rd, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Enjoy fun activities for the entire family on the Danville Town Green in front of the Community Center and the Danville Library at 400 Front Street. The Danville Earth Day Celebration is a free, hands-on and informative event for residents and visitors of all ages interested in learning more about the natural world around you. See and participate in popular hands-on activities at interactive stations including: • Get ready to experience nature with Peanuts…Naturally! from the Charles M. Schulz Museum. Fun, eco-friendly craft and activity stations

including solar racing cars, a “rocket” launching station, live worms, dino dig and more! • Discover educational exhibits by East Bay Regional Park District • See how our watershed works with Mr. Funnelhead’s Watershed diorama! • Explore local nature on a walk along San Ramon Creek conducted by Friends of San Ramon Creek • Free prizes! Don’t miss the fun and join your friends and neighbors at the 2017 Danville Earth Day Celebration at the Danville Library. The Earth Day Celebration will be outdoors, but in case of inclement weather, the event will move inside the library. For more information, contact Cleanwater Program Coordinator Chris McCann at (925) 314-3342 or cmccann@danville.ca.gov or visit ccclib.org.

100-Year-Old Distressed Barn Wood Available

The valley Sentinel

page 11

Feedback Sought on Community Energy Public invited to workshops in April, and complete online survey The public workshop In May, the Danville Residents and businesses in Danville are invited to attend a public workshop on the topic of Community Choice Energy (CCE). CCE allows cities to participate in a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) that purchases, sources or generates electricity for their residents and businesses with the goal of gaining local control, expanding consumer choices and reducing consumer costs. The Town of Danville joined with 13 other cities and Contra Costa County to examine the feasibility of CCE options. A technical study on CCE was finalized in March 2017. “A Community Choice Energy (CCE) program would change how electricity is procured for Danville’s 17,000 residential and commercial customers,” said Assistant to the Town Manager Nat Rojanasathira. “Feedback from electricity ratepayers at public workshops and through the online survey will help the Town Council make an informed decision on whether or not to move forward with CCE.”

is scheduled for Thursday, April 13 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Building, 115 E. Prospect Avenue in Danville. Residents and businesses are also encouraged to learn more about the CCE options and take the online survey at www.danville.ca.gov/ communityenergy

Town Council will consider options on how electricity should be generated and purchased in Danville. For more information on the CCE options being considered, contact Assistant to the Town Manager Nat Rojanasathira at 925-3143328, or email him at nrojanasathira@danville. ca.gov.

SATURDAYS • 9AM - 1PM Railroad Ave. & Prospect Ave. PCFMA.ORG • 1-800-949-FARM

Celebrate Earth Day at

Rodgers Ranch Expo and Plant Sale

Saturday April 15 10am - 4pm New Membership Day:

Join in the Fun! Garden Plants for Sale • Arts & Crafts Booths Classes and Demos • Tour the Urban Garden Come to Rodgers Ranch and celebrate Earth Day on Saturday April 15 from 10am-4pm and support the rebuilding of the original barn. There will be arts and crafts booths, classes and demonstrations as well as tours of the Urban Garden on site. The 100 year old barn wood that is available for purchase is great for projects, arts, crafts and interior design. Here pictured are tables built by Martinez resident Richard Garbarino with this wonderful material. They are for sale in his workshop, or you can try your hand at making a project with this historic wood. To arrange a wood viewing or purchase of the available wood call Chris Rousset at (925) 890-4482. To reach Richard about his tables, email him at rich. garbarino@bbdo.com, or call him at (925) 723-2376.

100-Year-Old Distressed Barn Wood For Sale (great for home, garden, and art projects)

Starting at 1pm

315 Cortsen Road, Pleasant Hill 94524 For more information please visit www.rodgersranch.org Rodgers Ranch is a Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District property and Pleasant Hill’s only historic site. We are a non-profit, tax-exempt 501c3 organization

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For additional Community Events visit: www.ValleySentinel.com Please email information about your events to info@valleysentinel.com COMMUNITY EVENTS April 15 Alamo Rotary Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Family Fun Day 9am-11am The Rotary Club of Alamo will sponsor the Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Family Fun Day on Saturday, April 15, 2017 at Livorna Park. The event will begin at 9:00 a.m. with games and music and end at 11:00 a.m. Last year, over 800 children participated, so this year there will be over 6,000 eggs that will be hidden for the children to find. In addition to the Easter Egg Hunt and a visit by the Easter Bunny, where parents will have an opportunity to take photos, there will also be children’s carnival games, two balloon persons; face painting provided by the Monte Vista High School Interact Club, which is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Alamo, and other fun activities Danville Area Chamber of Commerce Bridal Fair 11:00am -4:00pm Join us Saturday, April 15th for our first ever Bridal Fair! Enjoy meeting caterers, jewelers, photographers, equipment rental, linens, florists, venues, entertainment and much more Saturday, April 15th Danville Veteran’s Memorial Building 400 Hartz Avenue Free Admission Earth Day 2017 - Action for Wildlife! 10am-3pm Earth Day at Oakland Zoo is one of the biggest in the East Bay and always a blast! Explore a wide variety of hands-on Earth Stations presented by dozens of Bay Area animal and environmental organizations, get your face painted, play with our giant earth ball. Marvel at a trapeze show and enjoy a day of taking action for wildlife and having fun! Earth Day is included with paid admission. For more information, contact: Amy Gotliffe, Conservation Director at Oakland Zoo Email: amy@oaklandzoo.org or call (510) 632-9525 x122 April 20 Danville Area Chamber of Commerce Spring Showcase It’s time to Showcase Your Business! Due to an overwhelming number of requests for the Chamber to revamp our annual “Business & Culinary Showcase”, we have done just that! The “Spring Showcase” is scheduled for Thursday, April 20th, 6PM – 9PM at the Danville Veteran’s Building at 400 Hartz Ave, Danville. The Spring Showcase will feature an array of beer, wine & culinary samplings, and services that are provided by our local and home based businesses. For more information or questions, please call Jodie Brescia (925) 837-4400 or email events@ danvilleareachamber.com April 22 Celebrate Earth Day in Danville 11:00am -1pm Come enjoy family-friendly events on the Town Green. Get ready to explore, play and learn at the 7th annual Danville Earth Day Celebration! The Danville Library and Town of Danville Clean Water Program present a special Earth Day Celebration. Enjoy fun activities for the entire family on the Danville Town Green in front of the Community Center and the Danville Library at 400 Front Street. Celebration at the Danville Library. The Earth Day Celebration will be outdoors, but in case of inclement weather, the event will move inside the library. For more information, contact Cleanwater Program Coordinator Chris McCann at (925) 314-3342 or cmccann@danville.ca.gov or visit ccclib.org. Shredding for Scholarships Fundraiser 9am-12:30pm The Danville Womens Club is sponsoring a documentshredding event to raise money for scholarships. Shredding will be done in your presence at the “bargain” price of $5.00 per standard banker box size. Net proceeds from the fundraiser benefit the Patty Hart Memorial Scholarship Fund that provides scholarships to graduating seniors from Tri-valley High Schools. Event taking place at the Clubhouse parking lot located at 242 Linda Mesa Ave, Danville For information or questions, please call Rosalia at: (925) 837-9486 April 23-30 Walnut Creek Restaurant Week Walnut Creek Restaurant Week is a culinary celebration of spectacular cuisine and wine at incredible prices. Entice your appetite and delight your palate with prix-fixe menus offered at over 30 restaurants. With cuisines that encompass American, Italian, Spanish, Turkish, Japanese and Mexican (just to name a few), experience why our delicious community has been called, “The East Bay’s most popular dining destination.” Experience a weeklong event throughout Walnut Creek’s vibrant & evergrowing culinary scene. No tickets, passes or coupons necessary! April 26 Home Remodeling Seminar: Planning a Remodel for Kitchen or Bath 9:30am-11am Learn the basic steps in remodeling a kitchen or bathroom from beginning to end. Integrate your important questions with valuable advice from a local, award-winning design/build remodeling company with over 50 years of design and construction acumen who can help you plan a smooth, successful remodel—No headaches, no nightmares. Join us at Gayler Design Build (390 Diablo Road, Suite 210, Danville. Refreshments will be served. Space is limited so RSVP early. Parking is also available. April 29 Danville’s “Lend a Hand” Day 8:00am-1:00pm Help Danville Seniors with their spring garden clean up! Join us to make a difference! Sign Up online at www.surveymonkey.

com/r/LendaHand2017 Pre-registration is required. To register someone under 16, contact Julie Mason, Volunteer Program Specialist at jmason@danville.ca.gov or call 925-314-3478. For more information contact: seniors@danville.ca.gov. Danville Police sponsor “Drug Takeback Day” Danville residents looking to dispose of unwanted, unused or expired prescription drugs can do so April 29 when the Danville Police Department joins with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to hold a drug disposal event at the Danville Town Offices, 510 La Gonda Way. At the event, officials will accept pills and other solids such as patches, and liquids in consumer containers. For the free and anonymous event, citizens can bring their prescription drugs to the Town Offices from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and drop off their medications for disposal. For information call Mark Kan at (925) 314-3707 or email him at mkan@ danville.ca.gov. May 1 FORE! ARF; A Day on the Links for Animals Join ARF for a day on the green and help animals in need at the popular FORE! ARF golf tournamentMonday, May 1, kicking off at noon with a shotgun start, at Blackhawk Country Club in Danville, California. Enjoy some tee time while supporting ARF’s life-saving programs for animals and people! This fun-filled day on the links includes lunch, food and drink holes on course, cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception, raffle prizes, silent auction, and more. FORE! ARF always sells out well in advance. Reserve your spot today, or you’ll be left at the clubhouse! Find full event details at www.arflife.org. Call (925) 977-9079

ONGOING Special Services for Children with Cancer and Their Families Cancer Support Community offers short-term counseling (12 to 20 sessions) at no cost to children with cancer and their families. Counseling can be for the family, siblings, and/or kids coping with cancer. Counseling is provided by doctoral interns or post doctoral fellows under the supervision of our clinical psychologists. To request this service, please call us at (925) 933-0107 and ask to speak with our program director, Margaret Stauffer, LMFT. Hope Hospice seeking volunteers Hope Hospice is currently looking for individuals who are interested in volunteering to assist hospice patients and their families. In keeping with Hope Hospice’s goal to make sure patients can live their lives to the fullest and with dignity, volunteers provide a variety of services that help enhance the quality of care of our patients’ lives. Volunteer opportunities include; Home Care; Cosmetology; Healing Touch; Reiki; Massage Therapy; Vocalists. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, contact Jill Biggs, RN, at 925-829-8770. 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. Railroad & Prospect Avenue, Danville. Information: www.ci.danville.ca.us. (You can make donations of fresh vegetables and fruit for our local food pantries at the Loaves & Fishes Booth at the Danville Farmers Market.) San Ramon Farmers Market Every Saturday & Thursday-Year-round Buy fresh, seasonal produce directly from local farmers at San Ramon Farmers Market. Connect with your community while shopping at a festive gathering place with live music! www.SanRamonFarmersMarket. org. Bishop Ranch 3, 2641 Camino Ramon, SanRamon. Canine Companions for Independence Puppy Class Each Saturday 10-11am. Become a puppy raiser! The East Bay Miracles Chapter invites you to help train puppies to become assistant dogs for children and adults with disabilities. Make sure to check out their online calendar before heading off to volunteer. Athenian High School, 2100 Mt. Diablo Scenic Blvd., Danville. Information: 925-838-3213, cci.org/eastbaychapter Forest Home Farms Historic Park & Glass House Museum–open for Fun on the Farm Every Saturday 11am-2pm. Enjoy tours of the Glass House Museum, the farm and its history, interactive exhibits including the tractor museum, the beautiful grounds and free activities. Visit the Welcome Center and purchase oldfashioned toys and gifts at the Gift Shoppe. Tours are $5 per person, or $8 for both tours on the same day. 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon. Information: 925-973-3284 or visit www.sanramon.ca.gov. Saturday without Reservations at the Tao House Every Saturday 10am, 12pm, and 2pm. Come explore this National Historic Site in Danville. Catch the shuttle at the bus stop in front of the Museum of the San Ramon Valley-205 Railroad Ave. www.EugeneOneill.org

SENIORS April 8 A Kentucky Derby Party 5:30pm - 11pm Join Hospice East Bay on Saturday, April 8, for a Kentucky Derby Party! The evening will include complimentary bourbon tastings, Kentucky bluegrass, horse races, auctions and traditional derby cuisine. This event is Hospice East Bay’s opportunity to honor patients and their loved ones, while celebrating those who contribute their time and resources to ensure that quality end-of-life care is available to everyone in the our community. Master of Ceremonies: ABC7’s Michael Finney. Diablo Country Club, 1700 Clubhouse Road, Diablo, CA For tickets, please visit: http://www.hospiceeastbay.org/celebration Danville Seniors Unless otherwise noted, the following activities are held at the Danville Senior Center, Veterans Memorial Building, 115 E. Prospect, Danville. For more information call 925-314-3490 or visit www.ci.danville.ca.us/ Recreation/Seniors. Sneaker Trips: The Town of Danville’s Senior Sneakers program is a great way for you to make new friends and get out and around the greater Bay Area. There’s always something new to see and learn. The Danville Area Senior Hikes (DASH) is open to all adults and meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month. The group starts at 8:45 am at Osage Park, 816 Brookside Drive, Danville and returns about 1pm. Most hikes are not strenuous, but gradients are involved due to the local terrain. Distances are usually in the 4-5 mile range, and the pace is moderate, with stops to view scenery, wildlife and to talk about location history when appropriate. Information: 925-314-3400 or visit www.ci.danville.ca.us/Recreation/Seniors/ Senior_Hiking. San Ramon Seniors The following events are held at the Alcosta Senior & Community Center, 9300 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon, unless otherwise noted. For more information call 925-973-3250 or visit www.sanramon.ca.gov/ parks/programs/ages55+.htm. Wisdom Wednesdays: 10:30am-12pm. 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: 925-9733250. Trips Trip Desk is open Tuesdays from 10am-1pm. Sign up for trips at the travel desk or by depositing payment with registration form in the gold drop box found at the main entryway. Information: 973-3250. Wednesday Morning Hikes (time and location varies) Join the San Ramon Trailblazers if you are interested in meeting new people, enjoying the outdoors, having fun and getting in shape. The group meets once a week at the north end of Osage Park, off of Brookside Dr. This is an adults only group; pets are not permitted on hikes. To ﬁnd out the exact meeting location and to get on the email list, please call the Senior Center at or email trailblazer88@comcast.net. Page Turners Senior Book Group Third Tuesday of the month 1:30pm. Drop in–all are welcome! Copies of this month’s book are on reserve for you at the Dougherty Station Library Front Desk. Book group meets at Alcosta Senior and Community Center, 9300 Alcosta Blvd. Information: Carol Yuke, Adult Services Librarian. 925-973-2850.

BUSINESS April 12 First Steps To Successful Start-Ups 9:00am to 12:30pm Learn about the attributes of a successful entrepreneur, invaluable sources of information for the nuts and bolts of starting your business including licenses and permits, the business planning process and key information sources for developing your business plan, how to take advantage of the Small Business Development Center’s free and low cost services for your new business, and more! Join us to learn about the key success factors every new business owner needs before starting their venture! CC SBDC, 300 Ellinwood Way, Bodega Room Pleasant Hill For information call (925) 602-6806 April 17 Cash Flow: The Key To A Successful Business 9:00am to 11:00am Learn the importance of cash flow. We will discuss basic cash flow management and will provide different resources for you to keep your business cash flow management up to date. Learn different parts of cash flow such as forecasting, planning, and managing inventory. CC SBDC, 300 Ellinwood Way, Bodega Room Pleasant Hill For information call (925) 602-6806 April 20 Danville Area Chamber of Commerce Spring Showcase It’s time to Showcase Your Business! Due to an overwhelming number of requests for the Chamber to revamp our annual “Business

Please email your calendar events to the Sentinel at Info@valleysentinel.com by 5pm on the 15th of the month preceding publication month. Inclusion in the calendar pages is at the sole discretion of Sentinel Newspapers, Inc.

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valleysentinel.com & Culinary Showcase”, we have done just that! The “Spring Showcase” is scheduled for Thursday, April 20th, 6PM – 9PM at the Danville Veteran’s Building at 400 Hartz Ave, Danville. The Spring Showcase will feature an array of beer, wine & culinary samplings, and services that are provided by our local and home based businesses. For more information or questions, please call Jodie Brescia (925) 837-4400 or email events@danvilleareachamber.com Small Business Certifications Simplified 2:00pm to 4:00pm Are you certified? Such a simple question, but the answer could be complicated. This workshop will cover the federal 8a process and explain the following certifications: Small business; Small local business; Woman owned business (WOB); Woman owned small business (WOSB); Economic Disadvantaged woman owned small business (EDWOSB); 8(a); HUBZone; Minority owned business enterprise (MBE); Service Disable Vet (SDV); Disabled Vet Business Enterprise (DVBE); Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE). Contra Costa SBDC, 300 Ellinwood Way, Second Floor, Pleasant Hill. For more information call (925) 602-6806 April 21 Small Business Structures & Payroll Made Simple 7:30Aam-8am - Coffee, bagels and networking, 8am-8:45am The presenter is a local industry expert on payroll: “Don’t let your business structure cost you money!” Danville Area Chamber of Commerce 117 E Town & Country Dr., Danville For more information call (925) 837-4400. Presented by Nick Bell of PAYCHEX BNI Every Thursday Noon-1:30pm. We are actively looking for new members to refer business to in the trades and in professions. Vic Stewart’s Restaurant at 850 S Broadway in Walnut Creek. 925-330-8275 or david@staff. webquarry.com BBR-Partners for Success 1st and 3rd Tuesdays 12-1pm. Partners for Success meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month to provide concrete business leads to one another. Chamber Conference Room, 117 E Town & Country Drive, Danville. www.danvilleareachamber.com BBR – The Business Connection 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month 11:30 am – 12:30 pm. Partners for Success meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month to provide concrete business leads to one another. Chamber Conference Room, 117 E Town & Country Drive, Danville. www.danvilleareachamber. com BBR-Sunrise Alliance 2nd and 4th Wednesdays 7:30-8:30am. Sunrise Alliance meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month to provide concrete business leads to one another. Chamber Conference Room, 117 E Town & Country Drive. Danville. www.danvilleareachamber.com

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. AAUW membership is open to all graduates of accredited four year colleges or universities and those holding an Associate Degree or equivalent. Prospective members are welcome and may contact Soni at 286-1737 for details. Visit daw-ca.aauw.net for meeting dates. Cancer workshops and support groups-Ongoing Most are free. Cancer Support Community, 3276 McNutt Avenue, Walnut Creek. Information / reservations call (925) 933-0107 or visit www.cancersupportcommunity.net. 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.

april 2017 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. Information: visit www.HopeHospice.com or call 925-829-8770. Hospice of the East Bay Support groups and workshops for adults, children and teens experiencing grief after the death of a loved one. Classes will be offered at Hospice’s Administrative Offices: 3470 Buskirk Avenue; Pleasant Hill and the Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation: 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek. Preregistration is required for all groups and classes, except our drop-in group. To register, please call Hospice of the East Bay: (925) 887-5681. Information: www. hospiceeastbay.org Wind ‘n Sea Sailing Club Sailing training classes take place at members’ homes. Information: Call Jan at 925-837-3381. Forewomen Golf Association provides opportunities to play golf with other women who share the love of the game and also want to give back to our community through our charity program. We offer ﬁve opportunities to play per week at East Bay courses. All levels welcome. For more information contact Cheryl Ramirez at communications@ forewomengolf.org.

RECURRING Mondays: The Walnut Creek Garden Club Meets the second Monday of each month. Meeting begins at 9:30am with community and socializing from 10:30-11:00am. You do not need to be a gardener to join the club. The Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Road, Walnut Creek. Information: californiagardenclubs.com/ content/walnut-creek-garden-club or mslittle44@gmail.com Danville Rotary 12pm. Meets every Monday. Black Bear Diner, 807 Camino Ramon, 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. Sons In Retirement (Las Trampas Branch) Monthly Luncheon 11am. Meets the third Monday of each month, except for May and December. Make new friends, participate in fun activities. Make $15 luncheon reservations by calling 925-322-1160 by the preceding Wednesday. Walnut Creek Elks Lodge, 1475 Creekside Dr, Walnut Creek. Information: visit www.Branch116.org. Tuesdays: Danville am Toastmasters 7-8:30am. Want to improve your speaking and presentation skills? Toastmasters can help! Meets every Tuesday in downtown Danville. www.4143.toastmastersclubs.org Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary 7am. Meets every Tuesday morning. Crow Canyon Country Club, Danville. Information: dsvrotary.com. Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) Meeting 8-10am. Every Tuesday. This Weight Loss Support Group provides a space for those who wish to lose weight. St. Timothy’s, 1550 Diablo Rd. 925-838-7870. San Ramon Valley Geneological Society 10am. Meets every third Tuesday at the LDS Church, 2949 Stone Valley Road, Alamo. http://srvgensoc.org 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. 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. ARF Pet Loss Support Group 5:30-7pm. Meets second Tuesday of every month. Register with Vicki at 925887-5681 or vickis@hospiceeastbay.org. ARF, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: arf.net. Couples & Cancer Tuesdays from 6–8 pm With Ron Ellis, PhD, psychologist and CSC facilitator. In this monthly program, the focus is on helping relationships through the stress of cancer. Cancer Support Community visit www.cancersupportcommunity.net or for more information please call us at (925) 933-0107 Divorced and Separated Workshop 7- 8:30pm. A new workshop series for divorced and separated people is being held on at St. Joan of Arc Parish, 2601 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon. Contact: Sue at smc9@sbcglobal.net. 925 -819-1809. Prostate Cancer Group 7:30–9pm. Meets 2nd Tuesday of the month. Drop-in prostate cancer group for men and their loved ones. San Ramon Regional Medical Center, South Building, West Day Room. 6001 Norris Canyon Road, San Ramon. Information: 925.933.0107 or www.twc-bayarea.org/ community-programs.html. Wednesdays: Walnut Creek Toastmasters 7-8:15pm. Meets every Wednesday. 1660 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill. Information: walnutcreek.freetoasthost.net Hospice of the East Bay Drop-in Bereavement Support 4:30-6pm, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of every month. 3470 Buskirk Avenue; Pleasant Hill. Information: 925-887-5681 or visit www.hospiceeastbay.org. Alamo Rotary 12:15pm. Meets every Wednesday. Round Hill Country Club, 3169 Roundhill Road, Alamo. Info: alamorotary.org. Danville Toastmasters Club #1785 7:30-9pm. Meets every Wednesday. Room W204 at Diablo Valley College,1690 Watermill Road, San Ramon. Information: danvilletoastmasters1785. com. San Ramon Valley Rotary 7pm. Meets every Wednesday. Blackhawk Country Club, 599 Blackhawk Club Drive, 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville. Info: sanramonvalleyrotary.com. Danville Lions Club 7pm. Meets the ﬁrst Wednesday at the Alamo Grill, 3160 Danville Blvd, Alamo, CA 94507. Visitors Welcome. Information: Truman Howard 925-787-2565 truman.howard@gmail.com 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 925-2752412. Info: www.srvexchangeclub.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. Blue Star Moms 7-9pm. Meets the second Wednesday of every month to participate in service activities supporting sons/daughters serving in the military. Danville Veterans Memorial Building, 400 Hartz Ave. Information: bluestarmoms.org. Sons in Retirement (San Ramon Valley chapter) Monthly Luncheon 10:30am; Social Hour, 11:35am meet-

The Valley SenTinel ing and lunch. Meets the 3rd Wed. of each month. For a nominal charge, attendees get lunch, a guest speaker and the opportunity to socialize with at least 150 other retirees from the San Ramon Valley. Reservations, please email us at www.info@sir128.com by Friday prior to the luncheon. Bridges Golf Club, 9000 S. Gale Ridge Rd., San Ramon. Diablo Valley Quilters 7-9pm. Meets the third Wednesday of every month. No charge for guests. Danville Congregational Church, 989 San Ramon Valley Blvd., Danville. Information: diablovalleyquilters.com. Veterans of Foreign Wars 7pm. Meets the third Wednesday of every month. Veterans Memorial Hall, 400 Hartz Avenue, Danville. Information: Post Commander Ernie Petagara at 925-3629806 or vfwpost75.org. Diablo Singles Dance Club 7-10pm. Meets the last Wednesday of every month. Live music, refreshments. Members $8, Guests $12. All welcome. 111N. Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. Thursdays: Danville Women’s Club 11am – 1pm. Meets third Thursdays of each month. November 17, Socializing begins at 11 a.m., with lunch following at 11:30, and a guest speaker from TroopsDirect at noon. 11-1, 242 Linda Mesa. Call Karen at 925-831-9237 for reservation. San Ramon Valley Newcomers 11:30am-2pm. Meets the third Thursday of every month with a featured guest speaker at a local Tri-Valley restaurant. New and long-time adult residents are welcome. Reservations/information: susansgotbling@sbcglobal.net or www. srvnc.com. Rotary Club of San Ramon 11:45am. Meets every Thursday. Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville. Information: sanramonrotary.org. San Ramon Valley Kiwanis Club Thursday at Noon. Black Bear Diner, 807 Camino Ramon, Danville. www. kiwanis-srv.org Clutterers Anonymous 7-8pm. Meets the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month. St. Luke’s Lutheran Church Room 3,  2491 San Miguel Drive, W   alnut Creek. Information: 925736-8627. 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. Fridays: Transitions-“Navigating Life’s Turning Points Together” 9-11:30am. Our group now has a new name, which has been changed from TENS to Transitions. Our mission is to encourage and support women from empty nest, to aging parents and everything in between. Community Presbyterian Church, Room 116, 222 W. El Pintado

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Rd., Danville. Information: Contact Donna Hill at hillmom3@comcast.net Saturdays: Diablo Region of the Porsche Club of America 7:30-9am. Meets every Saturday. Buttercup Bar and Grill, 660 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. Information: diablo-pca.org. Parkinson’s Disease Support Group 9am-12pm. Meets every 3rd Saturday. Join us to share, laugh, and learn from each other. Grace Presbyterian Church, 2100 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. Contact Gregg Riehl at (925) 254-8349 or jgriehl@gmail.com. Free. All are welcome. Information: Howard Zalkin at 939-4210 or Ronnie Wanetick at 933-6357. Sundays: Cars n Coffee: First Sunday of Every Month 8-10am. On the ﬁrst Sunday of every month, automotive enthusiasts gather in the parking lots of the Blackhawk Museum to share their vehicles and admire the other fabulous classic cars, hot rods, sports cars, exotics and anything else with wheels and a motor that promotes the car enthusiast hobby. Cars & Coffee is a year round event, rain or shine. The Museum opens at 9am on Cars & Coffee Sundays and there is a Docent-led tour at 2pm. Participating car owners receive two complimentary tickets to the Museum courtesy of our sponsors. Blackhawk Museum, 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville. www.blackhawkmuseum.org

Classifieds HELP WANTED Hair Care Professionals and Salon J in San Ramon PT/FT Stations available. No rental increase for 2 years. Busy location. Creative, Supportive people work here! (925)743-8116 IT EIM ETL Developer: BSc in C.S., Engr. or rltd. & 5 yrs. rltd. exp. CV to Bank of the West, careers@bankofthewest. com. Job in San Ramon, CA. IT Application Engineer: MSc in Mathematics, C.S. or rltd. & 2 yrs. rltd. exp. CV to Bank of the West, careers@ bankofthewest.com. Job in San Ramon, CA. Sr. Business Analyst: Master’s in Bus. Admin. or rltd. & 2 yrs. rltd. exp. Bank of the West. Job in San Ramon, CA 94583. CV to careers@bankofthewest.com. Sr. IT Application Engineer: Bachelor’s in Electronic Eng., Computer Eng., or rltd. & 5 yrs. rltd. exp. Bank of the West. Job in San Ramon, CA 94583. CV to careers@bankofthewest.com.

HOME EXCHANGE Maui Family seeks home exchange in San Ramon early August through approximately Oct 15, 2017. We have beautiful home near beach. Contact theresamarks14@gmail.com.

Community News & Information Danville • Blackhawk Alamo • Diablo • San Ramon Publisher/Editor-Denise Rousset Advertising-Betty Overhoff Chief Financial Ofﬁcer-Jeff Gummere Graphic Designer-Laurie Prindle Auto-David & Judy Colman

925-820-6047

542 San Ramon Valley Blvd., #A Danville, CA 94526

www.valleysentinel.com

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The Valley SenTinel

AUTO March 2009 april 2017

2017 Toyota Prius Prime Advanced By David and Judy Colman Toyota has been busy supplementing the Prius line with new versions dedicated to extra space (Prius V), affordability (Prius c), and now, a plug-in version first distributed in fall of 2016 as a 2017 model. This latest entry in the hybrid class, named Prius Prime, looks like a space ship compared to previous Prius designs. Climb into this capsule and you feel like you should be wearing a zero gravity outfit. The conventional dashboard in front of the driver is entirely absent. Instead, you stare at an upholstered ledge behind the steering wheel where the instruments normally reside. The monitor function has been moved to a horizontal panel located just beneath the center of the windshield. Here you will find a huge type-face digital speedometer readout, accompanied by a variety of mode operation displays which you can toggle through via a steering wheel mounted control. Below this information panel in the Advanced version

of the Prius Prime lies a tall, centrally located vertical screen. This aluminum trimmed unit contains a very easy to read 11.6 inch HD Multimedia display panel that is particularly effective in Navigation mode. This screen also provides oversight of most HVAC settings, which are splayed across the lower segment of the panel. Climate control information can be difficult to locate while driving because the panel contains so much other media and mapping information that the display looks like a TV tuned to CNN. We spent a mostly storm-fraught winter week driving the Prime in very adverse conditions. Since it was really too wet to utilize the plug-in feature safely, we expended the car’s 25 mile electric range in short order, then continued to drive it on gas power alone for the remainder of the week. Despite many trips around the Bay Area, we never managed to dislodge the fuel level needle below the 3/4 mark because even

in “gasoline only” mode, the Prime racks up an incredible 54MPG. If you utilize the electric recharge feature and drive mostly in electric mode, the Prime will reward you with an astounding 133MPGe in combined electric/gas operation. Toyota estimates that a full recharge of the Prime’s battery at 240 volts will take just 2 hours of plug-in time, which makes it perfect for a fuel-free commute to work provided you can access a 240 volt plug at each end of the trip. While the overall interior design of the Prime will excite cell phone admirers everywhere, the same can’t be said for the driving experience of this newest Prius. That’s because the car’s handling is hobbled by the MPGgenerated need to use ultra low rolling resistance tires. In this case, the Toyo Nano Energy rubber is hard to a fault. Their small size and tall sidewalls (195/65R15) exacerbate the problem. Sizewise, the Toyo fitment is more suited to a vehicle from 1970 than 2017. Our test Prius was

valleysentinel.com

fitted with extra cost ($899) alloy wheels which looked intriguing, with 20 spokes shining at each corner. But these optional wheels still measured a paltry 15 inches in diameter. The diminutive rollers also subvert braking performance. We experienced premature lock-up even when full pedal pressure was not applied. Since the Prime enjoys independent front suspension and sophisticated double wishbone rear suspension, all the basic ingredients are present for a fine handling package - if you decide to upgrade the wheel/ tire package with aftermarket equipment. Toyota has lavished this top Prius with a bevy of special features that make it well worth its $33,100 base price. Standard heated seats and steering wheel do a lot to increase inclement weather comfort level. Rain-sensing wipers are a boon. Pushbutton start and remote entry ease your burden. Quad LED headlights and crescent shaped accent lights not only endow the nose with an unforgettable smile, but really blaze away the dark.

DIABLO MOTORS

The fluted “dual-wave” rear window, mounted in a lightweight, carbon reinforced polymer hatch, distinguishes the tail from anything else on the road. However, in heavy rain we discovered that the valley between the dual flutes accumulates water, and due to this design, a rear wiper is unavailable. Clearly, the Prius Prime prioritizes efficiency of operation over any other ownership consideration. It provides a comfortable, safe, extravagantly presented tableau for environmentalists who prize, above all else, this vehicle’s EPA rating of 10 on a 1-10 scale for “Fuel Economy and Greenhouse Gas Rating.” 2017 Toyota Prius Prime Advanced Engine: 1.8 liter inline 4 cylinder+electric motor Horsepower: 121hp Torque: N/A Fuel Consumption: 54MPG gasoline/133MPGe gasoline+electric Price As Tested: $36,305 Hypes: Spacey Design, Comfortable Cabin Gripes: Poor Brake Feel Star Rating: 7.5 Stars out of 10

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$38,900 2015 Ford Mustang GT 50 Yr Ltd. VIN: 1FA6P8RF7F5501884

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$23,900 2016 Toyota RAV4 XLE 4x4 VIN: 2T3RFREV5GW456922

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april 2017

The Valley SenTinel

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Industrial Safety in Contra Costa County By Candace Andersen. Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors of Supervisors. The 2017 Industrial Safety Ordinance Annual Report was presented by the March 7th Board of Supervisors meeting. It can be found on the County’s website at www.cchealth.org/ hazmat/. There are six businesses covered by the County’s Industrial Safety Ordinance and two covered by the City of Richmond’s ordinance. The six industrial sites covered by the County’s ordinance are Phillips 66 Rodeo Refinery, Shell Oil Martinez Refinery, Air Products at Shell, Tesoro Golden Eagle Refinery east of Martinez, Air Products at Tesoro and Air Liquide-Rodeo Hydrogen Plant. The two industrial sites covered by the City of Richmond’s ordinance are Chevron Richmond Refinery and Chemtrade West Richmond Works. Audits of the regulated businesses are required at least once every three years to ensure that the facilities have the required programs in place and are implementing the programs. Five County ISO and two Richmond ISO audits were completed this reporting period: • Chemtrade Richmond Works—September 2014 • Air Products Shell— April 2015 • Air Products at Tesoro— April 2015 • Shell Oil Products Martinez—May 2015 • Air Liquide Large Industries—March 2016 • Chevron Richmond Refinery—July 2016 • Tesoro Golden Eagle Refinery—October 2016

There are three other programs in place to reduce the potential of an accidental release from a regulated stationary source that could impact the surrounding community. The programs are: the Process Safety Management Program administered by Cal/OSHA, the Federal Accidental Release Prevention Program administered by the U.S. EPA, and the California Accidental Release Prevention Program administered locally by CCHMP. The Industrial Safety Ordinance is also administered by CCHMP. Each of the programs is very similar in requirements, with the Industrial Safety Ordinance being the most stringent. The Board of Supervisors approved an amendment to the Industrial Safety Ordinance in June 2014, broadening the goals and requirements of the regulation following the 2012 Chevron Refinery fire investigation report. The ISO requires the regulated stationary sources to do an incident investigation with a root cause analysis for each of the major chemical accidents or releases that meets the definition of a Level 3 or Level 2 incident in the Community Warning System incident level classification system, based on meeting one or more of the following criteria: • Results in one or more fatalities • Results in greater than 24 hours of hospital treatment of three or more persons

County. Six nests were found at the east end of the span in 1984. The platform stick Several birds may be used nests are constructed by by a fisherman at a time the female with materials from their “canoes”. The gular brought to her by the male. throat pouch will expand Nest construction usually like a pelican’s pouch and starts in the middle of is able to hold several fish. March. From one to seven The cormorant is retrieved bluish white eggs are laid and the fish are squeezed and incubated for about from the throat pouch. The thirty days. The fledglings cormorants are allowed to first fly at about five to six swallow a few fish to keep weeks and are independent them well fed. Cormorants at about nine weeks. Many regurgitate pellets containing inland lakes, reservoirs, undigested parts of their meals streams, and the delta region like bones ad scales. After have potential rookery sites. diving, cormorants must spend Like many other waterbirds, long periods with their wings Double-Crested Cormorants outstretched to dry, as they are were once threatened by DDT not fully waterproofed. and the eggshell thinning The Richmond-San Rafael effects, which led to nesting Bridge is the only known failure. Their populations Double-Crested Cormorant have recovered and increased nesting site in Contra Costa markedly in recent years.

Some aquaculturists consider Double-Crested Cormorants as pests because of their intense predation on fish ponds which can cause thousands of dollars in losses to farmers. In the Great Lakes Region, Double-Crested Cormorants have been accused of reducing sport and commercial game fish numbers. James M. Hale is a wildlife biologist, ethnobiologist, and ecological consultant. Please visit his website at www.dochale.com

Contra Costa County is home to active oil refineries, chemical plants, and numerous heavy and light industrial businesses. Based on safety concerns after some serious incidents, the Board of Supervisors adopted a landmark Industrial Safety Ordinance (ISO) in January 1999, requiring regulated facilities in the County to implement safety programs aimed to prevent chemical accidents that could impact the surrounding communities. The requirements of the Industrial Safety Ordinance are some of the most stringent in the United States, if not the world. The City of Richmond passed an identical ordinance in 2000. The purpose of the Industrial Safety Ordinance is to prevent the accidental release of hazardous chemicals; improve accident prevention through participation from industry and the community; require industry to submit a Safety Plan; and conduct audits of the plans and inspections of the industrial plants. Contra Costa Hazardous Materials Programs (CCHMP), a division of the County Health Department, administers the ordinance. A regular performance review and evaluation report is submitted to the Board CORMORANT from page 1

• Causes property damage (including cleanup and restoration activities) initially estimated at $500,000 or more. • Results in a vapor cloud of flammables and/ or combustibles that is more than 5,000 pounds Over a 17-year period, there has been a trend towards fewer and less severe Major Chemical Accidents or Releases incidents in the County since the adoption of the Ordinance. There were several Community Warning System Level II and Level III incidents in 2012 that caused some concern. There was one Major Chemical Accident or Release for the County Industrial Safety Ordinance facilities in 2015 and one Major Chemical Accident or Release at a non-ISO facility in 2015. These incidents serve as a reminder of the need to stay vigilant in ensuring safe facility operations. There were no major incidents in Contra Costa County in 2016.

Staff continues to work with other agencies such as the EPA, Cal/OHSA, the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, and the Bay Area Quality Management District, along with other local program agencies, for sharing of incident results, regulatory interpretations, and inspection results to improve effectiveness and prevention. My office is here to serve the residents of Contra Costa County District 2, which includes San Ramon, Danville, Alamo, Walnut Creek, Saranap, Parkmead, Lafayette, Moraga, Canyon and Orinda. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if we can provide you with additional information on this topic or on other County issues. I can be reached at SupervisorAndersen@bos. cccounty.us or 925-957-8860

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valleysentinel.com April 2017 page 16 The valley Sentinel April 2017

The valley Sentinel page 16 valleysentinel.com

Regional Parks Weather The Storm

By Beverly Lane, President, East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors at the end of Arroyo Road is open, but be advised that trails within the park may be very muddy and/or blocked by trees. Although this winter’s storms brought a muchneeded supply of water, they also unfortunately caused a lot of damage in the East Bay Regional Park District. Probably the hardest hit was Del Valle Regional Park 10 miles south of Livermore. The park surrounds Lake Del Valle, a five-mile long reservoir that is part of the California State Water Project. Winter storms resulted in a lot of runoff water into the lake, while releases from the dam had to be restricted to avoid damage downstream. As a result, lakeside facilities were flooded five times during the winter. These included the boating concession, picnic grounds, campsites and the Rocky Ridge Visitor Center. I toured the flooded lake and it was really weird to see the beaches and lines of trees under water. Pending extensive cleanup and repair, the district has closed the main part of the park, which is reached via Del Valle Road off Mines Road. The trailhead

Sections of the Stream Trail, Bridle Trail East Ridge Trail and Phillips Loop Trail, all at Redwood Regional Park in Oakland, had to be closed

For up-to-date information on park and trail closures, visit the park district web site at www.ebparks.org. Click on “All Park & Trail Closure Information” under Notices at the top center of the home page. The flip side of all the bad news is that this is likely to be an outstanding year for wildflowers. Early bloomers have already appeared in many regional parks: Indian warrior, shooting star, buttercups and blue dicks among others. Best places to view wildflower displays in the regional parks include the Chaparral Loop Trail at Black Diamond Mines, Camp Arroyo Road and the Canyon View Trail at Sunol

Regional Wilderness, and the Prairie Falcon Trail at Morgan Territory. The Cascade Trail at Anthony Chabot Regional Park is another good bet. Park district naturalists often lead wildflower walks. And as mentioned in my March column, the Spring Wildflower Festival will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 9 at Sunol Regional Wilderness. Activities include wildflower hikes, arts and crafts, and live entertainment. The park is on Geary Road off Calaveras Road five miles south of I-680 and the town of Sunol. There’s a $5 parking fee per vehicle; the festival is free of charge. So don’t be discouraged. Despite all the storm damage, this spring is going to be especially beautiful in the East Bay Regional Parks. Don’t miss it.

Del Valle Regional Park Fiesta Grande picnic area January 12, 2017 Other regional parks saw storm damage, too. To mention just a few: At Las Trampas Regional Wilderness in San Ramon, the paved road leading uphill that is the first leg of the Rocky Ridge View Trail was cut by a sizeable washout. Pedestrians could get past it, but not vehicles. A large slide closed the Castle Rock Trail at the intersection with the Stage Road Trail in Diablo Foothills Regional Park near Walnut Creek.

due to mudslides and fallen trees. And to reach Morgan Territory Regional Preserve east of Mt. Diablo you must drive in on Morgan Territory Road from Livermore, because the road is damaged south of Clayton by a large slide. Park visitors are likely to find other regional park trails closed or partially blocked by mudslides and fallen trees. For your own safety, please abide by any closure signs that you encounter while exploring the backcountry.

Near Oak Point at Del Valle Regional Park January 16, 2017

The Hike for Hope: Enjoy the beautiful outdoors and hike for a good cause Gather your family, friends and co-workers or come solo for Hope Hospice’s seventh annual “The Hike for Hope” 2017 on Saturday, May 6, at Del Valle Regional Park in Livermore. Participants can check-in and start their

hike from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. The event ends at noon. The Hike for Hope is a memorial hike and fundraiser. All net proceeds from this worthy event enable Hope Hospice to continue a 35-year tradition of providing comfort and compassion to patients and their families at the end of life. Hope Hospice relies on the generous support of the event hikers and the community to make this fundraising effort a success. Two trail options are available for The Hike for Hope participants. One is an easy 2.6 mile roundtrip route (which is easily shortened) traveling along the lake, turning around at the Hetch Hetchy Group Camp. The other route is a 4.4 mile hike with a moderate incline. It follows along the Ridgeline and Hetch Hetchy trails, providing spectacular views of the valley, lake and surrounding hills. Hikers can form teams for fun, to build camaraderie or engage in a

spirited competition with other organizations and businesses. Early registration fee for The Hike for Hope is $39 through April 22; and $45 on or after April 23. Hikers can easily sign up by going to TheHikeForHope.com or by calling Hope Hospice at 925-829-8770 for a printed registration form. “The hike is an opportunity to celebrate the joy our loved ones brought us, and we encourage hikers to bring photos or mementos of their special person with them,” says Bob Boehm, CEO of Hope Hospice. “The event also raises funds for Hope Hospice. All of the hike’s net proceeds are used to care for the more than 2,600 area residents we serve each year. I’m hoping community members will join me for this deeply rewarding event as a hiker or donor.” Del Valle Regional Park is located in Livermore. The centerpiece of the park is a 5-mile long lake that is

surrounded by approximately 5,000 acres of beautiful land for hiking. Hope Hospice is grateful to the many local sponsors who are supporting this event including Hitachi Data Systems, Heritage Bank of Commerce, Graham Hitch Mortuary, Spectrum Wealth Partners, Lange Enterprises, Chapel of the Chimes – Hayward and Oakland, Bank of San Francisco, Tri-Valley Personal Home Care Services, Bradley Tanks, Inc., Grade Tech and MCE; and media sponsors KKIQ radio and Diablo Magazine. The Hike for Hope 2017 committee chair is Brian Kehoe, Senior Vice President of Heritage Bank of Commerce in Pleasanton. “Many businesses are already helping to make the Hike for Hope a success through their sponsorships,” says Kehoe. “We appreciate that they are showing their support for the work Hope Hospice does in this community and we are hoping to see more

businesses get involved in this worthy event,” he adds. When you register for The Hike for Hope 2017, you are helping to support patient care for the families served by Hope Hospice. It’s a wonderful outdoor event to enjoy with your family and friends. Sign up today at TheHikeforHope.com and learn more about the event. Hope Hospice helps patients and their families live each day to the fullest by providing quality end-of-life hospice care, home health care, grief support and community education. As a communityled, non-profit organization, Hope Hospice offers services regardless of insurance, income status or nation of origin or religion. Staff is available 24/7. Hope Hospice is accredited by the Joint Commission, licensed by the State of California Department of Health Services and Medicare/MediCal certified. Learn more at HopeHospice.com or contact us at (925) 829-8770.