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SPOTLIGHT
Charity continues work for needy teens Just over three years ago Oakland teenager Laura Graham turned her idea for a teen charity, 1Closet into one of the largest teen clothing providers for foster and shelter agencies tin the East Bay. Graham’s idea to create a partnership with high schools now has more than 17 schools participating, both public and private, each holding 1-2 clothing drives a year. San Ramon Valley High School continues to provide strong support, with teens pushing total donations beyond $25K. This fall, Graham will attend The University of Arizona. 1Closet will continue as new Leadership Director Riley Glasson and co-
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On July 4th, members of the Kiwanis Club of the San Ramon Valley once again outdid themselves in organizing Danville’s Independence Day parade. This is a major fundraiser for the club, which in 2013 awarded nearly $42,000 to 40 separate organizations in the San Ramon Valley. This annual community event represents the best of the valley.
Bald Eagle recovery is a major success By James Hale
The Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), our national bird and national animal of the United States of America, is truly one of our major success stories. It is featured on the United States Seal, presidential seal and flag, as well as many logos of federal agencies. Populations have recovered from the brink of extirpation in the continental United States in the late 20th century, and the species was removed from the federal government’s U.S. Endangered Species list on July 12, 1995 and transferred to the threatened species list. On June 28, 2007, the Bald Eagle was removed from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife in the Lower 48 States. Early estimates suggest the Bald Eagle population in the early 18th century may have reached 500,000 individuals. By the 1950’s only 412 nesting pairs occurred in the 48
contiguous states of the U.S. In 1974 only 20 or 30 pairs nested in California. The Bald Eagle is an apex predator at the top of the food chain. Biomagnification concentrated DDT to cause egg shell thinning and sterility. One Ornithologist wrote in 1930 that over 70,000 Bald Eagles were shot and killed in Alaska in the previous 12 years. Illegal shooting and hunting was one of the major causes of mortality due to the long- held misbelief that eagles predated livestock. Habitat loss, powerline electrocution, collisions in flight, human nest intrusion, and poisoning due to mercury, oil, and lead contributed to their decline. In 1967 the Bald Eagle was declared an endangered species. The banning of DDT and strict regulations has
allowed the species to recover. By the early 1980’s the total population was estimated at 100,000 individuals. By 1992 the population increased to about 115,000, with a resident population of 50,000 birds in the state of Alaska and 30,000 in British Columbia. Over 9,789 breeding pairs were reported in 2006 by individual states. Minnesota has an estimated 1,312 pairs with Florida at a close second with 1,166 pairs. Nearly half of the contiguous states have at least 100 breeding pairs of Bald Eagles. The Bald Eagle is not actually bald, but rather “white headed” from an older meaning. It derives it’s name from the Greek, hali=sea, aietos=eagle, leuco=white, cephalos=head, or white-headed sea eagle. They
This month’s Special Section:
Senior Services pages 8 - 10
are found near large bodies of water with an abundant food supply and old-growth trees for nesting. They range from Alaska and Canada, through all of the contiguous United States, to northern Mexico. The sexes are identical in color, with the female being about 25% larger. Adults have white heads and tails at sexual maturity around 5 years of age. The body plumage is dark brown. The beak is See EAGLE page 4
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT dining out • music • art • theater • fun events
page 2
The Valley SenTinel
Totally Trains Now - August 17 The Totally Trains exhibit w i l l b e o p e n Tu e s d a y s t h ro u g h Fr i d ay 10 a m t o 1pm, Saturdays 9am to 1pm and Sundays 12pm to 4pm. A Totally Trains Family Pass is available for $10. It allows for a daily visit to the Museum during the train exhibit’s run. Museum of the San Ramon Valley, Corner of Railroad and Prospect Av e n u e s i n D o w n t o w n Danville. Information: call 837-3750 or visit http www. museumsrv.org.
July 2014
The Skull Show Now - August 31 This exhibit examines the role that skulls have played in the historical register, as memento mori, traditional religious icons, and vanitas themes in still life paintings. It will also highlight the role the skull has played in the contemporary arts, exploring its appearance in counter cultures such as skate, surf, tattoo, as well as urban graffiti projects. Bedford gallery, Lesher Center for t h e A r t s, 1 6 01 C i v i c D r. Walnut Creek. Information: (925) 295-1417 or www. bedfordgallery.org.
Call for Artist Volunteers Volunteers needed for an arts activity table at the Regional Medical Center Farmers’ Market Calling all artists – Do art with community members in an informal outdoor setting! AC5 (the Arts and Culture Commission of Contra Costa County) and The Art of Health and Healing are looking for artist volunteers to create art with children and adults at the Expressive Arts Table at the Farmers’ Market held every Tuesday from 10 am to 2 pm at the Contra Costa County Regional Medical Center (RMC) at 2500 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, CA 94553 Artists may volunteer for some or all Tuesday mornings from now until mid-September, The RMC has arts materials for use at the Expressive Arts table. You may volunteer for 2 – 4 hours per week. For more information contact Napoleon Dargan at napoleon94565@ hotmail.com
8th Annual Chevron Family Theatre Festival July 19 10am - 4pm. Bring your family for a fun-filled day of affordable world-class family entertainment. Tickets for each performance are $5. Join for FREE entertainment and activities that will take place inside and outside including live performances, face painting, costumed characters, craft making and more. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. lesherartscenter.org.
Dixieland Jazz July 19 2-5pm. 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 510-655-6728. Summer Concerts in the Park - The Houserockers July 20 5:30pm. Bring the entire family for a beautiful summer evening in Central Park. Enjoy great music and dance the night away while visiting with friends and neighbors. Bring a blanket or chairs and a picnic. Central Park, 12501 Alcosta Blvd, San Ramon. sanramon. ca.gov.
valleysentinel.com Walnut Creek Concert Band Summer Band Concert July 22 7 : 30 p m . T h e Wa l n u t Creek Concert Band presents their annual Summer “Pops” Concert, an entertaining program of light classical music and marches. This year’s “Summer Pops” will feature Leonard Bernstein’s Symphonic Dance Music from West Side Story and John Williams Star Wars Trilogy. $17 adults, $15 seniors and students. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. lesherartscenter.org. Arts and Crafts for kids ages 5-11 July 23 3:30pm. Reading can be so exciting when it becomes interactive through art and p re s e n t a t i o n ! H e l p yo u r young reader stay engaged through Arts Enrichment. For this session, read the Caldecott winning African Folktale “Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears” and make eco-friendly animal masks with the help of Green Art Workshop. For 2nd and 3rd grade only (2013-2014 school year). Registration required - space is limited. Register beginning June 23rd by calling the Danville Library at 925-8374889. John Mayall July 25 8pm. John Mayall’s energy and passion for music reaches out to all who hear it and you can see this living legend and his incredible band right at the Lesher Center. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. lesherartscenter.org.
You’re invited!!! Danville Area Chamber of Commerce
Aloha Golf Classic
Tournament & Dinner Treat yourself to a beautiful day of golf, networking, and fun at the historical and exclusive Diablo Country Club – in their Centennial Year! Proceeds go toward supporting the local business community.
Sign up today – call the Chamber at
925-837-4400. Major Sponsors:
Monday, July 28, 2014 Diablo Country Club 1700 Clubhouse Road Individual golf packages include carts, contests, breakfast, lunch and dinner for just $195! Dinner only - $50 Hole-in-One prizes include: $10,000 • a Rolex Watch • a Diamond Thanks to our Hole-in-One Sponsors: Summit Financial Group, Heller Jewelers and Mark Kahn Jewelers
Music in the Park- East Bay Mudd July 26 6-8pm. The Bay Area’s number one entertainment is East Bay Mudd. This dynamic 9 piece band has been thrilling audiences and dancers all over the Bay Area for years with their upbeat and powerful take on Soul, Funk and R&B classics. Oak Hill Park, 3005 Stone Valley Rd., Danville. danville.ca.gov.
tLas in Concert July 26 7pm. tLas live in concert with Narie Pippins, Tamar Gillette, Semoine Sykes and featuring Hyphee Heels and cellist Freya Seeburger. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. lesherartscenter.org. Summer Concerts in the Park - Double Funk Crunch July 27 5:30pm. Bring the entire family for a beautiful summer evening in Central Park. Enjoy great music and dance the night away while visiting with friends and neighbors. Bring a blanket or chairs and a picnic. Central Park, 12501 Alcosta Blvd, San Ramon. sanramon.ca.gov. Suhaila’s Salimpour Belly Dance July 27 6:15pm. Performance exam for Suhaila Level 4 format certification. Student will perform required choreographies and improvise to live music. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. lesherartscenter.org.
Moonlight Movies- Goonies August 1 6:30-9:30pm. The Town of Danville proudly thanks it’s residents by holding free outdoor movies for the whole family. “Goonies” is the featured movie. Crafts and activities start at 6:30 pm. Movie starts at sunset. The Danville Town Green, 400 Front St., Danville. danville. ca.gov. Dance Intensive Features Tomorrow’s Stars August 1 7:30pm. Variations from classical repertoire, Erin Leedom’s contemporary choreography as well as folk See A & E page 3
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT dining out • music • art • theater • fun events
valleysentinel.com A&E from page 2
dance techniques and modern and jazz movements are included in this culmination of an intensive workshop of intermediate and advanced dancers. The dance intensive is a joint program of Civic Arts Education and Diablo Ballet. $10. Shadelands Auditorium, 111 N. Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. Information: 925-9435846 D i a b l o Va l l e y T h e a t r e Company Presents: Peter Pan, Jr. August 2 2pm, 7pm. Based on the Disney film and J.M. Barrie’s enchanting play, Disney’s Peter Pan JR. is a modern version of the timeless tale about a boy who wouldn’t grow up. $15. Village Theatre, 2 3 3 Fro n t S t . , D a n v i l l e. villagetheatreshows.com.
Summer Concerts in the Park - Mustache Harbor August 3 5:30pm. Bring the entire family for a beautiful summer evening in Central Park. Enjoy great music and dance the night away while visiting with friends and neighbors. Bring a blanket or chairs and a picnic. Central Park, 12501 Alcosta Blvd, San Ramon. sanramon.ca.gov.
July 2014 Sounds of Summer Extravaganza August 5 7pm.This Young Performers Orchestra Concert will feature music by W.A. Mozart, A. Vivaldi, F. Schubert as well as music from “The Pirates of the Caribbean” and Disney’s “Frozen.” Special world premiere of Contrastare by local composer in residence George Curtis van Liew. $10. Civic Arts Education, Shadelands Auditorium, 111 N. Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. Information:925-943-5846
Outdoor Movie Nights- Kung Fu Panda August 8 8:30pm. Bring blankets and chairs and enjoy a movie under the stars. Located behind Dougherty Station Community Center on the lawn area. Dougherty Station Community Center, 17011 Bollinger Canyon Rd, San Ramon. sanramon. ca.gov.
The Valley Sentinel
page 3
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL
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Jazz Band Swings into Summer August 7 7:30 pm. From cool jazz to hot swinging melodies with classical ballads as well, the 24-member Civic Arts Education jazz band will have the joint jumping. Max Pricco conducts the multi-generational group of musicians. $10. Shadelands Auditorium, 111 N. Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. 925-943-5846. Preschool Performance Series: Timothy James August 8 10-11am. The Buddy Club is proud to present one of the best young magicians wo r k i n g t o d ay, T i m o t hy James. Tim’s hilarious routines and impressive magic skills are earning him rave reviews with family audiences everywhere he performs. Don’t miss this unique talent and new performer! $3 for both children and adults. villagetheatreshows.com.
Music in the Park - Apple Z August 9 6-8pm. Sporting a roster of seasoned musical veterans from every genre yet known, Apple Z is making friends and influencing people all over California and beyond with unique and clever treatments for the timeless catalog of popular music everyone knows and loves. The Danville Town Green, 400 Front Street, Danville. danville.ca.gov.
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The Valley Sentinel
June 2014
valleysentinel.com
Advertorial
Cancer Syndromes and Importance of Family History Dr. Shoba Kankipati
A majority of Cancer is sporadic, which means that it occurs without known family history. However there are specific cancer syndromes that can occur in multiple family members at an early age and can be related to a genetic mutation. Only 8-10% of cancers are genetically predisposed. Both affected and unaffected individuals can benefit from knowing their detailed family history. This includes both paternal and maternal family history. Specific cancer syndromes that are commonly identified include cancer of the breast, ovary, uterus, colon, and thyroid. For example: A woman has an 11% chance of developing breast cancer, but if she has a strong
family history that number may increase her risk up to 80%. Genes called BRCA1 and BRCA2 are implicated in 8-9% of breast cancers. These genes are passed on to a woman or a man from either the mother or father. Which makes knowing both paternal and maternal history very important in cancer risk assessment. These genes are also implicated in ovarian cancer. BRCA2 gene can cause male breast cancer, pancreatic cancer and prostate cancer. A n A s h ka n z i J ew i s h woman has 1 in 40 chance of carrying a BRCA1 or 2 mutation. If a gene is not identified there are other familial syndromes where a specific pattern of increase breast cancer is seen among the women of the family. These women also need to be identified so appropriate risk reduction and surveillance can be offered.
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Colon cancer can also have genetic or familial disposition. Syndromes called HNPCC (Hereditary Non-Polypsis Colon Cancer), FAP (Familiail Adenomatosis Polyposis of syndrome) can be identified with detailed family history and appropriate testing. Patients with HNPCC are at an increased risk for uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, and cancers in the stomach and small bowel. Pa t i e n t s a n d f a m i l y members are usually reluctant to undergo genetic testing due to concerns about cost and insurance coverage. What they may not know is most health insurance companies will cover
most of the costs. Your doctor or genetic counselor might need to write a letter to explain why testing is needed. There are also specific assistance programs that can help in cost coverage. Another concern is how the results of genetic testing will affect the chance of getting health or life insurance in the future. In the United States, a federal law known as the Genetic Information N o n d i s c r i m i n a t i o n Ac t prohibits health insurers and employers from using your genetic information. This law is intended to encourage Americans to take advantage of genetic testing if needed.
EAGLE from page 1
well. One to four eggs are laid in the spring, with two being typical. Both parents incubate the eggs for up to 36 days, however the female does most of the incubation. They actively defend their nest sites, and one pair was observed knocking a Black Bear off their nest tree. After hatching, the young remain in the nest for about 12 weeks. A young eaglet can gain 6 ounces a day, the fastest growth rate of any North American bird. The fledged young learn from their parents for about six weeks before dispersing in late July. The average lifespan for Bald Eagles is around 20 years in the wild. A captive individual in New York lived for nearly 50 years. The Bald Eagle is an opportunistic carnivore with fish comprising the majority of their diet. Almost two pounds of fish are consumed daily in northern climates to reduce potential energy deficiency and thus increasing survival during winter. Large concentrations of Bald Eagles, up to several thousand, gather along rivers and bays during annual salmon spawning runs where they catch live fish or scavenge for carrion. Waterbirds and seabirds are the next most significant prey base. Ducks, geese, gulls, grebes, herons, egrets, murres, petrels, and coots are some preferred avian prey. With large concentrations of waterfowl and shorebirds in the Central Valley and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta during the winter, I have observed Bald Eagles seemingly effortlessly pluck snow geese, coots, and other waterfowl for food from the waters and fields. Mammalian prey have included rabbits, hares, ground squirrels, raccoons, beavers, muskrats, seal pups and deer fawns. One individual was
large, hooked and bright yellow. The iris and talons are bright yellow, with the highly developed hind talon used to pierce the vital areas of prey while immobilized by the front talons. Alaskan Bald eagles may weigh up to 18 pounds, with a length of more than 40 inches and a wingspan of 8 feet. Florida eagles are smaller. The size varies by location and follows Bergmann’s Rule, since the species increases in size further away from the equator and tropics. The call is a weak staccato and chirping whistles. Bald Eagles prefer mature s t a n d s o f c o n i f e ro u s o r hardwood trees near large bodies of water for nesting, perching, hunting, and roosting. Courtship begins in January or February with elaborate aerial displays. I observed a pair of Bald Eagles over the Trinity River in a courtship embrace as they mated while pinwheeling down 3,000 feet before separating. The nest is the largest of any bird in North America and is used repeatedly over many years with new material added each year. Most nests are found within 660 feet of open water where they forage for fish, their primary prey. The largest recorded nest was found in Florida in 1963, and was 15 feet wide, 20 feet deep, and estimated to weigh 2.7 metric tons. Bald Eagles have been known to nest on cliffs, rock pinnacles, and even the ground when preferred sites are not available. Locally, Bald Eagles have nested at Lake Del Valle, Lake Chabot, San Pablo Reservoir, and Crystal Springs Reservoir in recent years. Individuals have shown interest at Los Vaqueros, Briones, and Lafayette Reservoirs as
The important message here is to be aware of your family history, which includes your 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation relatives. If multiple cancers are observed in family members it is important to bring it to your physician’s attention so they can guide you in regards to genetic testing for you and your family members. As new information is added to your family history remember to keep updating your primary care doctor about it. As one day you may not qualify for genetic testing and the next day you may. Dr. Kankipati is a board 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.
recorded carrying a 15 pound mule deer fawn, the record for the heaviest load verified for a flying bird. The gripping power of the eagle’s talons are estimated at ten times greater than that of a human. Turtles, snakes, crabs, crayfish, and amphibians supplement their diet. Bald Eagles have on occasion killed other raptors, including Great Horned Owls, Red-tailed Hawks, Osprey, Black Vultures, and Turkey Vultures. These may have been attacks of competition or kleptoparasitism, as is often the case with Osprey, where the more aggressive Eagle harasses the Osprey and steals its prey. The Bald Eagle is a sacred bird in Native American cultures, and its feathers, like those of the Golden Eagle, are central to many religious and spiritual customs. Eagles a re c o n s i d e re d s p i r i t u a l messengers between gods and humans. They are a symbol of peace, fertility, and honor by many cultures. As the national bird of the United States, the Bald Eagle is prominent in seals, logos, coinage, postage stamps, and other items related to the United States federal government, and is truly a symbol of successful recovery. James M. Hale is a Wildlife Biologist and Vice Chair of the Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Committee
valleysentinel.com
June 2014 Advertorial
Don’t let Sciatica or Low Back Pain keep you out of the game this by delivering the necessary summer! energy directly to the injured By Dr. Niele Maimone, DC
The condition known as Sciatica is one of the most common conditions that we treat at Align Healing Center. Some of the typical symptoms of Sciatica are sharp pain in the low back and/or buttocks accompanied by numbness, tingling, aching or burning down the back of the leg. In severe circumstances, weakness in the leg may also be seen. The Sciatic Nerve is large and travels down the back of the leg to the foot. The nerve is buried deep within the muscles of the buttock and leg making it difficult to treat with common physical therapy methods. The Sciatic Nerve is composed of several smaller nerves and originates from the low back. It passes under the piriformis muscle (underneath the main buttock muscles) on its way down the leg. Irritation of the Sciatic Nerve at any point along its path is commonly known as “Sciatica”. Understanding Sciatica Let’s talk about nerves for a moment. Nerves are the electrical wiring of the human body. They carry the signals that allow us to move, feel, digest, detoxify, respond to our environment, and so much more. Plain and simple, if the nerves do not work the body will not work. That being said,
it is important to understand that unlike other tissues, the primary blood supply to nerve tissue is actually located WITHIN the nerve itself. So, if a nerve becomes impinged or compromised, so does the blood supply to the nerve. Without proper blood supply, the nerve does not receive the energy and nutrition that are needed for the nerve to heal itself. Over time neural impingement leads to a painful chronic condition called Neuropathy. The definition of neuropathy is a disease or injury affecting nerve cells. The common symptoms of Neuropathy include sharp pain, burning, muscular weakness, numbness or tingling either at the site of the nerve injury or wherever the nerve travels. The condition known as Sciatica is a form of Neuropathy that specifically affects the Sciatic Nerve. What can I do to relieve my Sciatica without drugs or surgery? Since 1999 Align Healing Center has been offering many different modalities to heal Sciatica. We have found that a combination of Class IV laser therapy and spinal decompression offer outstanding results in healing stubborn Sciatica. Class IV Laser Therapy allows the practitioner to stimulate healing within the damaged tissue
area. This creates an optimal healing environment that reduces pain and inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms and stiffness. In addition to laser therapy we implement spinal decompression to restore spinal disc health. Decompression works by gently stretching the spine, creating a vacuum effect which can restore disc height and even reduce the severity of bulging disc conditions associated with chronic pain and neurological symptoms. We have found laser and decompression therapy to be most beneficial for patients with pinched nerves, arthritis, herniated discs, and degenerative disc disease. This unique combination of noninvasive therapy offers a chance for realizing a permanent cure. The treatment is finite and typically lasts for about a month. This eliminates the long-term care commitment forced upon patients by other symptomatic sciatica treatments. With proper care and rehabilitation of your spine and nervous system you can be back to your healthy self quickly! Dr. Niele Maimone, DC of Align Healing Center in Danville, CA has been active in natural health & wellness since 1999. For more information or to set up a consult call 925.362.8283 or visit www. alignhealingcenter.com.
The Valley Sentinel
page 5
Candidate Filing Period Begins Deadline for nomination papers for Council seats is August 8, 2014 Danville residents interested in running for one of the two Town Council positions to be decided in the November 4, 2014 general election will be able to file their nomination papers later this month. According to Danville City Clerk Marie Sunseri, nomination papers may be obtained beginning July 14, 2014 The paperwork must be completed and on file with
the City Clerk by 5:00 p.m. on August 8, 2014. Resources available to potential candidates include: California Secretary of State’s Office: www.sos.ca.gov/ elections. Fair Political Practices Commission: www.fppc. ca.gov. To make an appointment or to receive more information on filing to run for Town Council, contact City Clerk Marie Sunseri at (925) 314-3401 or msunseri@ danville.ca.gov.
25th reunion for San Ramon Valley High School’s Class of 89 The SRVHS Class of 1989 is celebrating a reunion on Saturday August 16th 2014 from 4p to 11pm. Activities inclue: 4pm tour of school campus followed by photos with mascot until 5:45; 6pm dinner and drinks at Primos Pizza and Pasta until 10:30pm; and an after
party will be held at Meenars in Danville, CA. Please inform any alumni you know about this event. For information contact Lisa Grimm Willett at 916-873-7350 or lwillett89@ yahoo.com. You can also visit Facebook at SRVHS Class of ‘89 Reunion Page.
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Human Case of West Nile Virus Confirmed in Contra Costa County active, especially at dawn and Contra Costa Public Health officials recently announced that the county’s first human case of West Nile virus of the year has been confirmed. The case involved a man in his 60s from Central Contra Costa County. The virus has already been identified in birds in Central and East Contra Costa County. The Contra Costa resident was hospitalized, but has been released from the hospital and is recovering, said Erika Jenssen, Contra Costa Public H e a l t h ’s C o m m u n i c a b l e Disease Programs Chief. The virus is typically spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. There have been no fatalities related to West Nile virus in Contra Costa since 2006, and there are typically between three and five cases reported each year in Contra Costa. In 2013 we had five human cases and all recovered.
“The risk of becoming ill from the bite of a mosquito infected with West Nile virus is low. Most people who become infected will not develop symptoms and will not need to seek care,” Jenssen said. “However, in some cases, it can be very serious. This is a reminder that summer is here and it’s important to reduce the risk of West Nile virus by taking precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.” West Nile Virus symptoms are usually mild, such as fever, headache and body ache. However, people over 50 years of age and those with diabetes and/or hypertension may be more vulnerable to severe symptoms. To avoid being bitten by mosquitos and infected with West Nile, people can take the following steps: • Avoid activity outside when mosquitoes are most
dusk.
• When outdoors, wear long pants, long sleeve shirts and other protective clothing. • Apply insect repellent that contains DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 according to label instructions. • Make sure that doors and windows have tight fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes. • Eliminate all sources of standing water that can support mosquito breeding. • Contact Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control if there is a significant mosquito problem where you live or work, including abandoned swimming pools. Report dead birds by calling 1-877-WNV-BIRD (877-9682473). For more information about the West Nile virus, go to cchealth. org/westnile or westnile.ca.gov.
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page 6
The Valley SenTinel
July 2014
valleysentinel.com
Beat the heat, even at Black Diamond Mines By Beverly Lane, East Bay Regional Parks District
As summer approaches its zenith, you can still beat the heat at the regional parks in east Contra Costa County. One good bet is Contra L o m a Re g i o n a l Pa r k o n Frederickson Lane in Antioch, where you can cool off in the lifeguard-tended swim lagoon. And you can relax
in Delta breezes at Antioch Regional Shoreline or Big Break in Oakley. But another less obvious place to cool off is Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve. This is because, no matter what the outside temperature, it’s always in the mid-fifties underground. The park’s Greathouse Visitor Center is in an underground chamber a short distance uphill from the Somersville town site picnic area. On display at the center
are artifacts and photos from the park’s 19th Century coal mining era. There’s also a video describing the natural and cultural resources that are protected in the park.
Ashley Elliott is leading a beat-the-heat hike from 8:15 to 10 a.m. on Sunday, July 20. Designed for ages seven and older, the hike will proceed through the chaparral and end
Greathouse Visitor Center is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekends through November. It’s free of charge and all ages are welcome. The other underground attraction at Black Diamond is tours of the Hazel-Atlas Mine on Saturdays and Sundays through November. The 90-minute tours explore about 900 feet of a restored silica sand mine. For safety reasons, participants must be at least seven years old. Tours by reservation are offered at 10 a.m. (groups of 10 to 15), 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Firstcome, first-served tours are at noon and 3 p.m. There’s a fee of $5 per person; tickets can be purchased at the Greathouse Visitor Center at least an hour before tour time. For more information, call 888-327-2757, ext. 2750. S eve ra l h e a t - t h e m e d programs are scheduled above ground too in July at Black Diamond Mines.
underground at Greathouse Visitor Center. This is free of charge. Meet Ashley at the uppermost parking lot at the end of Somersville Road in Antioch.
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Naturalist Eddie Willis has a program scheduled at Black Diamond Mines, too. He plans a bat-monitoring safari from 7 to 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, July
27 to determine the population of the park’s bat colony. The group will wait outside the Hazel-Atlas Mine entrance for a headcount using special detection equipment. The program is free, but registration is required. To register, call 888-327-2757, select option 2, and refer to program 6390. And naturalist Kevin Dixon will lead a “moonrise over the mines” hike from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 10. Designed for ages eight and up, it’s a hilly twomile round trip to a ridge top to watch the moon rise and share stories of the night sky. Reservations are required. Call the number above and refer to program 6405. Black Diamond Mines has a parking fee of $5 per vehicle on weekends and holidays. The park is located at the end of Somersville Road, about four miles south of Highway 4 in Antioch. H o w e v e r, p a r t o f Somersville Road is closed due to ongoing construction. So to get to Black Diamond Mines from Highway 4 you
have to exit at Contra Loma Boulevard, drive south to James Donlon Boulevard, turn right on James Donlon, then turn left in several miles onto Somersville Road. Although Somersville Road is gravel right at the park entrance, the pavement resumes in a short distance. * * * Just in general, if you are visiting the regional parks or other public open space on hot summer days, be sure to take along an ample supply of water. It’s best also to wear a broad-brimmed hat and apply plenty of sunscreen. Don’t forget a map. They’re available at trailhead information panels. East Bay Regional Park District is now offering a free mobile phone “app” to encourage safety in the parks. Check it out at www. ebparkstrailsafe.org.
valleysentinel.com
July 2014
Danville Police offer Citizen’s Academy the six-week academy. The first field day starts with a tour of the Martinez Jail and then to the driving track and Force Options simulator. At the driving track, participants drive fully equipped police vehicles at the same course used to train and qualify officers on patrol. Participants are then asked to make split second decisions as they interact with a number of law enforcement related scenarios in the Force Options Simulator. The second field day starts with a tour of the Sheriff’s Dispatch Center. From there, participants go to the firing range and fire the duty pistol, shotgun, and rifle the Danville Officers use on patrol. The participants then perform a “shoot don’t/ shoot drill” where they used
Annual car shows a summer tradition in Danville Strolling downtown Danville to admire the works of art displayed along the street for the length of the Town is a pleasure that few want to miss in Danville each summer. Every July and August the Hot Summer Nights Hot Rod and Classic car Show is held to the delight of thousands. If you missed the July Show, don’t despair. Another one is happening on August 14. In its 20th year, the show features hundreds of hot rods and classic cars along Hartz Avenue along with a disc jockey
spinning nostalgic 1950s and ’60s music, vendor booths and awards for the favorite collector vehicles. Expect to see rare one-of-a-kind collector cars, custom designed cars and classic and muscle cars from the 1960s, babied since they left the showroom floor. “You couldn’t ask for a more beautiful town than Danville to display your car,” said David Miller, who has coordinated the event for the past 15 years. Miller added that the event has become so popular that people
July in the Contra Costa Garden Provided by the Contra Costa Master Gardeners
July Garden To Dos General Garden Care Protect your skin. Wear sunscreen or hats when gardening during the daylight hours!! Check irrigation systems. ET (evapotranspiration) rates are high, and trees and shrubs need deep watering every one to two weeks. Be sure to keep water away from the trunk. Check compost piles and keep them moist as a wrungout sponge. Add mulch if less than 3” deep. Remove summer weeds before they set seed. Mow lawns frequently; water deeply several times a week. Dig and remove weeds. Check bait stations for yellow jackets (ground wasps) and ants. Replace as needed. Fruits & Vegetables Prune fruit-bearing plants: Prune cherries and early plums. Cut back cane berries (blackberries, raspberries and boysenberries) when finished bearing. Remove old growth and stake new canes.
Clean up fallen fruit routinely. Fertilize citrus; use finished compost to top-dress plants. Stake tomatoes & beans. Start seeds for your winter vegetable garden. As difficult as it is to believe, now is the time! Flowers & Landscaping Plant chrysanthemums, asters, Epilobium californicum (aka California fuchsia or Zauschneria) for fall color. Fertilize roses and container plants. Use finished compost to top-dress plants. Stake delphiniums, gladiolus. Garden Pests & Diseases Check fruit trees—pick up all fallen fruit, check for ant trails, aphid and scale populations. Look for fire blight or brown rot symptoms. Spray with insecticidal soaps if aphids or scale have become major problems. Control budworms on geraniums, roses, Nicotiana, Penstemon and petunias with Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) treatments.
from all over the country plan their vacations around it. This year, the Hot Summer Nights events will be on Thursday, July 17 and August 14, from 4 to 9 p.m. Come down, enjoy the fantastic automobiles and stay for dinner at one of downtown Danville’s awesome eateries. Hot Summer Nights accepts featured cars up to and through the year 1976. If you’d like to showcase your classic car at Danville’s Hot Summer Nights, register your vehicle at St.
Isidore Church on La Gonda Way beginning at 2 p.m. on the day of the event. For more information or to register a car, visit www.danvillehotsummernightscarshow. com or call Economic Development Manager Jill Bergman at (925) 314-3369 danvillehotsummernightscarshow.com or call Economic Development Manager Jill Bergman at (925) 314-3369 danvillehotsummernightscarshow.com or call Economic Development Manager Jill Bergman at (925) 314-3369
Control cabbage worms on Brassicas with Bt as well. Handpick stinkbugs, squash bugs, tomato hornworm and cucumber beetles in vegetable gardens. Treat for Tomato Russet Mite, the most common and probably least recognized tomato problem. Stems become bronze. Can be controlled with a thorough applications of wettable
sulfur mixed in a pump sprayer with a spreader-sticker. Do not spray sulfur if temperatures are expected to be above 90°F. Watch for Verticillium and Fusarium wilt symptoms on tomatoes. Remove plants if affected. For more information about the Contra Costa Master Gardeners visit ccmg.ucdavis. edu.
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One graduate noted, “I have a greater appreciation for the type of interactions police have with the public and the splitsecond decisions that police sometimes have to make.” The Citizen’s Academy lasts for six weeks. Six 3-hour blocks of classroom and interactive training guide participants from general criminal justice procedures to specific functions within law enforcement. Participants are exposed to general patrol procedures as well as specific disciplines within the department such as: K-9 operations, narcotics and alcohol related crimes, specialized investigations, crime scene management, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), and Hostage Negotiations. The participants also take part in two field days during
a “Simunition” equipped gun. The “Simunition” gun operates exactly as a duty pistol except in that it shoots a paintball. Participants were then put into a position where they needed to make a split second decision on whether or not to use deadly force. In the end, participants in the Citizen’s Academy came away with a unique experience and a deep look inside the Danville Police Department. One participant summed up his experience, “The Citizen’s Academy was a wonderful experience. I would recommend it to anyone. It is a great chance to get right in and experience all aspects of the Police Department.” For more information on the Citizen’s Academy, contact Administrative Lieutenant Allan Shields at (925) 314-3700 or ashields@danville.ca.gov.
page 7
www.alacartemagazine.com
Ever wonder what the life of a police officer is like? What the job entails or what goes on behind the scenes? The answers to these and many other questions can be found at the Danville Citizen’s Police Academy. T h e D a n v i l l e Po l i c e Department (DPD) has a proud history of offering the Citizen’s Academy as a way to give members of the community both an idea of what it means to be a police officer, but also an opportunity to join the PD as a Volunteer in Policing (VIP). Fifteen residents recently finished the Spring Academy and were treated to an in depth look at how Danville Police provides services as well as what type of training the officers assigned to Danville receive. What did participants think about the experience?
The Valley SenTinel
Hop on the Barn Wagon! We need your help! 2014 is the year we focus on rebuilding our historic wheat barn at Rodgers Ranch! When completed, the barn at Please send your donation to: 315 Cortsen Road in Pleasant Hill Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center will be used for: P.O. Box 23381 • Heritage classes for children Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 • School field trips Name(s): ____________________________ • Sustainable gardening classes Address: ____________________________ • Displays of items from the Pleasant Hill Historical Society Phone:_______________________________ • Meetings and events email: _______________________________ • A polling place on election day For more information please contact us at 925-937-3677 or visit www.rodgersranch.org Rodgers Ranch is a Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District property and Pleasant Hill’s only historic site. We are a non-profit, tax-exempt 501c3 organization
Senior Services page 8
Trips, Tips and Travel Ideas By Staff Writer
Ever wanted to go on a jungle safari? Maybe travel through Eastern Europe, or even Alaska? Or maybe a quiet and charming bed and breakfast in the country is more your taste? No matter how many years young you may be, our diverse world holds so many thrilling, entertaining and awe-inspiring things to see that it would be a shame not to experience as much of it as you can. One of the most common complaints about travel is that it can be stressful. Stress can really put a damper on your whole trip and certainly isn’t good for your health. Planning is important. So is flexibility. By planning a loose itinerary you can be organized, while also being flexible in case things don’t go exactly as planned. Enlisting the help of a travel agent can be beneficial for planning a trip that is wellsuited to you. Travel agents may not always be able to find you the best deals, but their travel and destination knowledge will save you a lot of time and effort researching and planning on your own, especially if you’re not very internet-savvy. Adventure Tours Many tour and excursion companies offer trips designed especially for the 50-plus crowd. Eldertreks.com is an adventure travel company that offers trips designed exclusively for travelers 50 and over. According to the website, you can choose to go on a “wildlife safari in Africa, explore Mongolia by camel, hike to Patagonia’s Torres del Paine, navigate the awesome ruins of Angkor Wat,
or step foot on the Antarctic Peninsula.” The site also offers trips through Eastern Europe and Greece. Sightseeing If you’re looking for something a bit tamer than a safari, sightseeing tours are an ideal choice. Taking a walking or bus tour through European countries is a smart option because there are so many monuments, museums and locations to visit, and a sightseeing tour allows you to hit all of the major stops in one trip. If you or a traveling companion requires assistance while traveling, the best way to avoid disappointment and hassle is to arrange what you need in advance. Most airlines require 48 hours’ notice. Don’t be afraid to ask – chances are, you will easily get the help you need. Individuals who need assistance can also visit disabilitytravel.com. (See “Accessible Journeys”). This website is for a travel and tour company that arranges accessible lifestyle vacations for slow walkers, wheelchair travelers, their families and their friends. Trips range from cruises to sightseeing tours with destinations such as Alaska, New Zealand and Peru. Relaxing Vacations If your goal is simply to relax, then perhaps a more leisurely vacation, such as a cruise, is for you. Typically, cruises are all-inclusive, complete with scheduled activities and theme nights. For some, the scheduled cruise events are perfect because you always have something to do and you don’t have to worry
about planning. For others, a pre-planned vacation is too restricting. An alternative to a cruise is to stay at an allinclusive resort, where plenty of activities are available, but guests can pick and choose when to participate. The main advantage of an all-inclusive resort is that everything, including food and drinks, is included in your nightly rate so you really don’t even have to leave the resort. Everything you need for a fun and relaxing vacation is right at your fingertips, and you can easily choose whether you’d liked to active, or just lay back and enjoy the ambiance. Beautiful beaches and year-round warm weather make destinations such as Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico ideal for a relaxing vacation. However, August and September does mark the rainy season, making late fall and winter the best times to go. International Travel When traveling internationally, having your travel documents in order is essential. If you need to renew your passport, or don’t already have one, it takes several months to process, so make sure it is taken care of well before your trip. Notify the issuer(s) of your credit card(s) if you plan to use them out of the country. Credit card companies are cracking down on credit card fraud, and overseas charges may be declined. If you plan on renting a car in Europe, plan on getting an International Driving Permit (IDP). IDPs last one year and are available only through AAA for $15 .You may not be asked to show one, but it has been
I promised my mom that, when the time came, I would take care of her at home. You helped me do that. ~ Mary P. “In taking on the role of caregiver, I was quite overwhelmed by how quickly things unfolded and the difficult decisions that needed to be made. Your expertise and support prepared us for what was to come. “Beyond the hospital bed and medicines, the oxygen and the bedside care, all provided quickly and at no cost, it was the compassion of your team that made all the difference to her. “The tender care she received, especially the lipstick and splash of cologne your aide provided after each bath, brought dignity and comfort to a very classy woman. It meant the world to her to receive such tender loving care.” For further information, visit HopeHospice.com
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valleysentinel.com
July 2014
Supporting You with Compassion, Dignity and Excellence
an issue for some travelers in Europe, and it is better to be safe than sorry. Additionally, if you are 70 years or older, make sure that you’re not barred from driving a rental car. In Ireland, for example, the nominal maximum age is 75 years. Eco-Travel If you love nature, consider hopping on the eco-travel wagon by visiting an eco resort and going on an eco tour. Some resorts even offer guests the opportunity to participate in ecotourism activities, such as turtle release programs. At La Cocotera Resort (www. lacocoteraresort.com), a boutique beachfront hotel in El Salvador, guests have the opportunity to help release baby turtles into the ocean as part of the Olive Ridley turtle conservation effort. Activities like this warm the heart and make your trip more than just a fun vacation, but an experience that will stay with you long after you return home. Other popular eco destinations include Australia and Costa Rica, where indigenous wildlife is abundant. Staying Healthy While Traveling You don’t want to be caught off guard in an unfamiliar location without items that are essential to your health and safety. Always do a little research on your destination to find out what the climate and conditions will be like, and how you should prepare yourself. Also visit your doctor before you travel to
get all the information you need for necessary immunizations, prescription medications and general advice for your specific destination. Make sure you have not only your prescription medications, but also any over-the-counter medications you might need while on vacation. If you use special medical equipment or disability-related items, be sure you know the rules for bringing them onto your airplane, cruise ship or train. And of course, wash your hands often and use insect repellent and sunscreen. Senior Travel Discounts Taking the train can be great for sitting back and taking in the landscape. Currently, Amtrak travelers 62 years of age and over are eligible to receive a 15 percent discount on the lowest available rail fare on most Amtrak trains. Many resorts, hotels, restaurants and car rentals offer discounts for seniors. Always remember to ask about a senior discount, even if it is not advertised. Make sure to ask about the discount at the start of your transaction or experience to ensure that you will receive it. Keep in mind that the senior discount is not always the best rate. Other promotions and offers may end up being the better deal, so it is a good idea to do some comparisons. Beyond the senior discount, if your travel dates are flexible, last-minute travel discount deals can save you hundreds.
Setting the Record Straight – Debunking the Myths about Hospice By Peter P. Wong, MD, Medical Director, Hope Hospice (Retired)
While the need for hospice care is well recognized as an integral part of providing optimal care to terminally ill patients, many myths and misconceptions abound. Let me address just a few of them. Myth: Hospice means there is no hope.
Reality: Receiving hospice care does not mean giving up hope or that death is imminent. The earlier an individual receives hospice care, the sooner distressing symptoms such as pain, difficulty breathing and weakness See HOSPICE page 10
Senior Services valleysentinel.com Advertorial
The Conversation Project By Judy Horvath
Recently some very good friends of our family passed away somewhat early in life, in their late 60s due to totally natural causes. However as life events unfold, an important passing prompts all of us to take a look at our planning process. As I speak to various families, most say they have Advance Directives on file in either their Trust or Living Will. However the importance
page 9
July 2014
o f h av i n g a m e a n i n g f u l “conversation” about how they want to spend their last days, with the primary people in their lives does NOT always happen. • 60% of people say that making sure their family is not burdened by tough decisions is “extremely important” •56% have not communicated their end-oflife wishes. • One conversation can make all the difference. Source: Survey of Californians by the California
H e a l t h C a r e Fo u n d a t i o n (2012) See more at: theconversationproject. org/#sthash.UQZOJLr4.dpuf Ellen Goodman, a Pulitzer Winning journalist, after having gone through a series of events with her own mother started a movement called “The Conversation Project”. She said that she had talked with her Mom about many things but not exactly how she wanted to spend the end of her life. Everyone needs to have this conversation. There
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One of Medicare’s most important benefits is helping to cover your expenses if you need to be hospitalized. But what exactly is covered, and how much do you pay? Medicare helps cover certain services and supplies in hospitals. To get the full range of benefits, you must have both Medicare Part A, which is hospital insurance, and Part B, which is medical insurance. What you pay depends on whether you’re an inpatient or an outpatient. Staying overnight in a hospital doesn’t always mean you’re an inpatient. You’re an inpatient on the day the doctor formally admits you, with a doctor’s order. You’re an outpatient if you haven’t been formally admitted as an inpatient, even if you’re getting emergency department services, observation services, outpatient surgery, lab tests, or x-rays. If you aren’t sure whether you’re an inpatient or an outpatient, you or your family should ask your doctor or the hospital staff. Or you can call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800633-4227). If you’re admitted as an inpatient, Part A will help cover your stay. This generally includes a semiprivate room, meals, general
nursing care, drugs, and other hospital services and supplies. Part A covers your care in acute care hospitals, critical access hospitals, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, longterm care hospitals, and psychiatric facilities. How much you’ll pay depends partly on how long you stay. Medicare pays for inpatient hospital care based o n “ b e n e f i t p e r i o d s. ” A benefit period begins the day you’re admitted to a hospital – and ends when you haven’t had any inpatient hospital care for 60 days in a row. You can have more than one hospital stay within the same benefit period. There’s a limit on how many patient days Medicare will cover during a benefit period, but there’s no limit on the number of benefit periods you can have over your lifetime. How much comes out of your pocket when you’re in the hospital? Part A has a deductible, which is $1,216 in 2014. You pay this deductible at the beginning of each new benefit period. After you’ve paid that, there’s no co-payment for days 1 through 60 of each benefit period. For days 61through 90 of each benefit period, there’s a co-pay of $304 per day. You also have 60 “lifetime reserve days.” These can be used after day 90 of each benefit period, and your co-pay is $608 per day in
2014. After you use up these “lifetime reserve days,” you must pay all costs yourself. Keep in mind that Part A doesn’t cover doctor fees or other medical services. That’s where Part B comes in. To get Part B, you must pay a monthly premium, which for most people is $ 10 4 . 9 0 p e r m o n t h t h i s year. You’ll also pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for most doctor services while you’re an inpatient. Part B also helps cover outpatient costs, such as doctors’ fees, emergency and observation services, lab tests, and X-rays. Finally, here are some t h i n g s M e d i c a re d o e s n ’ t cover in the hospital: • Private-duty nursing; • A telephone or television; • Personal items like toothpaste or razors; • A private room, unless it’s medically necessary. To learn more about Medicare benefits, please refer to your 2014 Medicare & You handbook, go online to www. medicare.gov, or contact our 1-800-MEDICARE customer service professionals who can help you with specific concerns before a hospital stay. David Sayen 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).
a P.O.L.S.T. , which stands for Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatments. Every person should have one of these filled out and on file, at your doctor’s office, and you can obtain this through your primary Physician. Judy Horvath is the founder of Tender Heart Home Care and would be happy to assist you in this process. Tender Heart is an In-Home Caregiver Referral Agency established in 2003 and headquartered in San Ramon. Please call 925 838 4444 or visit website www.atenderheart.com for further information.
were many decisions she was forced to make and she was not prepared to do this. We believe that the place for this to begin is at the kitchen table—not in the intensive care unit—with the people we love, before it’s too late. See more at: theconversationproject.org/ You can obtain much advice through this website. In this area there are many qualified groups that can assist in the process of this discussion. Most Hospice organizations can assist with this discussion and documentation. There is a bright pink document call
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valleysentinel.com
July 2014
Help Walnut Creek libraries Key to ongoing health – stay active By Laurel T. Silver The needs of animal care specifically for seniors. Softball help pets groups are great. Approximately Being over 60 is no reason leagues, yoga classes, and This summer, in keeping with the pet theme of their Summer Reading Program, Paws to Read, Walnut Creek Libraries are teaming up with Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation to help pets in need. Bring in an item or two from ARF’s list of wanted items and help the shelter’s homeless and abandoned pets while they wait to be adopted by a good home. ARF’s Top Five Most Wanted items include assorted toys (durable and washable), rawhide chews, large jars of peanut butter, zip lock bags, and dry erase markers. For more complete list of needed items, visit the library’s Summer Reading Program table. Paws to Read, Paws to Give is a statewide drive created and encouraged by the California Library Association to benefit animal welfare organizations.
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seven million dogs and cats enter shelters each year in the U.S., while only three to four million are adopted. Other libraries across the state are also partnering with their local animal shelters or wildlife organizations to collect muchneeded items used to care for homeless or rescued animals. The Walnut Creek Library is located at 1644 North Broadway. The donation drive will take place through August 23rd. Stop by the Summer Reading Program table and make your donation anytime during open hours. The Ygnacio Valley Library in Walnut Creek is also participating in this donation drive. It is located at 2661 Oak Grove Road and is also open: Monday – Thursday 10am to 8pm and Friday & Saturday 10am to 6pm. For further information, phone the Library at 925-938-1481.
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to give up on physical activity and frequent exercise. However, age related restrictions can often make it difficult to establish and maintain a healthy routine. Fortunately, there are a variety of options for men and women of varying ages and physical abilities. Staying active has many proven physical and mental health benefits for people of all ages. For seniors, regular exercise has shown not only to improve health, but also to improve one’s ability to keep up with normal daily routines. According to Tiffany Amrich, Psy.D. “Quality of life is enhanced by participating to the best of your ability in activities you enjoy, continuing to stay current and interacting with friends and family.” (Tiffany Amrich via 305 fit,Wellness Magazine, Active Aging: The Benefits of Staying Active For Seniors.) With this in mind, it can be helpful to find a way of staying active that fits your schedule and ability. In addition, finding classes and programs that appeal to personal interests can make exercising feel like less of a chore. The town of Danville offers a large selection of health and fitness programs designed
walking trips are just a few of the many activities available. In addition, The Danville Area Senior Hikes (DASH) take place on the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month and offer moderately paced hikes in and around the Sycamore Valley. These hikes are open to all, and while donations are encouraged, attendance is free. While information about these programs is available on the town of Danville’s website, more detailed descriptions can be found in the Silver Streak Newsletter. This is a monthly newsletter for seniors that offers information about upcoming classes and programs. The current issue of the newsletter can be viewed online at www. danville.ca.gov/Seniors. For those who wish to sign up for featured events, a registration form is available at the end of each issue. For those looking for a less strenuous way of staying active and healthy, yoga for seniors is becoming an increasingly popular choice. It has sparked such an interest among the senior population, that Duke Integrative Medicine is now offering courses specifically designed to help yoga instructors gear their classes to fit the needs of older adults. According to the
HOSPICE from page 8
services, but the range of expertise, credentials, support services and programs may differ. At Hope Hospice we take tremendous pride in the exceptional care and depth of the support programs we provide. Hope Hospice is a nonprofit hospice agency accredited by The Joint Commission with deep ties to our local communities that go back more than 30 years. Myth: Once a patient chooses hospice care, he or she cannot return to traditional medical treatment. Reality: If a patient’s condition improves or the disease goes into remission, he or she can be discharged from hospice care and can return to aggressive, more curative measures, if so desired. If a discharged patient wants to return to hospice care, insurance plans will allow readmission if their condition declines and they are once again hospice eligible. Myth: Hospice provides visits only by nurses. Reality: Hospice care is composed of a team of nurses, social workers, hospice
can be addressed as well as safety, nutrition, medication supervision and family issues. End-of- life care is not an exact science and a prognosis of “six months or less” is only a guideline for the physician’s best clinical judgment concerning the normal course of the patient’s illness. Myth: Hospice is only for cancer patients. Reality: Patients with other life-limiting conditions such as advanced heart, kidney, lung and liver disease, or dementia who do not want to have aggressive treatment are eligible for hospice care. For example, a frail stroke or dementia patient who requires total care, cannot swallow and does not want a feeding tube would be appropriate. Also patients with an end-stage renal disease who discontinue dialysis would benefit from hospice care. Nearly half of those in hospice are non-cancer patients. Myth: All Hospices are the same. Re a l i t y : A l l h o s p i c e programs must provide certain
program’s specialists, yoga for seniors is not only relaxing for the mind and body, but it has also proven to be beneficial in relieving physical pain that can accompany aging. T h e D a n v i l l e Yo g a and Wellness Center offers yoga classes for seniors on several weekday mornings. For more information, please visit the center’s website at danvilleyogawellnesscenter. com/yoga. Whether it’s hiking, sports, or yoga, it is important to make exercise a part of your routine no matter what your age is. For seniors, physical activity can be particularly important as it may increase ability and improve both mental and physical health. Making an effort to become actively engaged in an exercise routine can significantly improve life and help to alter some of the negative effects that often come with aging. For a complete list of Senior events in the Danville area, please visit www.danville. ca.gov/Seniors, or contact the Danville Senior Center at (925) 314-3490. For more information on the yoga Master Program at Duke Integrative Medicine, please visit their website at www.dukeintegrativemedicine. org/professional-training/ therapeutic-yoga-for-seniors.
physicians, home health aides, volunteers, chaplains and bereavement counselors. Visits are based on individual needs, but telephone advice and urgent care for support are available 24/7. Myth: A patient needs insurance to have hospice services. Reality: Most private insurance plans and HMO’s, as well as Medicare and MediCal have hospice as a benefit. However, Hope Hospice does not refuse any patient who lacks insurance coverage. Through community contributions, Hope Hospice is able to provide care for patients regardless of their insurance status. Myth: Patients on hospice can no longer receive care from their primary care doctor. Reality: Hope Hospice endorses the patient/primary care physician relationship by encouraging continuing visits, according to the primary care physician’s preference. Hope Hospice staff work closely with primary physicians and they are considered part of the hospice team.
valleysentinel.com
July 2014
The valley Sentinel
Town Council Approves 2014/15 Budget
$38 million spending plan approved after several public sessions At their Tuesday June 17, 2014 meeting, the Danville Town Council unanimously approved the Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program for the 2014/15 fiscal year. The $38 million spending plan calls for $28.1 million budgeted for operating expenses, $8.1 million for Capital Appropriations and $1.3 million in Successor Agency costs. The approved budget is up from the 2013/14 expenditures of $33.9 million.
Town Manager Joe Calabrigo said that the Town Council has approved a budget that is balanced, maintains service levels to the community and keeps an eye toward the future. “The goal of the budget process is to keep the Town’s highest priorities in focus,” Calabrigo explained. “That way we can provide services that are most important to the largest possible segment of our community, while staying within our means.”
Calabrigo said the Town will continue to operate with sound financial planning, with ten year projections showing that Danville is following a course that is fiscally sustainable. View the budget in its entirety on the Town’s website at www.danville. ca.gov/Government/ Departments/GeneralGovernment/Budget-andCAFR.
Vendors Sought for Thursday Festivals
Local businesses invited to be part of downtown fest The Town of Danville and Discover Danville Association (DDA) are looking for local businesses interested in being vendors for this summer’s upcoming Thursday Night Street Festivals. Economic Development Manager Jill Bergman said the family friendly downtown events are scheduled for July 10, 2014 and August 7, 2014 this year. The events run from
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and feature a variety of music, food and fun. Participating vendors receive a 10ft by 10ft booth space to display their business. Sponsored by the Town of Danville, DDA, KKIQ and KKDV, the July festival will feature a pirate them while August will bring a return to the Wild West. Both festivals
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Parking Lot Project Begins at Monte Vista
Renovation project to affect access to community pool, programs A summer-long parking lot renovation project at Monte Vista High School has gotten underway affecting residents’ access to the campus and M V H S C o m m u n i t y Po o l . The project area is the south parking lot of the high school. Portions of the staff parking lot and the north parking lot across the street from the school will remain open for resident use. The horseshoe will remain available for pickup/drop-off.
Signs are posted directing pedestrians where to walk in order to reach the stadium, pool, tennis courts or classrooms. Drivers are asked to plan for additional time getting to classes and programs and use caution through the construction area. For more information about the parking lot project, contact the San Ramon Valley Unified School District at (925) 824-1816.
will feature a treasure hunt, local entertainment, dunk tank, face painting and more. Businesses interested in taking part in these fun and festive evenings can go to www.discoverdanvilleca.com to register. For more information, contact Economic Development Manager Jill Bergman at (925) 314-3369 or jbergman@ danville.ca.gov.
School Board Approves “Bella Vista” as the name for District’s New Elementary School The San Ramon Valley Unified School District Board of Education approved “Bella Vista Elementary School” as the name for the District’s 36th school, and 5th elementary school in the Dougherty Valley area of east San Ramon. Bella Vista is projected to open Fall 2016, and is situated on a 7.4-acre site located approximately a half mile southwest of the Dougherty Station Community Center and Library in a yet-to-be developed area of the Dougherty Valley (site is adjacent to a 30-acre community park currently under construction). “Bella Vista means ‘beautiful view’ in both Spanish and Italian, which is very appropriate given the view of Mt. Diablo and other local hillsides from this location,”
said Board President, Rachel Hurd. “I think this name will truly resonate with students and the community.” The committee that selected the name was comprised of nine people representing the school district, the San Ramon Valley Council of PTAs, the City of San Ramon and the local parent community. The committee process involved meetings to review b o a r d p o l i c y, e s t a b l i s h the process for gathering community input, and prioritize and select the name based on the input. S t a f f , s t u d e n t s, p a re n t s and community members submitted their suggestions through an online survey. More than 400 suggestions were received. The survey re s u l t s we re s o r t e d a n d
provided to the committee members, who then discussed the suggestions and rationale, and came to consensus on their recommendation for the Board.
less Put
money down for your new address.
Widening Work on San Ramon Valley Blvd
Traffic control will be in place in order to minimize the impact on motorists. Widening work is expected to continue into late 2014. For more information, contact Senior Civil Engineer Michael Stella at (925) 314- 3316 or mstella@danville.ca.gov.
3,000
$
UP TO
2
TOWARD CLOSING COSTS
Crews to work on roadway improvement through winter The next phase in the widening of San Ramon Valley Boulevard is underway. Crews will be working on the roadside between Jewell Terrace and Fountain Springs Drive. As the work progresses some sporadic lane closures may occur on San Ramon Valley Boulevard.
125 Railroad Avenue, Suite D, Danville, CA (925) 837-2500 FD2088 www.ghmemorial.com
Thanks to SAFE, a smaller down payment doesn’t have to come between you and your dream home. With our 80-10-10 Home Loan option, you can become a homeowner for as little as 10% down1 when you combine a first mortgage of 80% with a SAFE second mortgage up to 10% – and you won’t even need to pay private mortgage insurance. We’ll even give you up to $3,000 in lender credits toward your closing costs. For home buyers on a budget, that’s big news. To find out today’s rates or speak to your local SAFE Mortgage Officer, call (800) SEE-SAFE, or (800) SEE-SAFE, ext. 2772 visit safecu.org/homeloans. safecu.org/homeloans
NMLS# 466072 Loan-to-value is based on the lesser of purchase price or appraised value. SAFE first and second mortgages must close concurrently. Credits for closing costs cannot be applied to discount points or loan-level price adjustments. New purchase, owner-occupied properties only. Not available for FHA or VA loans, or refinance of an existing SAFE loan. Subject to credit approval and membership eligibility. Offer only available to members who live or work in Contra Costa County. Complete application must be submitted by 7/31/14. Other restrictions may apply. See SAFE for details. 1 2
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
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For additional Community Events visit: www.ValleySentinel.com Please email information about your events to info@valleysentinel.com
COMMUNITY EVENTS Volunteers Needed: Read to Preschoolers Volunteers are needed at childcare centers in Concord, Pittsburg, and West County. The Contra Costa County Library will supply books and resources. For more information, please contact Maureen Kilmurray at 925-927-3288. Danville Farmer’s Market Every Saturday, Year-round 9am-1pm. Get the freshest seasonal fare at the Danville Certified Farmers’ Market. Railroad & Prospect Avenue, Danville. Information: www.ci.danville.ca.us. (You can make donations of fresh vegetables and fruit for our local food pantries at the Loaves & Fishes Booth at the Danville Farmers Market.) Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Workshop Tuesdays, Now - July 22 11am-1pm. This 12-week workshop is for women who have just been diagnosed and are either in treatment or starting treatment. This series will help them address the emotional and physical issues that surface after diagnosis. Guest medical experts will present information to the group. Free. Cancer Support Community, 3276 McNutt Ave, Walnut Creek. Register at 925-933-0107. Canine Companions for Independence Puppy Class Each Saturday 11am-12pm. 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. Make sure to check out their online calendar before heading off to volunteer. Athenian High School, 2100 Mt. Diablo Scenic Blvd., Danville. ccieastbay.org. 23rd Annual International Storytelling Festival Monday nights in July 6:30pm. Gather the family for heartwarming and fun evenings of storytelling from around the world! San Ramon Library is pleased to present the 23rd Annual Storytelling Festival sponsored by San Ramon Library Foundation and San Ramon Valley Kiwanis. audiences of all ages will experience various cultures through stories told by professional storytellers from different ethnic backgrounds. Each week storytelling lasts about 45 minutes, followed by a light snack provided by the San Ramon Library Foundation. The storyteller of the week will stay to visit with the listeners. Free. 100 Montgomery Street in San Ramon. Information: 925-973-2850 or website at ccclib.org. Walnut Creek Library Birthday Bash! July 17 4pm. Celebrate Walnut Creek Library’s 4th birthday, and the city of Walnut Creek’s 100th by participating in our Birthday Bash! The library has partnered with Sleep Train Mattress Centers for this special all-ages-welcome event, asking each Birthday Bash attendee to bring a new packaged school supply for Sleep Train’s Foster Kids School Supply Drive. There will be games and cake, but the library and Sleep Train Foster Kids are relying on you to bring the presents! Free. 1644 North Broadway, Walnut Creek. Information: 925-977-3340 or visit www.ccc.lib. Hot Summer Nights Car Show July 17 4-9pm. We are now celebrating our 20th year and entertaining more than 30,000 visitors, residents, and consumers during this 2 show event. Downtown-Hartz Avenue. David Miller, (925) 437-3649. Thank you San Ramon! Walk With Your Dog July 19 8:30am. Participate in the Thank You San Ramon new walking series. Walk will start at the Bark and Ride Dog Park and continue on the nearby trail. Local pet experts will be on hand to answer your pet questions. Healthy refreshments will be provided for people and canines. Walkers of all ages are welcome. Bark & Ride Park, 1120 S. Wedgewood Rd, San Ramon. Information: sanramon.ca.gov. Social Media, Hands on Workshop July 22 7:30am. Come in with questions, and leave with a Facebook page, all set up and ready to go! We’ll show you, step-by-step, how to get started and how to make your posts an everyday part of your business outreach. Register for free at danvilleworkshop.eventbrite. com. Veterans Memorial Building/Senior Center, 115 E. Prospect Avenue, Danville. Genetics and Cancer July 22 3:30-5:30pm. A discussion of the role of genetics in cancer and how this might apply to specific family histories brought to the workshop. This workshop will also cover the pros and cons of genetic testing, its usefulness and limitations. Facilitated by Margo Thelander, a certified genetic counselor at John Muir Health For cancer patients, their families, and friends. Free. Cancer Support Community, 3276 McNutt Avenue, Walnut Creek. For information and reservations please call (925) 933-0107.
The Summer Book Sale at the San Ramon Library Members-only preview on Friday, July 25th from 5-8pm. Open to the public on Saturday, July 26 from 10am-5pm, and on Sunday, July 27 from Noon to 4pm. Note: on Sunday, every item – all books and a/v items, etc. will be on sale for 25 cents each! Be sure to bring some sturdy bags to carry your purchases home. 100 Montgomery Street, San Ramon. Information: www.ccclib.org. (925) 973 2850. Relay for Life of Danville July 26-27 9am-9am. Cancer continues to touch the lives of Danville residents, so we are continuing the fight against cancer in Danville in 2014. The American Cancer Society Relay for Life movement allows everyone in our Danville community to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. Monte Vista High School, 3131 Stone Valley Rd. Information and registration: relayforlife.org/danvilleca. Wildlife Associates: Animals of the Rainforest July 29 2-3pm. Summer Reading Festival for ages 5 - 11. Enjoy a a special mid-day program presented by Wildlife Associates and get to know these animals who live throughout the world’s endangered rainforests. Learn about their habits, lives and their role in the greater web of life! No registration required. Danville Library, 400 Front St., Danville. Information: 925-837-4889. Aging Parent Home Alone? July 29 6:30-7:30pm. August 21 5:30-6:30pm. Free Seminar on Eldercare Issues and Options. San Ramon Community Center, 12501 Alcosta Blvd. Information: 925-478-5993. Arts and Crafts - 2nd Annual Harry Potter Birthday Party July 31 2- 3:30pm. Happy Birthday, Harry Potter! Join Danville Library for the second annual Harry Potter Birthday Party. Make crafts, play games, enjoy delicious treats, and this year, join a Quidditch league! For 3rd to 7th graders. Danville Library, 400 Front St., Danville. Registration and Information: Visit the information desk or call 925-837-4889.
Sneaker Trips: The Town of Danville’s Senior Sneakers program is a great way for you to make new friends and get out and around the greater Bay Area. There’s always something new to see and learn. All trips meet at the Danville Park & Ride lot unless otherwise noted in the trip details. Reserve your spot at the Danville Senior Center, 115 E. Prospect, Danville, CA 94526, on or before the registration date beginning at 8:30am. Information: 925-314-3400 or visit www.ci.danville.ca.us/Recreation/ Seniors/Senior_Sneaker_Trips. The Danville Area Senior Hikes (DASH) are open to all adults and meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month. The group starts at the Danville Park-n-Ride (next to the Sycamore Valley 680 North exit) at 9AM and returns about 1Pm. Most hikes are not strenuous, but gradients are involved due to the local terrain. Distances are usually in the 4-5 mile range, and the pace is moderate, with stops to view scenery, wildlife and to talk about location history when appropriate. Information: 925-314-3400 or visit www.ci.danville. ca.us/Recreation/Seniors/Senior_Hiking. San Ramon Seniors The following events are held at the Alcosta Senior & Community Center, 9300 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon, unless otherwise noted. For more information call 925-973-3250 or visit www. sanramon.ca.gov/parks/programs/ages55+.htm. Wisdom Wednesdays: Free workshops and informational sessions that will benefit you. They will give you free access to coffee, knowledge and a better understanding of important issues. Information: 925-973-3250. Trips Trip Desk is open Tuesday from 10am-1pm. Sign up for trips at the travel desk or by depositing payment with registration form in the gold drop box found at the main entryway. Information: 973-3250.
Danville Thursday Night Street Festival August 7 6-9pm. Shop, dine, and play in Downtown Danville during Danville’s Thursday Night Street Festivals. Hartz and Prospect Avenues are transformed into a festive, car-free environment lined with booths featuring local merchants, services and community organizations and grab a tasty meal and beverage at one of the many bistro dining areas. Hartz and Prospect Avenues. discoverdanvilleca.com.
Wednesday Morning Hikes (time and location varies) Join the San Ramon Trailblazers if you are interested in meeting new people, enjoying the outdoors, having fun and getting in shape. The group meets once a week at various locations, This is an adults only group; pets are not permitted on hikes. To find out the exact meeting location and to get on the email list, please call the Senior Center or email trailblazer88@ comcast.net.
Forest Home Farms- Fun on the Farm August 9 10am-2pm. Enjoy interactive exhibits, the tractor museum, the beautiful grounds and free activities centered August’s theme, Ice Cream Social. Tour the Glass House Museum or farm with a docent to travel back in time to the early days of the San Ramon Valley. Forest Home Farms, 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon. sanramon.ca.gov.
Page Turners Senior Book Group Third Tuesday of the month 1:30pm. Drop in–all are welcome! Copies of this month’s book are on reserve for you at the San Ramon Library Front Desk. Book group meets at Alcosta Senior and Community Center, 9300 Alcosta Blvd. Information: Carol Yuke, Adult Services Librarian. 925-973-2850.
SENIORS Danville Seniors Unless otherwise noted, the following activities are held at the Danville Senior Center, Veterans Memorial Building, 115 E. Prospect, Danville. For more information call 925-314-3490 or visit www. ci.danville.ca.us/Recreation/Seniors. Taste and Toast of Greece July 24 7-8:30pm. Celebrate the rich culture of Greece with samples of delightful food, wine and entertainment during the Taste and Toast of Greece. This is the 4th of the Taste and Toast series which celebrates countries around the world. Fees: $5(R) $6(NR). $8 at the door. To register, call the Danville Senior Center at (925)314-3490. Senior Center, 115 E. Prospect Avenue, Danville. Buzz Session: Discover Danville’s “Social Calendar” July 29 10-11am. Come for tea and a personal invitation to the local street festivals, art fairs, retail/service strolling maps and more. Learn where to find hidden treasures and special customer service right in the heart of Danville! Free. Danville Senior Center, 115 E. Prospect Avenue, Danville. Register at (925)314-3490. Buzz Session: Grill Like a Pro! August 5 10-11:30am. Summer is in full swing and the weather is perfect for a BBQ! Join Henry Siu, Grill Master, as he shares various marinating recipes, grilling techniques, grilled side dishes and more! Learn the differences in cooking on a charcoal or gas grill. Free. Danville Senior Center, 115 E. Prospect Avenue, Danville. Register at (925)314-3490.
BUSINESS Design Concepts Ribbon Cutting July 17 4:30-8:30pm. Come meet the owners and staff at Design Concept’s Grand Opening Party and see all the beautiful furniture and accessories to enhance your home! Wine & Hors d’oeuvres will be served. 3235 Danville Blvd, Alamo. danvilleareachamber.com. San Ramon Chamber of Commerce Third Thursday Mixer July 17 5:30-7:30pm. Please join for our Third Thursday Mixer in San Ramon! Meet other business owners for an opportunity to network and make your business more visible. $5 for Members and $20 for Non-Members. AAA, 2435 San Ramon Valley Boulevard, Suite 5, San Ramon. Social Media Workshop for Business July 22 The Town of Danville has announced a Free Business Workshop to provide a hands-on approach to launching and maintaining social media sites. The workshop will offer separate break-out sections to focus on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn. Veterans Memorial Building. Information or to register, go to www.danvilleworkshop.eventbrite.com. Uncle Wang’s Ribbon Cutting July 22 12-12:30pm. Attend the Ribbon Cutting and welcome Uncle Wang’s into the Danville culinary business community! Come meet Jenny, the new owner of Uncle Wang’s, who has delicious fresh chinese dishes to taste! 150 Hartz Ave., Danville
Please email your calendar events to the Sentinel at Info@valleysentinel.com by 5pm on the 20th of the month preceding publication month. Inclusion in the calendar pages is at the sole discretion of Sentinel Newspapers, Inc.
valleysentinel.com
June 2014
COMMUNITY CALENDAR (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12)
San Ramon Chamber of Commerce New and Future Member Orientation July 22 4-5pm. Please come and learn about the various Chamber services that can benefit your business. There will be some of the Chamber’s 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.
Mondays: The Walnut Creek Garden Club Meets the second Monday of each month. The general meeting begins at 9:30 with community and socializing from 10:30 to 11:00. You do not need to be a gardener to join the club. The Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Road, Walnut Creek. Information: californiagardenclubs.com/ content/walnut-creek-garden-club or mslittle44@gmail.com
Alamo Rotary 12:15pm. Meets every Wednesday. Round Hill Country Club, 3169 Roundhill Road, Alamo. Information: alamorotary. org.
2014 Aloha Golf Classic & Dinner July 28 9:30am-7pm. Tee up a good time at the 2014 Aloha Golf Classic & Dinner - One of the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce’s most FUN events! Come enjoy a day on the course at the beautiful and historic Diablo Country Club in its 100th Anniversary year! Don’t golf? - Come for a gourmet dinner at the Clubhouse. Tickets available at www.danvilleareachamber.com. Diablo Country Club, 1700 Clubhouse Road, Diablo.
San Ramon Alzheimer Support Group 7-9pm. Meets the second Monday of each month, except on holidays. Sponsored by the Alzheimer Association. People who know or are caregivers of Alzheimer victims can get information on how to help them through this difficult time in life. San Ramon Senior & Community Center, 9300 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon. Information: 925-973-3250.
San Ramon Valley Rotary 7pm. Meets every Wednesday. Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville. Information: sanramonvalleyrotary.com.
Walnut Creek Chamber New Member Orientation July 30 4-5pm. Join the orientation for new members, existing members and prospective members. This meeting, held in the Chamber conference room, offers an overview of the Chamber, programs and events, public policy initiatives and activities, sponsorship opportunities, networking, and ways to get involved. Chamber Conference Room, 1280 Civic Drive, Ste. 100, Walnut Creek. walnutcreek.com RPM Mortgage Ribbon Cutting July 31 5:30-6pm. Attend the Ribbon Cutting at RPM Mortgage in Alamo. Come check out this state of the art facility housing one of the top Mortgage companies in the area! 3240 Stone Valley Rd. West, Alamo. Walnut Creek Chamber B.A.S.H. (Business & Social Hour) Monthly Mixer July 31 5:30-7pm. The B.A.S.H. is a great opportunity to network with Chamber Members, Government Officials, Educators and Local Businesses. This event is free to all Walnut Creek Chamber Members and guests of members; Non-member price is $10.00. Bring your business card. FORMA Gym, 1908 Olympic Blvd., Walnut Creek. walnut-creek.com
CLUBS and ORGANIZATIONS Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. AAUW membership is open to all graduates of accredited four year colleges or universities and those holding an Associate Degree or equivalent. Prospective members are welcome and may contact Liz at 389-0152 for details. Visit daw-ca.aauw.net for meeting dates. Fibro? CFIDS? Chronic Pain? If these are familiar to you, call about the San Ramon Valley support group for people who need support, information, classes and friendship from people who know what it’s like. We like to laugh while getting well. Call 925-837-0510. Hope Hospice Grief Support GroupsOngoing Hope Hospice provides support to help you understand and manage grief in a way that is healthy and appropriate. Our Grief Support Center is available to all community members at minimal or no cost. Information: visit www.HopeHospice.com or call 925-829-8770. Wind ‘n Sea Sailing Club Sailing training classes take place at members’ homes. Information: Call Jan at 925-837-3381. Recurring: Danville Rotary 12pm. Meets every Monday. Faz Restaurant, Danville. Information: danvillerotary.org.
The Valley SenTinel
Sons In Retirement (Walnut Creek Chapter) Monthly Luncheon 11am drinks. 12 Noon lunch. Meets the third Monday of each month, except for May and December. If you are retired or semi-retired and want to make new friends, participate in fun activities and better enjoy your leisure time, we welcome you to join with us. Make $15 luncheon reservations by calling 925806-8874 by the preceding Wednesday. Walnut Creek Elks Lodge, 1475 Creekside Dr, Walnut Creek. Information: visit www.Branch116.org. Tuesdays: Danville am Toastmasters 7-8:30am. Meets every Tuesday. New members welcome. Father Nature’s Restaurant, 170 Prospect Ave., Danville. Information: danvilleam.freetoasthost.org. Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary 7am. Meets every Tuesday morning. Crow Canyon Country Club, Danville. Information: dsvrotary.com. Diablo View Toastmasters 8:15-9:15am. Meets every Tuesday. CMG Mortgage, 4th Floor Conference Room, 3160 Crow Canyon Rd., San Ramon. Information: 4160.toastmastersclubs.org. Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Workshop Tuesdays, April 16 through July 30 11am-1pm. This 12-week workshop is for women who have just been diagnosed and are either in treatment or starting treatment. Cancer Support Community, 3276 McNutt Avenue, Walnut Creek. Free. Please call to register 925-933-0107. Walnut Creek Kiwanis Club 12:10-1:30pm. Meets every Tuesday. Massimo’s Ristorante, 1604 Locust Street, Walnut Creek. Information: kiwanisofwalnutcreek.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 12-1:30pm. Meets first Tuesday of every month. In a nurturing small group, you are encouraged to process feelings of grief resulting from the loss of pet. Register with Vicki at 925-887-5678 or vickis@hospiceeastbay.org. ARF, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: arf.net. Prostate Cancer Group 7:30–9pm. Meets 2nd Tuesday of the month. Drop-in prostate cancer group for men and their loved ones. San Ramon Regional Medical Center, South Building, West Day Room. 6001 Norris Canyon Road, San Ramon. Information: 925.933.0107 or www.twc-bayarea.org/ community-programs.html. Wednesdays: Walnut Creek Toastmasters 7-8:15pm. Meets every Wednesday. 1660 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill. Information: walnutcreek.freetoasthost.net
Danville Toastmasters Club #1785 7:30-9pm. Meets every Wednesday. Room W204 at Diablo Valley College,1690 Watermill Road, San Ramon. Information: danvilletoastmasters1785. com.
Danville Lions Club 7pm. Meets the first and third Wednesday each month at The Brass Door at 2154 San Ramon Valley Blvd. in San Ramon. Information: Pat.Porter@hannaglobal.com Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley 12pm. Meets the second Wednesday of every month. Sign-in and social time begins at 11:30. Guests are welcome with lunch reservations. Faz Restaurant, 600 Hartz Ave., Danville. RSVP 925275-2412. Information: coachstepper@ yahoo.com. 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. Blue Star Moms 7-9pm. Meets the second Wednesday of every month. Danville Veterans Memorial Building, 400 Hartz Ave. Information: bluestarmoms.org. 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. $23 includes luncheon, guest speaker and a great opportunity to socialize with at least 120 other retirees from the San Ramon Valley. To reserve a space, please email us by Friday prior to luncheon at www.info@SIR128.com. Location: San Ramon Golf Club, 9430 Fircrest Lane, San Ramon. Information: www.SIR128.com 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 7:00pm. Meets the third Wednesday of every month. Veterans Memorial Hall, 400 Hartz Avenue, Danville. Information: Post Commander Ernie Petagara at 925-362-9806 or vfwpost75.org. Thursdays: Rotary Club of San Ramon 11:45am. Meets every Thursday. Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville. Information: sanramonrotary.org. Koko Fitbit Walk 9:30-11 am. Meets on the last Thursday of each month. Meet at Koko FitClub and walk the Iron Horse Trail. 499-B San Ramon Valley Blvd. Danville. Information: 925-743-0802 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. $12. The July 17 meeting will be held at Prickley Pear Cantina in Blackhawk Plaza. New and long-time adult residents are welcome. Reservations/information: 925-837-9600 or www.srvnc.com. Clutterers Anonymous 7-8pm. Meets the second Thursday of every month. St. Luke’s Lutheran Church room 7, 2491 San Miguel Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: 925-736-8627. 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.
page 13
Fridays TENS - Thriving Empty Nesters 9-11:30am, Every Friday, Room 116; Community Presbyterian Church; 222 W. El Pintado Road; Danville. We are a Peer Community - Encouraging Women to Rediscover, Reconnect & Rejoice in the Empty Nest Stage of Life ! Information: Contact Barb Miller - baiumil@yahoo.com or Donna Hill at hillmom3@comcast.net 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. Parkinson’s Disease Support Group Call for time. Meets every 3rd Saturday. Join us to share, laugh, and learn from each other. Meeting location is the Fireside Room at Grace Presbyterian Church, 2100 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. Contact Gregg Riehl at (925) 2548349 or jgriehl@gmail.com. Caregivers meet at same time in Oak Room of Grace Church. Free. All are welcome. Information: contact Howard Zalkin at 925 939 4210 or Ronnie Wanetick at 925 933 6357. Sundays: Cars n Coffee: First Sunday of Every Month 8-10am. Blackhawk Automotive Museum is hosting Cars and Coffee for automotive enthusiasts in the parking lots of Blackhawk Plaza. Our partner, Scott’s Catering, will provide coffee and other refreshments. Afterwards, visit shops and restaurants in Blackhawk Plaza. Blackhawk Museum; 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle; Danville. Information: www. blackhawkmuseum.org.
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Community News & Information
Danville • Blackhawk • Alamo Diablo • San Ramon
Emotional / Spiritual Help We all experience challenges in life, times when we could benefit from the support of a caring person. Stephen Ministers at Community Presbyterian Church in Danville, are trained to provide confidential, emotional and spiritual care to these individuals in our community. This is a FREE service open to all individuals. For more information, please call this private and confidential telephone number at 925- 855-1367, extension 558.
HELP WANTED Sales Executive: Sentinel Newspapers, Inc. has immediate openings for a sales person for
A La Carte magazine and for the Valley Sentinel. Sales territory includes Danville, Alamo, San Ramon, Walnut Creek and Lafayette. Sales experience helpful. Will train the right person. Must have an outgoing personality and a positive attitude. Compensation based on performance. Local Central Contra Costa residents only need apply. Please email your resume and request for interview to us at drousset@valleysentinel.com.
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page 14
The valley Sentinel
AUTO March 2009 July 2014
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4 Diesel By David and Judy Colman
Jeep’s latest iteration of the Grand Cherokee line offers remarkable flexibility of use. It’s a tough truck, a comfy limo, and an economy ride, all rolled into one very handsome product. The truck part of the equation will take you just about anywhere on or off road, especially if you order your Jeep with the optional, “Trail Rated” $2,495 “Off Road Adventure II” package. In well appointed Limited trim, this spacious Jeep behaves more like a plush and expensive foreign bred sedan than a domestic sports utility. All the seats are heated, with 8-way adjustability for the front pair. The cabin is plush and quiet, and the new 8.4 inch dash-mounted touch screen offers more climate control and entertainment options than Microsoft’s house of tomorrow. When you order your Jeep with the new-for-2014 V-6 turbocharged diesel ($4,500 extra), your Cherokee will effortlessly yank a 7,400 pound trailer while still managing 24 MPG in overall fuel consumption. Pulling that kind of load with ease is what 420 lb.-ft. of torque will do from a standing start.
Jeep’s new 8-speed automatic gearbox is standard across the Cherokee line this year, and its paddle shifted multiplicity of gears immensely enhances the low-revving performance of the new diesel. Of course, if you’re looking to Jeep for a faster Grand Cherokee, a couple of contenders will put you into the BMW M5 and Porsche Cayenne GTS class. Along those lines, you can up horsepower by selecting either the optional 5.7 liter V-8 (360 hp) or the dragon slayer SRT8 version which generates 470 hp from its 6.4 liter motor. The price for such extra grunt is substantial, with the 5.7 liter V8 barely capable of 20 MPG and the 6.4 liter SRT motor good for about 15 MPG. From a practical standpoint, then, you can’t beat this new diesel, which makes just 240 hp, but produces enough torque to rival the SRT Hemi for towing purposes. Jeep performed a mild, yet highly successful restyling of the Grand Cherokee’s front fascia for 2014. The results look better than a Botox treatment. Below the carryover traditional seven slot grill, an aluminum framed
lower intake scowls menacingly. Newly condensed Bi-Xenon headlamps impart a squint to the Jeep’s face that distinguishes it from any other SUV on the road today. If you opt for the sublimely luxurious, $3,000 optional “Luxury Group II,” those slit lamps are automatically adjusted for variable vehicle height, flick automatically from low to high beam as required by traffic, and impart a carnival glow in broad daylight thanks to LED daytime running lights. The seemingly pricey package provides much more than just better illumination. Among the inclusions: a huge Panorama sunroof that gives backseat captives the pleasurable illusion that they’re riding in a convertible. We took a foursome on a day long excursion along the twisting, sometimes nauseating Coast Route, and never heard a single complaint about backseat discomfort. The 8.4 inch screen, which is also part of the Luxury II package, is a wonder of technology. Chrysler’s UConnect system is far superior to other, nominally similar domestic and foreign offerings such as Ford’s
MyTouch, Cadillac’s CUE, and BMW’s iDrive. For ease of use, it’s hard to beat UConnect’s intuitive operation. This system, which encompasses everything from climate control to phone usage to infotainment sources, immediately summons whatever touch screen you might need, and presents the information in a visually clear and obvious way. As soon as we received this Jeep for our weekly drive, we spent about 10 minutes reconfiguring everything about its behavior to suit our personal preferences. For example, we eliminated the annoying valet seat slide and steering wheel tilt, then muted the remote fob door lock chirp. And we did so with absolutely no prompting from the owner’s manual. Good thing too, since the manual was absent from the glove box. This latest Grand Cherokee w i t h i t s hy p e r e f f i c i e n t diesel motivator represents a remarkable accomplishment for Jeep and parent company Chrysler. Its Quadra-Drive II 4WD system allows you to select any suspension height or traction setting from outback to sand to snow with the simple twist of a fat dial on the center console. In normal pavement
valleysentinel.com mode, the admittedly heavy (4,900 lb.) Cherokee tends to lose front axle grip first in twisty turn work. Yet the Michelin Latitude mud and snow rated tires (265/60R18) manage to extricate you from even the most precarious incipient slide by clawing the pavement resolutely. Even when you’re pushing this behemoth to the limit, you’ll never irritate your riders, who remain blissfully unflustered thanks to this Jeep’s uncanny composure in duress. You could hardly ask for more than that from any SUV, and the fact that this one, fully loaded, slides in under $50,000 makes the ownership experience all the more remarkable. 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4 Diesel Engine: 3.0 Liter V6 Turbocharged Diesel Horsepower: 240hp Torque: 420lb.-Ft. Fuel Consumption: 21 Mpg City/28 Mpg Highway Price As Tested: $49,185 Hypes: Intuitive Uconnect Interface, Stellar Diesel Cruising Range Gripes: Doors Need Slamming For Closure Star Rating: 9.5 Stars Out Of 10
valleysentinel.com
July 2014
The valley Sentinel
page 15
Bishop Ranch Welcomes UCSF Benioff Host a Foreign Exchange Children’s Hospital Oakland to Bishop Ranch Student, Gain a Global Medical Center private practitioners to thrive. Perspective The exchange students Bishop Ranch, the largest mixed-use business community in the East Bay, announced it has signed a lease with UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland for a pediatric medical clinic with multiple specialties including orthopedics and sports medicine. The new medical clinic is expected to open later this summer and will be located at the Bishop Ranch Medical Center, comprised of three buildings located at 2301, 2303 and 2305 Camino Ramon in San Ramon. The UCSF Children’s Hospital Oakland clinic will offer a variety of specialized pediatric medical care such as cardiology, nutrition, developmental and behavioral pediatrics, endocrinology, E N T / o t o l a r y n g o l o g y, gastroenterology, nephrology, n e u r o l o g y, p s y c h i a t r y,
pulmonary, surgery, orthopedics, the Sports Medicine Center for Young Athletes, and a concussion clinic in its new 5,000 square foot facility. “We are very excited to be locating our newest clinic at Bishop Ranch. This new location enables us to bring UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland’s premier specialists and services to the Danville and San Ramon area,” said Patricia Taggart, Vice President for UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland. “Leaders in healthcare like Children’s Hospital will continue to choose Bishop Ranch to expand their reach into the Tri Valley. The surrounding r e s i d e n t i a l c o m m u n i t y, in addition to our diverse business community, presents tremendous opportunity for medical groups, dentists and
Children’s is a marquee tenant, and we’re thrilled to have them at Bishop Ranch Medical Center,” said Ed Hagopian, Executive Vice President of Leasing and Marketing for Sunset Development Company, which owns and operates Bishop Ranch. In addition to the new clinic, the new Diablo Pharmacy and many other medical providers can be found at the growing Bishop Ranch Medical Center, including the John Muir Urgent Care Center, Diablo Family Physicians, Diablo Valley Ear Nose and Throat, Allergy and Asthma Clinic, as well as diverse medical specialty offices including physical therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, internal medicine, podiatry and a variety of dentists including pediatric dentistry, orthodontics and endodontics.
1CLOSET from page 1
commitment and partnership with 1Closet. Glasson, a senior has shadowed Graham the past few months learning more about 1Closet and its commitment to clothe local needy youth. The Glasson sisters quickly jumped into action, turning a portion of their garage into storage for warm weather garments in addition to working
with Graham to fill pending requests for summer clothing. A new chapter of this local teen charity begins as Graham is featured in the July issue of Cosmopolitan magazine with emails and donations from around the country for needy Bay Area youth. For more information visit www.1-closet.com.
Carly Glasson, sisters and students at San Ramon Valley High School take the helm. In recognition of the leadership change and unwavering support from teacher Janet Wilford and her students, radio station KMEL kicked off the June 6th school rally celebrating their
World Heritage Student Exchange Programs (Nonprofit taxpayer ID # 112542364) is now looking for American families to host high school students from Asia. These personable and academically select exchange students speak English, are bright, curious, and eager to learn about this country through living as part of a family for an academic year and attending high school. Your support of these students reinforces the United States’ commitment to education and opportunity throughout the world. By living with local host families and attending local high schools, the students acquire and understanding of American values and build on leadership skills. World Heritage is currently seeking host families for these well-qualified, bright, motivated and well screened students coming from Asia, South America, Europe, the Middle East, & many other areas.
arrive from their home country shortly before school begins and returns at the end of the school year. Each World Heritage student is fully insured, brings his or her own personal spending money and expects to bear his or her share of household responsibilities, as well as being included in normal family activities and lifestyles. At the same time the student will be teaching their newly adopted host family about their own culture and language. To b e c o m e a h o s t family for any of our other students, or find out more about World Heritage, please contact Carol or Susan Berger at 209-863-2194, via e-mail at arielpdog@sbcglobal.net, or visit www.whhosts.com. World Heritage looks forward to welcoming you to the ranks of host families nationwide contributing to world peace and understanding through student exchange programs. For more information, p l e a s e v i s i t w w w. w o r l d heritage.org.
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