in your
Regional Parks
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July-August 2018 st 2018
July – Augu
Alamo • Danville • Blackhawk • Diablo • San Ramon
always for the community VOL 23, NO 6
Crabbe Photo: Gary
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nal Park Bay Regio at the East d the sky ods,” page 2. ods soar towar Oakland Coast redwo ood Regional Park, Protecting Redwo 100 Years of Redw Celebrating District’s e Redwoods League East Bay Skylinin See “Save the National Trailnic Sibley Volca rve, Regional Prese nd. Oakla s • page 4
Inside:
uard ns and Jr. Lifeg Swim Lesso page 5 ortunities • Kayaking Opp page 11 the Cove • 13 Concerts at r Safaris • page rams, Spide Prog • page 14 pfire Cam Gardening & Butterfly Native Plant
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SENTINEL
Look inside
Photo: KMRinke
VALLEY
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Look inside for the latest Regional in Nature Activity Guide!
the 2018 Marks y ersar 50th anniv nal of the Natio m Trails Syste See page 2.
Swim Lessons & Jr. Lifeguards Kayaking/Boating at Various Parks Concerts at the Cove at Crab Cove Campfire Programs, Spider Safaris Native Plant & Butterfly Gardening
June 2018
www.valleysentinel.com
Plus many other activities for kids and families in your East Bay Regional Parks!
SPOTLIGHT
National Champions!
The Rotary Club of Danville Names Molly Neach Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year Three Other Athletes Nominated The Rotary Club of Danville has named San Ramon Valley High School soccer standout, Molly Neach, as outstanding female athlete of the year 2017-2018.
ECRWSS
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Danville Oaks Rugby Club - Back Row L to R: Head Coach David Liebowitz, Coach Jon Beck, Nick Leusing, Caden Jarvis, Nick Cox, Harrison Wheeler, Jack Slimm, Coach Kort Shubert, Grant Vorous, Niko Barretto, Matt Vranish, Joshua Allen, Jeremy Mast, Ryan Chambers, Coach Craig Allen, Club President Michael Walker Middle Row/Kneeling L to R: Coach Chris O’Brien, Zach Heffel, Cameron Lugo, Kobe Davis, Cal Liebowitz, Austin Arends Front Row/Sitting L to R: Luke Freeman, Joey Schwartz, Ethan Gruber, Jason Javier, Marshall Ferris, Fin Zilk, Luke Ogburn, Jason Severance, Pat Deely, Hunter Phillips. See story on page 11
Meet the Muskrat by James Hale
Muskrats (Ondatra zibethica) are a semiaquatic, medium-sized rodent that are native to most of North America, Canada, Alaska, and northern Mexico. They have been introduced to parts of Europe, Asia, and South America, where in some areas they have become an invasive pest. The absence of Muskrats in Florida may be due in part to alligator predation. Muskrats are often referred to as rats because of their omnivorous diets and extremely adaptable lifestyles. They inhabit brackish and fresh water wetlands in a wide variety of habitats and climates throughout their range. Locally, I have observed them throughout the marshes and watersheds of Contra Costa County and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. I frequently encounter them at Heather Ponds and along Walnut Creek. Muskrats are unique in that
they are the only species in their genus Ondatra and tribe Ondatrini. They are the largest member of their subfamily Arvicolinae, which includes mostly voles and lemmings. Muskrats are integral to wetland ecology, and they provide food and fur resources for humans. The name Muskrat is most likely derived from the Algonquian word muscascus, meaning “it is red”, referring to the red pelage. Once called musk-beaver, for the flattened tail and musky odor from scent glands used to mark their territory, they were changed to Muskrat because of the resemblance to rats in the genus Rattus. The Huron word for the animal, ondathra, gives rise to the genus name Ondatra. Zibethicus means musky. Muskrats weigh between one and four and a half pounds.
They range from sixteen to thirty inches in length, half of which is the tail. The narrow, scaled, tail drags when the Muskrat is on land, helping to identify their tracks. Muskrats are sometimes confused with
the American Beaver, with which they often share their habitat, although Muskrats are much smaller and have a See MUSKRAT page 7
This month’s Special Section:
Summer Wellness
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT dining out • music • art • theater • fun events
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THE VALLEY SENTINEL
“Conceive, Construct, Embellish” exhibit features unique clay creations of seven California ceramic artists Now - June 16 Expect the unexpected! The Town of Danville and the Village T h e a t re Art Gallery invite the community to view t h e c l a y, porcelain, a n d m i xe d m e d i a ceramic sculptures of several California Artists including the Pipe Brothers outoor pieces. This exhibit attempts to offer viewers a glimpse into the world of ceramics and to challenge all preconceived notions of what the clay arts are. Village Theatre Art Gallery, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: www.villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400. Center Rep presents: Disney’s Freaky Friday Now - June 30 When an overworked mother and her teenage daughter magically swap bodies, they have just one day to put things right again before Mom’s big wedding. This new musical based on the celebrated novel by Mary Rodgers and the hit Disney films, is a heartfelt, comedic, and unexpectedly emotional update on an American classic. By spending a day in each other’s shoes, Katherine and Ellie come to appreciate one another’s struggles, learn self-acceptance, and realize the immeasurable love and mutual respect that bond a mother and daughter. $60 $65. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: www. lesherartscenter.org or 925943-SHOW (7469). Funkmode presents Hero Now - June 10 The world is in peril! The Evil Legion seeks control of the Earth through an enormously powerful object called the Mysterikos. But, standing in their way is a whole host of
heroes like the GlamFam, whose stunning beauty can paralyze an enemy in adoration or the Tele-Tykes, whose magical telekinesis can move mountains. Who will win in this epic battle of good versus really greedy-meanstinky guys? Be there on June 9th and 10th to find out! $20. Village Theatre, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: www. villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400. Chamber Music San Francisco featuring Sergey Khachatryan, violin June 10 3pm. Lusine Khachatryan has won Gold Medals at two top competitions (the Sibelius and the Queen Elizabeth). He is sought after by the greatest conductors but the main attraction is his enormous talent and his seductively rich, soul-drenched tone. $50. Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. Information: www. lesherartscenter.org or 925943-SHOW (7469). Pleasant Hill Free Summer Concert Fundamentals - R&B, Soul, Funk June 10 6-8 p.m. Sunset by the lake concert for the family to enjoy. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and get ready to enjoy the festivities. Vendors sell food for you to purchase at the event. Free. On the lawn by the lake at Pleasant Hill City Hall, Gregory Ln & Cleaveland Rd. Information: pleasanthillconcerts.com. I Can Do That Theatre Co. presents Pippin June 15 - 24 Journey with our troupe of actors who tell the story of Pippin, a young prince
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searching for his own “corner of the sky.” Encouraged by the Leading Player, Pippin’s quest for fulfillment leads him to discover that true happiness is more complicated than he thought. With infectious tunes by Stephen Schwartz (composer of Wicked) and i n t r i g u i n g c h o re o g ra p hy inspired by Bob Fosse, Pippin is sure to be a magical experience for the entire family. $20. Village Theatre, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: www. villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400. Dixieland Jazz June 16 1:30-4:30pm. On the 3rd Saturday of every month you can enjoy the music of the Devil Mountain Jazz Band. Bring your own beverages, snacks and a friend or two! There is a large dance floor and lots of free parking. $15. Grange Hall, 743 Diablo Road, Danville. Information visit www.jazznut.com or phone 625-2707. S u n s h i n e Vo c a l Performance Jun 20 6pm. With a microphone in hand, young participants between 6 to 12 years of age develop their musical talents in an enjoyable, specialized environment. Inspired by such programs as Star Search and American Idol, the Town’s Sunshine Vocal program is designed to provide months of training and coaching in order to prepare these young participants to perform live on stage. $6 - $12.Village T h e a t r e, 2 3 3 F r o n t S t . , Danville. Information: www. villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400. “Broadway and the Bard: An Evening of Shakespeare & Song” June 21- 24. Tony® Award-winning actor Len Cariou (Sweeney Todd, A Little Night Music, Applause) comes to the Bay Area, starring in his acclaimed one-man show combining his two great loves - Shakespeare and American Musical Comedy - into one rich and diverse tapestry; outfitting trenchant classical
soliloquies and sonnets with inventive musical pairings from beloved writers of the Great White Way - an eightyminute melding of superb soliloquy and memorable song. $40. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: www.lesherartscenter.org or 925-943-SHOW (7469). Alamo Free Summer Concert Petty Theft - Tom Petty tribute band June 22 6:30-8:30 p.m. Presented by Alamo Municipal Advisory Council, this free summer concert series in Alamo Park invites families, friends and neighbors to bring low-back chairs, blankets, snacks and enjoy great entertainment free of charge. Free. Livorna Park, Livorna Rd & Miranda, Alamo. Information: alamore.org Danville Music in the Park The Big Jangle - Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers Tribute June 23 6-8pm. Bring a basket of food, lawn chairs or blankets to spread on the ground for some great music and family fun. Free. Oak Hill Park, 3005 Stone Valley Rd., Danville. Information: danville.ca.gov Danville Summerfest June 23 - 24 10am-5pm Art & Artists! Kids Activities! Music! Food & Drink! Classic Car Show! (Sunday only.) Free. Sponsored by the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce. All in Historic Downtown Danville. Information: www. danvillesummerfest.com or 925-837-4400.
The Museum of the San Ramon Valley presents: Totally Trains June 23 - August 26 T h e ex h i b i t h a s t wo elevations with 4 running trains, 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. On display are
items from three private collections of model trains dating from the early to mid1900s. A special Thomas The Train table will be set up for the youngest visitors to play and enjoy. Family $10, Adults $5, Children $3 (Under 5 free), Students (K through 12 with id) $3, Seniors (65+) $3. The Museum of the San Ramon Valley is located in the restored train depot on the corner of Railroad and Prospect Avenues in downtown Danville. 205 Railroad Avenue, Danville. Information: www.musemsrv. org or 925-837-3750. Pleasant Hill Free Summer Concert Aja Vu - Steely Dan tribute June 24 6-8 p.m. Sunset by the lake concert for the family to enjoy. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and get ready to enjoy the festivities. Vendors sell food for you to purchase at the event. Free. On the lawn by the lake at Pleasant Hill City Hall, Gregory Ln & Cleaveland Rd. Information: pleasanthillconcerts.com. Concert in the Garden: Romance Trio June 24 7pm. Revel in the beauty of a summer evening in the gardens while enjoying an enchanting selection of classical favorites including Bach, Elgar, Piazzola, and more! Performers Larisa Smirnova (harp), Ernie Mansfield (flute) and Pawel Walerowksi (cello) perform their first-ever concert at The Gardens at Heather Farm as the Romance Trio, offering inspiring arrangements to thrill the spirit and soothe the soul. $40 per person per show. The Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek, Tickets & information: gardenshf.org/ concert-series or by call 925947-1678. Alamo Free Summer Concert The Sun Kings - The Beatles tribute June 29 6:30-8:30 p.m. Presented by Alamo Municipal Advisory Council, this free summer concert series in Alamo Park invites families, friends and neighbors to bring low-back chairs, blankets, snacks and enjoy great entertainment free of charge. Free. Livorna Park, Livorna Rd & Miranda, Alamo. Information: alamore.org
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT dining out • music • art • theater • fun events
valleysentinel.com Jubilee Road June 29 8pm. Close vocal harmony group Jubilee Road applies its signature close blend and unique arrangements to songs spanning pop, folk, bluegrass, and indie. Jubilee Road includes Susan Miller (soprano), Theresa Madeira (alto), and Loren Dummett (tenor). Their set features toe-tapping covers of popular artists like Tom Petty, James Taylor, Alison Krauss, Carole King, and Talking Heads, as well as lesser-known gems, and originals by Madeira and Dummett. $15 - $25. Village Theatre, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: www. villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400. O I G C & SKRUK: Roots from t h e We s t presented by Oakland Interfaith G o s p e l Choir
June 30 7pm. The partnership of the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir and SKRUK came to life in 2015 at the Molde International Jazz Festival. The project, under the name “Røtter” (trans: “Roots”), is based around the fact that, despite cultural differences between the American and Norwegian west-coasts, we have common spiritual roots. Difference in upbringing, culture, and behavior lead to different ways to express oneself, which colors the songs musically as well as lyrically. The concerts will alternate between the two choirs singing individually, as well as parts where they both sing together. $25. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: www. lesherartscenter.org or 925943-SHOW (7469). San Ramon Free Summer Concert Foreverland - Michael Jackson Tribute Band July 4 5:30 p.m. Bring the family for a perfect summer evening in Central Park. Enjoy great music, talk with friends and neighbors, bring a picnic and let the kids enjoy dancing barefoot in the grass. This is one of life’s simple pleasures, relax and enjoy the moment. Bring a picnic, blanket and/ or lawn chairs. Wine, beer, soda and snacks available for
June 2018 purchase. Sponsored by the City of San Ramon and the San Ramon Arts Foundation. Free. Central Park Amphitheater, 12501 Alcosta Blvd. San Ramon. Information: ci.sanramon.ca.us
Preschool Performance Series: The Bubble Lady July 6 10 a m . M a k i n g l i t t l e ones laugh, dance and sing along since 2009, the Town of Danville is pleased to continue this fun series featuring top-level entertainers for preschool-aged children. The 50-minute performances capture their imaginations and make lasting memories. This months performer is magician and juggler Bob Kann. (performers subject to change. $5. Village Theater, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: www.villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400. Alamo Free Summer Concert Mike Amaral’s California Beach Boys - Beach Boys tribute July 6 6:30-8:30 p.m. Presented by Alamo Municipal Advisory Council, this free summer concert series in Alamo Park invites families, friends and neighbors to bring low-back chairs, blankets, snacks and enjoy great entertainment free of charge. Free. Livorna Park, Livorna Rd & Miranda, Alamo. Information: alamore.org Danville Music in the Park Stealin’ Chicago - Chicago Tribute July 7 6-8pm. Bring a basket of food, lawn chairs or blankets to spread on the ground for some great music and family fun. Free. Oak Hill Park, 3005 Stone Valley Rd., Danville. Information: danville.ca.gov Eugene O’Neill Foundation Presents “I Will Speak For Myself” written and directed by Valerie Joyce July 7 at 8pm, July 8 at 2pm This one-woman play gives insight into the various, sometimes shocking experience of injustice experienced by 16
real African-American women from the colonial period through the Civil War. $75 ($50 on July 8 for students under 18); Gourmet box dinners on July 7 for $25; Gourmet box lunches on July 8 for $20. The Old Barn, Eugene O’Neill Historic Site, Danville, California Check www.eugeneoneill.org for information on tickets and transport to the Eugene O’Neill Historic Site, provided by the National Park Service. San Ramon Free Summer Concert Majestic - Journey Tribute July 8 5:30 p.m. Bring the family for a perfect summer evening in Central Park. Enjoy great music, talk with friends and neighbors, bring a picnic and let the kids enjoy dancing barefoot in the grass. This is one of life’s simple pleasures, relax and enjoy the moment. Bring a picnic, blanket and/ or lawn chairs. Wine, beer, soda and snacks available for purchase. Sponsored by the City of San Ramon and the San Ramon Arts Foundation. Free. Central Park Amphitheater, 12501 Alcosta Blvd. San Ramon. Information: ci.sanramon.ca.us Pleasant Hill Free Summer Concert East Bay Mudd - Funk, R&B July 8 6-8 p.m. Sunset by the lake concert for the family to enjoy. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and get ready to enjoy the festivities. Vendors sell food for you to purchase at the event. Free. On the lawn by the lake at Pleasant Hill City Hall, Gregory Ln & Cleaveland Rd. Information: pleasanthillconcerts.com. First Wednesdays Walnut Creek July 11 5:30 - 8:30pm. End the work or school day on the first Wednesday of each month with a street festival full of live music, dancing, food trucks, wine and beer, chef’s demo, Kids Fun Zone, interactive games and free prizes. Free parking after 5pm at North Broadway Garage at 1390 N. Broadway, a short 3 block walk to the festivities at Cypress Street, between Locust & N. Main Streets in downtown Walnut Creek. Information: www.walnutcreekdowntown. com or 925.933.6778. Note: July 4th date has been moved to July 11th this month because of the holiday.
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
Comedy with Liz Grant & Friends: A Monthly StandUp Series July 12 7:30pm. In this monthly stand-up comedy series, Liz Grant brings a host of Bay Area and L.A. comedians to the Village Theatre stage! Join these seasoned performers for this hilarious series. 16+ unless accompanied by an adult. $17 $20. Village Theater, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: www.villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400. S p o n t a n e o u s Shakespeare! presented by Synergy Theater July 12 - 15 Thou wilt not believe it’s improvised! Mayhem, mirth and merriment abound at Spontaneous Shakespeare!, a completely improvised twoact comedy in the style of the Immortal Bard! Chock f u l l o f ra u c o u s h u m o r, mistaken identities, outrageous
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disguises, star crossed lovers, mischievous spirits, wily servants, hysterical wordplay and more “thees” and “thous” than you can shake a cudgel at, this hysterical improvised comedy is made up entirely on the spot and all based on your suggestions! $20. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: www.lesherartscenter.org or 925-943-SHOW (7469). Alamo Free Summer Concert Fog City Swampers - 60s to present - lots of dance music July 13 6:30-8:30 p.m. Presented by Alamo Municipal Advisory Council, this free summer concert series in Alamo Park invites families, friends and neighbors to bring low-back chairs, blankets, snacks and enjoy great entertainment free of charge. Free. Livorna Park, Livorna Rd & Miranda, Alamo. Information: alamore.org
DANVILLE
SUMMERFEST 2018 SATURDAY & SUNDAY
JUNE 23 - 24 10AM - 5PM HISTORIC DOWNTOWN DANVILLE 150+ ARTISANS, LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, FAMILY ACTIVITIES, BEER & WINE, GREAT FOOD, LOCAL MERCHANTS, STUDENT ART EXHIBIT, CLASSIC CAR SHOW- SUNDA Y ONLY
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THE VALLEY SENTINEL
June 2018
Sponsored Content
Testicular Cancer Awareness Dr. Shoba Kankipati
Testicular cancer is cancer that develops in the testicles, a part of the male reproductive system. Not all lumps on the testicles are tumors, and not all tumors are malignant (cancerous). There are many other conditions, of the testis, which may be painful but are non-cancerous. A man’s risk of testicular cancer is roughly 1 in 200 (0.5%). It is the most common cancer in males aged 20–39 years, the period when it is most common to start, and is rarely seen before the age of 15 years. The risk of testicular cancer in white men is approximately 4-5 times the risk in black men, and more than three times that of Asian American men. The risk of testicular cancer in Latinos and American Indians is between that of white and Asian men. The cause of these differences is unknown. Testicular cancer has the highest prevalence
in the U.S. and Europe, and is uncommon in Asia and Africa. Worldwide incidence has doubled since the 1960s, with the highest rates of prevalence in Scandinavia, Germany, and New Zealand. A major risk factor for the development of testicular cancer is cryptorchidism (undescended testicles). It is generally believed that the presence of a tumor contributes to cryptorchidism; when cryptorchidism occurs in conjunction with a tumor then the tumor tends to be large. Other risk factors include inguinal hernias, Klinefelter syndrome, and mumps orchitis. One of the first signs of testicular cancer is often a lump or swelling in the testes. Symptoms may include one or more of the following: − A lump in one testis which may or may not be painful − Sharp pain or a dull ache in the lower abdomen or scrotum − A f e e l i n g o f t e n described as “heaviness” in the scrotum
The Second (Indianhead) Division Association is searching for anyone who served in the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division at any time. For information about the association and our 97th annual reunion in Jacksonville, Florida from September 19 - 23, 2018, contact Mike Davino at 2IDA.PAO@charter.net, visit www.2ida.org/2018-reunion or call 919-498-1910.
Community Input We at The Valley Sentinel welcome comments and suggestions from the community at large. We love hearing from you! However, consideration is only given to those who provide their name, address and phone number. Two-way communication is essential for growth and understanding. Write us at P.O. Box 1309, Danville, 94526, email to drousset@valleysentinel.com, or call us at 925820-6047. Thank you! —Denise Rousset, Publisher
www. blueherongraphics.com
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends against routine s c re e n i n g f o r t e s t i c u l a r c a n c e r i n a sy m p t o m a t i c adolescent and adults including routine testicular self-exams However, the American Cancer Society suggests that some men should examine t h e i r t e s t i c l e s m o n t h l y, especially if they have a family history of cancer, and the American Urological Association recommends
valleysentinel.com monthly testicular selfexaminations for all young men. Rarely testicular cancer spreads to the lymphnodes, lungs or brain. The three basic types of treatment a r e s u r g e r y, r a d i a t i o n therapy, and chemotherapy. Surgery is performed by urologists; radiation therapy is administered by radiation oncologists; and chemotherapy is the work of medical oncologists. Testicular cancer has one of the highest cure rates of all cancers. In most patients with testicular cancer, the disease is cured readily with
minimal long-term morbidity. While treatment success depends on the stage, the average survival rate after five years is around 95%, and stage 1 cancer cases (if monitored properly) have essentially a 100% survival rate, which is why prompt action, when testicular cancer is a possibility, is extremely important. Dr. Shoba 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
Danville Summerfest promises fun for the whole family wonderful fine artists and along with beer tasting from The Danville Summerfest as been a tradition in the town since the early 90’s. It has been a showcase for fine artists and contemporary craft persons from all over the western United States. Popular vendors have exhibited and sold jewelry, ceramics, glass items, paintings, photography, and functional art along Hartz Avenue. This year, a number of new artists have been added to the regulars that residents seek out each year to find out what is new. Additionally, our own local vendors, restaurants and students will showcase their products and artwork. While the event will continue to offer the
contemporary crafts of the past, the new Summerfest will emphasize families and the activities the entire f a m i l y c a n e n j o y. O u r Classic Car Show (Sunday only) returns for those car enthusiasts. For the small fries, they can enjoy a train ride, pony ride, giant bungee jump and a petting zoo ( we a t h e r p e r m i t t i n g ) . A Dunk Tank fundraiser at the Vet’s Hall with local officials volunteering to get wet, also promises to be a big hit! K & B Cellars and Scott Bigelow of Boisset Wine Collection will offer on the street wine tasting of their award winning wines and talk about this year’s crop,
Danville Brewery and the Growler. McGah’s booth on E Prospect will also offer their latest tastings while being entertained by local bands. If you are interested in becoming a vendor of Summerfest please contact Jeff at info@ festivalproductions2.com for details and to reserve a space. This year’s Summerfest will have something for every member in your family. You can check out all the activities and get an event schedule at www.danvillesummerfest. com. The Summerfest is brought to the community by the Danville Chamber of Commerce.
valleysentinel.com
June 2018 Sponsored Content
Relief for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome By Dr. Niele Maimone, DC
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Carpal tunnel syndrome is pressure on the median nerve –the nerve in the wrist that supplies feeling and movement to parts of the hand. It can lead to numbness, tingling, weakness, or muscle damage in the hand and fingers. The median nerve provides feeling and movement to the “thumb side” of the hand (the palm, thumb, index finger, middle finger, and thumb side of the ring finger). The area in your wrist where the nerve enters the hand is called the carpal tunnel. This tunnel is normally narrow, so any swelling can pinch the nerve and cause pain, numbness, tingling or weakness. This is called carpal tunnel syndrome. Causes and risk factors Carpal tunnel syndrome is common in people who perform repetitive motions of the hand and wrist. Typing on a computer keyboard and using a mouse are the most common causes of carpal tunnel. Other causes include:
• Driving • Assembly line work • Painting • Writing • U s e o f t o o l s (especially hand tools or tools that vibrate) • S p o r t s s u c h a s racquetball or handball • Playing some musical instruments A number of medical conditions are associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, including: • C h r o n i c Inflammatory Conditions • Bone fractures and arthritis of the wrist • Diabetes • Alcoholism • Hypothyroidism • Menopause, PMS and Pregnancy • Infections • Obesity Symptoms • Numbness or tingling in the thumb and next two or three fingers of one or both hands • Numbness or tingling in the palm of the hand • Pain extending from the elbow • Pain in wrist or hand in one or both hands • P r o b l e m s w i t h
Alamo News Update What a Pill... By Steve Mick
I suppose that I’m like many people who have had various encounters with the medical or dental profession over the years. After these encounters, more often than not. I receive a prescription for antibiotics or pain killers. I am quite conscientious with regard to antibiotics. After all, the bottle warns you to take all the pills even though you may feel pretty good. This is done so that the therapeutic dose is kept high to ensure that any lingering bacteria or other bad guys are completely eradicated. However, pain killers are a different story. Many people do not use up the entire bottle and just put the rest of the bottle in the medicine cabinet. After a few years, the number of halffinished pain killers (both prescription and over-thecounter) may have grown
to alarming numbers. This is probably when it’s time to get rid of your outdated meds. But caution is advised and you really needed to learn about the medication drop-off and collection programs that are offered by various city and county agencies. In Alamo, the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Substation located at 150 Alamo Plaza, Suite C, (next to the Post Office) will accept unwanted m e d i c a t i o n s . Ta k e t h e pills out of the bottle and place them in a quart-size sealable plastic bag. Do not put syringes or needles in with the medications. Leave liquids in their bottles and put them in a sealable plastic bag. Re m o v e l a b e l s f r o m pill bottles or black out any personal information. Dispose of empty medication containers along with other recycling material. There are hazards a s s o c i a t e d w i t h ke e p i n g
fine finger movements (coordination) in one or both hands • Wasting away of the muscle under the thumb (in advanced or long-term cases) • W e a k g r i p o r difficulty carrying bags or opening a jar (a common complaint) • Weakness in one or both hands Class IV Laser Therapy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Up until recently the most common treatment for Carpal Tunnel has been the use of anti-inflammatories, p h y s i c a l t h e r a p y, w r i s t splinting and surgery. These treatments do not treat the cause but the symptoms only and are not always effective long-term. N o w, h o w e v e r, w e have a powerful, effective, non-invasive solution to reverse the cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. Ending the symptoms caused by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome requires stopping the cycle of inflammation at its source. Class IV laser therapy is an excellent method for this, because it is presently the only modality that can both reduce inflammation and
THE VALLEY SENTINEL heal tissue simultaneously. Laser treatments at Align Healing Center are done with the K-laser CUBE a Class IV Laser. This laser does not cut or burn but is gently a b s o r b e d by t h e t i s s u e. During Laser Therapy the infrared laser light interacts with tissues at the cellular level, increasing metabolic activity and improving the transport of nutrients across the cell membrane. This i n i t i a t e s t h e p ro d u c t i o n of cellular energy (ATP) that leads to a cascade of beneficial effects, increasing cellular function and health. Therefore, laser therapy creates an optimal healing environment that reduces i n f l a m m a t i o n , s we l l i n g , muscle spasms, stiffness and pain. As the injured area returns to normal, function and strength are restored and pain is relieved.
Relief is Possible! At Align Healing Center we are having great success treating carpal tunnel, plantar fasciitis, sciatica, shoulder and neck pain, migraines, arthritis, tendonitis, post surgical pain, sports injuries and more; even if it’s long-term residual pain. Ar¬thritis and degenerative disc disease sufferers can see long term benefits from this treatment without any of the negative side effects experienced with the long term use of medications. Dr. Niele Maimone, DC is the owner and founder of Align Healing Center in Danville, CA. She has been active in our natural health & wellness community since 1999. For more information or to set up a consult call 925.362.8283 or visit www. alignhealingcenter.com.
JRW CONSTRUCTION, INC. 381 Hartz Ave., Danville, Suite B phone 925.831.1615 fax 925.831.1643 lic. 694292
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medications in your home l o n g e r t h a n n e c e s s a r y. Abuse of prescription and non-prescription drugs by young adults is growing at an alarming rate. There is a chance that expired medications may be mistakenly used by seniors or be the cause of accidental poisoning of children. Finally, do not flush your medications down the toilet. Numerous studies have shown that this can be detrimental to aquatic life and can contaminate drinking water sources. Take a look and see if your medicine cabinet needs a spring cleaning. For more information, or visit http://www.centralsan. org/documents/Brochure_ Pharm.pdf Steve Mick is a long-time Alamo resident and is active in a number of community organizations. Among them are the Community Foundation of Alamo, the Exchange Club and the Alamo Municipal Advisory Council. You can reach Steve at steve@alamore.org.
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THE VALLEY SENTINEL June 2018
valleysentinel.com
Wedding Venues in the Regional Parks
By Beverly Lane, President, East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors
June is traditionally the month for weddings. And the East Bay Regional Park District offers a variety of beautiful settings, both indoors and outdoors, for the day of days. Probably the most popular indoor venue is the Brazilian Room at Tilden Regional Park near Berkeley. Originally the Brazilian government’s exhibit at the World’s Fair on Treasure Island in 1939, the building features beautiful wood paneling, a WPA-built stone exterior, and a patio with views across a spacious lawn to surrounding hills. However, the Brazilian Room tends to be booked for events months in advance. In fact Saturdays are booked through October 2019, though some Friday and Sunday dates
are still available. Other great indoor venues are the Beach House at Temescal Regional Recreation Area in Oakland, Fern Cottage at Kennedy Grove in El Sobrante, and the Shoreline Center at Martin Luther King, Jr. Regional Shoreline in Oakland. If you are planning an outdoor wedding, there are beautiful lawns and gardens at Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont. Other popular sites include Newt Hollow, a shady picnic area and small amphitheater at Briones Regional Park near Orinda; several picnic areas at Kennedy Grove; Lichen Bark picnic area at Del Valle Regional Park south of Livermore; and Loma Island at Contra Loma Regional Park in Antioch. There are also scenic picnic areas at Tilden Regional Park near Berkeley. And there are attractive sites at Redwood Regional Park in Oakland.
These are just a few of the venues available. A l l c a n b e re s e r ve d , o r more information can be obtained, by contacting the Park District’s Reservations Department at 888-327-2757, option 2. The reservations staff is always glad to help with information and recommendations. * * * T h e Pa r k D i s t r i c t ’ s Trails Challenge program is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. And it’s not too late to enroll in this free, self-guided, enjoyable way to explore new regional parks on foot, bicycle or horseback. While supplies last, the printed guidebook and T-shirt are available at Park District visitor centers, though you should call first to be sure. You can download the guidebook from the Park D i s t r i c t w e b s i t e, w w w. ebparks.org. Go to http:// www.ebparks.org/TC for more information and to use the AllTrails app. No registration is necessary. Just complete any five of the listed trails, or
Brazil Building in Tilden Park
26.2 miles of listed trails, and turn in your log to receive a commemorative pin. For an easy hike, check out the Meadowlark Ridge Loop at Waterbird Regional P re s e r ve o f f I - 6 8 0 n e a r Martinez. The Calaveras Ridge Trail at Dublin Hills Regional Park is a bit more strenuous. And for a really challenging trek, take on the Ringtail Cat/Madrone/ Las Trampas Ridge/Corduroy Hills loop at Las Trampas Regional Wilderness in San Ra m o n . Pa c k l u n c h a n d water for that one; it’s all steep up and down. * * * Apart from weddings, June brings all kinds of programs to the regional parks. For example, Outdoor
Discoveries is in session from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Mondays, June 11 and 18 at Sunol Regional Wilderness. It’s a pre-school and home school nature series led by naturalist Ashley Adams. Deer are the topic on June 11; the sun is featured on June 18. The programs are free, but registration is required. To register, call 888-327-2757. Select option 2 and refer to program 20705 for deer, 20708 for the sun. Or you can take Dad to Sunol for a 3.5-mile hike from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Father’s Day, June 17. Sunol is at the end of Geary Road off Calaveras Road, five miles south of I-680 near the town of Sunol. Call 510-544-3249 for information.
Rattlesnake Advisory:
Rattlesnake Safety in the Regional Parks
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Spring and Summer are active snake seasons in parks and open spaces. As the weather heats up, rattlesnakes especially become more active. They, like humans, like to explore when the weather gets warm. The East Bay Regional Park District is advising the public take snake safety precautions when visiting a Regional Parks. Safety Tips for Visiting Regional Parks: 1. Always hike with a friend so you can help each other in case of emergency. 2. Look at the ground ahead of you as you are walking. 3. L o o k c a r e f u l l y around and under logs and rocks before sitting down. 4. Avoid placing your hands or feet where you can’t see clearly. 5. Check the area around picnic tables, campsites, and barbecues before using them. If you encounter a rattlesnake in these areas, notify park staff. 6. Also bring plenty of water for yourself and your
pets as many parks do not have direct water supply. 7. Keep pets on the designated trails and away from snakes if they see one. What to Do If You See a Rattlesnake: Leave it alone. Do not try to capture or harm it. All park wildlife is protected by law. If you see a snake on a trail, wait for it to cross and do not approach. Then move carefully and slowly away. What to Do If Bitten by a Snake: 1. I f b i t t e n b y a rattlesnake, stay calm and send someone to call 911. Remain calm by lying down with the affected limb lower than the heart. If you are by yourself, walk calmly to the nearest source of help to dial 911. Do not run. 2. If bitten by any other kind of snake, leave the snake alone. Wash the wound with soap and water or an antiseptic and seek medical attention. 3. If you are not sure what kind of snake bit you, check the bite for two puncture marks (in rare cases one puncture mark) associated with intense,
burning pain. This is typical of a rattle snake bite. Other snakebites may leave multiple teeth marks without associated burning pain. Snakes are an important re s o u rc e i n t h e n a t u ra l environment. They are prime controlling agents of rodent, insect, and other reptile populations. They must be enjoyed from afar and left where they are found. It is illegal to collect, kill, or remove any plants or animals from the East Bay Regional Park District. Please help us to protect wildlife and their environment for present and future generations. Additional information available at www.ebparks.org/parks/ safety/#Snakes. The East Bay Regional Park District is a system of beautiful public parks and trails in Alameda and Contra Costa counties east of San Francisco Bay, established in 1934. The system comprises 121,000 acres in 73 parks including over 1,250 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding and nature learning.
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June 2018
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
page 7
Park District Named 2018 Why Meeting with a Financial Legacy Award Winner for Advisor is Scary Innovation by East Bay EDA By Robert Cucchiaro you invest client money”, now Sponsored Content
Four weeks ago I received a call from one of my client’s closest friends. She wanted to interview me and see if I could help her in the same way that I’ve helped her friend over the years. I agreed to meet with her and asked her to bring in her tax returns and copies of any recent investment or retirement account statements she had received. Two weeks later when we met I was shocked to find out that this person owned 11 annuities and 6 non-publicly traded REITs (Real estate investment trusts). I asked her how it came to be that she had invested such a large percentage of her net worth in these illiquid products and she said her financial advisor of 20+ years had recommended them. This woman knew that she had a financial advisor who focused on product and not planning and that’s why she made the appointment with me in the 1st place, but she truly MUSKRAT from page 1
vertically flattened tail which is unique to them and aids in swimming, compared to the beaver’s wide, dorsallyventrally flattened tail. The fur of Muskrats is short, thick, and reddish brown to black in color, turning to partly gray with age. The belly is countershaded a bit lighter in color. The two layered fur protects the Muskrat when in cold water. They can swim underwater for almost twenty minutes, close off their ears to keep the water out, and use their semi-webbed, hind feet and vertically flattened tail for propulsion. Muskrats, like seals and whales, are able to tolerate higher levels of carbon dioxide in their bodies. Muskrats are important to wetland ecology. Their populations fluctuate and are cyclic, usually over a six to ten year period. When abundant, Muskrats may selectively remove a significant amount of vegetation, thereby determining plant diversity. They play a major role in determining prairie wetland vegetation and their selective clearing provides habitat for
had no idea just how bad the advice she’d received over the years had been. In fact, she was ready to admit that though she signed reams of paper before investing in each of these, she never really understood what they were or how they worked, but she trusted her advisor. Unfortunately these stories are all too common in a world where financial advice is often “free” as long as the person giving it can get paid by the company whose product they are pushing. While I do not in any way blame this woman for not knowing, I asked her how much do you pay your advisor every year and she said “I don’t, I assume he gets paid by the insurance company but I have no idea how much.” Given that this happens all too often, I can completely understand why people are so reluctant to meet with a financial advisor for the 1st time. It’s the same reason I hate going to the car dealership. The good news here is that this story has a happy ending and it’s emblematic of the changes that are occurring in our industry today. The #1 question prospective clients ask me has changed over the years. It used to be “what’s your minimum” or “how do
it’s pretty consistently “are you a fiduciary”. I am proud to be able to answer this in the affirmative and hopefully start every relationship on a solid foundation. Today this client and I and are working with the insurance companies whose products she owns to figure out how/if we can unwind some of the ones that she never should have bought in the 1st place. If you have a bunch of accounts/products you’ve bought over the years and want a second opinion, or have been too scared to meet with a financial advisor (and justifiably so), give me a call or send me an email: 925-9271900 or rob@swrpteam.com Robert Cucchiaro is a Certified Financial Planner and owner of Summit Wealth & Retirement, a financial planning firm that has been serving Danville for over 30 years. Rob specializes in retirement, investment, tax, and estate planning. www. summitwealthandretirement. com
aquatic birds. Plant material comprises ninety-five percent of their diet. Preferred food includes cattails and the yellow pond lily, although clams, mussels, crayfish, frogs, fish, and turtles are sometimes eaten. The construction of canals and irrigation channels have created new habitat for Muskrats. They are able to tolerate sulfureous and semipolluted waters. Muskrats typically live in family groups consisting of a male and female pair with their young. They are prolific breeders, like most rodents, with females having two or three litters a year of six to eight young. They are mostly active at dusk, dawn, or night. In spring, fights over territory and potential mates often result in death or injury. Nests are constructed for protection against cold and predators. Six to eight inch underwater entrances to burrows and dens are constructed in the banks of streams, ponds, lakes, and marshes. In marshes, Muskrats build “push-ups”, which are mounds or lodges constructed of mud and vegetation. Some may be three feet tall and five feet in diameter. Feeding
platforms are sometimes built as well. Cooperative partnerships with beavers are formed in some areas. Muskrats are preyed upon by mink, otters, foxes, coyotes, bobcats, owls, eagles, and a variety of other predators The Muskrat has long been an important part of Indigenous Native American culture. Some predict winter snowfall levels by observing the timing and size of Muskrat lodge construction. In several creation myths, the Muskrat dives to the bottom of the primordial sea to bring up the mud from which the earth is created, after other animals have failed in the task. Muskrat fur is warm, becoming prime in December in North America. In the early twentieth century, Muskrat fur was an important industry, and often specially trimmed and dyed to be sold in the United States as “Hudson Seal” fur. Royal Canadian Mounted Police winter hats are made of Muskrat fur. James M. Hale is a wildlife biologist, ethnobiologist, and ecological consultant based in Contra Costa County. Please visit his website at www.dochale.com
Park District Innovative Since its Founding in 1934 During Great Depression receive this Legacy award
The East Bay Regional Pa r k D i s t r i c t h a s b e e n n a m e d t h e 201 8 L e g a cy Award Winner by East Bay Economic Development Alliance (East Bay EDA) at the annual Innovation Awards held in April at the Fox Oakland Theater. The Legacy Award recognizes organizations with a history of groundbreaking innovation in the East Bay. As the largest regional park agency in the United States, East Bay Regional Park District leaders have been innovating since its founding in 1934 in the depths of the Great Depression. In fact, it was during this tumultuous time that visionary leaders in Oakland and Berkeley initiated a campaign to tax themselves to create the park system – the very first o f m a ny i n n ova t i o n s by the East Bay Regional Park District. Today, the Park District is a national model of park management and environmental conservation consisting of 73 parks and over 121,000 acres across Alameda and Contra Costa counties, hosting 25 million visits annually – roughly the same amount of visitation that Disneyland gets annually! Innovation was part of the Park District’s founding, and it continues to be a driving force for how the Park District operates for today’s visitors and for future generations. “East Bay Regional Park District is a leader in so many areas among Special Districts and Park/Recreation sectors. We are always looking for ways to innovate. The Board of Directors is very proud to
d i s t i n c t i o n , ” s a i d Pa r k D i s t r i c t B o a rd P re s i d e n t Dennis Waespi. Some of the Park District’s innovative management lauded by the East Bay EDA include: • regional planning ensuring that corridors for wildlife and access to recreation are connected and park access is available within a 15 minute drive to all East Bay residents; • green transportation trail system helping kids and commuters get to school and work and out of their cars; • a d a p t i v e l a n d management and vigorous stewardship focus providing for healthy ecologically diverse habitats to thrive; • q u a n t i f i c a t i o n o f the economic impact to the communities provided by parks and trails; • c o n n e c t i o n s t o health and nature through partnerships with hospitals and healthcare providers; • continued investment in preparing the regional parks for changing climate and sea level rise along the shoreline; • a w a r d - w i n n i n g environmental education to families, youngsters and classrooms; • t r a n s p a r e n t governance, policy d eve l o p m e n t a n d f i s c a l oversight. The East Bay Regional Park District is a system of beautiful public parks and trails in Alameda and Contra Costa counties east of San Francisco Bay, established in 1934. The system comprises 121,000 acres in 73 parks including over1,250 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding and nature learning. For more information visit www.ebparks.org.
Summer Wellness page 8
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
June 2018
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Those that totreating treatingand andpreventing preventing to treating and preventing and preventing dental indiseases in a (925) 736-9000 dental diseases a friendly, s o m e t h i n g i n t h e m o u t h add grinding to their bad dental (925) 736-9000 dental diseases in a diseases friendly, in a friendly, 925-736-9000 (925) friendly, relaxed atmosphere. is 736-9000 relaxed atmosphere. ItItisisIt our relaxed atmosphere. our that interrupts this habit can habits can literally grind their relaxed atmosphere. It is our 3840 Blackhawk Road our philosophy to give each person philosophy totogive person 3840 Blackhawk Road 3840 Blackhawk Road 3840 Blackhawk Road teeth to the gum line. These giveeach each person philosophy tophilosophy give each person sometimes work. Suite 110 the same the respect, care andcare concern same respect, and Suite 110 110 the same respect, care and care the same respect, and Suite 110 Suite heavy forces can seriously There is no “one size concern thatwant we would wantasto Danville Danville that wethat would want Danville concern we would Danville concern thatto wetoreceive would want to Across(Across Blackhawkfrom Rd. as a patient. patients. fits all” orthotic (splint/ exacerbate damage to the Across BlackhawkAcross Rd. Blackhawk receive as areceive patient. Rd. receive as a patient. NINTH fromDraeger’s Draeger’s Market from Draeger’s Market Market) NINTH from Draeger’s Market night guard) that works for joints and disks. IfIf you have an aching tooth, want Ifanyou have an aching tooth, you have aching tooth, A major factor that causes If you have an aching tooth, everyone. One of my goals to maintain good wantyour to maintain your good want to maintain good dental wantyour to maintain your good bruxism/teeth grinding is in treatment is to diagnose health, are interested in interested improving dental are dental health, are health, interested dental health, are interested sleep apnea (OSA). OSA has your smile or just have questions in your improving your smile or justor in improving smile or just the underlying cause of why in improving your smile or just an effect on the brain, not have or concerns, concerns, please call our office. We have questions orquestions concerns, each patient has destructive have questions or concerns, call ourlook office. We look pleaseforward call please our office. We look to meeting you. letting it go into deep sleep please call our office. We look oral habits and work on forward to meeting forward you. to meeting you. forward to meeting you. t h e f a c t o rs c a u s i n g t h i s mode. The patient has to be Providing Full Service Dentistry the Entire Providing Full Service Dentistry For The for Entire Family Providing Full Service Dentistry For The EntireFamily Family dysfunction. Over the years, awake enough to prevent Providing Full Service Dentistry For The Entire Family WWW.pOrteOusFAMILYDeNtIstrY.coM www.PorteousFamilyDentistry.com WWW.pOrteOusFAMILYDeNtIstrY.coM working as a team with other suffocation. This shallow WWW.pOrteOusFAMILYDeNtIstrY.coM sleep mode results in restless sleep and bruxism. Part of my initial exam questionnaire contains the ARES test that is quite good at seeing the need for a sleep study. Most people go in for a study because Michael J. Tomcik, M.D., Board Certified Dermatologist of their partner that is kept awake with their snoring. I have found non-snoring We are pleased to announce: patients with acute OSA because the obstruction is below the tongue and palate where snoring occurs. With over 13 years of skin care and lasering There are many things experience, Tamar’s services include: that are indicators or red flags that a person may have OSA. IPL/BBL (Take out redness & sun damage) These include: scalloping/ Laser Hair Reduction tooth marks on the sides of the tongue; large tongue; Skin Tyte narrow arches; small mouth; Micro Laser Peels large neck; obesity; snoring; Microdermabrasion gasping; long soft palate; high blood pressure; insomnia; Peels/Facials depression; morning Jane Iredale Mineral Make-Up headaches and brain fog; excessive daytime sleepiness; heart disease; diabetes and stroke. A thorough review of their health history can Michael J. Tomcik, MD do wonders for a complete 101 Park Place, Suite 101 AdvAnced LAser Board Certified Dermatologist Over 35 years experience diagnosis. Don’t just use a skin cAre center San Ramon, CA 94583 101 Parknight Place guard for your clenching Medical Group, iNc. 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Treatment of the OSA using a proper, TMJ friendly dental appliance can not only bring the apnea under control, but can help to prevent any further damage t o t h e t e e t h a n d j o i n t s. One comment I get from my O SA p a t i e n t s i s t h a t before the appliance they rarely dreamed and could not remember their dreams. “Now my dreams are much better, they are in color and I remember a lot of detail.” One very important factor in the treatment of TMJ is that treatment of the bite by reconstructive dentistry, s u rg e r y, o r t h o d o n t i c s o r endodontics should not be attempted until a complete diagnosis has been made. I do not feel a diagnosis is possible unless obvious causes, like traumatic habits a n d t h e i r a c c o m p a ny i n g symptoms are eliminated. I have seen cases with root canals on many of the posterior teeth, none of which was necessary. The dentist treats the “tooth ache” by killing the nerve of the tooth, but the pain persists, so the dentist goes on to the next tooth and even the next. So, if your dentist has been d o i n g ro o t c a n a l s b a s e d on your symptoms of pain rather than what is obvious in an x-ray, question that treatment. It may be deferred TMJ nerve pain instead. If that is the case, even if the tooth was extracted, the pain would still be present. The same nerves that supply the muscles that are used for clenching or grinding also supply the teeth. The nerve pain can imitate a toothache and was described by Janet Travelle, MD in her book “Myofacial Pain and Dysfunction, The Trigger Point Manual”. If you have symptoms of TMD or OSA, please visit: www.aodtc.com to learn more and to contact me. Dr. Robert Brown can be reached at Advanced Oral Diagnosis & Treatment Center located at 400 El Cerro Blvd., Suite #105 in Danville, or by calling for an appointment at 925-8378048.
valleysentinel.com
June 2018
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
page 9
A Moving Tribute to Those Who Died Serving our Country By Denise Rousset
On Monday May 28, The Vietnam Veterans of Diablo Valley presented the annual Memorial Day Ceremonies,
where hundreds gathered at Oak Hill Park to remember those who sacrificed and died in service of the United States.
Kicking off at 10:30, the Danville Community Band gave a concert with traditional and patriotic music, also representing
each branch of our military, as each flag was presented and honored. Speaking was Danville Mayor Newell Arnerich followed by Gary Villalba. Emceeing the event was Richard Lambert. I would like to mention that the All Wars Memorial Foundation Board of Directors has released an additional 637 pavers to be sold in Phase II at the All Wars Memorial. These commemorative pavers provide an opportunity to remember and honor a loved one who has fought in battle and those patriots who have supported the cause of serving our Country.
For more information on the paver program please contact John Reese at (925) 323-4462 or visit the website at www.AllWarsMemorial. org.
Make Your House a smart Home!
June in the Contra Costa Garden By the Contra Costa Master Gardeners
June Garden To Dos General Garden Care Adjust your irrigation as needed, or invest in a smart controller. June has the highest evapotranspiration (ET) rates! Protect your skin. There’s lots of sun now, so wear a hat and keep some sunscreen on! Garden in the early morning and late afternoon taking advantage of all of the light. Keep yourself and your plants hydrated. Think fire safety! Prune branches well away from your home and roof. Aim for 15’ of clearance. Clear dried brush and grass. Compost all dried plant material. Add mulch—mulches need to be 3-4” deep to be effective in moderating soil temperature, reducing weed germination and reducing water loss. Organic mulches decompose and help build a healthy soil environment too. Turn compost piles and keep moist. Mow lawns frequently. Keep mower blades sharp to avoid damaging the grass. Renew (if needed) ant and/ or yellow-jacket bait stations.
Fruits & Vegetables Care for fruit trees. Thin fruit 4-5” apart when small. Remove suckers from fruit trees. Plant summer vegetables from starts. Beans and corn can be planted from seed. Remove suckers from tomatoes and stake. Harvest herbs prior to flowering. Pinch back basil regularly to prevent bolting (flowering). Flowers & Landscaping P i n c h b a c k chrysanthemums, marguerites. Remove spent flowers of roses, rhododendrons, camellias. Divide Iris clumps if over 3 years of age. Remove suckers from rose rootstocks. Fertilize if needed. The pH of city water tends to be high; you may need chelated nutrients for your acid-loving plants. Garden Pests Trap earwigs if they are damaging your vegetables and tender ornamentals. Roll up newspapers and leave near problem plants. In the morning, tap the earwigs in the newspaper
into soapy water or feed to the chickens. Remember that earwigs will also eat aphids & scale. Spray roses, if needed, for foliar diseases such as blackspot, powdery mildew, or rust. A simple mixture is 3-4 teaspoons Volck oil and 3-4 teaspoons of baking soda in 1 gallon of water. Mix well and spray to cover all foliage. Check apples and related Pome tribe members for fire blight. Check trees for scale crawlers. Sprays are effective when crawlers are visible. Use horticultural oil. Check the crowns of Prunus species (apricots, peaches, nectarines, plums) for signs of frass, which indicates borers. Paint the trunks of young trees with a 1:1 mixture of white or light-colored latex paint and water to prevent sunburn and reduce borer damage. Free paint is available at the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility in Martinez. Master Gardeners are trained volunteers for the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE). For more information visit ccmg.ucdavis.edu.
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Medicare and Osteoporosis By Greg Dill
Brittle bones could shatter your life. E v e r y y e a r, m o r e Americans are diagnosed with osteoporosis, a disease that causes bones to weaken and become more likely to break. You may not know that you have this “silent” disease until your bones are so weak that a sudden strain, bump, or fall causes your wrist to break or your hip to fracture. Medicare can help you prevent or detect osteoporosis at an early stage, when treatment works best. Ta l k t o y o u r d o c t o r about getting a bone mass measurement. If you’re at risk, Medicare Part B covers this test once every 24 months (more often if medically necessary) when your doctor or other qualified provider orders it. A bone mass measurement test helps to see whether you have osteoporosis or should be concerned about your bones. Some people call this test a bone mineral density (BMD) test. A BMD test uses a special machine to measure the amount of bone mineral you have in a certain area of bone. Bone density testing can be done on different bones of your body, including your hip, spine, forearm (between the wrist and elbow), wrist, finger or heel.
valleysentinel.com
June 2018
A BMD test is safe and painless, and it provides important information about yo u r b o n e h e a l t h . Yo u r healthcare provider uses this information to make recommendations to help you protect your bones. If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, your healthcare provider may order laboratory and other tests. These tests can help your healthcare provider find out if you have another medical condition causing bone loss. Who’s eligible for the bone test? All qualified people with Part B who are at risk for osteoporosis and meet one or more of these conditions: • A woman whose doctor determines that she is both estrogen deficient and at risk for osteoporosis; • A person whose X-rays show possible osteoporosis, osteopenia, or vertebral fractures; • A person taking prednisone or steroid-type drugs or is planning to begin this treatment; • A person who has been diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism; • A person who is being monitored to see if their osteoporosis drug therapy is working. You pay nothing for a bone density test if your doctor or other qualified health care provider accepts Medicare payment rates for his or her services and agrees not to bill you for anything other than the Medicare deductible or coinsurance. Osteoporosis and the broken bones it can cause are
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not part of normal aging. And there’s a lot you can do to protect your bones throughout your life. You’re never too young or too old to improve the health of your bones. Osteoporosis prevention should begin in childhood. But it shouldn’t stop there. Whatever your age, the habits you adopt now can affect your bone health for the rest of your life. Now is the time to take action. What can you do to protect your bones? Get enough calcium and vitamin D and eat a wellbalanced diet.
Engage in regular exercise. Eat foods that are good for bone health, such as fruits and vegetables. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol to 2-3 drinks per day. Medicare defines medically necessary services and supplies as those needed to diagnose or treat an illness, injury, condition, disease, or its symptoms and that meet accepted standards of medical care. Your doctor or other health care provider may recommend you get services more often than Medicare covers. Or they may recommend services that Medicare doesn’t cover. If this
happens, you may have to pay some or all of the costs. Ask questions so you understand why your doctor is recommending certain services and whether Medicare will pay for them. Here’s a short video so you can learn more about h ow M e d i c a re c a n h e l p you protect your bones: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=kw81xi_njN4 Greg Dill is Medicare’s regional administrator for Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and the Pacific Territories. You can get answers to your Medicare questions by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1800-633-4227).
Rotary Club of Alamo Honors Outstanding Educators and Students Friends and family were
R e c i p i e n t s o f t h e invited to the May 23rd One of the Rotary Club of Alamo’s most rewarding and Outstanding Educator of the awards luncheon at Round inspiring annual programs is Year Award were Shawna Meyer, Hill Country Club and over 75 the awards the Club presents Alamo Elementary School; Marie people where in attendance to the Educators of the Year Graham-Tyler, Lucille Mauzy to help congratulate these and Students of the Year from School; Allie Raney, Rancho outstanding educators and six local schools, including Romero Elementary School; students of the year. The Rotary Club of Alamo Alamo Elementary School, Amelia Caldwell, Stone Valley was founded on May 7, 1971 Rancho Romero Elementary Middle School; Beverly Davies, and has 50 members. The School, Lucille Mauzy School, Monte Vista High School; and major activities ongoing at the Stone Valley Middle School, Shiris Kamal, San Ramon Valley club include: Monte Vista High School, and High School. • Support for San Ramon Valley two RotaCare clinics High School. that provide free health The Educator of care for uninsured and the Year Award under-served adults recognizes with acute or chronic the personal medical conditions in commitment our community. that the recipient • Cash and demonstrates volunteer time for on a day-by-day Meals on Wheels. basis, despite all • Renovations at the challenges. the East Bay Crisis Teachers select L to R: Educator of the Year Marie Graham-Tyler, Lucille Nursery. the students of Mauzy School; Educator of the Year Beverly Davies, Monte • Renovations at the year based Vista High School; Student of the Year Chrysta Tsaklanos, the Choice in Aging Lucille Mauzy School; Student of the Year Jillian Caple, on academics, San Ramon Valley High School; Teach of the Year Amelia Adult Day Care in school activities Caldwell, Stone Valley Middle School; Student of the Year Pleasant Hill. and community Brennan Finder, Stone Valley Middle School; Educator • S u p p o r t service. of the Year Shawna Mayer, Alamo Elementary School; for two Cub Scout The Rotary Student of the Year Natalie Shepherd, Rancho Romero Club of Alamo has Elementary School; Educator of the Year Shirin Kamal, San troops. • Support for been sponsoring Ramon Valley High School; and Sumedha Dolan, Mother of a water-harvesting t h e E d u c a t o rs Student of the Year Liam Dolan, Alamo Elementary School. project in Tanzania. and Students of Not pictured are Student of the Year Liam Dolan, Alamo Elementary School; Educator of the Year Allie Raney, • Contributions the Year Award Rancho Romero Elementary School; and Student of the t o the Rotary program for Year Karalyn Sawchuk, Monte Vista High School. International End over 30 years. Polio campaign. Outstanding Students of the Each year the Club is able to • School dictionaries recognize and congratulate Year who were honored include distribution to third grade these outstanding Educators Liam Dolan, Alamo Elementary students. and Students of the Year along School; Chrysta Tsaklanos, • S u p p o r t f o r t h e with their parents, grandparents Lucille Mauzy School; Natalie Wheelchair Foundation. and friends. In addition, each Shepherd, Rancho Romero • Roadside cleanup and educator and student received Elementary School; Brennan certificates of commendation Finder, Stone Valley Middle beautification in Alamo. The Club meets at 12:15 from Senator Steven Glazer, School; Karalyn Sawchuk, p.m. on every Wednesday at Assemblywoman Catherine Monte Vista High School; and Round Hill Country Club, 3169 Baker and Contra Costa County Jillian Caple, San Ramon Valley Round Hill Road, Alamo. Supervisor Candace Andersen. High School.
valleysentinel.com
June 2018
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
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Danville Oaks Rugby Club Wins National Danville’s Youth Police meters from the goal line. The Championship blank lineout, with a knock- Irish reversed field with a long Academy Begins June 11
The Danville Oaks Rugby Club of Danville, California knocked off defending champion Royal Irish of Indiana to win the Boys High School Rugby National Club Championships Saturday May 19th at the Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City, MO. The Oaks had previously defeated South Bay (CA) 52-21 in the quarterfinals and Granite Bay (CA) 34-14 in the semifinals to punch their ticket to the Championship game. Royal Irish had won the national title four out of the last six years and produced another top-notch performance through the weekend. The game was tied 15-15 at full time, but the Oaks flooded the try zone in the first few minutes of extra time to win 27-15. The Irish got on the board first through the boot of David Hannon, who slotted an early penalty. The Oaks responded through Luke Freeman in the corner, taking a 5-3 lead. The Irish then squandered a prime attacking platform, a point-
on meters from pay dirt. The Oaks weathered the storm and reversed field before center Jason Severance punched in a try, giving Danville a 10-3 lead. An uncharacteristic unforced error deep in the Irish end gave Danville another scoring opportunity with a scrum about 20 meters out. The Oaks spun the ball to Severance, who shot a gap between the Irish centers to secure a double. The Irish scored through center Jackson Sherby to pull it closer right before halftime, crossing over just after Danville was pinged for not releasing an Irish ball carrier in the tackle. Danville led 15-10 at the break. Early in the second half, an over-the-shoulder Danville tackle led to an Irish score. Jack Kafka dotted it down in the left corner, giving Hannon a shot at goal he couldn’t convert and leaving the game tied. Danville nearly scored off an attacking lineout, but the Irish ripped the ball from the grasp of a Danville ball carrier
breakaway down the center of the field. The Oaks caught up but were penalized in the tackle area, giving the Irish a shot at goal. The would-be game winner was no good. They’d miss another difficult kick at the death, forcing extra time. The defending champs went immediately on the attack, penetrating the Danville 22 before being tackled into touch. Cal Liebowitz made the gutsy call for a quick lineout deep in his own end and transitioned the ball to Freeman, who scorched 80 meters for the go-ahead. The conversion was good by Austin Arends, giving Danville a 22-15 lead with about seven minutes left in extra time. The Oaks immediately went on the attack again after the kickoff, and Freeman again tested the Irish defense. This time he switched with Jack Slimm, who dove over for the death knell score. Arends kicked the tough conversion to make it 29-15. The Irish couldn’t muster a miracle comeback.
FORE! Danville’s Rising Junior Golf Star Congratulations to our own Danville resident, sixth grader Joshua Kim (age 11), who attends Sycamore Valley Elementary School, and will represent Northern California at The 50th Annual IMG Junior World Championships at Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, CA on July 9-13, 2018. This young golfer has big dreams and is doing everything he can to make those dreams come true. On May 5, 2018 at Haggin Oaks Golf Course in Sacramento, he competed against the top junior golfers in the state and secured one of two spots allocated for this region by shooting an impressive 71 (1 under par). It should be noted that this will not be his first international competition. Last summer, Joshua represented
the Bay Area and the USA at The 2017 US Kids World Championships at Pinehurst Golf Course in North Carolina. Over the past year, Joshua has won 10 tournaments on the junior golf circuits and more recently won the US Kids Monterey Fall Tour and US Kids Bay Area Tour Champion titles. He will once again represent his country at the 2018 US Kids World Championships at Pinehurst Golf Course on August 1-3, 2018. More recently, he has won back-to-back tournaments on the highly competitive Bay Area Junior Golf Tour at Canyon Lakes Golf Course on May 6, and at Redwood Canyon Golf Course on May 20, 2018. Joshua’s biggest fans are his parents, Peter and Gina Kim, and younger sister Lauren
(age 8), who have become his drivers, coach, caddy, and support in all his practices and tournaments. “His success has not come without countless hours at the driving range and at golf courses,” said Peter Kim. So far Joshua has been able to find balance while managing to perform well at school and still have time for other activities such as playing the violin and singing in chorus in his school’s music program, and just being a kid with his neighborhood friends”, said his father. “With golf, I not only enjoy playing the game, especially putting... but I also learned to be more focused not only in competition, but in everything else I do such as school and spending time with God. All I can do is to prepare myself the best way that I can and see how I do. My dad always says that the most important thing is not winning, but to always try my best and have fun doing it!,” Joshua said. He says that he aspires to earn a golf scholarship and play collegiate golf. “At such a young age, Joshua knows the value of hard work, dedication and how to take ownership of his success,” says his father Peter Kim. “These are vital character traits to succeed, not just in golf, but in the future as adults. His golf journey shows all of us parents that we have to give our children the opportunities to learn, grow and thrive, so that they can chase their dreams and make them come true,” he said.
DPD Program gives high schoolers at look at policing Classes are the week of Applications are currently available for the Danville Police Department’s summer Yo u t h P o l i c e A c a d e m y p ro g ra m . I n t h i s we e k long program, high school aged teens will have the opportunity to get a look behind the scenes at the life of a law enforcement officer. Students will learn about the law, search and seizure, investigative techniques, officer safety, use of force, and traffic stops. In addition, the students will spend time with a group of students visiting from Malaysia. There will be an opportunity for them to learn about law enforcement in another country, and how it compares to the United States.
June 11, 2018 and run from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Monday – Friday. Interested students can obtain an application online at www.danville.ca.gov/ youthpoliceacademy or by reaching out to School Resource Officers Darren Alcantara and Kyle Rhoton. Officer Alcantara can be reached at (925) 314-3714 o r d a l c a n t a ra @ d a n v i l l e. ca.gov. Officer Rhoton can be reached at (925) 314-3713 or krhoton@danville.ca.gov. For more information on the Academy program, contact School Program Coordinator Lauren Brown at (925) 314-3715 or lbrown@ danville.ca.gov.
ATHLETES from page 1
“We congratulate and salute all four nominated a t h l e t e s, ” s a i d c l u b c o president, Robert Combs. “The Rotary Club of Danville is always honored to sponsor t h e O u t s t a n d i n g Fe m a l e At h l e t e o f Ye a r awa rd s, as well as several other programs that recognize the achievements of our local youth. These young people represent the next generation of community leaders who exemplify Rotary’s values of leadership, dedication and community service.” T h e Ro t a r y C l u b o f Danville Rotary is an organization of local business, professional and community leaders committed to the ideal of service above self. It is united worldwide to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and help build goodwill and peace in the world. The Rotary Club of Danville is the oldest Rotary Club in the San Ramon Valley. Danville Rotary is dedicated to serving the community with philanthropic projects, programs to improve the lives of the less fortunate and a variety of youth awards and scholarships. Members believe in giving sweat equity as well as providing financial support for local and international service projects. All meetings are open to guests and prospective members are welcome. For more information see www. danvillerotary.org
Neach was selected for the honor from a field of three other candidates representing four Tri-Valley area high schools. Runnerup nominees were: Lauren Indart (Water Polo) Monte Vista High School; Alyssa Brewer (Track and Field), California High School and Megan Hooks (STUNT), D o u g h e r t y Va l l e y H i g h School. Each candidate was nominated by their schools’ coaches and athletic directors and were selected based on their accomplishments and honors in their sports, their leadership qualities and their service to the community. “ We a n n u a l l y h o n o r outstanding female athletes that personify excellence in athletics, leadership and community service” said Danville Rotary President, Tammy Mercado. “These young women are excellent role models for all female athletes, regardless of their age.” The athletes were recognized at a recent Danville Rotary Club luncheon attended by their coaches, school officials and parents. Neach’s name will be inscribed on a perpetual trophy that will be housed at San Ramon Valley High School for the next year. Each nominee received an engraved Tiffany necklace and each school’s athletic department received a monetary donation from the Rotary Club of Danville.
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For additional Community Events visit: www.ValleySentinel.com Please email information about your events to info@valleysentinel.com June 9 San Ramon Kids Carnival 9:30am-12:00pm Come one, come all! The Carnival is a family friendly event for all ages held at the San Ramon Central Park BBQ Area. There will be games, prizes, face painting, balloon animals, and more! For more information or to register, visit srpc.org. June 10 Alamo Run 7:30am – sign up, Walk/Run at 8:30am: Come out and enjoy this 5K/10K ‘Family Fun Raiser” in Downtown Alamo. This is a family and pet friendly event. Great prizes, lots of categories, free shirt for every runner. Benefitting Mt. Diablo Peace & Justice Center. Sign up at alamorun.org, or email us at margli@ourpeacecenter.org. call for more information at (925) 933-7850 June 14 Bishop Ranch Health & Wellness Event Get ready to feel great this summer! Dozens of vendors wll be at Bishop Ranch to share the very latest health, diet, and exercise information. Enjoy healthy refreshments, great giveaways, and prize drawings. Attendees can also purchase a unique and delicious lunch from the Food Truck Mafia lineup. 2603 Camino Ramon, San Ramon. For more information, call (925)-543-0100. June 17 Blackhawk Museum: Father’s Day Car Show & Brunch 8am-12pm Car Show registration starts at 7am. Car entry registration is $30 day of show. Bring a collectible, rod, classic, or muscle car to the Blackhawk Museum for this special event. Drivers receive free admission to the museum and a goodie bag. Live music is a given, provided by Juke Joint. Then brunch is served by Scott’s catering, so make your reservation at blackhawkadmin@scottswc.com. For more information, visit http://blackhawkmuseum.org/fathers-day-2018. June 21 Irrigation Methods for Today’s Climate 6-8pm Water conservation is crucial, but irrigation choices can be overwhelming. Samanntha Rodriguez demystifies various methods of irrigation, including PVC, drip, wicking or self-watering, olla pots, and gravity feed from barrels. In this workshop you’ll have opportunities for hands-on exploration of the equipment, and get answers to all your questions. Workshop takes place at Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center, 315 Cortsen Rd., Pleasant HIll. Event organized by Sustainable Contra Costa. $25 fee. Pre- Registration recommended, at www.sustainablecoco.ning.com
supervision of our clinical psychologists. To request this service, please call us at 925-933-0107 and ask to speak with our program director, Margaret Stauffer, LMFT. Hope Hospice seeking volunteers Hope Hospice is currently looking for individuals who are interested in volunteering to assist hospice patients and their families. Volunteer opportunities include; Home Care; Cosmetology; Healing Touch; Reiki; Massage Therapy; Vocalists. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, contact Jill Biggs, RN, at 925-829-8770. 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. Alamo Farmer’s Market Every Sunday, Year round 9am-2pm, rain or shine. Fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables, nuts, local honey, live music, delicious varieties of hummus with fresh pita and pita chips. Located in the Alamo Plaza Shopping Center, at Stone Valley Road and Danville Blvd., with convenient parking. 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 Buy fresh, seasonal produce directly from local farmers at San Ramon Farmers Market. Connect with your community while shopping at a festive gathering place with live music! www.SanRamonFarmersMarket.org. Bishop Ranch 3, 2641 Camino Ramon, San Ramon. Canine Companions for Independence Puppy Class each Saturday 10-11am. Become a puppy raiser! The East Bay Miracles Chapter invites you to help train puppies to become assistant dogs for children and adults with disabilities. Athenian High School, 2100 Mt. Diablo Scenic Blvd., Danville. Information: 925-838-3213, cci.org/ eastbaychapter
June 23-24 Danville Summerfest 2018 10am-5pm Come join in the fun at the Danville Summerfest, in Historic Downtown Danville with Arts and Crafts, Music, Food and much more! Over 150 Artisans, live entertainment, family activities, beer & wine, with a student art exhibit and classic car show on Sunday. For more information call the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce at (925) 837-4400.
Forest Home Farms Historic Park & Glass House Museum– open for Fun on the Farm Every Saturday 11am-2pm. Enjoy tours of the Glass House Museum, the farm and its history. Tours are $5 per person, or $8 for both tours on the same day. 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon. Information: 925973-3284 or visit www.sanramon.ca.gov.
July 4 Danville Independence Day Parade 9-11:30am Kick off Independence Day at Danville’s 4th of July Parade. This festive, hometown event attracts over 40,000 attendees each year including local residents, family, friends, and flag-wavers from the Bay Area and beyond. Park yourself curbside and cheer on the bands, gymnasts, Scouts, and other community organizations from San Ramon Valley High School to Sycamore Valley Road.
Saturday without Reservations at the Tao House Every Saturday 10am, 12pm, and 2pm. Come explore this National Historic Site in Danville. Catch the shuttle at the bus stop in front of the Museum of the San Ramon Valley, 205 Railroad Ave. www.EugeneOneill.org
July 4 July 4th Outdoor Concert 5-8pm Celebrate the 4th of July and the City of San Ramon’s 35th Anniversary with a free concert featuring the Michael Jackson Tribute Band: Foreverland. The evening will begin with patriotic music from the San Ramon Symphonic Band and include part hats, anniversary cake, and free crafts for kids. Come and join at the San Ramon Central Park Amphitheater (12501 Alcosta Boulevard, San Ramon) from 5pm to 8pm. For more information, visit sanramon.ca.gov. July 10 Aloha Golf Tournament: Calling All Golfers! Blackhawk Country Club, 599 Blackhawk Club Drive, Danville Scramble Format, Hole Sponsorships, Raffle Prizes, Putting Contests & more....$199 Individual, $795 Foursome. Early Bird Discount by June 10. $185 Individual, Foursome $750, Includes: Cart, SWAG bag, BBQ lunch & gourmet dinner. For Registration Form, Sponsorship Opportunities and more information, call the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce at (925) 837-4400. This is a fun day to highlight your business! ONGOING Special Services for Children with Cancer and Their Families Cancer Support Community offers short-term counseling (12 to 20 sessions) at no cost to children with cancer and their families. Counseling can be for the family, siblings, and/or kids coping with cancer. Counseling is provided by doctoral interns or post doctoral fellows under the
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. The Danville Area Senior Hikes (DASH) is open to all adults and meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month. The group starts at 8:45am at Osage Park, 816 Brookside Drive, Danville and returns about 1pm. Information: 925-314-3400 or visit www.ci.danville.ca.us/Recreation/Seniors/ Senior_Hiking. San Ramon Seniors The following events are held at the Alcosta Senior & Community Center, 9300 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon, unless otherwise noted. For more information call 925-973-3250 or visit www.sanramon.ca.gov/ parks/programs/ages55+.htm. Wisdom Wednesdays: 10:30am-12pm. Free workshops and informational sessions that will benefit you. They will give you free access to coffee, knowledge and a better understanding of important issues. Information: 925-973-3250.
Trips Trip Desk is open Tuesdays from 10am-1pm. Sign up for trips at the travel desk or by depositing payment with registration form in the gold drop box found at the main entryway. Information: 925-973-3250. Wednesday Morning Hikes (time and location varies) Join the San Ramon Trailblazers if you are interested in meeting new people, enjoying the outdoors, having fun and getting in shape. To find out the exact meeting location, please call the Senior Center at 925-973-3250 or email trailblazer88@comcast.net. Page Turners Senior Book Group Third Tuesday of the month 1:30pm. Drop in–all are welcome! Copies of this month’s book are on reserve for you at the Dougherty Station Library Front Desk. Book group meets at Alcosta Senior and Community Center, 9300 Alcosta Blvd. Information: Carol Yuke, Adult Services Librarian. 925-973-2850. BUSINESS June 14 After Hours Business Mixer 5:30-7pm. Join the Danville area Chamber of Commerce and the local business community at the June After Hours Business Mixer to be held at Auburn Lounge with Patelco Credit Union, located at 321 Hartz Ave, in downtown Danville Refreshments, Networking, and New Faces! Members $5, Non-members, $10. For more information call the Chamber at (925) 837-4400. June 20 Business Master Mind Class For Women Entrepreneurs-Walnut Creek 6-8pm. Join us for our ongoing meeting of Women Business Owners in Walnut Creek. Get together to network and support each other on the journey of Entrepreneurship. Whether you are just starting your business or have an existing one, this venue can be a great place to learn how to grow your business in the company of other peers like yourself. We will present a different business topic each month, (marketing, branding, financials, taxes, growth strategies and more), with opportunity for discussion, problem-solving and support. Held at Intero Real Estate Services, 590 Ygnacio Valley Rd., Ste. 102, Walnut Creek. Call for info, Mari Lovalvo at 925 437 3303. June 21 Third Thursday Mixer and Ribbon Cutting 5:30-7pm Please join us for our Third Thursday Mixer in San Ramon, with Family Matters (celebrating her 5 years in business) and co-hosted by Food Service Technology Center! The Center is located at 12949 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon. Meet other business owners for an opportunity to network and make your business more visible. Pricing: $5 for Members and $20 for Non-Members. No RSVP Required. Checks and Cash only please. June 26 Website Building Basics-Building And Publishing Your Very Own Website 9am-12pm This inspiring and interactive 1-day workshop is suitable for any level of experience or ability. This workshop is designed to introduce you to building and publishing your very own website. Bring your laptop to this workshop for an interactive session and learn; What is Wordpress - Introduction, Setting up a Wordpress Website,Themes, Plugins, Menus, How to create or edit pages, How to create or edit blogs articles, Security, Performance and Backup, And so much more. For more info. Call Oscar Dominguez at (925) 602-6806. Contra Costa SBDC, 300 Ellinwood Way, Bodega Room, Pleasant Hill. FREE June 28 Walnut Creek Business and Social Hour (BASH) 5:30-7pm. Join the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce for the June BASH & Grand Premiere Ribbon Cutting and Ceremony hosted by Holiday Inn Express in Walnut Creek, located at 2730 N. Main Street in Walnut Creek. Catering by Mary’s Pizza Shack. Free to all Walnut Creek Chamber Members; Non-member admission is $20.00 (cash only) and a business card. The BASH is a great opportunity to network with Chamber members, government officials, educators and local businesses. BNI Every Thursday Noon-1:30pm. We are actively looking for new members to refer business to in the trades. We need a plumber, electrician, handyman and cleaning service but are also looking for other professions like property manager, event planner and many others. Mo Mo’s Restaurant, 1444 North California Blvd., Walnut Creek. 925-330-8275 or david@staff. webquarry.com BBR-Partners for Success 1st and 3rd Tuesdays 12-1pm. One of the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce’s successful Business by Referral groups, Partners for Success meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month to provide concrete business leads to one
Please email your calendar events to the Sentinel at Info@valleysentinel.com by 5pm on the 20th of the month preceding publication month. Inclusion in the calendar pages is at the sole discretion of Sentinel Newspapers, Inc.
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THE VALLEY SENTINEL
Community Calendar continued from page 12 another. Chamber Conference Room, 117 E Town & Country Drive, Danville. www.danvilleareachamber.com BBR-Sunrise Alliance 2nd and 4th Wednesdays 7:30-8:30am. One of the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce’s successful Business by Referral groups, Sunrise Alliance meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month to provide concrete business CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS California Writers Club: 11am-2pm. Publisher Brooke Warner will discuss “An Exploration of Hybrid Publishing ”at the June 9 meeting of the Mt. Diablo Branch of the California Writers Club (CWC) at Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant, 611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. Sign-in is from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, luncheon 12:00 pm to 12:45, including a short business meeting, and speaker from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Registration is $25 for CWC members, $30 for guests. Reservations at https://cwcmtdiablo.org/ current-cwc-mt-diablo-meeting. ADAS (Alamo Danville Artist Society) monthly meeting 7:30pm. June 12th, Karen Leoni Oil/ Pastel Painter Join us for our June 12th meeting with oil painter KAREN LEONI Alamo Women’s Club, 1401 Danville Blvd., Alamo. For more information visit www.adas4art.org/monthly-meeting. Alamo Danville Newcomers Club 10am-Noon. Are you a new resident of Danville, Blackhawk, Diablo or Alamo, a longtime resident, newly retired or empty nester interested in making new friends and participating in various social activities? The Alamo Danville Newcomers Club is a women’s organization, whose purpose is to enrich the lives of all its members and their families in a sociable manner. Visit www. alamodanvillenewcomers.com Danville Veteran Service Organizations 8am-11am. Every Saturday at Veterans Memorial Building of San Ramon Valley – in Danville – the VSOs jointly host a “Veterans Coffee Social” from 8AM until 11AM… Bring a friend or fellow Veteran and show them the museum - share some social time. Drop In - no reservations – all Veterans welcome… stop for a few minutes - or stay for hours! WW II Vet & Senior Docent Art Gaskns has pastries waiting for you! Please share information about our VMB /SRV Military Museum & Library open daily M-F from 9-3 and it’s free! Tri-Valley Fly Fishers Visitors welcome. Meetings feature speakers who share their knowledge of the sport. Held at 7:00 PM on the first Thursday of every month, September through June at the Livermore-Pleasanton Rod and Gun Club, 4000 Dagnino Road, Livermore, CA 94551. Information: email Roger Perry at President@ Tri-valleyflyfishers.org Da n v i l l e - Ala m o - Wa ln u t C r e e k Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Advances equity for women and girls. AAUW membership is open to all graduates of accredited four year colleges or universities and those holding an Associate Degree. For information contact Soni at 286-1737 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 RECURRING Mondays: The Walnut Creek Garden Club 9:45am The Walnut Creek Garden Club meets on the second Monday of each month at The Gardens at Heather Farm in the Camellia Room. The center is just off Ygnacio Valley Road at 1540 Marchbanks Drive. Call 925-947-1678 for directions. The business meeting is at 9:45am, socializing time is at 10am, and the program is at 11am. Contact mslittle44@gmail.com for more information. You do not need to be a gardener to join the WCGC! Sons In Retirement (Las Trampas Branch) Monthly Luncheon 11:15am. Meets the third Monday of each month, except for May and December. Make new friends and participate in fun activities. Make $25 luncheon reservations by calling 925-322-1160 by the preceding Wednesday. The Clubhouse at Boundary Oak, 3800 Valley Vista Road, Walnut Creek. Information: visit www.branch116.org. Danville Rotary 12pm. Meets every Monday. Black Bear Diner, 807 Camino Ramon, Danville. Information: danvillerotary.org. San Ramon Alzheimer Support Group 7-9pm. Meets the second Monday of each month, except on holidays. Sponsored by the Alzheimer Association. Caregivers of Alzheimer victims can get information on how to help them through this difficult time in life. San Ramon Senior & Community Center, 9300 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon. Information: 925-973-3250 Tuesdays: TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) We meet every Tuesday at St. Timothy’s Office Building, Grace House, Basement 1550 Diablo Rd. Danville CA Our hours: Weigh in 8:15am, meeting is 9:30 - 10:30am. We are a weight loss club. Information, please call Mary Stoneburner, at (925) 837-1882 Danville am Toastmasters 7-8:30am. Want to improve your speaking and presentation skills? Toastmasters can help! Meets every Tuesday in downtown Danville. www.4143.toastmastersclubs.org Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary 7am. Meets every Tuesday morning. Crow Canyon Country Club, Danville. Information: dsvrotary.com. Diablo View Toastmasters 8:15-9:15am. Meets every Tuesday. CMG Mortgage, 4th Floor Conference Room, 3160 Crow Canyon Rd., San Ramon. Information: 4160.toastmastersclubs.org. Divorce Angels 5:30 - 7:30pm Going through a divorce is often a life altering experience, one that can make you feel lost. Divorce Angels is a volunteer organization that can help. We are made up of different professionals within the following industries: Legal, Financial, Real Estate, and Psychology.
Our goal is to provide you with practical information so you can confidently move forward in your life. Visit www.divorceangel.com. Join us on the first Tuesday of each month at 5:30 pm at the Danville Area Chamber (117 Town & Country Drive Suite #E ) for help with the issues you are facing. San Ramon Valley Geneological Society 10am. Meets every third Tuesday at the LDS Church, 2949 Stone Valley Road, Alamo. http://srvgensoc.org Walnut Creek Rotary 12:15-1:30pm. Meets every Tuesday. Heather Farms Garden Center, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: rotarywc.org. ARF Pet Loss Support Group 5:30-7pm. Meets second Tuesday of every month. Register with Vicki at 925887-5681 or vickis@hospiceeastbay.org. ARF, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: arf.net. Divorced and Separated Workshop 7- 8:30pm. A new workshop series for divorced and separated people is being held on at St. Joan of Arc Parish, 2601 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon. Contact: Sue at smc9@sbcglobal.net. 925 -819-1809. Prostate Cancer Group 7:30–9pm. Meets 2nd Tuesday of the month. Drop-in prostate cancer group for men and their loved ones. San Ramon Regional Medical Center, South Building, West Day Room. 6001 Norris Canyon Road, San Ramon. Information: 925.933.0107 or www.twc-bayarea.org/ community-programs.html. Wednesdays: Danville Tennis Club (DTC) 6:30-9 PM Wednesday Night DropIn Tennis at San Ramon Valley High School, 501 Danville Blvd., for men and women of 4.0 level or above (and strong 3.5). Also have USTA teams and social events. Join free at https://groups.yahoo. com/neo/groups/danvilletennisclub/info Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley 12-1pm The Exchange Club meets every 2nd Wednesday at Noon at Faz Restaurant. Lunch included, $20 for members, $25 for non-members. RSVP coachstepper@yahoo.com, 275-2412. Faz is located at 600 Hartz Avenue, Danville 9526. Walnut Creek Toastmasters 7-8:15pm. Meets every Wednesday. 1660 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill. Information: walnutcreek.freetoasthost.net Sons in Retirement (San Ramon Valley chapter) Monthly Luncheon 10:30am; Social Hour, 11:35am meeting and lunch. Meets the 3rd Wed. of each month. Reservations, please email us at www.info@sir128.com by Friday prior to the luncheon. Bridges Golf Club, 9000 S. Gale Ridge Rd., San Ramon. Alamo Rotary 12:15pm. The Club meets on Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m. on a temporary basis, at Forli’s Restaurant, 3160 Danville Blvd, Alamo, at least until mid 2018, while Round Hill Country Club in Alamo undergoes a remodeling project. Walnut Creek Host Lion’s Club 12:15pm. Meets the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Black Bear Diner, 700 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek. Information: walnutcreeklions.org. Danville Lions Club 6:30pm. Meets the first and third Wednesday at the Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Dr., Danville. Information: Truman Howard 925-787-2565 truman.howard@gmail.com San Ramon Valley Rotary 7pm. Meets every Wednesday. Blackhawk Country Club, 599 Blackhawk Club Drive, Danville. Info: sanramonvalleyrotary.com.
Blue Star Moms 7-9pm. Meets the second Wednesday of every month to participate in service activities supporting sons/daughters serving in the military. Danville Veterans Memorial Building, 400 Hartz Ave. Information: bluestarmoms.org. Diablo Valley Quilters 7-9pm. Meets the third Wednesday of every month. No charge for guests. Danville Congregational Church, 989 San Ramon Valley Blvd., Danville. Information: diablovalleyquilters.com. Veterans of Foreign Wars 7pm. Meets the third Wednesday of every month. Veterans Memorial Hall, 400 Hartz Avenue, Danville. Information: Post Commander Ernie Petagara at 925362-9806 or vfwpost75.org. Diablo Singles Dance Club 7-10pm. Meets the last Wednesday of every month. Live music, refreshments. Members $8, Guests $12. All welcome. 111N. Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. Danville Toastmasters Club #1785 7:30-9pm. Meets every Wednesday. Room W204 at Diablo Valley College,1690 Watermill Road, San Ramon. Information: danvilletoastmasters1785. com. Thursdays: Danville Alamo Garden Club Meets on the 2nd Thursday of the months between September and June starting at 9:15 am at the Alamo Women’s Club 1401 Danville Blvd, Alamo.. If you have any questions, contact Susan at membershipvp@dagc.us or go to our website: www.dagc.us. The Danville Women’s Club 11am-2pm April 19—Come join us at the Danville Women’s Club located at 242 W. Linda Mesa Drive in Danville. Reservations are required. Contact Bonnie at normbraga99@hotmail.com for your place (free for first-timers!). Seating is limited to 40 people. San Ramon Valley Newcomers 11:30am-2pm. Meets the third Thursday of every month with a featured guest speaker at a local Tri-Valley restaurant. New and long-time adult residents are welcome. Reservations/information: susansgotbling@sbcglobal.net or www. srvnc.com. Rotary Club of San Ramon 11:45am. Meets every Thursday. Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville. Information: sanramonrotary.org. San Ramon Valley Kiwanis Club Thursdays at Noon. Black Bear Diner, 807 Camino Ramon, Danville. www. kiwanis-srv.org
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Clutterers Anonymous 7-8pm. Meets the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month. St. Luke’s Lutheran Church Room 3, 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. Fridays: Transitions-“Navigating Life’s Turning Points Together” 9-11:30am. Our mission is to encourage and support women from empty nest, to aging parents and everything in between. Community Presbyterian Church, Room 116, 222 W. El Pintado Rd., Danville. Information: Contact Donna Hill at hillmom3@comcast.net Saturdays: Diablo Region of the Porsche Club of America 7:30-9am. Meets every Saturday. Buttercup Bar and Grill, 660 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. Information: diablo-pca.org. Parkinson’s Disease Support Group 9am-12pm. Meets every 3rd Saturday. Join us to share, laugh, and learn from each other. Grace Presbyterian Church, 2100 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. General questions may be directed to Co-Chairs Lance Gershen, (925) 932-1028; or Abraham Raja, (925) 304-2064.Web site: www.pnmd. net
Classifieds HELP WANTED Travel Sales Position - Long established Alamo Travel agency seeks part or full time highly motivated sales person. Requirements include: Personal travel experience, personable and organized. Comprehensive Training is provided for this commission only position. Reply to: info@ alamoworld.com Sales Executive: Sentinel Newspapers, Inc. has an immediate opening for an advertising sales person for the Valley Sentinel. Sales territory includes Danville, Alamo, San Ramon, and Walnut Creek. Sales experience helpful. Will train the right person. Must have an outgoing personality and a positive attitude. This is a commission-only position. Local Central Contra Costa residents only need apply. Please email your resume and request for interview to us at drousset@ valleysentinel.com.
Community News & Information Danville • Blackhawk Alamo • Diablo • San Ramon Publisher/Editor-Denise Rousset Chief Financial Officer-Jeff Gummere Graphic Designer-Laurie Prindle Auto-David & Judy Colman Intern-Veronica Yoo, SRVHS
925-820-6047
542 San Ramon Valley Blvd., #A Danville, CA 94526 www.valleysentinel.com
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THE VALLEY SENTINEL June 2018
valleysentinel.com
2-1-1: Providing Support to Those in Need By Candace Andersen. Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors
In an emergency we all know that we should call “911.” When you or someone you encounter needs non-emergency support, call “211.” In Contra Costa County there are many residents experiencing challenges and setbacks. The Contra Costa Crisis Center and the 211 Info & Referral phone line it operates serves as an important safety net for the entire county. The compassionate and well-trained operators at the 211 Info & Referral phone center play an integral role in addressing a wide-range of issues, including homelessness, mental health and suicide intervention. In January of this year, the Crisis Center welcomed Tom Tamura as Executive Director of the Contra Costa Crisis Center after a four-month regional search. He is working to raise awareness about the services provided to people in need. The crisis and informationand-referral phone lines get approximately 60,000 calls a year, but Tamura said a lot of people still don’t know about the breadth of resources the center can provide directly
or through referrals to other community agencies. The Contra Costa Crisis Center is the sole provider of 211 service in our County. 211 is the national, toll-free phone number to call 24 hours per day for information about local health and social services, enabling people to quickly and easily find valuable resources in their community. In recent years, home foreclosures and work-related layoffs have increased the number of homeless people both locally and nationally. Our most recent Contra Costa Point in Time Count showed that our homeless numbers are rising. 2234 people were identified as being homeless on January 23, 2018, the day the count was taken. The Crisis Center, through the 211 line, provides help for the homeless. By calling 211, homeless individuals and families are referred to shelter, emergency food, job training, health care, mental health counseling, transportation, substance abuse treatment, and many other services. Another way the Crisis Center helps the homeless is by providing emergency motel vouchers to homeless families with children and homeless individuals who have a viable plan for transitioning out of homelessness. To be eligible, an
individual or family must have picture identification and verify that their most recent residence was in Contra Costa County. Beneficiaries cannot have acute drug, alcohol, or mental health problems, cannot have medical needs or disabilities that would prevent them from managing in standard lodging without professional support, and cannot have been housed previously by the crisis center under similar circumstances. They receive a limited amount of funding for these vouchers, which are available beginning each November through the winter season until depleted. Individuals or friends and family members of someone experiencing mental health problems can also call 211 for help and guidance. The center can help connect a person struggling with appropriate services. They also provide grief-counseling services. Suicide prevention is another area where the Crisis Center plays an integral role. Through the 211 Info & Referral line they answer all calls and texts concerning suicide prevention, including suicide warning signs, helping a suicidal person, and reporting on a suicide. The staff are regularly trained and certified as crisis counselors. Before attempting suicide, many
people make direct statements about their intention to end their lives, make less direct comments about how they might as well be dead, or suggest that their friends and family will be better off without them. Any reference to suicide should be taken seriously. If you know of someone contemplating suicide, suggest that the person call the 211 24hour crisis line or talk with a teacher, counselor, minister, rabbi, coach, or other trusted adult. If the person refuses, call 211 yourself and ask for guidance. The Crisis Center 211 Info & Referral program is constantly in need of volunteers to provide counseling and emotional support to people who are abused, depressed, grieving, suicidal, homeless, or mentally ill. Nearly 100 active volunteers assist the staff of 15. All volunteers must be 21 years or older, complete a 60+ hour program-specific training and orientation, complete a background screening, agree to volunteer for one year, and adhere to the ethics and confidentiality policies. After classroom and mandatory mentored training, volunteers work an average of one fourhour shift per week. Training classes are held 2-4 times per year. Email admin@crisis-
center.org or call 925-939-1916 for more information about volunteer opportunities. Community support makes the life-saving skills provided by the Crisis Center and the 211 Info & Referral line possible. While you may not have time to become a volunteer, you can make a donation to the Crisis Center or support them through their Leftovers Thrift Shop in Walnut Creek. Staffed entirely by volunteers, the thrift shop raises money to support the programs of the Crisis Center. The shop is located at 2281 Olympic Boulevard, near Rossmoor. Store hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information, please call the shop at 925-930-9393. 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.
315 Cortsen Road in Pleasant Hill • • • •
Heritage classes for children School field trips Sustainable gardening classes Displays of items from the Pleasant Hill Historical Society • Meetings and events Rodgers Ranch is a Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District property and Pleasant Hill’s only historic site. We are a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501c3 organization
Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center in Pleasant Hill is creating a brick pathway in front of our 150 year old farmhouse. Cement your place in history with an engraved brick to honor or remember family or loved ones, or highlight a business or organization.
Barn Wood for Sale Call Chris at (925) 890-4482
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For more information please contact us at 925-937-3677 or visit www.rodgersranch.org
AUTO March 2009 June 2018
valleysentinel.com
2018 Kia Stinger GT2 AWD V6 By David and Judy Colman
There are a number of adjectives which can be applied to Kia vehicles: economical, practical, affordable, good l o o k i n g , re l i a b l e. B u t conspicuously missing from that list is fast. Until now, no Kia product could be described as fast. Stinger changes all that. Without question, the GT2 is the first really quick Kia. The twin turbocharged V6 Stinger GT2 accelerates from 0-60mph in 4.7 seconds and covers the quarter mile in 13.3 seconds at 107mph. Now that’s fast in any league, and puts the Stinger into vaunted high performance territory no Kia has ever occupied. Although it performs like a BMW, Mercedes or Audi, the stingy Stinger still costs like a Kia: base price of $51,400 in fully loaded form with nary a single extra charge to besmirch that affordable window sticker. Makers of much more expensive German rocket ships will be paying close attention to Kia’s foray into their formerly inaccessible performance territory.
If you don’t need the shattering acceleration of the GT2, you can opt for the less expensive turbo 2.0 liter model which retails for $31,900 in rear wheel drive (RWD) form, or the RWD version of the GT2, which runs $49,200. But with the flat out thrust of the AWD GT2, why not opt for Kia’s ultimate Stinger? Are there any other four-seat, four door cars capable of running 169mph available for just fifty grand? Introductory Stinger advertising used former F1 and Indy 500 champ Emerson Fittipaldi to demonstrate the handling prowess of the new Kia. If you took the time to read the small print on that ad, you would discover that only the V6 Stinger equipped with standard 19 inch diameter alloy wheels would qualify for that 169mph speed rating. The 2.0 Turbo comes with 18 inch rims. Our test car was the striking 19 inch alloys m o u n t i n g V- s p e e d ra t e d Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires (225/40VR19 up front and
255/35VR19 out back) with a Traction Rating of AA and a TW Rating of 300. Although we never exceeded 75mph in our test of the Stinger, it’s comforting to know that an extra 100mph is on tap should you find yourself - like Emerson Fittipaldi - entered in the Indy 500. The Stinger is not only the fastest Kia of them all, but also the best looking. Despite the fact that it offers a stretched wheelbase of 114 inches, Kia stylists have managed to disguise the Stinger’s length with sheet metal so seductive that your hardly notice the p re s e n c e o f f o u r d o o rs. The 55 inch high roofline exaggerates the sleek profile, but necessitates careful stepdown entry lest you whack your head. Once ensconced in the quilted Nappa leather bucket front seats, you grab the fat rimmed, perforated leather steering wheel, click the palm shaped shift lever into Drive, select first gear with the elephant-eared aluminum paddles, and vigorously toe the responsive aluminum throttle pedal. Stinger jumps
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
to your command with such decisive thrust that you feel like a kid on the Big Dipper at Disneyland. The GT2 makes the chore of driving fun again. It’s also a practical choice for daily use, thanks to its hatchback configuration, low rear loading height, and wide, flat interior storage platform. Even full sized adults will e n j oy t h e s p a c i o u s re a r seats. Stinger’s unexpected utility as a sedan belies its sports car appearance. Kia provides a full complement of safety measures as standard issue here: forward collision avoidance and warning, smart cruise control with stop and go, lane keep and departure warning, and driver attention warning. However, the Stinger is so engaging to drive that it’s difficult to envision a situation where its driver needs a warning to remain attentive. Handling in such a swift module receives a boost from the Dynamic Torque Vectoring feature of the all-wheel drive system. This safety overlord takes some getting used to, as you can feel DTV kick
DIABLO MOTORS
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in when you alter your line on a sweeping curve. To the uninitiated, this DTV-generated lurch can feel disconcerting. Kia offers Stinger drivers the choice of 5 Drive Modes (Eco, Smart, Comfort, Sport, Custom) to tailor the electronically controlled suspension to the performance envelope of choice. Should you need to resort to brake force, note that the GT2 comes with the best binders you can find on any high performance car: Brembo Performance Brakes. These ventilated monster discs will arrest your Stinger quicker than an F-18 Hornet landing on a carrier deck. 2018 KIA STINGER GT2 AWD V6 ENGINE: 3.3 liter twinturbo V6 HORSEPOWER: 365hp TORQUE: 376lb.-ft. FUEL CONSUMPTION: 19MPG City/25MPG Highway PRICE AS TESTED: $52,300 HYPES: Add Fast to the Kia Vocabulary GRIPES: Limited Rear Vision, No Rear Wiper STAR RATING: 10 Stars out of 10
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THE VALLEY SENTINEL
June 2018
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