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valleysentinel.com
July 2012
VOL 17, NO 7
SEVENTY-FIVE CENTS
SPOTLIGHT
SRVUSD Board Names New Superintendent
Mary Shelton succeeds Steven Enoch as the new leader of the San Ramon Valley Unified School District Mary Shelton, the San Ramon Va l l e y U n i f i e d School District’s new Superintendent of Schools, replaces Steven Enoch, who retired after 4 years as Superintendent for SRVUSD and 40 years in public education. Shelton joined the district effective July 1. “We had an exceptional pool of candidates to select from, with applicants from throughout California and across the country. Mary Shelton quickly rose to the top,” said Board President Greg Marvel. “She has a proven track record as an effective educational leader and consensus builder.
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Graduating Monte Vista Seniors who will be competing in college athletics (see article page 7) Top Row L to R: Janet Terranova, Principal, Monte Vista High School, Jack McFarland, Dan Gallagher, Drew Feldman, Trevor Furhiman, Alex Bizzack, Tony DeMartino, Kevin Wexler, Tyler Nevins, Jeff Lockie, Ryan Neil, Makay Redd, Craig Bergman, Athletic Director, Debon Salgado, Dan Scritchfield, Nick Sherrif, Larry Beil, Monte Vista Dad. Middle Row L to R: Ashley Hertz, Anne Kelly, Chrisina Coffin, Shannon Low, Montana Berg, Angelyn Brown, Taylor James, Megan Harder, Rachel Mitchell, Paige Southmayd, Kyle Bowser. Front Row L to R: Jack Peterson, Gus Gradinger, Sam Lagnon, Casey Sbrana, Lexy Troup, Malia Malin, Cameron Parsons. (Photo by Monica Colvin of Creative Imaging)
Mountain Lions–The Mysterious American Cat By James Hale
The mountain lion, puma or cougar (Puma concolor) is an apex predator still coexisting with us in the east San Francisco Bay area. They are a “keystone species” that reflect the health of the environment by their mere presence. In Contra Costa and Alameda Counties mountain lions are faced with several challenges, particularly the fracturing of their habitat. They require large tracts of land for their territories and home range. Our freeways and suburbanization have divided the region into isolated, disjunct areas where a mountain lion must navigate through these ecological barriers to find a preferred habitat. Vehicles are the second leading cause of death for these animals in California. Occasionally, as they follow deer, their primary prey,
into our backyards or cities, they pose a potential public health concern. Unfortunately, the offending individual is usually a dispersing subadult or transient in search of its own territory and is dispatched. That has been the case in recent years in both north Berkeley and Livermore. None of these animals exhibited aggressive or threatening behavior towards humans. A “mountain lion response matrix” is needed where a trained team of wildlife biologists, California Department of Fish and Game wardens, animal control personnel and law enforcement officers are the first responders who escort or allow the wayward cat to retreat back to their habitat. This concept could be developed and implemented into a statewide
or regional standard protocol for dealing with human-lion encounters. Your chances of being attacked by a mountain lion in California are extremely low. There have been fewer than 20 people attacked by mountain lions in California since 1890. For comparison, one is 1000 times more likely to be struck by lightning and 500 times more likely to be attacked and killed by a domestic dog. Most alleged mountain lion sightings are domestic cats misidentified as lions at a distance, golden retrievers, bobcats or coyotes. Mountain lions have learned to coexist with us undetected. The East Bay Area has excellent mountain lion habitat in our East Bay Regional Parks, Mount Diablo State Park, CCWD
and EBMUD watersheds, open space districts, and county and city parks. In suburban areas, riparian zones and creeks provide ribbons of significant habitat for wildlife and their movements. Several researchers, including myself, are looking into the identification, preservation and conservation of wildlife corridors that allow safe passage for large mammals such as the mountain lion.
This month’s Special Sections:
Senior Living pages 8-10 Home Improvement page 11
See MOUNTAIN LION page 13
• ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT •
page 2
valleysentinel.com
dining out • music • art • theater • fun events July 2012
West Coast. The Ruth Bancroft Gardens, 1552 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek. Information: ruthbancroftgarden.org.
Cardburg 2012: The Super Track exhibit Now-August 12 Cardboard Institute of Technology is a team of artists who use recycled cardboard to create enormous sitespecific installations. This summer, CIT will transform the Bedford Gallery into a miniature speedway for racing high speed remote controlled art cars, as well as a lowpowered interactive micro radio station. Bedford Gallery, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: 925-295-1417 or bedfordgallery.org. Sculpture in the Garden Now-July 14 10 a m - 4 p m . T h e Ru t h Bancroft Garden presents the 18th Annual Sculpture In the Garden. The Annual Sculpture in the Garden is a one-of-a-kind art event in the East Bay. The Ruth Bancroft Garden’s famous collection of rare and beautiful succulents features sculpture by artists from all over the
July 12-August 9 Danville Thursday Night Street Festivals 5 : 30 p m - 8 : 30 p m . Fu n booths, live music, entertainment and demonstrations, bistro dining, Kids Zone. Downtown Danville on Hartz and Propsect Av e n u e s . I n f o r m a t i o n : DiscoverDanvilleCA.com July 14 Wesla Whitfield 5pm. Jazz and cabaret meet with Broadway tunes, movie songs and Hit Parade numbers known as the Great American Songbook. Backing Wesla will be the Mike Greensill Quartet. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Call for ticket information: 943-7469 July 14 Make Our Garden Grow 8pm. A benefit concert for Festival Opera. Lesher
Street closures events in Downtown Danville
Center for the Arts, 1 6 01 C i v i c Dr., Walnut Creek. Call for ticket information: 943-7469
proceeding north to San Ramon Valley High School and extends to many of the side streets as well. Information: danvillehotsummernightscarshow.com
July 14 Sierra Guitar at Walnut Creek featuring Celso Machado 7:15pm. A master of traditional Brazilian music and classical composer, his concerts include percussion to bird calls. Walnut Creek Schedule for 2012: Trio Seven, Sunday, July 29, 2:15pm, Viviana Guzman and Jeremy Jouve, Sunday, August 5, 2:15pm, Mesut Ozgen, Thursday, August 9, 7:15pm, Thibault Cauvin, Saturday, October 27, 7:15pm. Classical G u i t a r H o l i d ay C o n c e r t , Sunday, December 2, 2:15pm. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr. Walnut Creek. Call for ticket information: 943-7469.
July 19 2012 Danville Hot Summer Nights Hot Rod and Classic Car Show 2pm. Car Staging:, Show hours: 4-9pm. Rare one-of-akind collector cars, powerful hot rods and muscle cars of the 1960’s, custom designed cars and beautifully maintained classic originals–up to and thru the year 1976. The show stretches from Faz’s restaurant on Hartz Avenue
July 21 Devil Mountain Jazz Band Come to the Grange Hall in Danville, 743 Diablo Road, the 3rd Saturday of every month from 2 to 5 to listen or dance to the music of Devil Mountain Jazz Band. Great Dixieland Jazz music, a large dance floor and lots of free parking. Admission is $15. Bring your own beverages, snacks and a friend or two and enjoy the afternoon! Information: contact Ken at wwwjazznut.com or phone (925) 625-2707. July 21 6th Annual Chevron Family Theatre Festival 10am to 4pm. This event will feature more than two dozen professional family performances in the Lesher C e n t e r ’s t h re e t h e a t e rs, lobbies and ou tside areas. Free activities and events will surround the Center! $5 for ticketed shows. Lesher Center for the Arts,1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Information: visit lesherartscenter.org/ theatrefestival or call 9437469. Red Dragonfly Productions presents Annie Sampson July 21 8-11pm. Annie Sampson’s unique approach to song incorporates blues, rock,
country/western, and modern folk. Presented at the intimate and eccentric setting of Armando’s. Ages 21 a n d ove r. $ 1 5 c ove r. A r m a n d o ’ s , 707 M a r i n a Vista, Martinez. Information: reddragonflyproductions.net. July 21 & 22, 27-29, August 3-5. Oklahoma 8pm. The highspirited rivalry between the local farmers and cowboys provides the colorful background against a handsome cowboy and a winsome farm girl. Tickets: $27.50 - $37.50. Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. Information: 373-6800. July 22 Walnut Creek Concert Band, Summer Pops Concert 7:30pm. Missed your summer travel plans? Join the Walnut Creek Concert Band on a fun and entertaining worldwide tour of song and dance. Tickets: $17. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Information: walnutcreekband.org Tuesday Night Blues presents Willie G July 24 6:30-8pm. Bay Area souljazz blues veteran Willie G has been singing and emoting a fantastic old-styled stage show for nearly fortyyears. A compelling vocalist--from bass to baritone to tenor--his excellent, story-telling lyrics are enhanced by his topnotch band. Todos Santos Plaza, Willow Pass See CALENDAR page 3
Free Summer Concerts Hartz & Prospect Avenues
~ Family-fun booths hosted by local businesses & community groups ~ Entertainment & demonstrations ~Bistro dining in the street ~ Kids Zone with bounce house, face painting, balloons, Museum of San Ramon Valley train & much more! Live music featuring Alma Desnuda
For more information, visit www.DiscoverDanvilleCA.com
Danville
San Ramon
Music in the Park at Oak Hill Park 3005 Stone Valley Road, Danville. Shows begin at 6pm. Residents are encouraged to bring blankets and snacks.
Summer Concert Series at San Ramon Central Park 12501 Alcosta Blvd, San Ramon Shows begin at 5:30pm. Bring a picnic, blanket and/or lawn chairs. Adult beverages, soda and ice cream available for purchase.
July 23 - Evolution: Well known Journey tribute band August 6 - Colour my World: Chicago tribute band August 20 - Whiskey Dawn: Country band with exciting original music
July 15 - Sun Kings: Beatles Tribute July 22 - Livewire: 70’s, 80’s & 90’s July 29 - FabulousCruisetones: Oldies August 5 - David Martin’s house party: High Energy Band
• ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT •
page 3
dining out • music • art • theater • fun events
valleysentinel.com
July 2012 CALENDAR from page2
on the trombone. A hardswinging artist with deep roots in the jazz tradition. Performed with such greats as Dizzy Gillespie. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Call for ticket information: 9437469.
Road and Grant Street, Concord. Information: 925-671-3464 or concordfirst.org. July 27 Sunset Social 5:30-8:30pm. “Bluegrass, Brats and Beer” at the Ru t h B a n c ro f t G a rd e n s, 1552 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek. Information: ruthbancroftgarden.org. July 27, 8pm. July 28, 2 & 8pm. The Mikado A tale set in a make-believe town where flirting is a capital offence, The Mikado is a satire on Victorian British society. Chaos, desperation, and comical mayhem reign. Lesher Center for the Arts,1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Information: Lesherartscenter. org/theatrefestival or call 9437469.
July 28 John Pizzarelli 5pm. Jazz guitarist known for brilliant guitar work and smooth vocals. From Carnegie Hall to Melrose Place, he has gained a wide following from his numerous stage, screen and television appearances. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Call for ticket information: 943-7469
Concord Sunday Pro Jam presents Gail Muldrow August 5 7-11pm. Gail Muldrow from The Brides of Funkenstein offers an irresistible mixture of blues, funk, soul, R&B, rock, grunge, and heavy metal. The Sunday evening pro jam provides an intimate concert with a diverse range of talented musicians. Ages 21 and over. $21 cover. Vinnie’s Bar & Grill, 2045 Mount Diablo Street, Concord. Information: vinniesbar.com or call 685-9515.
August 4 Wycliffe Gordon 5pm. One of the great performers
Stress-free Camping Don’t worry about planning your menu and activities for your camping weekend, the Town of Danville will do it for you. Join the Town for a suburban camping experience at Oak Hill Park. You will enjoy swimming at Monte Vista Community Pool, youth crafts, family games and a movie under the stars. Dinner Saturday night and a continental breakfast Sunday morning will be provided. Families will check in Saturday, July 21 at 10:00 a.m. and check out by Sunday, July 22 at 12:00 p.m. All family members who will be camping must be registered. Space is limited. Preregistration is required. Registration is limited to online or mail-in only. Register online at www. danvillerecguide.com. For more information visit www.danville.ca.gov or call (925) 314-3400.
95th Birthday and 35th Anniversary Celebration By StaffWriter
The Alamo Danville Artists’ Society (ADAS) is celebrating the 95th birthday of its co-founder Beth Batchelor. It also coincides with the 35th Anniversary of the founding of ADAS by Beth and Ida Farese. Beth remains very busy working on art commissions, teaching painting and exhibiting her art. She will be very happy to see her friends and ADAS members. Those who don’t know Beth will have a chance to meet in person one of the most extraordinary local citizens. A reception will be held at the Blackhawk Gallery, 3416 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville, CA 94506 on Sunday July 29 from 3 to 5 pm. The Alamo Danville Artists’ Society, founded in 1977,
ADAS co-founder Beth Batchelor
is a non-profit organization providing monetary contribution in support of art programs in the San Ramon Valley Schools. Membership includes artists and patrons who appreciate the visual arts. ADAS hosts distinguished and nationally known guest artists at the monthly meetings.
For more A & E, see our website at www.valleysentinel.com/pages/living_ arts_entertainment_events. Over 25 years experience!
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The Valley Sentinel
July 2012
valleysentinel.com
Traffix’s new high school program already “selling out” By Nora Heston
five elementary schools in San Ramon and Danville. Passes for all of the middle and elementary schools were available as of June 26. More passes are available for those schools because they offer a full program with multiple buses traveling to and from the schools, as opposed to the one bus allotted per school for the new high school program. M o r e m i d d l e school and elementary s c h o o l students also fit on the buses. Elementary buses can hold up to 70 kids, while middle school buses can hold up to 60 and high school buses reach capacity at 50, Weis said. The elementary and middle school buses don’t usually reach capacity though, with 16 buses running 32 individual routes. If the high school program becomes extremely popular and successful, the school will reevaluate mid-year to
The Traffix program, which was started as a way to relieve traffic congestion during peak a.m. commute times in busy areas, has already started selling out of tickets for their new high school program, according to officials. Traffix announced a oneyear, pilot shuttle program for California High School in San Ramon and Monte Vista High School in Danville to begin with the 2012-2013 school year, said Alex Weis, Traffix program manager. The pilot program set up one bus per high school to travel to both schools for the duration of the school year and offer the same program to high school students as has been offered to the middle and elementary schools in the area since 2009. “The bus service to Monte Vista High School sold out of tickets within six hours,” according to a press release. CHS passes were still available as of June 26. The program also serves the two middle schools and
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determine if they have the funds to grow the program and offer it for upcoming years, Weis said. This may be done by reallocating funds from underutilized routes. Traffix, which officially began in 2009 after a preplanning stage that began in 2006, is funded by Measure J, the 1/2 cent sales tax approved by Contra Costa
voters in 2004, according to the Traffix website. Part of the sales tax was allotted for providing safe transportation to children, which is how Traffix receives most of their funding from
the program, Weis said. The rest of the money used to run the program comes from the Transportation Demand Management fund (TDM) and money received from bus pass sales, he said. “[The program has] been extremely well received,” Weis said, who mentioned he receives positive feedback from the community regarding the Traffix program. The district doesn’t offer any transportation for students, aside from special education buses, which aren’t for all students to use, so this is the only public transportation they have available, he said. In addition to being convenient, the program also allows for parents to cut down on gas costs and time, and kids
like to ride the school bus, Weis said. The program is also safe, according to officials. “Children who ride school buses are 25 times less likely to be injured in an accident than kids driven to school in private vehicles,” according to the Traffix website. “With seat belts, steel reinforced side panels, GPS and video monitoring, school buses are the safest vehicles on the road today.” T h e p ro g ra m , w h i c h often offers the tickets for a d i s c o u n t e d ra t e w h e n purchased early, charges less than their operating costs for the service, Weis said. Tickets for the program can be purchased online at www. ridetraffix.com for $275. The 4 agencies who govern the Traffix program include Contra Costa County, the town of Danville, the city of San Ramon and the San Ramon Valley Unified School District.
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Life Saving Benefits in Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests While colorectal cancer By Tyler Kang, MD
The idea behind cancer screening is for screening tests to be able to catch cancer in individuals who are otherwise asymptomatic in the early stages so as t o m a ke ava i l a b l e m o re effective therapies. While not all cancers lend themselves to be screened easily, colorectal cancer is one that can be because of its predictable progression from pre-cancerous polyps to malignant tumors. Cancer Screening Techniques The simplest forms of colorectal cancer screening are stool-based tests. This includes guaiac and immunohistochemical tests that detect presence of fecal hemoglobin. While simple to perform, compliance may be low due to need for dietary restrictions in some forms of the test. The drawback with this test is that it is neither diagnostic nor therapeutic, and requires follow-up with additional testing for any abnormal results. T h e “ g o l d - s t a n d a rd ” for colorectal cancer screening involves the direct visualization of the intestine via endoscopy. There are
two forms of endoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, in which the endoscopic camera is passed into the latter half of the colon, or colonoscopy, which reaches into the entire colon. These endoscopic procedures are useful not only in diagnosing malignant tumors, but they are useful in identifying pre-cancerous polyps and removing them before development of actual cancerous lesions. Future Directions To avoid the invasiveness of direct endoscopies, specialized cameras the size and form of medicine pills have been developed which can be swallowed and allow visualization of the colon without the discomfort of traditional sigmoidoscopies or colonoscopies. Another method of visualizing the colon is the use of computed tomography (CT), which can render a virtual reconstruction of the colon as well as any tumors or polyps within. However, these procedures still require adequate preparation of the colon, and an actual direct endoscopy will still need to be done if an abnormality is identified for the purpose of obtaining biopsies.
screening reduces colorectal c a n c e r ra t e s d u e t o t h e ability to remove early or precancerous lesions, there has been scant evidence t h a t i t i m p rove s ove ra l l survival. But now we have p u b l i c a t i o n o f a l a r g e, randomized trial by Schoen et al (New England Journal of Medicine, May 2012) that s h ows s i g m o i d o s c o p i e s, along with the use of other screening techniques, actually reduces the fatality rates from colorectal cancers. Unfortunately, compliance with colorectal cancer screening is low, ranging from as high as 68% to as low as 30%. In order for screening to work, the population at large must understand the benefits of these tests. Hopefully, with improved understanding and better public knowledge a b o u t t h e s e p ro c e d u re s, along with their associated risks and benefits, more lives will be saved as we increase the rates of compliance with these screening tests. D r. Ka n g i s a b o a rd certified Medical Oncologist and Hematologist with Epic Care, a group of experts in the diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of cancer and blood disorders. www.epic-care. com
valleysentinel.com
July 2012
The Valley Sentinel
page 5
BART raises fares to balance budget a regular basis according to the
Soothe Your Arthritis Pain, Naturally!
By StaffWriter
By Dr. Niele Maimone, DC
BART’s Fiscal Year 2013 budget uses operating dollars to fund important capital projects for the future, including the next generation of rail cars. The BART Board of Directors voted recently, eight to one, to adopt the budget, which went into effect July 1, 2012. BART will use a total of $45 million in operating funds toward the $3.2 billion new rail car project, an additional $2.4 million to pay for new seats and new floors in existing rail cars and about $600,000 to pay for an extra hour of train service on the Daly City to Richmond line (trains currently stop running on the line at 7 pm; this proposal would fund train service until 8 pm). The budget also includes $1 million in material costs for the escalator/elevator maintenance division, which has brought in outside contractor assistance in recent weeks to tackle an unusually high number of escalator outages. Under the FY12 operating budget, eight new positions were added to the existing team of 41 BART staffers in the escalator/elevator division. Fare Increase Contributes to Financial Health The budget includes a 1.4% fare increase that began July 1. The fare increase is expected to generate $4.8 million, contributing to BART’s overall financial health. This fare increase will be the last in the current program to raise fares on SUPERINTENDENT from page 1
The Board was particularly impressed with her passion for excellence in public education. Shelton had been an administrator in the Sacramento City Unified School District for 11 years, a district that serves 48,000 students on 81 campuses. Prior to her tenure at SCUSD she spent 11 years at Jesuit Catholic High School in Sacramento as a mathematics instructor and assistant principal. “I was drawn to the San Ramon Valley Unified School District because of the commitment by the Board and staff to continuous improvement for all students,” said Shelton. “SRVUSD is a highperforming district that is intent on equipping all of its students with the knowledge and skills needed for college and careers in the 21st century. I am excited to work with such a focused Board and staff and I am honored to lead a district with such a great reputation.” Shelton spent her first four years in education
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rate of inflation minus one-half percent. Many riders, including those who pay the minimum fare of $1.75, will see no increase in fares thanks to BART’s method of rounding to the nearest nickel. The maximum additional amount passengers will pay July 1 is 15 cents. This will be the first time BART has raised fares since July 1, 2009. Increased Ridership Helps the Bottom Line BART’s $672.1 million operating budget is benefiting from ridership that is projected to increase by 3% in FY13 to an average weekday ridership of 376,000 for the year, which would be an all-time high. Farepaying customers account for 78% of the operating funds in the FY13 budget. The second largest source of operating revenue, dedicated money from sales taxes, is expected to increase by 5%. In the current fiscal year, BART is experiencing increased revenues. BART staff has proposed using $15M in additional revenues in FY12 to fund critical capital needs, including $7.5 million to waterproof and modernize Powell St. Station, $2.3 million to upgrade heating, ventilation and air conditioning on 110 rail cars, another $2 million for power and propulsion work on rail cars and the remaining funds would be used for initiatives ranging from computer servers to pigeon abatement. Learn more about the BART budget by visiting www.bart.gov/board.
Joint pain, known as arthritis, comes in many forms. The most common type is osteoarthritis, known as “wear and tear arthritis”. Joint pain can flare up for a number of reasons — some of which may be overlooked by conventional practitioners. Many of my patients ask me if their pain is caused by arthritis. Sadly, it is estimated that one in five Americans has been diagnosed with some form or arthritis. There are over a hundred different arthritic conditions, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis being the most well known. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease causing inflammation in the synovial fluid of the joint. Rheumatoid arthritis is most common in the hands and feet and is frequently accompanied by a hot or warm feeling in the joint, stiffness for over 30 minutes in the morning, the same joint affected on both sides of the body, polyarthritis (more than one joint affected at a time), and pain that can last through the night. With this form of arthritis, most of my patients notice the pain eases the more they use the joint. Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, feels worse the more we exercise and as the day wears on. Also linked to inflammation, this type of arthritis can be traced back to a breakdown in
teaching college mathematics at Louisiana State University in Shreveport, Louisiana and Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi. Prior to that she was a computer programmer for Chevron Oil Company in New Orleans, Louisiana. Shelton has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education (Mathematics) from the University of Tennessee and a Masters of Science Degree in Mathematics from the University of Mississippi. Shelton has two grown children, an attorney and a civil engineer. Both live out of the area. About SRVUSD The San Ramon Valley Unified School District encompasses the communities of San Ramon, Danville, Alamo, Blackhawk and Diablo. The district has 35 schools, over 30,000 students, 2,800 employees, and an annual budget of approximately $220 million. SRVUSD has been consistently recognized for high student achievement and community involvement.
Some of the district’s recent and ongoing accomplishments include: • 8th highest unified school district in the State of California according to the California Academic Performance Index (highest among unified districts with more than 9,000 students); • 95% of graduating seniors attending college or university; • 41 SRVUSD high school students were chosen as National Merit Scholarship Semi-finalists; • 14 Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year finalists in the last 15 years; • Newsweek Magazine included all of SRVUSD’s eligible high schools on its list of “America’s Best High Schools”; • A public/private partnership that will provide land for future school and park in the Dougherty Valley area of east San Ramon; • SRVUSD parents provide more than 300,000 hours of volunteer service to the district each year.
the joint cartilage. It generally affects the hips, knees, spine, hands and feet and develops as more of a wear-and-tear situation, whereas rheumatoid arthritis is closely tied with genetic factors that lead to an autoimmunity problem. What you need to know if you suffer from arthritis? All forms of arthritis involve some kind of inflammation — either local or systemic. When injured, a chain of events in your immune system known as the inflammatory cascade is triggered. This is what causes the redness, swelling and pain we often see with an acute injury. When this process, known as local or acute inflammation, turns on and then off in response to injury it’s a sign of a healthy immune system. Yet when the symptoms of inflammation don’t disappear, it tells us that your immune system is unable to turn itself off when it should, therefore leading to a state of chronic inflammation. How do I begin to heal my arthritis pain? 1. Adopt a healthy diet rich in natural anti-inflammatories. Eat small meals often and choose a diet of richly colored fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and pure omega-3 fatty acids. 2. Class IV Laser Therapy. Ending the pain caused by arthritis requires stopping the cycle of inflammation. Class IV laser therapy is an excellent method for this, because it is presently the only modality that
can both reduce inflammation and heal tissue simultaneously. Laser therapy creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness and pain. As the injured area returns to normal, function is restored and pain is quickly relieved. 3. Rule out infection and allergies. Special testing is available to identify subclinical infections and allergies to foods and toxins. 4. Remove/reduce the toxins in your life. If you cannot understand the ingredients on the label don’t buy the product. 5. Reduce stress. Exercise, meditation, nature walks, yoga, prayer … The beauty of stress reduction is that it’s never a waste of time — it serves you on every possible level. We have great success helping people solve the causes of their joint pain. If you suffer from arthritis it is worth your while to spend some time figuring out which of any number of factors are contributing to your pain — and which combination of therapies will help heal it. The good news is — you can do it without drugs, and you don’t have to give up any of the activities you love! Dr. Niele Maimone, DC is the owner and founder of Align Healing Center in Danville, CA. She has been active in our natural health & wellness community since 1999. For more information or to set up a consult call 925.362.8283 or visit www. alignhealingcenter.com.
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page 6
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SRVUSD Saves Taxpayers $17 million through Measure A bond refinance
Moody’s gives District highest bond rating in the state Measure A,” said Superintendent
The San Ramon Valley Unified School District recently refinanced several outstanding general obligation bonds, a move projected to save property owners more than $17 million in taxes. The bonds, totaling $167.9 million, were originally authorized when voters passed the district’s Measure A Facilities Bond in 2002. The bond was used to repair and upgrade aging facilities throughout the district. The District was able to take advantage of a historically low interest rate environment. The interest rates on the outstanding bonds from the 2002 authorization ranged from 3.55% to 4.77%. The interest rates for the new bonds issued on June 19th range from 0.52% to 3.14%, a difference that will save property owners $17,002,379. The refinancing of the bonds was authorized by the Board of Education at its May 22nd meeting. “Ten years ago, the community generously voted to support its schools by passing
Steven Enoch. “Taking advantage of the low interest rates and the district’s favorable bond rating allowed us to generate considerable savings for property owners .” Prior to the bond sale, the District’s bonds were rated by Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s, which provide credit ratings and research covering debt instruments and securities worldwide. Moody’s assigned the District the rating of “Aa1” with a “stable” outlook. The rating of “Aa1” is the highest rating ever assigned to a California school district. Standard & Poor’s assigned the rating of “AA” with a “stable” outlook, and referenced the “high desirability of the district’s educational services, and good financial performance demonstrated by the district’s strong reserve levels.” In addition to the lower interest rates, the District also chose to restructure future debt payments of Measure A bonds to provide taxpayers with a more stable tax payment each year.
KlabLab, presents Dougherty Valley HighSchool in San Ramon with $10,000 to be used for a recording studio. Four DVHS 11th-graders earned the prize for their school by winning the KlabLab Sound of Knowledge Tour contest.
Bay Area High School Wins $10,000 Mobile Recording Studio Student-Created Song on Immigrant Rights Wins KlabLab’s Inaugural Sound of Knowledge Tour Contest By StaffWriter
KlabLab, the company “leading the education revolution one song at a time”, recently announced that four students from Dougherty Valley High School in San Ramon are the grand-prizewinners of the firstever Sound of Knowledge Tour contest. The winning students, from Karie Chamberlain’s 11th grade U.S. history class, wrote and performed “Fighting for our Rights,” a song about Mexican workers’ fight for equality in the United States. As part of the tour, the KlabLab team and its tour bus – outfitted as a recording studio – visited Dougherty Valley High School on March 16, 26, 29 and April 30. KlabLab ran 12 workshops, helping more than 450 students create educational songs about the content they were learning – similar to an audio report set to popular music. KlabLab congratulates the winning students: • Omar Akbar, 16, who is interested in speech and debate, tinkering with Android software and history. • Rylan Alfonso, 16, who enjoys his AP music theory class, playing video games and the piano.
• Jeff Babu, 16, who likes computer programming, making music and volunteering. • Jonathan Lim, 17, whose goals include traveling around the world to explore different cultures, trying new foods and taking unique photos. Thanks to these students’ creativity, KlabLab awarded Dougherty Valley High School a mobile $10,000 multimedia studio to be used for ongoing creative collaboration and content production at the school. Akbar, Alfonso, Babu, and Lim, along with runners-up, received iPads as well. “We really believe in the power of collaboration when it comes to music, technology and education, and our mission for the Sound of Knowledge tour was to engage these kids while having fun learning,” said Dave Haberman, KlabLab co-founder. “It was a great experience traveling to each school and meeting students across California, and working with them to create music about subjects like history, math and science.” KlabLab enables teachers and students to collectively create new ways to learn through music, video and innovative
lesson plans. To engage students and bring this collaborative approach into the classroom, KlabLab embarked on the Sound of Knowledge Tour 2012 on their tour bus, outfitted as a mobile recording studio. The studentcreated content generated on the tour was posted to the KlabLab website, where students and educators from around the country voted for their favorites. The spring 2012 Sound of Knowledge Tour lasted seven weeks and included 10 schools, 32 teachers, 86 workshops and more than 3,000 students. The tour traveled throughout California in the spring and will go nationwide this fall. “The juniors in my U.S. History class absolutely loved KlabLab and working together to write the songs about topics they read about every day in their textbooks,” said Karie Chamberlain, the Dougherty Valley High School teacher whose students won the grand prize. “I personally loved seeing students who usually never get involved or appear to enjoy history, come alive. The four boys who won are great examples of that. I never knew they had a passion for music.”
San Ramon Valley students receive honors at science fair The Contra Costa Council honored five student winners in the recent Contra Costa Science and Engineering Fair, who also took honors in state and international science fairs. They included Eric Sauer, 11th grader at Monte Vista High School, Danville; Raymond Zhu, 12th grader at Dougherty Valley High School, San Ramon; Aryo Sorayya, 11th grader at Monte Vista High School, San Ramon; Chad Wakamiya, 8th grader at Pine Valley Middle School, San Ramon; and Dhuvarakesh Karthikeyan, 8th grader at Iron Horse Middle School, San Ramon. Students displayed and presented their science project findings to dinner guests. For more information, see www.cccsef.org.
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libraries • schools • camps • events
Danville Rotary names Female Athlete of the Year By Denise Rousset
Danville Rotary held its fifth annual Female Athlete of the Year Awards luncheon on Monday, June 4th and the winner was swimmer, Allison Brown, a senior at San Ramon Valley High School. Each year, Danville Rotary honors the most outstanding female athletes from each of our four area high schools and this year’s nominees were all exceptional. The other athletes nominated were Tori Edwards from California High School nominated for Track & Field and Basketball; Lauren Nakaso from Dougherty Valley High School, Nominated for Soccer; Paige Southmayd from Monte Vista High School, Nominated for Lacrosse.
Heather Johnston, Head Swim Coach at San Ramon Valley High School said, “Allison made a huge impact from the very first time she swam for San Ramon Valley High School. I knew this girl had the determination and the drive to make the highest level possible in this sport. She immediately became a leader and a motivator to her fellow teammates, and is extremely versatile with the number of events she can swim and score points. ” Some of the high school highlights for Allison are as follows: She was a member of the United States National Junior Swim Team 2011-2012: Member San Ramon Valley High School (SRVHS) Women’s Varsity Swim
Team, 4 years; Team Captain, Pleasanton Seahawks Swim Team, 2009 – present; Member California Scholarship Federation (CSF), 2008 – present, and Member SRVHS Photography Club, 2010 – present. Allison was recognized at local and national levels for: 18time High School All-America honors (13 awarded + 5 for this season); 2012 Olympic Trials – Women’s Swimming Qualifier – 5 events; SRVHS Women’s Swimming Record Holder – 4 individual and 2 relay events; 4-time Pacific Swimming AgeGroup Athlete of the Year; FINA Top 100 World Ranking in 2011 for the 200 IM (LCM); Competed at and a championship finalist at FINA World Cup 2010 (Berlin and Moscow), 2011 (Singapore);
Monte Vista Seniors to compete in college athletics By StaffWriter
On Thursday, May 31st thirty-three Monte Vista High School graduating senior student athletes were honored for their commitment and stand out performances in their sport during their four years at MVHS. Out of a graduating class of 507, these students will be playing at the collegiate level of competition. Larry Beil, sports anchor for ABC Channel 7 hosted the event with Janet Terranova, Monte Vista’s principal and Craig Bergman, Monte Vista’s Athletic Director handing out certificates of excellence. Coaches, parents, staff and their classmates were in attendance as they recognized student athletes like Lexy Troup who will swim at UCLA and recently broke two 28-year old Monte Vista school records. She now holds the record in both the 200 and 500 yard freestyle. Or track and cross country athlete, Trevor Fuhriman, who will
attend Brigham Young University men and women who will be and is the 2012 North Coast moving on to play intercollegiate Section champ in the mile and athletics. We wish them nothing holds both the 800 (1:54.04) and but the best and look forward the mile (4:13.09) school record, to following their collegiate breaking a forty one year streak! careers.” Or nationally known and ESPN Monte Vista has produced All State Athlete Jeff Lockie, countless hard working athletes quarterback for the Mustangs, of excellence over the last who will don an Oregon Ducks several years, all of whom have jersey next fall. represented their school and Casey Sbrana, captain of the community well. Recent grads Monte Vista soccer team and one include Courtney Jones, Class of of only three freshmen recruits 2008, who just signed with the to Azusa Pacific University, said, Boston Breakers, the professional “It was great to be honored. women’s soccer league, after an I’ve played a lot Also of soccer in myoutstanding career University please see other email with the at corrections. my life but there’s been nothing of North Carolina; and Ryan more gratifying than playing asat 925-567-6710 Whalen, a 2007 grad, who’s Please call me a Mustang. I’ve loved wearing I could stop by at the later. Let me know when. in office his second season with the red and black on the pitch and Cincinnati Bengals. Maggie representing my school, my Steffens, Class of 2011, is traveling community and my family. I with the USA Women’s Water may be a Cougar at APU in just a Polo team, preparing for the couple of months, but I’ll always summer Olympics, and Mark be a Mustang!” Appel, Class of ’09, is a starting Craig Bergman, Monte Stanford Pitcher and part of the Vista’s Athletic Director, said, MLB draft in June. “I’m very excited for our young
Local businessman earns Doctorate By StaffWriter
Mark Curtis, an awardwinning journalist and political author, has earned his Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership degree from St. Mary’s College of California. Curtis completed his Doctoral Dissertation in a study of how Rhode Island voters in generational age groups made different media choices in terms of how they gained information about politics in the 2008 Presidential election and beyond. “People are very much creatures of habit,” said Curtis, “They gravitate toward what they grew up with or used all their lives in terms of news
coverage.” The study found that voters over age 60 still gravitate to traditional media of newspapers, radio and television. The youngest voters, age 18 to 30, are completely opposite, using Internet based news and social media, almost to the exclusion of newspapers and TV. “Any candidate running for office needs to use a two-tiered media strategy if they want to appeal to all voters,” Curtis said. Many analysts credit a similar strategy for Barack Obama’s victory in the 2008 Presidential campaign. Curtis is the Chief Political and Investigative Reporter for WLNE-TV ABC 6 in Providence,
Rhode Island. In addition, Curtis is an Adjunct Lecturer in the Communication Department at Rhode Island College. He is also the owner of MarkCurtisMedia. com, a communications and political consulting firm in Danville, California. In addition to his Doctorate from St. Mary’s College Curtis earned his Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Communication from Marquette University and his Master of Arts in Mass Communication from the University of Florida.
From left to right: Tori Edwards, Allison Brown, Paige Southmayd, Lauren Nakaso
Completed at and a championship finalist representing the US at FINA World Junior Championships, Lima Peru, August 2011; Championship Finalist at US National Swimming Championships 2011; Championship Finalist at US Junior National Swimming
Championships 2011; Top 10 Finisher at US National Open Water Championships 2011 (5k) Allison will continue to swim at Stanford in the fall, said Coach Johnston, “ and the Wolves will look forward to following her career over the next 4 years.”
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The valley Sentinel
July 2012
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Health care law delivers free preventive services to 1,180,220 people with Medicare in California Nationally, 14,297,266 Prior to 2011, people with By David Sayen
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced that the Affordable Care Act helped 1,180,220 people in California with original Medicare receive at least one preventive service at
no cost to them during the first five months of 2012. This includes 89,595 who have taken advantage of the Annual Wellness Visit provided by the Affordable Care Act.
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people in Medicare received at least one free preventive service during the first five months of this year. This includes 1,100,592 people w h o b e n e f i t e d f ro m t h e Annual Wellness Visit. In 2011, 32.5 million people in Medicare received one or more preventive benefits free of charge. “Thanks to the health care law, millions of Americans are getting cancer screenings, m a m m o g ra m s a n d o t h e r preventive services for free,” said CMS Acting Administrator Marilyn Tavenner. “These free preventive services are helping people in Medicare stay healthy and lower their health care costs.” One of the major goals of the Affordable Care Act is to help people stay healthy by giving them the tools they need to take charge of their own health and prevent health problems before they happen.
Medicare faced cost-sharing for many preventive benefits such as cancer screenings. Under the Affordable Care Ac t , p reve n t i ve b e n e f i t s are offered free of charge to beneficiaries, with no deductible or co-pay, so that cost is no longer a barrier for seniors who want to stay healthy and treat problems early. The law also added an important new service for people with Medicare—an Annual Wellness Visit with the doctor of their choice—at no cost to beneficiaries. For more information on Medicare-covered preventive services, please visit: www.healthcare.gov/law/ features/65-older/medicarepreventive-services. To learn what screenings, vaccinations and other preventive services doctors recommend for you and those you care about, please visit the “myhealthfinder” tool at www.healthfinder.gov.
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Safety and Social Interaction: Key Aspects of Caring for Aging Family Members By Jesse Walters
If you’re caring for an aging loved one, you’re likely faced with a variety of safety a n d s o c i a l c o n c e r n s. A s your relative’s forgetfulness progresses to potential for harm, you can take steps to protect your parent or spouse, to educate yourself, and to determine when to pursue more help. To protect your family member from potentially dangerous situations, ensure that the home is suitably designed and maintained to minimize the possibility of falling. Install hand rails in the bathroom. Remove throw rugs, extension cords, and other tripping hazards. E n s u re t h a t t h e l i g h t i n g in the house is adequate. Many families also opt for an emergency call button that can alert the authorities and send help immediately if needed. Besides addressing safety c o n c e r n s, yo u c a n h e l p relatives maintain quality of life through social interaction. It’s tempting for a senior to sit in the house and waste away the day watching TV, but the mind needs to be
stimulated! The San Ramon Senior Center offers a game room, fitness classes, and even transportation. Ensure that your loved one is getting out of the house whenever possible, and that family members and caregivers don’t let them remain sedentary and disengaged. Play games, do puzzles, look through photo albums. Another temptation is for seniors to eat frozen meals or canned food. Beware: these meals are often very high in sodium and fat but l ow i n v i t a m i n s. P ro p e r nutrition feeds the mind and body, regardless of age. You may choose to have meals delivered by Meals on Wheels, have your loved one eat at the Senior Center a few times a week, or have a caregiver assist in preparing healthy meals. You can easily modify recipes like tuna casserole or “fried” chicken to make them healthy and appealing. As a family caregiver, you also need to make your own health a priority. Be proactive about your own well-being by setting aside time to rest, seeking help
in the form of respite care, or joining a support group. Of course, there will come a time when every family caregiver needs support to adequately care for an aging parent or loved one. In these instances, hiring a caregiver from a home care agency can be an effective solution. Look for a reputable agency like Home Care Assistance, which is bonded and insured. Its caregivers are trained in caring for daily needs, as well as creating healthy meals, planning activities and engaging in conversation. To d a y t h e r e a r e 61 million family caregivers in the United States. There are many local organizations that offer support, services and advice. If you are a caregiver for a family member or anticipate being in that situation soon, take advantage of the information and resources available to help you. Resources: San Ramon Senior Center (925) 973-3250 or www. s a n ra m o n . c a . g ov / Pa r k s / programs/ages55+.htm Family Caregiver Alliance www.caregiver.org
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The Valley SenTinel
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Medicare Covers Kidney Disease By David Sayen
Medicare covers a A diagnosis of kidney number of things related to failure could be a real shock. dialysis. If you’re admitted to And it’s becoming more common as the number of a hospital for special care, Americans with diabetes and Medicare covers inpatient high blood pressure grows. dialysis treatments under But even with this serious Part A, which is hospital diagnosis you can survive insurance. Medicare Part B and move on. Medicare can help. The covers outpatient dialysis program helps pay for kidney treatments and doctors’ fees dialysis as well as kidney for outpatient care. Pa r t B a l s o p ays f o r transplants. self-dialysis training, which Chronic kidney disease is a serious health problem includes instruction for you i n t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s. I n and the person helping you 2010, more than 20 million with your home dialysis Americans ages 20 and older treatments. And Part B covers home had this disease. A n d i n 20 0 8 , n e a r l y d i a l ys i s e q u i p m e n t a n d 550,000 Americans were supplies – like the machine getting treated for end-stage and water treatment system renal disease, or ESRD, which – as well as most drugs for is permanent kidney failure. home dialysis. How much would you Most people have to be at least 65 years old to get have to pay for dialysis in a Medicare. But $10 people offwith any Medicare-certified $100 purchasefacility? If ESRD can get Medicare at any you have Original Medicare, through o u ’ d with p a y this 2 0 %ad. of the age. Even children withJune ESRD 2,y2012 Valid only in Alamo. Not valid with other offers. WL Medicare-approved amount can enroll in Medicare. forAlamo all covered services. Plaza, Alamo, CA 94507 E S R D i s t r e a t e d b y190-D Medicare pays the other dialysis, a process which 925-831-3600 cleans your blood when your 80%. M-F: 10 to 6; Sat: 10 to 5 D iClosed a l y s iSunday s and kidney kidneys don’t work. It gets rid of harmful waste, extra transplants are paid through salt, and fluids that build up Original Medicare. In most cases, you can’t in your body. It also helps control blood pressure and join a Medicare Advantage helps your body keep the plan if you have end-stage renal disease. right amount of fluids. Keep in mind that Dialysis treatments help you feel better and live longer dialysis can be done in your – but they aren’t a cure for own home or in a Medicarecertified facility. permanent kidney failure.
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Ask your kidney doctor what facility he or she works with. Or you can look for a facility on Medicare’s “Dialysis Facility Compare” website, located at www. medicare.gov/dialysis. The website has important information such as addresses and phone numbers, how far certain facilities are from you, and what kind of dialysis services the facilities offer. You also can compare facilities by certain qualityof-care information. I f yo u d o n ’ t h ave a computer, you can call us, toll-free, at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Bun i oAnalso s helps Medicare Part eurom as pay for N hospital inpatient services ifHyou e e need l S paukidney rs transplant. K n e e Pa i n Medicare help B a cwill k Pa i ncover the costs of finding the proper Hammertoes kidney for your transplant, and the full cost of care for your kidney donor. Fo r m o re d e t a i l s o n transplants, please consult our pamphlet, “Medicare Coverage of Kidney Dialysis & Kidney Transplant Services” (CMS Product No. 10128). It’s available online or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. David Sayen is Medicare’s regional administrator for California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, and the Pacific Trust Territories. You can get answers to your Medicare questions by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1800-633-4227).
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July 2012
The Valley SenTinel
Danville D’Elegance recognized by Michael J. Fox Foundation By StaffWriter
On June 7th, key executives and representatives for the globally recognized and New York-based Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) were in Danville to recognize a local “all volunteer” fundraising organization, The Danville d’Elegance (DDE) Foundation for its ongoing charitable efforts and extensive fundraising support for Parkinson’s research and patient care. In nearly eight years, the Danville program, which
includes its annual Danville Concours d’Elegance, has remained “the little Concours that could,” raising more than $1.3 million for the Parkinsons cause. At an awards ceremony last month in New York City, DDE earned the number three spot in the organization’s “Top 10” and was recognized within the annual “Team Fox MVP Awards Honoring Highest 2011 Fundraisers.” This year’s event will be held the weekend of September
22nd Annual Day in the Park Fundraiser aims to raise $1 Million Plans are underway for The Taylor Family Foundation’s 22nd Annual Day in the Park auction fundraiser, scheduled for Sunday, August 26 at Camp Arroyo in Livermore. Proceeds from the auction support The Taylor Family Foundation’s (TTFF) mission to preserve the wellness and enhance the quality of life for children in Northern California living with life-threatening and
chronic illnesses, developmental disabilities and youth at-risk through unique therapeutic experiences and support. This year’s auction fundraiser includes gourmet food and wine from some of the Bay Area’s top restaurants and the finest Northern Californian wineries. Mingle with local celebrities, bid on more than 150 silent and live auction packages and buy raffle tickets for a
Liver transplant help needed By Denise Rousset
Mark Madrid, a former Contra Costa resident is fighting for his life. Now, isolated on an Oklahoma reservation he is far from the hospital and in need of a liver transplant. In 1967, he required surgery after a motorcycle accident. A portion of his leg was amputated, and he contracted hepatitis C after receiving a blood transfusion that was unknowingly tainted with the disease. Doctors say a liver transplant is critical to his survival, and he’s been on the transplant waiting list since April this year. Mark and Jeanne, his wife of nearly 40 years, have four children and nine grandchildren. A lover of the outdoors, Mark loves fishing, biking, canoeing,
archery and playing sports with his grandchildren. Mark has spent time on both sides of the camera, as he has acted and has also created, edited, written and produced films. He worked dedicatedly to produce a bilingual TV show for Native American children. After receiving his transplant, Mark hopes to educate others about the dangers of hepatitis C, as he spent many years not knowing the effect it was having on his health. He wishes no one else would ever have to go through what he’s experienced battling liver disease. But right now, he needs your help. Mark’s hope for life comes at a very high price. Besides the over $550,000 for the transplant,
15-16, 2012 and can be viewed at www.danville-delegance. org. Danville d’Elegance Foundation is dedicated to supporting organizations in their pursuit to find a cure for Parkinson’s disease, while specifically raising funds to benefit the advancement of Parkinson’s research and patient care. Since 2004 the Foundation has raised in excess of $1.3 million for this cause. All of the annual weekend activities for Danville d’Elegance are planned,
supported and completely run by a team of volunteers, a majority whose lives have been touched by Parkinson’s disease. The
page 11
Foundation’s funding efforts are aligned with both The Michael J. Fox Foundation and The Parkinson’s Institute. For more information, please visit www. danville-delegance.org .
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chance to win a 2012 Toyota Prius. Priceless and rare live auction items include celebrity dinners and sports packages, private air accommodations to red carpet events, luxurious vacations and other glamorous packages. Individual tickets are $175 and tables of 10 are $2,000. Sponsorships range from $3,000 to $100,000. For tickets/tables and event sponsorship opportunities for Day in the Park, please visit www.ttff.org or call (925) 4555118. he faces ongoing medical costs for medications and travel to and from the hospital that is 120 miles away. What if your life depended on the compassion and generosity of others? The National Foundation for Transplants (NFT) is working with volunteers and supporters to help relieve Mark’s growing burden of expenses. NFT has been assisting transplant patients with fundraising support for 29 years. Your gift—of $25, $50, $100 or more—will enable NFT to provide Mark with the financial support he desperately needs. You can help by visiting patients.transplants.org/ markmadrid to make a taxdeductible donation to NFT in his honor. For more information about NFT, contact 800-489-3863.
To celebrate Independence Day, ARF is the Land of the Free! During Cat Independence Days, July 5-22, Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) liberates all adult cats six months of age or older from their adoption fees. All standard adoption criteria apply. Before adoption, all cats are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, wormed, checked for feline leukemia and FIV, and microchipped. Adoption hours are Wednesday, noon - 5 p.m., Thursday - Friday, 3 p.m. - 7 p.m., and Saturday - Sunday, noon - 5 p.m. Stop by ARF at 2890 Mitchell Drive (off of Oak Grove Road) in Walnut Creek to check them out, or get to know them online at www.arf.net. ARF saves the lives of loving dogs and cats who have run out of time at public shelters, giving another chance at life to animals who otherwise would have been killed. ARF provides the care and attention they need, including spay or neuter surgery, until a new home of their own can be found.
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
July
• July • July
• July
• July
• July
• July
• July
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For additional Community Events visit: www.ValleySentinel.com If your event is not listed... Please do so by clicking on CALENDAR and Post an Event
We hope to see you there! COMMUNITY EVENTS Operation Welcome Home If you know of any Danville residents who are returning military service members, please contact Assistant to the Town Manager, Rochelle Flotten at 314-3328, or rflotten@danville.ca.gov. July 13 All in Good Time: Sustainable, Seasonal Bouquets 8:30am-12:30pm. Lectures and floral-design demonstrations will show you the path to enjoying the full floral bounty the Bay Area has to offer. Also handy - and green - bouquet-making tip. Admission: $45. Ruth Bancroft Garden, 1552 Bancroft Rd., Walnut Creek. Information: 944-9352. July 15 Moonlight Movies on the Town Green 8:15: Free Willy. 420 Front Street, Danville. Information: www.danville.ca.gov. or call 314-3400 July 18 Art for Elephants, Parrots and Rhinos 7:00pm. In conjunction with the upcoming art gallery exhibit Spaces and Places, local mosaic artist Connie English will facilitate a free video and photo presentation of the various “places” she has traveled, while creating art and awareness for animals and conservation. Village Theatre Art Gallery. 233 Front Street, Danville. Information visit www.villagetheatreartgallery.com or call 314-3400. July 19 – August 7 Before BART and Model Trains The Diablo Pacific Short Line with a large “G” scale line also known as a Garden Train. Topping off the model train group is the little “N” scale train mounted atop a door a working Sacramento Northern electric car setup. Museum of San Ramon, 205 Railroad Ave., Danville. Call for open times: 837-3750. July 21 Summer Plant Sale 10am-3pm. Sale features great drought-tolerant plants, with a bonus 30% discount on select specimens. Free. Ruth Bancroft Garden, 1552 Bancroft Rd., Walnut Creek. Information: 944-9352. San Ramon Library Summer Book Sale July 28-29 Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12-5pm. 100 Montgomery Street, San Ramon. Information: 925-973-2850 or Sanramonlibraryfriends.org. July 26 Young at Art 3:30-5:30pm. Budding Artists will be able to view the latest gallery exhibits and learn about contemporary art in a kid-friendly atmosphere. Registration required. Village Theatre Art Gallery. 233 Front Street, Danville. Information visit www.villagetheatreartgallery.com or call 314-3400. August 2 National Night Out The Town of Danville will send its police staff out into the neighborhoods to remind residents of the importance of having a strong community when it comes to preventing and reducing crime. Several members of the Danville will visit registered neighborhood block parties throughout the Town to discuss issues and concerns from residents. To
register your neighborhood for the event, contact Crime Prevention Specialist Mike Wells at 314-3707. San Ramon Library Summer Book Sale July 28-29 Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12-5pm. 100 Montgomery Street, San Ramon. Information: 925-973-2850 or Sanramonlibraryfriends.org. August 6 & 7 Electronics & Textile Recycling Event 9am-3pm. Drop off is free for all California residents and businesses. Danville Park and Ride. NW corner of Sycamore Valley Road & Camino Ramon. For more information, call (888) 832-9839 or visit www.unwaste.com.
SENIORS Danville Seniors
Unless otherwise noted, the following activities are held at the Danville Senior Center, Veterans Memorial Building, 115 E. Prospect, Danville. For more infomation call 314-3490. Buzz Sessions: Get the buzz on topics and issues facing today’s older adults and talk with the experts. Buzz Sessions are always free! Information: 314-3400. Sneaker Trips: All trips meet at the Danville Park & Ride lot unless otherwise noted in the trip details. Reserve your spot at the Danville Community Center, 420 Front Street, on or before the registration date beginning at 8:30am. Information: 314-3400. Senior Trips for July Please call the Senior Center at 314-3490 for more information on the following trips: July 19 - River Rafting on the American River: 8:15am-9pm. July 22 - Les Miserables, Orpheum Theatre: 10:30am-6:30pm. July 25 - Pt. Reyes Station/Oyster Farm & Cheese Tasting: 8:15am-5:30pm. August 5 - War Horse, Curran Theatre: 5:5011:45pm. July 12 New Walking Club 8:30am. The hour long walk along the Iron Horse Trail will begin in front of the Danville Senior Center. If interested call 314-3490 for more information. July 13 Bastille Day Celebration 10-11:30am. Vive la France! Celebrate Bastille Day with a morning of croissants and coffee. We are so pleased to have a Nordstrom’s stylist show us the timeless French techniques of Scarf Styling. Bring your favorite scarf and embrace your inner French! Cost: $5 resident, $6 non-resident. July 17 Being Prepared, Ready and Responsive 9-11am. Learn to improve your ability to protect and provide for yourself and your loved ones at a time of disaster in a lively discussion of questions and answers.
July 25 Sub-Committee 4pm. Do you have an idea for a new activity or an improved procedure for Senior Services? Attend this meeting. July 31 Senior Housing Options: Right Here in Danville 9-10am. Discuss senior housing options in Danville and the surrounding community and what is included when you rent in an independent senior community, an assisted living facility, or a board and care home.
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 973-3250 Wisdom Wednesdays: Free Workshops geared towards informational sessions that benefit your needs. They will give you free access to coffee, knowledge and a better understanding of important issues. Information: 973-3250. Trips Trip Desk is open Tuesday & Thursday, 10am-1pm. Information: 973-3250. Sign up for Casino Trips and Van Trips at the travel desk or by depositing payment with registration form in the gold drop box found at the main entryway. July Senior Trips July 14: Sausalito Village July 18: Union Square, S.F. July 25: Chinatown, Grant Avenue, S.F. July 12 Ice Cream Social 2pm. Alcosta Senior & Community Center. July 20 Senior Summer BBQ’s 12-2pm. Be outdoors, see old friends, make new friends and enjoy a delicious lunch including barbequed hot dogs or hamburgers, chips, salad or beans, drink and dessert. Bocce Ball, Croquet, and Horse Shoe equipment will be available. Pre-Registration at the front desk is required.
BUSINESS Alamo Chamber of Commerce July 25 5:30 - 7:30pm. Business Mixer. Alamo Optometry, 3201 Danville Blvd., #165 Alamo. Hosted by Hospice of the East Bay. $5 members, $10 soon to be members. Bring a raffle prize and you will have the opportunity to give a 30-second commercial! Danville Chamber of Commerce July 12 – Business Mixer: 5:30pm. College Nannies and Tutors, 3520 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville. July 23 - 2012 Aloha Golf Classic, Dinner & Auction: 9am. Diablo Country Club, 1700 Clubhouse Rd., Diablo. ONLY 11 SPOTS LEFT ON THE COURSE - REGISTER TODAY. Call the Chamber at 837-4400 for more details! San Ramon Chamber of Commerce July 19 – Business Mixer: 5:30-7:30pm. Alamo Danville Artists’ Society, 3461 Blackhawk Plaza Cir., Danville. $5 for Members and $20 for Non-Members. No RSVP Required. Checks and Cash only please.
Please email your Calendar Events to the Sentinel by 5pm on the 20th of the month preceding publication month. Info@valleysentinel.com or go to valleysentinel.com to enter your event online. Inclusion in the calendar pages is at the sole discretion of Sentinel Newspapers, Inc.
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July 2012
COMMUNITY CALENDAR (CONTINUED)
July 24 - New & Future Member Orientation: 4-5pm. Learn about the various Chamber services that can benefit your business. We will have some of our Ambassadors and the Chamber’s President/CEO, Stewart Bambino, here to greet you. Bishop Ranch 6, 2400 Camino Ramon, Conference Room 158/K, San Ramon. August 7 - San Ramon Chamber Day with the Oakland A’s: 7-10pm. San Ramon Chamber members and their friends and families can purchase Lower Box seats for only $20 when the A’s play the LA Angels. Field Level Tickets: $20 (Normally $30.) Information: 510-563-2227. Oakalnd A’s Coliseum, 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland.
CLUBS and ORGANIZATIONS Fibro? CFIDS? Chronic Pain? If this is 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 tend toward laughing while getting well. Call 837-0510. Recurring: Mondays: Danville Rotary 12pm. Meets every Monday. Faz Restaurant, Danville. Info: danvillerotary.org. Tuesdays: Danville AM Toastmasters 7-8:30am. Meets every Tuesday. New members welcome. Father Nature’s Restaurant, Danville. Info: danvilleam. freetoasthost.org.
Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary 7am. Meets every Tuesday morning. Crow Canyon Country Club, Danville. Info: dsvrotary.com. Diablo View Toastmasters 8:15-9:15am. Meets every Tuesday. CMG Mortgage 4th Floor Conference Room, 3160 Crow Canyon Road, San Ramon. Info: 4160.toastmastersclubs.org. Walnut Creek Kiwanis Club 12:10-1:30pm. Meets every Tuesday. Massimo’s Ristorante, 1604 Locust Street, Walnut Creek. Info: kiwanisofwalnutcreek.org. Walnut Creek Rotary 12:15-1:30pm. Meets every Tuesday. Heather Farms Garden Center, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: rotarywc.org. Wednesdays: Alamo Rotary 12:15pm. Meets every Wednesday. Round Hill Country Club, 3169 Roundhill Road, Alamo. Information: alamorotary.org. Walnut Creek Host Lion’s Club 12:15pm. Meets the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Black Bear Diner, 700 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek. Information: walnutcreeklions.org. San Ramon Valley Rotary 7pm. Meets every Wednesday. Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville. Information: sanramonvalleyrotary.com. Danville Toastmasters #1785 7:30-9pm. Meets every Wednesday. Information: danvilletoastmasters1785.com.
Walnut Creek Toastmasters 7-8:15pm. Meets every Wednesday. 1660 Oak Park Blvd, Pleasant Hill. Information: walnutcreek.freetoasthost.net. Blue Star Moms 7-9pm. The second Wednesday of every month. Danville Veterans Memorial Building, 400 Hartz Ave. Information: bluestarmoms.org. Thursdays: Clutterers Anonymous 7:00 - 8:00pm. Meets every second Thursday of the month. St Luke’s Lutheran Church, Room 7, 2491 San Miguel Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: halbergm@cs.com Diablo Valley Lions Club 7:30pm. Meets every 1st, 3rd, and 4th Thursday. 1400 Montego Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: diablovalleyca. lionwap.org. 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 Newcomers Club Meets every third Thursday. The speaker for July 19 is Susie Cherry and Globie from Guide Dogs for the Blind. Luncheon at The Brass Door, San Ramon. For reservations and information, please contact Grace at 828-8554. Saturdays: Diablo Region of the Porsche Club of America 7:30-9am. Meets every Saturday. Buttercup Bar and Grill, 660 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. Information: diablo-pca.org.
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SERVICES Pool Service–If your pool looks like a pond, call John at 925-584-6333. It’s the last pool maintenance call you will have to make.
Sales Executive: The Valley Sentinel Newspaper has immediate openings for two sales positions. No sales experience necessary, we will train. Must have an outgoing personality and a positive attitude. Compensation based on performance. The Valley Sentinel covers the most desirable areas of the Bay Area–Alamo, Danville, Blackhawk, Diablo and San Ramon. Please email your resume and request for interview to us at drousset@valleysentinel.com.
The Valley Sentinel is seeking interns with web experience and interest in journalism, marketing, and community outreach. Please email us at drousset@valleysentinel.com, with your qualifications and interests. We’re developing various outreach projects in several departments and would love an interested person along who wants to learn and be part of the team.
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Community News & Information Publisher/Editor – Denise Rousset
Writer, Auto – David & Judy Colman
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The Valley SenTinel MOUNTAIN LION from page 1
Working with Save Mount Diablo and Muir Heritage Land Trust in the acquisition of greenbelts that link essential habitat is tantamount to the mountain lions’ survival. Recent purchases have linked habitat north and south of Altamont Pass with wildlife passage made possible under eleven lanes of Highway 580 through tunnels. The Bay Area Critical Linkages Project is focusing on corridors and essential habitat throughout the San Francisco Bay area. The Bay Area Puma Project has expanded to the East Bay. Mountain lion ecology is being studied in a cooperative effort with the Felidae Conservation Fund, the East Bay Regional Pa r k D i s t r i c t , C a l i f o r n i a Department of Fish and Game and several researchers. Re m o t e i n f ra re d / m o t i o n detection cameras are used to capture images of mountain lions and other wildlife, which may provide insight into their population. This study will lead to biotelemetry
Marc Williams
page 13
research with satellite linked accelerometers that will monitor individual mountain lion movements and behavior. Most East Bay residents will never see a mountain lion. I’ve been blessed with many encounters. It’s important that we support our parks, land preservation and conservation organizations that work to save wildlife habitat. Hopefully, these e f f o r t s w i l l e n s u re t h a t mountain lions will continue to be an integral part of our landscape. James M. Hale is a Wildlife Biologist, East Bay C o n s e r v a t i o n As s o c i a t e, Felidae Conservation Fund collaborator.
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AUTO March 2009 July 2012
page 14
2012 Infiniti FX35 AWD By David and Judy Colman
Having just spent the prior week driving a storied sports sedan, we were prepared to be “underwhelmed” by the performance of this tall, rather ungainly looking, sports utility. But beauty is as beauty does, and what the FX35 does best is cover ground fast. Faster, in most instances than that storied sports sedan we thought we’d be missing so much. To the everlasting credit of Infiniti engineers, they have produced a lithe and agile package that belies
its looks, its weight and its perceived station in life. If there’s a sporting award for SUVs, the FX35 is a clear first place winner. Its effi cient 3.5 liter V6 proves you don’t need a V8 to wring top drawer performance from such a sizeable vehicle. Despite the Infiniti’s curb weight of 4,156 lb., the 303hp motor is adequate to any acceleration need, and will also tow 3,500 lb. Just floor the throttle, or select the appropriate gear of the 7 available, and the FX flies into action like a Special Forces
commando truck. Although you can also order a 390hp V8 version of the FX designated FX50, you’ll sacrifice the decent (16/21 MPG) gas mileage of the V6 for the voracious appetite (14/20 MPG) of the 5.0 liter V8. Thanks to the responsiveness of the V6, the V8 is more motor than you need. The engine’s stellar power band, silken transmission, and perpetual all-wheel-drive wouldn’t be worth much without suspension to match, but the underpinnings of the FX offer sportscar alacrity at the cost of ride comfort. Unlike so many SUVs that depend
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on live rear axles inherited f ro m t r u c k a rc h i t e c t u re, the crossover FX features multi-link independent suspension front and rear. Ground hogging 10-spoke, 21 inch graphite alloys, which measure 9.5 inches in width, mount 265/45R21 Bridgestone Dueler H/L 400 tires. This jumbo rubber combines with the race-bred suspension to keep the FX firmly planted in even the most testing series of corners. Steering feedback is reassuringly accurate, and the stiff chassis structure never heels over, even in the sharpest turns. But this exemplary sportscar handling comes at the price of a stiff, unyielding ride that is harsh over pavement imperfections. T h e re a r s e a t , w h i c h i s perched directly over the rear axle, suffers notably from this drawback. Even on smooth freeway slabs, we had eyeball jiggling difficulty focusing on printed matter when seated in back. The front compartment, however, is a different story. Here, ride quality is quite acceptable, thanks to lavishly overstuffed leather seats that feature 10-way adjustment for the driver and 8-way adjustment for the passenger. Both front seats are heated. Heating and cooling vents for the aft compartment make life back there more tolerable. Infiniti packs an enormous amount of technology into the standard FX. You do not need to pay extra to acquire: Navigation, XM satellite radio, an 11 speaker Bose Premium Sound System, or Bluetooth
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Hands-Free Phone System with Streaming Audio. Even photo monitoring of outside front, side and back areas is standard thanks to the “AroundView” Monitor which produces a sonar display on the Navigation screen. The FX35 is one of the most fully equipped vehicles you can buy, and to prove the point, our $52,445 test model did not include a single, optional extra. That’s sort of an Olympic accolade for any test review car or truck, which are generally loaded with expensive options, and it really speaks to the value inherent of the base model FX35. If you need an SUV that handles like a Corvette, then this Infiniti is the one to chose. 2012 INFINITI FX35 AWD ENGINE: 3.5 liter DOHC, 24 Valve V6 HORSEPOWER: 303hp TORQUE: 262 lb.-ft. FUEL CONSUMPTION: 16 MPG City/ 21 MPG Highway PRICE AS TESTED: $52,445 FOR: Precision Responsiveness, Fiery Acceleration AGAINST: Choppy ride, Awkward Reach to Rearview Mirror Button STAR RATING: 9.5 Stars Out Of 10
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page 15
East Bay Regional Park District Publishes New Easy Trails Brochures By Beverly Lane, East Bay Regional Park District Board President
The East Bay Regional Park District has two new brochures featuring short hikes in scenic parks. Most are about a mile or two in length with relatively minor hills, or flat terrain. As the weather heats up, getting out in the morning on these trails and bringing water would be a perfect way to begin a summer’s day.
A father and his twin girls enjoy a walk in Castle Rock Regional Park.
The brochure for the Northern Region includes 19 routes in more than a dozen parks, such as the Bollinger Creek Loop in Las Trampas Regional Park and the Castle Rock Loop in Diablo Foothills Regional Park. A n ex t e n s i o n o f t h e brochure’s Castle Rock shortloop hike in Diablo Foothills will take you on a scenic walk that is mostly in the shade, farther up Pine Canyon past the Castle Rocks. Castle Rock Regional Recreation Area is located at the end of Castle Rock Road in Walnut Creek, a mile or two past Northgate High School. Short trails, whether loops or out-and-back, are good introductions to some Regional Parks you may not yet have visited. You can view and print easy loop trail descriptions and maps online at www. ebparks.org/shortlooptrails. or find the brochures at one of the Park District’s Visitor Centers, or send an e-mail with your mailing address to pubaffs@ebparks.org.
Remember, you can still take part in the 2012 Trails Challenge, sponsored by the Regional Parks Foundation and Kaiser Permanente. The self-guided, self-paced hiking program is free to residents of Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Step one is to register for an account at www. regionalparksfoundation.org . Then you can download your guide to hikes in 20 East Bay Regional Parks. While supplies last, you can get a specially designed, organic t-shirt. Track your progress in the Trail Log, and when you complete five trails or travel 26.2 miles of trails, you’ll receive a 2012 commemorative pin at the end of the year. More information about all East Bay Regional Park District trails and parks is online at www.ebparks.org. Beverly Lane is a member of the East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors. Her ward includes Central Contra Costa County from San Ramon through Concord and Pleasant Hill through Clayton.
A scenic trail in Las Trampas Regional Wilderness.
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