The Valley Sentinel_March 2021

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Fire Area Recovery Caretakers of Nature Search for Spring Blooms New Del Valle Visitor Center Baits, Lures, and Rigs Plus many more fun activities for kids and families!

New General Manager Appointed at Park District

By Ned MacKay

After a nationwide recruiting effort, East Bay Regional Park District’s Board of Directors has selected East Bay native Sabrina Landreth to be the new general manager of the two-county public agency.

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See EBRPD GM page 3

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It’s the time of year when we can begin to appreciate the abundance of wildflowers in our open spaces. Here above is a photo taken by Stephen Joseph at Skunk Hollow on Mt. Diablo in 2018. Stephen Joseph has been photographing Mt. Diablo for decades, and one can see his photos at his Alamo Gallery. Please visit www.stephenjoseph.gallery/alamogallery for a real treat, and to see when the gallery is open for a visit. It is located at 100 Summit Ranch Rd. at the Summit Ranch Equine Center.

The Voice of the Chaparral - The Wrentit (Chamaea fasciata)

By James M. Hale

The Wrentit (Chaemea fasciata) is one of those species of birds that is more likely to be identified by its voice, rather than its appearance, due to its secretive nature. The rapidly descending staccato song and call of the Wrentit has been likened to the sound of a ping-pong ball falling on a table. The Wrentit is a small, plump bird, with a uniform dull olive, brown, or grayish coloration. Coastal Wrentits are darker reddish-brown with pinker bellies. They are paler with more gray in the interior parts of their range. Its distinctive long tail is often held high, hence the reference to wrens. The long tail and short wings are adaptations to navigating through, and living in the tangled mesh of branches in the chaparral and coastal scrub communities. The short, needle-like bill is characteristic of an insectivorous diet. The iris is pale.

The Wrentit was first described by naturalist and collector William Gambel in 1845. The systematics of the Wrentit has been debated for as long as it has been known by science. Presently it is considered to be the only member of its family, the Chamaeidae, by some. It has been variously placed with the long-tailed tits (Aegithalidae, the true tits and chickadees (Paridae), the “Old World Warblers” (Sylviidae), or with the “Old World Babblers” (Timallidae). The American Ornithologists’ Union places the wrentit in the latter, based on DNA hybridization studies.

This would make the Wrentit the only New World member of the Family. Their closest relatives are in Africa, Spain, India, and China. The systematics debate continues today.

The Wrentit is a nonmigratory, year round resident of a narrow strip of coastal habitat along the western coast of North America. They rarely travel more than 1,300 feet from their place of birth. They may

This Month’s Special Section:

be found from Oregon south through California, to northern Baja California. The Wrentit prefers chaparral, coastal

Home and Garden Pages 6-7

See WRENTIT page 5

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THE VALLEY SENTINEL March 2021

valleysentinel.com

Park Reopenings and Other News from East Bay Regional Parks

By Ned MacKay

East Bay Regional Park District is beginning to reopen some of its facilities as progress continues on controlling the COVID-19 pandemic.

The latest move is reopening of Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont, the Little Farm at Tilden Nature Area near Berkeley, and the Regional Parks Botanic Garden, also at Tilden.

All three are reopening with limited capacity on a reservation-only basis. To make reservations, visit the district website at www.ebparks.org.

Click on “About Us” at the top of the home page, then click on “News.” Click on the article, “Little Farm, Ardenwood, and Botanic Garden Reopening Feb. 18,” which has links to make reservations for each of the facilities.

Tilden’s Environmental Education Center next door to the Little Farm remains closed for now, as do all the district’s other visitor centers.

Earlier the district reopened the family campgrounds at Anthony Chabot Regional Park near Castro Valley and Del Valle Regional Park south of Livermore, both at 50 percent capacity. There’s also limited backpack camping available at Sunol and Ohlone Regional Wilderness in southern Alameda County.

For all of these, you need to make advance reservations at the park district website. Click on “Register and Reserve” at the top of the home page, then click on “Camping.” Or you can call 888-327-2757.

M e a nw h i l e, a l l t h e pandemic related precautions are still in place. Park visitors should maintain six feet of social distancing, and carry masks to wear when keeping distance isn’t possible on narrow trails or at trail gates. Some toilets are open, but group picnic areas are generally closed. Bring your own drinking water – most fountains have been shut off. * * *

In other news, the district has launched a “Pup Pro” campaign, designed to encourage park visitors to cooperate with dog-related rules in the parklands. You’ll see signs at park entrances.

Among other things, people are asked to pick up their dog’s waste and deposit it in trashcans, and place their dogs on leash when cattle are near.

Generally the park district’s dog rules are not onerous.

Dogs can be off-leash in the backcountry, except where otherwise posted, as long as they are under their owners’ control. This means the dog will come when called. Dogs are supposed to be placed on leash when livestock are near.

Especially if your dog starts harassing wildlife and grazing cattle, or has uninvited interactions with other park visitors, Fido has to be put on leash. * * * The park district is planning and developing a new regional park at the former Roddy Ranch golf course in Antioch.

A public meeting scheduled from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 11, is a great place which you can learn about planning for habitat restoration, recreation opportunities and public access.

There is also a discussion of the property’s present condition, the project timeline, and other ways in which the public can become involved.

The meeting will be held online via Zoom. To register, contact Eddie Willis, the project planner, at ewillis@ebparks. org. For more information and to view a post-meeting recording, visit the project website, ebparks.org/about/ planning/roddyranch/.

Rancher and rodeo legend Jack Roddy had owned the property as part of his extensive ranch near Brentwood since the mid-1970s. He opened the 230-acre golf course in 2001 and operated it for the next 15 years.

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Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy, the park district purchased Roddy’s property, including the golf course, in various transactions from 2014 to 2018.

The former golf course area is expected to be the first part of the future Deer Valley Regional Park to open to the public. * * * Ladybugs, those cute little red insects, are now having their annual winter convention at Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park in Oakland, although at the moment there don’t seem to be as many of them as in years past.

Known more formally as ladybird beetles, the ladybugs cluster in trailside shrubs during cold winter weather, then disperse in the warmer springtime.

Ladybugs are considered beneficial insects, because they prey on aphids, an agricultural pest species. But please do not collect any ladybugs for your garden. It’s illegal to remove any plants or animals from regional parks.

Ladybugs’ bright red color signals to potential predators that the bugs taste bad. However that doesn’t deter some kinds of birds. Frogs, wasps, spiders and dragonflies also dine on ladybugs. When threatened, ladybugs secrete an oily, foultasting fluid from joints in their legs.

Although ladybug clusters can be found in many of the regional parks this time of year, Redwood is probably the easiest place to see them. Enter the park from Redwood Road in Oakland, Park at the innermost lot at Canyon Meadows, then walk a mile and a half up the Stream Trail, almost to the junction with the Prince Trail.

There’s an information panel on the fence line with lots of ladybug lore.

By the way, dogs are supposed to be on leash on the Stream Trail. Please also keep them out of the creek; it is habitat for spawning rainbow trout. And bicycles are not permitted on the Stream Trail past Trail’s End, which is about a half-mile before you reach the ladybug viewing area.

I recommend a weekday visit. The park can be crowded on weekends.

By the way, Aurelia Henry Reinhardt’s name was recently added to Redwood Regional Park by vote of the district board of directors. She was one of the founding park district directors back in 1934, and also was president of Mills College in Oakland.

* * * East Bay Regional Park District has resumed accepting camping and backpacking reservations either online or by phone, with some limitations.

Here’s a summary: The family campgrounds at Anthony Chabot near Castro Valley and Del Valle south of Livermore have reopened. Del Valle campground will have no water until mid-March. You have to bring your own drinking water and RVs must fill water tanks before arrival. Fires and barbecues will be allowed.

Limited backpack sites are open in Ohlone Wilderness and Sunol. Maggie’s Half Acre in Ohlone is closed.

The backpack camp at Round Valley south of Brentwood remains closed due to fire-related issues.

More detailed information is available at www.ebparks.org/ activities/camping.

To make reservations, call 888-327-2757 and select option 2. * * * Visitors may encounter grazing cattle in many of the regional parks. Remember that when cows are present, district rules require that dogs must be securely leashed and under control. It’s dangerous for both your pet and the cattle if your dog starts chasing or harassing livestock.

Cattle are generally not aggressive. However cows are protective of their calves, so don’t attempt to touch a cow, and don’t get between mom and her kid.

If cattle are blocking the trail, approach them slowly, speak normally, and give them a chance to move away.

If you see a stray calf, leave it alone. Its mother is likely nearby.

If you encounter a cow that is acting threatening or appears to be injured or dead, please note the color of the animal and ear tag number, then report it to the park staff.

For lots of information about dog rules in the regional parks, visit the district web site, www. ebparks.org, and wait for the “Pup Pro” program to appear at the top of the home page. * * * There has been a lot in the news lately about coyotes, especially the specific coyote that has been implicated in attacks on people in Moraga and Lafayette. So here’s some information about one of the more common animals in the regional parks and other open spaceS.

Coyotes range throughout the western United States and beyond. They can be found in almost every East Bay regional park, from the inland hills to the bay shoreline.

Adaptable and intelligent, they also prowl nearby suburban neighborhoods, including mine in Pleasant Hill.

You may not see the animal itself, but you will often see its distinctive scat, which has a lot of fur mixed in with it from the small rodents that make up its basic diet. Through their eating habits, coyotes help to control the population of animals such as rabbits, ground squirrels, skunks and raccoons. They are pretty much omnivorous; they will also go for fish, birds, reptiles and even insects.

Coyotes resemble smaller, skinnier versions of German shepherd dogs. Generally tan in color, they have long snouts and bushy, black-tipped tails.

Although they look like dogs, coyotes are wild and may occasionally be aggressive, especially if protecting a den. If you are walking with your dog and see a coyote approaching, it’s best to call your pet back to you and put it on leash. If a coyote follows you, make loud noises to scare it away. Until the Moraga and Lafayette incidents, coyote attacks on people had been very rare. I’ve seen them occasionally in the regional parks and they have generally kept their distance.

By the way, cows do not differentiate between coyotes and dogs; they regard both as predators. This may account for cows’ sometimes-nervous behavior when you walk past with your dog. If there are cows in the vicinity, your dog is supposed to be leashed.

It’s best for both species if coyotes remain wary of humans. So coyotes should never be given handouts or fed unintentionally by leaving pet food or garbage where they can get to it. Especially if you live near open space, feed your pet indoors and use trash containers with lids that clamp shut.

It’s also advisable to keep pets such as cats, rabbits and small dogs indoors. If allowed to run free outside, they can become coyote prey. Large dogs should be brought indoors after dark and should not be allowed to run loose. Coyotes can and do mate with domestic dogs.

Moreover if you let your large dog run free outside at night, it can pack up with other freerunning dogs and hunt wildlife in the parks. This is not a good outcome.

See EBRPD page 3

valleysentinel.com

March 2021

Briones Regional Park

By Beverly Lane East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors

For an East Bay parkland that has the ambience of a remote wilderness, though it is conveniently close to a dozen Central Contra communities, Briones Regional Park is the place to go.

Surrounded by Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Lafayette and Orinda, Briones offers 6,256 acres of rolling hills, secluded canyons, grasslands and oak woodlands. There’s abundant wildlife, including birds of prey, coyote, deer and mountain lions.

You can explore the park on 67 miles of trails, ranging in difficulty from easy walks to challenging treks for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians.

The highest point in the park is Briones Peak at 1,483 feet. But the view is less obstructed from the nearby junction of the Spengler and Table Top trails. From there you can see east to Mt. Diablo, north to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, and west to the OaklandBerkeley Hills. On a clear winter day the Sierra Nevada range is visible.

Another great viewpoint is Mott Peak, named for William Penn Mott. He was general manager of the park district from 1962 to 1967 and later

EBRPD from page 2

For more information about coyotes, check out the California State Fish and Game website, www.wildlife.ca.gov/keep-mewild/coyote. There’s even more at the Washington state site: https://wdfw.wa.gov/living/ coyotes.html. * * * Round Valley Regional Preserve south of Brentwood, which had been closed because of fire-related damage, is now open again.

became head of the National Park Service.

Originally the area that is now Briones Regional Park was a hunting ground for Native Americans whose villages were on the shores of Carquinez Strait. During the Spanish-Mexican era, Felipe and Maria Briones obtained a land grant and established a rancho in the area.

It was truly the wild west when this rancho was established. Felipe Briones was killed by Indians in January 1840.

After several ownerships in subsequent years, including water companies and Contra Costa County, the core acreage was transferred to the regional park district in 1964. Land acquisitions since then have increased the park to its present size.

The largest entrance to Briones is on Bear Creek Road about five miles east of the intersection with Camino Pablo/San Pablo Dam Road in Orinda. Here are the other main entrances, in clockwise order: • The pear orchard entrance off Alhambra Valley Road near Martinez. Look for the sign “Park Office” on Alhambra Valley Road. Parking is limited.

• Briones Road entrance, also off Alhambra Valley Road just before the intersection with Reliez Valley Road. Drive to the end of Briones Road at the top of the hill.

• Alhambra Creek staging area off Reliez Valley Road near Martinez.

The park is located on Marsh Creek Road about two miles east of Deer Valley Road.

It’s beautiful, essentially an expansive grassland in a valley between several high ridgelines.

There’s abundant wildlife, including golden eagles.

It’s also habitat for the San Joaquin kit fox, a rare and endangered animal. For that reason, dogs are not allowed in the park. So please leave your pooch at home.

The land was originally purchased in 1873 by Thomas

• Reliez Valley staging area on Reliez Valley Road near Gloria Terrace in Pleasant Hill.

Parking is limited.

• The Buckeye entrance at the end of Springhill Road off Pleasant Hill Road, with limited parking. Springhill Road starts at the traffic signal next to Springhill Elementary School.

• Lafayette Ridge staging area on Pleasant Hill Road, also next to Springhill Elementary School.

A basic parking fee of $5 per vehicle is charged at Bear Creek and Alhambra Valley when the kiosk is attended. The other entrances are free.

The Briones Archery Club has one of only two archery ranges in the regional parks. The other is at Reinhardt Redwood in the Oakland hills. The Briones range is open to the public during regular park hours.

For information, visit www. brionesarchery.org.

Briones has overnight group campsites and group picnic areas available by reservation.

However, reservations are currently on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic. The park district will resume normal operations at Briones as soon as county health departments and the state of California give the all clear.

Park trails are generally open, with virus related precautions in place. Some toilets are available, but drinking fountains are shut down, so bring your own water. Everyone is asked to maintain social distance and carry masks to wear when narrow trails and gates make social distancing difficult.

You can download a Briones Regional Park brochure and trail map at the park district website, www.ebparks.org. Maps are also available in information panels at park trailheads. On the website, it’s a good idea to check “COVID-19 Closures” and “News” at the top of the home page.

Murphy, an Irish immigrant who established a ranch there.

His grandson, Jim Murphy, sold the core 700 acres to the park district in 1988. The family wished the property to be kept in open space for public enjoyment.

Maps of the parkland with information about its cultural and natural history can be downloaded from the park district website, www.ebparks. org. The park is remote enough that there’s no convenient public transportation to it.

THE VALLEY SENTINEL EBRPD GM from page 1

As general manager, Ms. Landreth will be the park district’s top administrator, overseeing the acquisition, management and preservation of 73 parklands comprising nearly 125,000 acres of public lands throughout Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.

Ms. Landreth succeeds Robert Doyle, who retired at the end of 2020 after 47 years of service at the agency, including the last ten as general manager. She is the first female and tenth general manager in the District’s 87-year history.

Ms. Landreth is well known in the East Bay. Most recently she served as city administrator for the City of Oakland, directing the day-to-day operations of 25 departments and 5,000 employees with a $1.7 billion budget.

Previously she had worked as Emeryville city manager,

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and as Oakland’s budget director, legislative analyst and deputy city administrator.

As part of her duties, she has had extensive experience working with the California State Assembly and various state agencies. She has led creative and complex land use partnerships in the East Bay. Ms. Landreth has a Bachelor of Science degree f ro m t h e M a s s a c h u s e t t s Institute of Technology and a master’s degree in public policy from UC-Berkeley. Both she and her husband are fifth generation in the region. She will start her new job on March 15.

“I am honored to be appointed by the Board as the District’s next general manager,” Ms. Landreth said.

“I look forward to continuing to build upon the great work the district does to improve the quality of life for our East Bay community, while adhering to its social and environmental responsibilities.”

Community Input We at The Valley Sentinel welcome comments and suggestions from the community at large. We love hearing from you! However, consideration is only given to those who provide their name, address and phone number.

Two-way communication is essential for growth and understanding. Write us at P.O. Box 1309, Danville, 94526, email to drousset@valleysentinel.com, or call us at 925-820-6047. Thank you!

—Denise Rousset, Publisher

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be kind to the environment please recycle this newspaper

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THE VALLEY SENTINEL

March 2021

valleysentinel.com

Virtual Events & News Bits The Ghosts of Tao House The Eugene O’Neill Foundation, Tao House is kicking off 2021 with a new series of short films entitled The Ghosts of Tao House.

During the pandemic, live performances have been cancelled and Tao House, the Eugene O’Neill National Historic site, has been closed to the public. These films are designed to combine the power of performing the playwright’s words with the beauty of Tao House and the surrounding Las Trampas wilderness. The Ghosts of Tao House films feature characters from O’Neill’s plays coming to life on the historic Tao House property. “The goal of these films is to celebrate and deepen the connection between the plays and the place, says EONF Artistic Director Eric Fraisher Hayes. “There is a magic in experiencing the plays of Eugene O’Neill at Tao House and these films seek to capture some of this magic in a virtual medium.” Ghost films will be released monthly and can be viewed at the EONF website eugeneoneill.org.

Saturday March 13 Don Friesen Comes to the Virtual Stage Liz Grant Comedy program continues to bring top tier talent to Village Theatre The Danville community is invited to an evening of smart and savvy comedy, as Don Friesen takes the stage in the upcoming Comedy in Place with Liz Grant & Friends.

On Saturday, March 13, 2021, at 7:30 p.m. join in on Zoom for a night of out-of-control laughter with this offbeat satirical comedy. Don Friesen is known for his engaging, ironic and parodying style of comedy, hitting on topics such as parenting, marriage and everyday absurdities.

Now through June 13 at Bedford Gallery A Beautiful Mess: Weavers and Knotters of the Vanguard is now on view at the Bedford Gallery’s site, bgviewingroom.

AdvAnced LAser

Also on stage is Liz Grant, the host and creator of Comedy with Liz Grant & Friends. Grant has a long career in comedy and has opened for Dana Carvey and Robin Williams.

She is also the winner of the Brian Regan Impression Contest. Our Comedy in Place with Liz Grant Series is on Zoom and a link will be emailed approximately one hour before the show starts.

All sales end at 6:30 p.m. on March 13, 2021.

For show times and ticket i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t w w w. danville.ca.gov/vtshows or call 925-314-3400.

Some of the comedians may use mature themes and minor language in their material; age recommended is 16 and up.

org! While the gallery awaits a county announcement on reopening, we are thrilled to present this stunning show online.

The women artists in this exhibition upend traditional perceptions and narratives about weaving, knotting, macramé, and fiber arts as a whole. Artists include: Windy Chien, Kirsten Hassenfeld, D a n a H e m e n w a y, K i r a Dominguez Hultgren, dani lopez, Hannah Perrine Mode, Liz Robb, Meghan Shimek, Katrina Sánchez Standfield, Lisa Solomon and Jacqueline Surdell.

Saturday, March 13, 2021 Renowned author James Scott Bell will be the featured presenter at the Mt. Diablo branch, California Writers Club Zoom workshop from 9:30 am to 12 noon. His topic will be “Write Your Novel from the Middle: A New Approach for Plotters, Pantsers, and Everyone in Between.” He is the author of the #1 best-seller for writers, Plot and Structure (Writers Digest Books.) His thrillers include: Romeo Rules, Romeo’s Way, and Romeo’s Hammer (the Mike Romeo

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thriller series); Try Dying, Try Darkness, and Try Fear, (the Ty Buchanan legal thriller series) and stand-alones, including Your Son is Alive, and Final Witness (which won the first Christy Award for Suspense.)

He served as the fiction columnist for Writers Digest magazine, and has written at least seven notable books on the craft of writing. Register online at https://cwcmtdiablo. org/current-cwc-mt-diablomeeting/ Check into the Zoom Invitation at 9:30, workshop 10:00-12:00. Members cost $15, guests $20.

Tow n Ta l k s L i ve s t re a m Program Launches Danville residents have a new way to stay informed as Mayor Renee Morgan will begin a monthly livestream broadcast called Town Talks.

The Zoom-based program was launched on March 5, and will happen again on the first Friday of each following month. You can register to view the programs at: https://us02web.zoom. us/webinar/register/WN_ YnShnR7ST9-vGZlAGYakxA Following each program, residents can either view the entire program or short snippets from each episode a t w w w. y o u t u b e . c o m / channel/UCLOfIDWV1Is_ xMOBfH0jcGA. You can also choose other videos from The Town of Danville there.

Each month Mayor Morgan will feature new guests and topics of interest to the community. For more information on Town Talks, contact Assistant to the Town Manager Diane Friedmann at (925) 314-3378 or by email a t d f r i e d m a n n @ d a n v i l l e. ca.gov.

Tri-Valley Cultural Jews Virtual Passover Seder The TVCJ annual community Seder will be held virtually on Sunday, March 28, 2021 at 5 p.m via Zoom.

Everyone will participate in the comfort of their own home.

Our progressive, secular humanistic Seder includes English-language readings highlighting the power of community and the value of freedom, along with songs in English, Yiddish and Hebrew.

The hour-long ceremony i s f o l l owe d by o p t i o n a l schmoozing time while your family eats the dinner that you’ve prepared in your home.

The event is family-friendly.

We ask non-member adults to give a donation of $10 if

you are able to support our programming. If you have any questions please email culturaljews@gmail.com.

Begins March 25 Inspiration Strikes in Art Gallery’s Juried Exhibit The Town of Danville Village Theatre Art Gallery is pleased to present its 11th Annual Juried Exhibition, Inspired By… Artists Celebrate their Favorite Artists.

Entering into spring, the time of birth and renewal, the Gallery sought out artists to create art in the style of, or with a likeness of, artists’ who they find uplifting and inspiring. The intent is to promote fresh artwork that brings a sense of appreciation for all artists who inspire.

Artists look to other artists to learn about new ways to create.

The Art Gallery received many entries all inspired by famous artists, art instructors, people, and places. Juror J e n n i f e r Pe r l m u t t e r wa s faced with the challenging job of selecting pieces that show an array of styles, subject matter, and media.

Included in this exhibition are photos, paintings, ceramics, a s s e m b l a g e p i e c e s, a n d fabric artwork; something for everyone.

The exhibition opens March 25, 2021, and runs t h r o u g h M a y 2 8 , 2 0 21 .

Because of the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, the G a l l e r y re m a i n s c l o s e d .

However, a virtual walkthrough tour of the exhibition will be posted on YouTube by March 26, 2021.

The Village Theatre and Art Gallery is currently closed but will open to visitors once Contra Costa County moves to the Red Tier. Please check the Town’s website for updates.

For more information, contact Visual Arts Coordinator Marija Nelson Bleier at (925) 314-3460 or mnelsonbleier@ danville.ca.gov.

Shredding Event - Saturday, April 24, 2021 For $15/box and/or $15/ hard drive, bring your banker’s boxes of old papers and hard drives to the GFWC Danville Women’s Club parking lot at 9AM. This event is a Patty Hart Memorial Scholarship Fund event, providing scholarships to graduating seniors from TriValley high schools.

This event will be held at the Danville Women’s Club clubhouse located at 242 W. Linda Mesa, Danville.

valleysentinel.com

March 2021

County Health Officials Announce Educators Now Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccines Contra Costa County Health Services this afternoon announced that educators, school employees, and others in Phase 1B Tier One on the state’s COVID-19 vaccination plan can begin making appointments to receive the shots beginning immediately.

The announcement paves the way for the county’s 16,000-plus school employees to receive one of the available COVID-19 vaccines.

“This is welcome news,” Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey said. “ I e n c o u ra g e a l l s c h o o l employees, especially those who are already working with the most vulnerable and at-risk students, to sign up to receive the vaccine as soon as possible. Making the vaccine available for educators and

school staff is an important step to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in this county and protect those who are most at risk of contracting this deadly disease.”

I n o rd e r t o m a ke a n appointment, educators and school personnel can register through Contra Costa Health Services.

Those who are at risk of occupational exposure to COVID-19 through their work in any role in the following Education and Child Care settings are eligible to sign up: • All formal and informal childcare workers, including day care providers • All staff in colleges, universities, junior colleges, community colleges, and other postsecondary education facilities

• All staff in educational support services and administration • All staff in prekindergarten, elementary, middle, and high schools • All staff in technical and trade schools • Any other workers involved in child and/or student care, including school bus drivers and monitors, crosswalk guards, etc.

In addition to those who work in education, county residents who are employed in the childcare sector, food and agriculture workers, and emergency services workers are also eligible to make appointments for the vaccine.

Additional information re g a rd i n g va c c i n e s a n d eligibility can be found on the CCHS information page at cchealth.org/coronavirus.

Lindsay Wildlife Experience Takes Decisive Actions to Maintain Operations Despite Prolonged Closure SF Bay Area Pioneering Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital and Education Center Launching a $2 Million Fundraiser in Bid to Continue Operations and Care for Wildlife Lindsay Wildlife Experience has taken decisive action to stay in operation and continue to serve people and animals despite a grueling closure that continues.

“Recently we have had to make the difficult decision to furlough staff temporarily and reorganize our programs and internal organization to cut costs and protect core operations, including caring for animals,” said Executive Director Dr. Carlos de la Rosa.

“We have tapped our cash reserves and cannot continue to do so at the same rate during a prolonged closure.”

Facing a revenue loss of over $1.5 million due to its closure during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lindsay Wildlife Experience has taken several actions to continue its mission of connecting people with wildlife. Some of the actions have included, but are not limited to, cutting operational costs, applying for government and state loans, reinventing online education programs and hosting a virtual auction.

Lindsay highly values the community’s support as it works to maintain operations and care for sick and injured wildlife.

In response to the crisis, Lindsay launched the $2 million “Reimagine Lindsay”

fundraising campaign on Feb. 1. The two-phase campaign seeks to raise an initial $750,000 in the first half of 2021 and an additional $1.25 million in the second.

Funds raised will help the organization continue to: • Operate its wildlife hospital, which has continued to care for sick and injured wildlife (more than 4,900 patients) during the pandemic without interruption.

• Care for its more than 65 animal ambassadors, including many beloved elderly animals such as 46-yearold Lord Richard the Turkey Vulture. Lindsay’s Animal Encounters department relies on donations and earned revenue to cover the $25,400 average monthly cost of caring for all of its ambassadors.

• Continue its public educational programs. Since its closure, Lindsay has moved its robust educational offerings online and is producing popular weekly public programs via Zoom that give viewers unprecedented access to animal ambassadors and wildlife patients. Additional outdoor programs, including the return of an innovative free-flight show, are planned.

D e s p i t e c o n s i d e ra b l e challenges, Lindsay Wildlife re m a i n s o p t i m i s t i c t h a t

with community support, it can continue its mission of connecting people with wildlife for generations to come.

“The needs of wildlife and people intersect at Lindsay,” de la Rosa said. “Injured wild animals need people to help them and bring them back to health. And people need wildlife to develop and establish a lasting emotional and intellectual connection, for the benefit of both."

Anyone wishing to donate to Lindsay can do so at lindsaywildlife.org/ loveforlindsay/ or by mailing a check to Lindsay Wildlife Experience c/o Reimagine Campaign, 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek, CA 94597.

About Lindsay Wildlife Experience: Lindsay connects people w i t h w i l d l i f e t o i n s p i re responsibility and respect for the world we share. A unique natural history and environmental education center where live wild animals are just inches away from visitors, Lindsay serves more than 100,000 children and adults each year. Home to the first wildlife rehabilitation hospital established in the U.S., Lindsay treats more than 5,600 animals annually.

THE VALLEY SENTINEL WRENTIT from page 1

scrub, and oak woodland habitats. Wrentits form strong pair bonds a few months after birth, and they mate for life.

The Wrentit is somewhat unique in that both sexes sing, participate in defending territories, and in construction of the nest. It takes two weeks to build the nest, which is a four stage process. They nest in high shrubs such as poison oak, coyote bush, and California blackberry. Both sexes incubate the three to five, whitish blue or green eggs for about fourteen days.

After hatching, it takes another fifteen days for the nestlings to fledge. The fledglings are unable to fly, and are fed by both parents for up to forty days. Wrentits are primarily insectivorous, feeding on

page 5

a variety beetles, spiders, caterpillars, bugs, ants, and other small invertebrates.

Seeds and berries are sometimes consumed. The faster rhythm of the males song is one way to distinguish between sexes. Wrentits live an average of three and a half years. The oldest recorded Wrentit was a recaptured bird that was thirteen years and five months old when released during banding operations in California. Logging and other habitat changes have led to range expansions for the Wrentit, particularly northward. The destruction and fragmentation of chaparral and coastal scrub communities threatens some populations.

James M. Hale is a wildlife biologist based in Contra Costa County. Please visit his website at www.dochale.com.

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Home and Garden page 6

THE VALLEY SENTINEL

March 2021

valleysentinel.com

Adaptable Units can serve more than one purpose

By Steven Wynn

California’s new housing law for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), AB-68, has been in effect for just over a year now. The law expanded homeowners’ rights to build ADUs by streamlining the approval process and removing many local restrictions that hindered affordable development. While it’s too early to judge results, it is fair to say that calls to our office requesting design services for ADUs are higher than ever.

What I find most encouraging is how my own advice to clients has evolved as a result of the regulatory improvements brought about

by AB-68. Some years ago, if a client proposed building a pool cabaña, or adding a guest

suite, or bonus room above a garage, we cautioned against including features that might trigger an interpretation that the addition was an ADU. This was because of the financial burden resulting from such a determination. Even for clients who actually wanted an ADU, often the requirements were so onerous that they abandoned the idea.

In one case, we designed an ADU for a client in Alamo, so that empty-nester parents could remain on the property together with an adult child’s growing family. They did not want, nor need, additional garage space. Nevertheless, the County required that they build a new, detached garage structure as a condition of approval for the ADU.

Thankfully, AB-68 and other local changes have turned this around, making the environment much for favorable to ADU construction. If that same Alamo client wanted to build their ADU today, not only would they not be required to build that extra garage, but they could actually convert their existing garage into the ADU if they wanted to.

Now, when a client proposes an accessory structure like a cabaña, I encourage them to consider actually making it an ADU, even if that’s not how they will currently use it. Or, to at least consider designing the addition to be adaptable to future use as an ADU. If nothing else, it’s smart financially – homebuyers are increasingly looking for properties that facilitate flexible housing arrangements.

In a larger sense, Architects have long advocated for adaptable buildings and homes.

Our lives change over time, and a successful building is one that adapts seamlessly to our evolving needs.

Consider the detached cabaña shown in the photographs, which was designed for adaptable use.

Currently used for family entertaining, its small kitchen features wraparound windows that fully open for outdoor patio

Creating and transforming spaces great and small.

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seating. With a few alterations, the kitchen can transition to supporting a live-in couple, and the game room become a studio bedroom. Flexibility and adaptability are paramount, featuring warm and inviting aesthetics no matter the use.

At long last, our housing laws are better aligned with the demand for ADU development.

While there’s still a long way to go to make ADU construction affordable, the path ahead is encouraging. As we emerge from a challenging year, now is a great time to look at your own home and consider how adaptable it is to your own needs, now and into the future.

For more information please contact Steven Wynn at 925-837-1422 or visit www. barryandwynn.com

5 Recycling Myths Have you made a resolution to live more sustainability and reduce waste in 2021? Products and brands may market their goods and packaging as “green” but in reality, the benefits may not be so clear. Here are some common recycling myths: The recycling symbol means the item can be recycled - FALSE The triangle chasing arrow symbol we all associate with recyclability, is actually not regulated. A manufacturer can plop that icon on anything.

Sometimes, items will have that symbol followed by tiny print: “only where facilities exist” meaning it is likely a specialty type of material that a regular recycling facility may not be able to handle.

To-go coffee cups and juice cartons are recyclable - FALSE Typically, these items have a plastic lining (that’s what keeps the liquid from soaking through the paper), which makes these products hard to recycle and also not

desireable for composting.

Additionally, these items often have drink residue (or often still half of a cup of coffee!) in it when it’s tossed in the bin, which can contaminate clean and dry recyclable material like office paper and cardboard.

Biodegradable items will decompose in the landfill – FALSE Biodegradable items b re a k d ow n a e ro b i c a l l y (with oxygen), but most landfills are anaerobic (without oxygen) because trash becomes compacted so tightly that items will not fully decompose. Compostable materials such as food scraps should be composted (check with your city; most allow food scraps in the green yard waste cart for composting).

Also, “biodegradable” is not the same as “compostable’”!

Technically, everything will eventually biodegrade to See RECYCLING page 7

Home and Garden valleysentinel.com

March 2021

THE VALLEY SENTINEL

March in the Contra Costa Garden

RECYCLING from page 6

From the Contra Costa Master Gardeners 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.

Fertilize sparingly, 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.

Plant herbs—most require full sun and well-drained 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 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 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.

some extent in hundreds of years; the term “compostable” is regulated, though many compost facilities do not accept certain types of “compostable” plastics. Some people still prefer to purchase compostable products even if they are not going to be composted because they value the fact that the items are not made from fossil-fuels (like regular plastic) but rather plant-based feedstocks.

page 7

Recyclable = Recycled Content; FALSE Recyclable means the item can be processed to make something else. Recycled content refers to the amount of already-recycled material that is in the new product.

Look for items made with recycled content to support the recycled materials market and to reduce the amount of virgin material needed to produce the item.

See RECYCLING page 10

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valleysentinel.com

March 2021

Understanding Your Digital Afterlife and Why You Should Name a Digital Asset Executor

By Mary Lynn Brook, Senior Lifestyle Specialist

If you are a baby boomer or older adult many of you have already prepared a will and trust as part of your overall estate plan. During this planning process of deciding, which child gets Grandma’s china or the set of match-box cars from your childhood, a very important detail often gets overlooked.

What happens to the online presences of your life or your digital assets. Not just the mass of information, photos, and cute little sayings you have built up on Facebook, but your entire online existences.

This planning process can be an overwhelming task but an important part of your life legacy.

Simply stated, a will directs your estate regarding

your property when you die and a trust is needed to protect your estate from the delay and cost of probate court. A trust will also help reduce estate and gift taxes and helps the executor process the estate upon your death. In your will and trust you have named a legal representative called the executor. Their job is to carry out your wishes you have laid out in your will.

However, in order to take care of your digital assets you may want to name a digital asset executor in addition to your traditional executor. This is someone who is responsible for managing your digital assets after you die. Their role is similar to the traditional role of an executor and may even be the same person. As a digital asset executor part of their responsibility is paying any maintenance fees that are set up in your digital estate, and making sure that your digital assets are distributed in accordance to your wishes.

According to Julianna Malis, Santa Barbara attorney, and Founder of Anacapa Estate Planning & Elder Law, “most people think that estate planning is only concerned

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with the distribution of assets after a person passes away.

This is certainly part of it, but a proper estate plan provides a number of benefits while you are still alive and well.” While planning your estate, take into consideration a Digital Asset Executor upon your death or if you become incapacitated.

Once you decide who will be managing your online estate the next step in your digital planning process is to make a list of all your digital accounts.

First, start to think about creating a master list of all your online accounts. A complete record of everything you do online. According to Evan Carroll, co-author of “Your Digital Afterlife,” The simplest way to do this is take an inventory of your accounts.

“You don’t want to include these user names and passwords in the will itself, because it is a public document,” As a start to the process, Carroll suggests writing down all the websites you use for your life. Stop and write down the log-in information, password, username and even the correct site address to access your accounts. Are you starting to feel overwhelmed? No need to worry, learn how to use a Google service called Inactive Account Manager. This service allows you to set up your digital requests for the data you have stored with Google. This feature tells Google what to do with your digital assets after your death. Your digital asset executor will be able to carry out your wishes that you have you set up with Google. For a step to step instruction about Google’s Inactive Account Manager, check out Inactive Account Manager, How to set up Google’s Inactive

Account Manager, by Matt Elliott, April 11, 2013 4:28 PM PDT Second, find out what information does your social media accounts require for your digital asset executor.

Take a look at your accounts Terms of Service (TOS) for a better understanding of what information they need.

For example, in the TOS for Facebook, look at the section labeled Other, Section 5, it states that Facebook allows you to designate a person (called a legacy contact) to manage your account if it is memorialized. Only your legacy contact or a person who you have identified in a valid will or similar document expressing clear consent to disclose your content upon death or incapacity will be able to seek disclosure from your account after it is memorialized. In addition to your social media accounts don’t forget about your music and audio accounts. Did you know when you download a song from iTunes or a book you don’t actually own the item? In the blog, Most Digital Content Can’t Be Passed on to Heirs,

by Sandy Burger, September 17, 2012, Amazon states that digital content for the Kindle is “licensed, not sold, to you by the Content Provider.” The agreement further stipulates that “you may not sell, rent, lease, distribute, broadcast, sublicense, or otherwise assign any rights to the Digital Content or any portion of it to any third party. What does that mean? When you buy a digital asset from your Amazon account for your Kindle or from iTunes you do not own the product but are only leasing it. It is something to take into consideration when planning your last wishes regarding your

digital life. What do you want to happen with all your music, books and podcasts? Finally, think about these questions as you begin your process of creating your digital estate.

• Social media accounts like Facebook can remain online as a memorial of your life. If this is what you want it must be stated in your will and the digital executor must execute your wishes. • What about all your digital photos? Do you want your family members to have them? • How long do you want to maintain your online bill paying accounts? • Do you want to transfer your accounts to the heirs of the estate?

Planning for your digital asset after life is time consuming now but doing the work when you are healthy and having a clear head will make the process easier. If you do the research and prepare a well thought out plan it will help reduce any problems about your estate after your death.

Mary Brook, Senior Living Specialist, is an expert in the Senior industry with over 15 years of experience helping seniors, families and staff with the aging process. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Ohio State University and currently holds certifications as an RCFE Administrator, Yoga, Group Fitness and Personal Training. Her experience as a Life Enrichment and Marketing Director, Director of Resident Care and Associate Executive Director in several RCFE facilities throughout the United States, gives her an in- depth perspective to helping seniors improving the quality of their lives. Mary can be reached at mzm.brook@ gmail.com

valleysentinel.com

March 2021

THE VALLEY SENTINEL

page 9

22nd Annual Military Swearing in Ceremony May 23rd, 2021 Dougherty Valley , Del Amigo names and your faces, we On May 23rd 2021 at 1 p.m. , at the Danville Library , the Veterans of Foreign Wa rs, A m e r i c a n L e g i o n , Vietnam Veterans of Diablo Valley, Marine Corps League, Blue Star Moms Chapter 101, The Veterans Memorial Building and Communities of Danville, Alamo, San Ramon and Blackhawk will host the 22nd Annual Military Swearing In Ceremony to honor the students graduating from Monte Vista, San Ramon, California and

and Athenian High Schools who have made the highest commitment a graduating High School student can make, that of joining our United States Armed Forces.

This tradition started in our Valley 1998 when we honored 13 Military recruits.

Every year since then, we h ave n ow h o n o re d ove r 100 graduating high school students in this manner.

The message from our citizens is simple but powerful, we know your

honor your commitment to our nation in joining the military, we wish you well on this journey and when you come home whether in 4 years or 20 years, we will be here to welcome you home, help you get into higher education and onto career opportunities, this is our solemn promise to you.

We invite the parents of these students and recruiters to attend the Swearing in Ceremony with their recruit.

The Town of Danville is looking for residents interested in serving on one of several commissions seeking new volunteers;

Youth Representatives – 1 Arts Advisory Board; (2-year term) 1 Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission (2-year term) Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission – 1 regular, 1 alternate member (4-year terms) Senior Advisory Commission – 1 regular member (4-year term) Arts Advisory Board – 1 regular member (4-year term) Poet Laureate – 1 position (2-year term) Contra Costa Transportation Authority Citizen Advisory Committee – 1 representative (4-year term) County Connection Citizen Advisory Committee – 1 representative (2-year term) Applications are available on the Town website at www.danville.ca.gov/Commission-Recruitment.

The deadline to file an application is 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 12, 2021. Applicants have the options to interview with the Town Council on June 8 or June 15, 2021.

For additional information, contact City Clerk Marie Sunseri at (925) 314-3401 or cityclerk@danville.ca.gov.

Camp Parks: When War and National Security Came to the San Ramon and Amador Valleys A free virtual presentation from the Museum of the San Ramon Valley The museum is happy to announce that Steve Minniear historian for the town of Dublin CA and past president of the Dublin Historical Society will be returning on Thursday, March 18 at 11:30.

Steve’s presentation is entitled Camp Parks: When War and National Security Came to the San Ramon and Amador Valleys.

Today the area around Camp Parks is a growing residential community bordering a BART station. It is hard to imagine that at one time its boundaries spanned from San Ramon to Dublin

and played a major role in both our local history and national history. Since 1942, hundreds of thousands of US armed forces personnel lived and trained at this base. It is fair to say Camp Parks played a key role in WW2 involving the war in the pacific.

To attend this free online presentation please visit our website at museumsrv.org and go to the Events section or call 925 837-3750.

The Museum of the San Ramon Valley is located at 205 Railroad Ave Danville CA 94526.

We are presently closed due to Covid19 county restrictions.

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THE VALLEY SENTINEL

AUTO March 2009 March 2021

2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line

By David and Judy Colman

the unmistakable design language he developed at VW (for Audi, Lamborghini, and Bentley) to his new projects at Hyundai. Likewise, Biermann relied on his BMW M group technical expertise to improve vehicles from Hyundai, Kia and Genesis. When you combine their expertise with Hyundai’s commitment to building affordable products, you have the makings of an automotive revolution.

N o t h i n g exe m p l i f i e s t h e company’s leap from sensible to stellar better than the newfor-2021 N Line version of the Sonata sedan.

Why is Hyundai currently building the world’s most desirable, affordable, best looking, fun cars to drive?

You can track the corporate rebirth to a couple of key hires the Korean company made about five years ago.

To improve the appearance and functionality of their vehicles, they hired stylist Luc Donkerwolke away from his post as VW Group Designer.

They followed this coup by poaching Albert Biermann from BMW, where he served as VP of Engineering at BMW. M. Donkerwolke transferred

RECYCLING from page 7

Do Your Part– Wear a Mask and Practice Social Distancing

If you’re not sure, it’s best to put it in recycling anyway - FALSE Yes, recyclable material is sorted by machines and people at the processinig facility, but it takes energy and resources to pull the contamination out and more greenhouse gases to gather and transport the nonrecyclable items to the landfill,

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T h i s i s i n a rg u a b l y a great looking car. From any viewing angle, the N Line t ra n s f o r m a t i o n i m p rove s on the already handsome Sonata. The list of visual improvements is short but effective. Black keynotes the N Line’s understated good looks. The expansive front grill seems less obtrusive in piano black, as do the side mirrors mounted on black A pillars. N Line specific front and rear fascia panels distinguish this Hyundai from other Sonatas. Polygonal dual exhaust outlets are cleanly integrated into the lower rear diffuser panel.

The exterior makeover is completed with a set of N Line 19 inch honeycomb a l l oy r i m s w h i c h m o u n t more rubber (245/40R19 Continental Premium Contact 6) than any other Sonata.

The special treatment continues when you swing open the driver’s door. The aluminum pedal cluster immediately catches your eye, along with the leather wrapped steering wheel with an “N” designation branded on its face. The special motif continues with Dinamica where it should have gone directly. If the contamination makes its way into a bale of recyclable material and is then shipped to another state or country, that recipient then has to deal with the non-recyclables, and in some countries those materials may not be handled in the most environmentallyfriendly or healthy way for the surrounding communities.

Do your best to research and recycle properly, but when in doubt, throw it out (assuming it’s not hazardous or e-waste).

Remember, recycling rules can vary from city to city, depending on what recycling processing facility materials are sent to, and what requirements are in the city’s contract with the hauler. Check with your city or your specific garbage & recycling company for detailed guidelines!

Recycling is a great way to get more use out of resources t h a t h ave a l re a d y b e e n extracted and manufactured, but recycling is not the solution to our waste problem. You may have heard the phrase “reduce, reuse, recycle” - there’s a reason why Reduce and Reuse come before Recycle!

Suede front sport seats fitted with racing grade leather side bolsters. Red stitching and piping makes the seats pop visually, along with subtly embossed “N” designations on the headrests.

But thanks to input from former BMW M expert Albert Biermann, the N Line Sonata i s n o g u t l e s s s h ow b o a t .

Rather, it signifies the latest thinking from the man who made M synonymous with speed at BMW. To convert the Sonata from a pussycat to a tiger, Hyundai has gone the full sports sedan route with this model. Hyundai engineers followed the BMW M plan to the Nth degree here, stiffening essential suspension components in order to emulate the sport sedan formula pioneered in Germany. The increased spring rates, antiroll bar diameters and revamped shock valving make this Sonata much more driver responsive. The endeavor even extended to firming up the powertrain mounts and relocating the power steering assist motor from the steering column to the steering rack for more immediate feedback and precision.

Best of all, Hyundai fitted a much improved engine and drivetrain to the Sonata shell.

Replacing the adequate but lackluster 1.6 liter (180hp) and 2.5 liter (191hp) inline four cylinder Sonata motors, the N Line’s powerplant features a new turbocharged version of the 2.5 liter four that jumps output from 191 t o 2 9 0 h p . To rq u e s o a rs commensurately, to 311lb.ft. This screamer of an engine drives the front wheels through a very s p e c i a l d u a l we t c l u t c h 8-speed transmission developed specifically for this application. Unlike most

valleysentinel.com dual clutch gearboxes which swap ratios jerkily, the wet clutch Hyundai unit stays cooler than a conventional twin clutch, and shifts so smoothly it feels like a torque converter automatic.

The Sonata N is capable of ripping off 0-60mph runs in 5.3 seconds and cranking out quarter mile runs in 13.9 seconds. If you’re thinking about buying a new Mustang or Camaro or even a BMW M car, you’ll want to give this stealth offering from Hyundai a good look, because it’s a direct competitor to those storied competitors.

What’s really shocking about Hyundai’s foray into performance territory, previously exclusive to certain brands, is the price of admission to this very special Sonata.

Hyundai just announced that the base price of the N Line sedan is $34,195.

That amount won’t even buy you decently optioned turbo 4 cylinder versions of the Camaro or Mustang, let alone any version of a BMW M car. From design philosophy to engineering application Hyundai has got high performance knocked at a knock-out price.

2021 HYUNDAI SONATA N LINE ENGINE: 2.5 liter inline 4, turbocharged with GDI H O R S E P OW E R : 290@5800rpm TO R Q U E : 3 11 l b . ft.@1650-4000rpm FUEL CONSUMPTION: 23MPG City/33MPG Highway BASE PRICE: $34,195 HYPES: Stealth Looks, E x p l o s i ve M o t o r, Fa m i l y Sedan Attributes GRIPES: Gear Selector Pad Requires Familiarity STAR RATING: 10 Stars out of 10

valleysentinel.com

March 2021

THE VALLEY SENTINEL

page 11

Contra Costa Master Gardeners Program is Here to Help Spring Gardening, Landscaping and Fire Hazard Abatement

By Candace Andersen. Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the things I’ve enjoyed most is being outside, without a mask, working in my own garden.

Spring is fast approaching.

As we depart from the cold winter season that kept us sheltered inside from the cold and biting elements, and the virus, we look ahead to the warm embrace of sunshine, blossoming trees, vibrant flowers, and new beginnings.

A s t h e t e m p e ra t u re s slowly rise, the change in climate provides the perfect opportunity for farmers and gardeners to plant their seeds and for all of us to reconnect with nature and explore the abundant natural beauty available to us in the East Bay. I’m always looking for ways to help my fruit trees and vegetable gardens to provide more produce, and my flowers to bloom more often. For others interested in improving their gardening abilities, or simply learning the gardening process in great

detail, I encourage you to learn more about the UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa.

UC Master Gardeners are University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) trained volunteers. They are residents of our community who give back all year to provide UCCE researchedbased horticultural information to others.

The program partners with the Contra Costa County Library and other groups located in our County with its volunteers presenting topics such as home gardening, edible gardening, sustainable gardening, school gardens, community gardens, and more, to those who are interested.

In order to become a UC Master Gardener in Contra Costa County, volunteers must be residents of Contra Costa County who have been trained to educate the general public on sciencebased sustainable horticulture practices, functioning as a link between the University and the residents of Contra Costa County, and committed to extending best practices on home horticulture, pest management, and sustainable landscaping throughout the county.

There are usually 2535 people who are selected

to train as new UC Master Gardener Program volunteers.

For more information about the program, visit ccmg.ucanr. edu.

Following training, new UC Master Gardeners are ready to volunteer on several projects, such as the Help Desk, Speakers Bureau, Community Gardens, Marketing and Public Relations, and more.

The UC Master Gardener Help Desk provides advice and problem diagnosis services year-round. For questions, email the Help Desk at ccmg@ ucanr.edu.

Pe o p l e i n t e re s t e d i n applying to the UC Master Gardener Program must first attend an information session.

Due to COVID-19, the program was unable to hold its Volunteer Training Class this past fall. However, for more information on when the 20212022 class will be available, visit ccmg.ucanr.edu.

Fortunately, the program is also holding zoom classes, such as its “Growing Gardeners Zoom Course—Vegetable Gardening for Beginners.”.

One crucial topic the UC Master Gardener Program addresses is droughts. This issue is certainly important in California.

Having encountered rather severe droughts in recent years, which resulted

in statewide water cutbacks among other measures, we know similar circumstances may arise in the not-so-distant future, and that we should be prepared to combat these conditions on a regular basis.

The program teaches how to strategically maintain your landscape during a drought, h ow t o u s e wa t e r m o re efficiently, how to maximize irrigation efficiency, how to successfully grow food in your garden during droughts, and provides tips on lawn and tree care.

A great resource to identify drought tolerant plants that survive well in our climate is East Bay Municipal Utility District’s (EBMUD) website where they provide a wealth of information about “WaterSmart” plants, www.ebmud.com/water/ conservation-and-rebates/ watersmart-gardener/ watersmart-plants/.

An unfortunate hazard of living in California is wildfires.

Just as it is imperative for residents to be aware of best practices when it comes to droughts, so too, should they be informed on ways they can reduce the risk of being impacted by a wildfire. It is important to create defensible spaces – a distance between plants and your home, and to carefully select those trees and bushes you plant near your

house. One helpful resource for choosing appropriate “firewise” landscaping is CalFire’s website, readyforwildfire.org/preparefor-wildfire/get-ready/fireresistant-landscaping/.

Also, the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District (SRVFPD) has a thorough Exterior Hazard Abatement program to assist residents.

The program is designed to reduce or prevent the spread of wildfire from one property to another.

E a c h y e a r, t h e S a n Ramon Valley Fire Protection District notifies thousands of property owners in wildland urban interface areas of the requirement for exterior hazard abatement. Exterior hazard abatement includes any overgrowth of grasses, weeds, shrubbery or trees.

Standards have been adopted to minimize fire h a z a rd s t h ro u g h o u t t h e District. Through abatement efforts, all property owners and citizens can be assured of a safer fire season. Learn more about these programs at firedepartment.org.

If you have any questions related to the contents of this article, or any other County issues, please contact my office at 925-957-8860 or email me at SupervisorAndersen@bos. cccounty.us.

Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan Introduces Bills Supporting Clean Air and Clean Energy these blackouts, while at doing everything in our power movement can cause significant Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda) has introduced the first two bills of her environmental legislative package for the 2021 session, continuing her commitment to addressing our climate crisis.

AB 427 would allow home and car battery owners to feed excess power into the state’s grid during peak usage preventing blackouts and excess fossil fuel emissions, and AB 426 would create new air pollution data measurements in order to reduce toxic pollutants In August 2020, over 800,000 homes and businesses in California lost power.

During a record heat wave and in the midst of a pandemic, communities, vulnerable residents, and even hospitals were left without electricity.

This was the result of serious underestimation of what California’s power grid could provide.

A t t h e s a m e t i m e, thousands of Californians had

excess clean energy stored in solar-powered home batteries and electric cars. This energy could have filled gaps in supply, during these times of high demand for power, by being aggregated and sold to the grid - helping to prevent devastating outages. The only thing standing in the way is our own regulations.

This untapped energy source can help mitigate blackouts, reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and incentivize consumers to run cleanpowered homes. AB 427 requires the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to develop the guidelines necessary for the State to purchase the excess energy stored in consumer’s home batteries and electric cars.

“Last summer’s rolling blackouts were simply unacceptable,” said BauerK a h a n . “ We o w e i t t o Californians to use every tool available in our clean energy arsenal to mitigate

the same time reducing the state’s dependence on fossil fuels. Figuring out appropriate guidelines to tap this massive unused energy source is simply common sense,” finished Bauer-Kahan.

Bauer-Kahn also introduced AB 426, the Air Quality Analysis Act, which allows local air districts across the state to collect data from “indirect” sources of pollution, such as distribution centers and warehouses. The air districts would also be allowed to evaluate the health impacts of these pollution sources on surrounding communities.

With this data, air districts can look for innovative ways to reduce toxic air contaminants a n d m a ke o u r a i r m o re breathable.

“Every community deserves safe and breathable a i r, ” s a i d B a u e r - Ka h a n .

“Communities should not have to be forced to choose between affordable housing and clean air. We should be

to find the sources of these harmful pollutants so we can in turn find solutions for communities,” concluded Bauer-Kahan.

“The District is grateful for Assemblymember BauerKahan’s authorship of AB 426 and is proud to sponsor this important bill. In addition to causing regional pollution impacts, emissions from transportation and goods

local public health impacts to people that live near large facilities such as warehouses and distribution centers.

AB 426 would allow the Air District to better understand these local emission impacts and work with facilities and local communities to improve local air quality,” stated Jack Broadbent, Executive Officer of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

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page 12

THE VALLEY SENTINEL March 2021

valleysentinel.com

PEANUT BUTTER CAN

MAKE A MESS

OF RECYCLING, TOO. >

WIPE OR LIGHTLY RINSE YOUR CONTAINERS AND PLASTICS, AND PREVENT CONTAMINATED RECYCLING. Empty. Clean. Dry. When you follow those three words you’re helping to keep our recycling valuable.

Bottles, cans and plastics that are dirty with leftover food or liquids can contaminate valuable recycling.

Do your part. Keep it clean and recycle smart!

recyclesmart.org