Regional Parks January-February 2020
Alamo • Danville • Blackhawk • Diablo • San Ramon
VALLEY
Look inside
st 2019
SENTINEL
for:
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JANUARY
– FEBR UAR
Y 2020
e the Iron Hors en nal Trails like connect childr Above: Regio (above) help to work Regional Trail employees to school and transit hubs, centers and page 2
year! end of the through the boat Friday, now trailers, and ersar y every entry, horse vent days. fishing, dog our 85th anniv Farm on non-e swimming, Celebrate d Historic use parking, to Ardenwoo • FREE day entrance including launching, e state fees. includ • Does not
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Inside:
s • page 11 in the Park FREE Concerts • page 11 Fish Festival Crab Cove h • page 4 rams for Yout Summer Prog s • page 5 nitie ortu Kayaking Opp page 14 ortunities • Volunteer Opp
VOL 24 NO 12
200 Miles See page 2
Look inside for the latest Regional in Nature Activity Guide!
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December 2019
www.valleysentinel.com
Trails Challenge 2020 MLK Jr. Day of Service Ohlone Village Site Tour Monarchs at Ardenwood Archery, Kayaking & Pole Walking
SPOTLIGHT
Plus many more fun activities for kids and families!
From left: Ward 3 Board Member: Dennis Waespi; Ward 6 Board Member: Beverly Lane; Senator Steve Glazer; Ward 4 Board Member: Ellen Corbett; Ward 7 Board Member: Colin Coffey; Ward 2 Board Member: Dee Rosario; General Manager: Robert E. Doyle.
Senator Glazer Named Recipient of 2019 Radke Championing Advocacy Award
State Senator Steve Glazer has been awarded the East Bay Regional Park District and Regional Parks Foundation’s 2019 Radke Championing Advocacy Award. Senator
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Celebrating Santa’s busiest night, The Christmas Memories exhibit at The Museum of the San Ramon Valley will run from now through January 4. There is something for the whole family in this lovely display. Located at 205 Railroad Avenue in Danville. Visit www.museumsrv.org, or call (925) 837-3750 for more information. See story page 7.
Northern Harrier can be seen in Contra Costa Marshlands By James M. Hale
The Northern Harrier (Circus h u d s o n i u s o r C i rc u s cya n e u s hudsonius) is a fairly common raptor of Contra Costa County frequently seen foraging in the salt and brackish marshes. This behavior led to their previous and other name of Marsh Hawk. On occasion, particularly during fall and spring migration, they may be seen hunting for rodents in the grasslands and foothills. Many taxonomists consider the Northern Harrier and the Hen Harrier as separate species, while other experts consider them to be conspecifics. Northern Harriers breed in Canada and the northernmost United States. California has a breeding population as well, with some pairs nesting in the marshes and valley grasslands of Contra Costa County. Like other harriers, the N o r t h e r n H a r r i e r i s s ex u a l l y dichromatic and dimorphic. They
have distinct male and female plumages, and the female weighs typically thirty percent more than the male. The male Northern Harrier is sometimes nicknamed the “Gray Ghost”, due to its striking plumage and spectral aura. Males are silver-gray above and white below. Black wingtips, black trailing edge to the wing, and a black-banded tail highlight the males’ plumage. Females and immature individuals are brown with black tail bands. Adult females differ from immatures by having w h i t i s h u n d e rs i d e s w i t h brown streaks. Immatures are buffy underneath with less streaking. All Northern Harriers have a brilliant white rump patch that is obvious in flight, and diagnostic. A facial disc, which aids in
hearing, gives the Northern Harrier a distinct, owl-like, look. The Northern Harrier is up to twenty inches in length, with a four foot wingspan. Males average twelve ounces in weight, with females averaging nineteen ounces. The Northern Harrier has the longest wing and tail lengths relative to body size of any raptor in North America. The Northern Harrier is one of Contra Costa County’s most recognizable birds, with its wings held in a dihedral or V-shape above horizontal. Its rocking and seemingly erratic flight over marshes, grasslands, and weedy fields as it searches for rodents and songbirds, draws attention to any observer. The Northern Harrier flies low to the ground, following closely the
contours of the land beneath it, listening and looking for prey. They have exceptionally good hearing for a diurnal raptor, aided by the owllike, parabolic, facial disc of fine feathers. Up to ninetyfive percent of the Northern Harriers’ diet consists of
This Month’s Special Section
Holidays in the Valley pages 7-9
See HARRIER page 5
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT dining out • music • art • theater • fun events
page 2
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
Off Menu: Contemporary Art About Food Now - December 15 View astounding gastronomical artwork by renowned artists such as Salvador Dalí, Judith Linhares, Wayne Thiebaud and Kenny Scharf. Bedford Gallery, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Information: www.bedfordgallery.org or 925-295-1417. Alice in Wonderland December 7 1:30pm. The Diamond Academy of Performing Arts presents Alice in Wonderland by Willard Simms. Come
e n j oy t h i s t i m e - h o n o re d play with quirky characters, surprises, delights and a tea party or two! This children’s production promises to be fun for the whole family! $14-$18. Front Row Theater, 17011 Bollinger Canyon Rd, San Ramon. Information: sanramonperformingarts.com or 925- 973-2787. Christmas Memories at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley - Santa’s Busiest Night. Now - January 4 The museum will allow you to visit Santa’s North Pole Village as he gets ready for his busiest night, delivering toys to good boys and girls around the world. Watch the Polar Express train travel on its magical journey though a forest of trees. Santa and his sled will be there loaded with toys.
December 2019 Be quiet as you tiptoe past sleeping children with sugar plums dancing through their heads. View photos of iconic Christmas trees from around the world. A display of toys from the Toy Hall of Fame will also be there for your enjoyment. Young and old alike can enjoy visiting the playhouse stocked with a variety of toys to play with. The playhouse is also a great photo opportunity. Don’t miss the return of the merry-go-round, Ferris wheel, and Father Christmas! There’s so much to see and enjoy. Adults $5; Children $3 (Under 5 free); Family $10; Students (K through 12 with id) $3; Seniors (65+) $3. The Museum of the San Ramon Valley is located at 205 Railroad Ave. in Danville. Contact the museum at museumsrv.org or call 925-837-3750.
Adventures in Jazz: Nicolas Bearde Trio December 7 7:30pm. Highly sought after both domestically & internationally, Nicolas Bearde invites comparison to Lou Rawls and Joe Williams, but makes his songs his own. Nic will be backed by a terrific trio of musicians as he sizzles with selections from the classic jazz songbook, bluesy renditions and, of course, a nod to the season! $20 - $25. San Ramon Library, 100 Montgomery Street, San Ramon. Information: 925-973-3343 or SanRamonPerformingArts. com.
Impressions of the Nutcracker December 7 - 8 More than just ballet, San Ramon Valley Dance Academy’s production of ‘Impressions of
valleysentinel.com the Nutcracker’ incorporates multiple dance styles in a fast paced 75 minute show that follows the traditional story line and concludes with a visit from Santa, himself. A great tradition for the whole family. $21 - $25. Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center, 10550 Albion Rd. (Cross Street Bollinger Canyon Rd.) Located on the Dougherty Valley High School Campus. San Ramon. Information: www. sanramonperformingarts.com or 925-973-3343.
Monkey See Monkey Do December 8 2pm. Get in the Holiday spirit with festive Improv! Our 75 minute improv show is designed especially for children and their families to enjoy together. The show is made up on the spot based on audience suggestions. They will have a chance to see their ideas come to life onstage and perhaps play a game and get a prize! $10. Front Row Theater, 17011 Bollinger Canyon Rd, San Ramon. Information: sanramonperformingarts.com or 925- 973-2787.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens December 12 - 22 Being a Ghost Story of Christmas, commonly known as A Christmas Carol, is a novella by Charles Dickens, first published in London by Chapman & Hall in 1843 and illustrated by John Leech. A Christmas Carol recounts the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly miser who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. After their visits, Scrooge is transformed into a kinder, gentler man. 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, $29–$50, Center REPertory Company 1601 Civic Drive in downtown Walnut Creek. For more information go to CenterREP.org or call 925.943.SHOW (7469). You can also visit the LCA Ticket Office at 1601 Civic Drive or the Ticket Office Outlet at the Downtown Walnut Creek Library.
The Nutty Nutcracker: A Christmas Spectacular 2019 December 13 - 15 Enjoy a classic holiday tale with a modern, magical twist! Follow Clara and the Nutcracker as they journey through the The North Pole and more! The Nutty Nutcracker puts a contemporary spin on the 19th Century tale by infusing styles of classic ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap and musical theater. Don’t miss East Bay Dance Company’s organic interpretation of the holiday classic! Presented in 1 hour and 15 minutes with one 15 minute intermission. $20 - $24. Village Theatre, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: www. villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400.
‘ Yu v a K a l a U t s a v ’ a presentation of ‘Young Solo Dancers’. December 14 Session 1 - 2pm to 4pm; Session 2 - 5pm to 7pm. Kalasangha - East Bay Artists Exchange, a group of like minded artists and friends who have come together with the
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT dining out • music • art • theater • fun events
valleysentinel.com purpose of bringing unique and quality art to the Tri Valley Area, are presenting this Fesitval of young performers. Over a dozen Indian Classical Performers and Four different Classical Dance forms of India will be presented in two sessions at this Festival. $10. Front Row Theater, 17011 Bollinger Canyon Rd, San Ramon. Information: sanramonperformingarts.com or 925- 973-2787.
The Blackhawk Chorus 2019 Ring Those Holiday Bells December 14 4pm. To celebrate the season this year, the awardwinning Blackhawk Chorus presents ‘Ring Those Bells,’ a program which combines holiday favorites such as Sleigh Ride and Little Drummer Boy/ Peace on Earth with updated classics including Little Town of Bethlehem and Ring Those Christmas Bells, plus popular classical selections by Mozart, Handel and Brahms. The evening ends with a community sing-along with the chorus, aided by children from the audience. $18 - $28. Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center, 10550 Albion Rd. (Cross Street Bollinger Canyon Rd.) Located on the Dougherty Valley High School Campus. San Ramon. Information: www. sanramonperformingarts.com or 925-973-3343.
‘Ohana For The Holidays December 15 4pm. Yes, ‘Ohana means family! Celebrate the Holidays with your family! Come join us for an evening of hula, ori, music, chants and drumming. Our performers will entertain as they remind you of how important it is to remember your family and who you are. Who are your ancestors? Where did they come from? What are their values? What are the tasks they left for you to finish? How does your family support you? Where are you going? Our 100+
December 2019 performers and backstage crew are bursting with Holiday Joy and ready to share the Holiday Spirit of Polynesia. Mele Kalikimaka! $26 - $51. Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center, 10550 Albion Rd. (Cross Street Bollinger Canyon Rd.) Located on the Dougherty Valley High School Campus. San Ramon. Information: www. sanramonperformingarts.com or 925-973-3343.
BACT Performance: The Jungle Book December 16 - 22 The jungle is jumpin’ with a jazzy beat in Disney’s The Jungle Book KIDS. Specially adapted from the classic Disney animated film, Disney’s The Jungle Book KIDS features a host of colorful characters and your favorite songs from the movie. Banished by the ferocious tiger, Shere Khan, a human boy named Mowgli and his panther friend, Bagheera, are on the run in the deepest parts of the jungle. On their journey, the two meet a sinister snake named Kaa, a herd of elephants and a giant bear named Baloo, who teaches them the swingin’ musical rhythms of the jungle. $12. Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center, 10550 Albion Rd. (Cross Street Bollinger Canyon Rd.) Located on the Dougherty Valley High School Campus. San Ramon. Information: www. sanramonperformingarts.com or 925-973-3343.
Fa n t a s y Fo r u m A c t o r s Ensemble Presents: The Biggest Gift December 19 - 22 Wa l n u t C r e e k b a s e d Fa n t a s y F o r u m A c t o r s Ensemble is pleased to present this original tale, THE BIGGEST GIFT. Did you send your letter to Santa? Then why has he not received it? Join the fun and laughter as Tucker the elf and the toys set out to save Christmas. $14. Margaret Lesher Theatre, 1601 Civic
Drive, Walnut Creek. Tickets and information are available at 925-943-SHOW(7469), or via the web at www.leshercenter. org, or in person at the Lesher Center for the Arts Ticket Office located at 1601 Civic Drive Walnut Creek, CA 94596. Discounted Group Tickets are also available please contact Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble at 925-934-2133.
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
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Bollinger Canyon Rd.) Located on the Dougherty Valley High School Campus. San Ramon. Information: www. sanramonperformingarts.com or 925-973-3343. P re s c h o o l Pe r f o r m a n c e Series: Comedy Illusionist Brian Scott January 3 10am. Making little ones laugh, dance and sing along since 2009, the Town of Danville is pleased to continue this fun series featuring toplevel entertainers for preschoolaged children. The 50-minute performances capture their
imaginations and make lasting memories. This month’s performer is comedy illusionist B r i a n S c o t t . Pe r f o r m e rs subject to change.)$5. Village T h e a t r e, 2 3 3 F r o n t S t . , Danville. Information: www. villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400.
I Can Do That Theater Company Presents: Holiday Cabaret December 20 - 22 I Can Do That is a nonprofit youth theatre company dedicated to creating professional, full-scale musicals by combining quality training with imagination, freedom, and fun. We empower our students by providing a safe and nurturing environment for them to build confidence, creativity, and friendships through the art of live theatre. $20. Village Theatre, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: www.villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400. Dixieland Jazz December 21 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. San Ramon Symphonic Band Concert Winter Holiday Express December 22 7pm. This family-favorite concert will feature all of your most heart-warming Christmas and Holiday songs to get you feeling festive! Celebrate the Holidays with The San Ramon Symphonic Band with Holiday Cheer. Buy your tickets early so you don’t get left out in the cold for this popular musical event. $8 general. Youth 12 and Under and Students with ID are FREE. Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center, 10550 Albion Rd. (Cross Street
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ADMISSION OPEN HOUSES FOR FALL 2020 ENROLLMENT
Grades 6-8 January 11 1:00 pm Grades 9-12 January 12 1:00 pm To register for an Open House, please visit our Admission webpage and choose “Apply Now”
page 4
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
GLAZER from page 1
Glazer was instrumental in securing $5 million in the 2018-19 State Budget for improvements at Del Valle Regional Park in Livermore, including upgrades to the park’s aging water delivery system, which supplies water throughout the 4,395-acre park. Senator Glazer was presented with the award at a celebration in Sacramento in August. Del Valle Regional Park is one of three state parks managed by the Park District at its own cost, with no operational funding from the state. Opened in 1970, Del Valle serves three critical f u n c t i o n s o f re c re a t i o n , water storage, and flood protection. The full array of recreational opportunities includes swimming, fishing, hiking, picnicking, camping, boating, paddle boarding, and environmental education. “Senator Glazer is a great champion for the environment and parks in Sacramento,” said East Bay Regional Park District Board President Ayn Wieskamp, who represents the Livermore area on the Park District Board. “I am pleased that Senator Glazer has been recognized for his efforts with the 2019 Radke Championing Advocacy Award.”
Senator Glazer also introduced legislation in 2019 to ban smoking in state parks and beaches. The legislation has passed through both the Senate and the Assembly and was signed by the governor. The Park District prohibits smoking in its regional parks also. “We appreciate Senator G l a z e r ’s l e a d e rs h i p a n d advocacy in Sacramento,” said East Bay Regional Park District General Manager Robert Doyle. “We value our continued partnership working together to protect land for conservation and recreation.” The Radke Championing Advocacy award is named for late Park District Board Member Ted Radke who advanced state and federal support for park funding and strengthened the Park District’s ties in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. Radke served 36 years on the Park District Board of Directors and was the longestserving Board member in its 85-year history. The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and 1,250 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives more than 25 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.
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December 2019
valleysentinel.com
Alamo News Update Alamo Parks
By Steve Mick The play structure is quite popular and is planned to be updated sometime in 2020. Finally, a new security fence has been installed between There were a significant the children’s play area and n u m b e r o f c h a n g e s a n d Livorna Road. Hemme Station Park improvements to Alamo parks Located at the intersection over the past year. Alamo is now reasonably up-to-date of Hemme Avenue and Danville with park development. Plan Blvd, this park provides a to enjoy the many facilities in welcome rest stop for Iron Horse Trail users. The park the new year. property was purchased from Livorna Park The sand pit (volleyball the SRV Fire District. There court) at Livorna Park was were some environmental removed to make room for issues regarding the property the new bocce ball court. This that were addressed by the park amenity provides a venue county. The park offers picnic for friendly competitions for tables, several play structures Alamo people. Livorna Park and restroom facilities. Andrew H.Young Park is also the preferred location This one-acre community for summer concerts and park offers picnic tables Movies Under the Stars. These events are sponsored by the and serves as a pleasant Alamo Municipal Advisory environment in downtown Committee (MAC) and are Alamo. The park is the site organized by county staffers. of the annual Tree Lighting
Ceremony which kicks off the holiday season. Be sure to read the dedication plaque when you visit. Hap Magee Ranch Park Funding for maintenance and park upgrades is split 50-50 between the Town of Danville and the County. The source of county funding is through property taxes by way of County Service Area R-7. There are plans to significantly improve and renovate the children’s play area in 2020. If you have any suggestions or thoughts regarding Alamo Parks, you are invited to attend meetings of the Alamo MAC. More information is at alamore.org. Have a happy new year! 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
San Ramon Chamber of Commerce Honors Recipients of 35th Annual Business and Ramon Valley Unified School Community Awards District; Volunteer of the On December 4, The San Ramon Chamber presented six awards to Citizen of the Year, Business Person of the Year, Employee of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Educator of the Year, and Ambassador of the Year. “The Business and Community Awards event is an opportunity to thank and give appreciation to individuals who have made a significant difference and contribution in our community,” said San Ramon Chamber of Commerce President, Stewart Bambino.
The 2019 honorees are: Citizen of the Year Award Rachel Hurd, San Ramon Valley Unified School District School Board Member, Executive Director of Leadership San Ra m o n Va l l ey, a n d Pa s t President of the Dougherty Valley/San Ramon Valley Rotary Club; Business Person of the Year - Ann Lucena, CEO, San Ramon Regional Medical Center; Employee of the Year - Theresa Peterson, Associate Engineer, City of San Ramon; Educator of the Year - Jonathan Parks, San
Year - Norma Gonzalez, San Ramon Insurance Agency; Ambassador of the Year - Kim Falahati, Family Matters. The San Ramon Chamber of Commerce Business and Community Awards were presented at a dinner held at The Bridges Golf Club in San Ramon. Sponsors included Chevron, the City of San Ramon, San Ramon Regional M e d i c a l C e n t e r, B i s h o p Ranch / Sunset Development, Republic Services and Sunrise Villa San Ramon.
Money Tip for Students, December 2019 Students should learn about credit scores Students should be familiar with credit scores, according to KHEAA. Your credit score is a threedigit number that has a longlasting effect on your buying power. When you apply for credit, your credit score will be checked. The higher your credit score, the better the chances you will be approved. Although there are several scoring methods, the most widely accepted one comes from FICO. Your FICO score ranges from 300 to 850. These items make up your FICO score: • 35 percent is based on your payment history. Early payments will have a higher number than ontime payments, which will
have a higher score than late payments. • 30 percent is based on outstanding debt. This outstanding debt is how much you owe on car loans, mortgages, credit cards, etc. The number of credit cards you have and if those cards are near the maximum borrowing limit will hurt your score. • 15 percent is based on the length of time you have had credit. The longer you have been borrowing money and paying it back in a timely manner, the better your score. • 10 percent is based on new credit. If you have opened several new accounts, that will have a negative effect
on your score. Also, the more inquiries on your credit report in a year, the lower your score. • 10 percent is based on the types of credit you currently have. It helps to have a mix of loan types. If you have a credit card, an installment loan will even the credit out. KHEAA is a public, nonprofit agency established in 1966 to improve students’ access to college. It provides information about financial aid and financial literacy at no cost to students and parents. KHEAA also helps colleges manage their student loan default rates and verify information submitted on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To learn more about those services, visit www.kheaa.com.
valleysentinel.com
December 2019
Danville Honors the Community
Mayor’s Installation & Community Service Awards held On December 3, Danville residents attended the 38th annual Community Service awards ceremony and the new Mayor installation at the Danville’s Village Theatre on Front Street. Each year, the community gathers to honor individuals and organization who have made a difference in the Town of Danville. The San Ramon Valley High School choir entertained during a Meet and Greet with the Town Council and the awards program followed. T h e M ayo r a n d V i c e Mayor for 2020 were also selected. Karen Stepper will be Danville’s new Mayor for 2020. The Community Service Awa rd re c i p i e n t s a re a s follows: Town Volunteers of the Year • Dick Heron - Dick has led the charge in coordinating efforts to remove Arundo from San Ramon Creek over the years. He has rallied teams to volunteer to go into the creek to remove large amounts of the invasive species which will help prevent creek bank erosion and promote the growth of native species. • Geoff Gillette - Geoff has volunteered to host the
Trail Mixers hiking group since August of 2014. He has volunteered more than 360 hours of his weekend time, leading over 36 hikes and 650 hikers through local Bay Area trails, scouting out each hike ahead of the event. Geoff’s dedication to the program is the reason for its success. Service Awards • Four (4) Years of Service Elaine Betts Beverly Kumar • Sixteen (16) Years of Service Kent Rezowalli • Twenty (20) Years of Service Randy Haberl Awards of Merit • Robert McHale - For his leadership role in Boy Scouts of America and his participation and musical contribution to the annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony in Danville, and countless other scouting events. • Sharon Wilson - For expanding the senior walking programs and creating the Walk & Talk Group that meets at Osage Station Park. She has also been an essential part of the creation of the Senior Friday Lunch Program. • W h e e l c h a i r Foundation - For leading
an international effort to create awareness of the needs and abilities of people with physical disabilities and to deliver a wheelchair to every child, teen and adult in the world who needs, but cannot afford one. • L a z a r e x C a n c e r Foundation - For making lifesaving connections that give hope to patients now, and opportunities for new treatments for patients in the future, and providing assistance with costs for clinical trial participation to advanced stage cancer patients and the medically underserved. Michael K. Shimansky Community Service Award • E m m a C o c h r a n For her selfless dedication, volunteerism and serving as a role model for community service and a lifetime commitment to giving back to others. The Danville Award • Don and Joan Kurtz For creating the Tassajara One Room School Living History P ro g ra m a t t h e h i s t o r i c Tassajara Grammar School that over 47,000 third grade students from the San Ramon Valley have participated in since 1996.
HARRIER from page 1
Nearly all nesting records for the Northern Harrier in Contra Costa County come from the marshes of North County, or the open fields and grasslands of East County. M a l e N o r t h e r n H a r r i e rs are polygamous. Up to five females have been known to have mated with one male in a season. Northern Harriers are quite vocal, particularly during breeding season, which is usually May or June. Nests are built from sticks and twigs on the ground, or on a mound of dirt or vegetation. Grass, leaves, and feathers line the nest interior. Typically four to eight whitish eggs are laid. The eggs are incubated mostly by the female for about thirty-two days, as the male provides her, and eventually the chicks with food. The chicks fledge in about a month. Northern Harrier sexual maturity is reached in two years for females and three years for males.
The known longest lived Northern Harrier was sixteen and half years old, although most birds rarely reach eight years of age. Predators of eggs and nestlings include raccoons, skunks, badgers, foxes, crows, ravens, dogs, and owls. Great Horned Owls regularly prey on the f l e d g l i n g s. U n l i ke m a ny raptors, Northern Harriers have been favorably regarded by farmers because they hunt crop-damaging rodents. Heavy pesticide use in the 1970’s and 1980’s caused a decline in Northern Harrier populations. The Northern Harriers’ fondness for marshes, grasslands, wetlands, and open fields makes its longterm future in Contra Costa County questionable. Such habitat is diminishing rapidly. James M. Hale is a vertebrate zoologist, ethnobiologist, and ecological consultant based in Contra Costa County. Please visit his website at www.dochale.com
small mammals, namely vo l e s, ra t s, a n d g ro u n d squirrels. However, small birds are hunted frequently, particularly by the smaller, more maneuverable males. Sparrows, small shorebirds, and young waterfowl are preferred avian prey. Amphibians, reptiles, large insects, and even bats are occasionally consumed.
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Community Input We at The Valley Sentinel welcome comments and suggestions from the community at large. We love hearing from you! However, consideration is only given to those who provide their name, address and phone number. Two-way communication is essential for growth and understanding. Write us at P.O. Box 1309, Danville, 94526, email to drousset@valleysentinel.com, or call us at 925-820-6047. Thank you! —Denise Rousset, Publisher
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THE VALLEY SENTINEL
December 2019
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Founders Honored at Tilden Park By Beverly Lane, President, East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors
Way back in 1934, while our country was in the midst of the Great Depression, a group of farsighted community leaders banded together to advocate preservation of the East Bay’s beautiful open spaces in parklands for public enjoyment. As we know, their efforts were successful. Despite the economic constraints of the era, the grass-roots movement led to overwhelming voter approval to establish the East Bay Regional Park District. Starting with three parklands, Tilden, Temescal a n d S i b l ey, t h e d i s t r i c t has grown to comprise 73 regional parks throughout Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, totaling more than 125,000 acres with 1,250 miles of trails. It is the largest regional park agency in the nation. This year is the 85th a n n i ve rs a r y o f t h e Pa r k
District and the 50th of the Regional Parks Foundation, which supports it through fund-raising. Contra Costa County joined the District in 1964, so has its own 55th anniversary in 2019. To honor the founders a n d t h e i r a c h i eve m e n t s, the Park District hosted a reception on Nov. 6 in the Environmental Education C e n t e r a t T i l d e n N a t u re Area near Berkeley. Many of the founders’ descendants attended. The campaign to establish the Park District brought together a remarkable group of consequential people, who represented a broad spectrum of organizations and institutions. Participants were interconnected through affiliation with the University of California at Berkeley, the State of California, the National Park Service, East Bay city government, various hiking clubs, labor and civic organizations. Founders represented by descendants at the reception also included Samuel May, director of Cal’s Bureau of Public Administration, and Harold French, who started the Contra Costa Hills Club.
The composition of the District’s first board of directors gives an idea of the agency’s broad support. August Vollmer was a Cal professor and former Berkeley chief of police, renowned for his innovative c r i m e p reve n t i o n wo r k . Vollmer Peak has his name. T h o m a s ( To m m y ) Roberts was a labor union leader who worked tirelessly f o r t h e c a u s e. Ro b e r t s Regional Recreation Area in the Oakland Hills now bears his name. Leroy Goodrich was an attorney, port commissioner, and former Oakland city official. Major Charles L. Tilden (yes, that Tilden) was a war veteran and successful businessman involved in civic activities too numerous to mention. He purchased the first properties for District parklands. D r. A u r e l i a H e n r y Reinhardt was president of Mills College. She was an educator and peace activist who had earned a doctorate in literature from Yale University, a rarity among women of that era. She was also a leader in
Back row standing, left to right: Johanna Hall (Ansel Hall granddaughter) Maggie Hoffman (Ansel Hall granddaughter) Glenn Adams (Wes Adams nephew) Jamie Adams (Glenn’s wife) Paul Fadelli (Anga Bjornson grand-nephew) Carol Diamantine (Thomas Roberts grand-niece) Pat Kirscher (Thomas Roberts grand-niece) Eleanor Rasmussen (Samuel May granddaughter) Malcolm Sproul (Robert Gordon Sproul grandson) Matt Murphy (Samuel May great-grandson) Robert Sproul (Robert Gordon Sproul grandson) Parky May (Samuel May grandson)
Steven Graves son (John C. Merriam 2nd great-grandson) Christine May (Parky’s wife) Susan Graves (John C. Merriam great granddaughter) David Graves (Susan’s husband) Phyllis Zagone (Herbert Maier daughter) Inset: Anne Howard Morton w/ husband Lyle Morton (Jean Howard McDuffie grand-niece) Sitting, left to right: Roger Hall (Ansel Hall son) Peter Strebeigh (Charles Lee Tilden grandson) Kathleen Valerio (Thomas Roberts grand-niece) Sharon Bowers (George Reinhardt’s wife) George Reinhardt (Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt grandson) Seth Reinhardt (Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt great-grandson)
the California and national m ove m e n t f o r wo m a n ’s suffrage in the decade leading to 2020. The Park District Board of Directors
has voted unanimously to add her name to what is now Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt See FOUNDERS page 11
This Holiday Season There’s Even More to Be Thankful for in Danville.
Our Opportunity to Vote YES on More Open Space is Coming this March. 381 Acres of New Permanent Public Open Space
YES on Open Space permanently protects 93% of the currently privately-owned Magee Preserve property as new permanent public open space by placing it in a legally-binding scenic easement, ensuring the gateway to Mt. Diablo State Park is forever off-limits from future development.
Miles of New Trails
YES on Open Space adds miles of new trails to the East Bay Regional Park District, giving Danville families access to these breathtaking views for the first time and forever.
YESonOpenSpace.com
Unanimously Approved by the Danville Town Council and Strongly Supported by:
EAST BAY Regional Park District Ad paid for by Yes on Open Space, A Coalition of Danville Environmental and Community Leaders; Committee major funding from Davidon Homes
New Safer Options for Bikers and Walkers YES on Open Space provides land to the Town to fulfill their long-planned multi-purpose path along Diablo Road, creating a new, safer alternative for Danville cyclists and walkers to Mt. Diablo.
Holidays in the Valley valleysentinel.com
December 2019
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
page 7
We’ll help him find
the perfect gift Santa’s Busiest Night at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley The tradition continues with Christmas Memories at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley. This year we celebrate Santa’s Busiest Night. The museum will allow you to visit Santa’s North Pole Village as he gets ready for his busiest night, delivering toys to good boys and girls around the world. Watch the Polar Express train travel on its magical journey though a forest of trees. Santa and his sled will be there loaded with toys. Be quiet as you tiptoe past sleeping children with sugar plums dancing through their heads. View photos of iconic Christmas trees from around the world. A display of toys from the Toy Hall of Fame will also be there for your enjoyment.
Young and old alike can enjoy visiting the playhouse stocked with a variety of toys to play with. The playhouse is also a great photo opportunity. Don’t miss the return of the merry-go-round, Ferris wheel, and Father Christmas! There’s so much to see and enjoy. The exhibit is open now and will close on January 4. On Friday, November 29th after the Christmas tree lighting in Danville Santa made a special stop at the Museum. The Museum of the San Ramon Valley is located at 205 Railroad Ave. in Danville. Hours are Tuesday-Friday 1-4, Saturday 10-1,Sunday 12-3. Contact the museum at museumsrv.org or call 925-837-3750.
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Holidays in the Valley page 8
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Give the Gift of Composting! Compost Bins are Available for $35 Tax & shipping included
Turn yard waste and kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich compost with the easy-to-use Soilsaver Composter. Register for a FREE workshop online
Order today! www.recyclesmart.org Compost bins available to residents of Danville, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, San Ramon, Walnut Creek and unincorporated Central Contra Costa County. Sponsored by RecycleSmart. *As long as supplies last.
December 2019
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The Virtues of Shopping Locally Holiday Shoppers, go for it! Shopping in your own community can be a very pleasant experience for many reasons. Compare prices, follow-up service, selection and reliability, getting to know the people in your community, and having fun making the right choices. Some people may be lured to the advertised prices of internet or big box stores, but give it a second thought. No one on the Internet, or in a discount store will listen to you describe what you think you need and then help you find it…or suggest something similar or better—at the same price. There will not be a person you can go back to, if by chance it was not the perfect choice or perfect product. There is no feeling the merchandise, or taking it out of the package before you buy. Most importantly, the bargain price might just be the same as at a shop in your neighborhood or your Town. Advantages of local shops “Local businesses are built by the people who buy an ad in a school publication and
donate to schools”, walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce President Jay Hoyer said. “They donate to the Lions and Jaycee projects because they are part of the community.” As a practical matter, the sales tax generated from local purchases stays in the community to be used for parks and other amenities, making it a better place to live. “Some businesses such as a nursery, would have local plants,” Hoyer points out. “A local owner would also stand behind the quality and help the buyer with extra information to assure the plant would flourish.” Some of Northern California’s most talented artists, sculptors, ceramicists, jewelry designers and glass blowers live and work in the communities of San Ramon, Blackhawk, Danville, Alamo and Walnut Creek. A one-of-a-kind creation from a local artist is bound to be a cherished, memorable gift. Five Good Reasons to Shop Locally Support local arts by purchasing gifts such as paintings, sculpture, ceramics,
or jewelry from a hometown artist or gallery. Reduce fossil fuel emissions by not driving out of the area to shop, and by looking for products that are not shipped from afar. Contribute to your community indirectly by patronizing the local businesses that support schools, the arts, and local charities with donations of time, money and trade-offs. Save enough time for fun. Catch a movie, or eat out along the way. Find bargains. All the local shops have holiday specials, and special holiday merchandise. If you really like shopping online, check out the websites of local boutiques and businesses. Often there is a way to order ahead, or purchase and pick up your purchase at the store, or just check what they have in stock. By shopping in person or at the local merchants’ websites or locations, you are supporting your community, school programs and local nonprofits by supporting a vibrant downtown.
Celebrate the Holiday Season at City Center Bishop Ranch named after the beloved 1992 Every weekend, Saturday City Center Bishop Ranch has kicked off the 2019 holiday season with family-friendly events, including: • Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Skating Rink, Now – January 5, 2020: Visit the first and only outdoor ice rink in the Tri-Valley. The 4,100-square-foot ice rink is
Olympic gold medal winner in women’s figure skating and East Bay native, Kristi Yamaguchi, who will kick off the grand opening with a few words. • Selfies with Santa at City Center Bishop Ranch: Santa returns to City Center Bishop Ranch.
and Sunday, from now until December 22nd, guests will be able to take a selfie with Santa. Santa will be available between 1-6pm for visits and photos. Photos will not be provided, but visitors are welcome to bring their own cameras and take photos with Santa.
Hope Hospice Presents Free Grief Workshop for Anyone Coping With a Loss This Holiday Season Hope Hospice helps • Help participants
For people who have experienced the death of a loved one, the winter holiday season can be painful. Hope Hospice offers a free workshop to present healthy coping strategies to help those who are experiencing grief during the winter holiday season. The workshop is offered at no cost to anyone in the community. This is the second and final workshop for the year. Monday, December 9; 4:30–6 p.m. 6377 Clark Avenue, Suite 295, Dublin 94568. The workshop will: • Provide ways to manage grief at family gatherings and social events;
explore fear, anxiety, or strong emotions connected to the holiday season and the loss they may be feeling; • Explore exit strategies for unexpected grief bursts; • Provide practical ideas to help make holiday preparations less overwhelming; • Invite the exchange of ideas to memorialize lost loved ones at holiday gatherings; • Pr esent self-care techniques to help make the holidays more tolerable, even enjoyable. There is no cost to attend, but pre-registration is required and seating is limited. Please call our Grief Support Center to register: (925) 829-8770.
patients and their families live each day to the fullest by providing quality endof-life hospice care, home health care, grief support, and community education. As a community-led, non-profit organization, Hope Hospice offers services regardless of insurance, income status, or nation of origin or religion. Staff is available 24/7. Hope Hospice is accredited by the Joint Commission, licensed by the State of California Department of Health Services, and Medicare/MediCal certified. Learn more at HopeHospice.com or contact us at (925) 829-8770.
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This holiday season shop locally in Danville... December 2019
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
page 9
... go offline and have yourself a merry Small Town Christmas Cooler, fall days signal that unstoppable free fall into the holiday season. If a mild sense of panic is exposed as shopping days slide away from your calendar like autumn leaves, if Amazon and Google have been your nervous twitch response to gift buying recently or your pulse rate is already rising with your instinct to grab car keys and head out to join the jostling swarms at another soulless shopping mall, take a deep breath… Danville has all your gift solutions in a beautiful, small downtown setting, with shop owners ready to welcome you and assist with everything on your holiday shopping list. If it’s been a while since you took a stroll through Danville’s unique collection of stores and restaurants, start today, and enjoy the calm and free parking, and extended evening
hours at specific stores on Thursdays until the end of the year. With no packages to wait in for, no shipping fees, no mallfood courts-just a chance to really find something special and unique, and perhaps enjoy a sensational meal, coffee or glass of wine! All while supporting and sustaining the local businesses that give Danville its essence and distinguish it from so many larger, cookie-cutter, downtown destinations.
and more. Literally every dollar spent in our community versus outside our area or online is an important investment that contributes to why we love where we live.
When we spend our money offline, we feed our community–$68 of every $100 spent in a local, independently owned store stays in our community and is reinvested locally in ways that benefit each of us many times over. Investment in roads, litter collecting, workforce, business to business, community programming,
Exchange seasonal shopping stress for friendly and unique, and find your perfect gifts in Danville’s outstandingly tranquil, small-town location. This year, maybe leave the internet to just solving your turkey cooking-time dilemmas! For more information please visit www.livelocallydanville.com
Danville’s neighborhood business owners are passionate about their products. They will spend the time to make expert suggestions for your got-everything grandpa or your fashion-conscious niece, with price points for everyone’s budget.
Senior Living page 10
valleysentinel.com
December 2019
How Medicare can help you manage pain By Greg Dill
If you have Medicare, there are covered options to help you manage pain safely and effectively. Medicare covers prescription pain medications under Part D. In addition, Medicare Part B (medical insurance) helps pay for services that may help you manage your pain with less reliance on drugs, such as: • Physical therapy; • Occupational therapy; • Manual manipulation of the spine (when medically necessary); • Behavioral health services. Pa r t B h e l p s p ay for medically necessary outpatient physical therapy and outpatient occupational therapy. And Medicare no longer limits how much it pays for medically necessary outpatient therapy services in one calendar year, so
beneficiaries can get the number of visits they need. Medicare doesn’t cover other services or tests ordered by a chiropractor, including X-rays, massage therapy, and acupuncture. (If you think your chiropractor is billing Medicare for chiropractic services that aren’t covered, you can report suspected Medicare fraud at https:// www.medicare.gov/formshelp-resources/help-fightmedicare-fraud/how-reportmedicare-fraud.) Besides a yearly depression screen, Medicare can also cover behavioral health integration services like psychiatric collaborative c a re, a n d c h ro n i c a n d complex care management. I n p a t i e n t t re a t m e n t a n d professional services can be provided by physicians, clinical psychologists, clinical social workers, nurse practitioners/specialists, and physician assistants. Prescription opioids like hydrocodone and oxycodone can be used effectively to help relieve moderate-tosevere pain. Your doctor may
prescribe opioids following surgery or an injury, or for certain chronic health conditions. These medications are an important part of treatment but they carry serious risks. If you’re using opioids for chronic pain, ask your doctor if you might also need a prescription for naloxone, an overdose-reversing drug that is covered by Medicare. Before starting or while taking opioids, talk with your doctor about all of your pain treatment options. Your doctor should tailor treatment according to your personal needs. Some Medicare Part D drug plans have certain rules to help you use opioids safely. You can get more information on drug plan coverage rules at https://www.medicare. gov/drug-coverage-part-d/ what-medicare-part-d-drugplans-cover/drug-plancoverage-rules. If you’re in a Part D drug plan and take medications for different medical conditions, you may be eligible for a free Medication Therapy Management program. This
program helps you and your doctor make sure that your medications are working to improve your health. Fo r m o s t M e d i c a r e covered pain management services, you pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for visits to your doctor or other healthcare provider to diagnose or treat your condition. The Part B deductible ($185 in 2019) applies. If you get your services in a hospital outpatient clinic or hospital outpatient department, you may have to pay an additional copayment or coinsurance amount to the hospital. For more information on safe and effective pain management, visit: Medicare, at https://www. m e d i c a re. g ov / c ove ra g e /
Upcoming Family Caregiver Classes Nutrition for the Elderly
On December 14, 2019, Hope Hospice will offer a free presentation for family caregivers, “Healthful Meal Planning for the Elderly and Chronically Ill.” Registration is required, as seating is limited. Planning and preparing healthful meals for loved ones is one of the many challenges faced by family caregivers. Hope’s Registered Dietitian and Community H e a l t h E d u c a t o r Te r r y Stowell will share valuable information about caring for the nutritional needs of elderly and/or chronically ill adults, including: • I d e n t i f y i n g t h e obstacles to healthful eating • Avoiding deficiencies and nutrition-related disorders Providers: • A n d d i e t s f o r special conditions including Michael J. Tomcik, M.D. d e m e n t i a , d i a b e t e s, a n d Bettina Uwalaka, R.N. cancer. Michael J. Tomcik, MD WHERE & WHEN AdvAnced LAser Board Certified Dermatologist T h i s c l a s s w i l l t a k e Over 35 years experience skin cAre center 101 Park Place place at the Hope Hospice Medical Group, iNc. San Ramon office located at 6377 Clark 925-743-1488 Avenue, 2nd floor, in Dublin www.SanRamonDerm.com 94568. Free parking on site. Introducing UltherapyCoffee and light refreshments • Only FDA approved, a re s e r ve d a t 9 : 4 5 a . m . non-surgical procedure that focuses ultra soundand the class is in session to stimulate the growthfrom 10 a.m. to noon. An of new collagen optional caregiver support • Lifts and tightens the skin on neck,group convenes after class chin, and brow from 12:15 to 1:45 p.m.;
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pain-management or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, at https://www.hhs.gov/ opioids/prevention/painmanagement-options/index. html. U.S. Centers for Disease C o n t ro l a n d P reve n t i o n , at https://www.cdc.gov/ drugoverdose/patients/ options.html Administration for Community Living, at https://acl.gov/programs/ addressing-opioid-crisis Greg Dill is Medicare’s regional administrator for Arizona, California, Nevada, Hawaii, and the Pacific Territories. You can always get answers to your Medicare questions by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-6334227).
bring your own bag lunch if desired. COST Classes in Hope’s Family Caregiver Education Series are offered to the community for free, though donations to Hope Hospice are gratefully accepted and help us offset costs of running the program. REGISTER View the Series schedule and registration details at hopehospice.com/family or call (925) 829-8770. The complete schedule for 2020 is now posted and can be downloaded in PDF form at hopehospice.com/family. Since 1980, Hope Hospice has served the Tri-Valley and neighboring East Bay cities. Hope helps patients and their families live each day to the fullest by providing quality end-of-life hospice care, grief support, and community education. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Hope offers services regardless of insurance, income status, or nation of origin, or religion. Staff is available 24/7. Hope is accredited by the Joint Commission, licensed by the State of California Department of Health Services, and Medicare/MediCal certified. Learn more at HopeHospice.com or contact us at (925) 829-8770.
valleysentinel.com
December 2019 Sponsored Content
Legacy Planning for Grandparents By Robert Cucchiaro
One-third of Americans can’t name all of their grandparents according to a 2018 study commissioned by Ancestry.com. We work with clients of all ages, and the goals clients have tend to cluster by age group. Our clients in their 30s and 40s often want to know if they are making good financial decisions and saving enough for their kids’ college. Our clients in their 50s and 60s usually want to know if they are on track to retire (usually by a specific date they’ve picked) and if there are adjustments they should be making to their investment portfolios. By the time clients reach their 70s and 80s their goals usually switch from making sure they are ok to making sure their kids and grandkids are ok. Often times this is not just about passing along their wealth but usually their values around money as well. I recently met with a client who is in his mid-70s and has 4 grandchildren, all under the age of 15. He and his wife have been very successful financially and have already contributed quite a bit to their grandkids’
529 college savings accounts. But now he has decided he wants to do a little something extra special for each of his 4 grandkids. From now on, and for the rest of their lives, he wants each of his grandchildren to receive $3,000 from him on their birthday. While he is alive he will be around to hand them the check and see their delight as they envision all the wonderful things this money will buy. But he also recognizes that one day he will not be around and he wants these annual birthday gifts to continue. Believe it or not, this is not only a possibility but also can be done without a lot of administrative burden. The complex way to do this would be to set up a trust and appoint a successor trustee that would step in after the client dies. Said trustee would be responsible for managing the funds in this trust and doling out the $3K per year to each grandchild on their birthday. Presumably the grandkids would outlive the trustee so he/she would also need to name a successor trustee. The simple way to do this would be to buy a contract from an insurance company that pays out a 100% joint & survivor lifetime income. For as little as $100,000 any grandparent can ensure that their grandchild will receive a lifetime income stream. No
trustee, no trust tax return, no administrative burden. My 76 year old client plans to buy 4 of these, one for each of his grandkids. As an example, his 8 year old grandson will receive $3,591 each year on his birthday for the rest of his life, no matter how long he lives. Assuming he lives to 90 years old, that means grandpa’s $100K investment will yield cumulative payments of just under $300,000. I am willing to bet each of his grandkids will be able to name him and tell a little story about him as well. What he liked, what charities he cared about, what he thought about the right way to live life. If you would like us to assess your legacy plan and help you pass your wealth on to your heirs, 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. Visit us at www. summitwealthandretirement. com
submitted should feature middle and/or high school student(s) demonstrating and/or reflecting the theme in their submission. Entries are due Tuesday, December 18, 2019 at 4 p.m. (no exceptions). Students may work individually or in teams of up to four students. Finalist videos will be shown at a special awards ceremony held in February 2020. The top video entries, in each grade level, will be honored and awarded prizes in the following categories: Best Use of Special Effects/Animation, Best Plot/ Storyline, Best Editing. For the entry that wins in each category, each member of the production team will receive
page 11
and contributions of Roosevelt’s New Deal to the development of the regional parks. The formal program concluded with singing of “Happy Birthday” to the District and Foundation. Champagne and cake were served. E a s t B a y Re g i o n a l Park District has always depended upon the support and approval of the public that it serves. We will work hard to continue to deserve that support as the District and community move forward toward the next anniversaries. And remember: in celebration of the 85th, regional parks are free every Friday through the end of the year.
FOUNDERS from page 6
Redwood Regional Park in Oakland. During the reception I was honored to recount some of her achievements, recognize other woman park leaders from the past 85 years, and remind folks that 2020 is the centennial of American women winning the vote. Other speakers at the event were emcee Robert Doyle, Park District General Manager; Dave Zuckermann, I n t e r p r e t i v e Re c r e a t i o n S e r v i c e s M a n a g e r ; Pa r k District Planner Eddie Willis, and keynote speaker Gray Brechin, Project Scholar o f t h e L i v i n g N ew D e a l at Cal-Berkeley. Brechin discussed the connections
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San Ramon Valley Street Smarts Now Accepting Submissions for 15th Annual “Be Reel!” Video Contest for Middle and High School Students a $20 gift card. All remaining Do you know a middle or high school student who is interested in filmmaking, creating digital media, or acting? If so, the San Ramon Valley Street Smarts Annual Street Smarts “Be Reel!” Video Contest is for them! Students are invited to create 60-second public service announcement videos on this year’s traffi c safety theme: “Stay Alert and Don’t Get Hurt!” Prizes will be awarded separately for each grade level: Grades 6 – 8 and Grades 9 – 12. The contest offers students the opportunity to educate the community on traffic safety issues by creating public service a n n o u n c e m e n t s. V i d e o s
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
finalists will receive a gift card consolation prize. All finalist videos will be shown on Contra Costa Television and at school sites. Please view complete rules, required forms and more information at street-smarts.com/video contest. S T R E E T S M A RTS i s a traffic safety education program serving the San Ramon Valley. The program is a partnership between the San Ramon Valley Unified School District, the City of San Ramon, the Town of Danville, the County of Contra Costa, the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District, San Ramon Valley Council of PTAs and other Community Partners and Sponsors.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR December • December • December • December • December • December • December • December • For additional Community Events visit: www.ValleySentinel.com Please email information about your events to info@valleysentinel.com COMMUNITY EVENTS Now through January 5th European Model Train Exhibit 10am-5pm. Wed-Sun, and Mon. & Tues. when schools are closed A vast wonderland of operating Model Trains and European countryside will be on display this holiday season. Presented and co-sponsored by the European Train Enthusiasts (ETE) and the GFWC LUCKI Ladies Club. Visitors will see a wide selection of locomotives, freight and passenger cars from various European countries. Proceeds benefit The Crayon Initiative, a Danville based program that recycles unwanted crayons, and turns them into new crayons which are repackaged and donated to Children’s Hospitals nationwide. Blackhawk Plaza Shopping Center in Danville December 8 Christmas Open House at San Damiano Gift Shop 3-5pm. 710 Highland Drive, Danville 94526. For more information, call 925-847-9141 or visit www.sandamiano.org December 8 Jingle Jam: A Christmas party BIG enough for the whole family! 5-6:30pm. Join us for this Christmas family experience for kids of all ages! There will be music, games, prizes, a show, and loads of holiday fun! Come early and grab seats for this interactive Christmas experience. This event is taking place at San Ramon Valley High School in the Theater. This show is filled with interactive on stage games, live kid friendly Christmas music, opportunities to win prizes, and tons of laughter! Best of all, at Jingle Jam we will discover what it means to have joy! San Ramon Valley High School, 501 Danville Blvd., Danville. December 12 Holiday Hangout 4-5:30pm. Are the winter months giving you the blues? Can’t wait for the holidays but sick of watching movies inside? Then come on down to the community center for fun tween games and activities! We will have candy cane blindfold testing, marshmallow challenges, homemade crafts, minute to win it games, prizes and more! Refreshments will be served. Pre-registration is required-no walk-ins. Parents are welcome to stay and participate with their children. Valley Oak Room, 420 Front St., Danville. $10 R, $12 NR. December 13-14 2019 Holiday Home Tour 10am-4pm. Homes in Alamo, Blackhawk, Diablo & Danville. From Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek branch of AAUW: “Please join us this year on our fabulous Holiday Home Tour where we showcase beautiful festively decorated homes in the San Ramon Valley. “Your ticket of $40 will provide scholarships for women in our communities to advance their higher education and more. Tickets will be for sale at the East Bay Flower Company, 206 Sycamore Valley Rd. West, Danville from 9am-5pm M-Sat. December 13th - 24th Holiday Train Rides 12-3pm. Ride the Blackhawk Plaza Holiday Train! We are partnering with The Crayon Initiative, which is a Danville non-profit organization that recycles used crayons to create new crayons to donate to children’s hospitals throughout the Bay Area. Tickets are $1/each and proceeds will benefit The Crayon Initiative. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Train rides may be rescheduled due to rain. December 16 Gianni’s Tips for Change Dinner Benefitting San Damiano Retreat 5-8pm. Gianni’s Italian Bistro, 2065 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon, 925-820-6969 or www.giannissanramon.com/ December 31st New Year’s Eve 2020 Blackhawk Museum Doors open at 9pm. One of the Bay Area’s most luxurious and legendary venues, Blackhawk Museum is hosting its annual epic New Year’s Eve party. Join us on Tuesday, December 31st as we transform this magical venue into an evening of glitz and glamour. Experience a true sense of arrival where elegance, sophistication and big city style are layered in white and gold as we gather with friends, meet new ones and create lasting memories in celebration of the coming New Year. Play roulette, try your hand at blackjack or just dance and mingle with the Bay Area’s finest party-goers. Doors open at 9:00 PM with delicious mini buffet stations serving a variety of fabulous hors d’oeurves to start off the evening*. Then dance the night away. Blackhawk Museum, 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville 94506 ONGOING Collections for Men and Women in the War Zone Gourmet Junk Food: First Friday of the month at CVS in Alamo; Second Friday of the month at Lunardi’s in Danville; List of acceptable items available during collection times. Hours 11:30 to 1:30 Delta Nu Psi 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. For m ore information or to request this service, please call us at 925-933-0107 and ask to speak with our program director, Margaret Stauffer, LMFT. Hope Hospice seeking volunteers Hope Hospice is currently looking for individuals who are interested in volunteering to assist hospice patients and their families. Volunteer opportunities include; Home Care; Cosmetology; Healing Touch; Reiki; Massage Therapy; Vocalists. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, contact Jill Biggs, RN, at 925-829-8770. Volunteers Needed: Read to Preschoolers Volunteers are needed at childcare centers in Concord, Pittsburg, and West County. The Contra Costa County Library will supply books and resources. For more information, please contact Maureen Kilmurray at 925-927-3288. 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. 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. www.SanRamonFarmersMarket.org. Bishop Ranch 3, 2641 Camino Ramon, San Ramon. Canine Companions for Independence Puppy Class Every 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: 925973-3284 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 December 10 Buzz Session: Depression and the Elderly All Day. Depression is a common condition in the senior population. Join us for an educational interactive discussion. Learn some tips on how to handle low moods and how to get support from family and friends. Self help will also be discussed. Senior Center, 115 East Prospect Ave., Danville December 13 Senior Holiday Luncheon 12-1:30pm. Get into the holiday spirit at our Annual Party! Enjoy this wonderful event with friends while feasting on a delicious, catered hot lunch, fun holiday entertainment and a visit from Santa! Register today for this special holiday treat! Senior Center, 115 East Prospect Ave., Danville. $12 (R) $14 (NR) 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. Infor-
mation: 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: 925973-3250. 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 Notice: The Danville Area Chamber of Commerce helps businesses improve digital footprint In partnership with The Economic Development Committee and the Town of Danville, it is our goal to help every business in the Danville Area to improve their digital footprint and customer outreach. We are doing so by helping businesses get online and improve their online presence. This is a service and resource that we are offering for FREE to both members and non-members, so book your appointment today and bring your neighbor with you! Contact me, Zae Perrin: (925) 837-4400 or email: ceo@danvilleareachamber.com December 11 How To Buy A Building 9am-1pm. If you are looking to purchase, refinance, and/or construct a commercial building to expand your business, this workshop is for you! Contra Costa SBDC presents a team of experts from SBA, Commercial and financial advising who will address top questions to consider when purchasing, refinancing or constructing an owner-occupied commercial building. The discussion will include a review of the purchasing process, loan to value percentages, collateral options, and financing details. Seating is limited, register today! First-Citizens Bank , 101 Ygnacio Valley Rd. , Suite 425, Walnut Creek CA 94596. For more information call Preet Ahluwalia at (916) 234-6551. Free December 12 Annual Holiday Mixer 5:30-7pm. Come join the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce our last business mixer of the year! You can network with other businesses, meet the hosts and enjoy refreshments with this lively group. Great raffle prizes to be won! This mixer will take place at Hospice of the East Bay located at Heritage Bank of Commerce, 387 Diablo Rd., Danville. $5 members, Guests $10. Bring plenty of business cards! For more information call 925- 837-4400. December 13, 2019 Small Business Council Workshop - Kickoff to 2020- “Can you see clearly now?” 7:45-9am. The Danville Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to sponsor the Small Business Council with support from the Town. The goal of the Small Business Council is to be a valuable resource for our community by identifying the needs of, and solutions for, local business owners. To help support all businesses in the area the Small Business Council delivers a FREE Business Workshop on the 2nd Friday of every month. The theme of each workshop varies each month and is aligned with and timed to present what is most pertinent to most businesses during that time period based on seasonal changes. Community Hall, 400 Hartz Ave., Danville, 94526 For information call (925) 837-4400. December 16 Website Building Basics - Building And Publishing Your Own Website 9am-12pm. This inspiring and interactive workshop is suitable for any level of experience or ability and is designed to introduce you to building and publishing your very own website. Bring your laptop and learn: What is Wordpress; Setting up a Wordpress Website; Wordpress Themes, Plugins, Menus; How to create or edit pages;
Please email your calendar events to the Sentinel at Info@valleysentinel.com by 5pm on the 20th of the month preceding publication month. Inclusion in the calendar pages is at the sole discretion of Sentinel Newspapers, Inc.
valleysentinel.com
December 2019
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
Community Calendar continued from page 12 How to create or edit blogs articles; Security, Performance and Backup; How to get my Wordpress website found on the internet; Wordpress Maintenance; Secure a domain name and host; Build on a content management system (CMS) and make it mobile friendly; Get visitors to take action, build your email list/make it easy to contact you, Measure your traffic, Keep your website healthy and more! To be held at East Bay Works, 4071 Port Chicago Highway, Suite 250 Room B, Concord 94520. For more information call Oscar Dominguez at (925) 671-4570. Free. CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS December 10 Alamo Danville Newcomers Club Are you a new resident of Danville, Alamo, Blackhawk or Diablo, a longtime resident, newly retired or empty nester interested in making new friends and participating in various social activities? Check out all our club has to offer by visiting www.alamodanvillenewcomers.com. A “Welcome Wine & Cheese” will be held on December 10th from 6:30PM to 8:30PM. RSVP to alamodanvillenewcomers@gmail.com. December 14 California Writers Club: “Win-Win: Writers Helping Writers” 11am sign in, luncheon 12-12:45 pm. Sign-in starts at 11:00 am, Luncheon 12-12:45 pm. Speaker 1-2:00 pm. Registration is $25 for CWC members, $30 for guests. To reserve, go to the CWC Mt. Diablo website at : https://cwcmtdiablo.org/current-cwcmt-diablo-meeting Online, or to pay by cash or check, select “Pay at Door.” To use credit card or PayPal, select “Pay with PayPal.” Website, http://cwcmtdiablowriters.org. 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 LivermorePleasanton Rod and Gun Club, 4000 Dagnino Road, Livermore, CA 94551. Information: email Roger Perry at President@Tri-valleyflyfishers.org Da n v i l l e - Ala m o - Wa ln u t C r e e k 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. For information contact Marsha at (925) 351-8188 for more Visit daw-ca.aauw.net for meeting dates. Cancer workshops and support groups-Ongoing Most are FREE. Cancer Support Community, 3276 McNutt Avenue, Walnut Creek. Information / reservations call 925-933-0107 or visit www.cancersupportcommunity.net. Fibro? CFIDS? Chronic Pain? If these are familiar to you, call about the San Ramon Valley support group for people who need support, information, classes and friendship from people who know what it’s like. We like to laugh while getting well. Call 925-837-0510. Hope Hospice Grief Support Groups–Ongoing Hope Hospice provides support to help you understand and manage grief in a way that is healthy and appropriate. Our Grief Support Center is available to all community members at minimal or no cost. Information: visit www.HopeHospice.com or call 925-829-8770. Hospice of the East Bay Support groups and workshops for adults, children and teens experiencing grief after the death of a loved one. Classes will be offered at Hospice’s Administrative Offices: 3470 Buskirk Avenue; Pleasant Hill and the Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation: 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek. Preregistration is required for all groups and classes, except our drop-in group. To register, please call Hospice of the East Bay: (925) 887-5681. Information: www.hospiceeastbay.org
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 Camellia Room. The center is at 1540 Marchbanks Drive. Call 925947-1678 for directions. The business meeting is at 9:45am, socializing time is at 10am, and the program is at 11am. Contact Catherine Accardi at email caacat@comcast.net for more information. 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 925322-1160 by the preceding Wednesday. 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 Association. 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: The Compassionate Friends 7:30-9pm. The Compassionate Friends is a support group for parents who have experienced the death of a child of any age and no matter how long ago. Grandparents and older siblings are also welcome to attend. The meeting takes place on the 4th Tuesday of every month 7:30-9:00 pm at St. John Vianney Church, Mullen Commons Building, 1630 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. Please call 925 871-2604 for amore information. Senior Self-Help Clinic It is on the first Tuesday of every month at the Spinetta Family Law Center in Martinez on the first floor, room 144B, from 9-11AM. Drop-in clinic available to Contra Costa Seniors age 60 and older who do not have an attorney and who represent themselves in court.. For info email katie.kelly@ccsls.org. Contra Costa Senior Legal Services. 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 8:30 - 9:30am, meeting is 9:30 - 10:30am. We are a weight loss club. Information, please call Mary Stoneburner, at (925) 8371882 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 on the first floor at Realty One, 2355 San Ramon Valley Blvd., Danville. Information: 4160.toastmastersclubs.org. 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 -819-1809. Prostate Cancer Group 7:30–9pm. Meets 2nd Tuesday of the month. Drop-in prostate cancer group for men and their loved ones. San Ramon Regional Medical Center, South Building, West Day Room. 6001 Norris Canyon Road, San Ramon. Information: 925.933.0107 or www. twc-bayarea.org/community-programs. html. Wednesdays: American Legion Post 246 Meets First Wednesdays at 12:00 noon at The VMB building upstairs 400 Hartz Danville Diablo Dance Club 7-10pm Meets the last Wednesday of every month. Live music, refreshments. Members $10, Guests $15. All welcome. 111 Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. Come join us! 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 Mount Diablo Rose Society Meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month from September through June at 7:30 pm in the Community Room of the Dublin Public Library at 200 Civic Plaza, Dublin 94568. For more info, visit our website: https://www.mtdiablorosesociety.org or email secretary@ mtdiablorosesociety.org. 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. 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. Info: www.srvexchangeclub.org Alamo Rotary The Rotary Club of Alamo meets at 12:15 p.m. Every Wednesday at Round Hill Country Club, 3169 Round Hill Road, Alamo. Our correct e-mail address is: info@alamorotary.org Walnut Creek Host Lion’s Club 12:15pm. Meets the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Black Bear Diner, 700 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek. Information: walnutcreeklions. org. 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 925-7872565 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
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service activities supporting sons/ daughters serving in the military. Danville Veterans Memorial Building, 400 Hartz Ave. Information: bluestarmoms.org.
Rotary Club of San Ramon 11:45am. Meets every Thursday. Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville. Information: sanramonrotary.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.
San Ramon Valley Kiwanis Club Thursdays at Noon. Black Bear Diner, 807 Camino Ramon, Danville. www. kiwanis-srv.org
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. Danville Toastmasters Club #1785 7:30-9pm. Meets every Wednesday. Room W204 at Diablo Valley College,1690 Watermill Road, San Ramon. Information: danvilletoastmasters1785.com. 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. Tri-Valley Fly Fishers (TVFF) Visitors are welcome to join us for this fun-filled evening. Monthly meetings feature guest speakers who share their knowledge of the sport. Meetings are 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 The Danville Women’s Club 11am. Please join the Danville Women’s Club at 242 W. Linda Mesa Ave., Danville, for our monthly luncheon. Reservations required. Contact 925837-1165 to make your reservation. Lunch is free for first-timers, $8 for others. You’re welcome to stay for our meeting to learn more about us. 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.
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: 925-736-8627. Diablo Valley Lions Club 7:30pm. Meets the 1st, 3rd, and 4th Thursday of every month. 1400 Montego Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: diablovalleyca.lionwap.org. Fridays: Montelindo Garden Club (third Friday of every month, September through May) at 9 am, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 66 St. Stephens Drive, Orinda, CA. Everyone is welcome. Questions? Contact wconstantine@comcast.net. Or call 925-284-8193. Transitions-“Navigating Life’s Turning Points Together” 9-11:30am, starting 9/13. We are real women moving through real transitions in life. Registration is open year round and there’s always a welcoming seat. Community Presbyterian Church: 222 W. El Pintado Rd., Danville, Conference Room. Contact Diane at dianewood70@gmail.com, or Liz at elizabeth1728@yahoo.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. 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 – all Veterans welcome… stop for a few minutes - or stay for hours! Please, and it’s free! Parkin so n ’s Disease Su p p o rt Group 9am-12pm. Meets every 3rd Saturday. Join us to share, laugh, and learn from each other. Grace Presbyterian Church, 2100 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. Contact Gregg Riehl at 925-254-8349 or jgriehl@gmail.com. Free. All are welcome. Information: Howard Zalkin at 939-4210 or Ronnie Wanetick at 933-6357.
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
925-820-6047
P.O Box 130 Danville, CA 94526 www.valleysentinel.com
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THE VALLEY SENTINEL
AUTO March 2009 December 2019
2019 Range Rover Sport HSE P400e By David and Judy Colman
You have to love your ride if it projects a two foot wide spot light on unlit pavement at night to welcome you aboard. Not only that, but the illuminated circle on the ground features a silhouette outline of the Rover Sport. The only thing missing here is a recording of Hail to the Queen when you pop open the door. But then, this whole vehicle is a sort of fantasyland amalgamation of what’s possible these days in the upper crust of vehicles. And make no mistake, the P400e version of the Range Rover Sport HSE is about as upper crusty as a three tier wedding cake. Rover’s foray into what they term “the forefront of sustainable innovation” is a toe dipping exercise. The P400e combines a 2.0 liter, 4 cylinder supercharged gas engine with a 105kW electric
motor. The gas motor produces 294hp. When combined with the electric energy source, the P400e makes 398hp, which is enough to propel it from zero to 60MPH in 6.3 seconds. For an SUV as complex and all-terrain competent as this Rover, 0-60 in 6.3 is highly commendable. But if you seek to run on electric power alone, a full charge of the 48 volt battery will take you just 24 miles before a recharge is required. That’s 4 miles less than the range of the $595 Segway Kick Scooter we saw recently at Costco. Of course, if you have a short daily commute - with recharge facilities at either end - the P400e might be just the ticket. It can be recharged in just 2.75 hours with a dedicated wall box (32 amp AC charger). If you just plug it into a wall socket, a full charge requires 14 hours.
The first 24 miles of o u r f u l l y c h a rg e d P 4 0 0 e stewardship were majestically silent. The 5,255 pound Rover glided from point to point like a great white shark - unseen, u n h e a rd , a n d u n e a r t h l y. In fact, to promote safer e-travel, the P400e’s owner’s handbook even describes how to activate a noise generator designed to alert pedestrians to your unannounced advent. Once the ethereal electric phase ran out of juice, we spent the rest of our week enjoying this Range Rover Sport for everything else it does so well. Topping that list is its remarkable ability to ensconce you in ultra luxury. Everything about this vehicle, inside and out, constitutes a work of art. There’s no unfinished business here. The level of attention to detail in the instrument panel, the seat construction, the engine compartment,
and the rear storage areas exists in a world of its own. The byword here is solidity. Almost every component, from the trunk cover tie downs to the tailored luggage bag for the e-plug’s extension cord, is constructed from handsome materials designed to last for decades. We p a r t i c u l a r l y appreciated the sweeping view fore and aft from the “command driving position” Rover has established here. But when we first studied Rover’s pair of stacked 10 inch touch screens (Rover dubs them the Touch Pro Duo), we felt a bit like the jabbering ape confronting the obsidian slab in 2001 - A Space Odyssey. However, after a familiarization session, we grew to enjoy much of what this very advanced system of control has to offer. Although we never did figure out how to program our SiriusXM favorites into the system, we worked around the issue by
WHERE SOPHISTICATION MEETS SPORT. The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport HSE, a midsize luxury SUV with standard leather upholstery, ambient interior lighting, assistive safety features, all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Designed for drivers who prioritize upscale comfort and superior off-road capability. Stop by Cole European to learn more about the sophisticated, sporty features that come standard in the 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport HSE.
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valleysentinel.com pushing the Voice Command button on the steering wheel and verbally instructing Rover to select them for us. This worked just fine, and never required diverting our eyes from the road. Other interior niceties include plush ebony Windsor leather seats set off with contrasting piping, and an eminently sensible set of controls centered within the hub of the massive leather steering wheel. The test P400e included a $4,000 Driver Assist Pack that added adaptive cruise control with steering assist. Experimentation with this innovation proved what an asset such a driving aid can be. On a long, boring run up US 101, we let the Rover do most of the steering, braking and accelerating while we simply oversaw its action while maintaining a light touch on the steering wheel See RANGE ROVER page 15
valleysentinel.com
December 2019
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
page 15
Special Districts: The Local Agencies That Quietly Go About Their Business These special districts are By Candace Andersen. Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors
While most Americans are up to date on the news and events taking place in our nation’s capital, many pay little attention to the local agencies responsible for making decisions for their respective communities. While State Legislatures, County Supervisors, and City Councils may be relatively familiar entities to most political observers, Special Districts are often a relatively uncharted concept for some. So, what is a special district, and why are they worthy of our understanding? Special Districts, also k n ow n a s l o c a l s e r v i c e agencies, have a rich history that spans over a hundred years in our state. Simply put, Special Districts are specialists that provide crucial services. In total, there are 77 special districts in Contra Costa County. Of these, 42 are governed by locally elected boards and four have appointed boards, whereas 46 are independent special districts, which oversee district functions.
RANGE ROVER from page 14
rim. Ever vigilant, the Rover immediately noticed if we removed our hand entirely. Doing so caused a warning light to flash conspicuously, as well as an audible notification, reminding us to maintain hand contact when steering assist is engaged. This Rover rolled on sizeable 275/45R21 Pirelli P ZERO Scorpion tires mounted on optional 21” 5 split spoke style 5085 silver finish rims ($1,835). The Pirellis sported off-road tread well matched to the extensive portfolio of drive modes factored into the Rover’s computer. In addition to eco and comfort on-road choices, this Range Rover offers the following dream assortment of Terrain Re s p o n s e c h o i c e s v i a a simple twist of the mode selector dial on the console: Grass/Gravel/Snow; Mud &
Regardless of the type of special district, accountability and transparency are vital components for all of them. Special Districts are directly accountable to their voters through boards that are elected directly by the districts’ voters and ratepayers. Additionally, special districts must submit annual financial and compensation reports to the State Controller, and all meetings must be conducted under state open meeting laws. One might be surprised to learn of the wide array of purposes for which special districts exist, which includes: water, utilities, transit, sanitation, resource conservation, recreation and parks, reclamation and levee, mosquito and pest abatement, libraries, irrigation, healthcare, ports and harbors, fire protection, community services, cemeteries, and airports. In the district I represent, there are many special districts working tirelessly to make everyday life easier and safer for residents. Take, for instance, the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District, or “Central San.” Central San provides wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal services; recycled water production and distribution; and household hazardous waste collection. Central San serves nearly half a million residents and more
Ruts; Sand. There’s even an available Terrain Response II option which adds a Rock Crawl Mode. To put it quite simply, the Range Rover Sport HSE P400e is one of the few vehicles available today capable of doing what it does, and doing so in supreme comfort. At a base price of $79,000 and an all-in cost of $93,200, this Rangie is nothing short of a royal British travel bargain. 2019 Range Rover Sport HSE P400e Engine: 2.0 liter inline 4 supercharged + 105kW electric motor Horsepower: 398hp Torque: 472lb.-ft. Fuel Consumption: N/A Price as Tested: $93,200 Hypes: Elegant, Plush, Fast Gripes: Not Sold on the Touch Pro Duo Star Rating: 10 Stars out of 10
than 3,000 businesses within a 145-square-mile service area, in Alamo, Danville, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek; portions of Martinez and San Ramon; and unincorporated communities within central Contra Costa County. For fire, there are three d i f f e re n t f i re p ro t e c t i o n districts that serve various communities in District II: San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District, Contra Costa Fire P ro t e c t i o n D i s t r i c t , a n d Moraga-Orinda Fire Protection District. The San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District provides all-risk fire, rescue and emergency medical services to the communities of Alamo, Blackhawk, the Town of Danville, Diablo, the City of San Ramon, the southern area of Morgan Territory and the Tassajara Valley. SRVFPD’s service area encompasses approximately 155 square miles and serves a population of 186,000, while maintaining nine career fire stations and one volunteer-staffed station, an administrative office building and other supporting facilities. Contra Costa Fire Protection District, one of the largest fire protection districts in the state, serves portions of Walnut Creek and is governed by the Board of Supervisors. The Moraga-Orinda Fire Protection District (MOFD)
was formed 22 years ago as an integrated independent special district to serve Moraga and Orinda, as well as the unincorporated communities of Canyon and Bollinger Canyon. Both MOFD and SRVFPD had boards elected by voters. Cemeteries are certainly a necessity for any community. In my district there is the Alamo-Lafayette Cemetery District (ALCD), which provides cemetery operations and maintenance services to the Alamo Cemetery and Lafayette Cemetery, providing year-round cemetery maintenance and burial rights to some 162,696 residents in Lafayette, Danville, Alamo, Diablo, Blackhawk, Rossmoor, and portions of San Ramon and Walnut Creek. Another major special district in the County is the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD), which provides high-quality drinking water for 1.4 million customers in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. EBMUD operates under the direction of the Board and General Manager, with staff working 24/7 to serve residents of both East Bay Counties, including the cities of Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Danville, and portions of cities such as Hayward and San Ramon. In addition to drinking water, EBMUD provides sewage treatment services for 685,000 people in an 88-square-mile area (as of 2018).
just a few of the many that are essential to our cities, towns, and unincorporated c o m m u n i t i e s, a n d m a ke everyday life go on without incident through their expertise and services. For more information on special districts, and those that which serve you, visit the California Special Districts Association website at csda. net. For more background on special districts, visit, districtsmakethedifference. org. Contra Costa County residents interested in the topic of special districts a re e n c o u ra g e d t o v i s i t contracostasda.specialdistrict. org/get-to-know-a-district-inour-chapter, or attend one of their quarterly meetings. My office is here to serve the residents of Contra Costa County District 2, which includes San Ramon, Danville, Alamo, Walnut Creek, Saranap, Parkmead, Lafayette, Moraga, Canyon, and Orinda. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if we can provide you with additional information on this topic or on other County issues. I can be reached at SupervisorAndersen@bos. cccounty.us or 925-957-8860.
The Mustang Boys U10 Stallions finished off an undefeated league season in dramatic fashion with the championship victory at Dick King Memorial tournament. Congratulations to the players, the coaches (two high school Juniors), and the parents. Pictured kneeling from left to right: Jack Burke, Cole Gillman, Billy Estep, Sean Cook, Chris Bauer, Dan Cook. Standing left to right; Neel Gupta, Owen Chen, Alex Stuck, Head Coach Grant Summers, Coach Elio Martinez, Tommy Engle, Henry Chizever, and Hudson Halm.
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