Get Active! in your
Regional Parks
Alamo • Danville • Blackhawk • Diablo • San Ramon
VALLEY
Look inside for the latest Regional in Nature Activity Guide!
THE
SENTINEL always for the community VOl 19, nO 2
Look inside for this Activity Guide to
February 2014
EXPLORE your Regional Parks Swim Lessons and Day Camps Birdwatch by Kayak
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Celebrate with a Scottish Clan Participate in a Citizen Science Research Project
SPOTLIGHT
ROMP with a Naturalist ... plus more activities for everyone in Your Regional Parks!
Bridesmaids Walkers stop for a photo at the footbridge on the Iron Horse trail on their way to Alamo
“Bridesmaids” walk to raise funds for cancer research On a recent Saturday morning many Danville and Alamo residents may have noticed a brightly colored flock of chiffon clad women in billowing peach, pink, purple and more, making their way down the Iron Horse Trail. This flamboyant group was out raising money for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society and having a great time in the process. I caught up with a few of them to
ECRWSS
PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID DANVILLE, CA PERMIT NO. 70
See BRIDESMAIDS page 5
The science team from Dougherty Valley High School, San Ramon won the Sandia/CA Regional High School Science Bowl on January 25, 2014 . Left to right: Kathy Huang (coach), Augustine Chemparathy, Saranesh Prembabu, Wesley Wang, Bibhav Poudel, Rishi Krishnan, Rym Hannachi (coach.) See story on page 7.
Local Wood Duck population benefits from nest box program white belly is highlighted by a to recover throughout their
Postmaster: Dated Material
By James Hale
Sentinel Newspapers, Inc. 390 Diablo Road, Ste. 145 Danville, CA 94526 925-820-6047
The drake or male Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) is perhaps the most colorful of all the worlds waterfowl. The distinctive multicolored iridescent plumage and red eyes, with distinctive white flare down the neck and crested head are unique to the Wood Duck. It shares its genus with its old world counterpart and cousin, the Asian Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata), whose males plumage is equally bathed in a multicolored palette and exquisite pattern. Both species are favored by artists worldwide. The Wood Duck is a surface-feeding, medium- sized perching duck equipped with sharp claws for perching in trees. They nest in tree cavities or artificial nest boxes. As is common in most bird species, the female is more neutral in color. The buff to mouse-gray coloration and
large, white teardrop- shaped eye patch. Juveniles resemble the female, however are spotted below. Wood ducks are about three-quarters the length of adult Mallards, approximately 21 inches with a 29 inch wing span. The rising whistle call of the male, the drawn-out rising squeal of the female, and sharp alarm call of both sexes reveal the Wood Duck’s presence. Wood ducks prefer secluded wooded swamps, shallow lakes, marshes, ponds and creeks for breeding habitat. They usually nest in tree cavities close to water, although due to loss of habitat and natural nest sites, they have readily taken to nesting in artificial nest boxes in wetland locations, which has allowed their populations
range. The elevated nest site offers some protection from predators.The efforts of scouts and local conservationists in Contra Costa County’s wood duck nest box program have been highly successful at many reservoirs and creeks. Nestlings have fledged in many of the county’s watersheds and other cavity nesting species such as the Screech Owl have utilized the nest boxes to raise their young. Female Wood Ducks line their nests with feathers, cottonwood down, and other soft materials. Between 7 and 15 white-tan eggs are laid and incubated for about 30 days. After hatching, the precocious ducklings use their sharp claws to climb out of the nest and
This month’s Special Sections:
Kids Camps
page 7
Senior Services pages 8-9
jump down to make their way to water. Ducklings have jumped from 300 feet without injury. Nest sites are usually selected over water to provide a soft landing for the young, however some wood ducks have nested as far as 500 feet from shorelines. Hatchlings are able to swim and find their own food. Unfortunately, even with protection from the parents, many ducklings fall victim to predation. Wood Ducks feed See DUCKS page 6
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT dining out • music • art • theater • fun events
page 2
The Valley SenTinel
January 2014
twenty four by twenty four Now - February 22 The Village Theatre Art Gallery will be hosting the viewing o f a b s t ra c t p a i n t i n g s by Blackburn and Friends, sixteen
Bay Area artists, who used 24x24 square inch canvases to create the artwork. Village Theatre Art Gallery, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: 925- 314-3460.
dance of social politics. $33 - $39. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: www. centerrep.org or 925-943SHOW (7469).
New Neon: Light, Paint & Photography Now - February 23 To brighten our winter days, the Bedford welcomes New Neon. Taking its cue from the re-emerging popularity of this distinctly Californian medium, New Neon will examine the ways in which neon has been repurposed— in both painterly and sculptural practices—to reflect the cadence and drama of our media-saturated cultural landscape. 30 artists brighten up the gallery with neon works in sculpture, painting, and photography. $5 for General Admission, $3 for youth. Bedford Gallery at the Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. 925-2951417
Guys & Dolls 8:00 p.m. February 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 & March 1 7:00 p.m. February 13, 20, 27 2:00 p.m. February 15, 16, 22, 23 & March 1 Diablo Theatre Company presents the beloved musical comedy which centers on the romantic misadventures of four iconic Broadway characters. The Tony Awardwinning show, features music such as “Luck Be a Lady,” Adelaide’s Lament” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat.” Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. www.lesherartscenter. org.
You are invited to Monument Crisis Center’s Annual Gala benefiting at-risk families in Contra Costa County.
Heartfelt Gala 2014 “Hooray for Hollywood” Friday February 28th 2014 6:00-10:00pm
Blackhawk Museum 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle Danville, Ca
Dinner-Dancing-Live Entertainment Silent / Live Auction $100 per person Creative Cocktail Attire
For more information please visit
www.monumentcrisiscenter.org
Casa Real at Ruby Hill 410 Vineyard Avenue Pleasanton, CA Friday, March 7, 2014 6:30-11pm
valleysentinel.com
Clybourne Park Now - March 1, 2014 This play by Bruce Norris won the 2012 Tony Award for Best Play and the 2011 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. It demonstrates that home is where the heart - and history - is. Jokes fly and hidden agendas unfold as two vastly different generations of characters tip-toe the delicate
Dinner, Music, Dancing, Live & Silent Auctions and more! Tickets $105 per person
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Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf with the Fratello Marionettes Featured at Diablo Symphony Concert February 9 2pm. The Diablo Symphony will continue its 51st Season of Musical Stories in 2014 with Prokofiev’s beloved musical story of Peter and the Wolf, which is the central part of this family friendly program. It will be brought to life by the Fratello Marionettes and narrated by the wonderful bass, Gregory Stapp. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. www. lesherartscenter.org The Comedy Magic of Timothy James February 11 4-5pm. International award winning magician Timothy James is coming to Danville Library! Combining comedy and magic, this program is sure to transform into an unforgettable experience that will send your imagination running wild. Danville Library, 400 Front St., Danville. 925837-4889. Bobby Caldwell Valentine’s Day Concert February 14 8-10pm. As part of our ongoing Music at the Museum Concert Series, the Blackhawk Automotive Museum is proud to present Bobby Caldwell for a special Valentine’s Day show. Find tickets at www.blackhawkmuseum. myshopify.com. Blackhawk Auto Museum, 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville.
St Mary School Presents: Grease School Version February 15, 16, 17, 18 1pm, 2pm, 6pm. This fun musical has Head “greaser” Danny Zuko and new girl Sandy Dumbrowski trying to relive the high romance of their “Summer Nights” as the rest of the gang sings and dances its way through such songs as “Greased Lightnin’”, “It’s Raining on Prom Night”, recalling the music of Buddy Holly, Little Richard and Elvis Presley that became the soundtrack of a generation. $12. Village Theatre, 233 Front St., Danville. 925-820-1278
Dixieland Jazz February 15 1:30-4:30pm. The Friends of Jazz monthly Dance party/ Concert series continues at the Danville Grange Hall. The hall is at 743 Diablo Road, .7 miles east of I-680, has a large wooden dance floor, and plenty of free parking. Please BRING YOUR OWN REFRESHMENTS, SNACKS.For more information please call 510-655-6728 or visit www.jazznut.com. High School Acoustic Night February 21 7:30-9pm. Local bands will be sharing their music with the City of San Ramon for its annual acoustic night at the Front Row Theater. High School students with an ID from SRVUSD are encouraged to come watch the bands with friends. Front Row Theater, 17011 Bollinger Canyon Rd, San Ramon. srteen.org.
Mercy Watson to the Rescue February 22, 23; March 1, 2 11am*, 2pm, 4:30pm. This wild, comic adventure See A & E page 3
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT dining out • music • art • theater • fun events
valleysentinel.com A&E from page 2
is adapted from the hilarious series by Kate DiCamillo. When the Watsons move into their new home with their darling porcine wonder, Mercy, their neighbor, Eugenia, is appalled to discover that she is living next door to a pig. Front Row Theatre, 17011 Bollinger Canyon Road, San Ramon. 925-973-3343. *No 11am show on 2/22. Arts Enrichment Book Club February 26 4-5:30pm. Reading takes on exciting and different art forms with hands on activities and intereactive presentations. Experience art and literature by reading, discussing and doing an art project to coordinate with the book. For this session they will be reading The Giver by Lois Lowry and creating an art project. For middle school students; Registration required. Danville Library, 400 Front St., Danville. 925837-4889.
Under the Streetlamp February 28 8pm. Under the Streetlamp delivers an electrifying evening of classic hits from theAmerican Radio Songbook, bringing their unique blend of harmonies and dance moves to your favorite Doo-wop, Motown, and old time Rock & Roll hits. Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center, 10550 Albion Rd, San Ramon. Lady K and the Kings of Swing: Sinatra Retrospective March 1 From his first hit with Tommy Dorsey to his smash comeback in The Main Event, this is a look at the m u s i c a l c a re e r o f Fra n k Sinatra. Including a reprise of his seminal album, Sinatra at the Sands, A Man and His Music. $15 for adult, $5 for youth. Tickets can be purchased online at SanRamonPerformingArts. com, at the box office or at the door. DV Performing Arts Center,10550 Albion Rd, San Ramon.
January 2014 TVRT Presents-I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change! March 1-16 2pm, 8pm. This hilarious revue pays tribute to those who have loved and lost, and to those who have fallen on their face at the portal of romance. This performance is not recommended for younger audiences. $30. Village Theatre, 233 Front St., Danville. 925820-1278. Preschool Performance Series - Music by Octopretzel March 7 10 - 11 a m . B r i n g yo u r children to watch a performance by top-level preschool entertainers for $3. “Our music, comprised of original songs as well as tried and true traditional favorites, is whimsical and fun, and has an underlying sensitivity for nature, feelings and story,” Octopretzel said. “ Best described as folk music, it crosses generations and genres, weaving together styles such as bluegrass, rock and roll, lullabies and even nursery rhymes.” Village Theatre, 233 Front St., Danville. 925-8201278. First Friday Foreign Films Eat Drink Man Woman March 7 6:30pm. Experience cinematography at its finest and interesting themes every first Friday of the month at the Front Row Theater. Refreshments will be provided and the movie will be introduced by a local personality or film expert. Only ages 18 and up are permitted unless otherwise accompanied by a parent/ guardian. Tickets can be bought at the door for $9 or online at sanramonperformingarts. com, where you can also find more information regarding the event. Front Row Theater, 17011 Bollinger Canyon Road, San Ramon. 5th Annual Authors Unders the Stars Gala! March 8 6 : 3 0 - 11 : 4 5 p m . T h i s fundraising Gala celebrates Walnut Creek’s centennial year with artists, authors, and a theme of adventure. Event includes silent auction, reception and a gourmet dinner with twenty Bay Area authors. $225 per person. Tickets and more information available at www WCLibrary. org. Walnut Creek Library, 1644 N. Broadway, Walnut Creek.
The Valley SenTinel
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Shellie Awards honor local performing artists The 35th Annual Shellie Awards gala celebration honoring outstanding achievement in the performing arts in Central Contra Costa County was held Saturday, January 11th at the Lesher Center for the Arts. The black-tie event featured production numbers from each of the nominated musicals along with scenes from each of the nominated plays. Ken Bergmann conducted the Shellie Awards Orchestra and the MC’s for the evening were Jeff Collister, Jerry Motta, Kerri Shawn, and Michael White. Throughout the evening the audience was entertained with live and “remote” video broadcasts from backstage and other areas throughout the Center. The audience was also treated to videos reflecting on the rich 35 year history of the Shellie Awards, and at the end of the evening, an alumni photo was taken on stage of all winners, past and present, who were in attendance. Shellie Awards innovator, Scott Denison, says “The Shellie Awards were founded thirty five years ago in order to recognize outstanding achievement in the performing arts in Central Contra Costa. This is an evening to honor the nominees, as well as the winners.” Alumni from our theatre community expressed their best wishes via video messages sent from around the country that were played through the evening. Patterned after Broadway’s Tony awards, this year’s Shellie Awards honored over 100 individuals and their work in musical and non-musical theatrical productions, which took place between September 1, 2012 and August 31, 2013. The 9 regional companies participating were: Butterfield 8 Theatre Company, Center REPertory Company, Contra Costa Musical Theatre, Diablo Actors Ensemble, Diablo Theatre Company, Onstage Theatre, Pittsburg Community Theatre, Town Hall Theatre Company and The Vagabond Players. The custom designed porcelain Shellie statuettes were awarded to: Outstanding Production, Musical: “Singin’ in the Rain,” Diablo Theatre Company Outstanding Production, Play: “The Farnsworth Invention,” Town Hall Theatre Company Best Actress, Musical: Molly Bell, “Sweet Charity,” Center REPertory Company Best Actor, Musical: Keith Pinto, “Singin’ in the Rain,” Diablo Theatre Company Best Actress, Play: Jennifer Brown Peabody, “Spots of a Leopard,” Onstage Theatre Best Actor, Play: Ben Johnson, “The 39 Steps,” Center REPertory Company Best Direction, Musical: Dyan McBride, “Singin’ in the Rain,” Diablo Theatre Company Best Direction, Play: Mark Anderson Phillips, “The 39 Steps,” Center REPertory Company Best Supporting Actress, Musical: Pamela Hicks, “The Sound of Music,” Contra Costa Musical Theatre Best Supporting Actor, Musical: -TIE- Vince Perry, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” Contra Costa Musical Theatre and Ryan Drummond, “Singin’ In the Rain,” Diablo Theatre Company Best Supporting Actress, Play: Karen Leigh, “Going to the Chapel, (Off the Shelf and Onstage),” Onstage Theatre Best Supporting Actor, Play: Alex Schepers, “M*A*S*H,” Pittsburg Community Theatre Scenic Design, Musical: Kelly James Tighe, “Singin’ in the Rain,” Diablo Theatre Company Scenic Design, Play: Chris Hayes, “The Farnsworth Invention,” Town Hall Theatre Company Costumer, Musical: Carol Edlinger, “Singin’ in the Rain,” Diablo Theatre Company Costumer, Play: Liz Martin, “She Stoops to Conquer,” Butterfield 8 Theatre Company Lighting Design, Musical: Marcia Madeira, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” Contra Costa Musical Theatre Lighting Design, Play: Ronn Ton, “M*A*S*H,” Pittsburg Community Theatre Choreography: Jennifer Perry, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” Contra Costa Musical Theatre Music Direction: Sean Kana, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” Contra Costa Musical Theatre Outstanding Contribution Awards were presented to: Barry Gordon (presented by Center REPertory Company), Danny J. Boyle (presented by Contra Costa Musical Theatre), Mark Barry (presented by Onstage Theatre), Denise Altaffer (presented by Town Hall Theatre Company). Guest presenters for the evening included the presidents and artistic directors from each of the participating theatres along with Mayor Kristina Lawson from Walnut Creek, Mayor Tim Grayson from Concord, Vice Mayor David Hudson from San Ramon, Mayor Rob Schroder from Martinez, Mayor Robert Storer from Danville, Mayor Don Tatzin from Lafayette, and Scott MacCormac and Peggy White from the Diablo Regional Arts Association. All proceeds from ticket sales go towards the continued support of the Shellie Awards program and the participating performing arts companies. This year’s Shellie Awards were also underwritten by generous donations from the Diablo Regional Arts Association and the City of Walnut Creek. As the festivities concluded in the lobby with a champagne and dessert reception honoring the nominees and award winners, the date for the 36th Annual Shellie Awards was announced to be Saturday, January 17, 2015 at 7:30pm.
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The Valley Sentinel
February 2014 Advertorial
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Industry News: In a recent acquisition, Google has purchased Nest Labs, well known for their internet based thermostats. For those in the energy efficiency industry, this came as no surprise. A couple of years ago, Google became a third party financier of residential solar PV (electric) systems by supplying $75 million in loans to homeowners through a company called Clean Power Finance. Now, Google will profit not only as an energy financier but by helping home and business owners manage their energy usage. Their future product line is going to change the way we manage our energy use at home. An investor like Google, with deep pockets, has the money to spend on research and development. A “smart home” will result, and Google will make billions of dollars in the process. Google became a power supplier through their investments, now they are pining to be your energy manager. Most thermostats can be programmed to pre-cool the house during the summer before the daily “peak” period costs kick in, Nest Labs has
The Danville Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting applications for:
Citizen of the Year Business of the Year Employee of the Year Charitable Organization of the Year If you want to nominate an individual or organization, please submit your nomination by Saturday, March 1 to the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce, 117 E Town & Country Drive, Danville 94526, or you can email to ceo@danvilleareachamber.com. Please include the nominee’s name, address, phone and email and a brief description in your own words, why they qualify for the award. Be sure and include your contact information should we need to contact you. The Awards will be presented at the State of the Town/Community Awards Luncheon Thursday, March 27 Crow Canyon Country Club. The award winners will be contacted 10 days before the event and will be our guest at the luncheon. For more information, please call Shelby McNamara, President, Danville Area Chamber of Commerce at (925) 837-4400.
taken this technology one step further. Managing energy at a home from a distance allows greater efficiency gains (read savings). Electric cars are “smart” and are able to be programmed to charge during periods of low cost “off peak” electricity rates. This is only the tip of the iceberg. Combined with a solar PV system, this type of smart energy management allows solar systems to generate maximum credits during peak and part peak electric hours, reducing annual bills even further (read making money). Why should my son’s or daughter’s lava lamp run continuously when their room or the home is unoccupied? Someone at Google put two and two together. If you are the owner of a swimming pool, you’re the owner of a piece of equipment that must have its energy use managed properly. If your pool pump is old, or programmed improperly, or both, you’re throwing money away every day by buying more than twice the amount of electricity you need to manage your pools cleanliness and circulation. To d a y ’ s t e c h n o l o g y allows you to send me photos of your pool pumps and their data plates via text or email almost instantaneously. A virtual assessment results and a determination can be quickly made whether you’re spending your retirement savings on unnecessary electric use. As a solar, roofing and energy efficiency company, our goals are to ensure that a properly sized solar system is designed and installed on a leak free roof. Leveraging energy efficiency management at home has an impact on solar system design and installation. During the design phase of a solar PV system it is absolutely necessary to find the items in the home or business that consume excess electricity. Ignoring these culprits will increase the likelihood of a sale of a larger solar PV system, but it is an approach, in my opinion, that is contrary to what should be encouraged: All around efficiency which benefits the customer, and integrity in the business process which ultimately benefits the business. Adherence to this approach ensures that the potential customer is informed about the efficiency measures that will result in a solar PV
system of smaller size and thereby lesser initial cost. This approach will create best value, and lowest long term cost of ownership. When coupled with an installation approach which utilizes appropriately trained install teams and products which have historically performed reliably in the field, the result will be a no or low maintenance solar PV system with maximized financial returns: Profits, not just savings. Saving money with energy efficiency improvements and solar PV is a bit of a misnomer; making money is really what results. An 1113% return on investment is about average. The average residential solar system will pay for itself eight to ten times over and save hundreds of thousands of dollars in monies not paid to PGE. With above average energy management efforts, the returns will be even higher. Many of the finance professionals that make up our clientele ask about how ROI is calculated. Historic electric usage, a discount rate of 3.5%, the average annualized historical PGE rate increase of 6.7% per year and a solar PV system design based ONLY on the National Renewable Energy Labs calculators which determine annual solar kWh production. The old adage “You have to spend money to make money” is particularly true with an investment in a solar energy system and energy efficiency. Someone is going to make money as your energy provider, be it PGE, Google, or yourself. Like Google, you’ll make the greatest profit if you produce and manage your own energy. Mark Becker is the President of GoSimpleSolar, by Semper Fidelis Construction Inc, a Danville based Solar Installation Firm (License 9 4 8 71 5 ) . M a r k c a n b e reached at 925.915.9252. Visit GoSimpleSolar’s website at www.GoSimpleSolar.com, or email Mark@GoSimpleSolar. com. Please Visit GoSimpleSolar’s s h o w r o o m a t 10 0 R a i l r o a d Av e u n e , Suite B in Danville (behind Pete’s Brass Rail Restaurant on H a r t z Av e n u e ) o r www.GoSimpleSolar. com, or email Mark@ GoSimpleSolar.com.
valleysentinel.com
February 2014 Advertorial
Shedding light on Natural Pain Relief By Dr. Niele Maimone, DC
They can repair your vision with just one treatment and measure the distance from the Earth to the moon within a millimeter. They are in supermarket scanners and compact disc players. What are they? Lasers. Theorized by Albert Einstein in 1917 and invented in 1960, lasers have proven to be a versatile high-tech solution to many of life’s problems. Today, more and more people are learning that therapeutic doses of laser light can also relieve pain and expedite healing for a wide range of health complaints. What is laser therapy for pain relief? Laser therapy is the application of low levels of laser light to areas of the body that have been injured or damaged. Contrasted with high-powered lasers used in health care that cut tissue, such as surgical lasers, therapy lasers produce beneficial chemical
and biological interactions that can help relieve pain and repair injured/damaged tissue. How long have lasers been used by health care providers? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave market clearance to the first therapy laser in 2002. Since then, progressive chiropractors, osteopaths, medical doctors and other have been offering laser therapy to their patients in increasing numbers. How do lasers work? The laser light penetrates through your skin and is absorbed by special receptors on your body’s cells called c h ro m o p h o re s. J u s t a s photosynthesis creates energy for plants, the absorption of the laser light by your cells causes increased production of cellular energy. In areas of injury or damage, this means there is more energy available to improve the rate and quality of healing. Studies on tissue cultures reveal a wide range of beneficial physiological effects, including increased
levels of endorphins, reduced levels of harmful compounds including C-reactive protein and increased rate and quality of tissue healing. That means relief from acute and chronic pain, reduced inflammation and muscle spasms, improved range of motion and restored function. Patients suffering from headaches, neck pain, carpal tunnel, low back pain, sports injuries, post-surgical pain and more have been helped with laser therapy. How long does it take to work? Some patients notice improvement after the very first treatment session; with others it may take a few treatments. The effect of laser therapy is cumulative, meaning that each successive treatment builds on previous ones. What does a treatment feel like? With very low-powered therapy lasers, you feel nothing at all. Higher-powered (Class IV) therapy lasers produce a mild, soothing, warm feeling. Laser therapy is a painless treatment.
The Valley Sentinel Are there any side effects? Some patients may experience soreness in the area of treatment, as toxins are released and blood flow is restored. World experts on laser therapy have commented that therapeutic lasers have no undesirable side effects in the
hands of a qualified therapist. For more information about how laser therapy may be helpful to you contact Align Healing Center to set-up a free consultation with Dr. Niele Maimone (925)3628283. Visit us on the web at AlignHealingCenter.com.
BRIDESMAIDS from page 1
been able to go to go all the way to San Francisco. “It was such a fun day, and the downtown businesses who sponsored us were fantastic,” said Shelly, “I am very grateful and would love to thank all of the sponsors and friends who helped make this first time effort a success.” Sponsors included Tower Grill, Jerol Salon and Spa, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Norm’s Place, and Elliott’s Bar. In all for this first effort the group of 25 participants raised $675 for cancer research. Certainly, seeing these women walking at a very brisk pace down the Iron Horse Trail was a site to remember. We wish them well and hope they keep up the good work.
grab a photo and enjoy their smiles. This was the Bridesmaid’s walk, a 6.2 mile round trip trek between Elliot’s Bar in Danville and Starbucks in Alamo. Shellie David, Danville resident and member of Team in Training for the last four years is preparing for the New York Marathon where she will be part of the Walk-Race Team on November 2 this year. She is an avid fundraiser and started this walk event based on her coach’s Bridesmaids Walk that took place in San Francisco. She decided there should be a local one as her friends and associates who were interested in participating may not have
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Advertorial
Life after Breast Cancer Dr. Shoba Kankipati
Many women look forward to the completion of their breast cancer treatment and getting on with their life. However for some the end of treatment can be a confusing or stressful time. They may feel nervous or upset at the thought of no longer regularly seeing members of their health care team and worry about what the future holds for them. A common complaint of survivors is the apparent belief of those around them that, once the last treatment is over, the cancer is over. For example family and friends may expect a return to full family and work responsibilities and not appreciate the lingering effects of fatigue. This is why it is important that family and friends be educated about the realities of breast cancer survivorship. A s m o re wo m e n a re surviving breast cancer, common complaints include fatigue and low energy past their chemotherapy and radiation. Muscle aches, stiffness, joint pain sometimes delayed side effects of chemotherapy or ongoing side effects of hormonal
treatment can be interpreted as a fear of cancer recurrence. The term Chemo Brain is one I hear often. Many women experience a general blunting of mental acuity, certain fuzziness with quantitative thinking, and trouble with memory. These changes usually improve over time, and reassuring woman of this is important. Women may also be unhappy with their changed bodies and feel aged after treatment. Hair changes, weight gain, skin changes and scars from surgery can all be emotionally overwhelming. Early menopause and sexual changes are equally distressing. Hot flashes, mood swings, and decreased libido are important issues to address with your physician. Between 5% to 33% of women who have had breast surgery may develop lymphedema months or years later. Physicians need to educate their patients the ways to minimize complications of lymphedema, and encourage them to visit lymphedema clinics. The key to ease the above issues of breast cancer survivorship is support and time.
Survivors can also find comfort in speaking to their doctors. A consult with a psychologist is another option. I also deeply believe and encourage women to join a support group. The challenge of survivorship is the searing recognition of mortality that changes everything, but time does heal and knowing you are not alone makes it a little easier. Dr. Kankipati is a board certified Medical Oncologist and Hematologist with Epic Care, www.epic-care.com. Helpful Resources The Association of Oncology Social Work can make referrals to an experienced oncology social worker for psychological support services. Telephone (847) 375-4721 www.aosw.org The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. (800) I’M AWARE (462-9273) The National Alliance of Breast Cancer Foundations (NABCO) is a resource for information and materials including an extensive resource list (888)80-NABCO www. nabco.org The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) (877) 622-7937 www.cansearch.org
page 5
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page 6
The Valley SenTinel
February 2014
February in the Contra Costa Garden Provided by the Contra Costa Master Gardeners
General Garden Care Re m ove m o s s f ro m p a t h ways : U s e hyd ra t e d lime. Note that lime will raise the soil pH if it runs off pathways. Remove winter weeds and the early summer weeds that are just germinating. Clean clay pots—wash in soapy water with a wire
brush; dry thoroughly, rub with linseed oil. May take two coats. Set out one or two ground wasp (yellowjacket) bait stations to attract queens and early scouts. This will radically reduce the number of nests in your area. Fruits & Vegetables Spray for Peach Leaf Curl
before bud break (when buds start to show a little color). Harvest citrus. Do not prune back freeze damaged citrus wood until late spring. Ad d c o m p o s t , i f t h e weather is dry enough, to your summer vegetable beds to prepare them for planting in a month or so.
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valleysentinel.com Start tomato, eggplant, onion, parsley and pepper seeds indoors this month, using bottom heat for best germination. Flowers & Landscaping Finish pruning roses by the middle of the month. Spray with dormant oil to control pests. Finish dormant season pruning you started last month. Prune fuchsias at the end of the month. Apply dormant oil on deciduous trees to control aphids, mites, scale and some caterpillars. Pick up all spent Camellia b l o s s o m s t o re d u c e t h e incidence of Botrytis blight and petal blight. Plant Gladiolus bulbs.
Master Gardeners are trained volunteers for the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE). They are residents of local communities who have an active interest in horticulture, have taken the Master Gardener training offered by the UCCE, and now share their knowledge with other members of that community. They provide University of California researchbased horticultural information to the citizens of California through their volunteer efforts as Master Gardeners. It is the acquisition of knowledge, the skill in gardening, and giving back to the community that distinguishes a Master Gardener from other gardeners. For more information visit ccmg.ucdavis.edu.
DUCKS from page 1
from much of their former range by the 20th century. The Federal Migratory Bird Act, protection of habitat, and regulated hunting allowed the populations to rebound by 1920. A sighting of about 500 Wood Ducks at San Pablo reservoir on November 29, 1952 was the largest number ever recorded in the county. The Wood Duck remains the second most commonly hunted duck in North America, after the mallard. James M. Hale is a wildlife biologist and Vice Chair of the Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Committee.
by dabbling for duckweed and aquatic plants and seeking berries, acorns, seeds, insects and invertebrates by walking on land. About 75% of Wood Ducks in the Pacific Flyway are nonmigratory. The population of the Wood Duck was in serious decline due to severe habitat loss and market hunting both for meat and their attractive plumage for the European ladies’ hat market in the late 19th century. As many as 100 could be shot in a single day in the Sacramento Valley. Wood ducks had disappeared
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Kids Camps valleysentinel.com
February 2014
Summer camps offer multiple benefits By Staff Writer
It may still be winter but that doesn’t mean it’s too early to start planning your child’s summer vacation. Summer camps are celebrated for helping children gain independence and confidence, make new friends and learn valuable life skills. In addition, children can get fit by participating in sport camps, get creative at art camp or get a head start on the next school year at a math or science camp. The best part? Danville hosts a wide variety of camps, both day and overnight, so there’s something for every child, no matter their interests. On the fence about sending your child to camp? According to the American Camp Association, “Ninety-six percent of campers say that ‘camp helped me make new friends,’ and 92 percent say, ‘Camp helped me feel good about myself.’ Seventy percent of camp parents say, ‘My child gained self-confidence at camp.’” The words “summer camp” often bring to mind images of wilderness, campfires and overnights but the truth is, that’s only one of the many experiences summer camp has to offer. Day camps are sometimes more convenient for families than the typical overnight camp and they offer many of the same benefits as overnight camps.
“With so much similarity of structure and experience, traditional day camps share many of the benefits of the monolithic stereotype of ‘summer camp,’” according to acacamps.org. Children don’t have to stay overnight to garner all of the benefits of going to camp. In a camp setting, they learn to make friends with children they may not see on a daily, weekly or even monthly basis and this practice helps them gain selfconfidence. “Skills develop throughout camp, both in physical things like swimming, horseback riding, and art and social/ emotional things like teamwork, creativity, and self-confidence. Then, at the end of each day, a fleet of buses rolls out of camp, returning campers to their families,” according to acacamps.com. In addition to the above, children can use day camps to practice their favorite activities or try new activities. If your child is a fan of baseball, they may enjoy a baseball camp – but think outside of the box; they may also enjoy a sports camp that spends time focusing on multiple sports. The town of Danville offers a variety of day camps that fall under two major categories – traditional day camp or enrichment camp. “Traditional day camps include full- and half-day day
camps with activities planned around a central theme by trained Town staff. Each camper belongs to a group of 6-8, which rotates through activities throughout the day, such as arts, crafts, outdoor games, playground time, sports, free play, etc. Some camps include an off-site, Town staffsupervised field trip,” according to the town’s website. Alternatively, “enrichment camps are classes held on specific subjects [that] are generally offered in a Monday through Friday format. These ‘camps’ may be anywhere from 1 to 6 hours per day, depending on the subject and camper age range,” according to the website. Topics include foreign language, sports, science, arts and crafts, cooking, performing arts and more. Day camps are available for children in all age groups with a variety of interests. A full schedule is available online. In addition to the camps offered through the town, many other camp groups offer day camps in Danville. Camp Galileo, with camps across California, offers seven sessions for children of all ages in Danville for summer 2014. A full schedule of available camps, as well as information on pricing, is available at http://www. galileo-camps.com/camp-galileo/ location/danville.
Graduates: Create Your Own Job By Ron McGowan
T h e b i g g e s t m i s t a ke graduates make in their search for employment is putting all their eggs in the traditional job basket. They assume that someone will offer them a job, and when that doesn’t happen, they end up unemployed, or underemployed. In these uncertain times, even if an employer is interested in you, it doesn’t follow that they will offer you a job. That’s especially true for small businesses, where most of the opportunities are. Here’s how to succeed in today’s workplace: • Learn how to operate as freelancers or contractors. It’s not enough to be willing to do this; you have to learn how to do it effectively. • Learn how to find hidden employment opportunities. The majority
of employment opportunities today are never advertised. • Learn how to market yourself effectively. Most graduates are clueless about this. The good news is anyone can learn how to do it; it’s mostly common sense. • Understand the role of the Internet and Social Media tools in finding employment opportunities and in creating an online presence that will attract employers and recruiters. • Create a LinkedIn account. Spend as much time doing this as you would creating your resume/CV. In today’s world, it’s just as important. For graduates who are interested in starting a small business, thanks to the Internet and modern communications tools, it’s easier to do this
than it ever has been. Today, you can operate a business from your Smartphone and it doesn’t matter if you’re doing it from your living room, or your local Starbucks. So graduates; stop shortchanging yourselves by settling for low paying jobs in the service sector, or unpaid internships. Millions of your peers around the world are finding paid employment in their field and you can too. Believe in yourself and refuse to accept anything less. Ron McGowan is the author of the international bestseller “How to Find WORK – In the 21st Century”, currently in use at hundreds of colleges and universities worldwide. The sixth edition is now available from Thames River Press. www.howtofindwork.ca
The Valley SenTinel
page 7
Dougherty Valley student Science Bowl team will head to national finals students for advancing to U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz today announced that a team of students from Dougherty Valley high school in San Ramon were among 11 teams of middle and high school students who won their regional competitions for the 2014 National Science Bowl and are advancing to the National Finals in Washington, D.C., in April. “The National Science Bowl challenges students to excel and heightens their interest in fields vital to America’s continued scientific advancement,” Energy Secretary Moniz said. “Congratulations to these
the National Finals. I wish them the best of luck in the competition.” The National Science Bowl brings together thousands of middle and high school students from across the country to compete in a fast-paced question-and-answer format where they solve technical problems and answer questions on a range of science disciplines including biology, chemistry, Earth and space science, physics and math. The regional competition was at Las Positas College and sponsored by Sandia National Labs.
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The Valley SenTinel
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By David Sayen
Some people may not realize it, but there are actually two ways to get Medicare benefits. T h e b e s t - k n ow n way is Original Medicare. With Original Medicare, you can choose any doctor, hospital, or other healthcare provider you want, as long as they accept Medicare. When you receive medical services or goods, Medicare pays the provider directly. The other way is Medicare Advantage, which is a form of managed care, like an HMO or PPO. Medicare Advantage is provided by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. If you’re in Medicare Advantage, you generally must go to doctors and other providers in the company’s network. If you go outside the network, you may have to pay more. On the other hand, Medicare Advantage companies may offer some coverage – such as dental, hearing, vision, and wellness programs – that Original Medicare doesn’t. Most people with Original Medicare pay a monthly premium. If you’re in Medicare Advantage, you sometimes pay an additional monthly premium to the private insurance company that covers you.
I promised my mom that, when the time came, I would take care of her at home. You helped me do that.
With Original Medicare, you must pay deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. To cover these “gaps” in Medicare, some people buy a type of supplemental insurance called Medigap. If you have a Medigap policy, Medicare pays its share of the covered costs, and then your Medigap policy pays its share. Medigap policies also are sold through private companies. All plans offer the same basic benefits but some offer additional benefits. The costs vary between insurance companies – and often cost is the only difference between policies. Some Medigap policies also offer benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t, such as medical care when you travel outside the United States. Original Medicare generally doesn’t cover prescription drugs. If you want drug coverage, you can get it through Medicare Part D. Part D policies are sold through private companies approved by Medicare. You have to pay an additional monthly premium for Part D. A b o u t 7 5 p e rc e n t o f Medicare beneficiaries choose Original Medicare, with the rest getting coverage through Medicare Advantage. M e d i c a r e Ad v a n t a g e companies must cover all of the services that Original Medicare covers, except hospice care and some care in qualifying clinical research studies. (Original Medicare covers hospice and qualifying clinical research care even if you’re in a Medicare Advantage plan.)
In all types of Medicare Advantage plans, you’re covered for emergency and urgent care. Most Medicare Advantage plans also include prescription drug coverage. But the plans can charge different out-of-pocket amounts and they have different rules for how you get service. For example, you may need a referral to see a specialist. And you may need to stay in their provider network, unless you’re willing to pay more to go outside the network. You should always check with the plan before you get a service to find out whether it’s covered and what your costs may be. If the plan decides to stop participating in Medicare, you’ll have to join another Medicare health plan or return to Original Medicare. H ow c a n yo u d e c i d e whether Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage is better for you? There’s a more detailed explanation of the differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage in the “Medicare & You” handbook. An updated version of “Medicare & You” is mailed to all Medicare beneficiaries every fall. You can also find “Medicare & You” on our website, www. Medicare.gov. If you have any questions, you can always call Medicare’s toll-free number, 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-6334227). David Sayen is Medicare’s regional administrator for Arizona, California, Hawaii, N e v a d a , a n d t h e Pa c i f i c Territories.
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Senior Services valleysentinel.com
February 2014
Mental Fitness: Some online resources to add to other activities advisable. Visit the web site at By Joan Trezek, Principal, Trezek Public Relations
How often have you heard the expression, “Aging is not for wimps.” Aging, like any other stage in life, requires fitness, physical and mental. Older adults seem well briefed on the message to eat nutritiously and exercise appropriately, but how does one keep the mind fit? This kind of fitness is increasingly the focus for the 65+ cohort . In Contra Costa County that age group of approximately 143,500 people makes up more than 13% of the county’s population. Look at the adult education programs that community recreation centers offer as well as school districts and libraries and the number of older adult participants wanting to stay fit mentally is readily apparent. Among the many ways to keep learning are book clubs, chess and bridge games, memoir-writing, and volunteering for the many nonprofit organizations with limited resources. There is another way that has begun to surface and all one needs is a little time and a
pencil—at home tests to gauge mental sharpness. Researchers at Ohio State University’s Wexner School of Medicine have developed SAGE, an acronym for Self-Administered Gerocognitive exam, which allows individuals to download the test, score it, and share it with family or physician. The expectation is that one would periodically take the test (there are four different sample tests online, but it is necessary to do only one; each set of four tests is available in English, Spanish and Italian. It is designed to detect early signs of cognitive, memory, or thinking impairment. D. Sharre, MD, the physician associated with SAGE points out that 30% of the older adults who have taken the test showed signs of dementia they didn’t even realize they had. The test doesn’t diagnose a condition or give indications of Alzheimer’s Disease, but it is a good indicator of where an individual stands and if additional steps, taken in concert with your doctor, seem
http://sagetest.osu.edu Here’s what viewers can expect: • Identify pictures and illustrations • Copy Images/sketches • Develop lists of similar items • Connect numbers/ letters in sequence • Revise images to form new patterns L u m o s i t y. c o m i s a personalized online training program that offers another vehicle for exercising the brain with a variety of exercises t h a t f o c u s o n m e m o r y, attention, speed, fl exibility, and problem-solving. One creates an account in order to access the free fit test. The site says that by consistently spending 15 minutes daily, participants have been able to show improvement. Exercises are available to use on smart phones as well as computers. If after taking the free test, you want to continue, there is a fee to do so. Don’t be a wimp; check out how fit your brain is.
What kind of care is needed?
People are living longer, thanks to great assistance from the medical community but sometimes that means they are not quite as capable of managing their everyday lives. They may be having some issues with managing their essential grooming needs, including bathing regularly, dressing in fresh clothing, and managing all of their bathroom needs. These are all part of what are called the “Activities of Daily Living”. Perhaps they are having difficulty with getting up or down from bed or their favorite chair or are unsteady when walking or have had some recent falls. Perhaps they may need some help with medication management, food preparation and just some light housekeeping or driving assistance. Sometimes it is not so much the physical needs but they are forgetting the day and
the duties that they have carried out for years on their own. Of course the sons or daughters may recognize their parents’ needs sooner than Mom or Dad want to admit, or agree to. All of these are serious issues and need to be dealt with. One cannot hope that Mom or Dad will improve their situation without some intervention or assistance. It usually does not happen that way. Usually the family must step in to insist that their care needs are met. Many times they are met with much resistance. Sometimes the senior is aware that help is needed, just not sure what exactly. In many cases the family feels that same confusion. There are many choices and I will outline some of them here. Independent Living: In a facility where the senior is self-sufficient, but some or all meals are provided through facility. Usually activities and other seniors provide emotional support.
Assisted Living: In a facility with additional levels of service, and each level is another group of services and it is charged as such. Memory Care: This facility includes all of the above services, with additional levels of service and a locked facility for safety of the individuals. In-Home Care: This is oneon-one care and is provided in people’s own homes, with the number of hours based on the needs of the client. It would include all of the duties listed above. Board and Care Homes: Complete in-home assistance usually in private home settings with 5-6 people. Usually they have several caregiver that take care of all their needs. Judy Horvath, CSA, Certified Senior Advisor, is the owner operator of Tender Heart Home Care. Tender Heart is headquartered in the Danville, San Ramon area and provides Seniors with in-home care. For further information, please call 925 838 4444 or email judyh@ atenderheart.com.
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call (925) Discussing money and or on in a735-8500 relationship. I’ve 3 A place I can take my family financial planning may not seen couples that haven’t • Newly renovated Childcare facility complete with separate Infant, Toddler be a romantic way to spend discussed who’s responsible and Junior Rooms • Specialty children’s exercise program that includes classes Valentine’s Day, but it could for paying the bills, balancing such as ballet, gymnastics, t-ball, cheerleading, soccer and karate. All classes are complimentary with a Family Membership or youth fee. • Junior exercise over money prevent stress the checkbook, or how the program for children 9-13 years of age including cycling, TRX, and conditioning issues. It might also bring you banking will be done. This classes • Year round recreational Swim Team, lessons, and clinics two closer together. can be stressful! www.ClubSportSR.com In nearly two decades Here are a few tips to facebook.com/ClubSportSR as a fi nancial planner, I’ve help ensure you and your learned it’s critical to work partner will be each other’s out the financial details early most valuable asset.
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LOSE WEIGHT & KEEP IT OFF!
early will yield the most success, but if you’re getting a late start, there’s still light at the end of the tunnel. You could open an IRA account, max out your matching 401(k) contributions, and consider more aggressive investing. Open up to your partner about retirement goals and share where you want to be in your golden years. Live within your means. Even though you and your partner might have great incomes today, nothing is guaranteed. There is a hidden river of stress that runs through relationships when we spend too much. Living within our means dams that river so we have something in reserve. That doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. Simply put, plan to live within a budget, and stick to it. For example, instead of going out for dinner and a movie every week; cook at home and watch a video. It can be just as enjoyable and leaves more time for snuggling! I’m confident my Valentine’s gift will help minimize the financial stress in your relationship. Working on that plan together will bring you closer! Michelle Perry Higgins is a financial planner and principal of California Financial Advisors. Find her at www.MichellePerryHiggins. com. Maloon, Powers, Pitre & Higgins, LLC is a Registered Investment Advisor. Securities offered through Financial Telesis Inc. (Member FINRA/ SIPC). Financial Telesis Inc. and California Financial Advisors are not affiliated companies.
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Prepare a financial estate plan and organize everything in one place. Before you continue on your life journey together, it’s always good to agree on where you want to go. You’ll need a detailed plan. This isn’t easy, but once you’re done with the process, you’ll feel closer. Trust me. Documenting your estate and final wishes will not only save you from headaches later on, it will also ensure that your hard earned assets and loved ones are protected. Don’t hide money from your loved one. Money is a leading cause of tension in relationships. D e c e p t i ve s p e n d i n g a n d secret accounts can lead to a suspicious partner. Also, don’t mislead your partner about how much money you owe. It will come out sooner or later and the results could be devastating. Keep everything about money in relationships out in the open. A transparent money policy will help you feel closer. Start a college savings plan the day the baby is born. College is expensive. Therefore, it’s a good idea to start saving for college as soon as possible. Establishing a s av i n g s p l a n f o r yo u r child’s education will save you the stress of having to incur high-interest personal loans or burdening your child with massive student loans. Savings bonds, long-term CDs, and 529 accounts can all be part of your plan. Don’t put retirement planning on the back burner. As with college savings, you’ll want to start working on your retirement plan as soon as possible. Starting
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February 2014
Annual Trails Challenge Keeps East Bay 17. Roberts Regional Hikers on the Move Recreation Area – Oakland The East Bay Regional Park District’s 21st annual Trails Challenge is off and running! Each year, the Park District has challenged Alameda and Contra Costa residents to get outdoors and enjoy their Regional Parks and Trails for fun and fitness. Thanks to a partnership with Kaiser Permanente of Northern California, the Trails Challenge is offered free to residents of Alameda and Contra Costa counties. The Trails Challenge is a self-guided hiking program that gives participants an incentive to discover their Regional Parks, while promoting fitness through enjoyable outdoor exercise. “This is a great opportunity to explore parks for the first time – or visit old favorites,” said Park District Board President Ayn Wieskamp. “There’s really something for everyone, from paved walks, to ambitious hikes - each with their own rewards.” Participants who register for the Trails Challenge receive a free T-shirt and online access to the 2014 trail guidebook. The booklet includes detailed trail descriptions, including driving directions, for hikes in 20 Regional Parks or Trails. Hikes range from easy to challenging. There are trails open to hikers, bicyclists, dogs, and equestrians, and many are wheelchair accessible. While the program is designed to be self-guided, a number of naturalist-led hikes are offered during the year as well. To complete the challenge, participants are asked to hike five of the trails – or 26.2 miles of trails –and submit a trail log. They receive a commemorative pin mailed to them. As in past challenges, the honor system applies. Registration is now open, at www.RegionalParksFoundation. org. No telephone registrations are accepted for this program. 2014 Featured Parks and Trails 1. Big Break to Marsh Creek Regional Trails – Oakley/ Brentwood 2. Bishop Ranch Regional Open Space – San Ramon 3. Briones Regional Park – Martinez 4. Brushy Peak Regional Preserve – Livermore 5. Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline – Martinez 6. Contra Loma Regional Park to Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve – Antioch 7. Crown Memorial State Beach – Alameda 8. Hayward Regional Shoreline
9. Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area – El Sobrante 10. Lafayette Moraga Regional Trail 11. Lake Chabot Regional Park – Castro Valley 1 2 M o rg a n Te r r i t o r y Regional Preserve – unincorporated Contra Costa County 13. Ohlone Regional Wilderness – Sunol 14. Old Moraga Ranch Regional Trail 15. Point Pinole Regional Shoreline – Richmond 16. Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve – Oakland hills/Orinda hills
1 8 . S y c a m o re Va l l e y Regional Open Space Preserve – Danville 19. Temescal Regional Recreation Area – Oakland 20 . W i l d c a t C a n y o n Regional Park – Richmond The East Bay Regional Park District is a system of beautiful public parks and trails in Alameda and Contra Costa counties east of San Francisco Bay, established in 1934. The system comprises 114,000+ acres in 65 parks including over 1,200 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding and nature study. Find out more at www.ebparks.org.
The Valley SenTinel
page 11
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
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For additional Community Events visit: www.ValleySentinel.com Please email information about your events to info@valleysentinel.com
COMMUNITY EVENTS Volunteers Needed: Read to Preschoolers Volunteers are needed at childcare centers in Concord, Pittsburg, and West County. The Contra Costa County Library will supply books and resources. For more information, please contact Maureen Kilmurray at 925-927-3288. Danville Farmer’s Market Every Saturday, Year-round 9am-1pm. Get the freshest seasonal fare at the Danville Certified Farmers’ Market. Railroad & Prospect Avenue, Danville. Information: www.ci.danville.ca.us. (You can make donations of fresh vegetables and fruit for our local food pantries at the Loaves & Fishes Booth at the Danville Farmers Market.) Free Tax Preparation AARP’s Tax-Aide and United Way’s Earn It, Keep It, Save It (EKS) programs are providing free tax preparation for the 2014 tax season starting in February. Tax-Aide has no income limit while EKS can only serve individuals who whose incomes are $50,000 or below. (925) 973-3250 San Ramon - San Ramon Senior Center site; (925) 480-7202 Danville - St. Isidore Ministry Center site. For general information and other site locations. Please call for information.(925) 726-3199. www.earnitkeepitsaveit.org. Mother Goose Storytime February 10, 11 10:15am. Babies and toddlers, ages 6 to 24 months, can experience the enjoyment of reading through this approximately 15-minute-long storytime filled with age-appropriate songs, stories, and activities. Danville Library, 400 Front St., Danville. 925-837-4889. Toddler Storytime February 10, 11 11:15am. Toddlers, ages 24 to 36 months, can experience the enjoyment of reading through this approximately 20-minute-long storytime filled with age-appropriate songs, stories, activities, and one craft. Danville Library, 400 Front St., Danville. 925837-4889. San Ramon State of the City Address February 11 11:30am-1:30pm. Please join us for our Annual “State of the City Address” with Mayor Bill Clarkson as he talks about the State of the Business Economy in San Ramon. Following the talk will be a general question and answer session. In addition, the new 2014 Board Members will be installed at this Luncheon. Register and find more information at sanramon.org. San Ramon Golf Club - Wedgewood Wedding Banquet Center, 9430 Fircrest Lane, San Ramon. Legos & Listening February 12 4-5pm. Children ages 4-9 are invited to sit down and play with Lego blocks and listen to stories simultaneously. This helps build creativity and listening skills. Each child wins a prize. Register at 925-837-4889. Danville Library, 400 Front St., Danville. Something is Happening Upstairs February 12, 19, 26 3pm-4:45pm. The San Ramon Library invites middle school students to hang out for free “upstairs”, where they can watch movies, play games, participate in fun activities, or just have space to do homework. San Ramon Library, 100 Montgomery Street, San Ramon CA 94583. ccclib.org Meditation as Medication for the Soul: A Workshop by Dr. Marshall Zaslove February 13 6pm. In this lively, entertaining and practical workshop, Dr. Marshall Zaslove will clarify the many benefits of accurate meditation and will give every participant a personal, instructed demonstration of meditation. Participants will learn how to meditate on the inner light, to experience the joy and peace within. Oak View Room, Walnut Creek Library, 1644 N. Broadway, Walnut Creek. 925-977-3340 Walnut Creek Garden Club Meeting February 19 9:30am. This month’s meeting will include The Business Meeting, Social Time and “Learn the Art of Container Gardening” by Laura Hogan, owner of Arid Accents and prior Ruth Bancroft Garden Nursery Manager. Guests and prospective members are welcome. The Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Road, Walnut Creek. mslittle44@gmail.com
Danville Library Adult Book Club February 20 10am. The Danville Library will be hosting an opportunity to participate in a lively discussion about classic and current books with the Danville Library Book Club. Adults only. 400 Front St., Danville. 925-837-4889. Get Covered, California! Informational Presentation February 20 1-3pm. Explore health care options for you and your family with certified California education Sue Hamill and an enrollment counselor. Get all of your questions about the Affordable Care Act answered in one easy session. Seating is limited, on a firstcome-first-serve basis. Mt. Diablo Room, Danville Library, 400 Front St., Danville. 925-837-4889 Master Gardeners Winter Presentation Series: Pruning February 20 7-8:30pm. Make your garden the healthiest by attending this presentation to learn the basic pruning techniques to apply to your shrubs, trees, and roses. Danville Library, 400 Front St., Danville.925-837-4889 The Secret World of Local Teenagers - Linda Turnbull of Teen Esteem February 25 11:30-1:30pm. Linda Turnbull, who sits on a myriad of committes such as the San Ramon Valley Unified School District’s Community Network and the National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse, will be giving a presentation about teenagers, giving adults a chance to see what kids wished they knew about their world.$25. RSVP by February 21. Lunch provided. Crow Canyon Country Club 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville. srvrwf.org Teen Job and Career Fair March 1 12-4pm. Teens looking for a summer job will hit a jackpot of information at this event in the Pleasanton Senior Center. Attend practice interviews, identify your strengths, learn how to write a resume, and look through all of the career booths! 5353 Sunol Boulevard, Pleasanton. www.sanramon.ca.gov. 6th Annual Dr. Seuss Birthday March 6 4-6pm. The Danville Library is hosting a birthday celebration for Dr. Seuss, full of fun activities, crazy crafts, and Dr. Seuss stories! $5 per child, parent must attend. Register for the event at www.danvillerecguide.com.400 Front St., Danville. (925) 314-3400 Astronomy Night March 7 7pm. The Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society will be hosting a familyfun event in Old Ranch Park. Take this opportunity to see Jupiter, the Crescent Moon, and the Orion star nursery and drink hot chocolate with loved ones. Weather is permitting, so bring warm clothing and a flashlight. 1000 Vista Monte Drive, San Ramon. www.sanramon.ca.gov. Forest Home Farms Historic Park - Fun on the Farm March 8 10am-2pm. Forest Home Farms welcomes your family to partake in interactive exhibits, visit the tractor and Glass House Museum, and enjoy the gorgeous grounds and activities centered around March’s theme, “Mystery Gadgets and Tools”. $5 per person on one tour, or $8 per person on both the Museum and Farm tour. 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon. 925-973-3284.
SENIORS Danville Seniors Unless otherwise noted, the following activities are held at the Danville Senior Center, Veterans Memorial Building, 115 E. Prospect, Danville. For more information call 925-314-3490 or visit www.ci.danville.ca.us/Recreation/Seniors. Sneaker Trips: The Town of Danville’s Senior Sneakers program is a great way for you to make new friends and get out and around the greater Bay Area. There’s always something new to see and learn. All trips meet at the Danville Park & Ride lot unless otherwise noted in the trip details. Reserve your spot at the Danville Senior Center, 115 E. Prospect, Danville, CA 94526, on or before the registration date beginning at 8:30am. Information: 925-314-3400 or visit www. ci.danville.ca.us/Recreation/Seniors/Senior_Sneaker_Trips.
The Danville Area Senior Hikes (DASH) are open to all adults and meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month. The group starts at the Danville Park-n-Ride (next to the Sycamore Valley 680 North exit) at 9AM and returns about 1Pm. Most hikes are not strenuous, but gradients are involved due to the local terrain. Distances are usually in the 4-5 mile range, and the pace is moderate, with stops to view scenery, wildlife and to talk about location history when appropriate. Information: 925-314-3400 or visit www.ci.danville.ca.us/Recreation/Seniors/Senior_Hiking. San Ramon Seniors The following events are held at the Alcosta Senior & Community Center, 9300 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon, unless otherwise noted. For more information call 925-973-3250 or visit www.sanramon. ca.gov/parks/programs/ages55+.htm. Wisdom Wednesdays: Free workshops and informational sessions that will benefit you. They will give you free access to coffee, knowledge and a better understanding of important issues. Information: 925-973-3250. Trips Trip Desk is open Tuesday from 10am-1pm. Sign up for trips at the travel desk or by depositing payment with registration form in the gold drop box found at the main entryway. Information: 973-3250. Wednesday Morning Hikes (time and location varies) Join the San Ramon Trailblazers if you are interested in meeting new people, enjoying the outdoors, having fun and getting in shape. The group meets once a week at various locations, This is an adults only group; pets are not permitted on hikes. To find out the exact meeting location and to get on the email list, please call the Senior Center or email trailblazer88@comcast.net. Page Turners Senior Book Group Third Tuesday of the month 1:30pm. Drop in–all are welcome! Copies of this month’s book are on reserve for you at the San Ramon Library Front Desk. Book group meets at Alcosta Senior and Community Center, 9300 Alcosta Blvd. Information: Carol Yuke, Adult Services Librarian. 925-973-2850.
BUSINESS San Ramon Chamber of Commerce Third Thursday Mixer February 20 5:30-7pm. Partake in this opportunity to network with San Ramon Chamber members, Government Officials, Educators and Local Businesses. Free to members and guests of members. $5 for members, $20 for non-members. Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Dr, Danville. 735-5700 San Ramon Chamber New and Future Member Orientation February 25 4-5pm. Join the San Ramon Chamber members, Ambassadors, and its President Stewart Bambino for this casual-setting meeting to learn about the different ways joining the San Ramon Chamber of Commerce can help your business. RSVP at stewart. bambino@sanramon.org. Bishop Ranch 6, 2400 Camino Ramon Conference Room 158/K, San Ramon. Walnut Creek Young Professionals Event February 26 6-8pm. Partake in fun professionalism business networking at each of the Young Professionals’ monthly events. Recruiting for the committee members is underway. Free. Sabrina Collins, 925-934-2007 Ribbon Cutting and Open House for Big Frog Custom TShirts February 27 5-7pm, Ribbon Cutting at 5:15 sharp. Attend the Grand Opening of San Ramon’s newest chamber member, Big Frog Custom T-Shirts. Drinks and appetizers will be served. Free. Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More of the San Ramon Valley, 2005 Crow Canyon Place, San Ramon. www.sanramon.org Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce B.A.S.H. (Business & Social Hour) Monthly Mixer February 27 5:30-7pm. B.A.S.H. is a great opportunity to network with Chamber Members, Government Officials, Educators and Local Businesses. This event is FREE to all Walnut Creek Chamber Members and guests of members; Non-member price is $10.00. Please bring your business card. Clubhouse at Boundary Oak, Walnut Creek. 925-934-2007.
Please email your calendar events to the Sentinel at Info@valleysentinel.com by 5pm on the 20th of the month preceding publication month. Inclusion in the calendar pages is at the sole discretion of Sentinel Newspapers, Inc.
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CLUBS and ORGANIZATIONS Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. AAUW membership is open to all graduates of accredited four year colleges or universities and those holding an Associate Degree or equivalent. Prospective members are welcome and may contact Liz at 389-0152 for details. Visit http://daw-ca.aauw.net for meeting dates. Fibro? CFIDS? Chronic Pain? If these are familiar to you, call about the San Ramon Valley support group for people who need support, information, classes and friendship from people who know what it’s like. We like to laugh while getting well. Call 925-837-0510. Hope Hospice Grief Support Groups-Ongoing Hope Hospice provides support to help you understand and manage grief in a way that is healthy and appropriate. Our Grief Support Center is available to all community members at minimal or no cost. Information: visit www.HopeHospice.com or call 925-829-8770. Wind ‘n Sea Sailing Club Sailing training classes take place at members’ homes. Information: Call Jan at 925-837-3381. The Parkinson Network of Mt. Diablo Support Group will meet on Saturday, February 15, from 10:00 to noon at Grace Presbyterian Church, 2100 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek.All are welcome, and there is no charge. Questions may be directed to Howard Zalkin at 925 939 4210 or Ronnie Wanetick at 925 933 6357. Recurring: Mondays: The Walnut Creek Garden Club Meets the second Monday of each month. The general meeting begins at 9:30 with community and socializing from 10:30 to 11:00. You do not need to be a gardener to join the club. The Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Road, Walnut Creek. Information: californiagardenclubs.com/ content/walnut-creek-garden-club
February 2014
COMMUNITY CALENDAR (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12) Danville Rotary 12pm. Meets every Monday. Faz Restaurant, Danville. Information: danvillerotary.org. San Ramon Alzheimer Support Group 7-9pm. Meets the second Monday of each month, except on holidays. Sponsored by the Alzheimer Association. People who know or are caregivers of Alzheimer victims can get information on how to help them through this difficult time in life. San Ramon Senior & Community Center, 9300 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon. Information: 925-973-3250. Tuesdays: Danville am Toastmasters 7-8:30am. Meets every Tuesday. New members welcome. Father Nature’s Restaurant, 170 Prospect Ave., Danville. Information: danvilleam. freetoasthost.org. Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary 7am. Meets every Tuesday morning. Crow Canyon Country Club, Danville. Information: dsvrotary.com. Diablo View Toastmasters 8:15-9:15am. Meets every Tuesday. CMG Mortgage, 4th Floor Conference Room, 3160 Crow Canyon Rd., San Ramon. Information: 4160. toastmastersclubs.org. ARF Pet Loss Support Group 12-1:30pm. Meets first Tuesday of every month. In a nurturing small group, you are encouraged to process feelings of grief resulting from the loss of pet. Register with Vicki at 925887-5678 or vickis@hospiceeastbay. org. ARF, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: arf.net. Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Workshop Tuesdays, April 16 through July 30 11am-1pm. This 12-week workshop is for women who have just been diagnosed and are either in treatment or starting treatment. Cancer Support Community, 3276 McNutt Avenue, Walnut Creek. Free. Please call to register 925-933-0107.
strategies to lose weight and keep it off. Information: www.meetup.com/ Tri-Valley-Weight-Loss-Team. Prostate Cancer Group 7:30–9pm. Meets 2nd Tuesday of the month. Drop-in prostate cancer group for men and their loved ones. San Ramon Regional Medical Center, South Building, West Day Room. 6001 Norris Canyon Road, San Ramon. Information: 925.933.0107 or www.twc-bayarea.org/communityprograms.html. Wednesdays: Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley 12pm. Meets the second Wednesday of every month. Sign-in and social time begins at 11:30. Guests are welcome with lunch reservations. Faz Restaurant, 600 Hartz Ave., Danville. RSVP 925-275-2412. Information: coachstepper@yahoo.com. Alamo Rotary 12:15pm. Meets every Wednesday. Round Hill Country Club, 3169 Roundhill Road, Alamo. Information: alamorotary.org. San Ramon Valley Rotary 7pm. Meets every Wednesday. Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville. Information: sanramonvalleyrotary.com. Blue Star Moms 7-9pm. Meets the second Wednesday of every month. Danville Veterans Memorial Building, 400 Hartz Ave. Information: bluestarmoms.org. Diablo Valley Quilters 7-9pm. Meets the third Wednesday of every month. No charge for guests. Danville Congregational Church, 989 San Ramon Valley Blvd., Danville. Information: diablovalleyquilters. com. Danville Toastmasters Club #1785 7:30-9pm. Meets every Wednesday. Room W204 at Diablo Valley College,1690 Watermill Road, San Ramon. Information: danvilletoastmasters1785.com.
Tri-Valley Weight Loss Team Meetup 5pm-6pm. Meets every Tuesday. Join a small, supportive group of people who have a common goal of losing weight. Led by Dr. Dan Perez, the meetings focus on effective lifestyle
Veterans of Foreign Wars 7:00pm. 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.
spiritual care to these individuals in our community. This is a FREE service open to all individuals. For more information, please call this private and confidential telephone number at 925- 855-1367, extension 558.
based on performance. Local Central Contra Costa residents only need apply. Please email your resume and request for interview to us at drousset@valleysentinel.com.
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Community News & Information Danville • Blackhawk • Alamo Diablo • San Ramon
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SVP, Risk & Compliance Officer: Master’s in Business Admin. or rltd. & 15 yrs exp. CV to: Bank of the West, 2527 Camino Ramon, San Ramon, CA 94583, ATTN: HR or send to careers@bankofthewest.com. EEO. The position is in San Ramon, CA. LICENSED REAL ESTATE PROFFESSIONALS 100% COMMISSION. Confidential interview. Want a Real Estate License? Tassajara Valley Realty (TVR) Danville. Call Now Sylvia 925 285-1801
Thursdays: San Ramon Valley Newcomers 11:30am-2pm. Meets the third Thursday of every month. New and long-time residents are welcome. Faz Restaurant, 600 Hartz Ave., Danville. $21 for lunch. Reservations/information: 925828-8554. Rotary Club of San Ramon 11:45am. Meets every Thursday. Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville. Information: sanramonrotary.org. Diablo Numismatic Society 7-9pm. Meets the third Thursday of every month. Concord Police Community Meeting Room, 1350 Galindo Street, Concord. Information: diablocoinclub.org. Clutterers Anonymous 7-8pm. Meets the second Thursday of every month. St. Luke’s Lutheran Church room 7, 2491 San Miguel Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: 925-736-8627.
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to Rediscover, Reconnect & Rejoice in the Empty Nest Stage of Life ! Information: Contact Barb Miller baiumil@yahoo.com or Donna Hill at hillmom3@comcast.net Diablo Region of the Porsche Club of America 7:30-9am. Meets every Saturday. Buttercup Bar and Grill, 660 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. Information: diablo-pca.org. Sundays: Cars n Coffee: First Sunday of Every Month 8-10am. Blackhawk Automotive Museum is hosting Cars and Coffee for automotive enthusiasts in the parking lots of Blackhawk P l a z a . O u r p a r t n e r, S c o t t ’ s Catering, will provide coffee and other refreshments. Afterwards, visit shops and restaurants in Blackhawk Plaza. Blackhawk Museum; 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle; Danville. Information: www. blackhawkmuseum.org.
Diablo Valley Lions Club 7:30pm. Meets the 1st, 3rd, and 4th Thursday of every month. 1400 Montego Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: diablovalleyca.lionwap. org. TENS - Thriving Empty Nesters 9-11:30am, Every Friday, Room 11 6 ; C o m m u n i t y P r e s b y t e r i a n C h u r c h ; 2 2 2 W. E l P i n t a d o Road; Danville. We are a Peer Community - Encouraging Women
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experience using grazing as a resource tool. The program is conducted under careful regulation based upon accepted principles of range management. Approximately 5,000 cattle, 1,000 sheep and 1,000 goats are spread out over about half of the District’s 65 parks. Most of the grazing takes place during the spring and early summer. Besides the land management goals, grazing is a source of income for the district. However this year is different to say the least. The lack of rain so far this season, and resulting absence of new grass, has resulted in an emergency for the grazing program. Denise Defreese, who is overseeing the district’s wildland vegetation program, describes the situation as “dire.” According to Defreese, there are currently 39 grazing leaseholders, of whom about ten graze cattle in the parklands the year round. For these year-round tenants, the parklands are their main grazing resource. They have nowhere else to move their cattle. Not only is there scant forage for cattle, there isn’t any water either. Some of the grazing tenants have been selling off parts of their herds. Ranchers who in the past have moved cattle into the parks in December and taken them out in May haven’t brought them in at all this year. Denise and the supervisors of regional parks where cattle are grazed are meeting with the grazing tenants to consider
ways of managing the situation in the event that the drought continues. Supplemental feeding in remote park areas, not normally allowed, is one possibility. “We’re having an emergency,” Defreese said. “We work in partnership as best we can with our tenants.” If you do encounter cattle while visiting the regional parks, some safety tips will help to avoid accidents or injury: Most of the cattle that graze in the parks are cows with calves. They are not aggressive, and are more likely to move away upon your approach. However, it’s best to give them a wide berth. Don’t get near them, and especially try to avoid getting between a cow and her calf. Mothers are protective of their young. If you open a gate while entering an area where cattle are grazing, be sure to close it again behind you. If you have a dog with you, be sure that the pet is under your control. Cows don’t know the difference between dogs and coyotes; they view both as potential predators. If a dog starts chasing or otherwise harassing cattle, it must be called back and put on a leash. If a cow or calf is injured or killed as a result of action by your dog, you are financially liable, and this can be extremely expensive. If you see an animal that appears to be sick or injured, stay away from it and notify park district staff. More information on the park district’s grazing program is available at the district web site, www.ebparks.org.
10” x 9” – 17” x 15” size pots. #89880–89882
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1/21/14 6:18 PM
Park District grazing tenants drive cattle at Crockett Hills Regional Park in Crockett. East Bay Regional Park District photo by Shelly Lewis.
valleysentinel.com
AUTO March 2009 February 2014
The valley Sentinel
page 15
2014 Chevrolet Silverado High Country 4WD Crew By David and Judy Colman
A l t h o u g h i t m ay n o t look all that different from its immediate predecessor, the 2014 Silverado shares virtually nothing with the 2013 Silverado. What it does have in common, however, are styling keynotes that distinguish Chevy pickups from any other brand: horizontally split grill, massive hood bubble, and stacked dual headlights. Design departure for ‘14 is limited to boxy new fender flares front and rear, sculpted tailgate with handy bumper step indentations, and opening rear cab passthrough window. There’s bigger news under that power bulged hood, because Chevy has upgraded all available engines in the 1500 line, using direct fuel injection for added power, and cylinder deactivation for improved mileage ( “Active Fuel Management”). Thanks to its optional 6.2 liter V8 Ecotec ($1,995), this Silverado made as much power as 420 horses. Torque
is rated at 460 lb.-ft., with 14 MPG on tap around town, and a laudable 20 MPG on the highway. The 6.2 drives through a 6-speed automatic transmission coupled to a 2 speed transfer case, an auto locking rear differential, and a 3.42:1 rear axle ratio. Standard equipment includes trailer sway control, and a handy shift lever mounted button for optimizing engine/ gearbox performance while towing. All these features make the new Silverado an ideal candidate for towing heavy payloads. C h ev y ra t e s o u r t e s t vehicle’s trailer capacity at 9,500 lbs. If you opt for the available 3.73:1 rear axle ratio, your tow rating increases to 11,800lbs, but your gas mileage will suffer. If towing isn’t your game, there are still plenty o f v i r t u e s t o a p p re c i a t e here. Topping the list is the spectacular new High Country Premium Package ($1,345) which finally moves the Silverado’s interior into
deluxe fantasyland territory previously occupied by Ford (King Ranch), Ram (Laramie Longhorn), and now Toyota (1794). In fact, Chevy’s treatment of this wildly popular Western Frontier look is by far the most muted and palatable of those on offer today. Both front and rear seats are trimmed in a baseball glove amber leather with stunning oyster piping. Your $1,345 also buys you a heated steering wheel, and a welcome built-in trailer brake controller. High Country includes a bevy of safety nannies like front and rear park assist, forward collision alert and lane departure warning. With a truck this big and ungainly, it’s nice to know where your bow and stern lie since direct s i g h t l i n e s a re i m p e d e d . If you get too close to an object, Chevy has invented a new method to warn you of impending collision. It’s called seat alert because your seat cushion automatically begins to vibrate in the event
of proximate danger. This attention getter also warns of an impending forward collision, as well alerting you to traffic on either side. In an imminent frontal crash, a series of red warning lights simultaneously flash across the base of the windshield. Only the Silverado 1500 series receives the makeover for 2014. If you are planning to buy a 2500 or 3500 series Chevy truck, you’ll have to wait for 2015 when GM will complete their transition to the new pickup platform. Chevy has improved the steering feedback and overall handling of the Silverado by equipping it with low profile Goodyear Eagle LS2 tires (265/55R20) mounted on
somewhat garish 10 spoke, 20 inch chrome rims that match the chrome running boards (which are a $700 option). The High Country Silverado handles any assortment of twists and turns with studied aplomb. The only jarring note is the occasional speed bump or mismatched pavement seam that will suddenly rattle you to the core. This one chink in the armor is just about the only sign that you’re actually driving a heavy duty truck and not some benign and cultured luxury sedan. That Chevy trucks have come this far is a testament to good engineering and a conviction by GM that you can have your cake and eat it too.
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