Regional Parks September-October 2018 September
– October
2018
Alamo • Danville • Blackhawk • Diablo • San Ramon
Valley
Sentinel
Photo: C. Godley
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for this Activity Guide Hills. the East Bay 2. fire fuels in Ever” page ct reduces Important Than Park Distri Prevention More See “Wildfire
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page 4 ortunities • Kayaking Opp • page 5 Ardenwood page 7 Rail Fair at ve Plants • California Nati Fall Sale of 13 page • e Festival Garin Appl page 14 nup 2018 • Coastal Clea
always for the community VOL 23, NO 8
Look inside for the latest Regional in Nature Activity Guide!
See “Bay Water
Trail Provide
s Access to Bay
Area’s Larges
t Open Space”
page 3.
Kayaking/Boating at Various Parks Rail Fair at Ardenwood Fall Sale of California Native Plants Garin Apple Festival Coastal Cleanup 2018
August 2018
www.valleysentinel.com
Plus many other activities for kids and families in your East Bay Regional Parks!
SPOTLIGHT
The Danville Thrift Station Celebrates 45 Years of Giving
By Jenise Falk, President, Friends of Discovery
In April 1973, president Marge Early and shop coordinator, Barbara Gibson, opened the doors of the Danville Thrift Station. This was the result of a vision and dedication by a small, but mighty group of volunteers determined to make a difference in their community. The “Friends of Discovery” volunteer organization was founded in order to provide a consistent funding source for the Discovery Counseling Center in Danville. Within the first two months the
ECRWSS
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PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID DANVILLE, CA PERMIT NO. 70
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Sentinel Newspapers, Inc. 542 San Ramon Valley Blvd., Ste A P.O. Box 1309 Danville, CA 94526 925-820-6047
The water feature at Hap Magee Ranch Park in Danville offers a quiet, pleasant and safe place for the little ones to “run through the sprinklers”! It is a combination of metal tubes that form a tunnel with water spraying inside as kids run through, and water spraying up from the ground. A motion sensor activates the water feature on a random circuit. Hap Magee Ranch Park is located at 1025 La Gonda Way, in Danville.
The San Joaquin Kit Fox By James M. Hale
The San Joaquin Kit Fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica) is the smallest member of the dog family (Canidae) in North America. They are a subspecies of the Kit Fox which inhabits the southwestern United States and northcentral Mexico. They are related to the Swift Fox (Vulpes velox) of the western grasslands, prairies, and deserts of central North America further north. Their large ears which are set close together, slender body with long legs, narrow muzzle, and long, bushy tail tapering at the tip, are diagnostic features of this handsome little fox. They carry their tail fairly low and straight. The color and texture of the San Joaquin Kit Fox fur varies geographically and seasonally. Buff, tan, and yellowish-gray are the most common colors, with two distinct seasonal coats during the year. During summer, the pelage is usually tan or buff. The autumn molt gives rise to a dense winter coat of silver-gray. The
belly and undersides are light buff to white. The chest, lower sides, flanks, and shoulders are highlighted with rust or buff. The tail is black-tipped. Adults reach thirty-two inches in length and may weigh up to five pounds. The Department of the Interior’s United States Fish and Wildlife Service federally listed the San Joaquin Kit Fox as an endangered species in 1967. The California Department of Fish and Game listed them as threatened, four years later in 1967. Native grasslands, scrublands, alkali sink scrubland, valley and foothill oak woodlands, vernal pool and alkali meadow communities, of the San Joaquin Valley and adjacent foothills, provide habitat for the San Joaquin Kit Fox. Most of their original habitats have been modified or changed to oil exploration and extraction
equipment, wind turbines, and agricultural mosaics of row crops, irrigated pastures, orchards, vineyards, and grazed, nonnative annual grasslands. The San Joaquin Kit Fox inhabited most of the San Joaquin Valley from southern Kern County, north to eastern Contra Costa County and eastern Stanislaus County prior to 1930. Their range had been reduced by more than half by the early 1930’s, with the largest
This month’s Special Section:
remaining habitats being in the western and southern portions of the Valley. Fifty-three occurrences of San Joaquin Kit Foxes have been documented within the ECCC HCP/NCCP inventory area between 1967 and 1997 for the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy. These records were located from the Black Diamond
Kids & Teens - Back to School pages 8-9
See FOX page 11
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT dining out • music • art • theater • fun events
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
8th Annual Juried Exhibition - Mix it Up! Now - August 18 An eclectic exhibition of varied art. In a juried ex h i b i t i o n , a r t i s t s f ro m throughout the area submit their creations for inclusion in the exhibit. The featured juror, Ric Ambrose, then assesses the entries and decides which go into the exhibition. Exhibit is free. Artwork in the exhibition will be for sale. The Village Theatre and Art Gallery, 233 Front St., Danville. Museum hours and information: www. villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400.
Mary Poppins presented by Poison Apple Productions featuring Youth Performers Now - August 19 One of the most popular Disney movies of all time is capturing hearts in a whole new way: as a practically perfect musical! Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins delighted Broadway audiences for over 2,500 performances and received nominations for nine Olivier and seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. $20. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: www.lesherartscenter.org or 925-943-SHOW (7469). The Museum of the San Ramon Valley presents: Totally Trains Now - August 26
August 2018 valleysentinel.com
T h e ex h i b i t h a s t wo elevations with 4 running trains, scenery, bridges, a trestle, tunnel and a village with a replica of the Museum, the former Southern Pacific Depot. On display are items from three private collections of model trains dating from the early to mid-1900s. They include Lionel, American Flyer Standard gauge, and Marx O gauge. A special Thomas The Train table will be set up for the youngest visitors to play and enjoy. This year’s layout will showcase several new scale models of buildings which existed along the tracks in the Valley. Family $15, Adults $5, Children $3 (Under 5 free), Students (K through 12 with id) $3, Seniors (65+) $3. The Museum of the San Ramon Valley is located in the restored train depot at 205 Railroad Avenue, Danville. Museum hours and information: www. musemsrv.org or 925-8373750. The World of Frida Now - September 16 We celebrate the culture, style, and persona of visionary painter Frida Kahlo, an artist who continues to inspire with her story of love, adventure, and pain. Artwork included in this juried invitational exhibitions feature Frida Kahlo as the subject as well as artworks inspired by her life and art, including themes of Frida’s garden, Mexican culture and fashion, vibrant
Classic Rock August 11 6-8pm. Bring a basket of food, lawn chairs or blankets to spread on the ground for some great music and family fun. Free. Town Green, 400 Front St. (in front of the Danville Library) Information: danville. ca.gov colors, surrealism, and more. $5. Bedford Gallery, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Information: www.bedfordgallery.org or 925/295-1417.
Marcus Roberts’ The Modern Jazz Generation August 11 5pm & 8pm. Pianist/ composer Marcus Roberts has received numerous commissioning awards, including ones from Chamber Music America, Jazz at Lincoln Center, ASCAP, as well as the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. The Modern Jazz Generation band includes three generations of musicians, and according to Roberts, the MJG is more than just a band—it’s a community of like-minded musicians who love working together. $42.Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: www.lesherartscenter.org or 925-943-SHOW (7469). Danville Music in the Park The Fog City Swampers -
6PM 9PM AUGUST 16 THURS
Dixieland Jazz August 18 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.
Eliane Elias August 18 5pm & 8pm. GRAMMYwinning pianist/singer/ songwriter Eliane Elias is known for her distinctive and immediately recognizable musical style which blends h e r B ra z i l i a n ro o t s a n d sensuous, alluring voice with her virtuosic instrumental jazz, classical and compositional skills. $42. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: www.lesherartscenter.org or 925-943-SHOW (7469).
Purchase Tickets at: Brewitupwineitdown.eventbrite.com
Beers Bites Music Vino 3
Ticket cost: $35 Online $40 On night of event $15 Designated Driver
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*Must be 21 and over. Designated driver ticket available for $15.
TICKETS & MORE INFORMATION AVAILABLE AT
DANVILLEAREACHAMBER.COM DANVILLELIVERY.COM (925) 837-4400
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) August 18 - 19 Times vary. Join us on the Town Green for a FREE outdoor performance! Can three actors really cover thirtyseven Shakespeare plays in
less than two hours? This fast-firing comedy does just that as it parodies all of the Shakespeare plays (plus the sonnets!). Free. Town Green, 420 Front Street, Danville. www.villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400. Pleasant Hill Free Summer Concert Bell Brothers - Country August 19 6-8pm. Sunset by the lake concert for the family to enjoy. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and get ready to enjoy the festivities. Vendors sell food for you to purchase at the event. Free. On the lawn by the lake at Pleasant Hill City Hall, Gregory Ln & Cleaveland Rd. Information: pleasanthillconcerts.com.
Improv For Good presented by Funny Bone Productions August 24 7:45pm. Join Act II Improv for scene based comedy and drama improvisational theater. $15. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: www. lesherartscenter.org or 925943-SHOW (7469).
Gerald Clayton Quintet with Dayna Stephens August 25 5pm & 8pm. Four-time GRAMMY Award-nominated pianist/composer Gerald Clayton develops musical narratives with harmonic curiosity and critical awareness. Over the course of his acclaimed career, he’s performed and/or recorded with such distinguished artists as Diana Krall, Roy Hargrove, Dianne Reeves, John Scofield, Terri Lyne Carrington, and many others. The son of beloved bass player and composer John Clayton, Gerald honors the legacy of his father through a commitment to artistic exploration, innovation, and reinvention. $42 Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: www.lesherartscenter.org or 925-943-SHOW (7469).
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT dining out • music • art • theater • fun events
valleysentinel.com Grounds for Change August 25 – October 20 This year the Village T h e a t re a n d A r t G a l l e r y will be featuring artwork of Asian American and Asian Artists as part of Asia Week San Francisco Bay Area. An opening reception for the exhibition is scheduled for Saturday, August 25, 2018 from 3 - 5pm. Complimentary refreshments will be served. Gallery admission is free. The Village Theatre and Art Gallery, 233 Front St., Danville. Museum hours a n d i n f o r m a t i o n : w w w. v i l l a g e t h e a t re s h ows. c o m o r 9 2 5 - 31 4 - 3 4 0 0 . M o r e information on Asia Week can be found at /www.asiaweeksf. com/media/press/doc-201806-25-1643.pdf
Monkey See, Monkey Do Family Friendly Improv August 26 2pm. Suburban Thunder is back after a summer of monkeying around. This special one-hour improv show is designed specifically for children and their families to enjoy together. See your ideas come to life onstage and perhaps play a game and win a prize! Bring the entire family to this fun and fastpaced afternoon of laughter. $10. Front Row Theater, 17011 Bollinger Canyon Rd, San Ramon. Information: www. sanramon.ca.gov or 925- 9732787.
Music Repertoire’s 20th Anniversary Gala Concert featuring Youth Performers August 26 5pm. Join Music Repertoire as they celebrate 20 years of music with current and alumni students. $15. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: www. lesherartscenter.org or 925943-SHOW (7469).
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aquatic complex. The plaza area is also the new permanent home of the Dublin Farmers’ Market. Emerald Glen Park, 4201 Central Parkway, Dublin. Information: dublin.ca.gov
Make Your House a Smart Home! All My Sons by Arthur Miller presented by Role Players Ensemble August 31 - September 16 All My Sons won the Tony for Arthur Miller and also for the director, Elia Kazan. In this story, two partners have been tried for selling defective aircraft engines, which resulted in a pilots’ death. One partner was exonerated and the other sent to prison. Blame, guilt, and denial torment the exonerated partner’s family. $25-$35. Village Theater, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: www.villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400.
Center Rep presents Mamma Mia! Music & Lyrics by Benny Andersson & Bjorn Ulvaeus, Directed by Marc Jacobs August 31 - October 7 A mother. A daughter. Three possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget. $39-$44. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: www.lesherartscenter.org or 925-943-SHOW (7469). Pleasant Hill Free Summer Concert Sun Kings - Beatles tribute September 2 6-8 p.m. Sunset by the lake concert for the family to enjoy. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and get ready to enjoy the festivities. Vendors sell food for you to purchase at the event. Free. On the lawn by the lake at Pleasant Hill City Hall, Gregory Ln & Cleaveland Rd. Information: pleasanthillconcerts.com. Dublin Free Summer Concert Unauthorized Rolling Stones September 6 6-8 p.m. The City of Dublin hosts Summer Concerts monthly at the Farmer’s Market at Emerald Glen Park’s new outdoor Amphitheater. Free. Food trucks will be on site and beer and wine available for purchase. The Emerald Glen Park Amphitheater is located adjacent to the plaza outside of The Wave, Dublin’s newest recreation and
Control the electronics in your home from your smart phone, tablet, or desktop
Comedy with Liz Grant & Friends: A Monthly Stand-Up Series September 6 7:30pm. In this monthly stand-up comedy series, Liz Grant brings a host of Bay Area and L.A. comedians to the Village Theatre stage! Join these seasoned performers for this hilarious series. 16+ unless accompanied by an adult. $17 $20. Village Theater, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: www. villagetheatreshows.com or 925314-3400.
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Community Chorus Les Miserables: September 7 7pm. Enjoy a Free concert performed by The San Ramon Community Chorus singing songs from Les Miserables. Concert is Free but seating is limited. Front Row Theater, 17011 Bollinger Canyon Rd, San Ramon. Information: www. sanramon.ca.gov or 925- 9732787. Carlos Reyes & Friends at Devil Mountain Coffee House September 7 8-11pm. World-renowned violinist and harpist Carlos Reyes applies his classical training and more to a program of diverse blues, rock, jazz, and traditional forms. Carlos plays a wide variety of instruments besides the harp and violin. His charismatic personality and outstanding musical talents are a potent combination. $35 suggested donation. Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church, 55 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek. Information: mduuc.org or 925934-3135
The 19th Annual Eugene O’Neill Festival Becomes One Festival, Two Countries August 31– September 30 in Danville, California www.eugeneoneillfestival.com
October 9–15 in New Ross, Ireland www.eugeneoneill.org
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THE VALLEY SENTINEL
August 2018
valleysentinel.com
Rotary Club of Alamo Presents Community Service Award To Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Deputy Jesus Topete Recognizing His Outstanding Service to the Alamo 17 years. He was initially Community County’s first responders The Rotary Club of Alamo at its recent lunch meeting presented the community “Service above Self” award to Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriff Jesus Topete for his outstanding service to the Alamo community. Deputy Topete serves as the Alamo Resident Deputy in the Patrol Division. In presenting the award, D i a n e B a r l ey, c l u b a n d vocational service director, said the Rotary Club of Alamo established the Community Service Award to honor our community’s first responders and others who exemplify Rotary International’s motto of “Service Above Self.” “Jesus Topete was selected to receive this award because of his exceptionally active role in the Alamo community by effectively wearing many d i f f e re n t h a t s i n c l u d i n g serving as the school resource officer for Alamo’s elementary schools; Alamo special events coordinator; detective for local crimes that includes solving residential burglaries, armed robberies and carjacking. He has authored search and arrest warrants and assisted in dozens of felony criminal investigations. Deputy Topete also serves as the field-training officer for new deputies assigned to patrol duties.” In addition, he conducts research and develops proposals for the
equipment to include the training and deployment of Quik Clot bandages that may help save lives in emergencies. Deputy Topete is the volunteer coordinator and works with approximately 20 Sheriff Volunteers in keeping the doors of the Alamo Valley Station open to the public, as well as managing several volunteer patrol programs. According to Sheriff’s Lt. Jason Haynes, “Deputy Topete is very well-known in the Alamo community and everyone that knows him can easily see his motivations are pure and he wears his uniform with pride and sets an example for others in law enforcement to follow.” In accepting the Community “Service Above Self” Award, Deputy Topete stated that he is very honored to be receiving this award and that it is a real pleasure and honor to be serving the Alamo community. This is the third Community Service Award to be given by the Rotary Club of Alamo. The first award was presented to San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District Chief Paige Meyer and the second to Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Lt. Jason Haynes. Deputy Topete joined the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff in July 2001, and has served with that office in law enforcement for over
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assigned to the Martinez Detention Facility, where he had the opportunity to work as a line deputy before being accepted into the Transportation Unit and spent about one-year transporting inmates in-county to other counties and to several of California’s prison facilities. He was then accepted into the much sought after Martinez Detention Facility Classification Unit where he worked for over two years identifying and housing gang members, special needs and work detail inmates. He was very involved with several important detention based investigations that resulted in the identification of criminal behavior occurring inside the jail system and the recovery of weapons, drugs and other contraband.
Deputy Topete transferred to the Patrol Division in 2005 and worked primarily on the West end of the County where he served as a patrol deputy and then as a Resident Deputy. He became a Field Training Officer while serving out of the Bay Station and then transferred over to the Alamo Valley Station in February 2014, serving as the Alamo Resident Deputy. The Rotary Club of Alamo was founded on May 7, 1971 and has 50 members. The Club
supports various programs at Alamo and Rancho Romero Elementary Schools, Lucille Mauzy School, Stone Valley Middle School, Monte Vista and San Ramon High Schools; provides dictionaries to third grade students; sponsors two free medical clinics for uninsured and underserved adults with acute or chronic medical conditions, as well as other community and international projects. The Club meets on Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m. at Round Hill Country Club.
Alamo News Update
Alamo Sorority Achieves a Milestone By Steve Mick
Before I reveal the milestone, here is some background information. Delta Nu Psi is a service sorority based in Alamo and composed of civic-minded volunteers. The sorority was started in 2005 by Alicia Watson and some of her friends. They wanted a means to provide support and recognition of our armed forces. They decided that the best way to do this is to send food and munchies (known to the members of the sorority as Gourmet Junk Food.) When shoppers come to the door at Lunardi’s in Danville and CVS in Alamo they are asked to shop for the troops in the war zone. People are given a list of items to donate. These items were previously selected and their locations in the store are marked so that customers can easily find them. These purchases are then donated to the sorority members when the shoppers leave the store. People are very generous and often when they may not have time to shop, they will make a cash donation for postage. The shopping lists are the result of lots of feedback from
our armed forces over time. They want to be able grab some energy bars or beef jerky (among other favorites) before going out on patrol. They have even learned to successfully barbecue Spam. They have zero to less than zero interest in socks, handkerchiefs, shorts and similar items. The collections are made twice a month - once at Lunardi’s and once at CVS. The items are brought to a member’s home and sorted into established categories. The sorority meets once a month for a short business meeting followed by a “packout.” There are usually six to eight boxes and members pack the boxes. Note that the boxes are rather large. They measure 18 inches by 14 inches by 10 inches and when fully packed each box weighs in at 28 to 30 pounds. Included in each box is a newsy and supportive letter from the sorority. Also included is patriotic artwork and drawings provided by a group of local middle school students. Each box costs about $70 to mail, so cash donations are very welcome. As a security measure, the post office will not accept p a c ka g e s a d d re s s e d “ t o any service member.” This means that recipients must
be identified and have a valid address. Therefore, each box is mailed to a specific person and that person then shares the contents with rest of his/ her unit. Upwards of 250 different individuals have received a box over the years. When an individual’s deployment is over they will usually select another member of their squad to be the new contact person to receive the boxes. To date no one has refused. Visit the sorority’s website at deltanupsi.org. The collection schedule is listed there along with items to donate. There are also a number of photographs of our service people on duty in the war zone. And as promised, here is the milestone: when this article hits the streets, the sorority will have collected, sorted, packed, and mailed over 40,000 pounds of Gourmet Junk Food to our troops. This is 20 tons of love, respect and service to them. Steve Mick is a long-time Alamo resident and is active in a number of community organizations. Among them are the Community Foundation of Alamo, the Exchange Club and the Alamo Municipal Advisory Council. You can reach Steve at steve@alamore.org.
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August 2018
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
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Sponsored Content
Tennis Elbow Serving Up Pain For You? By Dr. Niele Maimone, DC
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is similar to its counterpart, Golfer’s elbow. The primary differences between these conditions are the location of the pain and the activity that leads to injury. However, both conditions are caused by overuse of the muscles and tendons of the forearm, leading to inflammation and pain around the elbow joint, commonly called tendonitis. Tennis is one common cause of tendonitis, but many other sports and work related activities can cause the same problem. The cause of tennis elbow can vary from a single violent action (acute injury) to, more commonly, a repetitive stress injury where an action is performed repeatedly and pain gradually develops. In an acute injury of the elbow, inflammation occurs without substantial tissue damage. However, in a repetitive stress situation a person may experience damage to the tendon and surrounding soft tissue causing tissue d e g e n e ra t i o n ove r t i m e. Inflammation from acute injury often responds quickly to rest and anti-inflammatory treatment. However, if the
injury is due to tendon tissue degeneration, treatment will be longer and will be focused on improving the strength of the tendon as well as rebuilding tissues. Tennis Elbow Symptoms With tennis elbow the pain is on the outside of the elbow and may radiate down the forearm into the wrist. It can be common to have pain and/or weakness when turning a door knob, holding a coffee cup or shaking hands. Treatment for Tennis Elbow Tennis elbow does not usually cause any longterm disability. However, the condition may become stubborn and proper re h a b i l i t a t i o n w i l l h e l p alleviate the symptoms and get you back to life again. Rest and Reduce I n f l a m m a t i o n : T h e f i rs t step a person should take if tendinitis is suspected is to stop the activities that cause the pain and inflammation. Use a topical cream containing Arnica to begin to reduce the inflammatory process quickly. Laser Therapy to Heal the Damaged Tissue: Ending the pain caused by tennis elbow requires healing the damaged tissue. Class IV laser therapy is an excellent method for this, because it is presently the only form of therapy that can both
reduce inflammation and heal tissue simultaneously. Laser treatments at Align Healing Center are done with the K-laser Cube a Class IV Laser. This laser does not cut or burn but is gently absorbed by the tissue. During Laser Therapy the infrared laser light interacts with tissues at the cellular level, increasing metabolic activity and improving the transport of nutrients across the cell membrane. This initiates the production of cellular energy (ATP) that leads to a cascade of beneficial effects, increasing cellular function and health. This creates an optimal healing environment that reduces i n f l a m m a t i o n , s we l l i n g , muscle spasms, stiffness, scar tissue and pain. Correct the Mechanics of Motion: Assessing the forearm, elbow, shoulder and spine for proper postural feedback is done to diagnose and correct improper alignment. After proper alignment is restored, specific muscular taping is applied to improve circulation and insure proper motion on a daily basis. Lastly, specific strengthening and stretching exercises are given. By strengthening the muscles and tendons involved with tennis elbow, you can prevent the problem from returning. At Align Healing Center we are having great success
Pianos Have Come to Downtown Danville
Community pianos installed outside two Town buildings As part of Parks Make Life Better month, the Town of Danville continues to celebrate art, music, and the outdoors with the installation of two community pianos downtown. Two street pianos have been placed outside of the Danville Community Center, 420 Front St., and the Danville Senior Center, 115 E. Prospect Ave, for everyone to play and enjoy. The pianos invite the public to share their love of musical expression and visual art with their community. The instruments change the dynamics of these often quiet gathering spaces into ones of musical performance and shared conversation. S a n R a m o n Va l l e y High School students L a u r e n To r c h i a n a a n d Katherine Gilen brought the idea of street pianos to the Town’s Recreation, Arts, & Community Services Department last fall. Lauren had just experienced an
outdoor piano in Coronado, CA while on a family vacation, and she loved the sense of spontaneous community that the pianos created. Her cousin, Katherine, had inspired her t o p l ay p i a n o w h e n s h e
was younger, and together they wondered if they could bring some of these brightly painted instruments to their hometown. Lauren and Katherine invited their long-time friend, Grace McClure, to collaborate on the project. An accomplished artist and student at Monte Vista High School, Grace jumped at the chance to participate
and provided considerable artistic talent to the design and painting of the pianos. Recreation, Arts, and Community Services Director Henry Perezalonso said he is very excited to bring this idea to fruition. With the pianos installed outside the buildings in a public area, residents are invited to play a n d s h a re t h e i r m u s i c a l stylings. “We are always looking for ways for our residents to express their artistic sides, and to embrace the culture available here in Danville,” Perezalonso said. “I think it’s going to be a great gathering space in our town.” Due to weather concerns, the pianos will only be accessible to the public until September, 2018. For more information on the street pianos, contact Performing Arts Coordinator Christian Mejia at (925) 3143418 or cmejia@danville. ca.gov.
not only treating tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow, but also treating plantar fasciitis, sciatica, shoulder and neck pain, migraines, arthritis, carpal tunnel, post surgical pain, sports injuries and more; even long-term residual pain. Ar-thritis and degenerative disc disease sufferers can see long term benefits from this treatment without any of the negative side effects
experienced with the long term use of medications. Dr. Niele Maimone, DC is the owner and founder of Align Healing Center in Danville, CA. She has been active in our natural health & wellness community since 1999. For more information or to set up a consult call 925.362.8283 or visit www.alignhealingcenter. com.
The Second (Indianhead) Division Association is searching for anyone who served in the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division at any time. For information about the association and our 97th annual reunion in Jacksonville, Florida from September 19 - 23, 2018, contact Mike Davino at 2IDA.PAO@charter.net, visit www.2ida.org/2018-reunion or call 919-498-1910.
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August 2018
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Here’s what you do when twice the rate of chains. As a nation, the Conserve your tax dollars convenience of one-click you shop local: Shopping at local businesses Ke e p d o l l a rs i n o u r ordering, rapidly dispatching means more money available to over-packaged, arbitrary economy For every $100 you spend beautify Danville. Spending items straight to our doorsteps, has dramatically at one of our local businesses, locally versus online ensures shifted consumerism. The $68 is reinvested back into the tax dollars are reinvested where re s u l t o f t h i s c h a n g e i s community. The same amount they belong–right here in our l e av i n g A m e r i c a ’s s m a l l spent at a national chain or community! Create more choice d ow n t ow n re t a i l e rs a n d online reduces the community’s Local businesses carry a independents vulnerable and reinvestment by more than half. wider array of unique products consumers in danger because they buy for an of losing some of the individual market. real joy of shopping; Take advantage of the greeting, our expertise the customer Local business recognition, the owners have a vested f r i e n d l y s e r v i c e, interest in knowing t h e k n ow l e d g e o f how to serve you. They product and the are passionate about passion that small providing personalized business owners and products and services. entrepreneurs can Yo u i n v e s t i n inject into each sale. entrepreneurship Collectively, we Creativity and would like to invite Marcia Harmon of Cottage Jewel assists a customer entrepreneurship are you to take a moment the backbone of the Embrace what makes us American economy. Ninety-six and remind ourselves why we love our communities. unique percent of Danville businesses You preserve one-of-a-kind are considered small businesses, Perhaps it is the happiness felt when finding a perfect businesses that contribute to the which employ five or fewer gift for a friend, or the distinct character of our town. employees. Create local jobs memory of meeting a favorite You make Danville a Shopping locally allows destination author at a local book reading, or simply sharing a businesses to offer higherThe more interesting and bottle of wine friends while paying jobs for our neighbors. unique we are as a community, H e l p p r e s e r v e t h e the more we attract neighbors listening to a local band. These experiences translate environment and visitors to refresh, revitalize, Buying from a local business savor and sip in Danville. into shop owners continuing t o l i ve t h e i r d re a m a n d reduces transportation pollution Follow us on Instagram @ support and give back to and packaging waste. livelocallydanville or visit our Nurture community their community, amplifying Live Locally section at www. Studies have shown that danville.ca.gov to learn more what it means to truly live local businesses donate to about our community! locally.
valleysentinel.com
August 2018
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
Treats at Danville Chocolate
Danville Brewery
Shopping at Christine’s
DIYers at the AR Workshop
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Kids & Teens - Back to School page 8
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
August 2018
valleysentinel.com
Teen Esteem…Empowering Students...Equipping Parents…Impacting Lives! When our kids understand and embrace our core message that their value is not based on what they do, but on who they are...and that EVERYONE deserves to be treated with RESPECT, they are better equipped to overcome the many challenges they face. When we at Teen Esteem get to witness this fundamental message resonating with students first-hand, we see the positive impact it’s having...and it is truly something special!
Our programs include classroom presentations, assemblies and parent education. Topics include wise use of social media, cyberbullying, academic and performance-based pressures, healthy relationships, drugs, vaping, alcohol and prescription drug abuse, and mental health issues. Teen Esteem assembly programs start as early as K-3rd grade centered around why words matter and the importance of treating yourself
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ADMISSION OPEN HOUSES FOR FALL 2019 ENROLLMENT Grades 6-8 November 10 1:00 pm Grades 9-12 November 11 1:00 pm To register for Open House, please visit the Admission page on our website. Click on the “Info Request & Event Registration” ribbon and complete the “Inquiry for The Athenian School.”
and others with respect, continuing with our “Better Together” message in 4th & 5th grade talking about why words matter, bullying/cyberbullying and the importance of treating others as you would want them to treat you. Our ageappropriate, audience-tailored events packed with relatable stories and engaging, relevant content reach kids on a very personal level. Halfway through one of these elementary assemblies, a young girl asked permission to go to the back row because there was a girl sitting by herself and she didn’t want her to be alone. It was heartwarming to see this display of empathy in action as the girl sitting in back was g o i n g through a re a l l y difficult time. W e b u i l d on that message in our middle school multimedia assembly and then hit the tougher topics headon in high school. Another inspiring interaction came after our “teacup” analogy (a visual illustrating that every student has unique value and deserves to be treated with respect) in a classroom presentation. An excited student ran up to our volunteer speakers saying, “The teacup analogy was so great! I never understood why my friends act the way that they do but getting a deeper understanding of why someone might actually feel like a solo cup explains why they act the way that they do.” She then ran over to the teacher, “Mrs. C, EVERYONE needs to hear this! It is SO important!” Our message stirred up such a passion inside this student that she could hardly contain herself. It was a moment our speakers will treasure. Weeks later, our team was encouraged with a bundle of touching thank-you notes after a classroom presentation. Impacting lives by equipping students with our life-affirming messages of hope... it’s what we do! We educate and support parents and caregivers through
parent education via local workshops and events as well as a growing library of online educational videos. For over 20 years, Teen Esteem programs have provided students and parents with crucial information and powerful tools helping them navigate the ever-changing waters of today’s turbulent youth culture. “This is a program that respects the smart, developing mind of a youth. It helps them to stop and consider the consequences of their choices and actions. (Teen Esteem) speaks to the heart of the issues, rather than just using clichés that mean very little to a teen.”–Parent
We know we’re impacting lives and the number of powerful quotes from our anonymous surveys only further affirms the effectiveness of Teen Esteem programs. “Last year there were many times I felt worthless and useless. I even contemplated suicide. The assembly made me realize there is a reason worth living for.” –High School Student “I know that I’m not permanently damaged because of my past.” –High School Student “I felt like the assembly conveyed a really powerful message that many students need to understand–school isn’t everything and grades are not more important than your life.” –High School Student “The presentation will help with future decisions because it gives me reason to value my life.” –High School Student Our programs are in high demand as students struggle in todays every changing youth culture and parents are looking for tools on how to navigate these changes and help their children. There is
a desperate need to reach this hurting generation as kids are bombarded with unprecedented performance-based pressures and concerns over their future as the competition for higher learning continues to increase. Social media and academic pressures have brought things to a whole new level with constant media messages that endorse perfection, glamorize harmful or illicit behaviors and paint unrealistic pictures of what the good life looks like. Tech pioneers are even voicing regrets. In a recent interview of former Facebook co-founder and president, Sean Parker states, “The Facebook founders purposefully created something addictive; God only knows what it’s doing to our children’s brains,” (Silverman, E. “Facebook’s first president, on Fa c e b o o k : ‘ G o d only knows what it’s doing to our children’s brains.’ Washington Post 9 November 2017). With this barrage of compounding pressures, many kids are suffering with more emotional, physical and mental health issues than ever before with suicide the second leading cause of death for young people aged 11-18. Wondering how you can make an impact? Join us for Teen Esteem’s annual fundraising dinner and auction. This year’s event is sports themed and guests are invited to come dressed casually in their favorite sports jersey. The evening will begin with a cocktail hour, appetizers, games and silent auction followed by dinner, a live auction and lots of fun! This is a perfect opportunity for you to learn about our programs and how you can make an impact in our community. Thanks to the generosity of local companies, foundations and individuals like you, we’ve been impacting the lives of students and parents since 1994. Please join us for our Team Up with Teen Esteem event on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at 6pm at the Diablo Country Club. We are Better Together in changing lives! To purchase tickets and for additional information visit: https:// teenesteem.org/2018auction/.
Kids & Teens - Back to School valleysentinel.com
JAugust 2018
How To Beat The August Heat
By Beverly Lane, President, East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors
August brings hot, dry weather to the East Bay Regional Parks, especially those far from the cooling influence of the shoreline. One way to beat the heat is to visit the parklands in the cool of the evening. As it happens, Park District naturalists have scheduled lots of August programs at this time. The Perseid meteor shower and our moon are the stars of the show. The meteor shower is an annual event, which occurs when the Earth passes through the tail of a comet, and comet debris burns up in our atmosphere. The show peaks this year on Aug. 11 and 12. A Perseid meteor viewing is planned from 8 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 11 at Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley. Bring a flashlight, a blanket or reclining chair, and dress for evening breezes to watch this annual astronomical fireworks display. And “Howling at the Moon” is the theme of a program from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 26 at Big Break. The idea is to explore the park using coyotelike senses, during the full moon.
Big Break is at 69 Big Break Road off Oakley’s Main Street (Highway 4) about two miles east of Highway 160 and the Antioch Bridge. For information, call 888-3272757, ext. 3050. Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve has also scheduled Perseid and full moon programs, both led by naturalist Eddie Willis. The Perseid program is from 7:45 to 10 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 12. It’s for ages eight and older, and registration is required. To register, call 888-327-2757, select option 2, and refer to program number 21624. The moon hike is from 7 to 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 26. It’s also for ages eight and older. The group will watch the full moon rise and hear tales of the night sky and the park’s nocturnal creatures. Again, registration is required. To register, call the number above and refer to program 21655. At Tilden Nature Area near Berkeley, naturalist “Trail Gail” Broesder will lead an evening walk from 8 to 11 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 12 to view the meteor shower. The group will walk to Wildcat Peak for the annual shooting star show. The hike is for ages eight and up. Bring flashlights, dress for an evening hike, and meet at Tilden’s Environmental
Education Center, which is at the north end of Central Park Drive. For information, call 510-544-2233. Another full moon hike is scheduled from 6:30 to 9:45 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 25 at Chabot Space and Science Center and Roberts and Redwood Regional Parks in the Oakland hills, with naturalist Michael Charnofsky. This one starts with a talk at the science center about the reasons we have seasons. Then there’s a three-mile walk through the woods to listen for owls. After a sunset trail dinner (bring your own food), there’s free telescope viewing back at the science center. The program is for ages 10 and older; registration is required. Call 888-327-2757, select option 2 and refer to program number 21878. And there’s more. Naturalist Constance Taylor will host a Perseid meteor show from 8 to 10 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 12 at Del Valle Regional Park south of Livermore. Bring a blanket and flashlight, dress in layers, and meet at the intersection of Del Valle and Mendenhall Roads. For information, call 510-544-3239. This is just a sample. Park District naturalists offer all kinds of summer programs, day and night. You can find out more at the Park District website, www.ebparks.org.
SF Premiere Bay Area Science and Education Center offers a full day celebrating sun worshippers and all things bees!
Junior beekeepers
pollinators, is expanding this year with a celebration of Summer and BEEyond! The whole day will be filled with sunny activities and animal p re s e n t a t i o n s, i n c l u d i n g See BEES page 14
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3 Myths About the College Application Process By S. Elizabeth Deiwert
Lindsay Wildlife Invites All to Celebrate “Summer and BEEyond” on August 18 Come to Lindsay Wildlife Experience, Saturday, August 18 and embrace the sun with Lindsay’s Summer and BEEyond event, including meeting sun-worshipping camels! Lindsay’s annual Bee Bop event, celebrating important
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
This time of year, many rising seniors are starting to fill out their college applications. I meet with students every week to help guide them through this process, and I’ve discovered several incorrect assumptions that students make when starting the application process. Let’s take a moment to discuss some of the most common misconceptions around college advising. Myth Number 1: “It’s all a numbers game.” L e t ’s b e h o n e s t , o u r numbers do matter for most colleges. More than 75% of colleges describe test scores as considerably important. Standardized test scores and GPA say much about our academic performance. A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e y a r e relevant statistics when we’re comparing students to one another. When looking at your test scores and GPA, you want to see how you stack up against the average incoming freshman. However, no one test score or grade is going to preclude you from any given college, the same way that a perfect score on a test or a 4.0 GPA doesn’t guarantee admission at any university. College admissions officers are tasked with the difficult job of discovering which students will be a good fit at their university. You are more than a number. Myth number 2: “I can’t get in, so why bother applying?” Many students feel t h a t t h e i r s c o re s a re n ’ t good enough to apply to a university. When we look at all of the factors that college admissions officers look at, we can see that test scores are not the only thing considered. Colleges also look at your extracurricular activities, course choices, and the rigor of those classes. They want to hear about who you are, how you feel, and what you will
bring to their university. Most college applications have an essay component. The more competitive the university, the more important the essay. This is your opportunity to show them what makes you unique. Never let one statistic or one piece of data keep you from filling out a college application. Myth Number 3: “It’s too late/too early to start this process.” It’s never too late to apply for college. Many colleges offer rolling admissions and accept students year round. Some colleges let you apply very late, with application deadlines as late as March of your senior year. Many colleges will even let you submit your SAT/ACT score after you’ve submitted your application. If you haven’t yet started this process, it’s not too late. That being said, it’s never too early to start looking at the college preparation and admissions process. Your overarching goal should be to have options when it comes time to apply for college. You don’t want that choice to be dictated by your lack of preparation when you were younger. So yes, it’s never too early to start the college preparatory process. The courses you take in eighth grade dictate what you’ll take in ninth grade and so forth. Course choice is important. Making sure you have the skills you need when it comes time to take your SAT, ACT, or write college application essays is important. S Elizabeth Deiwert is the Center Director and College Counselor at C2 Education located at 99 Railroad Ave. in Danville. She can be reached via email at danville@ c2educate.com or by phone at 925-838-2932. She is happy to answer any questions families might have around the college applications process.
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Senior Living page 10
Medicare can help with cataracts By Greg Dill
Cataracts often come with age and can affect your vision. By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. New eyeglasses, brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses, or magnifying lenses may help your symptoms. If not, you may need surgery. If you have cataracts and need cataract surgery, Medicare can help. And after surgery, Medicare helps pay for cataract glasses, contact lenses, or intraocular lenses you get from an ophthalmologist. G e n e r a l l y, M e d i c a r e doesn’t cover eyeglasses or contact lenses. However, following cataract surgery that implants an intraocular lens, Medicare Part B helps pay for corrective lenses (one pair of eyeglasses with standard frames or one set of contact lenses). Medicare covers the surgery if it’s done using traditional surgical techniques or using lasers. Medicare will only pay for contact lenses or eyeglasses provided by a supplier enrolled in Medicare. This is true no matter who submits the claim (you or your supplier). What will you pay if you have Original Medicare? • You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount
As mom’s memory loss progressed, caregiving became overwhelming.
for one pair of eyeglasses or one set of contact lenses after each cataract surgery with an intraocular lens. • You pay any additional costs for upgraded frames. • The Part B deductible ($183 in 2018) applies. How much will you pay for the surgery with Original Medicare? With surgeries or procedures, it’s hard to know the exact costs in advance. This is because no one knows exactly what services you’ll need. If you need surgery or a procedure, you may be able to estimate how much you’ll have to pay. You can: 1. Ask the doctor, hospital, or facility how much you’ll have to pay for the surgery and any care afterward. 2. Find out if you’re an inpatient or outpatient because what you pay may be different. 3. Check with any other insurance you may have to see what it will pay. If you belong to a Medicare Advantage or other Medicare health plan, contact your plan for more information. Other insurance might include: • Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) • Medicaid • Coverage from your or your spouse’s employer • Log into MyMedicare. gov, or look at your last “Medicare Summary Notice” to see if you’ve met your deductibles. • Check your Part A deductible if you expect to be admitted to the hospital. • Check your Part B deductible for a doctor’s visit and other outpatient care.
Then we found The Reutlinger. We often hear stories like this. With a continuum of Memory Care offerings and an array of services and programming, we are designed to provide peace of mind for families. • Personalized support in a secure environment • Programming tailored to individual needs • Therapeutic art classes taught by our resident artist • Daily scheduled transportation Having trouble coping with a loved one’s memory loss? Join us for a support group.
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valleysentinel.com
August 2018
• You’ll need to pay the deductible amounts before Medicare will start to pay. After Medicare starts to pay, you may have copayments for the care you get. What is a cataract and what causes it? A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. The lens lies behind the iris and the pupil. It works much like a camera lens, focusing light onto the retina at the back of the eye, where an image is recorded. The lens also adjusts the eye’s focus, letting us see things clearly both up close and far away. The lens is made of mostly water and protein. The protein is arranged in a precise way that keeps the lens clear and allows light to pass through it. As we age, some of the protein may clump together and start to cloud a small area of the lens. This is a cataract. Over time, the cataract may grow larger and cloud more of the lens, making it harder to see. Researchers suspect that there are several causes of cataract, such as smoking and diabetes. Or it may be that the protein in the lens just changes from wear and tear over the years. A cataract can occur in either or both eyes, but it can’t spread from one eye to the other. 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 (1-800-6334227).
GIVING from page 1
group paid back a loan of $600 from Marge’s mother for first and last month’s rent of the building and donated $500 to DCC.! This funding helped to hire one full time counselor and an administrative assistant. Thus, the humble beginnings of both the DCC and The Thrift Station. By the end of that first year, according to Marge “we had moved our storage place to 3 different homes, opened the shop, staffed it each day, had held flea markets in the back of the Danville Hotel and much to our surprise made $23,000!” Could those visionary women even imagine that 45 years later, the Friends of Discovery would raise over 9.5 million dollars in support of community mental health? The “Friends of Discovery” wishes to thank the Danville community
for your contribution to the success of The Thrift Station. Thank you for your donations, your volunteering, and for stopping by to make a purchase or two! As we continue the celebration, the Thrift Station is participating in National Thrift Store Day on August 17th. We will be raffling off a beautiful basket of goodies and also hosting a special sale or two. Many thrift stores in the East Bay will be participating. Mark your calendar for this special event and stop on by! If you would like to volunteer, please stop by the shop for information. To follow the most current sales and events at the Thrift Station, check out our social media. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, or stop by at 486 San Ramon Valley Blvd, Danville and give us your email address. For more information visit www.discoveryctr.net or call 925-820-1988.
Thrift Station volunteers at the Danville 4th of July Parade
Contra Costa Alcohol & Other Drugs Advisory Board Seeks New Members WHAT: The Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Advisory Board seeks applicants to fill several open seats. The board is comprised of 18 volunteers, appointed by the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors, who assess community needs regarding prevention, treatment and recovery from alcohol and drug abuse. The AOD Board reports findings and recommendations to Contra Costa Health Services, the Board of Supervisors and community partners. WHO: Applicants must
be 16 or older and live in Contra Costa County. We currently seek applicants from District 5 and for atlarge seats. WHEN: Members must attend a meeting on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 4 p.m. to 6:15 p.m., and are also expected to serve on one or more committees, which also meet monthly. Meeting times and locations vary to encourage participation from various segments of the community. Members usually serve threeyear terms. WHY: AOD offers its
volunteers the opportunity to directly address substance abuse in Contra Costa by helping local government develop and improve policies regarding drugs and alcohol. The AOD Board produces an annual report and selects recipients for the annual People Who Make a Difference awards. To receive an application, or for more information, contact Fatima Matal Sol at 925-335-3307 or Fatima. matalsol@hsd.cccounty.us. Applications are also available at cchealth.org/groups/aod_ board/membership.php
valleysentinel.com
August 2018
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
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Tariffs, Interest Rates & Your Retirement Account By Robert Cucchiaro
Last month I wrote about the potential impact that rising mortgage rates and lower tax deductions could have on local real estate (if you missed that article and would like a copy just send me an email). This month I would like to provide a similar cautionary guide on what tariffs and interest rates could do to your retirement account. Let’s start with tariffs and a possible trade war. While economists differ on how FOX from page 1
Mines and Lone Tree Valley in the north to Round Valley, Los Vaqueros Reservoir, and Brushy Peak in the south. Fifteen of these records were documented since 1986. The greatest density of occurrences is located in the southern portion of the inventory area. There were additional records from May 2001 and June 2002 from Vasco Caves Regional Preserve. A recent intensive survey on public lands of Contra Costa and Alameda Counties within the known range of the San Joaquin Kit Fox found no evidence of recent occupancy. However, these results do not prove their absence from the inventory area as private lands were not surveyed, but do suggest that their density is low or their occurrence is periodic. I have observed San Joaquin Kit Foxes during night spotlight surveys In eastern Contra Costa and Alameda Counties. San Joaquin Kit Foxes are active year-round and are primarily nocturnal. However, they are commonly seen during the day in late spring and early summer. They usually construct their own dens which are used for housing and protection. Sometimes they may enlarge or modify burrows constructed by ground squirrels, coyotes, or badgers. One fox may use several dens, particularly during the summer months. One individual was recorded using seventy dens during the coarse of one year. Human -made structures such as culverts, abandoned pipes, and banks in roadbeds are also used for dens. Female San Joaquin Kit Foxes may change natal and pupping dens one or two times
much blame the Smoot-Hawley tariffs deserve for the Great Depression, the stock market was clear in its reaction. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was around 340 just before the House passed the bill. In short order the Dow dropped down all the way to around 50 before FDR was elected and stocks started recovering. Now again, we cannot be sure what percentage of this 85% decline in the stock market is attributable to tariffs, but there is reason to believe that the stock market doesn’t like tariffs and if a trade war does take place, it could at least temporarily sink the stock market. Now let’s talk about interest rates. As you may have discovered, the investment community and the financial a month. Most dens have at least two entrances. Dens are scarce in areas with shallow soils. Female San Joaquin Kit Foxes begin to prepare the natal or pupping den during September or October. Adult pairs remain together yearround, although they may not always share the same den. Mating usually takes place from late December through March. Gestation varies from fortyeight to fifty-two days, with litters of two to six pups born between February and March. Similar to other predators, reproductive success is related to the abundance of their prey. The male San Joaquin Kit Fox provides food for the female and pups while she nurses them. During the breeding season the San Joaquin Kit Fox may range up to twenty miles at night foraging for food. Home ranges vary from less than one square mile up to nearly twelve square miles. When the pups are five to six weeks old, they emerge from the den for the first time. When they are four or five months old in August or September, the young foxes begin to disperse. Sometimes offspring of both sexes will remain with the parents through the year to help raise the next litter. In the wild, San Joaquin Kit Foxes rarely live to seven years of age. They have been known to live more than ten years in captivity. The diet of the San Joaquin Kit Fox varies geographically, seasonally, and annually, contingent upon availability of their prey. Nocturnal rodents such as kangaroo rats, pocket mice, and white-footed deer mice comprise at least one -third of their diet in the southern portions of their range. Ground squirrels, black-tailed hares,
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most people’s retirement plans could survive on those types of returns. If you want a second opinion on your retirement & investment accounts, give us a call at 925-927-1900 or email me at rob@swrpteam.com. Robert Cucchiaro is a Certified Financial Planner and owner of Summit Wealth & Retirement, a financial planning firm that has been serving Danville for over 30 years. Summit Wealth has 3 Certified Financial Planners (CFP®), a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), an MBA and a Tax Director (EA) all on staff and in Danville. Visit us at www. summitwealthandretirement. com
media talk a lot about interest rates and for good reason. When the banks make borrowing more expensive, companies tend not to borrow as much and pay higher rates of interest on existing loans (if the rates are variable, which they often are). This means less business spending which in turn means less growth for the company. If this reduction in growth leads to a decrease in profits then the stock price usually takes a hit. The really bad news here is that rising interest rates are also bad for bonds. The math here is complex but think about it this way, if newly issued bonds are paying 4% interest and the bond you own is paying 3% interest, I would only buy your bond if you discounted the price to make up for the 1% of lower interest
I am earning. That discount is reflected immediately in the value of existing bonds. As proof of this concept playing out in real life, just look at the Vanguard Long-Term Treasury Bond Fund (ticker VUSUX) which had two 10%+ declines in the past few years (2009 & 2013). Every week I talk to investors who are “making no changes” because their portfolios have worked for the past few years and therefore “if it aint broke don’t fix it”. However the environment may change radically in these two areas and all of a sudden what has worked will stop working. After the run up in stocks over these past 9 years it’s easy to forget that between the start of 2000 and the end of 2009 stocks had a rate of return of basically 0%. I am not sure
San Joaquin antelope squirrels, cottontails, ground-nesting birds, insects, and vegetation, particularly grasses, are also consumed. Their diet is similar in the central portion of their range with the addition of the introduced Chukar Partridge. Ground squirrels are the most common prey for the San Joaquin Kit Fox in the northern part of their range. Extensive and continuing loss of native habitat is the primary threat to the San Joaquin Kit Fox. Much of the remaining habitat is extremely fragmented, movement corridors are degraded or blocked, and only a few large areas of native grasslands remain on the San Joaquin Valley perimeter. Pesticides and rodenticides expelled through intensive agricultural use, by industrial and infrastructure projects, and in residential areas in the Central Valley are also a major threat through reduction of their small mammal prey base and toxic build-up in the foxes’ bodies. Since the 1970’s, researchers have identified predation, starvation, flooding, and drought as natural mortality factors affecting the San Joaquin Kit Fox. Humaninduced mortality factors include shooting, trapping, poisoning, electrocution, road kills, and suffocation. A 1998 recovery plan for the San Joaquin Kit Fox in the upland San Joaquin Valley has offered some help. Critical habitat ensuring the San Joaquin Kit Foxes’ survival should be designated and preserved. James M. Hale is a wildlife biologist, ethnobiologist, and ecological consultant based in Contra Costa County. Please visit his website at www.dochale.com
Join ARF for Wine & Whiskers 15th annual wine tasting extravaganza at ARF September 8 entertainment and Wine & Whiskers, a spectacular evening of specialty wines, craft beers, and appetizers benefiting ARF’s life-saving programs, will be held on Saturday, September 8 from 5 pm to 8 pm at ARF’s headquarters in Walnut Creek. “This is a fabulous evening to sample great area food and wine, gather with new and old friends, all while supporting ARF’s programs for animals and people,” said Elena Bicker, ARF executive director. “Of course, the fact that it’s a party with puppies and kittens never hurts!” This year’s event features wine tastings from renowned Napa Valley, Sonoma, and Livermore wineries, including early-confirmations Pine Ridge Vineyards, Bennett L a n e W i n e r y, a n d Po p e Valley Winery. The event also includes live music in the tree-lined courtyard, exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of ARF’s awardwinning shelter, and a silent auction with exciting items from the worlds of sports,
wine. Therapy pets from ARF’s Pet Hug Pack® will be on hand to greet guests, while adorable shelter dogs and cats looking for forever homes mingle among the crowd. “People support ARF because we’re saving lives every day, and are a good steward of their gifts, earning Charity Navigator’s highest four-star rating for now eleven years in a row,” said Bicker. “They come to our events though, because they know they’ll enjoy an incredible evening and leave even more excited about their support for the work we do.” Reservations for Wine & Whiskers are $100 per person and can be booked at arf.ejoinme. org/wineandwhiskers. As the event typically sells out, ARF encourages early reservations. Central Garden & Pet and AT&T are among this year’s event sponsors. For additional sponsorship opportunities, contact Kimberly Baptista at (925) 296-3118.
Advertise in The Valley Sentinel! For information, please contact Denise Rousset at 925-820-6047 or email info@valleysentinel.com.
Community Calendar
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For additional Community Events visit: www.ValleySentinel.com Please email information about your events to info@valleysentinel.com August 11 Moonlight Movies 6:30-10:30pm. Themed arts & crafts at 6:30, and the movie starts at about 8:15pm. Bring the gang down to the Town Green, at 420 Front Street in Danville for some fresh air and a great flick. Moonlight Movies offer family-friendly films in a picturesque outdoor setting under the stars. Don’t forget your lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks to make it complete. There are the movie themed arts and craft for the kids and its sure to be a good time for all! For more info call (925) 314-3400.
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.
August 11 Music in the Park 6-8pm The Fog City Swampers, Classic Rock held at the Town Green. Bring a basket of food, lawn chairs or blankets to spread on the ground for some family fun. Enjoy a harmonious day of music and merriment at Danville’s Music in the Park. Sponsored by the Town as a special “thank you” to its residents. For more info. Call (925) 314-3400. Free and open to the public
Alamo Farmer’s Market Every Sunday, Year round 9am-2pm, rain or shine. Fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables, nuts, local honey, live music, delicious varieties of hummus with fresh pita and pita chips. Located in the Alamo Plaza Shopping Center, at Stone Valley Road and Danville Blvd., with convenient parking.
August 18 and 19 The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged): Outdoor Theatre 4-6pm Performance begins at 4pm. Can three actors really cover thirty-seven Shakespeare plays in less than two hours? This fast-firing comedy does just that as it parodies all of the Shakespeare plays (plus the sonnets!) with only three performers in two acts. This eccentric production is full of energy, and the characters will keep you guessing at how they will pull off the next play. This family friendly outdoor performance is surely a unique Shakespeare in the Park experience! Town Green on Front Street, Danville August 19 San Damiano Pasta Dinner Night 3-6:30pm Come join in the fun at San Damiano in Danville for a special Pasta Dinner Night! Featuring live Bluegrass music at 3pm followed by buffet style pasta Dinner at 4:30. Adults $15, Children 12 and under $10. 710 Highland Drive, Danville. For more information call (925) 837-9141. August 26 Breast Cancer Prevention Partners Ridge Hike 6:15am-3pm Breast Cancer Prevention Partners is excited to bring one of their signature hikes for prevention to the Town of Danville. At the Ridge Hike, participants can choose between a rigorous 10.5 mile hike up the Las Trampas Ridge or a 6 mile walk on the Iron Horse Trail. All hikers will be required to fundraise. Registration includes the following: premium pre-hike coffee, snacks, T-shirt, swag bag and a post-hike celebration featuring bites and brews. Start and Finish at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley at 205 Railroad Ave, Danville, CA 94526 September 9 Celebrating Rosh Hashanah 4:30-8:30pm Join Tri-Valley Cultural Jews in celebrating Rosh Hashanah, the start of the Jewish New Year, on September 9 from 4:30 – 8:30pm at the Bothwell Arts Center in Livermore. We will start with Tashlich (4:30), which is a walk to the nearby creek to symbolically wash away our misdeeds of the past year. Then we will have a potluck back at the Bothwell Center (5:30) followed by a secular humanistic Rosh Hashanah observance (7:00-8:00). This is a child friendly but not childcentered event. Free to members; $10 per non-member adult. ONGOING Hope Hospice – Volunteers Wanted Are you interested in becoming a Hope Hospice volunteer? We are currently looking for volunteers in the Alamo, Danville, Walnut Creek, Rossmoor and Concord areas. If you’d like to learn more about the services our volunteers provide, contact Jill Smith, RN, director of Volunteers at jills@hopehospice. com; or Nikki Tildesley, Volunteer manager at nikkit@hopehospice.com, call (925) 829-8770 or visit HopeHospice.com for more information. 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
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, San Ramon. 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. 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. 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 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 8:45am at Osage Park, 816 Brookside Drive, Danville and returns about 1pm. 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: 925-973-3250. 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: 925-973-3250. 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. To find out the exact meeting location, please call the Senior Center at 925-973-3250 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 August 16 Third Thursday Mixer 5:30-7pm Please join us for our Third Thursday Mixer at Blackhawk Grille. Meet other business owners for an opportunity to network and make your business more visible. Refreshments will be served! Pricing: $5 for Members and $20 for Non-Members No RSVP Required. Checks and Cash only please. Blackhawk Grille is located at 3540 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville. For information call Kathy Fanning at (925) 242-0600. August 28 Website Building Basics-Building and Publishing Your Very Own Website 9 am-12 pm This inspiring and interactive 1-day workshop is suitable for any level of experience or ability. It is designed to introduce you to building and publishing your own website. Bring your laptop to this workshop for an interactive session and learn;What is Wordpress - Introduction, Setting up a Wordpress Website, Themes, Plugins, Menus, How to create or edit pages, and so much more. Free. Contra Costa SBDC, 300 Ellinwood way, Bodega Room, Pleasant Hill 94523. For more information visit www.contracostasbcd.org or call Oscar Dominguez at (925) 602-6806. CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS Alamo Danville Newcomers Club The Alamo Danville Newcomers Club is a woman’s organization, whose purpose is to enrich the lives of all its members and their families in a social manner. Check out all our club has to offer by visiting www.alamodanvillenewcomers.com . The next “Welcome Coffee” will be held on August 28th from 10:00 AM to Noon. RSVP to – alamodanvillenewcomers@gmail.com. Danville Veteran Service Organizations 8am-11am. Every Saturday at Veterans Memorial Building of San Ramon Valley – in Danville – the VSOs jointly host a “Veterans Coffee Social” from 8AM until 11AM… Bring a friend or fellow Veteran and show them the museum - share some social time. Drop In - no reservations – all Veterans welcome… stop for a few minutes - or stay for hours! Please share information about our VMB /SRV Military Museum & Library open daily M-F from 9-3 and it’s free! Tri-Valley Fly Fishers Visitors welcome. Meetings feature speakers who share their knowledge of the sport. Held at 7:00 PM on the first Thursday of every month, September through June at the Livermore-Pleasanton Rod and Gun Club, 4000 Dagnino Road, Livermore, CA 94551. Information: email Roger Perry at President@Tri-valleyflyfishers.org
Please email your calendar events to the Sentinel at Info@valleysentinel.com by 5pm on the 20th of the month preceding publication month. Inclusion in the calendar pages is at the sole discretion of Sentinel Newspapers, Inc.
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Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Advances equity for women and girls. AAUW membership is open to all graduates of accredited four year colleges or universities and those holding an Associate Degree Visit daw-ca.aauw.net for meeting dates. For information contact Marsha at ( 925) 351-8188 for details. 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. 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. Pre-registration 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 RECURRING Mondays: The Walnut Creek Garden Club 9:45am The Walnut Creek Garden Club meets on the second Monday of each month at The Gardens at Heather Farm in the Camellia Room. The center is just off Ygnacio Valley Road at 1540 Marchbanks Drive. Call 925-947-1678 for directions. The business meeting is at 9:45am, socializing time is at 10am, and the program is at 11am. Contact mslittle44@gmail.com for more information. You do not need to be a gardener to join the WCGC! Sons In Retirement (Las Trampas Branch) Monthly Luncheon 11:15am. Meets the third Monday of each month, except for May and December. Make new friends and participate in fun activities. Make $25 luncheon reservations by calling 925-322-1160 by the preceding Wednesday. The Clubhouse at Boundary Oak, 3800 Valley Vista Road, Walnut Creek. Information: visit www.branch116.org. 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 As-
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Community Calendar continued from page 12
sociation. Caregivers of Alzheimer victims can get information on how to help them through this difficult time in life. San Ramon Senior & Community Center, 9300 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon. Information: 925-973-3250
Tuesdays: TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) We meet every Tuesday at St. Timothy’s Office Building, Grace House, Basement 1550 Diablo Rd. Danville CA Our hours: Weigh in 8:15am, meeting is 9:30 - 10:30am. We are a weight loss club. Information, please call Mary Stoneburner, at (925) 837-1882 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. Diablo View Toastmasters 8:30-9:30am. Meets every Tuesday. CMG Mortgage, 4th Floor Conference Room, 3160 Crow Canyon Rd., San Ramon. Information: 4160.toastmastersclubs.org. Divorce Angels 5:30 - 7:30pm Going through a divorce is often a life altering experience, one that can make you feel lost. Divorce Angels is a volunteer organization that can help. We are made up of different professionals within the following industries: Legal, Financial, Real Estate, and Psychology. Our goal is to provide you with practical information so you can confidently move forward in your life. Visit www.divorceangel. com. Join us on the first Tuesday of each month at 5:30 pm at the Danville Area Chamber (117 Town & Country Drive Suite #E ) for help with the issues you are facing. San Ramon Valley Geneological Society 10am. Meets every third Tuesday at the LDS Church, 2949 Stone Valley Road, Alamo. http://srvgensoc.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 925-887-5681 or vickis@hospiceeastbay.org. ARF, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: arf.net. 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 -8191809. 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: Danville Tennis Club (DTC) 6:30-9 PM Wednesday Night DropIn Tennis at San Ramon Valley High School, 501 Danville Blvd., for men and women of 4.0 level or above (and strong 3.5). Also have USTA teams and social events. Join free at https:// groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/danvilletennisclub/info
Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley 12-1pm The Exchange Club meets every 2nd Wednesday at Noon at Faz Restaurant. Lunch included, $20 for members, $25 for non-members. RSVP coachstepper@yahoo.com, 275-2412. Faz is located at 600 Hartz Avenue, Danville 9526. Walnut Creek Toastmasters 7-8:15pm. Meets every Wednesday. 1660 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill. Information: walnutcreek.freetoasthost.net Sons in Retirement (San Ramon Valley chapter) Monthly Luncheon 10:30am; Social Hour, 11:35am meeting and lunch. Meets the 3rd Wed. of each month. 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. Alamo Rotary 12:15pm. The Club meets on Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m at Round Hill Country Club located at 3169 Roundhill Rd, Alamo. Feel free to drop in any Wednesday, and you will be greeted by a club member! The first lunch is on us. 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. Danville Lions Club 6:30pm. Meets the first and third Wednesday at the Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Dr., Danville. Information: Truman Howard 925-787-2565 truman.howard@ gmail.com San Ramon Valley Rotary 7pm. Meets every Wednesday. Blackhawk Country Club, 599 Blackhawk Club Drive, Danville. Info: sanramonvalleyrotary.com. 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. 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 925-362-9806 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.
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Danville Toastmasters Club #1785 7:30-9pm. Meets every Wednesday. Room W204 at Diablo Valley College,1690 Watermill Road, San Ramon. Information: danvilletoastmasters1785.com.
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.
Thursdays: Danville Alamo Garden Club Meets on the 2nd Thursday of the months between September and June starting at 9:15 am at the Alamo Women’s Club 1401 Danville Blvd, Alamo.. If you have any questions, contact Susan at membershipvp@dagc.us or go to our website: www.dagc.us.
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. General questions may be directed to Co-Chairs Lance Gershen, (925) 932-1028; or Abraham Raja, (925) 304-2064. Web site: www.pnmd.net
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 Thursdays 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, Walnut Creek. Information: 925-7368627. 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 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 Rd., Danville. Information: Contact Donna Hill at hillmom3@comcast.net
Classifieds HELP WANTED Senior Business Analyst: Bach. in Business, Technology or rltd. & 5 yrs. rltd. exp. CV to: Bank of the West, careers@ bankofthewest.com. Position in San Ramon, CA. IT Project Solutions Mgr: Bachelor’s in Computer Science or rltd. & 5 yrs. rltd. exp. Bank of the West. Job in San Ramon, CA 94583. CV to careers@ bankofthewest.com. Engineer/Software: Resp for analyzing, designing & developing core modules of the system & testing & deployment on live environment. Res to Netpace, Inc, 5000 Executive Parkway, #530, San Ramon, CA 94583. Attn: HR Job#NPY0021. Sales Executive: Sentinel Newspapers, Inc. has an immediate opening for an advertising sales person for the Valley Sentinel. Sales territory includes Danville, Alamo, San Ramon, and Walnut Creek. Sales experience helpful. Will train the right person. Must have an outgoing personality and a positive attitude. This is a commission-only position. Local Central Contra Costa residents only need apply. Please email your resume and request for interview to us at drousset@valleysentinel.com.
Community News & Information Danville • Blackhawk Alamo • Diablo • San Ramon Publisher/Editor-Denise Rousset Chief Financial Officer-Jeff Gummere Graphic Designer-Laurie Prindle Auto-David & Judy Colman Intern-Veronica Yoo, SRVHS
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THE VALLEY SENTINEL August 2018
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County Pest Management Program Reduces Pesticide Use Tips for Combatting Ants in Your Home By Candace Andersen. Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors
Contra Costa County has been efficiently fighting against pests using the Integrated Pe s t M a n a g e m e n t ( I P M ) Program, which has reduced the County’s pesticide use by 75%. Since its implementation in 2002, the IPM Policy has pushed the County to focus on long-term pest prevention through a variety of methods that minimize health and environmental risks. In 2009, the IPM Advisory Committee was created to aid the Board of Supervisors in pest management. With 13 members composed of both County staff and members of the public, the Committee has provided critical information to County members through presentations on recognizing and solving pest issues. Currently, committee members
have trained 223 in-home visitors that are well equipped in advising their clients on pest issues. Over the past 15 years, innovations that have arisen from IPM have allowed the County to safely manage the rats, mice, ants, and cockroaches in all 3.2 million square feet of its 20 0 b u i l d i n g s. Ra t s a n d mice are trapped rather than caught with rodenticide, as are gophers and moles, which are also caught using carbon monoxide injections in their burrows. Goat grazing and wood chips are used to suppress weeds; every year the Grounds Division is able to produce $25K to $45K of woodchip mulch from dead trees. The combined efforts of the Grounds Division and the Public Works Department have provided extensive pest control coverage over all of the County’s properties, roads, and flood control channels.
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Ants are some of the most pervasive nuisances in Contra Costa County. Their small size allows them to enter properties through openings around water and electrical lines as well as cracks and crevices in the foundation. The magnitude of ant colonies makes them a hard pest to control, and the tenacity of “scout” ants to collect sugary liquids and foods creates infestations which are especially difficult to prevent. However, IPM has identified several methods, which are most effective in stopping ants from taking over the household. In order to keep ants away from the home, be sure to trim vegetation at least one foot away from the foundation, remove or treat aphid-infested plants, pick ripened fruits, regularly clean recycling and garbage bins, use caulk to seal cracks, and try to identify ant colonies close to the building where bait stations can be installed. If ants have already entered the home, spray ant trails with soapy water, clean up spilled foods and drinks immediately, keep food tightly sealed, use caulk to seal cracks in the interior of the home, and apply gel bait at entry points. Similar to their ant prevention tactics, the County has piloted several alternative control methods
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for rodents through IPM. The Agriculture Department has erected 20 raptor perches and experimented with live trapping ground squirrels in order to combat rodent pests. In 2016 and 2017, the County and the Eagle Scouts installed three owl nest boxes in hopes that the owls would prey on pests. The County continues to research and test methods, which are even less toxic and even more cost-effective for the community. Together with the IPM, Contra Costa County aims to lead by example. For more information on the IPM Program, visit cchealth.org/ipm. For more information on ants, contact a Master Gardener at http:// ccmg.ucanr.edu/Ask_Us/. My office is here to serve the residents of Contra Costa
Join the 2017 Veterans Victory Velo (V3) Bike Ride! Attend the Annual Hopfest! Do both! These are must-attend events for bike enthusiasts and beer lovers alike. Whether you are a casual rider or competitive racer this one day event is the perfect event to enjoy fitness, fun, food, and refreshments while supporting multiple Veterans groups and community projects. W h e n : S a t u r d a y, September 15, 2018 Where: 2600 Camino Ramon, San Ramon, CA (Bishop Ranch) Choose your ride distance with 1st Class SAG support and well-stocked rest stops: 15 Miles 30 Miles 60 Miles 100 Miles After the ride, chill in the shade of our Rider Recovery Area with great food, massage therapists, and the Hopfest with live music.
Craft Beer Festival: • Following the V3 Bike Ride: Noon - 5pm • 20 Specialty Beer Companies • Food Trucks • Live music for a Bay Area band Both events are sponsored by the Dougherty Valley / San Ramon Rotary C l u b. S i n c e 2 01 4 , o v e r $61,000 has been donated to the Sentinels of Freedom S c h o l a rs h i p Fo u n d a t i o n , aiding severely wounded/ d i s a b l e d Po s t - 9 / 11 Ve t s, other Veteran’s non-profit groups, and the DVSR Rotary Foundation. Re g i s t e r : Ve t e r a n s Victory Velo (V3) Sign-Up or Beer Festival Tickets at www.v3hopfest.com.
BEES from page 9
Lindsay Wildlife Experience, 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. all day celebration of Summer and BEEyond! Live. Wild. Animal Exhibition camels will take place at 10 am., 10:45 am., and 11:30 am. All events free for Lindsay members. Cost for day, including camel show, $15 for adults, $13 for kids 2+, includes cost of admission to Lindsay for the day. To register for camel presentation, go to lindsaywildlife.org. For more information: Please call (925) 935-1978 or go to lindsaywildlife.org.
Lindsay’s August Live.Wild. Animal Exhibition, where visitors can meet a mama camel and her baby at three different times: 10 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. (Free for members. General Admission ticket required to meet camels). Lindsay’s own sun-loving animals will be available for the public to meet and even touch, Michael J. Tomcik, MD including a desert tortoise and AdvAnced LAser Board Certified Dermatologist chuckwalla! And, of course, Over 35 years experience skin cAre center all things bees will be featured, 101 Park Place Medical Group, iNc. San Ramon with honey tasting, beekeeper dress-up, the bee waggle dance, 925-743-1488 www.SanRamonDerm.com special summer story times, Introducing Ultherapy and Mt. Diablo Beekeeper • Only FDA approved, presentations.
Beautiful Skin Begins with Exceptional Skin Care!
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101 Park Place, Suite 101 San Ramon, CA 94583 www.SanRamonDerm.com
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 by email at SupervisorAndersen@ bos.cccounty.us or by phone at 925-957-8860. Summer intern Cindy Li, with Chinese American Political Association (CAPA) program contributed to this article.
non-surgical procedure that focuses ultra sound to stimulate the growth of new collagen • Lifts and tightens
AUTO March 2009 August 2018
valleysentinel.com
2018 Hyundai Kona Ultimate AWD By David and Judy Colman
Would you like to own an SUV that handles like a sports sedan and costs less than $30,000? Hyundai has just introduced its Kona line of subcompact SUVs, and if the Lime Twist/ Lime Interior Ultimate AWD example we drove for a week is indicative of this new model’s potential, you can forget about spending way more for a Honda HR-V, Mazda CX3, VW Tiguan, BMW X1, or Audi Q3. The lithe and athletic 163” long Kona has pole position on the rest of the subcompact SUV field. Kona is available in 2 versions. The front wheel drive base model consists of a 2.0 liter, 147hp, 4 cylinder engine connected to a conventional 6 speed automatic. However, the model you’ll want to order is the all wheel drive (AWD) Ultimate, with a 175hp, turbocharged, 1.6 liter, 4 cylinder engine driving through a seven speed dual clutch gearbox. The dual clutch unit replaces the normal torque converter found in the base model’s automatic transmission.
Hyundai says, “The dual clutch transmission can be thought of as an automatically shifting manual transmission.” Indeed, you can park the console mounted stick in Drive and let the gearbox do all your shifting for you. Or you can slot the stick into its manual operation gate and bang off upshifts and down shifts with immediate effect thanks to the dry plate dual clutch mechanism. Finding such a sophisticated and sporting transmission in an SUV in this price range comes as a stunningly pleasant surprise. The Kona is chock full of other unanticipated bonuses as well. Take the show car interior. Hyundai stylists have re-imagined the basic black interior by using matte lime twist highlights to outline three dashboard air vents, the starter button, and the shift console. Front and rear seats and headrests are starkly outlined in lime green piping, with a double row of green stitching to accentuate the piping. The steering wheel’s leather cover is also stitched with bright
green thread. The net effect is startling but far from garish. In fact, this visual symphony is a real treat. The wow factor of the Kona’s interior matches the visual sizzle of its shocking Lime Twist (no extra charge) exterior paint. In a boring SUV world of grays, blacks and silvers, our test Kona popped retinas wherever it went. Thanks to unexpected fully independent rear multilink suspension, the Kona handles with precision. Its ride quality is exceptional, with even the most egregious potholes making little impression on Kona occupants. Hyundai does not stint on tire or wheel dimensions for the Kona, with the Ultimate model sticking to apexes with polished resolve. Handsome 5 spoke, 7.5”x18” alloy rims plant generously sized 235/45R18 Goodyear Eagle Touring tires on the pavement. Although the Goodyears lack an aggressive looking tread design, they maintain traction well when you push the Kona to the limit. Their only drawback is high noise feedback over concrete aggregate pavement.
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
The 8-way adjustable driver’s seat boasts power slide and backrest adjustment as well as power lumbar control. The heated front seats are laterally supportive without cumbersome side bolsters blocking ingress or egress. Eschewing the current craze for burying key operational controls inside layers of menus, Hyundai engineers have instead opted for fixed control switches for all necessary basic commands. We particularly liked the old fashioned fly-off mechanical handbrake, and the two large knobs controlling air temp and fan speed. Of course you will find the obligatory 4.2 inch LCD multi-information display screen dominating the center of the dashboard. This easy-toread graphic information panel allows easy access for tuning the SiriusXM radio during your free 90 day trial period. The tunes play through a 315 Watt Infinity Premium Audio entertainment system with 8 speakers. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are supported, and the system delivers AM/FM/MP3 and HD Radio.
DIABLO MOTORS
page 15
If you examine the Kona’s window sticker, you will quickly determine that Hyundai’s favorite phrase is “Included.” Unlike some of the German competition where pretty much nothing is included in the base price of a vehicle, with this Hyundai, everything is “Included.” In fact, beyond a $125 charge for Carpeted Floor Mats, there isn’t a single optional item boosting the Kona’s base price of $28,700. We challenge you to find another compact SUV that is this much fun to drive, and this delightful to look at, for such an affordable price. 2018 Hyundai Kona Ultimate AWD Engine: 1.6 liter Turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection 4 Cylinder H o r s e p o w e r : 175hp@5500rpm Torque: 195lb.-ft. @15004500rpm Fuel Consumption: 26MPG City/29MPG Highway Price As Tested: $29,775 Hypes: Scintillating Paint/ Interior Combo, Racing Gearbox, Turbo Rush Gripes: Noisy Goodyears Star Rating: 10 out of 10
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