Alamo • Danville • Blackhawk • Diablo • San Ramon
VALLEY
THE
SENTINEL always for the community VOl 18, nO 3
Find out what’s new in the Valley at
www.valleysentinel.com
Activities • Businesses • Seniors • Education • Sports and more...
valleysentinel.com www.valleysentinel.com
March 2013
SPOTLIGHT
Garrett Rivas and Jack Reed deliver new baseball gear to the Boys and Girls Club in Richmond
Danville boys challenge to do good By Staff Writer
Armed with nothing more than a musical Christmas hat and two mediocre singing voices, Jack Reed and Garrett Rivas, 7th graders at Charlotte Wood Middle School, set out to do something good. Filled with the holiday spirit and the energy of 13 year old boys, they hatched a plan to buy baseball equipment for homeless children. Being baseball fans themselves, the idea of providing the opportunity to play baseball to kids who
ECRWSS
Postmaster: Dated Material
PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID DANVILLE, CA PERMIT NO. 70
See BOYS page 4
Sentinel Newspapers, Inc. 390 Diablo Road, Ste. 145 Danville, CA 94526 925-820-6047
The Garden at Heather Farm is alive with the promise of a fully dressed spring. The air warming with a tiny damp underlying chill, some banks of daffodils and leaf buds beginning to appear on branches everywhere. The first blossom petals underfoot make this place a worthwhile visit any time of year. For more information visit www.gardenshf.org.
Golden Eagle an inspiration to many cultures James. M. Hale Wildlife Biologist
The majestic Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), with a wingspan of up to nine feet and a weight sometimes reaching twenty-five pounds, was once widespread worldwide in the Holarctic regions where it resides in a variety of habitats. Urban sprawl and loss of contiguous suitable habitat threatens its role as a symbol of wildness. The Golden Eagle is North America’s largest bird of prey and the national bird of Mexico. A pair of Golden Eagles requires a massive home range of up to sixty square miles with plenty of prey. The inner coast range of southeastern Contra Costa and Alameda counties offers this combination where there is the highest nesting density of Golden Eagles in the world. Historically, Golden Eagles have nested in Sycamore Valley, Briones, Shell Ridge Open Space near Walnut
Creek and in the Berkeley Hills, the most prominent being the well-watched pair that nested on the radio towers at Sibley Regional Park. The Golden Eagle gets its name for the beautiful wash of gold feathers across its head and down the nape in adult birds. The legs are feathered to the bright yellow toes, while the talons are black. In first year juveniles, the basal half of the tail is white (prominent from afar), and the rest is black brown. In the following three years the tail becomes progressively darker, with some white persisting closest to the body and on the lateral tail feathers. Adult plummage is reached at five years when sexual maturity is reached. Females are larger than males,
an adaptation that allows the dimorphic pairs to take a greater diversity of prey. Flight is majestic with seemingly effortless, shallow wing beats. While soaring, the outermost primaries are often splayed into “fingers”. Golden Eagles fly at 30 mile per hour, glide at 80 miles per hour, and can dive in a stoop at over 150 miles per hour. Golden Eagles begin their undulating courtship flights as early as November, followed by nest building and repair. Pairs are monogamous and defend their territories with vigor. In California, most Golden Eagles build their nests in oak trees partway down steep north or east-facing slopes that shelter the nests from strong winds. Pine trees, Sycamores and cliff
faces offer other suitable nest sites. I have observed old nests that have been used for decades over eight feet in diameter and over four feet tall. Typically two eggs are laid, sometimes one to four. Incubation by the female is a
This month’s Special Sections:
Spring Home & Garden pages 8-9
Kids Camps & Education pages 10-11
See EAGLE page 4
• ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT • dining out • music • art • theater • fun events
page 2
The Valley SenTinel
March 2013
Call for Entries
Earth Day Student Art Contest
In Celebration of Earth Day 2013 Danville and Alamo K-12 students are invited to participate in a student art contest with the environmental theme:
One World, One Community Art Entry Instructions are available at https://sustainabledanville.wordpress.com/ 2012-earth-day-student-art-poster-contest/ For more information, please contact: Sustainable Danville Area
925-895-5001
be kind to the environment please recycle this newspaper
What’s So Funny? Now-April 19 Explore the art of humor in visual language. Reaching across religion and politics, humor has been a way for artists to communicate with the masses, entertain themselves, other artists and the public. Puns, irony, sardonic narratives, dark humor all share a witty intellectual cord. Village Theatre Art Gallery, 233 Front St., Danville. Information and tickets: 925-820-1278 or www.danville.ca.gov/Enjoy_ Danville/Art_and_Culture/ Village_Theatre_Shows. Peaceable Kingdom: Animals, Real and Imagined Now-May 19 A juried show devoted to investigating our storied and rich relationship with the animal world, Peaceable Kingdom will invite prominent curators to assemble a collection of innovative and appealing works by national artists. This exhibition will explore the presence of animals in the visual arts, and how they appear as metaphors, totems, objects of fear, and sources of emotional attachment and affection. The history of human and animal interaction is filled with tales of failed domestication, unusual friendships, and fearsome predators. Human fascination with the animal kingdom has
Bunnies & Chicks & Egg Plates – Oh My! Hurry on in for your Easter & Spring Décor ELEGANT CLUTTER 702 Sycamore Valley Rd. West, Danville 925.837.1001 www.ElegantClutter.com
valleysentinel.com run the gamut from emotional connection, to economic exploitation, and even scientific curiosity. Throughout all of these interactions, however, the sense of wonder we feel when we encounter animal life has been an enduring theme that has informed their continued and abiding presence in the visual arts. This juried exhibition will encourage artists to meditate on these complex and diverse relationships, addressing such issues as antagonism, admiration, attachment, and even the politically charged issue of animal rights. Adult tickets are $5.00, youth (13-17) tickets are $3.00 and children under 12 are free. The Bedford Gallery, 1601 Civic Drive in Walnut Creek. Information: Visit www.bedfordgallery.org or call 925-295-1417. Teen Movie March 20 6-8pm. Watch a movie, act silly, have fun and eat popcorn at the Walnut Creek Library. Free. Walnut Creek Library, 1644 N. Broadway in Walnut Creek. Information: Visit ccclib. org/locations/walnutcreek. html or call 925-977-3340.
Flock of Flutes March 21 7:30pm. Flock of Flutes will perform a variety of selections from its broad repertoire, which includes traditional classical pieces and new works written specifically for flute choir. The featured works will include: William Tell Overture by Rossini, Finale from Act II of Marriage of Figaro by Mozart, Views from Falls House by Gary Shocker and more. Music lovers of all ages and tastes will find something to enjoy in the course of this program. Registration required. Walnut Creek Library, 1644 N. Broadway in Walnut Creek. Information and registration: ccclib.org/ locations/walnutcreek.html or call 925-977-3340. Night at the Improv March 22 8pm. Join San Ramon Improv U Players and our resident troupe Twisted Gray Matter for an interactive evening of improvisational comedy. The show is created on the spot
with the help of audience participation and suggestions. Not suitable for children under the age of 18. Tickets are $10.00. Front Row Theater, 17011 Bollinger Canyon Road in San Ramon. Information: Visit SanRamonPerformingArts.com or call 925-973-3343. Civic Arts Education’s Artists’ Market March 22-24 March 22, 5-9pm; March 23, 10am-7pm; March 24, 10am-6pm. Help support Civic Arts Education and find original art for yourself and for gifts. The sale is a great place to shop for gifts for mom, dad and grads all under one roof. They have a variety of art mediums including art to wear, ceramics, greeting cards, glass art, gourd art, jewelry, photography, paintings and textiles. The Clay Arts Guild will also be having a warehouse sale at their studio in Civic Park. Shadelands Art Center, 111 N. Wiget Lane in Walnut Creek. Information: Visit www.walnut-creek.org/ cae or call 925-943-5842. The 39 Steps March 29-April 27 Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python and you have The 39 Steps, a fast paced whodunit for anyone who loves the magic of the theater. This is packed with non-stop laughs, an onstage plane crash, and some good romance. Tickets starting at $33.00. The Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive in Walnut Creek. Information: Visit www.lesherartscenter.org or call 925-295-1400. The Sun Kings Beatles Tribute March 30 Equipped with a 150-song repertoire that spans the entire Beatles era, The Sun Kings have been thrilling audiences all over California for a decade. With driving energy, joy and vitality reminiscent of the early Beatles shows, the group will amaze you with uncanny channeling and respect for the See A & E page 3
• ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT • dining dining out out •• music music •• art art •• theater theater •• fun fun events events
valleysentinel.com
March 2013
A&E from page 2
music of the “fab four”. Don’t miss them! Tickets starting at $15.00. The Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Avenue in
Pleasanton. Information: Visit www.firehousearts.org or call 925-931-4848. Trapped in a Rumor April 4 7:30pm. Join Bay Area’s P re m i e r I m p rov Tro u p e,
specializing in comedy improvisation for a night of hijinks and unscripted comedy $8/$10. Village Theatre, 233 Front Street, Danville. Information: 925-820-1278 or www.danville.ca.gov/Enjoy_ Danville/Art_and_Culture/ Village_Theatre.
The Valley SenTinel
friendly show is completely made up on the spot based on audience suggestions. Best of all, kids will have opportunities to participate and a chance to be on stage and take part in the fun. Tickets: $10. Front Row Theater, 17011 Bollinger Canyon Road in San Ramon. Information: Visit SanRamonPerformingArts.com or call 925-973-3343.
page 3
2013 Business & Culinary Showcase Thursday, April 4 5-8 pm
Crow Canyon Country Club 711 Silver Lake Dr., Danville
Improv U presents: Monkey See Monkey Do… April 6 2 pm. Family Friendly Improv! This one hour short form improv show is designed especially for kids! Our family
Tickets are $35 per person To purchase call 925-837- 4400 or purchase them online at www.danvilleareachamber.com. Click on the “Store” tab!
Mark your calendar for the annual Two Day Town music festival The Family Activities regular admission at 8:00 A.M. By Staff Writer
The last weekend in April brings with it the annual Two Day Town event out at Lake Del Valle in the Ohlone Wilderness south of Livermore. This event is an opportunity for the whole family to enjoy family camping and community music. Over 20 local performing artists will appear this year including national music festival darling Michael McNevin, award winning songwriter, along with a host of other performances o n t h e M a i n s t a g e, t h e Amphitheater stage and the Lakeside Café stage on Friday Saturday and Sunday. While there is amplified live music on two stages throughout the day Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the real action happens around individual campsites, where musicians congregate all weekend long for impromptu acoustic jam sessions. Two-Day Town also offers the regular camping-related activities; 67 miles of hiking and horseback riding trail at Lake Del Valle or hiking in the adjoining 9,737-acre Ohlone Regional Wilderness, plus fishing and swimming in Lake Del Valle. The Valley Sentinel nature writer and East Bay Naturalist Doc Hale will lead explorers through his “Native America” program to learn about the area’s abundant plant, animal and archaeological life.
tables will feature a wide assortment of entertaining projects, and there will be free massages, morning yoga, and Lesley’s Lakeside Cafe for the perfect formula to a wonderful family weekend. For more information and to purchase advance tickets, visit www. twodaytown.com or call (510) 418-4707. We e k e n d Pa s s e s a r e available now at a discount to the gate price. Weekend Passes will be $60 until online sales end about a week prior to the event. At the gate, Weekend Passes will be $70. If you have a large group, we also offer our 10X Family/Band Pack of (10) Weekend Passes for $500. The (10) Pack is not available at the gate. Single Day Passes are available for $30 in advance, rising to $35 at the gate. If you have already purchased a Single Day Pass and would like to upgrade it to a Weekend Pass, you may do so at the front gate for $35. Kids age 12 & under are admitted free if they are with a responsible adult. Your Weekend Pass price covers event admission for three days of music and camping, all planned and unplanned activities, evening music jams, kids activities, use of the beach and swimming areas and other park facilities through Sunday. Single Day Passes entitle guests to the same stuff, but you may not stay overnight within Two Day Town for any reason without upgrading your Pass. The Pass price does not include the per-vehicle charge for park admission at the park entry kiosk. Two Day Town opens for
on Friday, with on-stage music starting around 5:00 P.M. Passes may be purchased in advance or at the event gate until the site reaches capacity. On admission to the site you will receive a wristband which must be worn for the duration of the event. Passes are not refundable for any reason. Two Day Town will not be cancelled due to inclement weather. Rain & Shine, we’ll be there.
Chris Kenny, CFP ® Financial Advisor
Over 200 local businesses and restaurants and over 500 attendees!
For more Arts & Entertainment See our website at www.valleysentinel.com.
Great Service. even better value. convenient Shuttle Service to home, the office, bart and bacK.
FActORy SchEDuLED MAiNtENANcE
`
LubE, OiL & FiLtER Multi-Point Performance Inspection Drain and Replace All Engine Oil Install Genuine Factory Oil Filter
Improve mileage and extend the life of your vehicle - follow recommended service schedules
% off 20 RegulAR PRices
TAX 2995
$
+
Synthetic oil extra.
DiAGNOSiS/ chEck ENGiNE LiGht iNSPEctiON Let our trained experts perform an initial inspection and diagnosis. We’ll also provide you with the exact cost to perform the repair. No obligation, nothing to buy.
FREE
For Acura, Honda, Lexus, and Toyota vehicles only. Valid only at THE SERVICE OUTLET on the day of service. Please present coupon when service order is written. Not valid in conjunction with other coupons, offers or discounts. Synthetic oil extra.
Since
1993 lafayette ......... 3360 Mt. Diablo Blvd...............925.283.3133 San ramon .... 2151 San Ramon Valley Blvd. ...925.837.3000 theServiceoutlet.com 1211136-TSO-Sentinel-1130-5.75x5.75.indd 1
11/20/12 5:01 PM
page 4
The Valley SenTinel
BOYS from page 1
valleysentinel.com Advertorial
don’t have much opportunity, was meaningful and exciting to them. Depending strictly on the goodness of Danville residents, the boys took off door to door singing and dancing to raise funds for the Raphael House Shelter in San Francisco and the Boys and Girls Club of Richmond. Being neither musically nor vocally inclined, the show they put on was one of earnestness and enthusiasm. “Jack would come home with a Tupperware full of smashed dollar bills and an exhausted but happy grin on his face. I didn’t pay much attention at first, but as they begged to go out day after day in the cold of December, I decided
to weigh in on the adventure” said Kellee Reed, Jack’s mother. “Several lovely families even wrote the boys $50 checks. It was really quite amazing.” Sitting down to count the bills, Jack and Garrett realized they had over $650 to buy equipment. “With the generosity of a 10% discount from Big 5, we got everything a baseball team could need” said Garrett. “The best part was getting to deliver the equipment to the homeless shelter and tour where these kids live” said Jack. “At the Boys and Girls Club, we met foster kids who were so excited to see us. The staff there has invited us to help with their “pitch, hit and run” event. We will be much better at than singing!”
15% Off *Offer does not include sale items & optics.
Invite Your WIld Friends to dinner!
March 2013
Any Single Item* Expires 3/31/13
East Bay Nature 1270 Newell Ave., #A Walnut Creek
925-407-1333
www.eastbaynature.com
Recognizing the Importance of Good Health and vaccines and that anyone By Michael Forrest, MD
T h e Wo r l d H e a l t h Organization estimates that eight million of the 84 million expected global cancer deaths in the next decade will be due to avoidable causes. The organization has designed a cancer control plan that will seek to reduce chronic disease death rates by two percent a year up to 2015, and will target the main causes of cancer in low to middleincome countries, where more than 70 percent of cancer deaths occur. The plan includes programs for prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment. In observance, here are a few cancer prevention tips that can also help avoid other chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and chronic respiratory disease.
Among the most important modifiable risk factors for cancer are: • Eliminate tobacco use. • Limit alcohol use to one per day for women and two per day for men. • Increase fruit and vegetable intake to 8-10 servings per day. • Exercise 3-6 hours per week by walking at least 3 miles per hour, or equivalent in other sport. • Reduce to, or maintain, optimal body weight. • Limit sun exposure and medical X-rays as much as possible. • Avoid asbestos. • Practice safe sex always to prevent HPV, HIV, and hepatitis viral infections. In addition, the World Health Organization estimates that one third of cancers worldwide are potentially preventable through screening (e.g. mammograms, Pap smears, colonoscopy) and vaccines. Supporting efforts to ensure every citizen has equal access to cancer screenings
diagnosed with cancer has access to the latest treatment advances are key to fighting cancer. It is important to keep in mind that a diagnosis of cancer does not necessarily mean a death sentence for any patient in 2013. Today’s advances in treatments allow many diagnosed with cancer to receive effective treatments and to be cured or better manage the disease. Cancer touches just about everyone’s life at some point. It is important to encourage ourselves, family members, and friends in the fight against cancer. Cancer Prevention observances can be a great reminder of important lifestyle changes we can all make for a healthier future. Dr. Michael Forrest is a board certified Radiation Oncologist with Epic Care - Partners In Cancer Care, a group of experts in the diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of cancer and blood disorders. (925) 875-1677 www. epic-care.com
EAGLE from page 1
little more than six weeks. Upon hatching, the downy nestlings grow very slowly. Infanticide, the killing of siblings to cut down on competition for food is sometimes observed. The young remain in the nest for ten to twelve weeks and then depend on their parents for food for another two or three months while learning to hunt. The Golden Eagle is the mortal enemy of ground squirrels everywhere. Rabbits and hares are frequently hunted as well. Like all raptors, Golden Eagles are opportunistic feeders and take whatever is available, including carrion. Reptiles, fish, badgers, bobcats, house cats, foxes, deer, birds and a variety of mammals have been recorded as prey. Sometimes Golden Eagles kleptoparasitize, or steal prey from Osprey and Bald Eagles. I have observed Golden Eagles plucking coots and other waterfowl from lakes and ponds. In another scenario, I observed a crow harassing a Golden Eagle who simply executed a barrel roll to take out the offensive marauder with its talons. One spectacular incident was on LochLomond in the Santa Cruz mountains, where I observed a Golden Eagle swoop down from a one hundred foot tall Douglas Fir to capture a Double- crested Cormorant in flight, that I had
just flushed at the bow of my canoe. My friends recently observed a Golden Eagle in Round Valley Preserve putting the final blows to a Red-tailed hawk it had just knocked to the ground. With talons that have 750 pounds of pressure per square inch, fifteen times more pressure than that of a human hand, it is no wonder how lethal and efficient these keystone raptors can be. The Kasakhs in KazajstanKy and the Berkatchi loberos, master wolf hunters of Mongolia in the steppes of Russia use Golden Eagles to hunt wolves. In these cultures eagles are considered to be part of the family. Genghis Khan had over 1,000 hunting birds — eagles, hawks and falcons. Kubla Khan had many as well. To Native Americans and other cultures, Golden Eagles signify the illumination of Spirit, Healing and Creation. They have served as inspiration to many societies. The eagle
was sacred to Zeus, who often changed into the form of an eagle to control thunder and lightning. The Thunderbird, to Native Americans, is most often depicted in the form of an eagle. This was the great spirit who controlled lightning and rain, punishment and reward. To the Pueblo Indians and Hopis, the Golden Eagle was the symbol of the zenith because of its ability to soar to great heights. From these heights it could survey all four directions and the Golden Eagle became the symbol of sight and perception. Golden Eagle feathers were incorporated into the ceremonial regalia of many cultures. They were highly prized by powerful Nisenan dancers, while the Nomlaki, Yokuts, and Western Mono used eagle leg bones for ceremonial whsitles. The Coast Miwok kept Golden Eagle feathers in their homes for good luck. Eagle down was See EAGLE page 9
valleysentinel.com
March 2013 Advertorial
Shoulder pain relief: healing rotator cuff injuries
Exploring class IV laser therapy for shoulder rehab By Dr. Niele Maimone, DC
The Rotator Cuff muscles (four muscles in total) are the primary support structures for the shoulder. Therefore, eve n m i n o r d ys f u n c t i o n associated with these muscles can create pain and decreased performance of everyday tasks. A Rotator Cuff injury can be caused by many everyday activities. These activities include traumatic events (e.g. fall on an outstretched arm, “yanking” of the arm), repetitive motion (e.g. throwing a ball, carrying children) and chronic improper posture (e.g. operating a computer, driving). There are three major types of Rotator Cuff injuries that we treat successfully: 1. Rotator Cuff Muscle Tears: This is a partial tear of one or more of the four Rotator Cuff muscles. Rotator Cuff muscle tears are often accompanied by deep achy pain in the shoulder and arm weakness. 2. Tendonitis: Tendons are at the ends of each muscle and attach the muscles to the bones they move. When there is inflammation of these tendons it is called Tendonitis. The symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Tendonitis are often trigger point pain at the location of the tendon irritation accompanied by deep, achy pain in the shoulder and arm weakness. 3. Rotator Cuff Impingement Syndrome : Chronic injury of the Rotator
Cuff can lead to a “pinching” of the nerves passing through the shoulder. This is commonly referred to as a Shoulder Impingement or Rotator Cuff Impingement. Symptoms often include numbness, tingling or sharp, shooting pain into the arm or hand. How do I heal my shoulder pain? The most common forms of medical treatment for Rotator Cuff injuries are antiinflammatory medications, cortisone injections and surgery. Although meds and injections may reduce the severity of pain associated with rotator cuff dysfunction they are not a long term solution and may do more bodily harm than good in the long run. Surgery is a last resort and should only be used if there is irreparable damage to the shoulder that cannot be handled with proper rehabilitation. The natural approach First: Heal the Damaged Tissue Ending the pain caused by a Rotator Cuff injury requires stopping the cycle of inflammation that is creating the pain. Class IV laser therapy is an excellent method for this, because it is presently the only modality that can both reduce inflammation and heal tissue simultaneously. 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 creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness and pain. As the injured area returns to normal, pain is relieved and function is restored. S e c o n d : C o r re c t t h e S h o u l d e r a n d Po s t u r a l Mechanics Long term pain relief of shoulder injuries involves rehabilitation of the shoulder, neck, thoracic spine. Shoulder rehabilitation is achieved by utilizing specific postural adjustments, stabilization exercises and postural correction taping in order to re-establish proper motion and strength of the shoulder joint. Ongoing strengthening and stretching exercises are used to rehabilitate the musculature of the shoulder to ensure lasting results. If you suffer from chronic pain it is worth your while to spend some time figuring out which of any number of factors are contributing to your pain — we will help you explore which combination of therapies will help you heal it. The good news is — you can do it without drugs, and you can get back to the activities you love! Dr. Niele Maimone, DC is the owner and founder of Align Healing Center in Danville, CA. She has been active in the natural health & wellness community since 1999. For more information or to set up a free consult call 925.362.8283 or visit www.alignhealingcenter. com.
The Valley Sentinel
page 5
The Danville Area Chamber of Commerce The Danville Area Chamber of Commerce presents: is now accepting applications for:
Citizen ofthe theYear Year Citizen of Business Person of the YearYear Business Person of the Employee of the Year Employee of the Year Charitable Organization of the Year Charitable Organization of the Year
If you want to nominate an individual or organization, please submit The by Awards be presented atDanville the Area your nomination Friday,will February 22nd to the State of Town/Community Awards Luncheon Chamber of the Commerce, 117 E Town & Country Drive, Danville 94526, or you can email to ceo@danvilleareachamber.com. Thursday, March 21
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM phone and email and Please include the nominee’s name, address, Round Hillwords, Country Clubqualify for the award. a brief description in your own why they Be sure and include your contact information should we need to $35 tickets are available on the Danville Area contact you. Chamber of Commerce website on the “Store” tab. The Awards will be presented at the www.danvilleareachamber.com State of the Town/Community Awards Luncheon Thursday, April 4th Round Hill Country Club.
HOMEOWNERS
The award winners will be contacted 10 days before the event and will be our guest at the luncheon. For more information, please call Shelby McNamara, President, Danville Area Chamber of Commerce at (925) 837-4400.
Find Out What Your Home is Worth Online Visit:
www.FreeHomeEvaluationEastBay.com
#01763819
Danville VIPs provide valuable service By Staff Writer
Did you know that last year nearly two dozen Danville residents volunteered over 5,000 hours of their personal time? As local residents, they have a sincere interest in Danville’s public safety and tirelessly helped out the Danville Police Department as part of the Volunteers In Policing (VIP) program. Danville VIPs spend their volunteer hours in such capacities as the Diner Patrol; citizen volunteers patrol Danville’s downtown during evening dinner hours to increase public safety and decrease the likelihood of crime. They also patrol local parks, shopping centers and high traffic areas providing extra sets of eyes and ears for the Police Department.
VIPs maintain specialized programs such as: Citizen Police Academy, “If I Were a Thief”; vacation house checks; special events; boy and girl scout tours of the police department and vehicle maintenance. Administrative volunteers work at the Police Department front desk answering the telephone, provide fingerprinting services and perform other administrative tasks. The contributions allow sworn officers to dedicate more time toward answering calls for service and enforcing traffic laws. However, the support provided by these volunteers goes beyond the mere tasks they perform; in fact, the most important role our VIPs play is one of ambassadors of the Danville Police Department.
They are a wealth of knowledge for our community. The Town of Danville is very fortunate to have over 20 VIPs on its roster, several of whom have been serving the department for ten or more years. For more information on the VIP program or to find out more about becoming a volunteer, contact Sergeant Jason Haynes at (925) 314-3700 or jhaynes@ danville.ca.gov .
www.ValleySentinel.com
Seniors page 6
valleysentinel.com
March 2013
Coming Soon: A New Way to Buy Health Insurance By David Sayen
When key parts of the health care law take effect in 2014, you’ll have a new way to buy health insurance for
yourself, your family, or your small business: the Health Insurance Marketplace. The Marketplace is designed to help you find health insurance that fits your budget, with less hassle. Every health insurance plan in the new Marketplace
Senior Homecare by Angels “America’s Personal Choice in Homecare”
FR Up to 24 hour care In-H EE Cons ome ultati Meal Preparation on Personal Hygiene Assistance Rewarding Companionship Day/Night Live-In or Live-Out Care Respite for Family Caregiver YOU choose the Caregiver Criminal background checks on all Caregivers √ Experience Visiting Angels √ Personalized Service System with a FREE In-Home Consultation √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √
Screened, Bonded & Insured
Visiting Angels 16 Crow Canyon Court San Ramon
925.552.6500
www.jmhomecare.com
will offer comprehensive coverage, from doctors to medications to hospital visits. You can compare all your insurance options based on price, benefits, quality, and other features that may be important to you, in plain language that makes sense. Yo u ’ l l k n ow yo u ’ re getting a quality health plan at a reasonable price, because there’s nothing buried in the fine print. When you shop at the Marketplace, all your costs are stated upfront. So you’ll get a clear picture of what yo u ’ re p ay i n g a n d w h a t you’re getting before you make a choice. California’s Marketplace is called Covered California (www.CoveredCa.com). Under the health care law, you and your family also will have new protections. Health insurance companies can’t refuse to cover you, or charge you more just because you have a chronic or preexisting condition. And they can’t charge more for women than for men.
ValleySentinel.com
Discover and Embrace New Beginnings... ...at The Stratford Discoveries Are Just Waiting For You!
Here are three things to keep in mind about the Health Insurance Marketplace: • It’s an easier way to shop for health insurance. The Health Insurance Marketplace simplifies your s e a rc h f o r i n s u ra n c e by gathering all your options in one place. One application, one time, and you and your family can explore every qualified insurance plan in your area – including any free or low-cost insurance programs you may qualify for, such as Medi-Cal or the Children’s Health Insurance Program. • Most people will be able to get a break on costs. Programs that lower costs are available for almost everyone. You may be eligible for a free or low-cost plan, or a new kind of tax credit that lowers your monthly premiums right away. New rules and expanded programs mean that even working families can get help paying for health insurance at the Marketplace. • C l e a r, a p p l e s - t o a p p l e s c o m p a r i s o n s. A l l health insurance plans in the Marketplace present their price and benefit information in simple terms you can understand, so you don’t have to guess about your costs. Starting on October 1, 2013, you’ll be able to enroll in a health plan through Covered California. Detailed information will be available
about all the insurance plans offered in your area. You can sign up now at www.CoveredCa.com to get email updates that will let you know how to get ready to enroll in the plan of your choice. If you have difficulty finding a plan that meets yo u r n e e d s a n d b u d g e t , there’ll be people available to give you personalized help with your choices. These helpers aren’t associated with any particular plan, and they don’t receive any type of commission, so the help they give you will be completely unbiased. Www.CoveredCa.com will be much more than any health insurance website you’ve used before. Insurance companies will compete for your business on a level and transparent playing field, with no hidden costs or misleading fine print. You’ll have more choice, more c o n t ro l , a n d m o re c l o u t when it comes to health insurance. I n s u ra n c e c ove ra g e offered through Covered California takes effect on January 1, 2014. David Sayen is Medicare’s regional administrator for California, Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada, and the Pacific Trust Territories. You can always get answers to your Medicare questions by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
New friendships...
Call today to visit your new apartment and have lunch with
New interests...
friends who are waiting to meet you.
New healthy lifestyle...
Studio Apartments from $3,800
HOMECARE YOU CAN TRUST 24/7 Service Availability • Insured & Bonded Negotiable Rates • Trained, Well Screened Employees Independent Living • Assisted Living • Memory Care
CALL FOR DETAILS (925) 235-0113 1545 PLEASANT HILL RD • LAFAYETTE CA 94549 www.stratfordseniorliving.com • Lic #075601323 LEARN MORE ABOUT US BY VISITING OUR WEBSITE AND JOIN JOIN US ONLINE AT
FREE ASSESSMENT
24/7 HOTLINE: 1-888-9RESPITE BBH HC or 1-888-975-7748
3 For FREE OFFER Complimentary 3 hours of service with a minimum of a 6 hour shift. (This offer is for new clients only.)
www.beaconhomecare.com
C
B H C
valleysentinel.com
March 2013
The valley Sentinel
Keep track of your identity The Town of Danville offers tips to safeguard identity, as identity theft trend continues to grow hands. That one envelope could By Staff Writer
The holiday shopping season is a comfortable memory and now the credit card statements are rolling in. Whether you pay your credit card in full or prefer to pay the cards off a bit at a time, there is something to consider before dropping that statement into your files and forgetting it for the next three years: Were you responsible for all of those charges? According to an April 2012 study conducted by Javelin Strategy and Research1, 1.4 million more American adults were victims of identity fraud related crimes in 2011 than in 2010. Identity theft is a growing trend in America and many victims are not aware that their information has been compromised until it’s too late. There are several factors contributing to the popularity of identity theft related crimes. With social networking more popular than ever and smartphones that function as a computer, identity thieves are just a stolen phone or a few keystrokes away from easy money. Here are a few tips that can help keep your personal information safe from identity thieves: Protect your smart phone– One of the best safeguards is
to secure your phone with a password. If the smart phone is lost or stolen and it’s not password protected, all contacts, text messages, photos, and other personal data are easily accessible to the thief. Adjust the privacy settings on social media accounts— Social media is a great way to stay in contact with family and friends. It is NOT a good place to store personal information. To be safe, go to the settings on your social media account and restrict who can view any information posted. The fewer who can access it, the less chance it can be compromised and used to steal your identity. Review your credit report regularly—Make it a point to personally order and review your three bureau credit report at least twice a year (the three bureaus are Trans-union, Equifax and Experian). Look for signs of fraudulent credit use and/or new accounts that you were not responsible for. If you discover information that you believe to be related to fraud, report it directly to the credit bureaus and to the creditor immediately. Lock your mail box—Mail theft is a great way for identity thieves to obtain personal information. An outgoing bill to a credit card company is a gold mine of information in the wrong
Contra Costa County publishes guide for veterans The Veterans Guide is a The Contra Costa County Veterans Service Office, in partnership with the Contra Costa County Library, is pleased to announce the online publication of a Veterans Resource Guide. Intended to enhance access to timely and relevant information on Veterans’ benefits, this guide is for Veterans, their families, and the general public. The guide is free to access and can be reached from the Contra Costa County Library website or at http://guides.ccclib.org/ vets. The Veterans Guide offers links & addresses to local & valuable Bay Area resources such as the Contra Costa County Veterans Service Office, VA Martinez Outpatient Clinic, Concord Vet Center, and the VA Regional Office. The guide also offers feeds from credible newsources addressing updates to Veterans benefits, discussions about Veterans issues, and interviews with leaders in the Veteran Community. The guide further offers Veterans a reading list, podcasts, videos, and Veterans facts.
first for Contra Costa County. “Libraries are cornerstones of community in our culture, and to see such a dynamic and relevant collaboration beginning, gives me faith that Contra Costa County Veterans Service and Library are taking up the colors, where far too many have just dropped them by the wayside”
potentially contain your name, address, phone number, account number, account balance, credit limit and credit card company contact information. If you don’t have a post office box, a locking mailbox is a good way to deter thieves. In addition, before throwing away old bills, credit card applications and similar items, a way to preserve your security is to shred those documents. Pay your bills on line—Most banks have secure web sites that allow you to pay your bills directly from your checking account. This is a great way to avoid leaving your personal information in an envelope in your mailbox when you pay your bills. Even if you do all of the above to protect your personal information, you still may fall victim to identity thieves. The best weapon against identity theft is awareness. Make sure you are doing your part to keep thieves from using your information for their own financial gain by reporting all suspicious credit activity as soon as you discover it. For more information regarding identity theft, contact Danville Police Detective Anthony Perry at (925) 3143700 or email him at aperry@ danville.ca.gov.
says Jason Deitch, Army Veteran and Contra Costa County resident. Users of the guide can provide their own feedback and suggestions regarding the content of the guide. This input will be helpful to further develop this concept. For more information regarding the Veterans Resource Guide, contact Chris Brown, Contra Costa County Library, at (925) 427-8390.
Plan Ahead
Christine D’Orazio
A Specialist in Advance Funeral and Memorial Planning
125 Railroad Avenue, Suite D, Danville, CA (925)837-2500 FD2088 www.ghmemorial.com
page 7
FREE TAX PREPARATION FREE TAX PREPARATION for the 2013 tax season is now available from AARP’s Tax-Aide and United Way’s Earn It, Keep It, Save It (EKS) programs. All tax preparers are trained and certified by the IRS. While both programs serve taxpayers of any age, Tax-Aide does not have an income limit in whom they can serve but EKS can only serve individuals whose incomes do not exceed $50,000. For information or to make an appointment for the Tax-Aide sites serving the Danville and San Ramon areas, please call: 925-973-3250 for the San Ramon Senior Center site or 925-480-7202 for the Danville Community Presbyterian Church site or Danville Town Hall Meeting site. For general information and other site locations, call: 925-726-3199. For information on EKS sites call 2-1-1 or visit www.earnitkeepitsaveit.org. To complete your tax return, Tax-Aide will need you to bring to the appointment your:
• Social Security Card or ITIN letter for all individuals to be listed on the return. • Photo ID for yourself and spouse • Copies of all W-2s • 1098s and 1099s • Other income and deductions • Your 2011 Tax Return
Spring Home & Garden page 8
The Valley SenTinel
March Garden To Dos Provided by the Contra Costa Master Gardeners
General Garden Care • Check drip systems: replace clogged emitters, filters, repair leaks, uncover sprinkler heads and flush. • Fertilize lawns, fruit trees and shrubs if needed once it stops raining and if needed. Citrus will need n i t ro g e n , a l t h o u g h i t i s unavailable to the plants until the soil warms. • Fe r t i l i z e s p a r i n g l y, using a slow release form— fertilizer run-off is a form of pollution. Nitrogen has been depleted from most soils by the winter/spring rains. • Aerate lawns when rains have stopped, top dress with compost. Fruits & Vegetables Plant potato tubers, citrus by the end of the month. • P l a n t h e r b s — m o s t require full sun and welldrained soil. • Plant seeds of beets, carrots, lettuce, radishes, spinach, borage, radicchio. • Harvest strawberries.
Strawberries need 6 hours of direct light a day to ripen fully. • C h e c k t h e s o i l temperature—soil should be 60°F prior to planting summer crops. Garden soils can be heated using clear or black plastic mulch. Flowers & Landscaping • Divide fall blooming perennials. Start summer vegetables and flower seeds. • P r u n e a z a l e a s a n d camellias that have finished blooming. Fertilize with coffee grounds…it’s a good source of nitrogen and lowers the pH. • Plant summer blooming bulbs: Canna, calla lilies, Caladium, Dahlia, Gladiolus, l i l i e s, N e r i n e, t u b e ro s e, tuberous begonia, Tigridia, Watsonia. • Plant perennials from 4” pots. • Fertilize roses as they begin to leaf out. Alfalfa pellets are a good slowrelease form of nitrogen.
March 2013 Garden Pests & Diseases • Wash off spittle bugs if they annoy you—they are primarily a visual nuisance. • Wash off aphids before population builds up. • Control snails and slugs – handpick, trap or use iron phosphate baits. • Check for scale crawlers with two-sided sticky tape. Spray with horticultural oil if found. • Spray roses for powdery mildew. A simple mixture is 2-4 teaspoons baking soda + 2-4 teaspoons lightweight horticultural oil in 1 gallon of water. Mix well and spray to cover all foliage. • Spray apples, pears, loquats with Bordeaux mixture during blossom time for fire blight control. • S p r a y s t o n e f r u i t (apricots, peaches, plums, cherries, etc.) for brown rot during bloom time. Master Gardeners are trained volunteers for the U n i ve rs i t y o f C a l i f o r n i a Cooperative Extension (UCCE). They are residents who have an active interest
Bay Nature Honors Three Local Heroes By Staff Writer
A beloved ranger/ naturalist at Muir Woods, a d y n a m i c a d vo c a t e f o r open space around Mount Diablo, and a young woman dedicated to reaching out to diverse communities with a message of conservation will be the recipients of Bay Nature Institute’s 2013 Local Hero Awards. Each year, the nonprofit Bay Nature Institute (BNI), based in B e r k e l e y, s e l e c t s t h r e e individuals who are making outstanding contributions to
the understanding, protection, and stewardship of the natural world of the San Francisco B ay A re a . Ac c o rd i n g t o BNI’s Executive Director David Loeb, “Here in the Bay Area, we’re blessed with a tremendous legacy of parks and protected wild lands that makes this region one of the most desirable places in the world to live. But it’s easy to take this legacy for granted, and forget that it exists due to the hard work of many dedicated individuals. So we at Bay Nature think it’s important to recognize some of these inspirational people and say, “Thanks for all you do to make this a better place.” The awards will be presented at Bay Nature’s Annual Awards Dinner, on Sunday, March 24, 2013, 6:00 p.m., at the Terrace Room of the Lake Merritt Hotel in Oakland. Tickets for the event may be purchased at baynature13.eventbrite.com. The 2013 Local Hero Award winners are: Conservation Action: Seth Adams, Save Mount Diablo: No one knows more about Mount Diablo and its people than Seth Adams, Director
of Land Programs at Save Mount Diablo. And no one has been as dedicated as Seth to protecting the mountain, its wildlife, and its diverse plant communities. Since joining Save Mount Diablo as its first professional staff member in 1988, Seth has been directly involved in property acquisitions and easements protecting tens of thousands of acres of natural lands in eastern Contra Costa and Alameda counties. In 1988 a development boom wa s s we e p i n g t h e a re a , threatening to make Mount Diablo an isolated island of open space in a sea of houses, shopping malls, and roads. But thanks in large part to Seth’s visionary leadership and dogged persistence, Save Mount Diablo has helped to turn that nightmare scenario on its head, making the mountain the centerpiece of an expansive vision of large connected blocks of open space. According to Bay Nature’s Executive Director David Loeb, “This award f o r C o n s e r va t i o n Ac t i o n recognizes that the work done by Seth and Save Mount Diablo over the past 25 years has truly altered the course of
valleysentinel.com in horticulture, have taken the Master Gardener training offered by the UCCE, and now share their knowledge with other members of the community. They provide University of California research-based horticultural information to the citizens of California through their volunteer efforts as Master Gardeners. It is the acquisition of knowledge, the skill in gardening, and giving back to the community that distinguishes a Master Gardener from other gardeners. C o n t ra C o s t a C o u n t y Master Gardener Program The first Contra Costa Master Gardener class was held in Pleasant Hill in 1983. The early classes were taught by UC Agriculture Department professionals and were quite academic. Over the years, the focus has shifted to educating home, community, and school gardeners on sustainable, environmentally friendly gardening practices. Each year, nearly 150 Master Gardener volunteers
branch out into all sections of the county answering questions at Farmers’ Markets or on the group’s popular Help Desk hotline. They advise schools on how to build and maintain school gardens that teach children about where food comes from and how to eat nutritiously. They provide gardening education at Community gardens and t h e p o p u l a r O u r G a rd e n demonstration garden in conjunction with the Contra C o s t a T i m e s, a s we l l a s presenting educational talks on sustainable landscaping at libraries and other public venues throughout the County. Altogether, 12,000 hours of volunteer service was provided to Contra Costa County’s population in 200910 by Contra Costa Master Gardeners. Yo u c a n c o n t a c t t h e Contra Costa County Master Gardeners by visiting www. ccmg.ucdavis.edu, by calling (925) 646-6586 or by emailing us at mgcontracosta@ucdavis. edu.
the East Bay, ensuring that it remains a livable region for people and wildlife alike.” Environmental Education: Mia Monroe, Golden Gate National Parks: No one is more dedicated to getting people out to appreciate and learn about the natural world than Mia M o n ro e, S i t e S u p e r v i s o r a t M u i r Wo o d s N a t i o n a l Monument and Interpretive Supervisor for the Golden Gate National Parks’ Marin Interpretive Area (including Muir Woods, Stinson Beach, and the Marin Headlands). She has conducted naturalist hikes and programs for countless park visitors—young and old, Bay Area residents and tourists—introducing them to the wonders of the old growth redwood forest, the allure of tidepools, and the rhythms of coastal streams. According to Bay Nature’s David Loeb, “Mia is such an effective communicator because she combines a deep knowledge of the landscape with an infectious sense of curiosity and wonder.” Yo u t h E n g a g e m e n t : Cindy Moreno: Cindy works as a guide for the Guadalupe River Park Conservancy, leading weekend field trips for children and adults
in this restored riparian habitat running through the heart of San Jose. And she works part-time as a Garden Based Educator at Full Circle Farm in Sunnyvale, developing and delivering programs on healthy nutrition and sustainable food systems. While in school, Cindy worked as a student intern at Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, developing outreach and education programs to promote shorebird conservation with the Latino communities of the South Bay. Jennifer Heroux, Chief of Visitor’s Services and Cindy’s supervisor at the refuge, says: “Cindy is an exceptional young woman— passionate and completely dedicated to the environment and building community. She has done so much for someone in her early 20s.” Bay Nature Institute is a Berkeley-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that publishes the award-winning quarterly magazine Bay Nature and hosts BayNature. org, the online portal to the natural world of the San Francisco Bay Area. For more information or to set up an interviews, please contact Beth Slatkin at beth@ baynature.org or 510-5288550 x207.
Spring Home & Garden valleysentinel.com
March 2013
Spring Home & Garden Events By Staff Writer
As the weather becomes warmer people start thinking about working in their gardens and improving their homes. Here are a few events that might help you get started: S e a s o n a l Ve g e t a b l e G a rd e n i n g u s i n g a B i o Intensive Approach Thursday, March 14 6:30-8pm. Learn about the process of creating a healthy vegetable garden. Contra Costa Master Gardener Janet Miller will give a talk on subjects such as soil preparation, starting with seeds and transplants, cover crops, fertilizing, irrigation, mulching, planting times and crop selection. You’ll leave this library lecture with the knowledge necessary to create your own bio-intensive garden. The San Ramon Library is at 100 Montgomery Street, on the corner of Bollinger Canyon
and Marketplace. For more information, please call 925973-2850 or visit ccclib.org/ locations/sanramon.html. Danville Spring Upcycled Art & Home Show Saturday, March 23 10 a m - 4 p m . A g r e e n home and artful living expo of local artists, sustainable businesses, home services, suppliers and craftsmen who transform our indoor/outdoor living environments, upcycle vintage goods, refinish, restore, recycle! The show is free to the public with easy access by foot with free bike and car parking available. Start your day at the Danville Farmer’s Market open from 9-1 with locally grown produce and at Danville restaurants offering farm fresh food selections. Grab a ShopDine-Play strolling map to discover more of Danville’s local sustainable goods and
services. Veterans Memorial Hall, 400 Hartz Ave, Danville. For information visit www. discoverdanvilleca.com. Urban Herbalism, Gardens at Heather Farm Saturday, April 6 10am-1pm. Sarah Sutton, Landscape Architect, author and practicing herbalist will show you how to select, p r o p a g a t e, h a r v e s t a n d use herbs in the garden, including California natives, edible ornamentals, and even common garden weeds! Sarah’s presentation will include illustrations and garden designs from her new book, The New American Front Yard: Kiss Your Grass Goodbye, and she will also be available to offer design tips for your herb garden! $20 GHF members/$25 non-members. For more information about this and other gardening events visit http://gardenshf. org/adult-classes.html.
Katalyst Events resurrects Devil Mountain Sports and sponsor of the Club to its stature as one Run run for more than 20 years By Staff Writer
T h e D a n v i l l e To w n Council recently voted to allow Danville-based Katalyst Events, LLC to bring back the Devil Mountain Run. The well-loved race that got its start in 1978 will return to the streets of Danville on Sunday, May 5, 2013 after a one-year hiatus. The annual run typically drew around 2,000 runners to Danville on the first Sunday each May to participate in either a 5K or 10k run that began downtown and followed along the Iron Horse Trail. In addition to the 5K and 10K, a Kids Fun Run and Expo are also being planned. Marty Breen, owner of Danville’s Forward Motion EAGLE from page 4
used in dance skirts of the Yokuts and scattered during ceremonies. A central ritual of the Chinigchini cult included the Eagle Ceremony or Dance which involved a dance that concluded with the sacrifice of an eagle to commemorate the deaths of important persons. The taking and sacrifice of Golden Eagles, a fully protected species of concern, for ceremonial use has been a subject of great debate and controversy. Golden Eagles
was a strong influence in the return of the race. “The run has been a fixture in Danville for 34 years and a great source of pride. Recently, the focus seemed to be drifting away from Danville,” Breen said. “Our goal is to bring the focus back to Danville with the involvement of the entire community from not only a participation standpoint, but also through volunteerism and support of our local businesses and organizations.” Chris McCrary and Kevin Magna, co-founders of Katalyst Events have been involved in the racing community for years. Both are accomplished athletes and helped to lead the Forward Motion Race
of the premier running and triathlete clubs in Northern California before embarking on their new endeavor a s ra c e p ro d u c e rs. A s a Danville resident, McCrary says that “bringing back Devil Mountain Run was an important decision for myself personally, and also for our community. We want to build on the tradition that has been in place for over 30 years and ensure that the Devil Mountain Run continues to offer the community a fun, healthy, family-oriented event centered right here in our own downtown.” Fo r i n f o r m a t i o n o n sponsorship opportunities, please contact Chris McCrary via email at Chris@ katalysteventsllc.com.
figure prominently at Vasco Caves, the largest concentration of polychromatic pictographs in Central California. For such a majestic and magnificent bird, few species face the litany of threats to their survival than does the Golden Eagle. Collisions with vehicles and power lines, shooting by ra n c h e rs, p o i s o n i n g , harvesting, pesticides, lead, nest-site disturbance and habitat destruction and degradation are the major dangers. The wind turbines throughout their range are an
additional threat. Sixty-one mortalities were detected in the Diablo Range between 19941997 in the Altamont Wind Resource Area from turbine strikes and electrocution. It is not clear if the local breeding population can survive with such high mortality rates. Fortunately, mitigation measures have been implemented to hopefully help reduce this problem. James. M. Hale is a Wildlife Biologist and Vice Chair of the Contra Costa Fish and Wildlife Committee.
The Valley SenTinel
page 9
Community bounty garden to open this spring By Staff Writer
What do you get when combine compost, seeds and the desire of a mother and daughter who want to give back to the community? You get a community service and educational gardening program known as The Bounty Garden. The recently constructed Bounty Garden located at Hap Magee Ranch Park, was conceived by the mother/ daughter team of Heidi and Amelia Abramson as they visited local food banks and took a closer look at hunger here in our own community. They came to understand that fresh produce is the scarcest and most valuable provision of all. After years of meeting with the Town of Danville and Contra Costa County through a Joint Planning and Operations Committee (JPOC) the dream of a little garden that gives to those in need, is now a reality. The Bounty Garden is a 100% non-profit program committed to providing a source of fresh vegetables to the local Food Banks of Contra Costa and Solano Counties. The Bounty Garden looks to officially open for the spring
planting season with a group of volunteers of all ages who will come together in this hands-on program to learn about growing sustainable, organic vegetables all while becoming a part of the answer to hunger in our community. The serene location at Hap Magee Ranch Park, offers lots of passersby the opportunity to see firsthand the work of the volunteers as they plant, water and harvest their crops. This location provides shade for composting and sun for beds, a gathering space in an existing barn and a wonderful, safe atmosphere. “I think the very special mix of historic buildings with modern amenities in such a wellmaintained natural environment is testament to the Town’s exemplary capabilities and I am incredibly proud to be a part of this lovely, cherished place,” said Heidi Abramson. As the garden grows so does the opportunity to join the Bounty Garden as a volunteer while giving back and being a part of the answer to hunger in the community. For more information about the garden, visit their website at www.bountygarden.org.
Niger Thistle 20lb. Rabbits Mini Lops with coupon
$35 each exp. 4/10/13
Baby Chicks
with coupon
$3.00 each exp. 4/10/13
$2599
with coupon exp. 4/10/13
Premium No-Waste Wild Bird Food “Will not grow!”
$2395 20lb. Bag exp. 4/10/13
5
$ 00 OFF
ANY PURCHASE OF $35 OR MORE exp. 4/10/13 Not applicable to advertised items.
Alamo Hay & Grain
We Feed Them All—Dogs, Cats, Birds, All Other Livestock
3196 Danville Blvd., 837-4994
Open: Mon – Sat, 8 – 6 • Sunday, 9 – 4 For All Your Pet or Animal Needs!
Kids’ Camps & Education page 10
The Valley SenTinel
March 2013
valleysentinel.com
Active Summer camps can help kids get or stay fit and outdoor activities that the preventative solution? By Nora Heston
Making a difference: ● ● ● ● ● ●
Here’s what a parent has to say:
Sophie - Just wanted to tell you how Making a difference: impressed we were with Sarah, who recently came to our house to tutor our 16 year-old • Personalized One-on-One Tutoring daughter Lydia. Sarah was very punctual, upbeat and friendly. Best of all, she seems to • Convenient at Home Service b e a g i f t e d t e a c h e r a n d Ly d i a f e l t • All Subjects & Grade Levels encouraged and more confident after working with her. • Reduce Stress, Save Gas & Time- Deborah, San Francisco • Experienced & Qualified Local Tutors Tutor Doctor of San Francisco •415 Test ACT, GED & More! 364Prep 8595– SAT, spouteau@tutordoctor.com
Personalized One-on-One Tutoring Convenient at Home Service All Subjects & Grade Levels Reduce Stress, Save Gas & Time Experienced & Qualified Local Tutors Test Prep – SAT, ACT, GED & More!
www.TutoringInTheBayArea.com
Here’s what a parent has to say: Sophie - Just wanted to tell you how impressed we were with Sarah, who recently came to our house to tutor our 16 year-old daughter Lydia. Sarah was very punctual, upbeat and friendly. Best of all, she seems to be a gifted teacher and Lydia felt encouraged and more confident after working with her. – Deborah, Danville
Tutor Doctor of Contra Costa County 925-289-8656 • spouteau@tutordoctor.com www.tutoringinDanville.com
Check out www.ValleySentinel.com
Summer offers children a break – a break from their responsibilities, a break from school and a break from after-school activities – but sometimes that also includes a break from exercise. With the rising concern of childhood obesity, keeping kids active is more important than ever. Summer camp may be a good solution for the summertime slump many kids experience. Instead of spending hours on end playing video games and watching television, kids can take part in active summer camps that offer them opportunities to stay fit and get exercise. According to Sonoma Family Life, summer camps offer many benefits that could help prevent, or assist with, childhood obesity. “Today’s youth are the most inactive generation in history,” states on article o n t h e w e b s i t e , w w w. sonomafamilylife.com, entitled “Childhood Obesity: How Summer Camp Can Help.” “Exercise is no longer a regular part of their lives. Some children never walk or bike to school, or play any kind of sport. Many schools and community organizations have curtailed or eliminated their PE and sports programs.” It’s these factors, coupled with large amounts of TVwatching and junk food eating, that have caused childhood obesity rates to be worse than ever. So why might summer camp be the answer – or even
“Because they are rooted in experiential learning, summer camps provide opportunities for children to exercise, opportunities that are often not available in school and are certainly not available watching TV or playing videogames,” states the article. “Camps offer a great opportunity to encourage physical challenges, teach lifelong active pursuits and learn active lifestyle behaviors.” According to an article published by Penn State’s College of Health and Human Development entitled “Summer Camps: A Fun, Easy Way for Children to Fight Obesity,” “Not only do summer camps provide fun, engaging activities for kids, but kids at summer camps meet or exceed the amount of daily physical activity recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.” The friends children meet at camp can lend to their activity levels, as well. According to the article, posted at hhdev.psu.edu, “Peer groups play a significant role in physical activity; children with active friends were more likely to be active, too,” according to research done by Ben Hickerson, assistant professor of recreation, park, and tourism management in Penn State’s College of Health and Human Development. While there are summer camps that focus more on arts and educational opportunities, there are also many offerings that focus on sports, camping
Got Teeth? Looking for a Dentist? We invite you to join our Family Practice! Full Service Dentistry Children to Seniors
Larry Porteous D.D.S. Linda Porteous R.D.H. “Let our family be your family dentist”
3840 Blackhawk Rd., Danville (across Blackhawk Rd. from Draeger’s Market) (925) 736-9000 • www.LarryPorteousDDS.com
offer children a chance to get fit. For competitive athletes, there are specialty camps like World Cup Soccer Camps & Clinics that have offerings throughout the Bay Area. The town of Danville is scheduled to host this specific program multiple times during the summer with camps and clinics available at Sycamore Park, 2101 Holbrook Drive, in June, July and August. Other sport-specific camps are available in Danville as well including Tuffl i Camp, 1475 Harlan Drive, which offers kids the opportunity to sample an array of different sports, and the Athenian School, 2100 Diablo Rd., which offers a classic sports camp option with classes designed to expose campers to a variety of conventional as well as nonconventional sports. In addition to those focused on getting fit, there are also options that simply include exercise in their vast schedule of activities without exercise being the focus of the entire camp. The town of Danville offers traditional day camps for children as young as three years old. Even the classes available to the younger set include outdoor play in their daily curriculum, on top of the traditional arts, crafts and storybook schedule. Older kids can participate in age-appropriate camps that offer activities that will get them moving such as water play, swimming, games, fieldtrips and more. Parents can sign their children up for these camps through the town of Danville online, over the phone or by mail.
Advertise in
THE
VALLEY
SENTINEL For information, please contact Denise Rousset at 925-820-6047 or email
info@valleysentinel.com.
Visit us at ValleySentinel.com
Kids’ Camps & Education valleysentinel.com
March 2013
The Valley SenTinel
Plan now for summer activities, jobs in the Regional Parks By Beverly Lane, East Bay Regional Parks District
Spring is almost here, and it’s not too soon to start thinking about summer day camps for your kids. The East Bay Regional Park District’s Day Camps are part of the “Healthy Parks Healthy People” initiative. Youth and teens can explore, learn, and of course have fun! The day camp season starts June 17. Camps have aquatic, educational or recreational themes for kids ages five and
older. Generally the camps run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. There are camps at regional parks in Oakland, Berkeley, Castro Valley, Fremont, Pleasanton, and Antioch. Age ranges and schedules vary by camp, and the fees vary depending on the length of time offered. Camp staffs are CPR and first aid qualified, and the camps are accredited by the American Camping Association. Regional park rangers, naturalists, lifeguards and recreation leaders team up to help with the camps. Registration is required and fees apply. The Regional Parks Foundation provides financial assistance for those who qualify. Here are a few examples: Park’n It Day Camp at various parks. Hiking, fishing,
swimming, arts & crafts, and sports in the great outdoors w i t h re c re a t i o n l e a d e rs, lifeguards, and naturalists. (Family discount; 10% discount with phone registration of a sibling) Ages 6-12. Waterway Warriors Day Camp at Tidewater Boating Center, Oakland. Kayak, canoe, bike, hike, fish; introduction to rowing by the Oakland Strokes Rowing Club. Camp Of The Wild at Tilden Nature Area. Learn survival skills: build shelters, make cordage and containers, cook over a fire, and discover edible and useful plants. Ages 9-13. Tilden Little Farm Camp at Tilden Nature Area. Learn about caring for farm animals, harvesting, cooking, getting dirty, and having fun! Ages 8-11. Visit the Park District web site www.ebparks.org/ Activities/DayCamps for details and links to register online, or call 1 (888) 327-2757 (option 2, then 3). For teenagers who are interested in becoming camp counselors, the “Leaders in Training” program is a great way to develop job skills and work experience in parks and recreation. Teens ages 13 to 17 get staff guidance as they work with other teens in supervising campers, leading games, and helping run camp. An application and interview are required. Contact Philip Coffin, Recreation Coordinator, at 510-544-2566 or pcoffin@ ebparks.org for an application or information. If accepted, there is a fee of $50 per week. The East Bay Regional Park District also offers a variety of seasonal full-time and parttime jobs, including lifeguards and recreation leaders. These
are ideal for students and those who enjoy working in the outdoors. And there are two training programs for student aides, who work year-round in the visitor centers or with the Public Safety Department. For more information, contact the park district’s Human Resources Division, 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland CA 94605. Or call 510-5442154 or visit www.ebparks. org/jobs. Plan now for your summer in the East Bay regional Parks. Beverly Lane is a member of the East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors. Her ward includes Central Contra Costa County from San Ramon through Concord and Pleasant Hill through Clayton.
page 11
St. Joan of Arc 5th Grade Girls Win Division Title Under the leadership of Head Coach Gary Beeler, the St. Joan of Arc 5th Grade Girls American Team defeated CCOP 25 - 15 in the semi-final playoff game. St. Joan’s was led by Anna Stoutt with 9 points, Isi Fadal added 5 points and Daylee Dunn 4 points. Grayce McClaughry pulled down 8 rebounds and Anna Stoutt had 6 rebounds. Grayce McClaughry led St. Joan’s with 5 steals. St. Joan’s win over CCOP secured a spot in the Tri-Valley CYO Championship game against cross-town rival St. Isadore. St. Joan’s defeated St. Isadore 18 -13 on Sunday to capture the 1st Place American Division Title. Audrey Moulton was on fire with 6 points, 12 rebounds and
4 steals. Grayce McClaughry, Erin Tarasow and Isa Fadal each had 4 steals as well. St. Joan of Arc finished their season 17-4! Pictured:Back Row: Head Coach: Gary Beeler, Anna Stoutt, Paige Gerhart, Grayce McClaughry, Erin Tarasow, Isi Fadal and Assistant Coach Steve Gerhart. Front Row: Audrey Moulton, Karina Shah and Alyssa O’Brien.Not Pictured: Aruna Harihara and Daylee Dunn
iD Tech Campers ages 7-18 create video games, iPhone and iPad apps, websites, movies, robots, C++/Java programs, and 3D animations at UC Berkeley.
Great News!
Now over 40 courses in game design with Minecraft & other popular titles, app development, programming & more
---
Also 2-week, pre-college summer programs for ages 13-18 held at universities nationwide: iD Gaming Academy (held at Stanford) iD Programming Academy (held at Stanford) iD Visual Arts Academy (held at UC Berkeley)
& Teen Academies
CREATE VIDEO GAMES! CODE APPS, C++, JAVA! PROGRAM ROBOTS! MAKE MOVIES! 60+ UNIVERSITIES. AGES 7-18 UC Berkeley St. Mary’s College Stanford SFSU UCLA
w w w.internalDrive.c o 1-888-709-TECH (8324) m
.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
March
•
March
•
March
•
March
•
March
•
March •
March
•
March
For additional Community Events visit: www.ValleySentinel.com If your event is not listed... Please email your information to info@valleysentinel.com
We hope to see you there! SENIORS
COMMUNITY EVENTS Volunteers Needed: Read to Preschoolers Volunteers are needed at childcare centers in Concord, Pittsburg, and West County. The Contra Costa County Library will supply books and resources. For more information, please contact Maureen Kilmurray at 925-9273288. Danville Farmer’s Market Every Saturday, Year-round 9am-1pm. Get the freshest seasonal fare at the Danville Certified Farmers’ Market. You’ll find fruits and vegetables direct from local farmers, along with fresh-cut flowers, bedding plants, fresh breads, and delicious specialty food items. Railroad & Prospect Avenue, Danville. Information: www.ci.danville.ca.us. Free E-Waste Recycling Event 1st Saturday every month. 9am-1pm. Got E-Waste? Bring unwanted electronic equipment, such as tvs, monitors, printers, computers and more to a FREE E-Waste Recycling event. ALL ewaste collected will be recycled in the U.S. Sponsored by Electronic Waste Management, a U.S. Certified E-Waste Collector. DVC in San Ramon, 1690 Watermill Road, in the Back Parking Lot. Please visit www.noewaste.com or call 866-335-3373 for accepted and non-accepted items and more info.
2013 State of the Town Luncheon and Community Awards March 21 The public is invited to attend the 2013 State of the Town Luncheon and Community Awards at the Round Hill Country Club. Mayor Newell Arnerich will give the State of the Town Address. The following Community Awards will be presented: Citizen of the Year (sponsored by The San Ramon Valley Times), Business Person of the Year (sponsored by The Bay Area News Group), Charitable Organization of the Year (sponsored by The Danville Weekly), and Employee of t he Year (sponsored by The Valley Sentinel), $35 tickets are available on the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce Website on the “Store” tab. Infomation: www.danvilleareachamber. com Round Hill Country Club; 3169 Round Hill Drive, Alamo.
Tri-Valley Cultural Jews’ annual community seder March 30 5 pm. The hour long English haggadah is secular and progressive, and includes music, along with ritual elements with Humanistic explanations. The ceremony is followed by a non-kosher-for-Passover potluck dinner. We are also collecting canned and boxed food for the food bank, as we do at all holidays. Free to members and children. We request a $10 donation from nonmember adults (13 and over) to help defray costs of Forest Home Farms Historic Park & Glass House rent and ritual foods. Bothwell Center, 2466 8th St. Museum–Open for Fun on the Farm Livermore. Information: Call 925-485-1049 or 510-8882nd Saturday of each month. 1404 or visit trivalleyculturaljews.wordpress.com or 10am-2pm. Enjoy tours of the Glass House Museum, email reservations@tri-valleyculturaljews.org. the farm and its history, interactive exhibits including the tractor museum, the beautiful grounds and free activities. Visit the Welcome Center and purchase old-fashioned Danville Area Business & Culinary Showcase toys and gifts at the Gift Shoppe. Tours are $5 per person, April 4 or $8 for both tours on the same day. 19953 San Ramon 5-8 pm. Want to know more about Danville Area busiValley Blvd, San Ramon. Information: 925-973-3284 or nesses, restaurants, wineries and brew pubs? Everyone’s invited to the 2013 Danville Business & Culinary visit www.sanramon.ca.gov. Showcase. Sponsored by the Danville Area Chamber What’s in a Name? Tracing Our Valley’s Early Fami- of Commerce, this popular event features “All You Can Eat” gourmet small bites from those local restaurants lies you’ve been wanting to check out – premium wines Now-April 20 Adventurous men and women traveled to California begin- from our local wineries (Yes, Danville has wineries!) ning in the 1840s. They moved to Alamo, Danville, San and craft brews from that hot, new brew pub, Schubros Ramon and the Tassajara Valley and, today, we see their Brewery. Raffle prizes include two IPads and much names on roads, canyons, schools and home develop- more! Stop by the Town of Danville table and catch up ments. Displaying the Museum’s archives, photographs, with the staff of the best hometown in California! A preclothing, agricultural equipment, saddles and flags, this ex- paid $50 ticket covers all you can eat, drink and get to hibit provides insights into the lives of our founding families. know about Danville businesses that are right here in Tickets starting from $1.00. Museum of San Ramon Valley, your backyard! Crow Canyon Country Club; 711 Silver 205 Railroad Avenue in Downtown Danville. Information: Lake Dr, Danville. Information: Call 925-837-4400 for tickets or purchase online at www.danvilleareachamber. Visit www.museumsrv.org or call 925-837-3750. com – click on the “Store” tab! Sustainable Danville’s Food For Thought Speaker Series: The Essence of Herbs March 21 6:30-8:30 pm. “Oh, better no doubt is a dinner of herbs, when season’d with love…” 18th Century Poet. This concept seems relatively recent when we consider that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has relied on the blend of herbs for thousands of years to improve our bodies and our mind. This encompassing, holistic approach to health and well-being continues to play a growing role in modern medicine and daily nutrition. Join us on an exploration of dozens of herbs that delight the senses and enhance food and your health. Danville Library; Mt. Diablo Room 400 Front Street. Information: www.sustainabledanville.com
Spring Garden Exploration at Forest Hill Farms April 13 10am-2pm. Discover what is growing and blooming in the organic garden. Explore the garden beds to find the new seedlings, ripe vegetables and the helpful insects. There will be fresh produce samples to taste. Those who are energetic can also pitch in to help by watering, weeding, or turning the compost, and everyone can plant a flower seed to take home. Visit the Welcome Center and purchase old-fashioned toys and gifts at the Gift Shoppe. Tours are $5 per person, or $8 for both tours on the same day. 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon. Information: 925-973-3284 or visit www. sanramon.ca.gov.
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. Buzz Sessions: Get the buzz on topics and issues facing today’s older adults and talk with the experts. Buzz Sessions are always free! Information: 925-314-3400. Sneaker Trips: All trips meet at the Danville Park & Ride lot unless otherwise noted in the trip details. Reserve your spot at the Danville Community Center, 420 Front Street, on or before the registration date beginning at 8:30am. Information: 925-314-3400. 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. Wisdom Wednesdays: Free Workshops and informational sessions that will benefit you. They will give you free access to coffee, knowledge and a better understanding of important issues. Information: 925973-3250. Trips Trip Desk is open Tuesday & Thursday, 10am-1pm. Information: 973-3250. Sign up for Casino Trips and Van Trips at the travel desk or by depositing payment with registration form in the gold drop box found at the main entryway.
BUSINESS Alamo Chamber Mixer March 27 5:30-7:30 pm. “Mix” with other local entrepreneurships, businesses, and services; and strengthen business connections. The mixer is open to the public, so anybody can explore what businesses are in your local area. $10 for members, $20 for soon-to-be members. Absolute Chiropractic; 3189 Danville Blvd., Ste 230. Information: alamochamberofcommerce.com Lafayette Chamber of Commerce Mixer March 13 5:30 pm. Lamorinda Theatre Academy + Lamorinda Music + Mighty Fine Guitars. Information: Visit LafayetteChamber.org or call 925-284-7404. San Ramon Business Expo and Mixer at the Bridges Golf Club March 21 5 -8 pm. Discover local businesses and network with 300 guests. Exhibitor Booths: $200 San Ramon Chamber Members; Exhibitor Booths: $300 Non-Chamber Members; Exhibitor Booths: $150 Non-Profit Groups; Attendees: $20 at the door. The Bridges Golf Club; 9000 S. Gale Ridge Road, San Ramon. Information: www.sanramon.org
Please email your calendar events to the Sentinel at Info@valleysentinel.com by 5pm on the 20th of the month preceding publication month. Inclusion in the calendar pages is at the sole discretion of Sentinel Newspapers, Inc.
valleysentinel.com
March 2013
The Valley SenTinel
page 13
COMMUNITY CALENDAR (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12) CLUBS and ORGANIZATIONS
ter, 9300 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon. Information: 925-973-3250.
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.
Tuesdays: Danville AM Toastmasters 7-8:30am. Meets every Tuesday. New members welcome. Father Nature’s Restaurant, Danville. Information: danville am.freetoasthost. org.
Hope Hospice Grief Support Groups Ongoing The Hope Hospice Grief Support Center offers grief support groups tailored for adults, teens and children which are open to the community at no or minimal charge – whether or not Hope Hospice provided end-of-life care to a loved one. Private one-on-one sessions are also available. Please call 925-829-8770 to learn more and to schedule an informational interview or visit www.HopeHospice.com. Alamo-Danville Newcomers Club March 28 10am to Noon Please join us for a free Welcome Coffee to meet members and learn about the Club. For further details call us at (925) 281-1307. Recurring: Mondays: Danville Rotary 12pm. Meets every Monday. Faz Restaurant, 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. People who know or are caregivers of Alzheimer victims can get information on how to help them through this difficult time in life. San Ramon Senior & Community Cen-
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. ARF Pet Loss Support Group 12-1:30pm. Meets first Tuesday of every month. In a nurturing small group, you are encouraged to process feelings of grief resulting from the loss of pet. Register with Vicki at 925-887-5678 or vickis@hospiceeastbay.org. ARF, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: arf.net. Walnut Creek Kiwanis Club 12:10-1:30pm. Meets every Tuesday. Massimo’s Ristorante, 1604 Locust Street, Walnut Creek. Information: kiwanisofwalnutcreek.org. Walnut Creek Rotary 12:15-1:30pm. Meets every Tuesday. Heather Farms Garden Center, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: rotarywc.org. Tri-Valley Weight Loss Team Meetup Group 5pm-6pm. Meets every Tuesday. Join a small, supportive group of people who have a common goal of losing weight. Led by Dr. Dan Perez, the meetings focus on ef-
fective lifestyle strategies to lose weight and keep it off. Topics covered include diet, nutrition, eating strategies, exercises, motivational strategies, and any topic the group is interested in addressing. Information: www.meetup.com/Tri-ValleyWeight-Loss-Team. 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: Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley 12pm. Meets the second Wednesday of every month. Sign-in and social time begins at 11:30. Guests are welcome with lunch reservations. Faz Restaurant, 600 Hartz Ave., Danville. RSVP 925-2752412. Information: coachstepper@ yahoo.com. Alamo Rotary 12:15pm. Meets every Wednesday. Round Hill Country Club, 3169 Roundhill Road, Alamo. Information: alamorotary.org. Walnut Creek Host Lion’s Club 12:15pm. Meets the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Black Bear Diner, 700 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek. Information: walnutcreeklions.org.
Blue Star Moms 7-9pm. Meets the second Wednesday of every month. 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. Danville Toastmasters Club #1785 7:30-9pm. Meets every Wednesday. Room W204 at Diablo Valley College,1690 Watermill Road, San Ramon. Information: danvilletoastmasters1785.com. Veterans of Foreign Wars 7:30pm. Meets the third Wednesday of every month. Veterans Memorial Hall, 400 Hartz Avenue, Danville. Information: Post Commander Ernie Petagara at 925-3629806 or vfwpost75.org.
Silver Lake Drive, Danville. Information: sanramonrotary.org.
A Course in Miracles 7-8pm. Meets every Thursday. Each meeting is spent discussing the concepts of A Course in Miracles and how to apply this practical philosophy in everyday life. Move through the lessons and reading at your own pace. Donations accepted. Windbell Wellness Center, 1924 A Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill. Information: www. windbellcenter.com/wp. Diablo Numismatic Society 7-9pm. Meets the third Thursday of every month. Concord Police Community Meeting Room, 1350 Galindo Street, Concord. Information: diablocoinclub.org.
Clutterers Anonymous 7-8pm. Meets the second Thursday of every month. St. Luke’s Lutheran Church room 7, 2 491 San Miguel Drive, W alnut Creek. Information: 925-736-8627.
Thursdays: San Ramon Valley Newcomers 11:30am-2pm. Meets the third Thursday of every month. Faz Restaurant, 600 Hartz Ave., Danville. $21 for lunch. New and long-time residents are welcome. Reservations/information: 925-828-8554. Rotary Club of San Ramon 11:45am. Meets every Thursday. Crow Canyon Country Club, 711
San Ramon Valley Rotary 7pm. Meets every Wednesday. Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville. Information: sanramonvalleyrotary.com. Walnut Creek Toastmasters 7-8:15pm. Meets every Wednesday. 1660 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill. Information: walnutcreek. freetoasthost.net.
Cl a s s i f i e d s FOR SALE Exceptional landscaping plants at great low prices. Local. Call 925 285-0351.
SERVICES Pool Service-If your pool looks like a pond, call John at 925-584-6333. It’s the last pool maintenance call you will have to make. LaserJet printers, computer, laptop and network repair Do you need help with your computer, laptop or home network? Do you not have time to go out to a repair shop or just don’t like how those “Geeks” charge you an arm and a leg for their mediocre services?! I’m offering my computer expertise to you in case you just don’t have money and/or time to go out and
Community News & Information
Danville • Blackhawk Alamo • Diablo San Ramon
get it fixed yourself by the nearest “Geeks” or similar computer repair shop. I will come to you!!! I’ve been an IT for 10+ years and have the knowledge and know-how of fixing/ repairing a lot of hardware and software. I prefer to offer my basic services to you if you are running Windows-based systems small networks; and LaserJet Printers – HP, Dell, Samsung, and Lexmark. I charge $75.00/hour, plus the cost of any parts or software. If your needs stretch outside of that scope feel free to call me for a free quote. I accept cash or all major credit cards. Phil’s Printers & PCs. 925-269-9817.
HELP WANTED Sales Executive: Sentinel Newspapers, Inc. has immediate openings for a sales person for A La Carte magazine. Sales
Publisher/Editor-Denise Rousset Chief Financial Officer-Jeff Gummere Graphic Designer-Laurie Prindle Advertising Manager-Roseann Chamard Writer, Auto-David & Judy Colman IT Support-Light Speed Systems Interns-Michelle Du & Aaron Peng
www.valleysentinel.com
experience helpful. Will train the right person. Must have an outgoing personality and a positive attitude. Compensation based on performance. A La Carte magazine covers the most desirable areas of the Bay Area–Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Alamo, Blackhawk, Danville, and Diablo. Please email your resume and request for interview to us at drousset@ valleysentinel.com.
Business / Finance ALM Risk Analyst: M.B.A./Mstr. Finance or rltd & 4 yrs. exp. & exp. w/ liquidity forecasting; enterp.-wide stress tstng.; analyzing EVE & NII; analyzing long term debt for hedges. CV to: Bank of the West, 2527 Camino Ramon, San Ramon, CA 94583. ATTN: H.R. or send to careers@bankofthewest.com. EEO. The position is in San Ramon, CA.
925-820-6047 390 Diablo Road
Suite 145 Danville, CA 94526
Ready To Lease Your Property or Looking To Rent It? Come To Hitchcock Realty Property Management
Rentals, Listings, Advertising, Maintenance
Full Services, Low Rates
Call Chris today
925-890-4482
page 14
The valley Sentinel
AUTO
2013 MAZDASPEED3 Touring By David and Judy Colman
Mazda can spend all its advertising budget touting how green their “SkyActiv Technology” is, but what this company really does best is go fast. More drivers race more Mazdas in more US races than any other make of car. This relatively small company has dedicated itself to building a racing ladder here that starts with showroom stock MX-5 (Miata) competition and works its way through ever more committed levels of production and formula racing. So Mazda knows fast better than anyone. In fact, they’re so dedicated to the concept of speed that they own and operate Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca in Monterey. If you too want fast, the Mazdaspeed3 is definitely your speeding ticket. What’s the formula here? Take an unprepossessing Mazda3 sedan and swap its anemic 148hp engine for a 263hp turbocharged and intercooled MZR motor that loves to run hard. Next, junk the stock 3’s wimpy wheels and tires for
a set of gunmetal alloy rims mounting ultra sticky Dunlop SP Sport 225/40R18 rubber. Recalibrate the steering rack so it’s uber responsive, stiffen the suspension to formula car levels of precision, scoop the front seats out for better body retention under g-loads, and add a new two-tone rear lift gate spoiler for 2013 that adds downforce. The sum of these tweaks is a sizzling hot hatchback that will roll your eyeballs into your skull when you light the throttle, and challenge your equilibrium when you pitch it into a corner. But you don’t have to behave like a delinquent when driving the ‘Speed3, because it’s happy to putter along at sub-warp speeds if you are. That superb 2.3 liter, direct-injection power plant spools up so fast and produces so much torque down low in its rpm range (280 lb.-ft.) you almost never need to swap gears with the 6-speed manual transmission. So feel free to dawdle along in 3rd or 4th gear around town because the long stroke/small bore architecture of this engine (87.5mm bore x
March 2009 March 2013
94mm stroke) favors torque over high rpm operation. That’s just as well, because it’s virtually impossible to distinguish the redline on the tachometer face since ALL the numbers on the gauge are inexplicably backed by a continuous crimson band. So how does the Mazdaspeed3 behave as a daily driver? With unexpected composure. When you nail the throttle in a front-wheel-drive car with this much torque, you’d expect to fight the steering wheel in order to overcome torque steer. But Mazda has succeeded in all but eliminating the problem by incorporating a standard torque-sensing conical limited slip differential in the driveline that keeps the front wheels pointed where you command regardless of how much throttle you apply. This freedom from torque steer is unexpected and very welcome. In respect to occupant comfort, the 5-door behaves just as benignly as it does in eliminating torque steer. Because everyone has their own door, access to the back seat is never a problem. Carrying a full passenger load
is practicable because the 103.9 inch wheelbase and tall rear roofline encourage adult use of the aft compartment. The 60/40 seat fold factor combined with the utilitarian hatch door make this Mazda perfect for a bulk goods runs to Lowe’s or the Home Depot. You will not buy more driving fun for the money than this Mazdaspeed3. The base price here is just $24,200. If you add the Technology Package ($2,485), you’ll enjoy such niceties as a 5.8 inch full color touchscreen nav unit, HD, Sirius XM and Pandora Radio, SMS Text Message deliver and reply, adaptive Bi-Xenon front lighting, rain sensing wipers and keyless entry with push button start.
valleysentinel.com
Even with all these features, the delivered price of $27,955 marks this Mazda as the performance bargain of the new year. 2 01 3 M A Z DA S P E E D 3 TOURING ENGINE: 2.3 liter inline 4, DISI, DOHC, 16 Valves, Turbocharged and Intercooled HORSEPOWER: 263hp TORQUE: 280lb.-ft. FUEL CONSUMPTION: 18 City MPG/25 Highway MPG PRICE AS TESTED: $27,955 HYPES: Precise and Responsive Steering, Handling, Throttle GRIPES: Redline on Tach Indistinguishable STAR RATING: 10 Stars Out Of 10
Local • Convenient • Better!
2646 N. Main St., Walnut Creek, CA
(925) 937-6900
valleysentinel.com
March 2013
St. Isidore School Science Fair By Staff Writer
St. Isidore 7th and 8th grade students participated in this year’s successful Science Fair. As part of their Science curriculum, students learn how to apply the Scientific Method to a specific research question. This project, which takes over five months to conduct, begins with the student’s proposal of a research problem within the categories of Life Science, Chemistry, Physics or Invention. The students then conduct background research using scientific literature and develop a hypothesis, and experimental procedure. They perform their experiments and record observations from three trials, analyze data, and write a conclusion and error analysis. At the end of the project, the students present their work to a team of judges. The Science Fair event was held during Catholic Schools Week. This year, the judges included a variety of professional people, including doctors, nurses, dentists, engineers, chemists, physicists, researchers and more.
The judges met with each student in 7th and 8th grade, asking them questions about their experiments and the science behind their findings. Science teachers, Miss Amy Burgin, and
Dr. Cara Varon said that they were proud of their students’ knowledge, presentations and professionalism. Prior to Open House at St. Isidore School, the winning students were announced. The winners were: Seventh Grade: Grand Prize was awarded to ‘team’: Ralph Barsi and Frankie Gallagher. First Place went to two different teams: Dominic Armanino, Luke Giusto and Jack Powers, and Amelia Clute and Shannon Hendricks. Second Place also went to two different projects: Robbie Reigelman; and Team Adriana Conte and Sophie
depression &
ARE YOU EXPERIENCING
anxiety
We can help. Neurotherapy offers proven results without the side effects of medication. Call us today.
Over 21 years of proven success– Overwhelmingly positive response rate.
www.brainhealer.com 31 Panoramic Way in Walnut Creek
Harford; Third Place was also shared by two projects: Michael Salmon and Griffin Hunt. Honorable Mention went to two projects: Joey Schwartz, and Guiliana Alioto and Maggie Barr. Eighth Grade: Grand Prize went to Team Lauren Barry and Michelle Wong. First Place was shared by two projects: Aleck Loker and Team Sabrina Dunbar and Nicole Varon. Second Place was a tie with Alexandra Baldacci and Team John Giagari and Luke O’Brien. Third Place went to three different projects by the following students: Mitchell Storey, Olivia Conte and Rachel Hendricks. Honorable Mention went to three different projects by students: Amanda Fragoso, Siobhan O’Neill, and Team Morgan Aberer and Addie Frost. Parents and teachers expressed pride in their students’ success.
The Valley SenTinel
page 15
be kind to the environment please recycle this newspaper
DIABLO MOTORS
AUTO SALES, BROKERAGE, CONSIGNMENT & SERVICE
The ONLY Diamond Certified Dealership in the ENTIRE BAY AREA!
Come Check Check Out Out the the Great Great Deals Deals Come Springing Up Up at at Diablo Diablo Motors! Motors! Springing
BCIA
Certified #1408
925.906.0420
2010 BMW 128iC
White, Heated Seats, only 32k miles Ready for Spring!
$24,900 vin WBAUN1C54AVH81660
Spring Cleaning Special!
$1000 OFF any car in stock!
(Excludes consignment and brokerage vehicles. May not be combined with other offers. One coupon per household. Expires April 30th, 2013.)
2067 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon
(925) 830-8747 www.diablomotors.com
We
This
Place
Love
DANVILLE
1901 Camino Ramon 925-866-6164 CAMPBELL 930 West Hamilton Ave. 408-871-8890 CORTE MADERA 801 Tamalpais Dr. 415-924-6691 MOUNTAIN VIEW 141 El Camino Real 650-964-7212 SAN CARLOS 1123 Industrial Road 650-508-8317
Beautiful Furniture, Accessories, & Jewelry We are a consignment store like no other. We cater to a clientele that appreciates designer quality but also understands the value of a dollar. The Home Consignment Center sells furniture and home décor at a fraction of retail. Our stores are stocked with stylish treasures from builders, model homes, showrooms, factory overruns & closeouts, as well as the area’s best homes.
www.thehomeconsignmentcenter.com
CALABASAS
VALENCIA
26767 Agoura Rd. Summit Ctr 818-880-8331
28758 The Old Road. 661-702-6952
Also in Laguna Niguel • Yorba Linda • Foothill • Newport nd a iewwww.TheHomeConsignmentCenter.com t Rev mmen o C on P! YEL
Get Lucky this Spring at
Danville-Fit
Da
nv
Call us today at
ill
eF
it
925-743-3919 and ask about:
OUTDOOR WORKOUT CAGE
One month free membership Discount on Personal Training 925.743.3919
www.danville-fit.com • 101 Town & Country Drive • Danville, CA 94526
STATE OF THE AR