Alamo • Danville • Blackhawk • Diablo • San Ramon
VALLEY
Look inside for the latest Regional in Nature Activity Guide!
THE
SENTINEL always for the community VOl 18, nO 12
December 2013
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SPOTLIGHT
Danville police officers honored for saving Danville resident California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris recently lauded the efforts of Officers Kimberly Cogo and Jamie Williams during a medical emergency. Harris presented both with the Peace Officer Certificate of Commendation for Superior Effort. In the incident, the officers were dispatched to a home in Sept. 2012. On arrival they found a Danville resident
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On Friday November 29th, Danville residents were treated to the annual Lighting of the Old Oak Tree on Diablo Road. Each Friday after Thanksgiving current San Ramon Valley High School Choral students sing carols and holiday songs to kick off the season in Danville. The Snow Angel and Father Christmas always make an appearance. If you have never been to this fun event for a truly home town experience, don’t miss it next year.
Native Wildlife Report–
Meet the bobcat
Postmaster: Dated Material
by James Hale
The bobcat (Lynx rufus) is one of our most beautiful mammals with a spotted tawny or yellowish brown coat that varies slightly with the seasons. In summer the reddish tinge is the source for the scientific name rufus. Two black bars cross each cheek with a brown stripe accenting the forehead. The prominent ear tufts are up to an inch in length. The chin, throat, belly and underside of the tail are whitish. The upper surface of the tail is barred, and the tip of the tail is black on top. While most cats have long tails which they lash out to the side to help them cornering when pursuing prey, the short “bobbed” tail of the bobcat is an adaptation to hunting in brushy areas so
the tail won’t get caught in branches. Appearing in the Irvingtonian stage about 1.8 million years ago, this North American mammal ranges from Canada to Mexico, including most of the continental United Sates. Approximately 725,000 to 1,020,000 individuals from 12 recognized subspecies remain in the wild, despite widespread trapping, depredation permits, and illegal killing. In the early 1900’s, bobcat populations were decimated in many Midwestern and eastern states of the United States due to increased value of its fur. For more than 200 years the bobcat was considered vermin, and even today this striking native feline remains on the “varmint” list. International laws began to protect the world’s spotted cats in the 1970’s, and populations have recovered in some areas
since then. Animal trade is a $15 billion worldwide industry. Every second of every hour of every day an animal is killed for the skin on its back. The bobcat is “harvested” legally in 38 US states. One half of the US bobcat “harvest” is used within the United States.
This month’s month’s Special Special Sections: Sections: This Sentinel Newspapers, Inc. 390 Diablo Road, Ste. 145 Danville, CA 94526 925-820-6047
Holidays
pages 8-9
Senior Living pages 10-11
In 1984, 84,000 Lynxes, the bobcats larger northern cousin were trapped and killed. China and Russia are prime buyers of the pelts. Illegal ”harvest” and trading may be greater than before. See BOBCAT page 6
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT dining out • music • art • theater • fun events
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The Valley SenTinel
Barn Dance: Celebrating Our Agrarian Heritage Now-December 16. The Town of Danville we l c o m e s t h e B ay A re a
December 2013
valleysentinel.com
Studio Artists (BASA) to the Village Theatre Art Gallery for this exhibit which features acrylic and oil paintings that represent a wide range and adds a new focus on c e r a m i c s . Ad m i s s i o n i s free. Lafayette Art Gallery address: 3420 Mt. Diablo B o u l eva rd . I n f o r m a t i o n : www.lafayetteartgallery.com of aesthetic choices and viewpoints on California. Village Theatre Art Gallery, 2 3 3 Fro n t S t . , D a n v i l l e. Information: call Amy Miller 925-314-3460. or visit www. danville.ca.gov.
James C. Leonard, Artist WWW.JAMESCLEONARD.COM Studio Visits by Appointment 925-314-9451
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Santa’s in town! Weekends, now - Dec 22 11am – 3pm.Santa visits every Saturday & Sunday in December before Christmas from 11am – 3pm December 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21at & 22nd. Danville Livery in Danville. Santa will be available for a visit and pictures in his house at the Livery, so don’t forget to bring your camera! Holiday music, face painting, balloon twisting, family entertainment and more! Happy Holidays Musical Review Now - December 22 Make this holiday season your happiest ever by enjoying the San Ramon Community Theater’s musical review with your favorite holiday songs and a heartwarming story. Appropriate for all ages. Front Row Theater; 17011 Bollinger Canyon Rd; San Ramon. For performance times and information: sanramonperformingarts. com or email parks@ sanramon.ca.gov. The Heart of Art Now-December 28th Tu e s d a y s - S a t u r d a y s : 11am-5pm, Sundays: 11am2 p m . T h e L a f aye t t e A r t Gallery will be holding a new exhibition, “The Heart of Art”, which features works with emotion and warmth
Mele Kalikimaka! An Islandstyle Holiday Celebration December 8 2pm-6pm. Motu’aina, Danville, California’s awardwinning School of Polynesian Performance Arts, will present a performance that combines holiday spirit with Polynesian traditions such as ancient hula, Tahitian drumming, and moving Polynesian chants. Tickets sell at $26 for general admission and $21 for children and seniors. Dougherty Valley Pe r f o r m i n g A r t s C e n t e r, 105 50 A l b i o n Ro a d , S a n Ramon. Information: parks@ sanramon.ca.gov Monte Vista High School Holiday Concerts D e c e m b e r 11 , 7 p m : Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Jazz B December 13, 7pm: Wind Ensemble and Jazz A December 18 & 19, 7pm: Choir Join in celebrating the talent and hard work of local youth at one of Monte Vista’s musical holiday concerts. Admission fees vary. Purchase tickets for Choir online beginning December 8th. MVHS, 3131 Stone Valley Rd. Information: www.mvkeynoters.org and www.mvchoir.org Santa’s Jingletown Adventure December 12 through 15 9:30am, 2pm, 7pm. Experience Santa’s journey to save the North Pole village of Jingletown and Christmas Eve in this new holiday tale. Tickets for the show sell for $10. Village Theatre, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: www.villagetheatreshows. com A Christmas Carol December 12 - 22 Brimming with music
and dance, love and laughter, spectacular special effects and scary ghosts, it’s no wonder the critics have called it “THE Christmas Carol to see in the Bay Area.” Join the thousands who make this theatrical event a part of their annual holiday traditions. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Information: 925-295-1400 or www.lesherartscenter.org. M ov i e s Fo r M i d d l e Schoolers December 12, 19, 26; January 2 3:15pm. After school movies every Thursday from November to January, rated from G to PG-13, varies with each film. Dougherty Station L i b ra r y ; 1 701 7 B o l l i n g e r Canyon Rd; San Ramon. Information: visit ccclib.org
Winter Ballet Gala December 13: 7:30pm December 14: 2pm Civic Arts Education’s Dance Academy partners with Diablo Ballet to put on a holiday show that celebrates an array of cultures and a set of music that reaches from classical to contemporary. Experience the artistry of professional dancers such as Jennifer Dille and Edward Stegge. Tickets sell for $16.75 individually or $12 for each individual in a group of 10 or more. Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. Information: www. lesherartscenter.org Impressions of the Nutcracker December 14: 2:30pm, 7:30pm December 15: 1:30pm, 3:30pm. San Ramon Valley Dance Academy’s performance of the traditional Nutcracker story incorporates a variety of dance styles beyond just See A & E page 3
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT dining out • music • art • theater • fun events
valleysentinel.com
December 2013
A&E from page 2
ballet and will make perfect entertainment for the whole family. Tickets sell at $22 for adults and $19 for youth and seniors. Dougherty Va l l e y Pe r f o r m i n g A r t s C e n t e r, 1 0 5 5 0 A l b i o n Road. Information: sanramonperformingarts. com
S a n Ra m o n C o m m u n i t y Chorus and Dancers: Holiday Celebration December 15 3pm. The San Ramon Community Center will host a holiday concert celebrating multi-cultural holiday music and dance. Stick around long enough for a chance to see Santa! Admission is free. Address: 12501 Alcosta Blvd, San Ramon. Information: sanramonperformingarts. com Thursdays at the Village Theatre: Its a Wonderful Life December 19 8pm. Join in sharing the experience of a great movie at the Village Theatre. “Its a Wonderful Life” is a PG-rated movie about an angel who helps a kind, yet frustrated business man by showing
him what life would be like if he had never existed. Tickets sell for $5. Address: 233 Front St., Danville. Information: www.villagetheatreshows. com San Ramon Symphonic Band: Horns for the Holidays December 20 7pm. Share the joy of music and the holidays with a band consisting of 55 outstanding musicians led by conductor Larry Colon at the Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center. Tickets for adults are $6 and children under 12 years old are admitted for free. Address: 10550 Albion Road, San Ramon. Information: sanramonperformingarts. com A Year With Frog and Toad December 21, 22 11 a m , 2pm. The Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center is hosting a musical celebrating the friendship of Frog and Toad. It is adapted from the book series and full of fun songs and adventures. Address: 10550 Albion Road, San Ramon. Information: sanramonperformingarts.com
Winter Break Movie Marathon December 26, 27 & January 2, 3 3pm at San Ramon Library. 2pm at Dougherty Station Library. Spend your winter break watching family-friendly films at the library. Movie titles and ratings are available at the libraries. San Ramon Library address: 100 Montgomery St., San Ramon. Dougherty S t a t i o n L i b ra r y a d d re s s : 17017 Bollinger Canyon Road, San Ramon. Information: sanramonperformingarts. com
The Valley SenTinel Only ages 18 and up are permitted unless otherwise accompanied by a parent/ guardian. Tickets can be bought at the door for $9 or online at sanramonperformingarts. com, where you can also find more information regarding the event. Address: 17011 Bollinger Canyon Road, San Ramon.
hosting the viewing of abstract paintings by Blackburn and Friends, sixteen Bay Area a r t i s t s, w h o u s e d 2 4 x 2 4 s q u a re i n c h c a n va s e s t o create the artwork. Village Theatre Art Gallery, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: 925- 314-3460.
Opening Reception: twenty four by twenty four January 10 5pm to 8pm. The Village Theatre Art Gallery will be
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The Valley Sentinel
December 2013
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Advertorial
Postponing Your Solar Investment Delays Savings By Mark Becker, GoSimpleSolar
In the United States, the commercial and residential solar business is growing at a 30% pace this year. Growth is expected to continue to rise, worldwide. Today, there are 191,404 California solar projects in operation. Recognition of the financial benefits that a solar PV system can offer a home or business owner is leading this growth. Of course, green bragging rights come hand in hand with the financial savings, but they play a distant second. Financial return is by far the most compelling reason for consumers to “go solar.” The American Solar E n e rg y S o c i e t y re c e n t l y published their annual “State of the Industry” analysis. I’m
going to provide some quotes from the analysis and play “Peanut Gallery” to chime in with my observations or commentary. Here goes: “Silicon modules are likely to remain stable at 80 to 85 cents per watt for the foreseeable future” Due to the Chinese Government losing the I n t e r n a t i o n a l Tr a d e Commission and US Department of Commerce trade cases, Chinese solar panel manufacturers are no longer dumping (that’s indeed a legal term) their illegally subsidized solar modules into the US market. S o l a r p ro d u c t p r i c e s have indeed stabilized. A commonly posed question is whether one should wait for prices to continue to come down to take advantage of a lower cost of product. It seems the jury is out. Waiting simply puts potential savings
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generated by a solar system into the future; a future where the savings can be applied to college tuition, a 401K, charity, retirement vacation travels, or other pursuits or passions. “The wealthy oil emirates are installing PV factories and solar farms on an accelerating scale because it makes no sense to burn oil for electricity when it can be sold for more than $100 a barrel.” I read this and I cringed. The Middle East oil Emirates are installing solar energy systems so they can sell America and the rest of the world more of their oil. Perhaps it’s a great business decision for them, but the sooner we’re completely weaned away from Middle Eastern oil for political and financial reasons, the better. Fortunately, what appears to be on the horizon is American energy independence, which at our current rate of adoption of natural gas and renewable sources can come as early as 2025, if we stay the course we’re on. “In the United States, utility companies are now aware that distributed generation (solar on rooftops) is poised to kill their business model.” Cry me a river! Although wo r k i n g w i t h P G & E h a s been for the most part a very positive experience, the
fact that PG&E indeed may have to adapt and compete as every other business has had to adapt and compete in this market will be welcome n ews. A s yo u m ay h ave re a l i z e d yo u r c h o i c e o f energy providers is extremely limited. Option One: PG&E. No return on monies paid, recurring for life. Option Two: Buy your own solar system and own your own power plant. Typically, a 10% return on investment is easily achieved. One thing is for certain: PG&E rates keep going up which makes the investment virtually no risk assuming the proper products and installers are utilized. O p t i o n T h re e : E n t e r into a Solar Power Purchase Agreement and switch energy providers; a financial institution buys and installs a solar system for your home and you pay for the electricity it produces. You’ll end up p ay i n g l e s s t h a n yo u ’ re currently paying PG&E. Consumer’s Corner: This time of year generates sales pitch falsehoods coming from solar contractors about the tax credits available for solar energy systems for residential and business customers: The Federal Tax Credit of 30% is NOT expiring, simply a customer’s ability to capture the Federal Tax Credit for tax year 2013 expires at the end
of the year. The Federal Tax Credit will not expire until January 1, 2017. Monetary savings generated by a solar system are very compelling, but equally compelling (to me anyway) are the obvious environmental advantages that come with generating your own power. Solar can also make your life more stress free; my family lives a very efficient lifestyle at home, but we no longer stress about living just a bit more comfortably in a more temperate and well lit home. Next Month: California Assembly Bill 327, the solar bill of the decade. Mark Becker is the President of GoSimpleSolar, by Semper Fidelis Construction Inc, a Danville based Solar Installation Firm (License 948715). Mark can be reached a t 9 2 5 . 91 5 . 9 2 5 2 . V i s i t GoSimpleSolar’s website at www.GoSimpleSolar.com, or email Mark@GoSimpleSolar. com.
Please Visit GoSimpleSolar’s s h o w r o o m a t 10 0 R a i l r o a d Av e u n e , Suite B in Danville (behind Pete’s Brass Rail Restaurant on H a r t z Av e n u e ) o r www.GoSimpleSolar. com, or email Mark@ GoSimpleSolar.com.
Advertorial
27 Quick and Easy Fix Ups to Sell Your Home Fast and for Top Dollar By Lincoln Palmer
Because your home may well be your largest asset, selling it is probably one of the most important decisions you will make in your life. And once you have made that decision, you’ll want to sell your home for the highest price in the shortest time possible without compromising your sanity. Before you place your home on the market, here’s a way to help you to be as prepared as possible. To assist homesellers, a new industry report has just been released called “27 Valuable Tips That You
Should Know to Get Your Home Sold Fast and For Top Dollar.” It tackles the important issues you need to know to make your home competitive in today’s tough¨ a g g re s s i ve m a r ke t p l a c e. Through these 27 tips you will discover how to protect and capitalize on your most important investment, reduce stress, be in control of your situation, and make the best profit possible. I n t h i s re p o r t yo u ’ l l discover how to avoid financial disappointment or worse, a financial disaster when selling your home. Using a common sense
approach, you will get the straight facts about what can make or break the sale of your home. You owe it to yourself to learn how these important tips will give you the competitive edge to get your home sold fast and for the most amount of money. Order your free report today. To hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE copy of this report call toll-free 1-800-632-0706 and enter 1023. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get your free special report NOW.
This report is courtesy of Vista Pacific Realty BRE# 01009614. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. Copyright [C] 2013
valleysentinel.com
December 2013
The Valley Sentinel
longer to heal than you would have expected it is worth your while to explore the benefits of Class IV K-Laser therapy. How Laser Therapy Speeds Tissue Healing I n j u r i e s a n d s u rg e r y cause tissue damage and inflammation which reduces the circulation to the injured tissue thereby impeding the nutrition and energy available to the damaged area. Laser therapy is the application of low levels of laser light to areas of the body that have been injured or damaged. Therapeutic lasers do not cut or burn, but instead, supply energy to the body in the form of photons
of light. Light is transmitted through the skin’s layers (the dermis, epidermis and the subcutaneous tissue under the skin). The wavelength of the Class IV Laser allows these photons to travel deep into the body; up to 8-9 inches. When laser light penetrates into the body, it stimulates damaged cells to start producing ATP. ATP is the “fuel” or energy source that all cells need to function and repair. When damaged cells have the energy they need to function properly they can immediately start the repair process. Laser therapy accelerates the healing of injured areas, decreases
inflammation, and eliminates pain allowing patients to quickly return to normal activities. How long does it take to work? 95% of our patients notice improvement after the very first treatment. However, some conditions may take a few treatments to respond. Each laser treatment is cumulative, meaning that each successive treatment builds on the previous. The doctors at Align personally work with you each visit to ensure that you are progressing as quickly as possible. For more information about how laser therapy may be helpful to you contact Align Healing Center to schedule a free consultation (925)3628283. Visit us on the web at www.AlignHealingCenter.com.
Advertorial
can show nutrient deficiencies that may warrant diet changes or vitamin supplements. More fat equals higher cancer risk: High fat diets – saturated or unsaturated – can cause obesity, impair immune system function, increase carcinogen intake, and influence hormonal activity. Each of these effects is strongly associated with increased risk for certain cancer types. Fortunately, a low fat diet is usually higher in fiber, which provides its own benefits. In addition, “organic” foods can potentially reduce toxic
pesticides and hormones in the body. While organic foods cost more than traditionally produced foods, ask yourself, “Can I afford the alternative?” When deciding, realize that a diet low in meats but rich in plant-based foods may reduce toxins in the body while lowering the grocery bill. These dietary changes are easy steps to reduce cancer risk while reaping the benefits of heart-healthy foods and preventing - or at least delaying - the two most common illnesses in Americans today.
Advertorial
When will this pain go away?
Exploring Class IV Laser pain relief for injuries and post-surgical healing By Dr. Niele Maimone, DC
In 2004, Align Healing Center began using laser therapy to help patients relieve their muscle, joint and nerve pain. Due to the near miraculous results that laser can provide to a sprain, strain or chronic pain, our patients began to ask “what else can laser help heal?” Wondering the same thing, we began to branch out and use laser on any and all injuries and wounds that our patients were presented with. We have literally watched the healing
process occur right before our very eyes. Swelling reduces within minutes, severe bruises dissipate with no visible sign within a day or two and surgical wounds become painless, with minimal scarring and redness. We have had patients that have had knee surgery and hip replacements, shoulder s u rg e r y, s p i n a l s u rg e r y, breast augmentation and reconstruction, rhinoplasty, face-lifts and c-sections that heal in a fraction of the time typical without the use of laser therapy. If you are intending to have surgery or have a stubborn injury that has taken
Is There Really an Anti-Cancer Diet? Dr. Michael R Forrest
The American Cancer Society contends that at least one-third of US cancer deaths are due to dietary factors. Many cancer deaths are thought to be preventable, by implementing simple dietary recommendations: Maintain lifelong healthy weight. • Balance calorie intake with physical activity. • Achieve and maintain a healthy weight if currently overweight or obese. Adopt an active lifestyle. • Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity, above usual activities, 5 or more days
per week. But strive for the guidelines offered to youth. • C h i l d r e n a n d adolescents need at least 60 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous physical activity at least 5 days per week. • Eat 5 or more servings of a variety of vegetables and fruits each day. • Consume reasonable portions of foods and drinks. • Choose whole grains over processed (refined) grains. • Limit processed foods and red meats. Limit your intake of alcoholic beverages. • Drink no more than 1 drink per day for women or 2 per day for men. What constitutes a healthy diet? The “raw food” diet is popular, and contains mostly fruits, vegetables, legumes and grains with nothing cooked over
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116-deg F. But this approach has limits, including inadequate protein and calories, plus risks of food-borne illness. While some cooked foods – particularly fried potatoes or barbecued meats – are linked to the production of carcinogens and other foods may lose vitamins B and C when cooked, cooking certain foods increases amounts of anti-cancer nutrients such as beta-carotene and lycopene. Thus, reduce meat consumption and eat a varied diet. “Whole” (unprocessed) foods are the best choices, whether prepared raw or cooked. What about supplements? Most people with normal intestinal absorption who eat adequate servings of fruit, vegetables, and grains do not need supplements. In fact, nutrients such as vitamins A, B6, D, iron, and selenium can be toxic when overused. Blood tests
December Holiday Patient & Family Support Group Wednesday, December 11th, 2013 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM Epic Care 6380 Clark Ave. Dublin, CA 94568
THE HOLIDAYS ARE JUST AROUND THE CORNER! HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE UPCOMING HOLIDAYS?
We all know that a holiday season may be both stressful and joyous, especially when you may be dealing with cancer. Loved-ones come together at a time when they, too, try to be upbeat and put their personal issues aside. We feel deeply for our patients and understand that during your treatment or when dealing with overwhelming health issues, it may be extremely difficult to put on a holiday face. You may feel you need to be making light of all you are experiencing. This group will empower you to take care of yourself: You come first! Bring your significant others or come alone if you’d like. Prepare to laugh…cry…make great connections…feel better by developing a plan! Refreshments will be served. Patients, families, caregivers, significant others are welcome! Please RSVP by calling 925- 452-1852 by Monday, December 9th, 2013 and let us know approximately how many people you will be bringing. But drop-ins are still welcome.
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The Valley SenTinel
December 2013
Community Foundation of Alamo keeps up the good work All funds from the ACCF January 31st, and will do so
In Loving Memory
By Staff Writer
Geoffrey Mapplebeck 1988 - 2013
Geoffrey Mapplebeck, 25 died in a car accident on November 10. A resident of Danville, he was a smart, kind, enthusiastic young man with a bright future. Born August 29, 1988, Geoffrey attended John Baldwin Elementary School, Charlotte Wood Middle School, and San Ramon Valley High School where he was graduated in 2007. He had played Little League Baseball from the time he was 6 years old through AAA Baseball. He had also received his Brown Belt in Karate. When he was 12 years old he became completely enamored with everything computers: programming, websites, gaming… and after graduating high school he attended Ex’pression College for Digital Arts where he was graduated with his BA in Game Art and Design in 2011. Program Director Ty Carriere remembers Geoffrey as “a fun student who was definitely excited about the work that he did. He was happy to be here”, he said. Since graduating, Geoffrey created and was the head of a Danville-based website design firm and search engine team, according to associate Rich Wood of eWebsiteServices. Geoffrey is survived by his loving parents Roy and Terry (Corona) Mapplebeck, his sister Briana Mapplebeck, his beautiful 5 year old daughter Elayna Collinsworth-Mapplebeck, and Elayna’s mother, girlfriend Christina Collinsworth. He also leaves behind his grandmother Teresa M. Corona, his uncles and aunts Rick and Beth Corona, Gary and Mary (Corona) McGahey, Leo and Nancy Corona, Bob and Dorothy Mapplebeck, John and Pat Mapplebeck, Marilyn Mapplebeck and many cousins. He is deeply missed and constantly remembered by his family, friends and associates. A fundraiser is ongoing and can be accessed at www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/v8g3/geoffreymapplebeck-family-fund-raiser There will be a Celebration of Geoffrey’s Life on Sunday, December 8th at Community Presbyterian Church beginning at 3:00 p.m. The church is located at 222 W El Pintado, Danville, CA 94526.
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The new Community Fo u n d a t i o n o f A l a m o i s the successor to the Alamo Chamber of Commerce Foundation (ACCF). The ACCF was established as a 501(c) (3) Non-Profit Public Charity in 2009 for the purpose of providing fundraising support for the activities of the Alamo Chamber of Commerce. With the consolidation of the Alamo and Danville Area Chambers of Commerce effective in December, the desire of the Trustees of the Foundation is to continue to support the community of Alamo through this new Foundation. The mission of the Community Foundation of Alamo (CFA) is to enhance the well-being and quality of life for the people and community of Alamo. Here is what you can expect in the future: BOBCAT from page 1
Locally in the east San Francisco Bay area, bobcat populations appear to be stable. Preserved and protected habitat in our E a s t B ay Re g i o n a l Pa r k district lands, Mount Diablo State Park, water d i s t r i c t wa t e rs h e d s a n d open spaces have allowed this species and others to coexist close to our cities where fortunate residents are able to catch a glimpse of this stealthy cat. I’ve found them denning under hot tub decks. Bobcats occupy open deciduous forests, oak savannah, chaparral and brushy areas. The bobcat especially favors riparian (creek) areas and ecotones
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are being transferred to CFA, except the Scholarship Funds that were transferred to the Danville Chamber, which will continue running the Scholarship Program. CFA has applied to the State and the IRS to assume the 501(c) (3) non-profit Public Charity status of the former Alamo Chamber Foundation, FEIN 27-1978799. C FA has taken responsibility for the Alamo Holiday Tree Lighting each December, including the raising of dedicated funds and the organization of the event, and will do so annually. CFA is the beneficiary of the annual Holiday Party hosted by Diablo Holdings, Ltd, on December 18th, where the $20 admission fee is being dedicated to the Foundation. C FA i s c o n d u c t i n g a community Crab Feed on
each subsequent January or February to bring together members of the community for social and fundraising purposes, and the present community awards to recognize individuals and/or organizations for outstanding contributions that enhance the Alamo community. C FA w i l l c o n d u c t additional combination social/fundraising events annually at the Alamo Plaza office or other venues, leading to the eventual establishment of a permanent endowment fund to address community needs. CFA will establish contact with other Alamo service and civic organizations to identify current and future community needs. For more information about the organization please contact John Lineweaver at 925-837-3665.
(edges of plant communities) that offer excellent cover for their clandestine hunting. They feed mainly on rabbits and hares. Rodents, birds, bats, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and even skunks are also eaten. Small amounts of vegetation, mostly fruits and grasses, carrion and even deer are consumed. In eastern North America the bobcat is a major predator of White-tailed Deer. Like all cats, bobcats bury their scats, and their scratches and scrapings can help confirm their presence. Male bobcats have a territory of 25-30 square miles while females occupy smaller territories of approximately 5 square miles. Bobcats do not use permanent dens. The natal den is typically in a rock crevice, hollow log or tree cavity. Bobcats usually breed in March or April with the young born after a 50-70 day gestation period. One to seven (usually three) kittens are born in April or May. Their eyes open after nine days to reveal the beautiful blue iris. The iris changes to hazel in adults. The kittens are weaned at two months, and remain with the mother up to six months while learning to hunt. They disperse to find their own territories at 8 to 11 months of age. Female bobcats become sexually mature at one year old and males at two. Adults weigh about 25 or 30 pounds, although males from the larger eastern subspecies may reach more than 60 pounds.
In Native American mythology, the bobcat is often twinned with the figure of the coyote in a theme of duality. Bobcat and coyote are associated with the fog and wind, respectively two elements representing opposites. In a Shawnee tale, the bobcat is outwitted by the rabbit, ultimately giving rise to its spots. After trapping the rabbit in a tree, the bobcat is persuaded to build a fire, only to have its embers scattered on its fur, leaving it singed with dark spots. Local tribelets, as well as the Mohave, believed dreaming habitually of beings o r o b j e c t s wo u l d a f f o rd them their characteristics a s s u p e r n a t u ra l p owe rs. Dreaming of two deities, mountain lion and bobcat, they thought would grant them superior hunting skills. In contrast to the more secretive mountain lion, the bobcat is quite bold and sometimes inquisitive. Its spotted fur and erect pointed ear tufts make it one of the most beautiful mammals in our fauna. Habitat destruction and our everexpanding human population limit their range. Bobcats and other native wildlife are often wastefully killed by poisoned-meat pellets that are scattered during “vermin” drives. James M. Hale is a wildlife biologist and Vice Chair of the Contra Costa County Fish & Wildlife Committee.
valleysentinel.com
December 2013
Hiking–and singing–in the rain By Beverly Lane, East Bay Regional Parks District
S e a s o n a l ra i n s b r i n g green to the grasslands in the East Bay Regional Parks, with a promise of springtime wildflowers. But the rains also bring muddy trails that fill the lug soles of hard-toclean hiking boots. There’s a lot to be said for winter season hiking. The air is fresh, cool and energizing and the vegetation is lush. There are even winter blooms, like the delicately f l o w e r e d manzanita and the magentacolored Indian warrior that grows beneath it. But if you want to avoid the mud, there are trails in the regional parks where this is possible. For starters, the interpark regional trails, such as the Iron Horse Trail, which parallels I-680 through the San Ramon and Diablo Va l l e y s , a r e a l l p a v e d , multi-purpose routes for pedestrians, equestrians a n d b i cyc l e r i d e rs. T h e Lafayette-Moraga Trail is another example. It extends
for more than seven miles from Olympic Boulevard in Lafayette to the Valle Vista staging area on Moraga Road. There are paved trails within the regional parks as well. For a steep hill climb, walk up the Rocky Ridge Trail at Las Trampas Regional Wilderness in San Ramon. It leads up from the trailhead at the north end of Bollinger Canyon Road off Crow Canyon Road. Nimitz Way at Tilden Regional Park in Berkeley is
paved for the first four miles north from Inspiration Point on Wildcat Canyon Road. It’s open to all non-motorized modes of transportation. Dogs must be on leash, though. And in the winter, Tilden’s South Park Drive is closed to vehicles to protect the newts, a variety of salamander that migrates across the road to
mate in adjacent Wildcat Creek. So you can walk or bicycle there, too. South Park Drive connects Grizzly Peak Boulevard to Wildcat Canyon Road. There are unpaved trails within the regional parks that tend to be less muddy as well. This is because they traverse sandstone bedrock. Check out the Old Stage Road Trail at Castle Rock Regional Recreation Area in Walnut Creek. You can access it from the staging area at the end of Castle Rock Road, a mile or two past Northgate High School. Be advised, though: between Castle Rock Park and the gate into Mt. Diablo State Park, there are four stream crossings that involve some rock hopping when the stream is running. A n o t h e r relatively mudfree hike is on the Chaparral Loop Trail at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in Antioch. The trail starts at the old Somersville town site, leads up a canyon to the ridge top, then descends again through another canyon. It’s a workout, but the views are worth it. You’ll see some of those manzanita blossoms, too. Black Diamond Mines is located at the end of S o m e r s v i l l e Ro a d , f i v e miles south of Highway 4 in Antioch. For information on these and other winter hiking and bicycling possibilities, visit the park district web site at www.ebparks.org. You can download maps of almost every regional park. Or you can pick up maps at trailhead information panels. It’s always a good idea to do so. You will need to decide for yourself if you want to do some singing in the rain.
Ardenwood’s Victorian Christmas returns again this year Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont will recreate its annual Victorian Christmas Holiday from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 7 and 8. Activities include live music, visits with Father Christmas, holiday crafts, a Yule Log hunt, and a cookie baking contest. It’s always a great show.
Fees for the event are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors ages 62 and older, $5 for children ages four and up, and free for ages three and under. Parking is free. Ardenwood is located at 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., just north of Highway 84 in Fremont. For information call 510-5442797 or check the park district web site.
Tilden Regional Park’s a n t i q u e m e r r y - g o - ro u n d celebrates Christmas, too. Its Christmas Fantasy takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. nightly through Dec. 23, rain or shine, with holiday ornaments, gifts, gingerbread cookies, hot cocoa and apple cider all available for purchase, along with rides on the carousel animals, of course.
The Valley SenTinel
page 7
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The Valley SenTinel
December 2013
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Remember loved ones at Hospice of the East BayTree lighting ceremony
December in the Contra Costa Garden
Tr e e L i g h t s o f 2 01 3 remembrance presented by Hospice of the East Bay December 11 12:15 pm. Hospice of the East Bay invites the public to participate in its 27th Annual Tree of Lights ceremony for residents of Alamo, Danville and San Ramon. The Alamo 190-D Alamo Plaza, Alamo, CA Make 925-831-3600 M-F: 10 to 6; Sat: 10 to 5 yourself Closed Sunday comfortable with
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Tree will be lit on December 11 at 12:15 pm at the Alamo Women’s Club, 1401 Danville Blvd. Dedicated to Gloria Mann. The ceremonies p rov i d e a way t o h o n o r t h e l i ve s o f f r i e n d s a n d loved ones in the Alamo, Danville and San Ramon communities. Everyone is invited to participate in the events which include music, poetry, remembrances by family members and Hospice staff, and the special moment when the trees light up. By dedicating a atight for a minimum gift of $25, you can honor someone you love while directly supporting endof-life patient care. Memorial donors of $100 and higher will have the option to have their names listed in the lighting ceremony program of their choice. Funds raised allow Hospice of the East Bay to provide essential programs and services such as the Vigil Program which ensures no one has to die a l o n e. I n f o r m a t i o n : c a l l 925-887-5678 or visit www. hospiceeastbay.org.
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General Garden Care Tu r n o f f i r r i g a t i o n systems if raining—if not raining, reduce time and frequency to the minimum amount of time needed to keep plants alive. Remove summer-created watering basins to prevent standing water around trees and shrubs from causing root or crown rot. Protect tender plants if frosts are predicted: use outdoor lights or build a light weight frame and cover. Antitranspirants such as ‘Cloudcover’ will provide a bit of protection. http:// w w w. i p m . u c d a v i s . e d u / PMG/GARDEN/ENVIRON/ frostdamage.html Avoid compacting wet soil: minimize walking or driving and don’t work wet soil. Avoid walking on frosted grass; the cells rupture and turn brown. C l e a n u p a l l g a rd e n beds; compost spent garden plants. Turn compost; cover if raining. Use rainy days to clean, sharpen and lubricate garden tools; —store in dry area. Check plants under e ave s — a re t h ey g e t t i n g enough water? Order seeds (this month or next). Inventory all pesticides a n d t a ke u n n e e d e d a n d outdated chemicals to the household hazardous waste center; consider using IPM methods rather than replacing chemicals. http://www.ipm. ucdavis.edu/index.html. Fruits & Vegetables Pile dead leaves into a trench in unused vegetable beds, and cover with soil. By next spring, the leaves will be composted and the beds ready for planting. Control peach twig borer, San Jose scale, mites or aphids on apricots with a dormant oil spray. Dormant oil sprays can be applied to dormant ornamentals as well as fruit trees. http://www. ipm.ucdavis.edu/TOOLS/ PNAI/pnaishow.php?id=39 Re m o v e “ m u m m i e s ” and fallen fruit to minimize s p re a d i n g d i s e a s e s n ex t spring.
Prune Feijoa sellowiana shrubs after fruit is harvested. Flowers & Landscaping Prune winter-flowering shrubs just after bloom. Prune hardy deciduous and evergreen trees. Prune evergreens for holiday decorations. Water living Christmas trees. Plant ornamental trees and shrubs EXCEPT Subtropicals. Plant frost-tolerant perennials such as Ajuga, English ivy (Hedera), heuchera, hosta, lamium, lysimachia, ornamental sages, and Tiarella; frosttolerant annuals such as calendulas, cinerarias, cyclamen, pansies, English primroses, fairy primroses, Primula obconica, and snapdragons. Select blooming azaleas and Camellia sasanqua varieties, foliage plants: dusty miller, ferns, liriope, or dwarf Nandina domestica. Pre-chill tulips and hyacinths for forcing indoors. Mulch bulb beds to protect from freezing and to conserve moisture if winter is dry. Check all hardy bulbs potted earlier; move indoors into good light when roots develop and 2 to 3 inches of new growth is visible. Master Gardeners are trained volunteers for the U n i v e rs i t y o f C a l i f o r n i a Cooperative Extension (UCCE). They are residents of local communities who have an active interest in horticulture, have taken the Master Gardener training offered by the UCCE, and now share their knowledge with other members of that community. They provide U n i v e rs i t y o f C a l i f o r n i a research-based horticultural information to the citizens of California through their volunteer efforts as Master Gardeners. It is the acquisition of knowledge, the skill in gardening, and giving back to the community that distinguishes a Master Gardener from other gardeners. For more information visit ccmg.ucdavis.edu.
Holidays valleysentinel.com
December 2013
St. Isidore School Embraces Next Generation Science We all know that the best way to learn something is to experience it. Real world connections to science make the subject come alive. St. Isidore School Sixth Graders participated in an overnight experience that was a safe, fun and exciting addition to their regular Earth Science curriculum. Led by Dr. Varon and a team of teachers and parent chaperones, the students went on a trip to the Marin Headlands, in which they participated in a program of hands-on scientific exploration in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA).
NatureBridge professional faculty led small groups through many activites with the goal of broadening each student’s awarenss of the natural world and his/her relationship to it. Specifically, the students hiked in and among the national park, made detailed observations of the plant and animal life, and observed land formations that occurred due to plate tectonics. Hiking, field sampling, microscope lab activities, night hikes and a trip to the marine mammal center were highlights of the trip. The students had a great time.
The Valley SenTinel
page 9
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Senior Living page 10
The Valley SenTinel
December 2013
Two ways to get your Medicare benefits By David Sayen
Some people may not realize it, but there are actually two ways to get Medicare benefits. The best-known way is Original Medicare. With Original Medicare, you can choose
any doctor, hospital, or other healthcare provider you want, as long as they accept Medicare. When you receive medical services or goods, Medicare pays the provider directly. The other way is Medicare Advantage, which is a form of managed care, like an HMO or PPO. Medicare Advantage is provided by private insurance c o m p a n i e s a p p rove d by
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Medicare. If you’re in Medicare Advantage, you generally must go to doctors and other providers in the company’s network. If you go outside the network, you may have to pay more. On the other hand, Medicare Advantage companies may offer some coverage – such as dental, hearing, vision, and wellness programs – that Original Medicare doesn’t. Most people with Original Medicare pay a monthly premium. If you’re in Medicare Advantage, you sometimes pay an additional monthly premium to the private insurance company that covers you. With Original Medicare, you must pay deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. To cover these “gaps” in Medicare, some people buy a type of supplemental insurance called Medigap. If you have a Medigap policy, Medicare pays its share of the covered costs, and then your Medigap policy pays its share. Medigap policies also are sold through private companies. All plans offer the same basic benefits but some offer additional benefits. The costs vary between insurance companies – and
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often cost is the only difference between policies. Some Medigap policies also offer benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t, such as medical care when you travel outside the United States. Original Medicare generally doesn’t cover prescription drugs. If you want drug coverage, you can get it through Medicare Part D. Part D policies are sold through private companies approved by Medicare. You have to pay an additional monthly premium for Part D. About 75 percent of Medicare beneficiaries choose Original Medicare, with the rest getting coverage through Medicare Advantage. Medicare Advantage companies must cover all of the services that Original Medicare covers, except hospice care and some care in qualifying clinical research studies. (Original Medicare covers hospice and qualifying clinical research care even if you’re in a Medicare Advantage plan.) In all types of Medicare Advantage plans, you’re covered for emergency and urgent care. Most Medicare Advantage plans also include prescription drug coverage. But the plans can charge different out-of-pocket amounts
and they have different rules for how you get service. For example, you may need a referral to see a specialist. And you may need to stay in their provider network, unless you’re willing to pay more to go outside the network. You should always check with the plan before you get a service to find out whether it’s covered and what your costs may be. If the plan decides to stop participating in Medicare, you’ll have to join another Medicare health plan or return to Original Medicare. How can you decide whether Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage is better for you? There’s a more detailed explanation of the differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage in the “Medicare & You” handbook. An updated version of “Medicare & You” is mailed to all Medicare beneficiaries every fall. You can also find “Medicare & You” on our website, www. Medicare.gov. If you have any questions, you can always call Medicare’s toll-free number, 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-6334227). David Sayen is Medicare’s regional administrator for Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and the Pacific Territories.
Emeritus Senior Living
The BluesBusters Making the Holidays Brighter for Seniors
Our Family is Committed to Yours.® Seniors experience depression in greater numbers than their younger counterparts. That’s why Emeritus is helping seniors with the blues this winter. As part of our Home Visits program, we’re visiting seniors and inviting them to visit our communities – for a class, activity, meal or salon visit – all free of charge!
If you know a senior who could use some extra care, please contact the Emeritus community near you!
(925) 838-8300 Emeritus at Diablo Lodge Retirement, Assisted Living
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Emeritus at Barrington Court Alzheimer’s & Memory Care
400 West El Pintado , Danville - License #75601257 www.Emeritus.com
Emeritus at Diablo Lodge served 26 WWII Veterans a festive and fabulous lunch at an award ceremony on Veterans Day. Each Veteran was pinned for their service by Emeritus at Diablo Lodge Executive Director, Jennifer Coons and were presented with a certificate of appreciation by Judy Tow from Gentiva Hospice.
THE REUTLINGER Exceptional senior living In the heart of Danville Award winning Short Term Rehabilitation Center Learn more about The Reutlinger at www.rcjl.org or call 925-648-2800 4000 Camino Tassajara Danville, CA 94506 a not for profit organization serving people of all faiths
Senior Living valleysentinel.com
December 2013
Bocce Ball is Coming to Alamo The Alamo Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) has recently approved the co nstr uct ion o f t he f irs t Alamo bocce ball court at Livorna Park. The new bocce court will be in the area of the existing sand volleyball court and will consist of two lanes. The entire court area will be ADA accessible. Bocce ball has grown greatly in popularity in recent years and there are a number of courts in the San Ramon Valley. This low-impact sport is relaxed but offers strategic challenges to participants. Bocce is an old game with links to ancient Rome. This may explain its popularity with Italian immigrants who brought it to America in the early 20th century. Bocce is played on a rectangular court that typically measures about
13 feet by 90 feet although there can be variations in this size. For example, due to topological and cost concerns, each bocce court at Livorna Park will measure 12 feet by 78 feet. There are numerous websites that describe the rules and strategy for playing. It has been said that bocce ball is similar to horseshoes but uses small bowling balls instead of horseshoes. Bocce is usually played with two teams that alternate playing. This arrangement provides for one of the real appeals of bocce ball: half of the time the participants are not playing and can relax. The new bocce court is only one of the recreational activities that the Alamo MAC supports. Each year there is a series of free concerts in Livorna Park as well as a “Movie Under the Stars.” Both
The Valley SenTinel OFFICERS from page 1
of these activities are highly popular. Families and friends bring picnics to enjoy before and during the performances. The playground equipment also gets a good use during the concerts and before the movies starts. The revenue source for these recreational activities comes from a small portion of Alamo property tax. However, the new bocce ball court construction cost of about $600,000 will be funded almost entirely by the East Bay Regional Parks WW Bond program. The timeline for this project is somewhat lengthy due various funding and approval schedules. Actual construction is slated to begin in March 2015 and be completed sometime in July 2015.
non-responsive. The officers were able to successfully revive the resident and ultimately saved his life. In describing the i n c i d e n t , Po l i c e C h i e f Steve Simpkins said, “This
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wonderful example of service is indicative of the character and work ethic displayed by Officers Cogo and Williams on a daily basis.” He added, “Both officers are tremendous assets to our community and play a major role on our team.”
Rotarians donate dictionaries to new readers Tis the season when six local service organizations band together to support literacy in the community’s public schools. For the 16th straight year, the six local Rotary clubs within the San Ramon Valley (Alamo, Danville, Danville/ Sycamore, Dougherty Valley San Ramon, San Ramon and San Ramon Valley) are once again combining their efforts to place a printed dictionary in the hands of every third grade student in the San Ramon Valley Unified School District. “ O u r C l u b i s a l ways excited to participate in this
long-standing tradition,” said Barry Toby, President of the Rotary Club of San Ramon. This is a great way for all six clubs in our community to unite on the common purpose of supporting literacy in our schools. Rotary’s presence is very strong in the San Ramon Valley, and this is another example of that.” This year the six local Rotary clubs are distributing over 2,400 dictionaries, one for every 3rd grade student in the 21 elementary schools in the district. The cost of the dictionaries is split between the six local Rotary Clubs.
“I love to see the students’ faces light up when we hand them their book,” said Don French, San Ramon Rotarian and one of the organizers of the program. The printed dictionaries we re h a n d - d e l i ve re d by members of the six clubs to third grade classrooms this Fall. The program was started by then District Governor George E. Chaffey in 19971998. This is the 16th year the local Rotary clubs have provided dictionaries to all 3rd grade students in the SRVUSD at the start of their Language Arts learning program.
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
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For additional Community Events visit: www.ValleySentinel.com Please email information about your events to info@valleysentinel.com COMMUNITY EVENTS Volunteers Needed: Read to Preschoolers
Volunteers are needed at childcare centers in Concord, Pittsburg, and West County. The Contra Costa County Library will supply books and resources. For more information, please contact Maureen Kilmurray at 925-927-3288.
Danville Farmer’s Market Every Saturday, Year-round 9am-1pm. Get the freshest seasonal fare at the Danville Certified Farmers’ Market. Railroad & Prospect Avenue, Danville. Information: www.ci.danville.ca.us. (You can make donations of fresh vegetables and fruit for our local food pantries at the Loaves & Fishes Booth at the Danville Farmers Market.) Free E-Waste Recycling Event 1st Saturday every month 9am-1pm. Got E-Waste? Bring unwanted electronic equipment, such as tvs, monitors, printers, computers and more to a FREE EWaste Recycling event. ALL e-waste collected will be recycled in the U.S. Sponsored by Electronic Waste Management, a U.S. Certified E-Waste Collector. DVC on Golf Club Rd. in Pleasant Hill. Please visit www.noewaste.com or call 866-335-3373 for accepted and nonaccepted items and more info. San Ramon Library: Something is Happening Upstairs Now-May 14 3-4:45pm. Middle Schoolers are invited upstairs on Wednesdays for movies, games and other activities. There will also be space for you to do your homework or just hang out. San Ramon Library; 100 Montgomery Street; San Ramon. Information: ccclib.org December 8 Holidays in the Vineyards: 12-4:30pm. Livermore Valley Wine Country celebrates the season with a weekend full of holiday cheer! Holidays in the Vineyards is an annual wine country tradition where wineries showcase their tasting rooms with arts and craft vendors, special wines, festive activities, Santa visits, carolers and more. Over 35 participating winery locations. Information: visit www.lvwine.org. Project Runway Fashion Show Fundraiser December 10 7-8pm. Watch local community volunteers model festive outfits in this year’s Christmas Sweater Fashion Show. The proceeds of the event will go to purchasing holiday gifts for Foster Care teenagers. Tickets sell at the door for $7. Address of the event: 117-E Town and Country Drive (Upstairs) Danville. Information: Linda at lchristensonmk@ gmail.com. Hospice Annual Tree of Lights ceremony December 11 12:15 pm. Hospice of the East Bay invites the public to participate in its 27th Annual Tree of Lights ceremony for residents of Alamo, Danville and San Ramon. The Tree is to be lit at the Alamo Women’s Club, 1401 Danville Blvd. By dedicating a Memorial Light for a minimum gift of $25, you can honor someone you love while directly supporting end-of-life patient care. Information: call 925-887-5678 or visit www. hospiceeastbay.org. Something is Happening Upstairs December 11 3-4:45pm. The San Ramon Library invites middle school students to hang out for free “upstairs”, where they can watch movies, play games, participate in fun activities, or just have space to do homework. San Ramon Library, 100 Montgomery Street, San Ramon. Information: ccclib.org Pet First Aid December 12 10am-3pm. Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation is hosting an opportunity for you to learn basic pet first aid from Cindy Sevilla, a Red Cross Certified Instructor. $65. ARF, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: 925-296-3111 DRUMMM: Community Drum Circle for Adults December 12 6:30pm. The Walnut Creek Library is hosting a chance to participate in a drumming experience in order to reduce holiday stress. Take part in the program presented by OneBEAT™ Drum Circle by pre-registering for adults at WCLibrary.org/event/drummm or calling the library at 925977-3340. Swing in at 4pm for an opportunity for kids and families to participate in Drummm for Kids. The first 100 people will be admitted. Walnut Creek Library 1644 N. Broadway, Walnut Creek.
Hospice of the East Bay 27th Annual Tree of Lights Ceremony December 13 5pm. The public is invited to honor the lives of lost loved ones at this year’s Tree of Lights ceremony in memory of David Newstadt. Join the residents of Blackhawk by celebrating with music and poetry. Light dedications, sponsorships, and donations are welcome at www. hospiceeastbay.org. Blackhawk Road at Blackhawk Drive. Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek AAUW 9th Annual Holiday Home Tour December 13, 14 10am-4pm. Five remarkably holiday-decorated homes will open their doors to visitors in an effort to fundraise and provide scholarships to local girls and women interested in pursuing science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) subjects. $35 per person or $30 per senior tickets can be bought at http://daw-ca.aauw.net/payment. Information: http://daw-ca.aauw.net/programs/hht. Elf Workshop December 14 9-11am or 11:30am-1:30pm. The Danville Community Center is hosting a holiday craft workshop perfect for kids ages one through nine. Pre-register for the event at www.danvillerecguide.com. Danville Community Center, 420 Front St., Danville. Information: 925-314-3400 Holidays on the Farm December 14 10am-4pm. Forest Home Farms Historic Park will be hosting Holidays on the Farm. “Greetings!-Holiday Postcards from the 1900s” is a new exhibit to be on display in the Historic Glass House Museum. Shop for unique gifts at the Holiday Market. Free. Forest Home Farms, 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon. Information: 925-973-3284 “Why Editing is Essential to Writing” December 14 11:15am. The Mt. Diablo Branch of the California Writers Club (CWC) will be hosting Ann Damaschino, Lyn Roberts, and Elisabeth Tuck as they present “Why Editing is Essential to Writing” during the luncheon meeting at Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant in Pleasant Hill. Make reservations to attend this event as a CWC member for $20 or as a guest for $25 by contacting ragig@aol.com, or by calling 925-933-9670.
SENIORS Danville Seniors Unless otherwise noted, the following activities are held at the Danville Senior Center, Veterans Memorial Building, 115 E. Prospect, Danville. For more information call 925-314-3490 or visit www.ci.danville.ca.us/ Recreation/Seniors. Buzz Sessions: Get the buzz on topics and issues facing today’s older adults and talk with the experts. Buzz Sessions are always free! Information: 925314-3400 or visit www.ci.danville.ca.us/Recreation/Seniors. Sneaker Trips: The Town of Danville’s Senior Sneakers program is a great way for you to make new friends and get out and around the greater Bay Area. There’s always something new to see and learn. All trips meet at the Danville Park & Ride lot unless otherwise noted in the trip details. Reserve your spot at the Danville Senior Center, 115 E. Prospect, Danville, CA 94526, on or before the registration date beginning at 8:30am. Information: 925-314-3400 or visit www. ci.danville.ca.us/Recreation/Seniors/Senior_Sneaker_Trips. The Danville Area Senior Hikes (DASH) are open to all adults and meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month. The group starts at the Danville Park-n-Ride (next to the Sycamore Valley 680 North exit) at 9AM and returns about 1Pm. Most hikes are not strenuous, but gradients are involved due to the local terrain. Distances are usually in the 4-5 mile range, and the pace is moderate, with stops to view scenery, wildlife and to talk about location history when appropriate. Information: 925-314-3400 or visit www.ci.danville. ca.us/Recreation/Seniors/Senior_Hiking. San Ramon Seniors The following events are held at the Alcosta Senior & Community Center, 9300 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon, unless otherwise noted. For more information call 925-973-3250 or visit www.sanramon.ca.gov/ parks/programs/ages55+.htm. Wisdom Wednesdays: Free workshops and informational sessions that will benefit you. They will give you free access to coffee, knowledge and a better understanding of important issues. Information: 925-973-3250.
Trips Trip Desk is open Tuesday from 10am-1pm. Sign up for trips at the travel desk or by depositing payment with registration form in the gold drop box found at the main entryway. Information: 973-3250. Wednesday Morning Hikes (time and location varies) Join the San Ramon Trailblazers if you are interested in meeting new people, enjoying the outdoors, having fun and getting in shape. The group meets once a week at various locations, This is an adults only group; pets are not permitted on hikes. To find out the exact meeting location and to get on the email list, please call the Senior Center or email trailblazer88@comcast.net. 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 San Ramon Library Front Desk. Book group meets at Alcosta Senior and Community Center, 9300 Alcosta Blvd. Information: Carol Yuke, Adult Services Librarian. 925-973-2850. Free Holiday Gift Wrapping December 12, 17 3:30-5pm. The California High School Interact Club is ready to do all that tedious holiday gift wrapping for you at the Alcosta Senior Center in San Ramon. Paper, ribbon, and labor all come free with the service. 9300 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon. Information: www. sanramon.ca.gov/Parks/programs/senior/events Cooking Demo: Holiday Delights December 13 3:30-4:30pm. Share the joy of food this holiday season by attending a cooking demo at the Danville Senior Center. Fees: $4(R), $5(NR). 115 E. Prospect Ave., Danville. Information: 925-314-3490 Senior Game Day December 13, and 20 10:30am-1:30pm. Whether it be playing your favorite game of cards, a board game, or dominoes, bring your friends to the Danville Senior Center to participate in a morning full of fun games. Free. No registration required. Danville Senior Center, 115 E. Prospect Ave., Danville. Information: 925- 314-3490 San Ramon Senior Center Foundation: Holiday Wish Tree Project Deadline for receiving gifts: December 16 A holiday tree at the Alcosta Senior Center is decorated with wish tags that include a child’s name, code number, and one or more gift wishes. Take a tag and grant a wish by purchasing the gift. Gifts can be returned to the Alcosta Senior Center. Monetary donations in checks payable to the San Ramon Senior Center are welcomed. 9300 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon. Information: 925-973-3250 Holiday Gift Wrapping December 17 10-11am. Learn how to master the art of gift wrapping from Papyrus of Danville at the Danville Senior Center. Be prepared by bringing a gift that can fit in a 8” x 10” x 2” box. One raffle winning attendee will take home a Papyrus gift wrap ensemble. 115 E. Prospect Ave., Danville. Information: 925-314-3490 “Jingle Balls” Variety Show December 18 Lunch at 12pm. Show from 1- 3pm. The Alcosta Senior and Community Center is hosting the 9th annual “Jingle Balls” show. Food and festive entertainment will be provided. Sign up for lunch by December 17, with a donation of $2. 9300 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon. Information: www.sanramon.ca.gov/Parks/programs/senior/events
BUSINESS Business After Hours Mixer Fine Art 360 December 12 5:30-7pm. The Fine Art 360 local business owners mixer is dedicated to the farewell of Tom Hart as Chairman of the Board for the Danville Area Chamber. We have appreciated all Tom has done to make our Chamber great! Check out the beautiful art gallery, network and have fun! $5 for Chamber members and $20 for prospective members. Address of event: 415 Railroad Ave., Danville. Information: danvilleareachamber.com. San Ramon Chamber of Commerce: Third Thursday Mixer December 19 5:30-7:30pm. Join local business leaders at the San Ramon Marriott hotel for the San Ramon Chamber of Commerce’s Third Thursday Holiday Mixer. Admission is $5 for members and $20 for non-members. 2600 Bishop Drive, San Ramon. Information: www. sanramon.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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December 2013
The Valley SenTinel
COMMUNITY CALENDAR (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12)
San Ramon Chamber of Commerce: New and Future Member Orientation December 24 4-5pm. Learn about the benefits and services that becoming a member of the San Ramon Chamber of Commerce can provide for your business. Meet some of the Chamber’s Ambassadors and President Stewart Bambino. Attend for free but RSVP to stewart.bambino@sanramon.org. Bishop Ranch 6, 2400 Camino Ramon Conference Room 158/K, San Ramon. Information: www.sanramon.org
CLUBS and ORGANIZATIONS Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. AAUW membership is open to all graduates of accredited four year colleges or universities and those holding an Associate Degree or equivalent. Prospective members are welcome and may contact Liz at 648-5163 for details. Visit http://daw-ca.aauw.net for meeting dates. 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. Wind ‘n Sea Sailing Club Sailing training classes take place at members’ homes. The first class will be “Introduction to Sailing on San Francisco Bay” and will be followed by further sailing classes. Information: Call Jan at 925-837-3381. Recurring: Mondays: The Walnut Creek Garden Club Meets the econd Monday of each monthThe general meeting begins at
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SERVICES RESPITE, SUPPORT, and PEACE OF MIND FOR CAREGIVERS Do you need a 3-hour break from caring for your loved one? Companionship, Care and Comfort provided for seniors in your home. Care provided by Registered RN, BSN, Hospice Certified, Healing Touch Practitioner. $48.00 per hour - includes Healing Touch Sessions if requested, Quality Nursing Care, and Activities For more information or a free consultation, please call 925 672-2829
Community News & Information Danville • Blackhawk • Alamo Diablo • San Ramon
9:30 with community and socializing from 10:30 to 11:00. You do not need to be a gardener to join the club. The Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Road, Walnut Creek. Information: californiagardenclubs. com/content/walnut-creek-gardenclub Danville Rotary 12pm. Meets every Monday. Faz Restaurant, Danville. Information: danvillerotary.org. San Ramon Alzheimer Support Group 7-9pm. Meets the second Monday of each month, except on holidays. Sponsored by the Alzheimer Association. People who know or are caregivers of Alzheimer victims can get information on how to help them through this difficult time in life. San Ramon Senior & Community Center, 9300 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon. Information: 925-973-3250. Tuesdays: Danville am Toastmasters 7-8:30am. Meets every Tuesday. New members welcome. Father Nature’s Restaurant, Danville. Information: danvilleam.freetoasthost.org. Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary 7am. Meets every Tuesday morning. Crow Canyon Country Club, Danville. Information: dsvrotary.com. Diablo View Toastmasters 8:15-9:15am. Meets every Tuesday. CMG Mortgage, 4th Floor Conference Room, 3160 Crow Canyon Rd., San Ramon. Information: 4160. toastmastersclubs.org. ARF Pet Loss Support Group 12-1:30pm. Meets first Tuesday of every month. In a nurturing small group, you are encouraged to process feelings of grief resulting from the loss of pet. Register with Vicki at 925-887-5678 or vickis@hospiceeastbay.org. ARF, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: arf.net. Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Workshop Tuesdays, April 16 through July 30 11am-1pm. This 12-week workshop is for women who have just been diagnosed and are either in treatment or starting treatment. Cancer Support Community, 3276 McNutt Avenue, Walnut Creek. Free. Please call to register 925-933-0107.
Tri-Valley Weight Loss Team Meetup 5pm-6pm. Meets every Tuesday. Join a small, supportive group of people who have a common goal of losing weight. Led by Dr. Dan Perez, the meetings focus on effective lifestyle strategies to lose weight and keep it off. Information: www.meetup.com/ Tri-Valley-Weight-Loss-Team. Prostate Cancer Group 7:30–9pm. Meets 2nd Tuesday of the month. Drop-in prostate cancer group for men and their loved ones. San Ramon Regional Medical Center, South Building, West Day Room. 6001 Norris Canyon Road, San Ramon. Information: 925.933.0107 or www.twc-bayarea.org/communityprograms.html. Wednesdays: Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley 12pm. Meets the second Wednesday of every month. Sign-in and social time begins at 11:30. Guests are welcome with lunch reservations. Faz Restaurant, 600 Hartz Ave., Danville. RSVP 925-275-2412. Information: coachstepper@yahoo.com. Alamo Rotary 12:15pm. Meets every Wednesday. Round Hill Country Club, 3169 Roundhill Road, Alamo. Information: alamorotary.org. San Ramon Valley Rotary 7pm. Meets every Wednesday. Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville. Information: sanramonvalleyrotary.com. Blue Star Moms 7-9pm. Meets the second Wednesday of every month. Danville Veterans Memorial Building, 400 Hartz Ave. Information: bluestarmoms.org. Diablo Valley Quilters 7-9pm. Meets the third Wednesday of every month. No charge for guests. Danville Congregational Church, 989 San Ramon Valley Blvd., Danville. Information: diablovalleyquilters.com. Danville Toastmasters Club #1785 7:30-9pm. Meets every Wednesday. Room W204 at Diablo Valley College,1690 Watermill Road, San Ramon. Information: danvilletoastmasters1785.com. Veterans of Foreign Wars 7:00pm. Meets the third Wednesday
Classifieds Pool Service-If your pool looks like a pond, call John at 925-584-6333. It’s the last pool maintenance call you will have to make. Emotional / Spiritual Help We all experience challenges in life, times when we could benefit from the support of a caring person. Stephen Ministers at Community Presbyterian Church in Danville, are trained to provide confidential, emotional and spiritual care to these individuals in our community. This is a FREE service open to all individuals. For more information, please call this private and confidential telephone number at 925- 855-1367, extension 558.
HELP WANTED Sales Executive: Sentinel Newspapers, Inc. has immediate
openings for a sales person for A La Carte magazine and for the Valley Sentinel. Sales territory includes Danville, Alamo, San Ramon, Walnut Creek and Lafayette. Sales experience helpful. Will train the right person. Must have an outgoing personality and a positive attitude. Compensation based on performance. Local Central Contra Costa residents only need apply. Please email your resume and request for interview to us at drousset@valleysentinel.com. LICENSED REAL ESTATE PROFFESSIONALS 100% COMMISSION. Confidential interview. Want a Real Estate License? Tassajara Valley Realty (TVR) Danville. Call Now Sylvia 925 285-1801
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of every month. Veterans Memorial Hall, 400 Hartz Avenue, Danville. Information: Post Commander Ernie Petagara at 925-362-9806 or vfwpost75.org. Thursdays: San Ramon Valley Newcomers 11:30am-2pm. Meets the third Thursday of every month. New and longtime residents are welcome. Faz Restaurant, 600 Hartz Ave., Danville. $21 for lunch. Reservations/information: 925-828-8554. Rotary Club of San Ramon 11:45am. Meets every Thursday. Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville. Information: sanramonrotary.org. Diablo Numismatic Society 7-9pm. Meets the third Thursday of every month. Concord Police Community Meeting Room, 1350 Galindo Street, Concord. Information: diablocoinclub.org. Clutterers Anonymous 7-8pm. Meets the second Thursday of every month. St. Luke’s Lutheran Church room 7, 2491 San Miguel Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: 925-736-8627.
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W. El Pintado Road; Danville. We are a Peer Community - Encouraging Women to Rediscover, Reconnect & Rejoice in the Empty Nest Stage of Life ! Information: Contact Barb Miller - baiumil@yahoo.com or Donna Hill at hillmom3@comcast.net 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. Sundays: Cars n Coffee: First Sunday of Every Month 8-10am. Blackhawk Automotive Museum is hosting Cars and Coffee for automotive enthusiasts in the parking lots of Blackhawk Plaza. Our partner, Scott’s Catering, will provide coffee and other refreshments. Afterwards, visit shops and restaurants in Blackhawk Plaza. Blackhawk Museum; 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle; Danville. Information: www.blackhawkmuseum.org.
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. TENS - Thriving Empty Nesters 9-11:30am, Every Friday, Room 116; Community Presbyterian Church; 222
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The Valley SenTinel
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Did you move to a new state or to a new school district as a child? Ever experience a “gap”? Perhaps you had already covered fractions or the causes leading up to the American Revolution. Now, in your new school setting, you had to do it all over again. Or, the reverse situation, you weren’t prepared for the math or history class so you struggled to catch up. Assuring consistent, good quality education throughout the United States which allows young people to be successful in college and in their careers is no small task. That, in a nutshell, is what Common Core attempts to do…in California and t h ro u g h o u t t h e c o u n t r y. Together with California, 44 other states are working to implement the standards. Initially, the focus is on English Language Arts and math. Science standards will follow. Significant Change in the Works Common Core standards or guidelines for the two initial areas in kindergarten through 12th grade represent the most significant change in California since standards were first adopted in 1998 according to some educators. Deborah Sigman, Deputy State Superintendent of Schools, has been quoted as saying, “The 1998 standards were good standards, but the Common Core of college and career-ready standards is better.” The previous standards are now viewed as overly broad. Said more plainly: they were a mile wide and an inch deep. With the pressure to cover everything mandated, important topics were often covered at a fast pace. The time to plan creative approaches to present new concepts by building on previous concepts and topics already presented often wasn’t available. It wasn’t uncommon to hear classroom teachers say that they didn’t have time to go
deep because students had to be ready for the test. Ka t hy M o o re, E d . D . , curriculum coordinator for the San Ramon Unified School District, says Common Core standards are better than the previous ones. “There are fewer, they are clearer, and they illustrate learning progression, she says.” The new standards f o c u s o n d e e p e r, m o r e critical thinking as well as emphasizing connections within a discipline and between disciplines, and the search for problem-solving that recognizes there can sometimes be more than one right answer. Their aim is to promote evidence-based reasoning. Can students explain and defend how they arrived at a conclusion or a solution? Curriculum development is left up to the states and the school d i s t r i c t s, a l l ow i n g e a c h school district to develop its own curriculum, determine priorities and adopt materials suitable to their needs. In effect, some 1800 SRUSD teachers in 35 schools are engaged in a learning curve during the current school year as they prepare for full implementation of Common Core in 2015. Implementation Plan I d e n t i f i e s G o a l s i n Key Areas According to Toni Taylor, Asst. Superintendent of Educational Services for the District, the roll-out has been unfolding for some time as teachers undergo training and representatives from every school come together to develop an implementation plan for the district. That implementation plan is posted on the district web site, www.srusd.netsee Common Core heading. The overarching goal for Fa l l 201 4 i s t h a t “eve r y teacher in the San Ramon Valley Unified School District will be fully aligning their lessons to the Common Core State Standards.” The plan includes district goals for math, English Language
Arts, Content Literacy, and Te c h n o l o g y. I t i s wo r t h noting that in the area of content literacy, areas other than English class—science and math for example—will ask students to perform at least one task to demonstrate reading and writing standards. In the technology area, teachers will design lessons that incorporate a technology component in alignment with the Common Core standards. This is, of course, essential in today’s rapidly advancing world of technology, but also because the testing of students will be done online. The District has completed an analysis of technology infrastructure and performed an inventory of devices to assure readiness in this area. In spring of 2014, students in grades 3-8 as well as Grades 9 and 10 will take the Smarter Balanced Assessments tests in a practice run. Taylor describes this as a “testing the test, not the students”— essentially statewide field testing to be sure all is ready for next spring and to establish a baseline for the district. In addition to posting the implementation plan online as well as other information, such as Frequently Asked Questions about Common Core, the District has held forums and workshops for parents and partnered with PTAs to present sessions offering a sample of the way classroom instruction is changing. Monies released by the State of California as a result of the passage of Prop. 30 funnelled $6.1 million to the District for use in three areas: professional development, instructional materials, and technology. A team of stakeholders— parents, Board members, teachers and administrators have developed a spending plan which will be presented to the Board for approval at the December meeting. Stay tuned!
Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year named state semifinalist “What a tremendous and Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year (TOY) Cindy Egan was recently named a California State TOY Semifinalist. Egan teaches biology and AP environmental sciences
at San Ramon Valley High School, in Danville. Earlier, on September 26, Egan and Beth Levine, of Montalvin Manor Elementary, in San Pablo, were named the 2013-2014 Contra Costa County TOYs.
well-deserved honor Cindy Egan has received from the California Department of Education,” says Contra Costa County Superintendent See TEACHER page 15
valleysentinel.com
AUTO March 2009 December 2013
2013 Honda Civic Si performance pleasure By David and Judy Colman
The Si is a remarkably adept sports sedan beset by a few niggling ergonomic problems. Its good points, however, far outweigh its shortcomings. The Si, first introduced to the Civic model lineup in 1987, has long been Honda’s street fighter, relying on peaky horsepower and splendid handling to embarrass cars costing more than twice the Si’s $28,000 sticker price. Under that abbreviated hood, you’ll find a ferociously competent 2.4 liter inline 4, with variable valve timing (i-VTEC) contributing exceptional top end power. At a screaming 7,500rpm, the Si makes 201hp and 170lb.-ft. of torque. When you zing the engine to redline, a warning light indicates i-VTEC actuation, followed by a quartet of yellow and red bulbs which illuminate sequentially as redline is reached. This is the kind of light display NHRA Pro Stock drivers use to win quarter mile drag races. The effect is mesmerizing, informative, and emblematic of the Si’s serious driving orientation. TEACHER from page 14
of Schools Joseph A. Ovick, Ed.D. “When you visit Cindy’s biology or environmental sciences classes, you observe a perfect balance of her professional background in civil engineering, education experience, and passion for teaching that enthuses her students to learn. She has certainly earned this special recognition! We in Contra Costa County are very proud of her, and our other newest Teacher of Year, Beth Levine, of West Contra Costa USD, as well as the additional 20 teachers representing our county’s school districts during the 2013-2014 school year. They are outstanding ambassadors of all our public school teachers.” Egan is beginning her ninth year of teaching, all at San Ramon Valley High. Prior to entering into education, she earned her bachelors a n d m a s t e rs d e g re e s i n civil engineering from the University of California, at Berkeley. Following college,
There are 6 wellspaced cogs in the manual transmission to keep this mini dynamo on full boil. If you enjoy shifting manually, you’ll have a blast operating the Si’s crackerjack unit. Adding to the joy is the diminutive a l l oy g o l f ball that tops the s t u b b y stick. It makes you feel like a surgeon i n a n operating r o o m . Throws from gate to gate are so precise, and clutch actuation so linear and predictable, that the Si will instantly make a better driver out of you. Chucking it around turns is another delicious pleasure. Fist, you benefit from the well padded high backed sports seats that keep your butt fastened to the chassis. Next, you’ll appreciate Honda’s taken the trouble to supply she had a very successful 25year career as a civil engineer, where she worked all over the world – but at the same time, she often thought about teaching. During her last 10 years of her career, Egan was a managing principal-incharge of an environmental engineering office with more than 120 professional engineers and scientists. After this time period, she left her job, obtained her teaching credential, and began her new career as an educator at San Ramon Valley High School. Egan will be joining t h e f i ve 201 4 C a l i f o r n i a Teachers of the Year, the six finalists, and her fellow seven semi-finalists, as they are honored by California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson at a gala in Sacramento, to be held February 3, 2014. For more information on the award program, please visit the California Department of Education’s California Teachers of the Year Web page.
the Si’s 6.5” x 17” alloy rims with the latest high performance rubber from Michelin: 215/45R18 Pilot Sport 3 tires at each corner. The suspension system of the Si is decidedly stiff, with
chunky swaybars and taut springs affording track ready ride firmness and mid corner stability. Few cars at any price provide the instant feedback and unalloyed joy of pushing the Si to the limit. With such a great package on offer, it’s disappointing to encounter a handful of faults Honda should have corrected long ago. For example, access
The Valley SenTinel
to the rear seats on this 2 door is decidedly poor. That problem would be tolerable if you could easily slide the front seatbacks forward, then restore them to their prior backrest rake setting. But no, every time you fl ip the seatback forward to toss something in the back, you m u s t readjust y o u r backrest manually to your p re f e r re d setting. T h i s procedure w a s irritating 26 years a g o , w h e n we bought our first Civic Si, and Honda hasn’t done a thing to ameliorate the problem in a quarter century. Also on the quibble list is the absence of an exterior trunk release, which inconveniently forces you to use either the key fob remote button or the under dash release switch to gain access. The final problem concerns the in-dash
page 15
navigation/entertainment screen which is virtually illegible in daylight because it inexplicably superimposes red letters on a gray background. The navigation’s bit-mapped video display looks more like Pac Man than HDTV. But are these minor snafus serious enough to deter you from buying this Honda? Not in the least. With the possible exception of the Mazda MX5, there is nothing remotely comparable in sports motoring to the Civic Si for this kind of money. And the Mazda will barely carry two and their toothbrushes, while the Civic is a spacious, practical, everyday conveyance. If you cherish the art of driving, you owe it to yourself to take this Honda for a ripping test drive. 2013 HONDA CIVIC Si ENGINE: 2.4 liter inline 4, DOHC and VTEC HORSEPOWER: 201hp TORQUE: 170lb.-ft. FUEL CONSUMPTION: 22 MPG City/31 MPG Highway PRICE AS TESTED: $27,805 HYPES: Scalpel Sharp Sports Sedan GRIPES: Confusing BiLevel Dash STAR RATING: 9.5 Stars Out Of 10
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