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SPOTLIGHT
Jeffrey Adikri and Alex Peters
St. Isidore Students Go GOLD for Others In the past decade we have heard the term “going green” as a reminder to care and be conscious for our world. Of course
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San Ramon Valley High School Men’s Soccer - 2015 EBAL and NCS Champions! In the NCS Final, SRV defeated rival De La Salle 5-4 in penalty kicks after a 1-1 game that sent the Wolves into overtime. Nathan Miller scored a goal in regulation play and JT Carlson, sophomore goalie, made a stop in penalty kicks. Captain Austin Tobian kicked the final penalty for the win. SRVHS Men’s Soccer is led by Head Coach, Don Busboom and assisted by John Wondolowski. Congrats on a very exciting victory for SRV. Photo by Chris Scott.
Sentinels of Freedom Foundation Provides Vital Services to Severely Wounded Veterans On Saturday, March 28th the Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship Foundation, will be holding its annual Dinner Gala at Bridges Golf Club in San Ramon. The Guest Speaker will be Sentinel and recent Medal of Honor Recipient, Corporal Kyle Carpentar, United States Marine Corps. Organizers say that they are excited and grateful for the opportunity “to share the story of this brave and gracious young Veteran with our supporters”. This event is one of the ways the group can raise funds to carry out their mission. For those who are not yet familiar with the remarkable work done by the Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship Foundation (SOF), their program offers comprehensive financial, mentoring and networking
assistance to severely wounded or disabled* post 9/11 veterans while they attend college or vocational training (*defined as 60% or greater VA disability rating). Now a national nonprofit with volunteer teams across the country, SOF has helped ease the transition from military service to campus classroom for almost 200 men and women. Scholarships may include housing support, one-on-one mentoring based o n c a re e r i n t e re s t s, a n d employment networking in the student veteran’s last year of school. Each SOF scholarship is customized according to the needs and goals of the Sentinel, making this a very personal, prolonged, and proactive scholarship opportunity for
Corporal Kyle Carpenter recieves the Medal of Honor from President Obama
wounded service members. I n J u l y, S e n t i n e l s o f freedom will reach a major milestone, seeing its 100th
This month’s Special Sections:
Education pg. 7 Spring Home and Garden
pg. 8
Sentinel graduate, and another milestone in early 2016, the See SOF page 9
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT dining out • music • art • theater • fun events
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The Valley SenTinel
Wedding Gowns through the Ages Now-March14 Featured will be selected bridal gowns from the 1890s today, a photo gallery of brides in their gowns and a showcase of wedding accessories worn by the bride and her guests. Also included in the exhibit will be wedding memories a n d mementos, favorite gifts and interactive displays for adults and children. Museum of the San Ramon Valley, 205 Railroad Ave., Danville. Information: ( 9 2 5 ) 8 3 7 - 3 7 50 o r w w w. museumsrv.org. Spring Awakening Now - March 15 Diablo Theatre Company’s youth and teen division, Diablo Youth Theatre present the Tony Award-winning rock musical Spring Awakening. $20 - $25. Village Theatre, 233 Front Street, Danville. (925) 314-3400 or www. diablotheatre.org. The Object & the Void: West Coast Metal Sculpture Now – April 12, 2015 The Bedford Gallery is
March 2015
open Tuesday through Sunday, Noon to 5pm, and 6-8 pm on evenings when there are theater productions in the LCA. The Gallery is closed on Mondays. The exhibit will feature four West Coast sculptors whose work reveals how both a sculpture and the void that surrounds it need one another to communicate ideas and concepts with metal media ranging from cast bronze to cut steel, to explore weight, balance, and how it can be used to portray a broad reach of visual imagery and ideas. $5. Bedford Gallery, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: www.bedfordgallery.org or (925)295-1416. Ready Or Not Improv March 14 8-10pm. Ready or Not Improv is teaming up with Laptop Lounge to raise money for the American Cancer Society at the Lesher Center for the Arts. $15. Laptop Lounge, 1701 N. California Blvd, Walnut Creek. walnut-creek.com. Arts & Travel Series: “World of Marie Antoinette” March 17 1-2pm. Get ready for a special Arts & Travel Presentation Series from around the world! Enjoy fascinating visual presentations of upcoming art exhibits at
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prestigious San Francisco art museums such as the De Young Museum, Legion of Honor, and Asian Art Museum of San Francisco and learn about exciting adventures in travel. Danville Library, 400 Front Street, Danville. (925) 837-4889.
Grannies Bedtime Stories March 19-22 9:30am, 2pm, 9pm. Nobody can fracture a fairy tale like Grannie! This is the fifth installment of Grannies fairy tales. This time she tells her grandchildren the stories of Rapunzel, Rip Van Winkle, Little Bo Peep, and Little Boy Blue. Village Theatre, 233 Front St, Danville. villagetheatreshows. com. Exhibit: “Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War” March 19 - May 1 Public hours are: TuesFriday 1-4 pm; Saturday 10-1 pm; Sunday Noon-3 pm. Once again the Museum of the San Ramon Valley in Danville shares the legacy of President Abraham Lincoln with the community. This time the focus is on Lincoln’s huge impact on the development of our American constitution as he steered the United States through the Civil War. Free. The Museum of the San Ramon Valley, 205 Railroad Ave., Danville. For more information go to museumsrv.org Center Rep Off Center Series Presents Improv Playhouse of San Francisco March 19-April 5 Improv Playhouse of San Francisco, the Bay Area’s p re m i e r i m p rov i s a t i o n a l theatre troupe, specializes in that most difficult and dazzling of improvised highwire acts – longform improv. Each performance is entirely unique, and the troupe relies
Sing-a-long: Grease March 20 8pm. If you w e r e born to hand jive i n yo u r poodle skirt, d o n ’ t miss San Ramon Performing Arts first Sing-a Long Movie. Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center, 10550 Albion Rd, San Ramon. Information: sanramon.ca.gov. Night at the Improv March 20 8pm. Join San Ramon Improv U Players and our resident troupe Twisted Gray Matter for an interactive evening of improvisational comedy. 18+. Front Row Theatre, 17011 Bollinger Canyon Road, San Ramon. sanramon.ca.gov. Dixieland Jazz March 21 1:30-4:30pm. On the 3rd Saturday of every month you can enjoy the music of the Devil Mountain Jazz Band. Bring your own beverages, snacks and a friend or two! There is a large dance floor and lots of free parking. $15. Grange Hall, 743 Diablo Road, Danville. Information visit www.jazznut.com or phone 510-655-6728. Lady K & The Kings of Swing Songs of Falling In and Out of Love March 21 8pm. Enjoy a humorous evening of jazz songs that illuminate the highs and the lows of love. Featuring Lady K and the Kings of Swing joined by vocalist and Grammy-award nominee Carla Helmbrecht, this will be an entertaining evening to remember. $20 adults, $8 youth. Front Row Theatre, 17011 Bollinger Canyon Road, San Ramon.sanramon.ca.gov. Three Little Birds March 21, 22, 28, 29 The reggae music of Bob Marley evokes the spirit of Jamaica in this modern-day fairytale about the unexpected adventures of timid, 11-yearold Ziggy. Watch out for evil Duppy, but “don’t worry about a thing, ‘cause every little thing gonna be all right!” Based on
the story by Cedella Marley. $18 Child, $22 Adults, $20 Seniors, Groups of 15 or more $13. Front Row Theatre, 17011 Bollinger Canyon Road, San Ramon. sanramon.ca.gov.
Circus Performer: Jamie Coventry March 24 4-4:45pm. See Jamie pull a whole world from a garbage can filled with music, storytelling, juggling and you. Balance a broom, spin a plate, bang on bucket and be amazed at your own creativity in this wonderful one man show. Danville Library, 400 Front Street, Danville. (925) 8374889.
Disney’s Peter Pan Jr. School Performances March 26-27 9am, 11am, 1pm. Wendy Darling loves to tell stories to her brothers, Michael and John. But when her father announces she must move out of the nursery, Peter Pan comes to visit the children and whisks them away to Never Land. Village Theatre, 233 Front St, Danville. villagetheatreshows. com.
Gentleman’s Rule March 27 8pm. Consisting of eight phenomenal singers from Indiana University, Gentleman’s Rule takes this unique style of music to a whole new level. Blending their youthful contemporary style with timeless a cappella h a r m o n i e s, G e n t l e m a n ’s Rule charms audiences of
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT dining out • music • art • theater • fun events
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March 2015
all ages. $50. Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center, 10550 Albion Rd, San Ramon. sanramon.ca.gov. D o u b l e Fe a t u re : S t eve n Spielberg Films March 29 2pm. The Town of Danville presents films by legendary Director, Steven Spielberg. Jurassic Park, rated PG13, and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, rated PG will be playing. Village Theatre, 233 Front St, Danville. villagetheatreshows.com. Danville Community Band In Concert - In My Merry Oldsmobile March 29 2-5pm. Come take a ride with the Danville Community Band at the fabulous, familyfriendly Blackhawk Automotive Museum. Hear some motoring tunes as well as selections including Highlights from CARS, James Swearingen’s Flight of Valor, and Robert Hawkins’ rousing How the West was Won, and more! $15 adults, $10 students, $10 seniors, $10 Military Veterans, Free for Children under 6. 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Cir, Danville. danvillareachamber.com.
“President Lincoln and the Scope of Executive Power” March 30 7 - 8: 30 pm . H on o r th e Sesquicentennial of the Civil War with this special talk by UC-Davis Professor, Vikram Amar, as he discusses “President Lincoln and the Scope of Executive Power”. Valley Oak Room, Danville Community Center, 420 Front St, Danville. (925) 314-3400.
Zepparella Live In Concert April 2 8pm. Pay attention to the intricacies of the magic, explore the far ends of the innovation, strive for ever-growing ability, and let the purity of the love for the music drive it all. Now more than ever, Zepparella explores their own improvised magic within the framework of Zeppelin’s mighty songs! Village Theatre, 233 Front St, Danville. villagetheatreshows.com.
The Valley SenTinel
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March 18 & April 1 at 6pm sharp Kenn Adams’ Adventure Theatre! April 3 10am. Audience members make all of the sound effects, become the scenery, create the story and leap up on stage to play the main characters! You’re the star in this all new episode of Kenn Adams’ Adventure Theater! Village Theatre, 233 Front St, Danville. villagetheatreshows.com. First Friday Foreign Films: Kolya April 3 7pm. Enjoy award winning foreign films on the first Friday of the month. Award winning film Kolya is a 1996 Czech film drama about a man whose life is reshaped in an unexpected way. $10. Front Row Theatre, 17011 Bollinger Canyon Road, San Ramon. sanramon.ca.gov.
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The Valley Sentinel
March 2015
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Life Saving Benefits in Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests By Tyler Kang, MD
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includes guaiac and immunohistochemical tests that detect presence of fecal hemoglobin. While simple to perform, compliance may be low due to need for dietary restrictions in some forms of the test. The drawback with this test is that it is neither diagnostic nor therapeutic, and requires follow-up with additional testing for any abnormal results. The “gold-standard” for colorectal cancer screening involves the direct visualization of the intestine via endoscopy. T h e re a re t wo f o r m s o f endoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, in which the endoscopic camera is passed into the latter half of the colon, or colonoscopy, which reaches into the entire colon. These endoscopic procedures are useful not only in diagnosing malignant tumors, but they are useful in identifying pre-cancerous polyps and removing them before development of actual cancerous lesions.
Future Directions To avoid the invasiveness of direct endoscopies, specialized cameras the size and form of medicine pills have been developed which can be swallowed and allow visualization of the colon without the discomfort of traditional sigmoidoscopies or colonoscopies. Another method of visualizing the colon is the use of computed tomography (CT), which can render a virtual reconstruction of the colon as well as any tumors or polyps within. However, these procedures still require adequate preparation of the colon, and an actual direct endoscopy will still need to be done if an abnormality is identified for the purpose of obtaining biopsies. While colorectal cancer screening reduces colorectal cancer rates due to the ability to remove early or precancerous lesions, there has been scant evidence that it improves overall survival. But now we have publication of a large,
randomized trial by Schoen et al (New England Journal of Medicine, May 2012) that shows sigmoidoscopies, along with the use of other screening techniques, actually reduces the fatality rates from colorectal cancers. Unfortunately, compliance with colorectal cancer screening is low, ranging from as high as 68% to as low as 30%. In order for screening to work, the population at large must understand the benefits of these tests. Hopefully, with improved understanding and better public knowledge about these procedures, along with their associated risks and benefits, more lives will be saved as we increase the rates of compliance with these screening tests. Dr. Kang is a board certified Medical Oncologist and Hematologist with Epic Care, a group of experts in the diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of cancer and blood disorders. www.epic-care.com.
Ballot drop-off box available at Danville Town offices
Residents can save postage and time with vote-by-mail program Danville residents will find it easier to vote in the upcoming March 17, 2015 Special Primary Election, as the County Elections Office and the Town of Danville are teaming up to provide a convenient “CoCo Vote-N-Go” drop-off location prior to and on Election Day. The secure steel drop-off box will be in place at the Danville Town Office, 510 La Gonda Way, starting the week of February 23, 2015 - one
week after permanent voteby-mail ballots are mailed. Ballots can be dropped off Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The popular “I Voted” stickers will be available for those who drop off their ballots. “ We a re exc i t e d t o offer this service to Danville residents,” said Danville City Clerk Marie Sunseri, “and hope that the Vote-N-Go program will helpmake lives easier for voters.”
County elections officials will regularly pick up collected ballots. B a l l o t s m ay a l s o b e dropped off at any polling place on Election Day, or at the County Elections Office in Martinez, located at 555 Escobar Street between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. For more information about voting by mail, call (925) 335-7800 or visit the County Elections website at www.cocovote.us.
Watch State Senate Election Previews on CCTV and Online Airdates on Contra Costa www. blueherongraphics.com
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If you live within the boundaries of the 7th State Senate District, your mailbox has likely been overflowing with campaign materials over the past few weeks. Now you can find out firsthand from the candidates themselves where they stand on the issues, with Contra Costa Television (CCTV) broadcasting a pair of election forums through March 16. One candidate forum was held at an East Bay Leadership Council event on February 11, and the second roundtable, moderated by columnist Tom Barnidge of the Contra Costa Times, was recorded at CCTV on February 17. The League of Women Voters of Diablo
Valley and Contra Costa County Elections co-sponsored both events. Four candidates are seeking to fill the spot vacated by former State Senator/current Congressman Mark DeSaulnier. Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla, f o r m e r A s s e m b l y wo m a n Joan Buchanan, Orinda City Councilman Steve Glazer and teacher Terry Kremin are vying for the seat. A fifth candidate, the only Republican to enter the race, Michaela Hertle, dropped out too late for her name to be removed from ballots. Vote by Mail ballots have been sent to voters registered to receive them, with Election Day taking place on Tuesday, March 17.
Television for the CCTV forum are: Saturday, March 14, 7:00 p.m.; Sunday, March 15, 7:00 p.m.; and Monday, March 16, 8:00 p.m. Airdates on Contra Costa Television for the East Bay Leadership Council’s forum are: Saturday, March 14, 8:00 p.m.; Sunday, March 15, 8:00 p.m.; and Monday, March 16, 9:00 p.m. CCTV is found on Comcast channel 27, Astound channel 32, and AT&T U-verse channel 99. You can also watch the forums online, by visiting the Video on Demand page of the CCTV website atwww. contracostatv.org.
valleysentinel.com
March 2015
The Valley SenTinel
page 5
Advertorial
Healing Arthritis Pain–From the Inside Out By Dr. Niele Maimone, DC
Joint pain, known as arthritis, comes in many forms. The most common type is osteoarthritis, known as “wear and tear arthritis”. Joint pain can flare up for a number of reasons — some of which may be overlooked by conventional practitioners. Many of my patients ask me if their pain is caused by arthritis. Sadly, it is estimated that one in five Americans has been diagnosed with some form or arthritis. There are over a hundred different arthritic conditions, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis being the most well known. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease causing inflammation in the synovial fluid of the joint. Rheumatoid arthritis is most common in the hands and feet and is frequently accompanied by a hot or warm feeling in the joint, stiffness for over 30 minutes in the morning, the same joint affected on both sides of the body, polyarthritis (more than one joint affected at a time), and pain that can last through the night. With this form of arthritis, most of my patients notice the pain eases the more they use the joint. Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, feels worse the more we exercise and as the day wears on. Also linked to inflammation, this type of arthritis can be traced back to a breakdown in the joint cartilage. It generally
affects the hips, knees, spine, hands and feet and develops as more of a wear-and-tear situation, whereas rheumatoid arthritis is closely tied with genetic factors that lead to an autoimmunity problem. What you need to know if you suffer from arthritis. All forms of arthritis involve some kind of inflammation — either local or systemic. When injured, a chain of events in your immune system known as the inflammatory cascade is triggered. This is what causes the redness, swelling and pain we often see with an acute injury. When this process, known as local or acute inflammation, turns on and then off in response to injury it’s a sign of a healthy immune system. Yet when the symptoms of inflammation don’t disappear, it tells us that your immune system is unable to turn itself off when it should and therefore leads to a state of chronic inflammation. How do I begin to heal my arthritis pain naturally? 1. Ad o p t a h e a l t h y diet rich in natural antiinflammatories. Eat small meals often and choose a diet of richly colored fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and pure omega-3 fatty acids. Reduce foods that contribute to inflammation such as refined sugar, white flour/baked goods, canned or packaged foods. 2. Correct vitamin and mineral deficiencies: Vitamin, mineral and antioxidant deficiencies have been shown to suppress immune function and contribute to chronic
degenerative processes such as chronic inflammation, arthritis, cancer, Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Special blood testing can reveal what your body has absorbed from your food and/ or supplements over the past 6 months and zero in on what is deficient. Micro-Nutrient Testing allows a person to know exactly what to eat and/or supplement in order to support their healing process. By correcting nutritional imbalances the body is given the building blocks it needs to naturally create its own antiinflammatories and heal from the inside out. 3. Class IV Laser Therapy. Ending the pain caused by arthritis requires stopping the cycle of inflammation. Class IV laser therapy is an excellent method for this, because it is presently the only modality that can both reduce inflammation and heal tissue simultaneously. Laser therapy creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness and pain. As the injured area returns to normal, function is restored and pain is quickly relieved. We have great success helping people solve the causes of their joint pain. If you suffer from arthritis it is worth your while to spend some time figuring out which of any number of factors are contributing to your pain — and which combination of therapies will help heal it. The good news is — you can do it without drugs, and you don’t have to give up any of the activities you love!
Applications For Grand Jury Service Sought The Contra Costa County Superior Court is accepting applications for Civil Grand Jury Service for the fiscal year 20152016 term. The Civil Grand Jury is made up of 19 members who serve for one year, July through June, to monitor, review and report on city and county governments, special districts and school districts. Every effort is made to ensure that the Grand Jury reflects the makeup of the residents of the county. Approximately 75 applicants will be selected to be interviewed by the Grand Jury Selection Committee, which is composed of Superior Court Judges. After interviews, the judges will nominate approximately 30 applicants to constitute a grand jury pool from which the final panel of 19 will be selected by random drawing. The drawing
is scheduled to be held on Monday, June 15, 2015, with the members of the 2015-2016 Grand Jury officially being sworn in on the same day. Individuals selected for service will be expected to be available during the last two weeks of June to meet with outgoing jurors, tour county facilities, meet with department heads, become familiar with their colleagues, learn about juror responsibilities and procedures, and select committees on which they will serve. Grand jurors must be United States citizens, 18 years of age or older, and have been residents of Contra Costa County for at least one year prior to selection. They cannot currently hold any elected position within the county. Applicants should have reliable transportation to Martinez, and must be prepared
to devote at least 20 hours per week to Civil Grand Jury service. Citizens who work should apply only if they can be released from their jobs to perform the jury duties. Applicants selected as one of the 30 nominees will be fingerprinted before the drawing. Jurors receive a stipend for attending full jury and committee meetings and are reimbursed for allowable jury travel. Parking permits may be provided to park in the City of Martinez while performing Grand Jury duties. Persons interested in applying may contact the Office of the Civil Grand Jury at (925) 957-5638, or visit the website at www.cc-courts.org/grandjury to receive additional information regarding service on the Civil Grand Jury and to obtain an application. The application deadline is Friday, March 27, 2015.
For more information or to set up a consultation with Dr. Niele Maimone call 925.362.8283 or visit www. alignhealingcenter.com.
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Citizen of the Year Business of the Year Employee of the Year Charitable Organization of the Year If you want to nominate an individual or organization, please submit your nomination by Wednesday, March 25 to the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce, 117 E Town & Country Drive, Danville 94526, or you can email to ceo@danvilleareachamber.com. Please include the nominee’s name, address, phone and email and a brief description in your own words, why they qualify for the award. Be sure and include your contact information should we need to contact you. The Awards will be presented at the State of the Town/Community Awards Luncheon Thursday, April 23 Crow Canyon Country Club. 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.
page 6
The Valley SenTinel
March 2015
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As the wildflower season progresses, other regional parks with good displays include Morgan Territory Regional Preserve east of Mt. Diablo, Diablo Foothills in Walnut Creek, Briones Regional Park near Martinez, and the Dunn Trail at Redwood Regional Park in Oakland. One of the best regional
display in the park district is on Rocky Ridge along the Ohlone Wilderness Trail. Start at the Lichen Bark picnic area in Del Valle Re g i o n a l Pa r k s o u t h o f Spring starts officially Livermore. From there it’s a with the vernal equinox, two-mile uphill hike to Rocky which comes on March 20 Ridge. Besides the beautiful this year. It’s the date when wildflowers, especially day and night are of equal goldfields, there are great length, after views of the which the Livermore days grow Valley. longer. And H i k i n g with spring the Ohlone comes spring Wilderness wildflowers. Trail requires a I t ’ s permit, which always hard is also a map to predict and guide. It how profuse costs $2 per the flower person and is displays will good for a year be, because from date of so many purchase. factors play a Fo r l o t s role: rainfall o f f l owe r i n g amounts plants in a and timing, Shooting Star wildflowers at Rocky Ridge. Photo by by Shelly Lewis. small, easily temperature accessible changes, etc. However, some parks for wildflowers, though, place, visit the Regional Parks early bloomers have begun is Sunol Regional Wilderness. Botanic Garden at Tilden Its entrance is on Geary Road Regional Park in Berkeley. to appear. At Black Diamond Mines off Calaveras Road, five miles Located at the intersection Regional Preserve in Antioch, south of Interstate 680 in of Wildcat Canyon Road and the manzanita bushes put southern Alameda County. South Park Drive, the garden Sunol harbors a great has the largest collection out small, delicate, bellshaped blossoms in pink v a r i e t y o f w i l d f l o w e r s , of California native plants and white. Growing under e s p e c i a l l y o n t h e C a m p anywhere. And something the manzanita and drawing Ohlone and Canyon View i s a l ways i n b l o o m , n o nourishment from its roots trails. The park will stage a matter the time of year. For is Indian warrior. This is a wildflower festival on April information, call 888-327magenta-colored flower with 18, including guided walks 2757, ext. 3169. fernlike petals and leaves, and lots of family-friendly Spring is special in the which looks a bit like a activities. Check the park regional parks. And park district web site at www. d i s t r i c t n a t u ra l i s t s l e a d bottlebrush. Another early arrival ebparks.org for information. frequent nature walks to help And when you visit, be you enjoy it. You can access a is shooting star, which has petals of blue and/or white. sure to pick up a pocket schedule online at the district Shooting star is aptly named guide to 50 common Sunol web site, or pick up a copy w i l d f l o w e r s , w h i c h i s of Regional in Nature, the – that’s what it resembles. A good place to see the available for a small fee at bimonthly calendar of events, manzanita blossoms and the visitor center. at one of the visitor centers. Although it takes a bit of Public libraries have them Indian warriors is the top of the Ridge Trail above the Hazel- effort to get there, probably the too. So don’t miss out on this Atlas sand mine portal. The most spectacular wildflower beautiful season. Chaparral Loop Trail is also good for wildflower viewing, as is the Manhattan Canyon Trail. There’s often a grassy hillside full of shooting stars at the head of the canyon. Another good park for manzanita blossoms and Indian warriors is Sobrante Ridge Regional Preserve in Richmond. Enter the park at Heavenly Ridge Lane, then take the Manzanita Loop. Sobrante Ridge is one of the last known stands of the rare and endangered Alameda or pallid manzanita. Another stand is located at Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve on Skyline Boulevard in Oakland. Indian Warrior wildflowers at Rocky Ridge. Photo by by Shelly Lewis.
valleysentinel.com
Education March 2015
The Valley SenTinel
page 7
Forum offers opportunity for area educators to give feedback on new funding formula were still
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will be offered as an adult group exercise class. Yoga stresses flexibility, strength, range of motion and mental acuity. Also scheduled is Beginner Strength and Balance for adults. The goal is for participants to accomplish daily tasks and recreational activities with increased energy, ease and comfort. This class provides a dynamic combination of strength development and cardiovascular conditioning. A highlight of the first series of activities will be an Adult Day Trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Included will be guided tour of the museum, Dim Sum at Yank Sing restaurant and transportation to and from The City. Additional activities and classes will be offered in the future. For more information and to register for any of these activities please visit www. alamore.org.
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The Alamo Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) has entered into a partnership with the Irvin Deutscher Family YMCA to provide a recreation program to residents of Alamo. This spring they will offer the first series of classes and activities in Youth Sports, Adult Fitness classes and Adult Day trips. Youth Sports will include soccer clinics with an emphasis on skill development. A Tee Ball clinic will be offered for younger athletes who want to learn the basics of the sport such as hitting, throwing and fielding. The final Youth Sports activity will be Coach Pitch Softball which continues the introduction to baseball. All Youth Sports will be held at Rudgear Park. Both Adult Fitness classes will be held at the Cottage in Hap Magee Ranch Park. Yoga
set aside to fund the people and programs that make teaching and learning possible, take money from facilities maintenance reserves and/or ask local voters to fund new projects with a bond. Community members can respond to an online survey the District has posted to solicit feedback on the 2014-15 plan. Superintendent Shelton’s online Message for December 2014 summarizes the major plan goals. Survey results will be shared with an Advisory Team made up of parents, students, and community members. A Sobering Reality– C a l i f o r n i a ’ s Pe r P u p i l Spending One danger voiced by an administrator is perhaps an unintended consequence of LCFF. That is the public’s perception that with additional monies school funding has been “fixed” and schools are ok. Reminding the Forum participants that was far from true was the assertion that California school funding is among the lowest of all 50 states. In fact “Education Week’s” Quality Counts Report ranked California 49th in per pupil spending in Jan. 2013. In 2010-11 California’s per pupil spending was $8341 against a national average of $11,824.
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14 school year provided $2.1 billion for school districts and $32 million for County offices of Education to be phased in over the next several years. The new system replaces more than 40 state categorical programs that previously provided districts with state monies which could only be used for specific activities. LCFF removes those restrictions and establishes grade-specific, base rate targets subject to yearly cost of living adjustments. Most notably, Districts receive supplemental funding for students who are English learners, low-income, and foster youth if there is a sufficiently high concentration of these students in a district. Base rates under LCFF range from $7,741 per student for K-3 grades to $8,711 per student for Grades 9-12; supplemental and concentration funding would be added to the base rates where warranted. Plan required: Eight Priority Areas The State requires districts to submit three-year accountability plans to outline how they intend to improve student achievement. The participation of teachers, parents, and community is mandated in the development of the plans. The plans must include goals in eight priority areas together with actions to
back to 20072008 levels, which was insufficient even then. Parcel taxes and other measures are often necessary to close the gap. That has been the case in the San Ramon Valley Unified School District where a $144 parcel tax, Measure C, was approved by voters to start in July 2009 and extend for seven years. The district web site, www.srvusd.net, indicates that the Board of Education has voted to put a measure on the May 2015 mail ballot continuing the tax in the same amount. Among the points made by Superintendent Mary Shelton, San Ramon Unified School District, were these: • The need to repeal the reserve cap – As a result of San Ramon Valley Unified’s fiscal prudence and reserve, the district was one of only a few statewide that did not have to make major layoffs during the recession. Maintaining a stable program during the state’s funding fluctuations make it necessary that districts maintain a healthy reserve. • Need for a statewide facilities bond – While the State’s LCFF funding has improved, we are still a long way off from where we were pre-recession. In order to build facilities to meet the needs of our growing populations, the Governor’s proposal would require school districts to dip into the LCFF funding
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In early February local state assemblywomen, The Honorable Susan Bonilla ( D ) a n d T h e H o n o ra b l e Catharine Baker (R) cosponsored an Educational Forum for education leaders in their East Bay districts. Bonilla’s Assembly District 14 encompasses parts of Contra Costa and Solano Counties while Baker represents District 16 comprised of Lamorinda a n d t h e Tr i Va l l e y a r e a . Approximately 70 education administrators, school board members, school supporters representing various K-12 school districts as well as representatives from the Contra Costa County Office of Education attended the session held at Walnut Creek Intermediate School. The purpose of the Forum was two-fold: • To provide an update from the Legislative Analyst’s Office in Sacramento regarding the new method for financing K-12 districts and charter schools and • To offer an opportunity for education leaders to give feedback on the new formula Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) The new system, Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) enacted in 2013 and implemented during the 2013-
be undertaken and identify the metrics or performance indicators to measure results. The eight priority areas, with sample metrics, are as follows: Student achievement (performance on standardized tests and share of students college or career ready); student engagement,(attendance rates, drop-out rates); school climate (suspension, expulsion rates), parental involvement (efforts to seek input), basic services (facilities in good repair); implementation of state standards (Common Core Standards for all students); course access (student access and enrollment in required areas of study); and other student outcomes. Local Administrators’ Feedback: “Funding still not adequate” Audience members voiced their appreciation for the opportunity to provide feedback and came wellprepared to do so. Dublin School Superintendent Stephen Hanke stated that districts still did not have enough money to do what was needed in terms of technology and materials needs, professional development, and helping struggling students. He pointed out that his district is experiencing high population growth yet there is no provision to build or expand facilities. Acalanes Superintendent, John Nickerson indicated that base funding was grossly inadequate and that his district may need to make cuts in the near future. Another administrator pointed out that even when full funding is achieved, districts
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By Joan Trezek
Spring Home and Garden page 8
The Valley SenTinel
March 2015
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March Garden To Dos General Garden Care C h e c k d r i p sys t e m s : 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 nitrogen, although it is 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 P l a n t p o t a t o t u b e rs, citrus by the end of the month. Plant herbs—most 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. Check the soil 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. Prune azaleas and camellias that have finished b l o o m i n g . Fe r t i l i z e w i t h 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 slow-release form of nitrogen.
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. Spray stone fruit (apricots, peaches, plums, cherries, etc.) for brown rot during bloom time. Master Gardeners are trained volunteers for the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE). For more information visit ccmg.ucdavis.edu. ORGANICS
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valleysentinel.com
March 2015
The valley Sentinel
page 9
San Ramon Chamber “State of the City” Address Luncheon provided insight on City history and current projects By Staff Writer
include certain Veterans with significant Post Traumatic Stress who are committed to moving forward with academic, social, and mental health goals”, Conklin said. He said that they continue their visits to patients at the various military hospitals and rehabilitation centers as they recover from amputations, burns, gunshot wounds, and other debilitating injuries for which they may spend months healing before their discharge. “When they finally transition” Conklin said, “SOF is there, having already forged a personal relationship that will guide them from hospital bed to campus classroom… and beyond.” “We are also pleased with the expansion of our mentoring programs.” Conklin states. “In addition to the network of SOF Ambassadors who come to us via Board Members, other Sentinels, and community leaders, a recent alliance with American Corporate Partners
(www.acp-usa.org) has been tremendously successful. Many 3rd and 4th year Sentinels have been afforded the opportunity to interact with high level business leaders through yearlong, one-on-one mentorships in their field of interest.”, he said. As the number of Sentinels continues to grow, so will our need for mentors from all backgrounds and we invite anyone interested in this rewarding experience to contact us for more information. “I have long said that our program is not a hand out, but an investment in these heroes who have sacrificed for us back at home, where these young men and women now return and hope to re-integrate and thrive. Conklin says we stand firmly behind the words of one post 9/11 Veteran who reminds us all interacting with veterans to ‘Recognize our usefulness. We are not charity cases, we are an American asset.’” says Conklin.
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To purchase tickets for this event, please visit: www.sentinelsoffreedom.org/2015-annual-dinner-gala
moment at which 100 active Sentinel scholars will be concurrently studying at more than 50 colleges, universities and vocational institutes across the country. In a letter to supporters, Danville Founder Mike Conklin states that “the number of post 9/11 Veterans entering college after military service continues to grow as the troop drawdown intensifies, and many of those with severe physical and mental health disabilities will struggle during the transition”, he said. “It remains our goal at Sentinels of Freedom to identify those most in need of financial, mentoring, and networking assistance and to walk beside them for the length of the journey, from military service to self-reliance in civilian life”. “We are proud of our efforts to expand our reach, recently diversifying our program to
Stressing that public safety is the number one priority, the hiring of four new police officers creating a new sixth beat has helped the crime rate drop 4% from the year before, making it the 7th year in a row to see reduction in crime where it has dropped by 60% over the last 7 years. “Our budget this year finished with a $3.9M surplus ove r b u d g e t w h i c h wa s reinvested into infrastructure and roads”, Clarkson said, “and this mid-year to date has $2M surplus.” Mayor Clarkson mentioned some of the awards and recognitions that San Ramon has received over the last two years. Included were The “Wealthiest City in the Nation” #1, The “Best city for jobs in California” #1, Very low crime rate, “only 5 cities in the country of our size or larger have a lower crime rate”, he said. The lowest crime rate of any city in California of our size or larger, The “Best small City in America”, rated #8, The “Best Family-Friendly City in America” #6, and #1 in California, Top rated School District of our size in the State, #6 overall. “All 21 of our SRVUSD Elementary Schools in the District made
To purchase tickets for this event, please visit: www.sentinelsoffreedom.org/2015-annual-dinner-gala
SOF from page 1
eastward with the addition of 11,500 new homes built in Dougherty Valley. Eight new schools were built, 26 new parks, The Dougherty Station Community Center, a new library, a community college campus with over 3 , 0 0 0 s t u d e n t s a l l h ave made the City a ‘job rich business environment’ and a destination city”, Clarkson said. The City is entering a n e w p h a s e, C l a r k s o n said, “looking inward to i m p rove i t s ‘ c o re a re a s and services’”, adding that projects that are underway include such amenities as the new City Center, retail, restaurants, theater and a huge programmable plaza. The new City Hall, and t h e ex p a n s i o n a n d t o t a l renovation of a new “State of the Art” library, Sunset D eve l o p m e n t ’s p u rc h a s e and renovation of BR 2600, improvements to the Iron Horse Trail and the proposed pedestrian & bicycle overcrossing are ongoing projects that have been on the slate for quit a while. Also mentioned were the new Bella Vista Elementary School in the Dougherty Valley and the completion of the second phase of the Rancho San Ramon Park.
To purchase tickets for this event, please visit: www.sentinelsoffreedom.org/2015-annual-dinner-gala To purchase tickets for this event, please To visit: purchase tickets for this event, Toplease purchase visit:tickets for this event, please visit: www.sentinelsoffreedom.org/2015-annual-dinner-gala www.sentinelsoffreedom.org/2015-annual-dinner-gala www.sentinelsoffreedom.org/2015-annual-dinner-gala
On Tuesday February 10th, The San Ramon Chamber of Commerce held its annual state of the City luncheon at San Ramon Golf Club where Mayor Bill Clarkson greeted attendees and thanked Stewart Bambino and Kathy Fanning of the San Ramon Chamber for all of their work in making the luncheon possible. Mayor Clarkson gave a comprehensive overview of the history of the different stages of San Ramon’s growth over the years to the challenges and pride felt today in its economic development and current projects. “Since the development of Bishop Ranch in the 1980’s, the City was incorporated, Chevron and Pacific Telephone placed their headquarters in San Ramon, and San Ramon began to be known as a significant regional employment center”, said Clarkson, who went on to say that it was during those years until 1998 that the core of Sam Ramon’s parks and community centers were built. The city’s leadership priorities were primarily about ‘Police, Parks and Planning’”, he said. Since then, he said, the city has seen growth
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the Top 50 in the Bay Area”, Clarkson stated. In conclusion, Clarkson a s ke d , “A re we c re a t i n g enough opportunities for residents to tell us what you want, expect and need from the City? What are the best ways to solicit and receive
resident feedback?” Mayor Clarkson implored residents to reach out to him to tell him what they believe should be the goals and priorities in San Ramon. You can reach Mayor Clarkson by email at bill@billclarkson.com.
Support our Troops at the
Sentinels of Freedom Annual Dinner Gala
Saturday, March 28, 2015 6:00 pm at Bridges Golf Club 9000 S Gale Ridge Rd San Ramon, CA
Guest Speaker: Sentinel and Recent Medal of Honor Recipient Corporal Kyle Carpentar, United States Marine Corps Ask about Sponsorship Opportunities: Platinum Sponsor $10,000 Gold Sponsor $5,000 Silver Sponsor $1,000 Sponsor a Sentinel’s Meal $250 Sponsor a Sentinel for this event Individual Tickets $250 To purchase for thisand event,Our pleaseSentinels visit: Support Our tickets Program www.sentinelsoffreedom.org/2015-annual-dinner-gala Directly donate to our wounded veterans
To purchase tickets for this event, please visit: www.sentinelsoffreedom.org/2015-annual-dinner-gala To purchase tickets for this event, please visit: www.sentinelsoffreedom.org/2015-annual-dinner-gala
Seniors page 10
valleysentinel.com
March 2015
When to sign up for Medicare By David Sayen
Most people I know are looking forward to signing up for Medicare just as soon as they can. When you’re first eligible for Medicare, you have a seven-month Initial Enrollment Period to sign up for Medicare’s Part A and/or Part B benefits and services. Part A covers hospitalization and Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, and other medical goods and services. Many people become eligible on their 65th birthday. Those folks can sign up during the seven-month period that begins three months before the month they turn 65, includes the month they turn 65, and ends three months after the month they turn 65. But what happens if you miss that window?
If you didn’t sign up for Part A and/or Part B (for which you must pay premiums) when you were first eligible, and you aren’t eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (more on that below), you can sign up during the General Enrollment Period between January 1–March 31 each year. Your coverage will start July 1. However, you may have to pay a higher premium for late enrollment in Part A and/ or Part B. How do you actually enroll? You can call Social Security (1-800-772-1213) or visit a local Social Security office. Or you can apply online atwww.ssa.gov. After your Initial Enrollment Period ends, you may have the chance to sign up for Medicare during a Special Enrollment Period. If you’re covered under a group health plan based on current employment, you have a Special Enrollment Period
to sign up for Part A and/ or Part B any time as long as you or your spouse (or family member if you’re disabled) are working, and you’re covered by a group health plan through the employer or union based on that work. You also have an eightmonth Special Enrollment Period to sign up for Part A and/or Part B that starts the month after the employment ends or the group health insurance based on current employment ends, whichever happens first. Usually, you don’t pay a late enrollment penalty if you sign up during a Special Enrollment Period. Important Note: COBRA and retiree health plans aren’t considered coverage based on current employment. You’re not eligible for a Special Enrollment Period when such coverage ends. This Special Enrollment Period also doesn’t apply to people with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). You may also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period for
Caring for our creeks: a gathering hosted by the Walnut Creek Watershed Council Are you interested in your local creeks? Would you like to help with the stewardship of your local watershed? Do you care about keeping your creeks healthy and clean? This is your chance to join in a fun, free community creek event! T h e Wa l n u t C r e e k Watershed Council has been
bringing together communities from San Ramon to Concord to develop a common vision for healthy creeks since 2012. We are hosting an evening gathering to introduce the community to local creek groups, including Friends of the Creeks, Friends of San Ramon Creek, the Lafayette Creeks Committee, and Friends of Pleasant Hill Creeks. Learn about professionally-designed
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restorations planned for Lower Walnut Creek, Lafayette Creek, and Pine/Galindo Creeks, and find out how you can care for YOUR local creeks! Distinguished California landscape photographer Stephen Joseph will present beautiful new photos of the Walnut Creek Watershed from the summit of Mount Diablo to the mouth of Walnut Creek at Suisun Bay. The program will begin with a virtual tour of Walnut Creek Watershed presented by Rich Walkling of Restoration Design Group. FREE Refreshments! Doors open at 6:45 pm. Program begins at 7:00 pm Walnut Creek Watershed “Caring for Our Creeks” Gathering – Pleasant Hill DATE: Thursday, March 19th, 2015 TIME: 7:00 pm to 8:45 pm (Doors open at 6:45 pm. Program begins at 7:00 pm) LOCATION: Pleasant Hill Community Center, Perera Pavilion, 320 Civic Drive, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523. C o n t a c t H e i d i Pe t t y, Watershed Coordinator with the Contra Costa Resource Conservation District at (510) 478-7402 or WCCreekGroups@ ccrcd.org for more information.
Part A and Part B if you’re a volunteer, serving in a foreign country. Some people get automatically enrolled in Medicare. Among them are people with certain disabilities and those who are already getting benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board. If you’re automatically enrolled, you’ll get your red, white, and blue Medicare card in the mail three months before your 65th birthday or your 25th month of disability. Also, Social Security is now processing some Medicare enrollments for same-sex spouses, including: · Enrollments for premium-free Part A for uninsured spouses age 65 or older based on the work history of a current or former spouse;
· Enrollments for people with End Stage Renal Disease based on the work history of a current or former spouse; · Reductions in Part A premiums based on the work history of a current or former spouse; · Requests for Special Enrollment Periods based on group health plan coverage from current employment of a same-sex spouse; · Reductions in lateenrollment penalties based on group health plan coverage from current employment of a same-sex spouse. David Sayen is Medicare’s regional administrator for Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and the Pacific Territories. You can get answers to your Medicare questions 24/7 by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1800-633-4227).
Grandparents Day at St. Isidore School
St. Isidore School in Danville has many traditions and special days for students and family, but once a year third grade students and grandparents are treated to a special day just for them. It happens every February and is worked on for weeks in advance under the direction of third grade teachers Mrs. Raechel Moayer and Mrs. Joanie Gerberich. Art, music and computer teachers are also involved in making this a day of collaboration and talents. On February 12th the third grade students and their grandparents began their day together with a Mass especially for them. It was followed by a continental
Neva and Louis Giorgi, Gianna Giusto, Kathy and Fred Giusto.
breakfast prepared by third grade parents. The parents help serve the food and help lead activities for the kids and their grandparents. A short musical program is always included as the kids sing to their guests. Before their special time together came to a close each child presented their grandparents with a special keepsake book that they made just for them.
Town Committees Seek Recruits The Town of Danville is looking for community-minded residents to fill vacancies o n To w n c o m m i t t e e s / commissions. The following advisory bodies are looking for new members: Arts Commission: 3 regular positions, 1 alternate. 4-year term Heritage Resource Commission: 1 alternate. 4-year term Poet Laureate: 2-year term County Connection Citizens Advisory Committee: 2-year term
All terms begin July 1, 2015 Applications are available on the Town of D a n v i l l e we b s i t e, w w w. danville.ca.gov. Applications must be submitted to the City Clerk’s office no later than 4:00 p.m. on May 13, 2015. I n t e r v i ews w i l l t a ke place on June 2, June 9, or June 16, 2015. For more information, contact City Clerk Marie Sunseri at (925) 314-3401 or msunseri@danville.ca.gov.
valleysentinel.com
March 2015 Advertorial
TMJ Can Imitate Many Maladies By Dr. Robert Brown
When I attended UC Berkeley I majored in Physiology. For my practice where I treat TMJ symptoms, a.k.a. temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD), this training turned out to be invaluable. Here I plan to explain the complexity o f T M D t re a t m e n t , h ow important it is to understand how muscles work, the causes of muscle spasms, and more importantly, how one should treat these problems. There are two major factors involved in what most people call TMJ. One is the actual joint dysfunction and the other is the dysfunction of the facial muscles, otherwise labeled as MFPD (myofacial pain dysfunction). These can manifest in many ways, sometimes resulting in unnecessary root canals, misdiagnosis of symptoms as migraines, neurological problems, fibromyalgia and unnecessary, very expensive dental work.
The holistic approach u s e d a t Ad v a n c e d O r a l Diagnosis and Treatment Center in Danville, first concentrates on a full medical history and discussion of your symptoms in detail. Knowing when the symptoms occur, how often they occur and what activities are taking place when they do, are all vital bits of information that help me arrive at the proper diagnosis. The posture of the head is controlled, in part, by the same muscles that create the function of the jaw. The muscles of the neck balance with the jaw muscles, thus, pain in the facial muscles is usually accompanied by neck and shoulder pain. Proper treatment of MFPD will often require the treatment of these muscles with physical therapy, occasional use of muscle relaxants, ultra sound and/or laser therapy Those hard lumps we call muscle spasms generally will not go away without proper therapy. They are caused by overuse of the muscle resulting in a binding of the muscle filaments which
l o c k s t h e m u s c l e f i b e rs together, thus interfering with the ability of the muscle to contract properly. The muscle fibers on each side of the spasm, and some within, continue to be able to contract which can be very painful when held by the nonfunctioning fibers. I have seen months of muscle pain end with one or two laser treatments. O c c a s i o n a l l y, o n c e the symptoms are reduced enough to find the cause, it is necessary to correct the malocclusion of the teeth. It is not the poor bite that caused the problem, but the clenching of the teeth when the bite is so off balance that the joints are not in place. Nerves within the joint complex, called proprioceptors, notify the brainstem that the joint is out of place and then cause muscle contraction to attempt to align the joint. This can result in clenching and grinding (bruxism) with the potential of loss of tooth structure and permanent damage to the teeth. A properly designed splint (orthotic appliance) not only
The valley Sentinel prevents this damage, but allows the joint to seat itself. so that the proprioceptive nerves no longer are active. Ideally, your teeth should only come together when swallowing. If you are suffering from TMJ symptoms including popping, clicking or sandy sounds; jaw locking; headaches/ migraines; ringing in your ears; joint pain; pain in your facial muscles, neck, shoulders or the top of your head; or even tooth pain that root canals or other dental
work hasn’t been able to fix, please don’t hesitate in calling my office for a free consultation. We will be able to answer insurance questions, facilitate a referral from Kaiser, or even or set up payment options with no interest. Life is too short to not live pain free. Best wishes toward your health and well being. Dr. Robert J. Brown of Advanced Oral Diagnosis and Treatment Center can be reached at 925-837-8048 www.aodtc.com
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
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For additional Community Events visit: www.ValleySentinel.com Please email information about your events to info@valleysentinel.com
COMMUNITY EVENTS Volunteers Needed: Read to Preschoolers Volunteers are needed at childcare centers in Concord, Pittsburg, and West County. The Contra Costa County Library will supply books and resources. For more information, please contact Maureen Kilmurray at 925-927-3288. Danville Farmer’s Market Every Saturday, Year-round 9am-1pm. Get the freshest seasonal fare at the Danville Certified Farmers’ Market. Railroad & Prospect Avenue, Danville. Information: www.ci.danville.ca.us. (You can make donations of fresh vegetables and fruit for our local food pantries at the Loaves & Fishes Booth at the Danville Farmers Market.) San Ramon Farmers Market Every Saturday & Thursday-Year-round, Bishop Ranch Wednesday, April-Sept, Windermere Buy fresh, seasonal produce directly from local farmers at San Ramon Farmers Market. Connect with your community while shopping at a festive gathering place with live music! www. SanRamonFarmersMarket.org Canine Companions for Independence Puppy Class Each Saturday 11am-12pm. Become a puppy raiser! The East Bay Miracles Chapter invites you to help train puppies to become assistant dogs for children and adults with disabilities. Make sure to check out their online calendar before heading off to volunteer. Athenian High School, 2100 Mt. Diablo Scenic Blvd., Danville. ccieastbay.org. FREE E-Waste Recycling Event First Saturday of every month 9am-1pm. Bring your old, unwanted electronic equipment. Drop off is FREE and all e-waste will be recycled right here in the good old USA. Diablo Valley College, 321 Golf Club Road in the Overflow Parking Lot #7, Pleasant Hill. Visit www.NoEwaste.com for accepted and non-accepted electronic items. Information: 866-335-3373 or info@NoEwaste.com. Forest Home Farms Historic Park & Glass House Museum– Open for Fun on the Farm 2nd Saturday of each month. 10am-2pm. Enjoy tours of the Glass House Museum, the farm and its history, interactive exhibits including the tractor museum, the beautiful grounds and free activities. Visit the Welcome Center and purchase old-fashioned toys and gifts at the Gift Shoppe. Tours are $5 per person, or $8 for both tours on the same day. 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon. Information: 925973-3284 or visit www.sanramon.ca.gov. Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Series: For cancer patients and their caregivers. Tuesdays, March 3 through April 28 1:15-3:15pm. Meditation practice aids in achieving emotional balance, managing pain, and using the wisdom of the body and mind. It is a powerful way to manage stress, be present in the moment, and enhance quality of life. Cancer Support Community, 3276 McNutt Ave, Walnut Creek. (925) 933-0107. DVC San Ramon Valley Campus Job & Internship Fair March 10 11am-2pm. San Ramon Valley campus is hosting its 2nd annual Job Fair with over 30 employers available to talk with students, alumni and community members about full-time, part-time jobs and summer internships. Free. DVC San Ramon Campus, 1690 Watermill Rd., San Ramon. sanramon.org. Employment, Disability Rights & Disability Benefits for Cancer March 11 6-8pm. All too often employees and employers are not aware of the legal rights conferred by statutes that protect people with cancer and their caregivers. Leaves of absence, workplace accommodations, wage replacement benefits and discrimination protections will be discussed. Free. Cancer Support Community, 3276 McNutt Ave, Walnut Creek. (925) 933-0107. 6th Annual Authors Gala March 14 6-10pm. The Walnut Creek Library Foundation hosts the 6th annual Authors Gala. Guests and authors will mingle at the Bids, Bites & Books cocktail reception and silent auction ($75). Then, they’ll enjoy a gourmet banquet among the stacks at The Supper Club ($225). Walnut Creek Library, 1644 North Broadway, Walnut Creek. walnut-creek.com.
Morning with the Mayor March 20 7:30-8:30am. Join to meet the Mayor and listen to town’s upcoming agenda. Veterans Memorial Building, 115 E. Prospect Avenue, Danville. danville.ca.gov. Monthly Vintage & Craft Market March 22 10:30am-2:30pm. Support small, local business and shop for unique items at our monthly craft & vintage market - right across the street from Alamo Safeway. Furniture, Jewelry, Soaps, Art, Clothing, Food, and More! Parking Lot outside of Suburban Peacock 3150 Danville Blvd. Alamo. danvilleareachamber.com. 2015 Business & Culinary Showcase March 26 5-8pm. Want to know more about your hometown businesses, restaurants, wineries and brew pubs? Sponsored by the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce, this popular event features gourmet small bites from those local restaurants you’ve been wanting to check out – premium wines from our local wineries and craft brews from local breweries. $35. Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Dr, Danville. danvilleareachamber.com Easter Event at Alamo Plaza March 28 12-2pm. The Easter Bunny hops on the Alamo Plaza Trail! There will be visits with the Easter Bunny, train rides, street entertainment, and so much more. Alamo Plaza Shopping Center Danville Blvd. and Stone Valley Road, Alamo. danvilleareachamber.com. First Thursday Shop Local Day and Night April 2 10am-7pm. Join in the fun downtown at the First Thursday Shopping and Dining Event. Downtown Hartz Avenue, Danville. www.danville. ca.gov. Eggstravaganza April 4 9am-1:30pm. Hop down to the Danville Community Center for a fun-filled morning of egg hunts, arts and crafts, face painting, and more. Hunts are organized by age so every child has equal opportunity to find 8 treasure-filled eggs. $5 residents, $6 non-residents. Pre-registration required. Danville Community Center, 420 Front St., Danville. danville.ca.gov.aa
SENIORS Danville Seniors Unless otherwise noted, the following activities are held at the Danville Senior Center, Veterans Memorial Building, 115 E. Prospect, Danville. For more information call 925-314-3490 or visit www.ci.danville.ca.us/ Recreation/Seniors. Sneaker Trips: The Town of Danville’s Senior Sneakers program is a great way for you to make new friends and get out and around the greater Bay Area. There’s always something new to see and learn. All trips meet at the Danville Park & Ride lot unless otherwise noted in the trip details. Reserve your spot at the Danville Senior Center, 115 E. Prospect, Danville, CA 94526, on or before the registration date beginning at 8:30am. Information: 925-314-3400 or visit www. ci.danville.ca.us/Recreation/Seniors/Senior_Sneaker_Trips. The Danville Area Senior Hikes (DASH) are open to all adults and meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month. The group starts at the Danville Park-n-Ride (next to the Sycamore Valley 680 North exit) at 9AM and returns about 1Pm. Most hikes are not strenuous, but gradients are involved due to the local terrain. Distances are usually in the 4-5 mile range, and the pace is moderate, with stops to view scenery, wildlife and to talk about location history when appropriate. Information: 925-314-3400 or visit www.ci.danville. ca.us/Recreation/Seniors/Senior_Hiking. San Ramon Seniors The following events are held at the Alcosta Senior & Community Center, 9300 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon, unless otherwise noted. For more information call 925-973-3250 or visit www.sanramon.ca.gov/ parks/programs/ages55+.htm. Wisdom Wednesdays: Free workshops and informational sessions that will benefit you. They will give you free access to coffee, knowledge and a better understanding of important issues. Information: 925-973-3250. Trips Trip Desk is open Tuesday from 10am-1pm. Sign up for trips at the
travel desk or by depositing payment with registration form in the gold drop box found at the main entryway. Information: 973-3250. Wednesday Morning Hikes (time and location varies) Join the San Ramon Trailblazers if you are interested in meeting new people, enjoying the outdoors, having fun and getting in shape. The group meets once a week at various locations, This is an adults only group; pets are not permitted on hikes. To find out the exact meeting location and to get on the email list, please call the Senior Center or email trailblazer88@comcast.net. Page Turners Senior Book Group Third Tuesday of the month 1:30pm. Drop in–all are welcome! Copies of this month’s book are on reserve for you at the San Ramon Library Front Desk. Book group meets at Alcosta Senior and Community Center, 9300 Alcosta Blvd. Information: Carol Yuke, Adult Services Librarian. 925-973-285
BUSINESS Ribbon Cutting: Poplar Spectacles Optometry March 10 12pm. Ribbon Cutting at Poplar Spectacles Optometry’s new location! Come meet Dr. Shelley Wu at her new practice in Alamo! Free. 215 Alamo Plaza, Suite D, Alamo. danvilleareachamber.com. Online Promotion & Revenue Streams for Authors, Speakers & Consultants March 17 6:30-8:30pm. Many entrepreneurs struggle with two major components of their businesses: marketing and revenue generation. In this content-rich presentation, Stephanie Chandler shares real-world strategies that you can use to build an audience online and add lucrative revenue streams to your business. $15 in advance & $20 at the door. Laptop Lounge, 1701 North California Boulevard, Walnut Creek. meetu.ps/2GIYwt. 5 Success Strategies for Networking to Build Your Business March 19 4:30-6pm. In this energetic, fun results orientated workshop, come mix, mingle and learn some networking tactics that you can apply immediately. $10 prepaid, $20 at the door. The Bridges Golf Club, The Fireside Room, 9000 S. Gale Ridge Road, San Ramon. sanramon.org. Business Expo and Mixer at the Bridges Golf Club March 19 5-7:30pm. Discover local businesses and network with up to 350 people at the San Ramon Business Expo and Mixer, at the Bridges Golf Club. $10 prepaid, $20 at the door. The Bridges Golf Club, The Fireside Room, 9000 S. Gale Ridge Road, San Ramon. sanramon. org. New and Future San Ramon Chamber Member Orientation March 24 4-5pm. Join and learn about the various Chamber services that can benefit your business. Ambassadors and the Chamber’s President/ CEO, Stewart Bambino, will be there to greet you. Free. RSVP required.Bishop Ranch 6, 2400 Camino Ramon Conference Room 158/K, San Ramon. Business After Hours Mixer April 9 5:30-7pm. Come mix it up with your fellow business professionals from the Danville Area Chamber while viewing the Lincoln exhibit! Museum of the San Ramon Valley, 205 Railroad Ave., Downtown Danville. $5.00 members, $20.00 prospective/guest. danvilleareachamber.com.
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. AAUW membership is open to all graduates of accredited four year colleges or universities and those holding an Associate Degree or equivalent. Prospective members are welcome and may contact Liz at 389-0152 for details. Visit daw-ca.aauw.net for meeting dates. Cancer workshops and support groups-Ongoing Most are free. Cancer Support Community, 3276 McNutt Avenue, Walnut Creek. Information / reservations call (925) 933-0107 or visit www.cancersupportcommunity.net. Fibro? CFIDS? Chronic Pain? If these are familiar to you, call about the San Ramon Valley support group for people who need support, information, classes and friendship from people who know what it’s like. We like to laugh while getting well. Call 925-837-0510.
Please email your calendar events to the Sentinel at Info@valleysentinel.com by 5pm on the 20th of the month preceding publication month. Inclusion in the calendar pages is at the sole discretion of Sentinel Newspapers, Inc.
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Hope Hospice Grief Support GroupsOngoing Hope Hospice provides support to help you understand and manage grief in a way that is healthy and appropriate. Our Grief Support Center is available to all community members at minimal or no cost. Information: visit www.HopeHospice.com or call 925-829-8770. Hospice of the East Bay Support groups and workshops for adults, children and teens experiencing grief after the death of a loved one. Classes will be offered at Hospice’s Administrative Offices: 3470 Buskirk Avenue; Pleasant Hill and the Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation: 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek. Pre-registration is required for all groups and classes, except our drop-in group. To register, please call Hospice of the East Bay: (925) 887-5681. Information: www.hospiceeastbay.org Wind ‘n Sea Sailing Club Sailing training classes take place at members’ homes. Information: Call Jan at 925-837-3381. RECURRING Mondays: The Walnut Creek Garden Club Meets the second Monday of each month. The general meeting begins at 9:30 with community and socializing from 10:30 to 11:00. You do not need to be a gardener to join the club. The Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Road, Walnut Creek. Information: californiagardenclubs.com/ content/walnut-creek-garden-club or mslittle44@gmail.com 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 Center, 9300 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon. Information: 925-973-3250. Sons In Retirement (Las Trampas Branch) Monthly Luncheon 11:30am. Meets the third Monday of each month, except for May and December. If you are retired or semiretired and want to make new friends, participate in fun activities and better enjoy your leisure time, we welcome you to join with us. Make $15 luncheon reservations by calling 925-322-1160 by the preceding Wednesday. Walnut Creek Elks Lodge, 1475 Creekside Dr, Walnut Creek. Information: visit www. Branch116.org. Tuesdays: Danville am Toastmasters 7-8:30am. Meets every Tuesday. New members welcome. Danville Women’s Club, 242 W. Linda Mesa Ave., Danville. Information: danvilleam.freetoasthost. org. Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary 7am. Meets every Tuesday morning. Crow Canyon Country Club, Danville. Information: dsvrotary.com. Diablo View Toastmasters 8:15-9:15am. Meets every Tuesday. CMG Mortgage, 4th Floor Conference Room, 3160 Crow Canyon Rd., San Ramon. Information: 4160.toastmastersclubs.org. Walnut Creek Kiwanis Club 12:10-1:30pm. Meets every Tuesday. Massimo’s Ristorante, 1604 Locust Street, Walnut Creek. Information: kiwanisofwalnutcreek.org.
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The Valley SenTinel
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12) Walnut Creek Rotary 12:15-1:30pm. Meets every Tuesday. Heather Farms Garden Center, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: rotarywc.org. ARF Pet Loss Support Group 5:30-7pm. Meets second Tuesday of every month. In a nurturing small group, you are encouraged to process feelings of grief resulting from the loss of pet. Register with Vicki at 925-887-5681 or vickis@hospiceeastbay.org. ARF, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: arf.net. Prostate Cancer Group 7:30–9pm. Meets 2nd Tuesday of the month. Drop-in prostate cancer group for men and their loved ones. San Ramon Regional Medical Center, South Building, West Day Room. 6001 Norris Canyon Road, San Ramon. Information: 925.933.0107 or www.twc-bayarea.org/ community-programs.html. Wednesdays: Walnut Creek Toastmasters 7-8:15pm. Meets every Wednesday. 1660 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill. Information: walnutcreek.freetoasthost.net Hospice of the East Bay Drop-in Bereavement Support Group 4:30-6pm, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of every month. 3470 Buskirk Avenue; Pleasant Hill. Information: 925-8875681 or visit www.hospiceeastbay.org. Alamo Rotary 12:15pm. Meets every Wednesday. Round Hill Country Club, 3169 Roundhill Road, Alamo. Information: alamorotary.org. Danville Toastmasters Club #1785 7:30-9pm. Meets every Wednesday. Room W204 at Diablo Valley College,1690 Watermill Road, San Ramon. Information: danvilletoastmasters1785. com. San Ramon Valley Rotary 7pm. Meets every Wednesday. Blackhawk Country Club, 599 Blackhawk Club Drive, 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville. Information: sanramonvalleyrotary.com. Danville Lions Club 7pm. Meets the first and third Wednesday each month at The Brass Door at 2154 San Ramon Valley Blvd. in San Ramon. Information: Pat.Porter@hannaglobal.com Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley 12pm. Meets the second Wednesday of every month. Sign-in and social time begins at 11:30. Guests are welcome with lunch reservations. Faz Restaurant, 600 Hartz Ave., Danville. RSVP 925-275-2412. Information: visit www. srvexchangeclub.org Walnut Creek Host Lion’s Club 12:15pm. Meets the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Black Bear Diner, 700 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek. Information: walnutcreeklions. org. Blue Star Moms 7-9pm. Meets the second Wednesday of every month. Danville Veterans Memorial Building, 400 Hartz Ave. Information: bluestarmoms.org. Sons in Retirement (San Ramon Valley chapter) Monthly Luncheon 10:30am; Social Hour, 11:35am Meeting and lunch. Meets the 3rd Wed. of each month. $23 includes luncheon, guest speaker and a great opportunity to socialize with at least 120 other retirees from the San Ramon Valley. To reserve a space, please email us by Friday prior to luncheon at www.info@SIR128.com. Location: San Ramon Golf Club, 9430
Fircrest Lane, San Ramon. Information: www.SIR128.com. Diablo Valley Quilters 7-9pm. Meets the third Wednesday of every month. No charge for guests. Danville Congregational Church, 989 San Ramon Valley Blvd., Danville. Information: diablovalleyquilters.com. Veterans of Foreign Wars 7:00pm. Meets the third Wednesday of every month. Veterans Memorial Hall, 400 Hartz Avenue, Danville. Information: Post Commander Ernie Petagara at 925-362-9806 or vfwpost75.org. Diablo Singles Dance Club 7-10pm. Meets the last Wednesday of every month. Live music, refreshments. Members $8, Guests $12. All welcome. 111N. Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. Thursdays: Rotary Club of San Ramon 11:45am. Meets every Thursday. Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville. Information: sanramonrotary.org. San Ramon Valley Newcomers 11:30am-2pm. Meets the third Thursday of every month with a featured guest speaker at a local Tri-Valley restaurant. $12. New and long-time adult residents are welcome. Reservations/ information: 925-837-9600 or www. srvnc.com. Clutterers Anonymous 7-8pm. Meets the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month. St. Luke’s Lutheran Church room 3, 2491 San Miguel Drive, W alnut Creek. Information: 925736-8627. Diablo Valley Lions Club 7:30pm. Meets the 1st, 3rd, and 4th Thursday of every month. 1400 Montego Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: diablovalleyca.lionwap.org. Fridays: Transitions - “Navigating Life’s Turning Points Together” 9-11:30am. Our group now has a new name, which has been changed from TENS to Transitions. Our mission is to encourage and support women from empty nest, to aging parents and everything in between. Community Presbyterian Church, Room 116, 222 W. El Pintado Rd., Danville. Information: Barb Miller at bajumil@yahoo.com or Donna Hill at hillmom3@comcast.net Saturdays: Diablo Region of the Porsche Club of America 7:30-9am. Meets every Saturday. Buttercup Bar and Grill, 660 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. Information: diablo-pca.org. Parkinson’s Disease Support Group 9am. Meets every 3rd Saturday. Join us to share, laugh, and learn from each other. Meeting location is the Fireside Room at Grace Presbyterian Church, 2100 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. Contact Gregg Riehl at (925) 254-8349 or jgriehl@gmail.com. Caregivers meet at same time in Oak Room of Grace Church. Information: Howard Zalkin at 925 939 4210 or Ronnie Wanetick at 925 933 6357 Free. All are welcome. Sundays: Cars n Coffee: First Sunday of Every Month 8-10am. Blackhawk Automotive Museum is hosting Cars and Coffee for automotive enthusiasts in the parking lots of Blackhawk Plaza. Our partner, Scott’s Catering, will provide coffee and other refreshments. Afterwards, visit shops and restaurants in Blackhawk Plaza. Blackhawk Museum; 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle; Danville. Information: www.blackhawkmuseum.org.
Classifieds - Help Wanted HELP WANTED
Testing & QA Engr.: B.S. in Mgmt. Inf. Systs. or rltd. & 5 yrs of relevant exp. Bank of the West - CV to: careers@ bankofthewest.com. Position in San Ramon. Sr. IT EIM ETL Developer: B.Sc. degree in C.S., C.E., Electronic Engineering, or rltd. & 5 yr. exp. in job offered or rltd. CV to: Bank of the West, 2527 Camino Ramon, San Ramon, CA 94583. ATTN: H.R. or email careers@bankofthewest.com. EEO. Position in San Ramon, CA. Senior ETL Developer: B.S. or rltd. & 5 yrs. exp. in job offered or rltd. CV to: Bank of the West, 2527 Camino Ramon, San Ramon, CA 94583. ATTN: HR or email careers@ bankofthewest.com. EEO. Position in San Ramon, CA.
Account Manager in Property Management needed full time: Work from home. (ready access to central Contra Costa County required). Ideal candidate will have a BA degree, or be well on their way to obtaining one; a California real estate license or the willingness to obtain one. Should be technologically adept and able to learn new software and applications with ease, and be comfortable with numbers and able to read and understand basic accounting statements. Must work well under pressure of deadlines. This is an expanding property management firm seeking a career-oriented individual who is generally available 9am-5pm M-F with some flexibility. For more information email your resume to crousset@comcast.net or call (925) 890-4482 to schedule an interview.
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Danville • Blackhawk Alamo • Diablo • San Ramon Publisher/Editor - Denise Rousset Chief Financial Officer - Jeff Gummere Advertising Manager - Victoria Zetterquist Graphic Designer - Laurie Prindle Auto - David & Judy Colman Contributing Writer - Joan Trezek Web Support - ewebsiteservices.com Intern - Isabella Ordaz, MVHS
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The valley Sentinel
AUTO March March2009 2015
2015 Range Rover Evoque 5 Door By David and Judy Colman
Evoque possesses the kind of command presence other SUVs would kill to have. A purity of line instantly distinguishes this entry level Land Rover from all other luxury mini SUVs. Only Porsche’s new Macan comes close to captivating your attention with the kind of allure the Evoque generates. And even the Macan looks like something of a styling mash-up by comparison to the Evoque. The steeply sloping roofline meets the high beltline in a perfect example of diminishing single point perspective. Once you see your first Evoque you will never forget its charismatic design. With a base price of just $41,100, it’s hard to believe such visual excitement is so affordable. O f c o u r s e, o u r t e s t Evoque upped the final ante to a still reasonable invoice price of $51,170, thanks to the usual bevy of ancillaries manufacturers include on
press pool specimens. These included a $3,000 “Power Plus Package” that had nothing to do with upping the 245hp under the hood. Rather, it consists of powered leather seats with lumbar and memory, a fixed Panoramic roof with power blind, front fog lights and headlight washers, and 19 inch alloy wheels to replace the standard 18 inch rims. These optional wheels plant all season Continental Cross Conti 235/55R19 rubber at each corner. An extra $2,100 gets you the “Vision Assist Package” which upgrades headlamps from Halogen to adaptive Xenon, and provides blind spot monitoring with closing vehicle sensor. A surround camera system takes care of monitoring all quadrants. The navigation system adds $1,750 to the bottom line. Although the navigation responds to voice control, the pictures it generates on the 8 inch, high resolution color monitor look rudimentary
RANGE ROVER EVOQUE
and dated compared to the latest Google Earth derived images available elsewhere. Finally, a $1,300 “Climate Comfort Package” provides 3 stage seat heaters front and rear, plus a heated steering wheel and hot windshield washer jets. On recent cold East Bay mornings, the seat and wheel heaters were terrifically efficient and welcome. An exceptionally lively t u r b o c h a rg e d 4 cy l i n d e r aluminum alloy motor propels the Evoque with gratifying authority. This 240hp engine drives all four wheels through a 9-speed automatic gearbox that offers paddle shifts to control gear choice in manual shift mode. Programs for automatic operation in Normal or Sport mode remove shifting responsibility from your list of concerns. Although the direct injected turbo 4 is plenty responsive to throttle application, you can up the output this year by selecting a limited edition
120 AWARDS AND COUNTING. A JOURNEY 65 YEARS IN THE MAKING.
©2013 Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC
COLE COLEEUROPEAN EUROPEANLAND LANDROVER ROVER 2103 North Main Street, Walnut Creek, CA, 94596 2103 North Main Street, Walnut Creek, CA, 94596
(925) 935.2653 (925) 935 2653WWW.COLEEUROPEAN.COM WWW.COLEEUROPEAN.COM
“Autobiography” edition, or “Autobiography Dynamic” version, which bumps punch to 285hp. The base engine also does a commendable job of fuel conservation, posting an overall figure of 24 MPG, quite respectable for a vehicle weighing nearly two tons and driving four fat footprint tires. If there’s a downside to life with Evoque, it lies inside the cabin, where idiosyncratic design makes you wonder who was in control of switchgear placement. For starters - literally - the remote start button is located high on the dash fascia, up by the tachometer face. A relocation to the center console would eliminate this perplexity. A second irritation in daily use is the fuel saving automatic engine shut-off, which kills the motor when you brake to a stop, then re-fires it when you remove your foot from the brake. Although you can delete the operation by depressing a small button on the center console, you must remember to do so each time you restart the Rover.
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Despite its severely sloping roofline, the Evoque will just clear the head of a 5’8” tall adult in the back seat. Even better, the back windows travel all the way down into the doors. The Evoque’s five door configuration facilitates use of the 25.5 cubic foot storage area. We made repeated pick up trips to Lowe’s and drop off trips to Goodwill during our week with the Rover, and found it to be adept at managing mundane transportation chores with more panache than you would expect from lesser SUVs. Now into its fourth year after introduction, the Evoque still makes a convincing argument for its purity of line, strength of engine, and distinctive rarity. See ROVER page 15
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March 2015 ROVER from page 14
2015 Range Rover Evoque 5 Door Engine: 2.0 liter inline 4, turbocharged, direct injection, with twin variable valve timing Horsepower: 240hp Torque: 250lb.-ft.
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The valley Sentinel
page 15
Fuel Consumption: 21 MPG City/30 MPG Highway Price As Tested: $51,170 Hypes: Sterling Motor, Show Car Looks, Plush Interior G r i p e s : O d d C o n t ro l Placement, Irritating Stop/Start Star Rating: 8.5 Stars out of 10
We need your help!
Hop on the Barn Wagon!
Mia Herrerias, Juliette Ross, Michaela Stauber with St. Isadora “Give Out Love Deliberately” displays GOLD from page 1
this is something that we should do, but St. Isidore School students wanted to do something more that involved acts of love to other people. They decided to “go GOLD”, i.e. “Give Out Love Deliberately.” The 7th and 8th grade planned a service project that focused on a Work of Mercy they were passionate about. They would identify a need in society, research and learn about this need, and carried out a plan of action, i.e. Giving Out Love Deliberately! These students have worked hard on this project
and many were inspired by their actions. Some of the projects included packaging food for Kids Against Hunger, gathering clothes for 1 Closet, assisting at several local retirement communities, anonymously sending games and bracelets to various children’s hospitals, and making numerous donations to various charities and organizations. Many of them have decided to continue to “go GOLD” and continue their s e r v i c e. T h e s e s t u d e n t s provided much inspiration to those around them by the myriad of service they provided to the community.
2014 is the year we focus on rebuilding our historic wheat barn at Rodgers Ranch! When completed, the barn at 315 Cortsen Road in Pleasant Hill will be used for: • • • •
Please send your donation to: Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center P.O. Box 23381 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Heritage Classes For Children School Field Trips Sustainable Gardening Classes Name(s): ___________________________ Displays Of Items From The Pleasant Hill Historical Society Address: ___________________________ • Meetings And Events Phone:______________________________ • A Polling Place On Election Day
email: ______________________________
Rodgers Ranch is a Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District property and Pleasant Hill’s only historic site. We are a non-profit, tax-exempt 501c3 organization
Individual - $25 • Family - $40 • Contributing - $75 • Donor - $100 Benefactor - $250 • Major Donor - $500 • Corporate Benefactor - $1,000
For more information please contact us at 925-937-3677 or visit www.rodgersranch.org
valleysentinel.com
March 2015
The Valley SenTinel
DIABLO MOTORS
page 16
AUTO SALES, BROKERAGE, CONSIGNMENT & SERVICE
Get Lucky – Save some GREEN!
Announcing “DIABLO CERTIFIED” Vehicles! Includes One Year Warranty AND One Year FREE Maintenance!
$99 WINTERIZE SPECIAL! Includes: -Oil Service with synthetic oil -Name brand OEM oil filter -Winter inspection of all fluids, wiper blades, brakes, and tires -Car Wash (Weather permitting) -Free shuttle ride or loaner car Good through 3/31/15
$32,900
$29,900 2011 BMW 335Ci xDrive Coupe
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltd 4x4
VIN: WBAKF9C51BE619647
VIN: 1C4RJFBT3CC283172
$199 DETAIL SPECIAL! Includes: -Interior and exterior cleaning -Clay bar and wax exterior -Detail engine compartment Good through 3/31/15
Call (925) 830-8747 for an appointment today!
$14,900 2012 Jeep Liberty Sport 4x4 VIN: 1C4PJMAK5CW161741
$18,900 2013 Toyota Prius II Hybrid 4dr VIN: JTDKN3DU5D5631473
2067 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon www.diablomotors.com (925) 830-8747 Beautiful designer furniture, accesories & jewelry all at consignment prices DANVILLE
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