The Valley Sentinel_January-February 2019 by Sentinel Newspapers

Alamo • Danville • Blackhawk • Diablo • San Ramon

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always for the community VOL 24 NO 1/2

January/February 2019

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SPOTLIGHT

Jim Schuppert Named Alamo Rotarian of the Year James Schuppert has been named the Alamo Rotarian of the Year by the Rotary Club of Alamo. The award was presented to Jim by the Rotary Club of Alamo President Jack Thompson, at the Club’s annual Holiday Party, for his outstanding contributions to the Club. “With this honor, the Rotary Club of Alamo is recognizing someone who best exemplifies the goals of Rotary through his or her consistent contributions, and in doing so has brought honor and respect to the Club,” Mr. Thompson said. See ROTARIAN Join thousands of hikers on your own quest to complete 5 trails before December 1 this year. The Trails Challenge,

ECRWSS

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

page 5 sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, is in its 27th year and participation is free. You can get your guidebook, a commemorative pin and T-Shirt just by enjoying nature and discovering the miles of beautiful trails in the east Bay Regional Parks. See article on page 11. Photo by Michael Short

Ring-necked Snake By James M. Hale

The Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus) is a harmless, secretive snake with one of the largest geographic ranges of any snake in North America. It is widely distributed, and believed to be fairly abundant throughout much of the United States, southeastern Canada, and central Mexico in virtually any habitat. The Ring-necked Snake prefers moist habitats with moist soil conditions though, such as woodlands, riparian zones, forests, and wetland edges. It is rarely seen due to its nocturnal behavior and habit of spending most of its time underground, or hidden under logs, rocks, leaf litter, and debris. Ring-necked Snakes are not found above an elevation of 7,200 feet. The genus Diadophis derives from the Greek word diadem, meaning headband, referring to the red-ringed neck band, and ophios meaning

serpent. The species epithet punctatus means perforated or punctured, referring to the black, belly-margin accent marks. I commonly encountered Ring-necked Snakes growing up in Lafayette and Walnut Creek, and during my field research throughout Contra Costa County and the western United States in desirable habitats. It’s not uncommon for some populations to have large colonies of more than one hundred individuals. One study in Kansas estimated Ringnecked Snake densities could be as high as 700 to 1,800 snakes per hectare (2.47 acres) in some areas. Fourteen subspecies are currently recognized based on morphology. Ring-necked Snakes are a solid bluish-gray to smoky

black, olive, or brown above, highlighted by a distinct orange, yellow, or red neck band. The belly is a striking, vibrant, yellow, orange, to red coloration, accented with crescent-shaped black spots along the margin. Variations occur throughout their range. Our local individuals are a beautiful slate bluish-gray above, with a distinct reddishorange neck band and belly. Ring-necked Snakes are best known for their unique defensive posture of curling up their tails, and exposing their bright redorange posterior, ventral surface when threatened. This classic warning coloration is known as aposematism. They produce and exude a pungent, musk to remind their intruders not to attack in the future. Ring-necked Snakes have smooth scales. Males have small tubercles,

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Senior Living

pages 8–10

which are vestigial limbs, just anterior to the vent. Adults measure nine to thirty inches in length, depending upon the subspecies. However, adults are usually less than fifteen inches in total length. First year juveniles are about eight inches long, and grow about one to two inches a year. Both sexes reach sexual maturity at three years of age. Ring-necked Snakes may live for twenty years in the wild. Ring-necked Snakes have rear-fangs and are slightly See SNAKE page 5

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

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THE VALLEY SENTINEL in the abstract art exhibition featuring the works of the South Bay painting group abstract7. Village Theater & Art Gallery, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: www. villagetheatreshows.com or or 925-314-3400.

Honky by Greg Kalleres Now - February 17 Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm; Sundays at 2 pm. When a young African American is shot for a pair of basketball shoes, sales triple among white teens. Are ghettoglorifying commercials to blame, or is it the white CEO who only sees dollar signs? Luckily, there’s a new pill on the market guaranteed to cure racism. HONKY is a strongly worded, darkly comedic look at five people, white and black, as they navigate the murky waters of race, rhetoric and basketball shoes. $25 - $35. Village Theater & Art G a l l e r y, 2 3 3 F r o n t S t . , Danville. Information: www. villagetheatreshows.com or or 925-314-3400.

Symphony of Color, Abstracts in Review Now - March 2 The Village Theatre Art Gallery will be kicking off the New Year with a burst of color

Altered States N ow March 24 T h e Bedford Gallery begins the new year with the thoughtprovoking exhibition Altered States. Guest curated by Heather Marx, the show features artists across multiple generations living and working along the California coast who harness natural elements and/ or the environment to create their artwork. The artists work in a wide range of media and share a passion for creating art that is about process and reclamation. This exhibition highlights the natural cycles of our complex environment and offers visitors an opportunity to slow down and reflect on the interconnectedness of the sun, mood, air, and tides. $5 general, $3 youth (1317), 12 & under free. Free for Bedford Members. Bedford Gallery, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Information: www. bedfordgallery.org or 925-2951417. The Sixties at Fifty at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley Now – June 3 The Sixties were an exciting, awful, inspiring, innovative but always memorable time. This exhibit shows the Sixties

Peace, Love & Shopping

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Thursday, February 21 12-4pm Downtown Danville

Participating businesses will donate 10-15% of their sales to the Museum of the San Ramon Valley for educational and community programs.

www.MuseumSRV.org

January/February 2019

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through a national as well as San Ramon Va l l e y prism. A special exhibit is focused on the 1969 moon landing. Models of the rockets, gyroscope and magazines from the period and other items related to the moon landing are on display. Trace the development of the Valley during this period. Learn about the opening of Interstate 680 starting in 1964 into Danville then in 1966 continuing onto San Ramon and Dublin. New homes from San Ramon Village to Greenbrook were sprouting up all over the San Ramon Valley. This growth created havoc in trying to provide enough classrooms for the growing population. See a collection of Barbie dolls and accessories which was the iconic doll of this period. Children will enjoy playing with a variety of 1960 vintage toys. $3 - $10, Members free. The Museum of the San Ramon Valley, 205 Railroad Avenue in downtown Danville. Information please visit museumsrv.org or call 925-683-3750.

Area and L.A. comedians to the Village Theatre stage! Join these seasoned performers for this hilarious series. 16+ In this monthly standup comedy series, Liz Grant brings a host of Bay Area and L.A. comedians to the Village Theatre stage! Join these seasoned performers for this hilarious series. 16+ unless accompanied by an adult. $20 advance. Village Theater & Art Gallery, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: www. villagetheatreshows.com or or 925-314-3400.

The Jazz Room: Broadway Lights - And All That Jazz February 7 8pm. Can’t make it to the bright lights of Broadway? No worries, all the glitz, all the glamour, all the songs of your favorite Broadway tunes. Lisa Lindsley entertains with her brand of humor, heartfelt love songs, and beloved tunes - all plucked from the longest running musicals of all time. With clever musical arrangements for a wildly fun evening; Lisa will be pulling out all the stops for this eclectic and humorous Broadway/Cabaret show with the Mike Greensill Trio. From My Fair Lady to Wicked, join her for this one night only at The Jazz Room in Danville. Village Theater & Art Gallery, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: www. villagetheatreshows.com or or 925-314-3400.

Aladdin Dual Language Edition February 7 - 10 CYT Tri-Valley presents Disney’s Aladdin Dual Language Edition featuring a revamped plot that creates dramatic necessity for the bilingual script. This touching musical adventure will thrill both Spanish- and Englishspeaking audiences. Our allyouth cast is thrilled to provide this community favorite and educational staple, using musical theater to engage audiences of varying cultures, backgrounds, and ages. The Spanish and English language will be translated within the context of the show, so that the plot will be understood by English and Spanishspeaking audiences. $15 - $18. Front Row Theater, 17011 Bollinger Canyon Rd, San Ramon. Information: sanramonperformingarts.com or 925- 973-2787.

Night at the Improv February 9 8pm. Join the Suburban Thunder Improv Company for spontaneous improvisational theatre! All based on your suggestions, we’ll create a one-of-a-kind show just for you! Suitable for ages 14+. $10. Front Row Theater, 17011 Bollinger Canyon Rd, San Ramon. Information: sanramonperformingarts.com or 925- 973-2787.

Comedy with Liz Grant & Friends: A Monthly Stand-Up Series February 14 7:30pm. In this monthly stand-up comedy series, Liz Grant brings a host of Bay

Dixieland jazz February 16 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. Friday Foreign Film - Dheepan February 22 7pm. Winner of the Palme d’Or, this film is a gripping tale of human survival. In Sri Lanka a Tamil soldier poses as a husband and father of two strangers in order to make a new life in France only to encounter new challenges there. Rated R, 100 minutes, Fre n c h & Ta m i l / E n g l i s h subtitles. $10. Front Row Theater, 17011 Bollinger Canyon Rd, San Ramon. Information: sanramonperformingarts.com or 925- 973-2787.

I Can Do That Theater Company Presents: Oliver! February 22 - March 3 “I Can Do That” is a non-profit youth theatre company dedicated to creating professional, fullscale musicals by combining quality training with

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

valleysentinel.com imagination, freedom, and fun. Students are empowered by providing a safe and nurturing environment for them to build confidence, creativity, and friendships through the art of live theatre. $20. Village Theater & Art Gallery, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: www. villagetheatreshows.com or or 925-314-3400.

P re s c h o o l Pe r f o r m a n c e Series: Comic and Juggler Fred Anderson March 1 10am. Making little ones laugh, dance, and sing along since 2009, the Town of Danville is pleased to continue to present fun and unique toplevel entertainers for preschoolaged children. Presented in 50 minutes with no intermission. Artist may be subject to change. $5. Village Theater & Art Gallery, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: www. villagetheatreshows.com or or 925-314-3400.

Bedtime Theater: Circus Arts March 1 6:30pm. Bri Crabtree is part ringmaster, part clown, and all kinds of awesome! This daredevil darling will sweep you off your feet with her eccentric charm, amusing antics, and amazing circus tricks. The show features comedy juggling, unicycling, and calves of steel. You will witness hair acrobatics, a gravity defying toothbrush, and more! Objects come to life, logic is turned upsidedown, and curiosity prevails. It’s a chance to run away to the circus, even if it’s just for one night. Show is best for ages 2 - 7. Tickets: $8 per person, ages 2+ must have a ticket. San Ramon Community Center at Central Park, 12501 Alcosta Blvd, San Ramon. Information: www. sanramonperformingarts.com or 925-973-2850.

January/February 2019 Symphonic Band - FANTASIA! March 1 7:30pm. The San Ra m o n Sy m p h o n i c B a n d takes great pride in their concert performances with the wonderful talent and musicianship of our performers. The upcoming concert is titled ‘Fantasia’ which will feature performances from such composers as Gershwin, Fisher Tull, Berlioz, Barnes, Vaughn Williams and more! A ‘Fantasia’ is a musical composition with its roots in the art of improvisation. Because of this, like the impromptu, it seldom follows the textbook rules of any strict musical form. This performance will hold true to this wonderful composition style and the San Ramon Community Band will not disappoint. Tickets: $8. Kids under 12 or with a student ID are FREE. 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.

iLUMINATE March 2 7pm. Music, art, and the technological magic of iLuminate bring you a story of adventure and romance conveyed by an array of dance styles from contemporary to popping to breaking expressed through a glowing visual design. All this, perfectly choreographed to popular and classic music by artists like Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars, James Brown, Janet Jackson, Chris Brown, LMFAO, The Wanted, and Sam Smith. Tickets: $44 Adults, $25 Youth 12 and under. Season Ticket Price: $40. Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center, 10550 Albion Rd. (Cross Street Bollinger Canyon Rd.) Located on t h e D o u g h e r t y Va l l e y High School Campus. San Ramon. Information: www. sanramonperformingarts.com or 925-973-3343.

Lady K & the Kings of Swing Band March 2 8pm. Swing into Spring! Enjoy a musical evening of jazz standards from the Great American Songbook. Featuring Lady L and the Kings of Swing, joined with Grammy-nominee jazz vocalist Carla Helmbrecht. The band is a 17-piece Frank-Sinatra-style big band that lovingly looks back in time recreating the songs of Duke Ellington, Cole Porter, Count Basie, Gershwin, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and beyond. With class and sophistication, singer Carla Helmbrecht exudes warmth and brings new life, poetry and love to the timeless songs of the Great American Songbook. $20 adults, $12 youth. Front Row Theater inside Dougherty Station Community Center, 17011 Bollinger Canyon Rd, San Ramon. Information: www. sanramonperformingarts.com or 925-973-3350. Comedy with Liz Grant & Friends: A Monthly StandUp Series March 7 7:30pm. In this monthly stand-up comedy series, Liz Grant brings a host of Bay Area and L.A. comedians to the Village Theatre stage! Join these seasoned performers for this hilarious series. 16+ unless accompanied by an adult. $20.Village Theater & Art Gallery, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: www. villagetheatreshows.com or or 925-314-3400.

THE VALLEY SENTINEL hour Improv show is designed especially for children and their families to enjoy together. The show is made up on the spot and based on audience suggestions. Bring the whole family to this fun and fast paced afternoon of laughter. $10. Front Row Theater inside Dougherty Station Community Center, 17011 Bollinger Canyon Rd, San Ramon. Information: www.san ramonperforming arts.com or 925-973-3350. Chorus St. Patrick’s Concert March 15 7pm. The luck of the Irish will be with you at the Community Chorus St. Patrick’s Day Concert! Enjoy wonderful Irish tunes and Irish dancing! Don’t forget to wear your green! FREE. Front Row Theater inside Dougherty Station Community Center, 17011 Bollinger Canyon Rd, San

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Ramon. Information: www. sanramonperformingarts. com or 925-973-3350. Rogers & Hammerstein’s A Grand Night for Singing March 15 - 16 8pm. A musical revue showcasing the music of Richard Rodgers and the lyrics of Oscar Hammerstein II. Featuring songs from such lesser-known works as Allegro, Me and Juliet, State Fair, and Pipe Dream, modest successes like Flower Drum Song and hits like Carousel, Oklahoma!, The King and I, South Pacific, Cinderella and The Sound of Music, it originally was presented cabaret-style at Rainbow & Stars at the top of Rockefeller Center. $75. Village Theater, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: www. villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400.

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THE VALLEY SENTINEL

2019 Dogs of Danville –Unleashed! Sponsorships still needed for downtown art project 2. Dogs will be The Town of Danville is still looking for sponsors to help launch an exciting public art project for 2019: Dogs of Danville, Unleashed! This public art project presents an opportunity to be featured as one of the 15 sponsors for this inaugural program. The goal of this program is to create a temporary outdoor public art project displaying beautifully painted dog sculptures throughout Downtown Danville, accompanied by a walking tour and passport designed to attract and engage residents and visitors to downtown Danville between May and September 2019. Sponsorship comes with multiple benefits for the businesses, such as: 1. Each Dog will be paired with a juried local artist to create the design painted on the dog.

strategically placed throughout the downtown, in front of sponsoring businesses if appropriate, and will be on display for 4-months. 3. Businesses, business organizations or individual donors will be promoted in all marketing collateral t h ro u g h o u t t h e d u ra t i o n of the project through P r e s s R e l e a s e s , To w n newsletter articles, online advertisements, multiple websites, social media promotion, etc. 4. Dogs will include a custom placard on the pedestal indicating the sponsor’s name, address and website. 5. A colorful walking tour booklet will be developed, featuring the location of each dog, the sponsor business information and any promotions offered (if applicable). Guests can win prizes for completed passports at the closing reception. 6. Dogs will be auctioned off at the end of the event and 100% of the proceeds will go towards developing a future similar art program for the Town of Danville. For more information and to learn how to become a sponsor, contact Cultural Arts Program Coordinator Marija Nelson Bleier at (925) 3143460 or mbleier@danville. ca.gov.

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January/February 2019

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Alamo News Update By Steve Mick

The Alamo Tree Lighting Festival was a huge success. A number of school groups provided holiday themed music. These talented young people included the Stone Valley Middle School Jazz Band, Athenian School’s A Capella Choir, Chamber Singers from San Ramon Valley High School, a large music group from Alamo Middle School and Beauty Shop and Barbershop Choirs from Monte Vista High School. Snacks and hot chocolate were offered. Santa Claus arrived in style in a classic Ford Thunderbird convertible. The weather was perfect and, as always, this event was the high point of the holiday season. The Festival has been run by a number of different community groups over the years. It was originally started by the Alamo Merchants and Professional Association

(AMPA). After that it came under the auspices of the Alamo Rotary. When AMPA was reorganized and renamed to be the Alamo Chamber of Commerce, the festival came under their purview. After a time, the Alamo Chamber merged into the Danville Chamber. As part of the merger, the Community Foundation of Alamo was created. One of its primary responsibilities was the Tree Lighting Festival. The foundation was re-named to be the Alamo Business and Community foundation (ABCF). In late 2018, the ABCF Board of Directors voted to terminate the foundation’s operations. At that time, the Alamo Rotary agreed to take over the organization and administration of the Festival. This means that the popularity and appeal of this important Alamo event will continue. It is appropriate to recognize the outgoing ABCF Officers on the Board of Directors and their accomplishments. They are Andrew Elkin, Kevin Musante, John Lineweaver and Steve Mick. Thanks to all of them.

In Other News… Alamo residents attend the Alamo Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) for a variety o f r e a s o n s . T h e M AC ’ s responsibilities include parks and recreation, lighting and landscaping, land-use and code enforcement, public safety, transportation and other county services. If you have had involvement with any of these topics, you probably interacted with Jennifer Quallick. Jennifer has been Supervisor Andersen’s Field Representative for a number of years. She is now moving on to an important new position as a staff member for California Assemblyman Frazier. She brought a keen perspective on many issues. Her knowledge and experience will be missed. 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.

New Village Theatre Parking Lot has Opened Members of the Danville Town Council were on hand Thursday, January 31, 2019 to officially open the new Village Theatre Municipal Parking Lot. Located at 279 Front Street, the Town project expands the Village Theatre Municipal Parking Lot by an additional 131 parking spaces, for a total of 200 spaces. The municipal lot is adjacent to the main downtown business district and provides a public connection between the Danville Library and Community Center and downtown. “The Village Theatre M u n i c i p a l Pa r k i n g L o t Expansion Project has continued the Town’s efforts to expand the supply of free

parking that serves the heart of our downtown” said Town Manager Joe Calabrigo. “This newest lot provides greater access to our downtown businesses and civic facilities for residents and visitors alike.” Work on the $9.2 million project began in fall 2018 and included landscaping, lighting, bio-retention facilities, and construction of a pedestrian bridge to Eugene O’Neill Pocket Park. The project is one of several planned projects that will increase the supply of public parking in or near the downtown. The Rose Street Municipal Parking Lot, opened in November 2017, created an additional 78 spaces. A project to expand the Park and Ride

Free Tax Preparation Fre e t a x p re p a ra t i o n for the 2019 tax season is available starting February 2 01 9 f r o m A A R P ’ s Ta x A i d e a n d U n i t e d Wa y ’ s Earn It, Keep It, Save It (EKS) programs. Service is provided by volunteer tax preparers who are IRS trained and certified. Both programs serve taxpayers of any age, and AARP membership is not required for Tax-Aide. EKS service is limited to those with incomes below $54,000, while Tax-Aide does not have an income limit.

Beginning January 7, 2019, for information or to make an appointment for the Tax-Aide sites serving the San Ramon/ Danville area, call: (925) 9733250 for the San Ramon Senior Center site or (925) 480-7202 for the Danville Veterans Memorial Building of San Ramon Valley site. For general information and other site locations, call: (925) 726-3199. For information on EKS sites call 2-1-1 or visit www.earnitkeepitsaveit.org. To complete your tax return, you will need to bring the following documents:

Lot at Sycamore Valley Road and I-680 by an additional 115 spaces is in the design stages and will be constructed in 2020, and a School District/Town partnership will result in the construction of 240 additional student parking spaces at San Ramon Valley High School later this year. Additional information about the project and maps of parking options in downtown Danville can be found at www. danville.ca.gov/parking For more information on the groundbreaking ceremony, contact Administrative Services Director Nat Rojanasathira a t ( 9 2 5 ) 31 4 - 3 3 2 8 o r nrojanasathira@danville. ca.gov.

• Social Security Card or ITIN letter for all individuals to be listed on the return • Photo identification for the taxpayer and spouse • Copies of all W-2s, 1098s and 1099s • Other income and deductions • Your 2016 Tax Return • Covered California: All documents including form 1095 • Ta x L aw C h a n g e : Although federal tax law changed, California tax law has not changed. If you itemized deductions for 2017 be sure to bring related records for 2018.

valleysentinel.com

January /February 2019

Contra Costa County Library is saying goodbye to fines “ We h a v e

so many outstanding and enthusiastic staff members who would much rather spend their time helping someone find the next great read or learn how to use one of our online resources,” said Deputy County Librarian Nancy Kreiser. “They can spend more time making people smile.” The Contra Costa County Library is the first county library in California and largest in the state to eliminate fines for everyone. The Library joins others across the country that have gone fine-free. Pa t ro n s w i l l s t i l l b e expected to return library materials on time. Checkout periods on materials will remain the same and patrons will incur a replacement charge if materials are not returned 30 days after the due date. For general questions, please contact Library Administration at libadmin@ ccclib.org or (925) 608-7700.

The Contra Costa County Library has eliminated overdue fines on all library materials. The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors voted December 11 in favor of the proposal to eliminate daily fines on overdue books, magazines, DVDs and other materials. By eliminating fines, the library is removing barriers and making access easy, equitable and enjoyable for everyone. “Our libraries are open for the entire community to take advantage of all they have to offer,” said Contra Costa County Supervisor Karen Mitchoff. “Saying goodbye to fines gives everyone an opportunity to restart their relationship with the library.” Of more than 650,000 cardholders countywide, 118,450 (18%) currently have their cards blocked due to fines. Forty-three percent of youth accounts currently owe a balance and

approximately 21,000 youth cards are blocked at a critical time in their lives. “Families are staying away from the library because it’s simply too expensive for them,” said County Librarian Melinda Cervantes. “We don’t want people to have to choose between putting food on the table and reading.” Overdue library material fines and library material replacement charges make up approximately 2 percent of the library’s revenue. Since 2013, revenue from fines and charges has decreased by 31 percent. During this same period, circulation of eBooks and other e-resources have increased 128 percent. E-resources are already fine free and benefit those with greater access to technology. Eliminating overdue fines will also result in more positive customer interactions and a l l ow s t a f f t o f o c u s o n creativity and exceptional service.

ROTARIAN from page 1

Jim kept the books, financial records and supporting data. This is just another example of the good work Jim does all of the time,” he noted. Jim is also a frequent volunteer for whatever function or activity Alamo Rotary is working on. As you can see, his finger is on many of the things that the Club does, which made the decision for me to select Jim as the Rotary Club of Alamo’s Rotarian of the Year,’ Mr. Thompson stated. Jim joined the Rotary Club of Alamo in 2002, served as President in the 20082009 year and is currently treasurer of both the Club and its Foundation. He also serves as the treasurer of the Transitional Care Clinics Rotary International Global Grant and is responsible for

monitoring the usage of funds and for the payment of all bills. He is an experienced commercial banker. Jim was with EnviroFinance Group, a private real estate lender specializing on financing properties with environmental issues. His career includes domestic and international banking with Bank of America, Citibank and United Commercial Bank. Jim is a graduate of Stanford University and is an ardent Cardinal football and basketball fan. The Rotary Club of Alamo was founded on May 7, 1971 and has 45 members. The Club meets on Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m. at Round Hill Country Club. 3169 Round Hill Road, Alamo, CA 94507.

when they forage from dusk to dawn. Ring-necked Snakes breed in the spring with the females laying three to ten white eggs with yellowish ends in June or July. The eggs which hatch in August or September are not brooded by the female. The hatchling Ring-necked Snakes are precocial and not cared for by the parents. Ringnecked snakes are preyed upon by striped skunk, Virginia opossums, wild boar, wild turkeys, western screech owls, bull frogs, western racers, and California kingsnakes. These docile, vibrantly colored snakes occupy an important ecological niche in the environment, and should be fully protected.

James M. Hale is a vertebrate zoologist, wildlife biologist, ethnobiologist, and ecological consultant based in Contra costa County. Please visit his website at www.dochale.com.

“Jim Schuppert exemplifies Rotary’s goals,” Mr. Thompson stated. “He has been a quiet, but significant contributor to the success of the Rotary Club of Alamo and its 501 (c) 3 non-profit Foundation. In his role as treasurer of both the Club and its Foundation, Jim keeps track of our various accounts and makes sure that all of the financial statements are up to date and correct,” said Mr. Thompson. “When one of the Club’s Global Grant projects, “Transitional Care Medical Clinics for Diabetic, Hypertensive and Asthmatic patients”, was recently visited by Rotary International, the representative was effusive with complements about the professionalism in the way SNAKE from page 1

venomous. The last maxillary teeth on both sides of the upper jaw are longer and channeled for venom dispersal. Their nonaggressive nature and small, rear-facing fangs pose little threat to humans who wish to handle them. The neurotoxic venom is designed to help immobilize their prey, which is usually slugs, earthworms, California Slender Salamanders, and invertebrates. Occasionally, lizards, frogs, and juvenile snakes of other species are consumed. A combination of constriction and envenomation is used to secure their prey

THE VALLEY SENTINEL

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The Sixties: America in Turmoil– A presentation at the Veterans Memorial Building in Danville The Museum of the San Ramon Valley will present historian Beverly Lane on a talk about the Sixties. This presentation will take place February 7 at 7PM at Veterans Memorial Building at 400 Hartz Ave Danville. Admission is free. America in Turmoil will feature the many events that impacted us on a local as well as national level. Some of these are: the Kennedy assassination, landing on the moon, the Free Speech Movement at Berkeley, experimentation with drugs such as LSD, the rapid growth of California and the San Ramon Valley, the new freeway system, the replacement of agriculture with suburbs, the start of

a new park Las Trampas, a new national immigration policy, and the challenges school boards faced in finding c l a s s ro o m s f o r t h e n ew students. I n p a r t i c u l a r, s t o r i e s about the year 1968 will be discussed. The Vietnam Te t O f f e n s i ve, P re s i d e n t Johnson’s decision not to run again, the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy, the police riots at the Democratic C o n ve n t i o n a n d R i c h a rd Nixon’s victorious run for the Presidency that November – what a year! This lecture brings alive a decade fifty years ago which left its mark on the nation and the San Ramon Valley.

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page 6

THE VALLEY SENTINEL January/February 2019

Regional Park District Turns 85 park acquisition, habitat protection, and educational and recreational programs. The District and Foundation plan special events and activities throughout the year in celebration of the anniversaries. Check the website, www.ebparks.org for announcements.

extensive campaign to win publish support, spearheaded by District general manager William Penn Mott. After the successful annexation campaign, state park bond funds became available for parkland purchase. The county Board of Supervisors was to decide

an interview in 2014. “I took my sons to the top of the hills from the time they were 7 or 8.” Lindner, Rossmoor hikers, and Al Burton from the Contra Costa Park Council formed the Las Trampas Wilderness Committee, which led hikes and raised funds on behalf of the cause. They allied with Mott and Hulet Hornbeck, the Park District’s chief of land acquisition. Hornbeck

One of the key parklands acquired during the Park District’s expansion is Las Trampas Regional Wilderness, the beautiful natural backdrop west of Danville, Alamo and San Ramon. Acquisition required a lot of work. Contra Costa’s a n n exa t i o n i n vo l ve d a n

which parks should get the money. An enthusiastic proponent of purchasing lands for Las Trampas was Manfred Lindner, a nuclear chemist at Lawrence Livermore Labs and avid hiker. Lindner lived in Danville. “Las Trampas hills were just west of us and had an incredible look, sculptured,” he told me in

worked with landowners and government decision-makers to balance parkland purchases throughout the county. County supervisors supported using state park bonds for Las Trampas in 1965. First purchases included 480 acres from the Nordstrom brothers in 1966, 672 acres from Richard Mueller in 1969,

By Beverly Lane, President, East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors

Both the East Bay Regional Park District and the Regional Parks Foundation that supports it mark significant anniversaries this year: the District its 85th and the Foundation its 50th. The District was established by popular vote back in 1934 after a grass-roots campaign led by prominent citizens who realized the value of preserving the East Bay’s beautiful open spaces for public enjoyment and wildlife habitat. Starting with three parklands in the OaklandBerkeley hills, the district has grown to comprise 73 regional parks totaling more than 121,000 acres, with 1,250 miles of trails. Originally encompassing seven cities in Alameda County, the District now includes all of the East Bay. Most of Contra Costa County voted to annex in 1964. T h e Re g i o n a l Pa r k s Foundation was established in 1969 to enable a land donation from Kaiser Sand and Gravel that became Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area in Pleasanton. Now the Foundation raises funds to enable broader park access,

Las Trampas to Mt. Diablo Regional Trail By Beverly Lane, President, East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors

Besides its parklands located throughout Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, the East Bay Regional Park District maintains and operates 15 inter-park regional trails. One of the lesser known but especially important ones is the Las Trampas to Mt. Diablo Regional Trail, which links two of the most significant open space parklands in central Contra Costa County. F r o m L a s Tr a m p a s Regional Wilderness in Alamo, the trail leads east on Camille Avenue, crosses Danville Boulevard and San Ramon Creek, skirts Hap Magee Ranch Park, passes under I-680, weaves past backyards in Alamo, treks down Stone Valley Road, then heads over a ridge to the Macedo Ranch Staging Area in Mt. Diablo State Park. The distance is about 4½ miles The East Bay Regional Park District has been planning and

developing this regional trail since the 1970s, when rights of way and trail easements were initially purchased. Planning documents began with the Park District’s 1973 Master Plan and a detailed Corridor Study in 1977. The trail has been envisioned as part of a “Golden Loop” trail through East Bay open space. It also appears in several Contra Costa County planning documents from the ‘70s, as well as the San Ramon Valley Park and Recreation Master Plan from East Bay Municipal Utility District (1973). Public funds for the trail have been expended to create various planning documents and to complete improvements, such as the Macedo Staging Area, the San Ramon Creek Bridge (1993), the trail easement from Camille Avenue to Las Trampas Regional Wilderness in 1977, and support for

equestrian parking at Hap Magee Park. The trail from Camille Avenue adjacent to Camille Lane opened in 1997 on an easement purchased by the District from the Ball family. The Park District currently is working with the Ball Estates developers and the county on planning for a staging area at the west end of Camille Avenue. Currently, visitors who access Las Trampas from Camille Avenue must park on the street. Camille Avenue neighbors would like to reduce the number of trail users’ cars on the avenue, especially on good weather weekends. There are no sidewalks. Ideally the Park District would like a 20- to 30-car staging area with a rest room. The new staging area would join other modest staging areas along the San Ramon Valley side of Las Trampas. These include the small

Hemme Avenue and a new staging area at the Elworthy development in Danville. There are many other streetaccessed entrances to Las Trampas as well, so that no one area is unduly impacted. Trail users come in all shapes and sizes – sometimes hiking, bringing dogs and riding horses or mountain bikes. Park District small accesses are primarily used by adjacent neighborhoods. The District has 150 miles of inter-park regional trails, 1,250 miles of internal park trails, and as of 2018 manages 121,000 acres of public land with 73 parks, two golf courses and 10 visitor centers. You can print a map of the Las Trampas to Mt. Diablo Trail by visiting the Park District website, www.ebparks.org. Under “Parks & Trails” on the home page, click on “Maps,” then look under “L.” While you are there, check out the other inter-park regional trails. The closest to home is the Iron Horse

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and 313 acres from Al Kaplan, also in 1969. A major purchase was the Corduroy Hills Ranch property, 1,018 acres on Danville’s west side. In 1937, playwright Eugene O’Neill had purchased 158 acres of the property, where he built Tao House and wrote his last, great plays. The rest of the ranch was planned for a large development, but San Ramon Valley activists Thalia Brewer, Darlene Blair and Lois Sizoo led an effort to create the O’Neill property as a national park. By 1976 they were successful, with the Park District’s help. Ultimately the Park District purchased all but the O’Neill site, while the Eugene O’Neill Foundation raised money from several private and public sources to secure Tao House. Today, the National Park Service owns and manages the National Historic Site on 14 acres, which are surrounded by Las Trampas Regional Wilderness. Fifty years after county voters acted to join the East Bay Regional Park District, Las Trampas Wilderness and the creeks, which flow from it, provide stunning open space and natural experiences for the adjacent communities and the entire East Bay. Visitors come to hike, study geology, ride and bike in the park, which now comprises 5,342 acres. It provides a counterpoint to urban life and a grand opportunity for the “enjoyment of future generations” as envisioned by far-sighted advocates decades ago. Regional Trail, which links all the communities from Concord to Pleasanton with a multi-use paved pathway f o r h i ke rs, cyc l i s t s a n d equestrians. Others include the Contra Costa Canal Trail and the Briones to Mt. Diablo Regional Trail. Las Trampas Regional Wilderness is an extraordinary park amenity for people in Alamo and Danville. When fully completed it will comprise 5,764 acres. It provides habitat for diverse wildlife, holds the Bay fog away from the valley and allows healthful recreation for all ages. How fortunate we are to have this thing of beauty right at our doorstep.

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January/February 2019

Bay Area’s Redwood Past: New Exhibit Pays Homage to Old-Growth Redwoods through Conservation and Education The East Bay Regional Park District and Save the Redwoods League unveiled an Old Growth Redwood Heritage Viewing Deck and Interpretive Exhibit at Roberts Regional Recreation Area, celebrating its dedication with redwood lovers from around the Bay Area. The exhibit, found along Roberts Ridge Trail, preserves and protects a remaining 18-foot diameter old-growth coast redwood footprint for nature learning and includes a 570-square-foot observation deck with interpretive panels. The exhibit is free and open to the public 365 days a year. “These towering, majestic coast redwoods are one of the greatest natural treasures in the East Bay,” said East Bay Regional Park District General Manager Robert Doyle. “For years, the East Bay Regional Park District has been working in partnership with the Save the Redwoods League to protect these magnificent trees and pay homage to their past through conservation and education.” “The new exhibit protects the old-growth footprint for future generations and allows for expanded educational programs on redwoods and climate change,” added Doyle. Redwoods are an important part of the entire Bay Area’s history. From the early 1800s to mid-1800s a group of especially tall redwood trees known as the “Navigation Trees” served as landmarks that helped ships avoid underwater hazards and guided them safely through the San Francisco Bay. The Navigation Trees are no longer alive today but leave an everlasting legacy in the Bay

Area. Nearly all old-growth redwoods in the East Bay were cut down by 1860 to construct homes and buildings. “This new exhibit sparks the imagination, giving park visitors a glimpse into the forest of massive, ancient coast redwoods that once thrived in the East Bay,” said League President and CEO Sam Hodder. “We’re honored to unveil this exhibit to teach park visitors about the tallest trees in the world that once towered from these hills—and how they’re growing back as we speak.” T h e g i a n t re d wo o d footprint has been a literal h i d d e n g e m a t Ro b e r t s Regional Recreation Area for more than a century with limited opportunities to learn about its history and past. 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 121,000 acres in 73 parks including over1,250 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding and nature learning. S a v e t h e Re d w o o d s League, one of the nation’s oldest conservation organizations, is celebrating 100 years of protecting and restoring coast redwood and giant sequoia forests and connecting generations of visitors with their peace and beauty. Its 20,000 supporters have enabled the League to protect more than 200,000 acres of irreplaceable forest and help create 66 redwood p a r k s a n d re s e r v e s. Fo r m o re i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t SaveTheRedwoods.org.

THE VALLEY SENTINEL

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Did You Know About Contra Costa County’s National Park Service Sites? This site is open 7 days Tri-Valley residents may be familiar with the Eugene O’Neill Nation Historic Site, but were you aware that there are four NPS sites in Contra Costa County?

Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site – Danville, CA America’s only Nobel Prize winning playwright, Eugene O’Neill, chose to live in Northern California at the height of his writing career. Isolated from the world and within the walls of his home, O’Neill wrote his final and most memorable plays. Self-guided tours of the site are available on Saturdays without reservations. Guided tours require a reservation. Cars cannot drive onto the site – a shuttle will pick you up in Danville to take you to the site. The reservation number is (925) 838-0249 More information is available online at www. nps.gov/euon

a week (minus 3 holidays) from 10:00AM to 5:00PM. Ad m i s s i o n i s f re e. J o i n t h e m i n Au g u s t 201 8 a s they attempt to break the Guinness World Record for “The Largest Gathering of People Dressed as a Rosie the Riveter.” M o re i n f o r m a t i o n i s available online at www. nps.gov/rori Po r t C h i c a g o N a v a l Magazine National Memorial – Military Ocean Terminal Concord, CA On the evening of July 17, 1944, residents in the San Francisco east bay area were jolted awake by a massive explosion that cracked windows and lit up the night sky. At Port Chicago Naval Magazine, 320 men were instantly killed when two ships being loaded with ammunition for the Pacific theater troops blew up. It was WWII’s worst home front disaster. Located on an active military base, this National Memorial may be toured with a two week advance reservation only, Thursdays, Fridays or Saturdays (allow 1½ hours) beginning at 12:45 PM. A shuttle will pick you up at the John Muir National Historic Site. All visitors to the site must be U.S. Citizens. M o re i n f o r m a t i o n i s available online at www.nps. gov/poch

of natural resources and wild places at a time when America seemed bent on conquering nature – believing wilderness to be boundless and in the way. M a r t i n e z wa s M u i r ’s last home and his 3 story Victorian home is preserved, along with the surrounding grounds at this NPS site right off of Highway 4. The site is open every day (except some holidays) and admission is free. There’s a shuttle to his nearby gravesite, too. M o re i n f o r m a t i o n i s available at www.nps.gov/ jomu

Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front – Richmond, CA Explore and honor the efforts and sacrifices of American civilians on the World War II home front. Find out how they lived, worked and got along. Many faces, many stories, many truths weave a complex tapestry of myths and realities from this time of opportunity and loss.

John Muir National Historic Site – Martinez, CA John Muir’s influence cannot be exaggerated – he founded the Sierra Club and espoused conservation

315 Cortsen Road in Pleasant Hill • • • •

Heritage classes for children School ﬁeld trips Sustainable gardening classes Displays of items from the Pleasant Hill Historical Society • Meetings and events Rodgers Ranch is a Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District property and Pleasant Hill’s only historic site. We are a nonproﬁt, tax-exempt 501c3 organization

Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center in Pleasant Hill is creating a brick pathway in front of our 150 year old farmhouse. Cement your place in history with an engraved brick to honor or remember family or loved ones, or highlight a business or organization. Information and an order form for the brick(s) can be found at

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Senior Living page 8

valleysentinel.com

January/February 2019

Keep your Medicare costs down By Greg Dill

M o s t d o c t o rs a c c e p t Medicare as full payment for their services. But some accept it only for certain services, and others don’t accept it at all. What does this mean for you? I f yo u h ave O r i g i n a l Medicare, it means you should try to use doctors, hospitals, medical equipment suppliers, and other healthcare providers that participate or “accept assignment” in Medicare. Such providers have signed agreements to take Medicare as payment in full for their services. If your doctor or other provider accepts assignment: • Your out-of-pocket costs may be less. • The provider agrees to charge you only the Medicare

deductible and coinsurance amount, and usually waits for Medicare to pay its share before asking you to pay your share. • The provider has to submit your claim directly to Medicare and can’t charge you for submitting the claim. Some doctors and other providers haven’t signed an agreement to accept assignment for all Medicare-covered services, but they can still choose to accept assignment for some services. These providers are called “non-participating” providers. If your doctor or other p rov i d e r d o e s n ’ t a c c e p t assignment: • Yo u m ay h ave t o pay the entire bill at the time of service. Your provider is supposed to submit a claim to Medicare for any Medicarecovered services they provide to you. • The provider can’t charge you for submitting a claim. If they don’t submit the Medicare claim once you ask them to, call 1 800 MEDICARE.

• In some cases, you might have to submit your own claim to Medicare using Form CMS-1490S to get paid back. • T h e p rov i d e r c a n charge you more than the Medicare-approved amount, but there’s a limit. Nonparticipating providers are paid 95% of the Medicare-approved amount. They can only charge you up to 15% over the amount that non-participating providers are paid. The 15 percent limit applies only to certain Medicarecovered services and doesn’t apply to some medical supplies and durable medical equipment. Some doctors and other providers don’t want to enroll in the Medicare program at all. You can still visit these “opt out” providers, but they must enter into a private contract with you (unless you’re in need of emergency or urgently needed care). A private contract is a written agreement between you and a doctor or other provider who has decided not to provide

services to anyone through Medicare. The private contract only applies to services you get from the provider who asked you to sign it. If you sign a private contract with an opt-out doctor or other provider, keep in mind that Medicare won’t pay any amount for the services you get from that provider, even Medicare-covered services. • You’ll have to pay the full amount this provider charges you. You and your provider will set up your own payment terms through the contract. • If you have a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy, it won’t pay anything for the services you get. Call your insurance company before you get the service if you have questions. • Your provider must tell you if Medicare would pay for the service if you got it from another provider who accepts Medicare. • Your provider must tell you if he or she has been excluded from Medicare. • You can’t be asked

to sign a private contract for emergency or urgent care. • You’re always free to get services not covered by Medicare if you choose to pay for them yourself. You don’t have to sign a private contract. You can always go to another provider who participates (accepts assignment) in Medicare. B e s u re t o a s k yo u r physician or other provider if they are participating, nonparticipating, or opt-out. You can also check by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or by using Medicare’s Physician Compare tool on www.medicare.gov. You may want to contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to get free help before signing a private contract with any doctor or other health care provider. 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).

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Happy Retirement By Robert Cucchiaro

By now you’ve probably re c e i ve d yo u r D e c e m b e r investment account statements and come to the realization that 2018 was not very pleasant for most investors, and the 4th quarter was particularly painful. In the last 3 months of the year large US stocks lost over 14% of their value, while small US stocks lost over 22%. Bonds provided some safe haven during this time, earning a positive 1.5% for the quarter. Looking at the full year, 2018 was difficult for d i ve rs i f i e d p o r t f o l i o s a s large US stocks dropped over 4% while REITs, Small US stocks and Commodities dropped 6%, 8.6%, and 13% respectively. International & Emerging markets stocks fared even worse on the year, dropping 13.8% and 15.3% respectively. 2018 is a perfect example as to why true diversification means more than just owning different types of stocks. In the 1970s an economics professor designed and wrote about a concept he called “the permanent portfolio” which advocated for a level of diversification beyond simply

owning stocks & bonds. The idea was that a retiree must always own at least one type of investment that will move in the opposite direction of stocks and/or the overall economy. This way a retiree always has something he/she can sell to create income, and won’t become a forced seller at the wrong time. At our firm we agree wholeheartedly with this philosophy and advocate for this when designing investment & retirement plans for our clients. At this juncture the question on everyone’s mind is, where will stocks go from here? On the one hand, the e c o n o my a p p e a rs ro b u s t and many stocks are now trading at favorable levels (i.e. they’ve gotten cheaper) which has historically been a positive indicator for future returns. And the most recent meeting of the current & former Fed Chairs indicated that the Fed may be more accommodative in 2019 than many had expected. On the other hand, key sectors of the economy like autos & homes are facing headwinds from rising interest rates. In addition, corporate, personal & government debt are all much higher than they were in 2008 and at some point if debt grows faster than income, all 3 have a problem which will impact the economy and the stock market.

Hope Hospice seeking volunteers Hope Hospice invites community members to learn about the rewards of becoming a Hope Hospice volunteer on Saturday, March 2 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Panera Bakery in Alamo. H o p e H o s p i c e s e r ve s patients and families in Alamo, Danville, San Ramon, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Concord and neighboring communities. The agency is looking for dedicated, compassionate volunteers who live in these areas and are interested in providing a supportive, friendly presence

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January/February 2019

for our patients who are often lonely and desire company. Make a meaningful difference in your own community. Learn about the wonderful benefits of becoming a Hope H o s p i c e v o l u n t e e r. Fo r more information contact: Nikki Tildesley, Volunteer Coordinator at nikkit@ hopehospice.com or (925) 829-8770. HopeHospice.com. About Hope Hospice Fo r n e a r l y 4 0 y e a r s , Hope Hospice has provided personalized end-of-life care to families in the Tri-Valley and

Despite a challenging 2018, over the last 10 years large US stocks have averaged over 13% per year. Small US stocks have done even better, with an average of 15% per year. This is unlikely to continue for the next 10 years, which means if you are retired or close to retirement, assuming what has worked in the recent past will continue to work in the near future is a risky proposition in our view. Now is the time to explore your options and understand how we build portfolios that can help you enjoy a Happy Retirement. To learn more visit our website, give us a call at 925927-1900 or email me directly at rob@swrpteam.com. Robert Cucchiaro is a Certified Financial Planner and owner of Summit Wealth & Retirement, a financial planning firm that has been serving Danville for over 30 years. Summit Wealth has 3 Certified Financial Planners (CFP®), a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), an MBA and a Tax Director (EA) all on staff and in Danville. Visit us at www. summitwealthandretirement. com

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January/February 2019

Our wounded veterans want to meet you! Please join us.

Yo u w i l l h a v e t h e opportunity to meet Sentinels like Derek Abbey, a 23 year Marine Corps veteran, who will be graduating this spring with a PhD in Leadership Studies from the University of San Diego; Sentinel Chris L a my, a 10 ½ ye a r A i r Force veteran, pursuing a law degree from Louisiana State University; and Sentinel Joshua Smith who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Services and Administration with a 4.0 GPA! The list continues with so many more journeys to hear! It truly is something special. The Sentinels of Freedom Annual Gala will be held on April 13, 2019, at the Blackhawk Museum in Danville. To learn more and purchase tickets and sponsorships, please visit www.sentinelsoffreedom. org/2019-GALA

We would like to cordially invite you and your friends to spend an evening with Sentinels of Freedom at our Annual Gala. The evening is filled with inspiring and heartfelt stories of our Sentinels, great food, and community camaraderie. The Gala is a wonderful way to honor our Sentinels, as well as other local veterans in attendance. Listening to their heroic journeys from their military careers to overcoming their injuries to their educational successes is something you don’t want to miss! We host the event to bring the community together to celebrate the achievements of our incredible Sentinels and your part in their journey from military to civilian life. Your help provides them with a way to complete their education and make new lives for themselves.

New App Displays What Original Medicare Covers Newest eMedicare Tool Provides Valuable Information to Mobile Users Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched a new app that gives consumers a modernized Medicare experience with direct access on a mobile device to some of the mostused content on Medicare.gov. The new “What’s Covered” app lets people with Original Medicare, caregivers and others quickly see whether Medicare covers a specific medical item or service. Consumers can now use their mobile device to more easily get accurate, consistent Original Medicare coverage information in the doctor’s office, the hospital, or anywhere else they use their mobile device. In addition to the “What’s Covered” app, through Blue Button 2.0 the agency is enabling beneficiaries to connect their claims data to applications and tools developed by innovative private-sector companies to help them understand, use, and share their health data. “eMedicare is one of several initiatives focused on modernizing Medicare and empowering patients with information they need to get the best value from their Medicare coverage,” s a i d C M S Ad m i n i s t ra t o r Seema Verma. “President Trump is delivering on his commitment to Medicare by modernizing tools that deliver health information in the most

convenient way possible. This new app is the next in a suite of products designed to give consumers more access and control over their Medicare information.” CMS created the app to meet the needs of the growing population of people with Medicare. The Medicare population is projected to increase almost 50 percent by 2030—from 54 million beneficiaries in 2015 to more than 80 million beneficiaries in 2030. As of 2016, about two-thirds of Medicare beneficiaries indicate they use the Internet daily or almost daily (65 percent). Questions about what Medicare covers are some of the most frequent inquiries that CMS receives. There are approximately 15 million page views annually for coveragerelated content on Medicare. gov and 1-800 MEDICARE re c e i ve s ove r 3 m i l l i o n coverage-related calls each year. CMS launched the eMedicare initiative in 2018 to empower beneficiaries with cost and quality information. Other tools in the eMedicare suite include: • Enhanced interactive online decision support to help people better understand and evaluate their Medicare coverage options and costs between Medicare and

Medicare Advantage. • A new online service that lets people quickly see how different coverage choices will affect their estimated outof-pocket costs. • N e w p r i c e transparency tools that let c o n s u m e rs c o m p a re t h e national average costs of certain procedures between settings, so people can see what they’ll pay for procedures done in a hospital outpatient department versus an ambulatory surgical center. • A new webchat option in the Medicare Plan Finder. • New easy-to-use surveys across Medicare.gov so consumers can continue to tell us what they want. The eMedicare initiative expands and improves on current consumer service options. People with Medicare will continue to have access to paper copies of the Medicare & You handbook and Medicare Summary Notices. The What’s Covered app is available for free in both Google Play and the Apple App Store. The app is available in Google Play at: https://play.google.com/ store/apps/details?id=gov. medicare.coverage, and is available in the Apple App Store at: https://itunes.apple. com/us/app/whats-covered/ id1444143600?mt=8.

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The Contra Costa County Superior Court is accepting applications for Civil Grand Jury Service for the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 term. The Civil Grand Jury is made up of 19 members who serve for one year, July through June, to monitor, review and report on city and county governments, special districts and school districts. Every effort is made to ensure that the Grand Jury reflects the makeup of the residents of the county. Approximately 75 applicants will be selected to be interviewed by the Grand Jury Selection Committee, which is composed of Superior Court Judges. After interviews, the judges will nominate approximately 30 applicants to constitute a grand jury pool from which the final panel of 19 will be selected by random drawing. The drawing is scheduled to be held on

Friday, June 14, 2019, with the members of the 2019-2020 Grand Jury officially being sworn in on the same day. Individuals selected for service will be expected to be available during the last two weeks of June to meet with outgoing jurors, tour county facilities, meet with department h e a d s, b e c o m e f a m i l i a r with their colleagues, learn about juror responsibilities and procedures, and select committees on which they will serve. Grand jurors must be a United States citizen, 18 years of age or older, who have been a resident of Contra Costa County for at least one year prior to selection. They cannot currently hold any elected position within the county. Applicants should have reliable transportation to Martinez, and must be prepared to devote at least 20 hours per week to Civil

Grand Jury service. Citizens who work should apply only if they can be released from their jobs to perform the jury duties. Applicants selected as one of the 30 nominees will be fingerprinted before the drawing. Jurors receive a stipend for attending full jury and committee meetings and are reimbursed 58.0 cents per mile for allowable jury travel. Parking permits may be provided to park in the City of Martinez while performing Grand Jury duties. Persons interested in applying may contact the Ofﬁce of the Civil Grand Jury at (925) 608-2621, or visit the website at www.cc-courts.org/grandjury to receive additional information regarding service on the Civil Grand Jury and to obtain an application. Application deadline is Friday, March 22, 2019.

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January/February 2019

Be a part of the 27th annual East Bay Regional Parks Trails Challenge The new year brings a renewal of the Regional Park District’s always popular Trails Challenge program, for what will be its 27th year. Trails Challenge is a free, self-guided way of exploring your regional parks. You don’t have to register. Just pick up a guidebook at a park district visitor center or download one from the website, www.ebparks. org. Then hike any five of the trails in the guide, turn in your trail log, and a commemorative pin will be sent (while supplies last) once you complete the Challenge and return your Trail

Log. You can join thousands of hikers who will take the Trails Challenge, which motivates you to complete five featured trails by December 1! The Trails Challenge guidebook features trails for all fitness levels as well as tips for new trail users. Cotton polyester T-shirts are available at participating Visitor Centers (while supplies last). Go “green” by downloading the booklet — print only what you need. See www.ebparks.org/ TC for information on how to download the guidebook and other program materials

including the AllTrails app. Kaiser Permanente is a major sponsor of this program, along with the Regional Parks Foundation. Thousands of people have participated in the program since its inception in 1993. You can hike, bicycle or ride horseback on challenge trails designed for all levels of ability. The guidebook also contains helpful hints on equipment and trail safety. The Trails Challenge is sponsored by the Regional Parks Foundation in partnership with Kaiser Permanente.

Coyotes

News from the East Bay Regional Parks Park It column by Ned MacKay

It’s nearing the time of year when coyotes den up and give birth to pups, in the regional parks and other open space. And since there have been a lot of coyote sightings lately, this seems a good time to offer some information about them. Coyotes are common throughout the western United States and beyond. They can be found in almost every East Bay regional park, from the inland hills to the bay shoreline. Adaptable and intelligent, they also prowl nearby suburban neighborhoods, including mine. If you don’t see a coyote, you will often see its distinctive scat, which has a lot of fur mixed in with it from the small rodents that make up its basic diet. Through their eating habits, coyotes help to control the population of animals such as rabbits, ground squirrels, skunks and raccoons. They aren’t picky eaters; they will also go for fish, birds, reptiles and even insects on occasion. Coyotes resemble smaller, skinnier versions of German shepherd dogs. Generally tan in color, they have long snouts and bushy, black-tipped tails. Although they look like dogs, coyotes are wild and may occasionally be aggressive, especially if protecting a den. If you are walking with your dog and see a coyote approaching, it’s best to call your pet back to you and put it on leash. If a coyote follows you, make loud noises to scare it away. I have heard of no instances of coyotes attacking people in the regional parks. For the benefit of both species, coyotes need to remain wary of humans. So coyotes should never be given handouts or fed unintentionally by leaving pet food or garbage where

they can get to it. Especially if you live near open space, feed your pet indoors and use trash containers with lids that clamp shut. It’s also advisable to keep pets such as cats, rabbits and small dogs indoors. If allowed to run free outside, they can become prey for coyotes. Large dogs should be brought indoors after dark and should not be allowed to run loose. Coyotes can and do mate with domestic dogs. Moreover if you let your large dog run free outside at night, it can pack up with similar pets and hunt wildlife in the parks, which is not a good outcome. For more information about coyotes, check out the California State Fish and Game website, www.wildlife.ca.gov/ keep-me-wild/coyote. There’s even more at the Washington state site: wdfw.wa.gov/living/ coyotes.html. * * * Like coyotes, all other animals leave evidence of their presence. You can learn how to identify them in a “Critter Clues” program from 2 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 9 at Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley. Big Break is at 69 Big Break Road off Oakley’s Main Street. For information, call 888-327-2757, ext. 3050. * * * A s e a rc h f o r w i n t e r blooms is in the works from 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Feb. 10 at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in Antioch. Naturalist Eddie Willis will lead a steep, rocky hike to spectacular views and early season wildflowers, best for ages 8 and up. Meet Eddie in the parking lot at the end of Somersville Road, 3½ miles south of Highway 4. For information, call 888-327-2757, ext. 2750.

* * * At Tilden Nature Area near Berkeley, naturalist Anthony Fisher will lead a series of “Good Morning, Nature!” walks from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Sundays, Feb. 10, 17 and 24. Topics include tracks, scats, trees, rats, newts, mud, creeks and frost. Meet Anthony at the Environmental Education Center, which is at the north end of Tilden’s Central Park Drive. Call 510-544-2233. * * * Do you love the bay beach? If so, you can help to clean it up during a preValentine program from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 9 at Crab Cove Visitor Center in Alameda. Bring your own gloves and bucket or borrow either from the visitor center to help pick up left-behind litter. The center is at 1252 McKay Ave. off Alameda’s Central Avenue. Call 510544-3187. * * * The secret language of animal tracks will be revealed in a program from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 9 at Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont, led by naturalist Kristina Parkison. It’s for ages seven and older. Meet at the visitor center for fun activities designed to help figure out which animals have left their marks on the trails. Coyote Hills is at the end of Patterson Ranch Road off Paseo Padre Parkway. Call 510-544-3220. * * * This isn’t even half of what’s going on in the regional parks in coming days. For more information, check out the website, www. ebparks.org.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

February

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February •

February

For additional Community Events visit: www.ValleySentinel.com Please email information about your events to info@valleysentinel.com February 12 and 13 AARP Tax-Aide FREE Tax Preparation 9am-2:30 pm— Free tax preparation by IRS certiﬁed tax preparers. Serves taxpayers of any age and income but focuses on those with low- to moderate- incomes. Special attention given to taxpayers 50+. Additional Dates: Tuesday, 2/5, 9am-2:30pm; Tuesday, 2/12, 9am- 2:30pm; Wednesday, 2/13 from 9am -2:30pm; Tuesday, February 19 from 9am-2:30pm at the Veterans Memorial Building: 400 Hartz Avenue, Danville. This is a free service. For more information, contact Darlene Davis, AARP Tax-Aide, at kdavis466@gmail.com or call her at 505.699.5506.

tion: 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.)

February 17 Pasta Dinner at San Damiano 4:30pm. We would love to have you join us for our Pasta Dinner Night. Cost is $20 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under. Please bring a nn-perishable item for our food drive supporting the Food Bank of contra Costa and Solano Counties. San Damiano Retreat, 710 Highland Drive in Danville, CA. For more information call us at 925-837-9141.

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

February 23 Psychic & Metaphysical Expo 10am-4pm. 25+ psychics, metaphysical & local vendors will be in attendance. Rafﬂe Prizes to be given away, including a Grand Prize drawing for a full scholarship to a Higher Level Retreat of your choice (valued at over $550)! Attend free metaphysical talks during the event. Entry is FREE. For more information, call Yvonne at 925.548.6103. Event location will be at Sycamore Homes Association, 635 Old Orchard Dr. Danville. March 2 Rotary Club of Danville Annual Crab Feed 5:30pm. The Rotary Club of Danville Crab Feed will take place on Saturday, March 2 at the St. Isidore Church Gym. The biggest fundraiser of the year for Danville Rotary supports the Danville Rotary Foundation in its funding of Down Syndrome Connection and other youth, student, and community programs. Tickets are $75 per person, and include a fresh crab dinner, pasta and salad. Beer and wine available for purchase. Plenty of rafﬂe prizes, and live and silent auction items. Doors open at 5:30 pm, and dinner is served at 7:00 pm. To get tickets online, visit danvillerotary.org and click the Crab Feed tab. By email, DanvilleRotary@Rotary5160. org. For more info call 925-838-8721

San Ramon Farmers Market Every Saturday & Thursday Year-round Buy fresh, seasonal produce directly from local farmers at San Ramon Farmers Market. Connect with your community while shopping at a festive gathering place with live music! www. SanRamonFarmersMarket.org. Bishop Ranch 3, 2641 Camino Ramon, San Ramon.

Forest Home Farms Historic Park & Glass House Museum– open for Fun on the Farm Every Saturday 11am-2pm. Enjoy tours of the Glass House Museum, the farm, and its history. Tours are $5 per person, or $8 for both tours on the same day. 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon. Information: 925-973-3284 or visit www.sanramon.ca.gov. Saturday without Reservations at the Tao House Every Saturday 10am, 12pm, and 2pm. Come explore this National Historic Site in Danville. Catch the shuttle at the bus stop in front of the Museum of the San Ramon Valley, 205 Railroad Ave. www.EugeneOneill.org SENIORS

ONGOING

February 14 Danville Seniors Valentine Brunch and Line Dancing 10am-11:30am. After all the fun we had last year celebrating we are going to do it again! Brunch and dancing for Valentine’s Day! Come enjoy delicious food with good friends. After we eat, we are lucky to have Reggie back to teach us more line dancing! Learn a new line dance step or make up your own steps to the music. All are welcome to attend this sweet treat. Pre-registration is required. Call 925-314-3430 to register or online at www.danville.ca.gov/ recguide with a fee of $10 res., $12 non-res.

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

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.

Hope Hospice – Volunteers Wanted Are you interested in becoming a Hope Hospice volunteer? We are currently looking for volunteers in the Alamo, Danville, Walnut Creek, Rossmoor and Concord areas. If you’d like to learn more about the services our volunteers provide, contact Jill Smith, RN, director of Volunteers at jills@hopehospice.com; or Nikki Tildesley, Volunteer manager at nikkit@hopehospice.com, call (925)8298770 or visit HopeHospice.com for more information.

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.

Special Services for Children with Cancer and Their Families Cancer Support Community offers short-term counseling (12 to 20 sessions) at no cost to children with cancer and their families. Counseling can be for the family, siblings, and/or kids coping with cancer. Counseling is provided by doctoral interns or post doctoral fellows under the supervision of our clinical psychologists. To request this service, please call us at 925-933-0107 and ask to speak with our program director, Margaret Stauffer, LMFT.

The Danville Area Senior Hikes (DASH) is open to all adults and meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month. The group starts at 8:45am at Osage Park, 816 Brookside Drive, Danville and returns about 1pm. Information: 925-314-3400 or visit www.ci.danville.ca.us/Recreation/ Seniors/Senior_Hiking. San Ramon Seniors The following events are held at the Alcosta Senior & Community Center, 9300 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon, unless otherwise noted. For more information call 925-973-3250 or visit www.sanramon. ca.gov/parks/programs/ages55+.htm.

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.

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.

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.

Trips Trip Desk is open Tuesdays from 10am-1pm. Sign up for trips at the travel desk or by depositing payment with registration form in the gold drop box found at the main entryway. Information: 925-973-3250.

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. Informa-

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 February 13 February SBC “Lunch and Learn” follow up to Friday’s workshop 11:30am-1pm. The Small Business Council is proud to be an extension of the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce. We meet to inspire, educate and empower small business owners. This is a great event for all businesses, whether you are a chamber member or not, we welcome you to join us. Danville Area Chamber of Commerce, 117 E Town and Country Dr. Danville, February 19 Walnut Creek State of the City Luncheon 11:30am-1:30pm. You are invited to the State of the City Luncheon presented by the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau in partnership with the City of Walnut Creek. Mayor of Walnut Creek Cindy Silva and Tim Argenti, Chair of the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau will review the current status of Walnut Creek and discuss plans for the coming year. This annual luncheon offers a unique networking opportunity and is always a sell-out. Walnut Creek Marriott, 2355 N Main Street. Tickets:$65/person. Call (925) 934-2007 for tickets or for more information. February 20 San Ramon State of the City address with Mayor Bill Clarkson 11:30am-1:30pm. Come join the San Ramon Chamber of Commerce for the annual State of the City address and luncheon at the San Ramon Marriot located at 2600 Bishop Drive in San Ramon. Individual Tickets are $35 for Chamber Members and $45 for Non-Members. Please contact the Chamber offices to take advantage of sponsorship opportunities or more information: 925-242-0600 or email Kathy Fanning at Kathy.Fanning@ sanramon.org CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS California Writers Club: “The Art of Language” 11am-2pm. Steven Nightingale will discuss “The Art of Language” at the next meeting of the Mt. Diablo branch of the California Writers Club on, at Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant, 611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. He will talk about simple methods one can use in writing with surety, beauty, and power. He will present “delicious secrets”— how stories and proverbs wake up the mind, how laughter leads us to energetic insights, Sign-in is from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, luncheon 12:00 pm to 12:45, including a short business meeting, and speaker from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Registration is $25 for CWC members, $30 for guests. Reservations at https:// cwcmtdiablo.org/current-cwc-mt-diablo-meeting. Danville Veteran Service Organizations 8am-11am. Every Saturday at Veterans Memorial Building of San Ramon Valley – in Danville – the VSOs jointly host a “Veterans Coffee Social” from 8AM until 11AM… Bring a friend or fellow Veteran and show them the museum - share some social time. Drop In - no reservations – all Veterans welcome… stop for a few minutes - or stay for hours! Please share information about our VMB /SRV Military Museum & Library open daily M-F from 9-3 and it’s free! Tri-Valley Fly Fishers Visitors welcome. Meetings feature speakers who share their knowledge of the sport. Held at 7:00 PM on the first Thursday of every month, September through June at the LivermorePleasanton Rod and Gun Club, 4000 Dagnino Road, Livermore, CA 94551. Information: email Roger Perry at President@Trivalleyflyfishers.org

Please email your calendar events to the Sentinel at Info@valleysentinel.com by 5pm on the 20th of the month preceding publication month. Inclusion in the calendar pages is at the sole discretion of Sentinel Newspapers, Inc.

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Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Advances equity for women and girls. AAUW membership is open to all graduates of accredited four year colleges or universities and those holding an Associate Degree Visit daw-ca.aauw.net for meeting dates. For information contact Marsha at ‭(925) 351-8188 for details.‬‬ Cancer workshops and support groups-Ongoing Free. Cancer Support Community, 3276 McNutt Avenue, Walnut Creek. Information / reservations call 925933-0107 or visit www.cancersupportcommunity.net. Fibro? CFIDS? Chronic Pain? If these are familiar to you, call about the San Ramon Valley support group for people who need support, information, classes and friendship from people who know what it’s like. We like to laugh while getting well. Call 925-837-0510. Hope Hospice Grief Support Groups–Ongoing Hope Hospice provides support to help you understand and manage grief in a way that is healthy and appropriate. Our Grief Support Center is available to all community members at minimal or no cost. Information: visit www.HopeHospice.com or call 925-829-8770. Hospice of the East Bay Support groups and workshops for adults, children and teens experiencing grief after the death of a loved one. Classes will be offered at Hospice’s Administrative Ofﬁces: 3470 Buskirk Avenue; Pleasant Hill and the Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation: 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek. Pre-registration is required for all groups and classes, except our dropin 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. February 11 Walnut Creek Garden Club Meeting at the Gardens at Heather Farm Program: “Changing the way you think about pest control” Bridget Colton works with The Hawk Pros LLC, and provides environmentally friendly pest control using nature to nature! The Walnut Creek Garden Club meets on the second Monday of each month at The Gardens at Heather Farm in the Camellia Room. The center is just off Ygnacio Valley Road at 1540 Marchbanks Drive. Call 925-947-1678 for directions. The business meeting is at 9:45am, socializing time is at 10am, and the program is at 11am. Contact mslittle44@gmail.com for more information. You do not need to be a gardener to join the WCGC! Sons In Retirement (Las Trampas Branch) Monthly Luncheon 11:15am. Meets the third Monday of each month, except for May and December. Make new friends and participate in fun activities. Make $25 luncheon reservations by calling 925-322-1160 by the preceding Wednesday. The Clubhouse at Boundary Oak, 3800 Valley Vista Road, Walnut Creek. Information: visit www.branch116.org. Danville Rotary 12pm. Meets every Monday. Black Bear Diner, 807 Camino Ramon, Danville. Information: danvillerotary.org. San Ramon Alzheimer Support Group 7-9pm. Meets the second Monday of each month, except on holidays. Sponsored by the Alzheimer Association. Caregivers of Alzheimer victims

January /February 2019

THE VALLEY SENTINEL

Community Calendar continued from page 12

can get information on how to help them through this difﬁcult time in life. San Ramon Senior & Community Center, 9300 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon. Information: 925-973-3250

Tuesdays: TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) We meet every Tuesday at St. Timothy’s Office Building, Grace House, Basement 1550 Diablo Rd. Danville CA Our hours: Weigh in 8:15am, meeting is 9:30 - 10:30am. We are a weight loss club. Information, please call Mary Stoneburner, at (925) 837-1882 Danville am Toastmasters 7-8:30am. Want to improve your speaking and presentation skills? Toastmasters can help! Meets every Tuesday in downtown Danville. www.4143.toastmastersclubs.org Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary 7am. Meets every Tuesday morning. Crow Canyon Country Club, Danville. Information: dsvrotary.com. Diablo View Toastmasters 8:30-9:30am. Meets every Tuesday. CMG Mortgage, 4th Floor Conference Room, 3160 Crow Canyon Rd., San Ramon. Information: 4160. toastmastersclubs.org. Divorce Angels 5:30 - 7:30pm Going through a divorce is often a life altering experience, one that can make you feel lost. Divorce Angels is a volunteer organization that can help. We are made up of different professionals within the following industries: Legal, Financial, Real Estate, and Psychology. Our goal is to provide you with practical information so you can confidently move forward in your life. Visit www.divorceangel.com. Join us on the first Tuesday of each month at 5:30 pm at the Danville Area Chamber (117 Town & Country Drive Suite #E ) for help with the issues you are facing. San Ramon Valley Geneological Society 10am. Meets every third Tuesday at the LDS Church, 2949 Stone Valley Road, Alamo. http://srvgensoc.org Walnut Creek Rotary 12:15-1:30pm. Meets every Tuesday. Heather Farms Garden Center, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: rotarywc.org. ARF Pet Loss Support Group 5:30-7pm. Meets second Tuesday of every month. Register with Vicki at 925-887-5681 or vickis@hospiceeastbay.org. ARF, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: arf.net. Divorced and Separated Workshop 7- 8:30pm. A new workshop series for divorced and separated people is being held on at St. Joan of Arc Parish, 2601 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon. Contact: Sue at smc9@ sbcglobal.net. 925 -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/communityprograms.html. Wednesdays: Danville Tennis Club (DTC) 6:30-9 PM Wednesday Night DropIn Tennis at San Ramon Valley High School, 501 Danville Blvd., for men and women of 4.0 level or above (and strong 3.5). Also have USTA teams and social events. Join free at https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/ groups/danvilletennisclub/info

Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley 12-1pm The Exchange Club meets every 2nd Wednesday at Noon at Faz Restaurant. Lunch included, $20 for members, $25 for non-members. RSVP coachstepper@yahoo.com, 275-2412. Faz is located at 600 Hartz Avenue, Danville 9526.

Danville Women’s Club 7-9pm. On February 27 from 7-9pm The Danville Women’s Club brings you “Bunco Night at the Club!” (242 W. Linda Mesa Avenue, Danville) from 7 to 9 p.m. Cost is $20/person. Please contact Bonnie to get your ticket and to register (normbraga99@ hotmail.com).

Walnut Creek Toastmasters 7-8:15pm. Meets every Wednesday. 1660 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill. Information: walnutcreek.freetoasthost.net

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.

Sons in Retirement (San Ramon Valley chapter) Monthly Luncheon 10:30am; Social Hour, 11:35am meeting and lunch. Meets the 3rd Wed. of each month. Reservations, please email us at www.info@sir128.com by Friday prior to the luncheon. Bridges Golf Club, 9000 S. Gale Ridge Rd., San Ramon. Alamo Rotary 12:15pm. The Club meets on Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m at Round Hill Country Club located at 3169 Roundhill Rd, Alamo. Feel free to drop in any Wednesday, and you will be greeted by a club member! The ﬁrst lunch is on us. Walnut Creek Host Lion’s Club 12:15pm. Meets the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Black Bear Diner, 700 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek. Information: walnutcreeklions.org. Danville Lions Club 6:30pm. Meets the first and third Wednesday at the Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Dr., Danville. Information: Truman Howard 925-787-2565 truman.howard@ gmail.com San Ramon Valley Rotary 7pm. Meets every Wednesday. Blackhawk Country Club, 599 Blackhawk Club Drive, Danville. Info: sanramonvalleyrotary.com. Blue Star Moms 7-9pm. Meets the second Wednesday of every month to participate in service activities supporting sons/ daughters serving in the military. Danville Veterans Memorial Building, 400 Hartz Ave. Information: bluestarmoms.org. Diablo Valley Quilters 7-9pm. Meets the third Wednesday of every month. No charge for guests. Danville Congregational Church, 989 San Ramon Valley Blvd., Danville. Information: diablovalleyquilters.com. Veterans of Foreign Wars 7pm. Meets the third Wednesday of every month. Veterans Memorial Hall, 400 Hartz Avenue, Danville. Information: Post Commander Ernie Petagara at 925-362-9806 or vfwpost75.org. Diablo Singles Dance Club 7-10pm. Meets the last Wednesday of every month. Live music, refreshments. Members $8, Guests $12. All welcome. 111N. Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. 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 Women’s Club 11:30am. Meets third Thursday. On February 21 Kaite Solvani from CERT as she speaks on “Are we ready for an emergency?” 11:00 meet/greet, 11:30 speaker, 12:00 lunch. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Contact Marijke at marijke@mtenge.com to register. Free for ﬁrst-timers.

San Ramon Valley Newcomers 11:30am-2pm. Meets the third Thursday of every month with a featured guest speaker at a local Tri-Valley restaurant. New and long-time adult residents are welcome. Reservations/information: susansgotbling@ sbcglobal.net or www.srvnc.com. Rotary Club of San Ramon 11:45am. Meets every Thursday. Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville. Information: sanramonrotary.org. San Ramon Valley Kiwanis Club Thursdays at Noon. Black Bear Diner, 807 Camino Ramon, Danville. www. kiwanis-srv.org Clutterers Anonymous 7-8pm. Meets the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month. St. Luke’s Lutheran Church Room 3,  2491 San Miguel Drive, W   alnut 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: Transitions-“Navigating Life’s Turning Points Together” 9-11:30am. Our mission is to encourage and support women from empty nest, to aging parents and everything in between. Community Presbyterian Church, Room 116, 222 W. El Pintado Rd., Danville. Information: Contact Donna Hill at hillmom3@comcast.net Saturdays: Marine Corps League Detachment #942 8:30 am. Meets the 4th Saturday of each month at the Veterans Memorial

page 13

Building, 400 Hartz Avenue, Danville. For more Information: Commandant Gary Estrella at 925-963-9552, or visit www.mcldet942.org Canine Companions for Independence 10-11am. Come join or watch the weekly class for service dog puppies. We are always looking for new volunteers. Our East Bay miracles chapter is a group of volunteers raising puppies to become service dogs. We give our dogs free to prople with disabalities. Class is 10-11am each Saturday, usually at Danville Grange, 743 Diablo Rd. Sometimes there are ﬁeld trips so check the calendar at www.cci.org/eastbaychapter for updates. For more information call Sharon at (9250 838-3213. Diablo Region of the Porsche Club of America 7:30-9am. Meets every Saturday. Buttercup Bar and Grill, 660 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. Information: diablo-pca.org. Parkinson’s Disease Support Group 9am-12pm. Meets every 3rd Saturday. Join us to share, laugh, and learn from each other. Grace Presbyterian Church, 2100 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. General questions may be directed to Co-Chairs Lance Gershen, (925) 932-1028; or Abraham Raja, (925) 304-2064.Web site: www.pnmd.net

Classifieds HELP WANTED Hyperion Developer, Financial Information Services: Master’s in Comp. Engr., Comp. Sci., or rltd. & 3 yrs. rltd. exp. Bank of the West. Job in San Ramon, CA. CV to careers@ bankofthewest.com. EEO. Sales Executive: Sentinel Newspapers, Inc. has an immediate opening for an advertising sales person for the Valley Sentinel. Sales territory includes Danville, Alamo, San Ramon, and Walnut Creek. Sales experience helpful. Will train the right person. Must have an outgoing personality and a positive attitude. This is a commission-only position. Local Central Contra Costa residents only need apply. Please email your resume and request for interview to us at drousset@valleysentinel.com.

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

925-820-6047

P.O Box 130 Danville, CA 94526 www.valleysentinel.com

page 14

THE VALLEY SENTINEL

AUTO March 2009 January/February 2019

2018 Volkswagen Atlas V6 Sel 4Motion By David and Judy Colman

The VW Atlas is an all new offering for 2018. In some respects, it replaces the recently discontinued Touareg as the company’s top SUV. In order to offer three seating rows instead of the two available in the Touareg, VW opted for a length increase of 9 inches, a width increase of 2 inches, a height gain of 3 inches, and a wheelbase extension of 3 inches. Surprisingly, the 4,670lb. Atlas undercuts the weight of the departed Touareg by a substantial 190 pounds. Under the Atlas hood, you will find either the 2.0 liter, 4 cylinder turbo which seems to be available in just about everything VW makes, or a re-engineered 3.6 liter narrow angle V6. The 2.0 motor, producing just 238hp, is a bit of slouch, with its power-toweight ratio of 19.87lb/hp. The 280hp V6 offers better numbers, at 16.92lb/hp. Even with the V6, the Atlas is no rocket ship. In a recent Car & Driver shootout of 5 similarly sized and priced SUVs, the

Atlas tied for last in quarter mile acceleration, at 16 seconds, and dead last in the 0-60 mph run at 7.9 seconds. Okay, so you won’t be posting any new lap records, even if you chose the V6 version of the Atlas like the one we tested. But after spending a week marveling at the ingenious use of space inside this cabin, we came to appreciate that its strong points far outnumber its slight weakness in straight line grunt. The interior of the Atlas is so airy and spacious that its cargo volume measures 50 cubic feet compared to just 34.5 for the superseded Touareg. In the SEL model, the rear hatch door opens and closes automatically. This feature hastens easy loading and unloading, as does the low threshold height of the flat floor. Due to these design advantages, we were able to slip a bicycle in and out of the Atlas with an ease that surpassed any other SUV in recent memory. The second and third row seat backs are a snap to compress, and there are virtually no crevices

to snag bike pedals. Another major plus of the Atlas layout is the usefulness of the third row seat. Rather than being a romper room for little kids, row three offers acceptable seating for a pair of full size adults. While you won’t confuse the interior furnishings of the Atlas with anything from richer VW sibling Audi, you won’t confuse the VW’s price with that of a similar Audi’s either. At a base price of $42,940, the SEL 4Motion V6 is the best equipped, most lavish Atlas you can buy. And its price still undercut the cost of the 4 cylinder Audi Q7 we recently tested by almost $20,000. Unlike the sportier Audi, however, the driving experience of the Atlas leaves a bit to be desired. In the “Normal” drive mode setting, Atlas is too quick to respond to direct inputs at the steering wheel. There’s almost no resistance to input when you turn the steering wheel. Although you can select several different feedback settings from the drive mode dial Atlas

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provides (ranging from Eco to Normal to Sport to Offroad to Desert), none of them yield the solid steering feedback that has long characterized VW’s obsession with precision in this department. Still, barring that oversight, the new Atlas handles with exceptional grace considering its size and heft. At each corner, you will find Continental CrossContact LX Sport radials (255/50R20) mounted on $995 optional black alloy rims - which supported the stealth look of the test SUV’s Deep Black Pearl Metallic paint. The Continentals provided admirable stick in cornering, considering that their wear rating is TW 600. The all independent suspension of the Atlas SEL provides a notably plush ride. While this SUV will attain sizeable lean angles under heavy cornering, this slight loss of composure is well worth the trade-off for 7 passenger passenger comfort. What we liked best about the Atlas had nothing to do with its exterior looks, interior finish, handling, ride comfort or storage practicality. Rather its strong point revealed itself to us

when I opened the hood. Instead of the usual funereal plastic shroud blanketing everything in the engine compartment from view, VW has bravely chosen to leave all the underpinnings of the V6 fully exposed to sight and touch. So a handsome array of components shine from every corner of the engine bay. The lineage of this narrow angle V6 traces all the way back to use in the second generation VW Corrado of the early 1990s. Today it looks better than ever, resplendently uncovered in the Atlas. 2018 Volkswagen Atlas V6 Sel 4Motion Engine: 3.6 liter V-6, narrow angle, 24 valve, DOHC, with FSI direct fuel injection Horsepower: 280Hp@48006200Rpm To r q u e : 2 6 6 l b . ft.@2750rpm Fuel consumption: 17MPG City/23MPG Highway Price as tested: $44,860 Hypes: Huge Interior Space, Giant Tilt/Slide Panoramic Sunroof Gripes: Numb Steering Feedback Star rating: 9 Stars out of 10

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January/February 2019

THE VALLEY SENTINEL

page 15

Choosing Change – Treatment for People Struggling with Overuse of Opiates By Candace Andersen. Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors

For the past few years, here in Contra Costa and across the country, we have s e e n t h e u n p re c e d e n t e d opioid epidemic highlighted in the news. Increased prescribing of opioid medications has contributed to widespread misuse of both prescription and nonprescription opioids, before it became clear that these medications could be highly addictive. Addiction crosses the boundaries of wealth and social status, affecting people from all socioeconomic groups. Opioid overdoses accounted for more than 4 2 , 0 0 0 d e a t h s i n 2 01 6 , m o re t h a n a ny p rev i o u s year on record. An estimated 40% of opioid overdose deaths involved a prescription opioid. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the total “economic b u rd e n ” o f p re s c r i p t i o n opioid misuse alone in the United States is $78.5 billion a year, including the costs of healthcare, lost productivity, addiction treatment, and criminal justice involvement. Several divisions of our Contra Costa Health Services are working together to implement comprehensive strategies to reduce opioid abuse in the County, including County Public Health, Contra Costa Regional Medical Center and Health Centers, and County Behavioral Health. One of those strategies offers a Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Program called Choosing Change. The program utilizes a harm reduction approach when working with patients and uses buprenorphine/ naloxone as the primary treatment medication. Choosing Change supports people with opiate u s e d i s o r d e r, p r o v i d i n g treatment for those struggling with overuse of opiates. Pa t i e n t s a r e s u p p o r t e d with the development of treatment plans, medication, counseling, and connections to recovery

services. Medicationassisted treatment using buprenorphine, also referred to as Suboxone, is effective in helping people reduce or stop their use of opiates, such as heroin or prescription painkillers. The program provides support to patients in a group setting through group medical visits. Upon entry into the program, patients participate with a group o n a re g u l a r b a s i s ; a n d have a chance to meet with medical providers, recovery c o u n s e l o rs, a n d n u rs e s one-on-one. The staff for Choosing Change includes Mental Health Clinical S p e c i a l i s t s, Re g i s t e re d Nurses, Community Health Workers, and Providers, both Medical Doctors and Nurse P ra c t i t i o n e rs. T h i s t e a m of professionals assess the needs of the patients, assist in developing a treatment plan and supporting the patient with recovery to reach future goals of employment, stable housing, and re-connection to family and friends. The providers who endorse and support buprenorphine has increased, noting the success rate of this prescription medication. Buprenorphine comes in a film or tablet that must be dissolved under the tongue, not chewed or swallowed, and taken when no opiates are present in the system. Pa t i e n t s w h o h a v e taken the medication say it makes them feel “normal.” Although it is an opiate, it works differently than other opiates, such as heroin or morphine. Buprenorphine is long acting and can be taken once daily. It lowers the potential for misuses of heroin and other opiates, i t d e c re a s e s w i t h d rawa l symptoms and cravings for opiates, increases safety, and decreases the risk of overdose. Depending on individual needs, buprenorphine can be taken for days, months, or even years. Medication is only one part of the treatment. Buprenorphine works best if partnered with individual or group counseling and peerbased options. Each patient meets with a counselor upon

starting Choosing Change to determine the best plan for their needs. Everything t h e p a t i e n t s h a re s w i t h the providers at Choosing Change is kept confidential. The patients are encouraged to speak honestly and openly to better support their individual needs. To enroll in the Choosing Change program, call the Behavioral Health Access Line 1-800-846-1652 or speak with your doctor. To learn more about Choosing Change and other Contra Costa County Alcohol & Other Drugs Services, go to their website https:// cchealth.org/aod/treatment. php. 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.

L-R: Rotary Club of Danville Co-Presidents Tammy Mercado-Smith and Robert Combs, 2018 Pete Villa Award winner Tristan Sinclair, Rotary Club member Ken Sandy.

Tristan Sinclair from San Ramon Valley High School Wins the 2018 Pete Villa Award T h e Ro t a r y C l u b o f Danville held its 22nd annual Pete Villa awards luncheon on Monday, December 10th. The winner of this prestigious award was Tristan Sinclair from San Ramon Valley High School. The award, named after Pete Villa, founder of the Thunderbirds’ youth football program, each year recognizes the most outstanding high school football players in the San Ramon Valley. Three student-athletes from each of the four San Ramon Valley Unified School District’s high schools are nominated by the school’s principal and the head football coach.

This year’s nominees were: Jahmal Cornwell, Cameron Fitzpatrick, and Julian Iribarren from California High School; D e m o n t e A l e e m , Xav i e r Coleman, and Jarom Kuaea from Dougherty Valley High School, David Hayward, Jack Stewardson, and Nate Rutchena from Monte Vista High School, and Tristan Sinclair, Lucas “Deuce” Palmer, and Beau Garratt from San Ramon Valley High School. F i rs t r u n n e r - u p wa s Demonte Aleem from Dougherty Valley High School and second runner-up was Monte Vista High School’s David Hayward.

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