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July 2015
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SPOTLIGHT
Monte Vista’s Brian Yu Wins National Speech and Debate Championship Monte Vista High School student Brian Yu is the national champion in United States Extemporaneous Speaking. The competition took place in Dallas from June 14-19. He had to compete against hundreds of students from across the United States at the National speech and Debate Tournament—the largest academic competition in the world. “Going into the finals, I was nervous but also focused”, said Yu. “Writing and
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Summer is truly here when families bring their young children to play in the water fountain at San Ramon’s Central Park. With temperatures soaring on Saturday June 27, the park was full of families picnicking, walking and watching their children enjoy the play structure.
San Ramon Valley High School recognizes student athletes On June 3, 2015, nearly 40 San Ramon Valley seniors gathered at a yearly luncheon to be recognized for their high school athletic accomplishments. These college bound athletes are committed to various college programs across the United States. Don Busboom, SRV men’s soccer team head coach, gave an encouraging speech in which he presented three challenges for the seniors to embrace in their futures: 1) don’t categorize people, 2) work hard for others, and 3) value all people including yourself. This year was sensational as team after team comprised of skilled athletes accomplished remarkable goals. Here’s a recap of the exciting events that took place at SRVHS this year: • 20 of 22 athletic sports competed beyond league
• Numerous teams went undefeated in our very competitive EBAL league • EBAL championships belong to women and men’s water polo, men’s soccer, women’s and men’s swim and dive, men’s lacrosse, and women’s co-champion lacrosse • NCS champions include women water polo, women’s swim and dive, men’s soccer, and men’s lacrosse • Pom (3.57 GPA) and men’s soccer (3.44 GPA) received the distinction of being recognized by North Coast Section as Scholastic Team Award Winners • 23 combined men and women swimmers qualified for the California
state championship swim meet • State champion, Hank Poppe set a new swim record for the 100 meter breaststroke • It was the first time in SRVHS history that the Wolves became CIF Division I State Basketball Champions The SRV Athletic Booster Club is grateful for the 510 families who became members this year. The club helps pay for equipment, facilities and the general expenses associated with running a high quality athletic department. With the membership fees and the generous donations of our sponsors, we raised over $108,000 this year. Please help support our platinum
This month’s Special Section:
Senior Living
pages 8-9
sponsors including: Muscle Milk, Cytosport, B. Allan Jewelers, NetXperts, Just Tix, Country Club Cleaners, Farmer’s Insurance, Danville Fit, Safeway Stores, Fastsigns - San Ramon SRV’s other sponsors including, Fit Mind N Body, Primo’s, Cartelligent, Sinclair Insurance, Merrill Lynch, Empire Realty, Josten’s, Pontious Chiropractic, Bruno Realty, Total Threads, and Firehouse Grill. The saying holds true, it takes a village to raise a child. From parents, coaches, alumni, sponsors, fans, teachers and mentors, we are all very proud of the Home of Champions. Congratulations graduating SRV student athletes.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT dining out • music • art • theater • fun events
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The Valley Sentinel
July 2015
valleysentinel.com Central Park. Enjoy great music, talk with friends and neighbors, bring a picnic and let the kids enjoy dancing barefoot in the
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21st Annual Sculpture in the Garden. Now - July 19 Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm. For one month every year, Walnut Creek’s Ruth Bancroft Garden transforms into an outdoor art gallery. Follow the meandering pathways to discover sculptures by artists from the Bay Area and beyond. Adults $10, seniors and students $8, children under 12 and RBG members free during regular hours. The Ruth Bancroft Garden, 1552 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek. ruthbancroftgarden.org. TOTALLY TRAINS: Models and Memorabilia Now - August 23 This exhibit has two elevations with 4 running trains and includes scenery, bridges, a trestle, tunnel and a village with a replica of the Museum (the former Southern Pacific Depot). A secondary layout features a number of working accessories including items from two private train collections and accessories from the early to mid-1900s. $12 family pass provides unlimited viewings. Museum of the San Ramon Valley, 205 Railroad Avenue, Danville. For hours and more info: 925-837-3750 or www.musemsrv.org.
Discover Danville Association presents
Family Fun Shop & Dine Fest For Everyone! Hartz, Prospect & Railroad Ave. Downtown Danville
Treasure Hunt Map & Prizes Car Show ‘till 9 pm
Thursday July 16th, 2015 12-7 pm DiscoverDanvilleCA.com
BOTANICA: All Things Plant Life - Opening Reception July 12 - September 6 3-5pm. BOTANICA: All Things Plant Life features a roster of over 100 artists drawing on botanical themes to create artwork that explores how plant life can be represented in a diverse reach of media. Join for the opening night of this gallery, with wine and hors d’oeuvres. $5. Bedford Gallery, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. walnutcreek.com. San Ramon Summer Concert Series July 12, 19, 26 & August 2 6pm. Bring the family for a perfect summer evening in
grass. Performing: July 12 - Big Bang Beat, July 19- Notorious, July 26 - Elton John Tribute Band. San Ramon Central Park, 12501 Alcosta Blvd, San Ramon. sanramon.ca.gov.
Moonlight Movies July 17, 31 6:30-10:30pm. Gather up the family and join your neighbors for respite under the stars. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets. Free. July 17 - “The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy,” July 31 - “Hook”. Danville Town Green, 400 Front Street, Danville. danville.ca.gov. Operation Swingtime July 18 5pm. Local Rotary Clubs and the USO are planning a very special free outdoor concert on the Rotary stage at the Lafayette Reservoir. Operation Swingtime is a free outdoor concert featuring Mic Gillette on Trumpet (formally with Tower of Power), the Big Band of Rossmoor and the Swingin Blue Stars. Organizers would like to encourage veterans to attend. In order to recognize those who served our country, please email band director Mo Levich at gto@67goat.com with the veteran’s name, rank, branch and years served. A golf cart shuttle is available for those who may need some assistance. Uniforms are optional but encouraged. Bring a picnic and enjoy a family concert honoring our veterans lakeside. For more information please visit www. thebigbandofrossmoor.org. Comedy at the Village Theatre with Scott Capurro July 18 8pm. The Village Theatre welcomes local funnyman Scott Capurro. A regular on the Sarah and Vinnie show on Alice radio, Scott regularly plays almost every comedy club in the English speaking world, including the
Punchline in San Francisco, the Comedy Store in London, the Comic Strip in New York City, and Yuk Yuks in Toronto. $20. Village Theatre, 233 Front St, Danville. villagetheatreshows. com. Music, Magic, & Fun with Peter Apel July 21 4pm. Join for an exciting show of Magic, Music, and Fun with children’s musician Peter Apel. Peter’s catchy, educational, and original songs have been charming audiences for years. Free. Danville Library, 400 Front St, Danville. 925-8374889. Summer “Pops” Concert July 21 7:30pm. The Walnut Creek Concert Band, under the direction of Harvey Benstein, presents their annual Summer “Pops” Concert. The program includes an eclectic mix of entertaining selections! Adult $17; Seniors and Students $14. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. lesherartscenter.org.
Sleepytime Science: Shadow Puppets July 24 6-7pm. Wear your jammies and create beautiful shadow puppets with International Storytelling Performer, Daniel Barash. Learn how art and science intersect with this ancient storytelling technique. Free. San Ramon Library, 100 Montgomery St, San Ramon. 925-973-2850. Summer Sing-Along with the Overdues July 25 11:15am-12pm. Join local musical group the Overdues for a musical event fun for the whole family! Free. San Ramon Library, 100 Montgomery St, San Ramon. 925-973-2850. 30th Annual Music in the Park July 25 & August 8 6-8pm. In its 30th year, The Town of Danville proudly thanks its residents and by holding four concerts of various genres of music. Bring a picnic and a blanket, or choose to eat from food trucks provided by
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT dining out • music • art • theater • fun events
valleysentinel.com
July 2015 small, local business and shop for unique items at our monthly craft & vintage market. Create community and have a good time. Parking Lot outside of Suburban Peacock, 3150 Danville Blvd., Alamo. suburbanpeacock.com.
Food Truck Mafia! Free. July 25 - Platinum Rockstars, August 8 - The Joy Drops. Oak Hill Park, 3005 Stone Valley Road, Danville. danville.ca.gov Monthly Vintage and Craft Market July 26 10:30-2:30pm. Support
Library Lounge July 28 2-3:30pm. Rhythm rules this summer in the Lounge! Listen to music, enjoy snacks, or make something cool. Free. Dougherty Station Library, 17017 Bollinger Canyon Rd, San Ramon. 925-973-3380.
The Valley SenTinel
Frozen Sing-Along & Celebration July 31 7-9:45pm. To celebrate the end of an era before the San Ramon Library closes for renovation, the Library will show everyone’s favorite Disney film, “Frozen.” Join for the sing-along version of the movie on the big screen and enjoy games, crafts and activities. Free. San Ramon Library, 100 Montgomery St, San Ramon. 925-973-2850.
A u c tio n
Sponsored by the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Danville, admission was free. Be sure not to miss Danville’s Fall Festival in Barbara & Kevin Brown of R&B Cellars pouring October! during the special Meet the Winemakers Tasting
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The Valley Sentinel
July 2015
valleysentinel.com
Advertorial
The Use of Complementary Therapies to Help You Feel Better Deep breathing (During Cancer Therapy) often help cancer patients meditation and Guided/ By Michael Forrest, MD
Complementary therapies can make a profound difference in the quality of life of persons with cancer and other medical conditions. Complementary (not alternative) healing therapies provide an integrative approach that combines Eastern medicine with Western conventional
methods. It is not an either/ or approach. Rather, it is in addition to conventional medicine and cancer treatments. This combination can provide people with cancer the ability to take a proactive role in their treatment and recovery. The term complementary refers to a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products whose origins come from outside mainstream medicine. It includes natural products, such
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as dietary supplements, herbs, and probiotics (live bacteria found in foods such as yogurt or dietary supplements). Also included are mind and body practices, such as meditation, conscious mental processes—such as focusing attention or maintaining a specific posture—to suspend the stream of thoughts and relax the body and mind, acupuncture, and massage. There are many reasons why complementary therapies can be useful and are wanted by patients: perceived effectiveness and safety, spiritual, holism, all things natural, taking an active role, control over treatment, pleasant therapeutic experience, good patient/therapist relationship (fewer time restraints, on equal terms, empathy), noninvasive, accessible. These can work along with traditional chemotherapy and radiation to alleviate side effects experienced before and after surgery, and during treatment. These therapies
tolerate and complete their conventional cancer treatment program. The following are some of the therapies that have been proven to be therapeutically beneficial in many scientific studies and are generally accepted by oncologists as helpful additions to cancer therapy: Acupuncture can reduce pain and diminish the nausea and fatigue of chemotherapy or radiation treatments. It can lessen side effects such as neuropathy (nerve pain or numbness, usually from chemo), reduce upset stomachs and vomiting, and can help with appetite. Acupuncture may help calm the cancer patient through the trauma of a cancer diagnosis and through the treatment period. Acupressure and Therapeutic Massage can ease stress and induce relaxation. Massage with a specific focus on acupressure points can reduce pain, nausea, anxiety and fatigue. These techniques can also help with blood circulation and toxicity.
Visual Imagery focuses on stress reduction and relaxation. These techniques help cancer patients reduce both psychological and physical symptoms and face the challenges of cancer. They help people stay focused on positive thinking, a characteristic proven to increase survival rates. We are fortunate in this area to have the benefit of a unique organization, the Sandra J. Wing Healing Therapies Foundation, which provides grants to cancer patients under active therapy. With the grant, they can purchase services from complementary therapy providers of: acupuncture, acupressure, therapeutic massage, guided/visual Imagery, and deep breathing meditation. http://www. healingtherapiesfoundation. org/about-us Dr. Michael Forrest is a Radiation Oncologist with Epic Care, a group of experts in the diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of cancer and blood disorders. (925) 875-1677 www.epic-care.com
Advertorial
Are we saying “shut up” when our body cries out “help?” By Dr. Robert Brown
Any symptom, whether it is a headache, swelling, dark circles under the eyes or skin rashes, can be our body crying for help, trying to warn us of potentially serious problems. What do we do? Take aspirin for the headache, a diuretic for the swelling, makeup for the eyes, creams and steroids for the skin. We might as well be saying “Shut Up” and don’t bother me. You are not alone, the experts, doctors, do it too. I could list many serious and fatal diseases that could be prevented and cured if we would only listen and take the appropriate action. • The headache could be due to hormone imbalance – correcting that could prevent cancer. • The swelling could be a kidney or liver problem, very treatable if caught early. • The dark circles could be adrenal fatigue, quite treatable and life changing.
• The rashes could be psoriases indicating a gluten allergy. Untreated food allergies can have disastrous consequences. In addition, not correcting the cause of the symptom can seriously decrease the quality of life and accelerate the aging process. Every one of the above problems can be prevented and sometimes can be cured by diet and lifestyle changes. Being one who was guilty of this neglect and paid heavily for doing so, I am so pleased that I took the time to learn and practice the changes in my diet and lifestyle that brought me to the best health of my life. So many people feel that it’s too much of a sacrifice of their favorite habits to commit themselves to the change. For those who want the rewards of a healthy, active life, I have some suggestions. The best reference for proper diet I have found is the book “Diet Wise”, by Prof. Keith Scott-Mumby. There is no one diet that
works for everyone and he goes into great effort to explain how to create your diet. The digestive system is 80% of our immune system and, when abused, can bring on misery and fatal illness. Dr. Scott-Mumby goes over in detail how one abuses this system and what can be done to correct the damage, or better, to prevent it. As I mentioned in my book, “WHY? The Question That Could Save Your Life”, it is not your diet, but what your body absorbs that brings us our nutrition. There are special methods and practices in nutrition that contribute to proper absorption, like avoiding foods you are sensitive or allergic to. Avoid eating the same foods all the time. Even a vegetable as nutritious as Kale can irritate the system when eaten every day. Always avoid foreign chemicals, additives and harmful cooking methods. To learn more about my practice and what I do, go to www.aodtc.com or call 925-837-8048. Advanced Oral Diagnosis & Treatment Center is located in Danville, CA.
valleysentinel.com
July 2015
The Valley Sentinel
page 5
Advertorial
Don’t let Sciatica keep you out of the game this summer... 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
Kiwanis awards grants to local non-profit organizations The San Ramon Valley Kiwanis Foundation has awarded $34,000 in grants to 43 area non-profit agencies this year. The grants were presented at the club’s annual grants Breakfast ceremony, held on May 21st at Round Hill Country Club. Representatives of the recipient organizations made brief presentations on the programs the Kiwanis grants support. Kiwanis of San Ramon Valley has awarded nearly $700,000 through their grants program since 1995. This year, Grant amounts ranged from $250 to $2,500, including a grant to the San Ramon Valley Educational Foundation for $2,500 for distribution to worthy school projects that the Education Foundation identifies. First time Grant recipients this year included: EPIC Healthy Clinic, Hearing Loss Assn of America, New Day for Children and The Tri-Valley Youth Court. Other recipients included: Agape Villages Foster Family Agency, Assistance Leagues of Amador Valley and Diablo Valley, Bay Area Crisis Nursery, Camp Camelot, Cancer Support Community, Care Parent Network of Contra Costa ARC, Child Abuse Prevention Council of Contra Costa, Contra Costa Interfaith Housing,
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Danville Community Band, Diablo Valley Veterans Fdtn, Diablo Valley Quilters, Discovery Counseling Center of SRV, Down Syndrome Connection, Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, Hope Hospice, Inc., Hospice of the East Bay, Loaves & Fishes, Moment by Moment, Monument Crisis Center, Museum of the San Ramon Valley, National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse, Nayeli Faith Foundation, Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa, Police and Fire: The Fallen Heroes, St. Timothy’s Bicycle Program, San Ramon Historic Foundation, San Ramon Library Foundation, School of Imagination, Senior Helpline Services, Shelter Inc. of CCC, SonRise Equestrian Foundation, STAND! For Families Free of Violence, The Lucille Glass Mauzy Foundation, The Taylor Family Foundation, VESTIA, Inc. and We Care Services for Children. Funds for the annual grants program are raised by the San Ramon Valley Kiwanis Foundation, primarily through the solicitation of sponsorships of the Kiwanis 4th of July Parade in Danville, which the Kiwanis Club has been organizing and conducting since 1975. Grant applications are
solicited in February of each year and awarded in May with an additional several thousand dollars held in reserve to provide emergency grants and fund additional Kiwanis community projects throughout the year. Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Founded in 1915 and celebrating our 100th Anniversary, Kiwanis International is a thriving organization of service and community minded individuals who support children and young adults around the world. More than 600,000 Kiwanis improve the world around them by addressing needs in their communities and pooling their resources to address worldwide issues. Through these efforts, Kiwanis International truly is “Serving the Children of the World”. Additional information about the Kiwanis Club of the San Ramon Valley may be obtained at their website: www. kiwanis-srv.org. The club holds weekly luncheon meetings at noon on the 1st, 2nd and 4th Thursdays, and a 6:00pm evening meeting on the 3rd Wednesdays, all at Round Hill Country Club in Alamo. All are welcome to join the club for a meeting and find out more about the organization.
practitioner to stimulate healing within the damaged tissue by delivering the necessary energy directly to the injured 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 non-invasive 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.
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The Valley SenTinel
July 2015
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Young San Ramon Valley Filmmakers Honored at May 28 Awards Ceremony for Street Smarts “Be Reel” Video Contest on CCTV throughout the Eighteen aspiring filmmakers from San Ramon Valley middle schools had their films premiered on Thursday, May 28, at the 10th Annual Street Smarts “Be Reel!” Video Contest Premiere and Awards Ceremony. Two students from Pine Valley Middle School walked away with the first place prize, while a student from Iron Horse Middle School came in second place. The “Be Reel” Video Contest encourages middle school students to work in teams of up to four students to create 60-second public service announcement videos on
a traffic safety theme. The fall theme was “Texting While Walking: It’s a No Brainer,” and the spring theme was “See Beyond the Windshield: How to Drive with Respect.” Street Smarts received 76 video submissions from 186 students this school year. Of the 76 videos submitted, 10 were chosen as finalists. On Thursday, May 28, the 10 finalist videos were premiered at the Danville Village Theatre. Danville Mayor Mike Doyle emceed the event, with the help of San Ramon Mayor Bill Clarkson, Contra Costa County Supervisor Candace Andersen, and Rachael
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year as a public service a tree, light post, another Hurd, San Ramon Valley announcement. Links to all person and ultimately lost Unified School District, the finalist videos can be the game when being hit by School Board Member. The found on the Street Smarts a car. filmmakers, after watching website at www.streetThe first and second their videos with the rest of smarts.com/programs/ place winners walked away the audience, were invited video_contest.htm. with the pride of making on stage to answer The “Be Reel” questions about Video Contest is just their work. Then one of the many the first and second programs offered by place videos were Street Smarts, a traffic announced. safety education The first program serving the place video, “The San Ramon Valley. Distraction,” Funded in part by a was created by federal Safe Routes Jonathan Chan and to School grant, Calvin Kamson of Street Smarts is a Pine Valley Middle collaborative effort School. Their by the City of San video used humor Ramon, the Town and great camera Jonathan Chan and Calvin Kamson, First of Danville, the San shots to show how place winners and David Hefter, Second place Ramon Valley Unified dangerous it can be winner. Photo by Lara George School District, and to text and walk. the County of Contra a video that will positively The student in the video Costa. Each year, the impact others, along with trips, hits his head on a program holds contests, a cash prize: each member pole and ultimately comes presentations, and handsof the first place team won face to face with a car, all on activities at elementary a $100 Visa gift card, and while texting. The second schools, middle schools, each second place team place award went to a member received a $50 Visa and high schools in the video called “The Phoney San Ramon Valley. The gift card. All the finalists’ Game” by David Hefter of program’s mission is to videos, including the first Iron Horse Middle School. change driver, bicyclist, and second place winners, This student created an and pedestrian behavior. will be aired on Contra animated video game to For more information, visit Costa Television . illustrate the dangers of www.street-smarts.com. In addition, the first texting while walking by place video will be shown having the player run into
The Pancreatic Cancer Victory Tour stops in Danville that 100% of the donations hausted all other treatment On April 19, 57-year old grandfather Eric McIntyre left the comfort of his home in New Orleans to ride his bike 75 miles a day, over 7,000 miles, for a 3 ½ month journey raising funds and awareness in tribute to his wife Liz and her ongoing battle with pancreatic cancer. On June 10, about halfway through his trip, Eric stopped in Danville which is Headquarters for his charity partner Lazarex Cancer Foundation. He was met by a crowd of about 60 people, including several cyclists who accompanied Eric for part of his trip. Eric’s epic journey throughout the United States is a fundraiser for the Lazarex Cancer Foundation, a grassroots nonprofit which has successfully supported over 1,000 end-stage cancer patients by connecting them to 399 FDA-approved clinical trials for 88 cancers and covering the cost of travel for each patient and a companion. Eric plans to underwrite the costs of the Tour to ensure
directly benefit Lazarex patients. Sponsors are donating products, services and funding to help control the costs. Lazarex is dedicated to providing financial assistance to defray the costs associated with participation in FDA approved clinical trials for end stage cancer patients who have ex-
options. The foundation also helps patients navigate their clinical trial options, and offers community education and outreach services. For more information, visit www.Lazarex.org To keep up with Eric while he continues his fund raising tour, visit PCVF at www.facebook.com/Pancreaticcancervictoryfoundation
With Cindy Chin, District Director for Assemblywoman Catherine Baker’s San Ramon District Office, Danville Mayor Mike Doyle, Eric McIntyre of the PCVTour, Dana Dornsife of Lazarex Cancer Foundation and Jamario Jackson, Field Representative for Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla’s 14th Assembly District Staff. Photo by Karen Ambrogi.
valleysentinel.com
July 2015
EBMUD mandatory outdoor watering rules are now in effect East Bay Municipal Utilities District has declared a Stage 4 critical drought and set a community-wide goal to reduce water use 20% compared to 2013. For customers this means striving for 35 gallons per person per day indoors and following new water use rules. Since conservation alone is not enough, EBMUD must supplement normal water supplies with water from additional sources. Currently, EBMUD’s reservoirs combined are about half full. Mandatory water restrictions in effect What’s required for everyone: Strict limits on frequency: water no more than two non-consecutive days per week with no runoff. Strict limits on times: water only before 9 am or after 6 pm. No watering allowed within 48 hours of measurable rainfall.
No watering of ornamental turf on public street medians allowed. No washing of driveways and sidewalks; except as needed for health and safety. Use only hoses with shutoff nozzles to wash vehicles. Turn off fountains or decorative water features unless the water is recirculated. Use of hydrant water outside the EBMUD service area is prohibited. Use a broom or air blower, not water, to clean hard surfaces such as driveways and sidewalks, except as needed for health and safety purposes. What’s required for businesses: Restaurants and other food service establishments can only serve water to customers upon request. Hotels and motels must provide guests with the option of not having their towels and linens washed daily.
Change is a
The Valley SenTinel
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Danville Residents Encouraged to Go Greener Workshop on water conservation, recycling and composting set for July 14 As California struggles through another year of drought, it is becoming more and more important for government and the community to work together to conserve water and learn to be more conservationminded. The Town of Danville, Republic Services and the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) are teaming up to deliver an upcoming workshop on water conservation, composting, garbage and recycling. The free event will be held onTuesday, July 14, 2015 at the Veterans Memorial Building, 115 E. Prospect Avenue. From 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., Kimberly Lam, Recycling Coordinator for Republic Services, will discuss the change in services for Danville customers. Lam will discuss what goes in each cart and how residents can maximize their recycling and composting to reduce waste. Republic Services will also be distributing free food scrap pails at the event for central Contra Costa residents. Also during the first section of the program, composting expert Billi Haug will cover home
composting and grasscycling. The second half of the program focuses on water conservation with a presentation by EBMUD Water Conservation Supervisor Charles Bohlig. Bohlig will discuss the best strategies for conserving water, including how residents can do their own tests at home, such as determining if their toilets are leaking water or if they have a water-efficient showerhead. EBMUD will distribute free water-saving devices, while supplies last. “The workshop is an excellent opportunity for residents to learn how to conserve water and make the
most out of their enhanced garbage and recycling services,” said Assistant to the Town Manager Nat Rojanasathira. “The free take-home water saving devices and food scrap pails will be especially useful for residents.” RSVPs are requested but not required to help organizers plan for attendance. Those interested in attending can sign up at: https:// greendanville.eventbrite.com For more information about this event, contact Assistant to the Town Manager Nat Rojanasathira atnrojanasathira@danville. ca.gov or (925) 314-3328.
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July 2015
Do I need Medicare Part B? By David Sayen
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Part B requires a monthly premium, which is $104.90 for most Americans in 2015. You’re not required to pay the premium if you don’t want Part B coverage. But is it to your advantage to pay? The answer depends on your current and future health insurance coverage and needs. Let’s say you don’t have any other health insurance when you become eligible for Medicare. You should enroll in Part B when you’re first eligible (which, for most people, is when they turn 65). If you don’t sign up for Part B when you’re first eligible, you may have to pay a late enrollment penaltyfor as long as you have Medicare. What if you have insurance through your current job? If you or your spouse (or family member if you’re disabled) are still working and you’re insured through that employer or a union, contact your employer or union benefits administrator to find out how your insurance works with Medicare. This includes federal or state employment. It may be to your advantage to delay Part B enrollment. You can sign up for Part B without a penalty any time you have health coverage based on current employment. (Keep in mind that COBRA and retiree health coverage do not count as current health coverage.)
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What if you have TRICARE? If you have TRICARE and Medicare Part A (hospital insurance), you must have Part B to keep your TRICARE coverage. If you’re an active-duty service member, or the spouse or dependent child of an active-duty service member: • You don’t have to enroll in Part B to keep your TRICARE coverage while the service member is on active duty. • Before the activeduty service member retires, you must enroll in Part B to keep TRICARE without a break in coverage. If you have Veterans’ benefits, enrolling in Medicare may provide you with additional service and location options. If you don’t keep Part B, you may have to wait to sign up later, and you may pay a late enrollment penalty. For information on signing up for Part B under certain special conditions, go to: http://www.medicare. gov/sign-up-change-plans/ get-parts-a-and-b/part-bspecial-conditions/part-bspecial-conditions.html. David Sayen is Medicare’s regional administrator for Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and the Pacific Territories. You can always get answers to your Medicare questions by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
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Aging and Hospitalization By Judy Horvath
Aging is NOT Easy. In our technological age the medical community and its surrounding partners have become very adept at prolonging life. The docs know through various tests what medical situation might be taking place and the best medical solution to handle this illness or condition. Therefore we have extended lifespan in most instances. There are feeding tubes, infusion devices, additional oxygen, walkers, wheelchairs, and other assistive devices that make the process less difficult, but of course it is not easy either. We live longer but not necessarily stronger and the last years of our lives are often the most difficult. They are also oftentimes the most expensive. The medical community has borne the burden of increased hospital costs because of our aging population. This is thus passed on to the consumer or Medicare in one form or another. Because of this, and because hospitalizations are one of the most serious threats to an aging body there are increasing efforts to avoid readmissions. There is an actual organization called Avoid Readmission Commission. Hospitals face a stiff penalty if they readmit someone too frequently. They are under a great deal of pressure to keep hospital stays to a minimum and to avoid readmissions. Therefore appropriate placement after a hospital stay or appropriate home care is critical. The increased time taken up in a hospital bed is not only extremely expensive, but it is also very difficult
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July 2015
to bounce back from when returned home. The mere fact that an aging body is in a hospital bed for any length of time makes it very difficult to retain the strength and mobility and muscle tone that the senior may have had before becoming hospitalized. Not only must the person deal with an illness or condition that may or may not be chronic, he also needs to try and maintain his strength, balance and mental acuity when he returns home. In many instances there are definite regressions after a hospital stay. There is also the threat of exposure to a variety of germs, viruses and bacteria in a hospital setting. Many times the frail elder is sent to rehab where they are encouraged to walk and move about to increase their strength and agility. Sometimes they are able to respond and resume their lives. At times it is just not possible either because they are unwilling or unable to respond. We do NOT have choices in how the end of our lives occurs. We all, however, do have choices in the approach that we take toward this end phase of our lives. Making choices earlier and recording them via a legal document is essential. Also, avoiding unnecessary hospitalizations is critical toward maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Judy Horvath, CSA, Certified Senior Advisor, is the founder/Director of Tender Heart Home Care. They would be happy to assist with any needs for Seniors. 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
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Hop on the Barn Wagon! Dear Friends, As you may know, the last great project for Rodgers Ranch is the restoration of our wheat barn, built circa 1869. We have fallen into some good fortune because another barn, is slated for demolition, and the wood has been promised to us in exchange for labor. This wood will provide us with enough material to complete the rebuilding of the wheat barn at Rodgers Ranch. This is a great volunteer opportunity for anyone, professional builder or not, who would like to help with this demolition and the eventual reconstruction of the barn. This fun project will take several months to complete, so we will be working on it both during the week and on weekends. If you are interested in helping us take down one barn and re-construct another, please send your contact information to me using either email address: CRousset@comcast.net or info@rodgersranch.org. Thank you for your interest, Christian (Chris) Rousset Board of Directors & Chair of Structures & Grounds Committee, Rogers Ranch Heritage Center 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
For more local information, visit www.ValleySentinel.com For more information about the 2015 Kiwanis parade visit kiwanis-srv.org/parade.
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July 2015
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Local Teen Competes in National Chess Tournament By Jared Wong Yian Liou, at the tender age of 5, found his passion while taking an after school class. In elementary school, Liou took chess classes and realized that he loved it. After just one year of training, Liou at age 6 competed in his first tournament. After this event, Liou got the chess bug and could not get enough. After school, he would sit at home and watch chess videos on TV to learn more about strategies and techniques. In middle school, he started to get even more serious. Liou started to train with a personal coach, who
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guided him through his development. By this time, he would train upwards of 5 hours per day during the month leading up to a big tournament. In sixth grade, Liou won California’s High School Championship along with the Cadet Championship. In high school, Yian attended Monte Vista in Danville. He says he began playing fewer tournaments due to the stress of schoolwork but still travelled to both China and Serbia to compete in international tournaments. During his freshman year, Liou says he dreamed of gaining an Internal Master Title. He realized this goal last June, and he says that he recalls this as the crowning moment in his chess career. For the future, Liou says he hopes to maintain his participation in the chess community but says he understands that college will offer many of its own challenges. As for the United States, Liou says he hopes there will be more world-class events, specifically in St. Louis, Missouri. St. Louis is now considered to be the “National Chess Capitol.”
Two new Eagles for Danville Congratulations to Eagle Scouts Ben Harmon and Matthew Jensen of Danville’s Boy Scouts of America Troop 1630. They have earned the highest advancement award the Boy Scouts offers. Each candidate must earn 21 merit badges and successfully complete a community, church, or synagogue-related service project to earn his Eagle. Ben with his Eagle Scout Mentor, Ted VanHoesen, after his Eagle Board of Review interview.
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This month, Liou will compete in the U.S. Junior Closed Championship at the Chess Club and Scholastic Center in St. Louis. Only the top juniors in the country are invited to battle for first place. Liou says he does not have specific goals for this tournament. Instead, he said, “I simply hope to try my best and give it my all.” For those who have considered getting into chess, Yian points out that it can be very intellectually stimulating, but at the end of the day, it is a joy to play. If you would like to check his progress at the tournament this month, you can go to www.uschesschamps.com. The Valley Sentinel wishes Yian Liou the best of luck as he competes in the most prestigious junior tournament in the country.
Matthew Jenson, Senior at MVHS As a service project, Ben Harmon designed and lead a team to assemble professional Record Boards for the SRVHS Men’s and Women’s Swim Teams. Ben graduated from SRV this June with highest honors as a Golden State
Merit Diploma Recipient and All-American Honors in water polo. Ben will be attending Pepperdine in the Fall. Matthew Jensen, 17, chose to build a 160 ft. wooden fence in the Sugarloaf Park open space located in Walnut Creek. He is active in Ice Hockey, Pole Vault, Ultimate Frisbee and also plays guitar. He will begin his senior year this August at Monte Vista High School and is considering a Career in Engineering. The Court of Honor Ceremony will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2015 at 11:00 am at the Veterans Memorial Building in Danville.
valleysentinel.com
July 2015
The Valley SenTinel
Beat the heat in July By Beverly Lane, East Bay Regional Parks District
Summer in the East Bay may seem hot and dry, but the East Bay Regional Park District stands ready to help you. One obvious way is to go for a swim. Within its two counties, the district operates six open-water lakefront beaches, three chlorinated lagoons, two pools, and two beaches on San Francisco Bay. One of the pools is a lesser-known gem at Castle Rock Regional Recreation Area in Walnut Creek. Familiar to generations of local residents, Castle Rock is located at the end of Castle Rock Road past Northgate High School. Contingent on weather, attendance and lifeguard availability, the pool is open with lifeguard service from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays through Aug. 21, then on weekends through Sept. 20
And thats not all. Castle Rock has shady picnic grounds, two basketball courts, horseshoe pits, a ballfield, and miles of trails leading into adjacent Diablo Foothills Regional Park and Mt. Diablo State Park. For more information on fees and hours of operation at all the district swim facilities including the Castle Rock pool, visit www.ebparks.org/ activities/swimming. If you are looking for places to hike during the heat of summer, the Old Stage Road Trail at Castle Rock is one good bet. Another is the Bollinger Creek Loop Trail at Las Trampas Regional Wilderness. To get there, drive north to the end of Bollinger Canyon Road from Crow Canyon Road in San Ramon. Walk through the gate at the paved road that leads up the hill from the parking lot, but turn right immediately on the dirt path leading into the woods. For a breezy stroll on a hot day, check out the George Miller Regional Trail. It is a 1.7-mile paved section of Carquinez Scenic Drive linking Martinez and Port
Sentinel of Freedom, Garrett Jones to be Honored Corporal Garret Jones, USMC (Ret.), a Sentinel of Freedom Scholarship recipient from local San Ramon non-profit, Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship Foundation is to be honored by the Marine Corps Intelligence and National Military Association with the Mr. John J. Guenther Marine Corps Intelligence Civilian of the Year Award. He is currently a civilian intelligence officer for the United States Marine Corps, at the Marine Corps Intelligence Activity. He will be presented with this prestigious award on September 17th, in Arlington, VA. Growing up, Garrett dreamed of becoming a police officer like his father, who after ending his military service joined law enforcement. With a war boiling in the Middle, Garrett felt called to postpone his law enforcement dreams and serve his country by joining the Marines in 2005. On July 23, 2007, Garrett’s squad was on a foot patrol in Karmah, Iraq when an IED detonated directly beneath his feet launching
him into the air. Garrett was blown off the road, leaving him dazed and barely able to recognize that his left arm and leg were injured. Despite the loss of his left leg, Garrett returned to active duty later that year after receiving a prosthetic leg. In November of 2008, he came back from Afghanistan to retire from active duty. Garrett was awarded a scholarship from Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship Foundation, a Bay Area non-profit that provides financial assistance, business mentoring, and employment networking to severely wounded members of the armed forces. Through the support of the Sentinels of Freedom, he returned to school and graduated from Western Oregon University with a Bachelor’s in Community Health in 2012.
Costa. No motorized traffic is allowed except for service and emergency vehicles. The trail is mostly wooded, with a few gentle grades along the way. There are spectacular views of the Contra Costa shoreline, Benicia across the water, and Carquinez Strait itself with its maritime traffic. Reach the trailhead by heading west on Carquinez Scenic Drive from Martinez past Alhambra Cemetery. Though you can park at the Nejedly Staging Area just past the cemetery, it would add a mile walk on a section of the road where vehicle traffic is allowed. If you drive all the way to the start of the George Miller Regional Trail, parking is limited to roadside turnouts. Dont block any fire gates. If you are looking for a really cool experience, take a tour of the Hazel-Atlas silica sand mine at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in Antioch. Ninety-minute reservation tours are offered at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekends through November. A 10 a.m. tour is available for groups of ten or more. Firstcome, first-served tours are offered at noon and 3 p.m. And no matter the outside temperature, it is always in the mid-50s underground. For safety reasons, tours are restricted to ages seven and older. The fee is $5 per person.
For more information, contact the park district reservations department at 888-327-2757, option 2. All ages are welcome free of charge at the parks nearby underground Greathouse Visitor Center, open on weekends.
page 11
These are just a few of many summer excursion opportunities in the regional parks. And there is a park within 15 minutes of your home, no matter where you live in the East Bay. Check out the park district web site at www.ebparks.org
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Sentinels of Freedom provides the resources and support needed for severely wounded veterans to live active, engaged, and successful lives as they recover from the physical, emotional, and psychological impact of their injuries, learn to live with their disabilities, and work their way back to a life of complete self-sufficiency. To learn more about our organization please visit us at: www.sentinelsoffreedom.org www.facebook.com/sentinelsoffreedom (925) 380-6342 info@sentinelsoffreedom.org
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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.) San Ramon Farmers Market Every Saturday & Thursday-Year-round, Bishop Ranch Wednesday, April-Sept, Windermere Buy fresh, seasonal produce directly from local farmers at San Ramon Farmers Market. Connect with your community while shopping at a festive gathering place with live music! www.SanRamonFarmersMarket.org 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. FREE E-Waste Recycling Event First Saturday of every month 9am-1pm. Bring your old, unwanted electronic equipment. Drop off is FREE and all e-waste will be recycled right here in the good old USA. Diablo Valley College, 321 Golf Club Road in the Overflow Parking Lot #7, Pleasant Hill. Visit www.NoEwaste.com for accepted and non-accepted electronic items. Information: 866-335-3373 or info@NoEwaste.com. Forest Home Farms Historic Park & Glass House Museum–open for Fun on the Farm 2nd Saturday of each month. 10am-2pm. Enjoy tours of the Glass House Museum, the farm and its history, interactive exhibits including the tractor museum, the beautiful grounds and free activities. Visit the Welcome Center and purchase old-fashioned toys and gifts at the Gift Shoppe. Tours are $5 per person, or $8 for both tours on the same day. 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon. Information: 925-973-3284 or visit www.sanramon.ca.gov. First Thursday Shop Local Day and Night 10am-7pm. Join in the fun in downtown Danville at the First Thursday Shopping and Dining Event. Downtown Hartz Avenue, Danville. www.danville.ca.gov. Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) Meeting Every Tuesday 8-10am. This Weight Loss Support Group provides a space for those who wish to lose weight. St. Timothy’s, 1550 Diablo Rd. 925-838-7870. ARF’s All Ears Reading July 13 4-5pm. Reading with animals is a great way for children who are struggling with reading to improve their skills. Children read aloud for 20 minutes to a dog from ARF’s Pet Hug Pack in a relaxed, nonjudgmental environment. Grades 1-5. Free. Walnut Creek Library, 1644 N Broadway, Walnut Creek. Tips for Change! Camp Phoenix Benefit July 13 5-8pm. Camp Phoenix is a summer camp that empowers lowincome youth. Gianni’s Italian Bistro will donate all tips and 10% of its sales to Camp Phoenix during this time! Join to enjoy a delicious dinner that benefits society. 2065 San Ramon Valley Road, San Ramon. 925-820-6969. Cancer Support Community: Helping Ourselves with Chinese Medicine July 14
6-8pm. Learn ancient and effective mind-body techniques for alleviating the side effects of treatment, building immunity, and promoting general well-being. This includes breathing visualization exercises, acupressure demo, and discussion about food energies. Free. 3276 McNutt Avenue, Walnut Creek. (925) 933-0107.
Introduction to Proposal Writing July 27 2-3:30pm. Learn the key components of a proposal to a foundation. Free. Registration required. Walnut Creek Library, 1644 N. Broadway Ave., Walnut Creek. wclibrary.org.
Ribbon Cutting and Open House: Orthodontic Office of Margarita Lachica, DDS, MS July 15 5-6pm. Please join Lachica Orthodontics for a Ribbon Cutting and Open House! Experience the brand new state-of-the-art orthodontic office, fully digitalized and equipped with the latest in technology! Drinks and appetizers will be served. 9301 Fircrest Lane #5, San Ramon. kgren@sanramonortho.com.
Happy Birthday, Harry Potter! July 30 3-4:30pm. Get sorted into a Hogwarts House, make crafts, play games, create magical and delicious treats and celebrate the Summer Reading Festival with the 3rd annual birthday party for The Boy Who Lived! For grades 3-6. Danville Library, 400 Front St, Danville. 925-837-4889.
Meeting for Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States July 15 7:30pm. Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Post 75 meets every third Wednesday of the month at the Veterans Memorial Building located at 400 Hartz Avenue in Danville. Doors open at 7:00 PM, meeting begins at 7:30 PM. www.vfwpost75.org. Hot Summer Nights Car Show July 16 4-9pm. A street party like no other, Danville’s Hot Summer Nights Car Show combines classic cars and camaraderie to create an evening of summer celebration. Downtown streets are lined with muscle cars, hot rods, and vintage rides dating up to 1976 while live bands play ‘50s and ‘60s music to people dancing in the streets. Downtown Danville - Hartz Ave. danvillehotsummernightscarshow.com. Maker Lab: Gravity July 18 11:15am-3:15pm. The Bay Area Discovery Museum will present a hands-on, open-ended program with activities which explore ways to utilize and overcome gravity. Children and their adults will stretch their problem-solving skills, working together to plan, build and test their ideas. Free. San Ramon Library, 100 Montgomery Street, San Ramon. san-ramon.ca. Cancer Support Community: The Power of the Mind Body Connection July 22 6-7:30pm. Both empirical science and western medicine have observed a strong link between the mind and the body, a connection long recognized by many spiritual disciplines and traditional healing practices. Learn about this fascinating relationship and how to utilize it to the benefit of your well-being. Free. 3276 McNutt Avenue, Walnut Creek. (925) 933-0107. Keeping the Heat Out: Refrigeration and Icebox 101 July 23 9am-12pm. All restaurants and grocery stores have refrigeration equipment. Reach-in and walk-in refrigeration operates 24/7/365 and can attribute to the majority of restaurant and grocery store energy usage. Learn how to minimize your energy usage at this seminar. PG&E Food Service Technology Center, 12949 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon. fishnick.com.seminars. Experience Live, Wild, Exotic Cats! July 25 & August 22 10am-5pm. Get up-close to some of the world’s most amazing cats during “Wild Cats at Lindsay Wildlife” this summer! This exciting and unique event brings rare cats to the Lindsay Wildlife Museum. 1931 1st Ave, Walnut Creek, lindsaywildlife.org. Cancer Support Community: Love and Laughter Comedy Night July 25 6-8pm. Jason Loves’s quick wit and self-deprecating approach have endeared him to audiences the world over, from the Hollywood Improv to Carolines on Broadway to the Comic Strip in Edmonton. For cancer patients and their caregivers. Free. 3276 McNutt Avenue, Walnut Creek. (925) 933-0107. 2015 Golf Classic and Dinner July 27 9:30am-7pm. Tee up a good time at the 2015 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! Diablo Country Club, 1700 Clubhouse Rd., Diablo. danvillechambercart.com.
New SAT Practice Test August 1 10:30am-2:30pm. Want to see how you might do on the new SAT? The Ygnacio Valley Library, in conjunction with C2 Education, will offer a free SAT practice test. Get valuable SAT test experience by taking one under realistic conditions! Free. Ygnacio Valley Library, 2661 Oak Grove Road, Wanut Creek. wclibrary.org.
SENIORS Danville Seniors Unless otherwise noted, the following activities are held at the Danville Senior Center, Veterans Memorial Building, 115 E. Prospect, Danville. For more information call 925-314-3490 or visit www. ci.danville.ca.us/Recreation/Seniors. Sneaker Trips: The Town of Danville’s Senior Sneakers program is a great way for you to make new friends and get out and around the greater Bay Area. There’s always something new to see and learn. All trips meet at the Danville Park & Ride lot unless otherwise noted in the trip details. Reserve your spot at the Danville Senior Center, 115 E. Prospect, Danville, CA 94526, on or before the registration date beginning at 8:30am. Information: 925-314-3400 or visit www. ci.danville.ca.us/Recreation/Seniors/Senior_Sneaker_Trips. The Danville Area Senior Hikes (DASH) are open to all adults and meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month. The group starts at the Danville Park-n-Ride (next to the Sycamore Valley 680 North exit) at 9AM and returns about 1Pm. Most hikes are not strenuous, but gradients are involved due to the local terrain. Distances are usually in the 4-5 mile range, and the pace is moderate, with stops to view scenery, wildlife and to talk about location history when appropriate. Information: 925-314-3400 or visit www. ci.danville.ca.us/Recreation/Seniors/Senior_Hiking. San Ramon Seniors The following events are held at the Alcosta Senior & Community Center, 9300 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon, unless otherwise noted. For more information call 925-973-3250 or visit www.sanramon. ca.gov/parks/programs/ages55+.htm. Wisdom Wednesdays: Free workshops and informational sessions that will benefit you. They will give you free access to coffee, knowledge and a better understanding of important issues. Information: 925-973-3250. Trips Trip Desk is open Tuesday from 10am-1pm. Sign up for trips at the travel desk or by depositing payment with registration form in the gold drop box found at the main entryway. Information: 973-3250. Wednesday Morning Hikes (time and location varies) Join the San Ramon Trailblazers if you are interested in meeting new people, enjoying the outdoors, having fun and getting in shape. The group meets once a week at various locations, This is an adults only group; pets are not permitted on hikes. To find out the exact meeting location and to get on the email list, please call the Senior Center or email trailblazer88@comcast.net. Page Turners Senior Book Group Third Tuesday of the month 1:30pm. Drop in–all are welcome! Copies of this month’s book are on reserve for you at the San Ramon Library Front Desk. Book group meets at Alcosta Senior and Community Center, 9300 Alcosta Blvd. Information: Carol Yuke, Adult Services Librarian. 925-973-285
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
July 2015
BUSINESS
RECURRING
San Ramon Chamber - New and Future Member Orientation July 28 4-5pm. Join and learn about the various Chamber services that can benefit your business. Ambassadors and the Chamber’s President/CEO, Stewart Bambino, will be there to greet you. Free. RSVP required.Bishop Ranch 6, 2400 Camino Ramon Conference Room 158/K, San Ramon. sanramon. org.
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
Mega Mixer August 6 5-7pm. Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce hosts this multi-Chamber mixer! Join for the opportunity to network with professionals across local Chambers. Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Dr, Pleasant Hill. pleasanthillchamber.com.
Danville Rotary 12pm. Meets every Monday. Faz Restaurant, Danville. Information: danvillerotary.org.
Danville Chamber Morning Mixer with the Ambassador Group August 7 8-9:30am. Join this dynamic and energetic committee of the chamber. Bring a lot of business cards to start your day off right! The new President Shelley Despotakis will be present to welcome you to the mixer. $5 member, $20 prospective member. Danville Area Chamber of Commerce, 117 E Town & Country Drive, Danville.
CLUBS & 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. Cancer workshops and support groups-Ongoing Most are free. Cancer Support Community, 3276 McNutt Avenue, Walnut Creek. Information / reservations call (925) 933-0107 or visit www.cancersupportcommunity.net. Fibro? CFIDS? Chronic Pain? If these are familiar to you, call about the San Ramon Valley support group for people who need support, information, classes and friendship from people who know what it’s like. We like to laugh while getting well. Call 925-837-0510. Hope Hospice Grief Support Groups-Ongoing Hope Hospice provides support to help you understand and manage grief in a way that is healthy and appropriate. Our Grief Support Center is available to all community members at minimal or no cost. Information: visit www.HopeHospice.com or call 925-829-8770. Hospice of the East Bay Support groups and workshops for adults, children and teens experiencing grief after the death of a loved one. Classes will be offered at Hospice’s Administrative Offices: 3470 Buskirk Avenue; Pleasant Hill and the Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation: 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek. Pre-registration is required for all groups and classes, except our drop-in group. To register, please call Hospice of the East Bay: (925) 887-5681. Information: www.hospiceeastbay.org Wind ‘n Sea Sailing Club Sailing training classes take place at members’ homes. Information: Call Jan at 925-837-3381.
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. Sons In Retirement (Las Trampas Branch) Monthly Luncheon 11:30am. Meets the third Monday of each month, except for May and December. If you are retired or semiretired 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 925-322-1160 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. Danville Women’s Club, 242 W. Linda Mesa 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. 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 5:30-7pm. Meets second Tuesday of every month. In a nurturing small group, you are encouraged to process feelings of grief resulting from the loss of pet. Register with Vicki at 925887-5681 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/communityprograms.html.
Wednesdays: Walnut Creek Toastmasters 7-8:15pm. Meets every Wednesday. 1660 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill. Information: walnutcreek.freetoasthost.net Hospice of the East Bay Drop-in Bereavement Support 4:30-6pm, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of every month. 3470 Buskirk Avenue; Pleasant Hill. Information: 925-8875681 or visit www.hospiceeastbay. org. Alamo Rotary 12:15pm. Meets every Wednesday. Round Hill Country Club, 3169 Roundhill Road, Alamo. Information: alamorotary.org. Danville Toastmasters Club #1785 7:30-9pm. Meets every Wednesday. Room W204 at Diablo Valley College,1690 Watermill Road, San Ramon. Information: danvilletoastmasters1785.com. San Ramon Valley Rotary 7pm. Meets every Wednesday. Blackhawk Country Club, 599 Blackhawk Club Drive, 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville. Info: sanramonvalleyrotary.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 925-275-2412. Info: visit www. srvexchangeclub.org Walnut Creek Host Lion’s Club 12:15pm. Meets the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Black Bear Diner, 700 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek. Information: walnutcreeklions. org. 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. Blue Star Moms Monthly Meeting April 8 7-8:30pm. Join in this meeting to participate in this support/service group for sons/daughters serving in the military. Danville Veterans Memorial Building, 400 Hartz Ave, Danville. bluestarmoms.org. Diablo Valley Quilters 7-9pm. Meets the third Wednesday of every month. No charge for guests. Danville Congregational Church, 989 San Ramon Valley Blvd., Danville. Information: diablovalleyquilters.com. Veterans of Foreign Wars 7:00pm. Meets the third Wednesday of every month. Veterans Memorial Hall, 400 Hartz Avenue, Danville. Informa-
The Valley SenTinel tion: Post Commander Ernie Petagara at 925-362-9806 or vfwpost75.org. Diablo Singles Dance Club 7-10pm. Meets the last Wednesday of every month. Live music, refreshments. Members $8, Guests $12. All welcome. 111N. Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. Thursdays: 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. New and long-time adult residents are welcome. Reservations/information: 925-837-9600 or www.srvnc.com. Rotary Club of San Ramon 11:45am. Meets every Thursday. Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville. Information: sanramonrotary.org. San Ramon Valley Kiwanis Club 1st, 2nd and 4th Thursdays at Noon, and the 3rd Wednesdays at 6pm— all at Round Hill Country Club, 3169 Round Hill Rd., Alamo. www.kiwanissrv.org. Clutterers Anonymous 7-8pm. Meets the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month. St. Luke’s Lutheran Church room 3, 2 491 San Miguel Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: 925-736-8627. Diablo Valley Lions Club 7:30pm. Meets the 1st, 3rd, and 4th Thursday of every month. 1400 Montego Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: diablovalleyca.lionwap.org. Fridays: Transitions - “Navigating Life’s Turning Points Together”
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9-11:30am. Our group now has a new name, which has been changed from TENS to Transitions. Our mission is to encourage and support women from empty nest, to aging parents and everything in between. Community Presbyterian Church, Room 116, 222 W. El Pintado Rd., Danville. Information: Barb Miller at bajumil@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 9am. 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) 254-8349 or jgriehl@gmail.com. Caregivers meet at same time in Oak Room of Grace Church. Information: Howard Zalkin at 925 939 4210 or Ronnie Wanetick at 925 933 6357 Free. All are welcome. 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.
Help Wanted Sr. Financial Reporting Analyst: Master’s in Business Admin., Finance or rltd. & 4 yr. rltd. exp. CV to: Bank of the West, 2527 Camino Ramon, San Ramon, CA 94583. ATTN: H.R. or email careers@bankofthewest.com. EEO. Position in San Ramon, CA.
Business Intelligence Architect Developer: Company: Bank of the West. Location: San Ramon, CA. Position Type: Full Time. Experience: 5 years. Education: Bachelor’s Degree. Bach. in C.I.S., C.S. or related & 5 yrs. rlt. exp. CV to careers@ bankofthewest.com
Profitability Analyst I: Company: Bank of the West. Location: San Ramon, CA. Position Type: Full Time. Experience: 3 years. Education: Master’s Degree MSc’s in Finance, Bus. Admin. or related & 3 yrs. rlt. exp. CV to careers@ bankofthewest.com
S r. C C A R - B a s e l I I B u s i n e s s Analyst: M.S. in C.I.S. or rltd. & 5 yrs. exp. in job offered or rltd. Execute Data Trace Program to ensure data inputs. CV to: Bank of the West, 2527 Camino Ramon, San Ramon, CA 94583. ATTN: HR or email careers@ bankofthewest.com. EEO. Position in San Ramon, CA.
Community News & Information Danville • Blackhawk Alamo • Diablo • San Ramon Publisher/Editor - Denise Rousset Chief Financial Officer - Jeff Gummere Graphic Designer - Laurie Prindle Auto - David & Judy Colman Contributing Writer - Alison Clary Web Support - ewebsiteservices.com Intern - Isabella Ordaz, MVHS Intern - Jared Wong, MVHS
925-820-6047
390 Diablo Road, Suite 145 Danville, CA 94526
www.valleysentinel.com
page 14
The valley Sentinel
AUTO
2015 Honda Civic 4DR Si
March 2009 July 2015
valleysentinel.com
Lately, Honda’s once unimpeachable reputation in the racing world has taken a severe hit. Its latest foray into Formula 1 with McLaren has been nothing short of disastrous, with hundreds of millions invested and no results to show for it. In Indy Car, Honda powered teams have been eclipsed by those with Chevrolet power. The shortfall was especially apparent at this year’s Indy 500. In the passenger car realm, the company has stepped away from making sports cars altogether with the demise of the S2000 roadster several years ago. From this litany of woes, you might think Honda has lost the formula for making inexpensive cars of sporting interest. But you would be very wrong in that assumption. In fact, the 2015 Civic Si is without doubt one of the best handling, fastest accelerating four door sedans you can buy today at any price. At $25,310, it’s the steal deal of the year. The credentials of any serious back road burner start with wheels and tires. Back in 1987, when Honda first marketed the high performance Si version of their Civic, the company built a fast, fun car that was hobbled by skinny wheels and tires. We should know because we bought one
new that year. No longer is the Si shortchanged in the wheel department. Our test car was a model of handling stability thanks to generous and handsome 7.5 x 18” alloys shod with adhesive 225/40R18 Continental Pro Contact tires. The proof of their merit became clear on my favorite 180 degree off ramp from I680 in Walnut Creek. Where most test cars give up traction about halfway through this daunting bend, the Si’s Continentals begged for more throttle. The little Civic shot through the turn at well over 50mph, at least 5mph faster than anything else in recent memory. If you buy a base model Civic, your engine displaces 1.8 liters and produces 143hp. If you upgrade to Si specification, Honda bumps displacement to a whopping 2.4 liters, good for 205hp. To put that punch into perspective, the Si Civic makes 4 more horsepower than Porsche’s Boxster did when it first appeared. Best of all, the Si utilizes the finest manual transmission on the market today, a 6-speed unit with absolutely perfect gearing splits for spirited driving. Fist gear carries you to 32mph. For you weekend sports, second gear is ideal for autocrossing because it will carry you all the way from 30mph to 58mph with no need to up shift. Yet
the Civic Si cruises quietly at just 3,000rpm in 6th gear at 70mph. In top cog on the freeway, expect to make 31 MPG. In addition to the perfect ratio splits, the transmission shifts with such crisp authority that it begs you to change gears even when you don’t strictly need to do so. The throws are short, precise and impossible to miss. Even the diminutive bottom half leather/ top half aluminum knob is perfectly suited for grasping. The front seats, finished with red pillions and black bolsters have a shark skin sheen to them. These exceptionally retentive buckets feature a Si logo embroidered on their headrests. The rear seats are adequate for passengers, but equally well suited to haul cargo when you flip them down. Honda has devised a unique lever-pull system to accomplish this, with two release handles located inside the upper corners of the trunk. The opening to the trunk is somewhat restricted by an intervening partition that limits the size of the pass through orifice. Nonetheless, we were able to shove a 40” x 27” picture frame through the available slot. The only downside to the Si is its somewhat confusing dashboard layout and touch screen entertainment panel.
Because Honda bifurcated the dash into lower and upper panels, then added a central monitor as well, you find yourself constantly scanning all 3 options for the information you seek. For example, the lower screen directly behind the steering wheel contains a large tachometer plus warning lights for high beams and cruise control. However, these information lights were hidden by the rim of the steering wheel. The recessed upper panel provides a gas level bar graph, miles to empty info, plus outside ambient temperature. The audio touch screen atop the center stack offers no knobs for station tuning or volume control. Rather it provides finger slide scales that prove nearly impossible to operate while underway. Although the left spoke of the steering wheel duplicates audio commands, Honda needs to restore proper entertainment control knobs to the Si dashboard.
But closet racers will love the NHRA Pro Stock style sextet of up shift lights (4 amber, two red), mounted atop the left edge of the dashboard. These illuminate in quick succession as you zing the motor to its 7000rpm redline. What a blast it is to trigger this array with each run through the gears! 2015 HONDA CIVIC 4DR Si ENGINE: 2.4 Liter DOHC, 16 Valve i-VTEC 4 Cylinder HORSEPOWER: 205hp TORQUE: 174lb.-ft. FUEL CONSUMPTION: 22 MPG City/31 MPG Highway PRICE AS TESTED: $25,310 HYPES: Best Shift Mechanism Bar None, Great Power Plant GRIPES: Dash Will Drive You Dizzy STAR RATING: 10 Stars Out Of 10
CHAMPION from page 1 memorizing a speech in 30 minutes is often stressful, but I concentrated on using my research and knowledge to write an effective speech. Most of all though, I felt really fortunate just to be competing in the finals”, he said. “The national championship in U.S. Extemporaneous Speaking features the top 244 competitors from across the country, and to be in the final 6 was a huge honor.” J. Scott Wunn, Executive Director of the National Speech & Debate association said, “The National Tournament showcases the brightest and most talented students in the country”, and he added, “Winning a national championship is the most
prestigious honor a student involved in speech and debate can achieve. We are extremely proud of Brian Yu for this outstanding accomplishment.” For the Extemporaneous speaking category, students are given a choice of three questions related to current events in the U.S. They have 30 minutes to prepare a seven-minute speech that must include evidence from articles that they have gathered prior to the event (before knowing what the topics of the questions will be). When asked what his topic was, Yu replied, “My final topic/question was “Is the Obama administration implementing the Affordable Care Act in a way that violates the language of
the law?” Basically I was asked to analyze the issue that the Supreme Court was evaluating in the case of King v Burwell, and I predicted how the Supreme Court would rule. The ruling came out June 25th, and I predicted it correctly (the Court upheld the Affordable Care Act subsidies)”. Yu had to present the speech from memory without notes in front of thousands of people and knowing that he was being broadcast live across the globe. Prior to going to the competition, Brian had already impressed audiences, taking first place for the past three years as the California state competition in the area of “National Extemporaneous.”
Along with the championship title, Yu will receive a $1,000 college scholarship for his achievement. The Monte Vista Speech and debate program was established in 1974 by Al Gentile. Since 1989 the program has been under the leadership of long-time coach and teacher David Matley. Under Matley’s leadership, the Monte Vista program has qualified students to Nationals for 24 consecutive years. Brian Yu is the fifth Monte Vista student under Matley’s leadership to win the National Tournament and the first student in National Extemporaneous. “I couldn’t be more thrilled.” Matley said. “Brian Yu represents
everything this program stands for. Brian has been an exemplary leader on this team devoting countless hours to helping other students be successful. Winning Nationals was the perfect way to cap a phenomenal speech and debate career at Monte Vista which included three State Titles in National Extemporaneous and a 5th place finish at last years’ National Tournament.” Brian plans to attend Harvard University in the fall. He says that he is considering pursuing some form of speech and debate in college, but that he is undecided. He said he is tentatively planning to study computer science and economics, but that that may change in the coming years.
By David and Judy Colman
July 2015
The Valley SenTinel
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RecycleSmart hosts “Home Composting for Busy People!” workshops at eleven locations around Danville, Walnut Creek and Lafayette to teach you everything you need to know to get started. Visit the RecycleSmart.org website to view the workshop schedule. Reservations are required. For questions or to register by phone call (925) 906-1801 x306. In 2014 alone, 331 residents participated in 19 home composting workshops, 127 Soilsaver backyard compost bins were purchased, 1,485 residents are a Certified Home Composter, and 1,163 tons of organic material was
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The second step is to combine the waste in your bin. As you mix the waste, add water. Last but not least, the third step is to manage your compost. Mix leaves or grass in the compost once a week. Every two weeks, turn the pile. If you’d like to add more materials to the pile, grind or cut them so they will decompose faster. The compost pile should be slightly damp, so add water or dry materials depending on the wetness. Make sure food waste is buried so flies or other creatures won’t be attracted. When your compost has gotten to its final stages, it should resemble dark dirt. At this point, stop adding waste and wait a month. After, your compost should be all ready.
potentially diverted from local landfills. Once you create your own composting system, you can save money on your monthly Republic Services bill. A Home Composter Certification is given by RecycleSmart and Republic Services to single-family home residents who actively compost at home and rewards them with a $1.50 per month bill reduction. A simple online Composting Certification process is found on the RecycleSmart.org website. While compost is perfect for getting revitalized soil for your home garden, it’s also helpful to already stressed plants during our severe drought. Make sure to not water more than twice a week and not between 9am and 6pm. If it rains, don’t water until two days have passed. As always, make sure to conserve as much water as possible! Learn more about new water rules from East Bay MUD on their website ebmud.com. My office is here to serve the residents of Contra Costa County District 2, which includes San Ramon, Danville, Alamo, Walnut Creek, Saranap, Parkmead, Lafayette, Moraga, Canyon and Orinda. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if we can provide you with additional information on this topic or on other County issues. I can be reached at SupervisorAndersen@bos. cccounty.us or 925-957-8860.
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For the past seven years, first as the Danville Mayor and now as a County Supervisor, I’ve served on the Central Contra Costa Solid Waste Authority (CCCSWA). CCCSWA is now doing business under the new and improved name: RecycleSmart. It is a name that better reflects what we encourage all of our residents to do, recycle. Most people don’t spend a lot of time thinking about what happens to their unwanted waste, they just want their garbage and recycling picked up each week. RecycleSmart provides many consumer programs you might find helpful, including the increasingly popular and environmentally sustainable practice of home composting. Why home compost? Organic waste material, like yard clippings and food scraps, can be given “new life” through composting. Finished compost is a great soil amendment that improves texture and adds important nutrients into the soil in your garden, creating healthy, thriving plants. It’s easy and takes little time, space, and effort, and will also save you money. Onethird of the waste generated by Central Contra Costa County communities consists of yard and food waste. Home composting reduces the amount of waste which is a huge benefit for the environment. With so many advantages, the question should really be, Why not home compost? It’s easy to get started. RecycleSmart offers residents, schools and businesses the Soilsaver Compost Bin at a discount price of $62, which includes shipping and tax. This same bin normally retails for $90-$130. Bins can be purchased online at www.RecycleSmart.org. The Soilsaver is available at the discounted price to service area residents, schools and businesses in Orinda, Moraga, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Danville, and unincorporated Contra Costa County, including the communities of Alamo, Blackhawk and Diablo.
Although not part of RecycleSmart, San Ramon residents may also purchase it at the discounted price with the difference in cost made up by the City of San Ramon. Once you have a compost bin, you can start making your compost: The first step in composting is to collect your yard and kitchen waste. Items like leaves, twigs, fruits, vegetables, straw, egg shells, and tea bags are perfect to use. Avoid using foods that spoil like meat or cheese.
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valleysentinel.com
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The Valley SenTinel
July 2015
valleysentinel.com
See Our Progress “PG&E” refers to Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation. ©2015 Pacific Gas and Electric Company. All rights reserved. Paid for by PG&E shareholders. All facts 2013/2014 unless otherwise noted.
in the Bay Area Peter Tran
Gas Service Representative san Leandro residenT
“
It’s very satisfying to be able to help the people in the community where I live. My customers are my friends and neighbors, and it feels good to provide them with safe and reliable service.
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At PG&E, our customers are our neighbors. The communities we serve as PG&E employees are where we live and work too. That’s why we’re investing $5 billion this year to enhance pipeline safety and strengthen our gas and electric infrastructure across northern and central California. It’s why we’re helping people and businesses gain energy efficiencies to help reduce their bills. It’s why we’re focused on developing the next generation of clean, renewable energy systems. Together, we are working to enhance pipeline safety and strengthen our gas and electric infrastructure—for your family and ours.
PGE_10x13_PeterT_0624 copy.indd 1
See the FActS IN the BAY AreA Replaced more than 30 miles of gas transmission pipeline Invested more than $2.1 billion into electrical improvements Connected more than 65,000 rooftop solar installations
6/30/15 10:44 AM