The Valley Sentinel_May 2017

Alamo • Danville • Blackhawk • Diablo • San Ramon

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May 2017

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SPOTLIGHT

Tassajara Hills Students Move On to Global Finals in Scientific Challenge

Top row (left to right): Emma Walsh, Alex Rhee, Kyra McCool. Bottom row (left to right): Parker Pierce, Joey Sabo, Max McCay

Over the past few months, Tassajara Hills Elementary was represented at the Destination Imagination (DI) Regional and State competitions. By placing first at

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The East Bay’s oldest foot race returns to the streets of downtown Danville on Sunday, May 7 at 8:00 a.m. Lace up your running shoes and join in the fun as hundreds of locals gather to participate in this annual tradition to benefit Discovery Counseling Center of the San Ramon Valley. The Run includes a 5K and 10K, a free Kids Fun Run and Expo The 5K is perfect for the speedsters as well as those just wanting to get out with their dogs and walk. Everyone is welcome. See story on page 7.

Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)

by James Hale

One of the characteristic nighttime noises of Contra Costa County is the haunting duet of a pair of Great Horned Owls. It can commonly be heard yearround, widespread throughout the county. The loud, low pitched hoho-hoo-hoo-hoo, is diagnostic. The female’s call is higher and rises in pitch at four syllables. Great Horned Owls and Anna’s Hummingbird are two of our earliest nesting species, with courtship and nesting recorded as early as December. The loud, raspy begging calls of the juveniles follow as the nestlings fledge. Many wildlife species pay special attention to the Great Horned Owl, and adjust their schedules to avoid the most feared nocturnal avian predator, also known as the hoot owl and tiger owl (winged tiger).

The Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) is widely distributed

throughout Canada, North America, and much of South America. They prefer fragmented landscapes, however, are able to adapt to a variety of habitat types. They are part of the genus Bubo, which may include as many as twenty-five other extant taxa, predominately distributed throughout Africa.

The Great Horned Owl radiated across the Bering Land Bridge to the Americas. Pleistocene era paleosubspecies fossils of Bubo have been found across North America from Georgia to California, mostly in the Rocky Mountains and west of them. These ancestors were significantly larger than modern Great Horned Owls. Genetic testing has verified that the snowy owl is the most closely related living species.

The bulky body shape, prominent broad ear tufts or plumicorns, white throat patch, and distinctive barred, c a m o u f l a g e p l u m a g e a re distinguishing characteristics of the Great Horned Owl. The male puffs up his white throat during courtship, and it may serve as a visual stimuli in the low light conditions typical of when the species courts. The color of the fascial disc varies geographically.

Females are thirty percent larger than the males, allowing the pair to take a broader variety of prey.

Large female Great Horned Owls have fully spread feet, from talon to talon, exceeding eight inches with at least 500 pounds per square inch (PSI) of crushing power. These large females may weigh up to six pounds with a body length in excess of two feet

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and a wingspan over five feet.

The function of the horns or ear tufts is not fully understood. It is generally accepted that they serve as a visual cue in territorial and socio-sexual interactions with other owls.

See OWLS page 7

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT dining out • music • art • theater • fun events

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The Valley Sentinel

Walnut Creek International Short Film Festival May 5 - May 7 T h i s we e ke n d eve n t f e a t u re s ove r 10 0 s h o r t films, including international entries from over 20 countries, filmmaking events & special screenings, VIP wine tasting, a f t e r p a r t i e s , c o m e d y, drama, Sci-Fi, animations, documentaries, family films and more! Individual screening blocks are just $12.00 per ticket ($7.50 for the Kids & Family screening), but for those wishing to explore multiple adventures throughout the weekend, we have both DAY PASSES and the VIP ALL ACCESS PA S S ava i l a b l e. C e n t u r y 1 4 D o w n t o w n Wa l n u t Creek, 1201 Locust St. Visit www.wcsff.com for more information.

Diablo Ballet Presents Celebrated Masters May 5 at 8pm, May 6 at 2pm & 8pm Our final performance of the season features the charming and playful duet from Gustav’s Rooster by m a s t e r d a n c e m a ke r Va l Caniparoli; the exquisite The Blue Boy (by Trey McIntyre); and a highly anticipated World Premiere choreographed by Robert Dekkers and set to live music. After the performance you are invited to stay for a Q & A with the dancers and choreographers, followed by a dessert and coffee reception where you can meet and mingle with the dancers. $47.

Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek Profiles in Courage: Men, Women and Mental Illness S h e l l S h o c k by E u g e n e O’Neill and The Rescue by Rita Creighton Smith.

May 6 at 8pm & May 7 at 2pm.

During the dawn of the 20th century the field of modern psychology was emerging as a major force shaping our views of the human experience.

These performances deal with the subject of mental illness and will be followed with a lively discussion of the relationship of gender and mental illness led by scholars and the artists involved in creating this presentation. $25. Eugene O’Neill Tao House Old Barn,, Danville.

For tickets and information about transportation visit www.eugeneoneill.org or call 925-820-1818.

Celebrate San Ramon Rancho - Village - City exhibit Now - June 11 Tues-Fri 1-4pm, Sat 10am1pm, Sun 12-3pm. This new exhibit features stories about San Ramon’s naming, its founders and first village, a century of agriculture, the San Ramon Fire Department, B i s h o p R a n c h h i s t o r y, and the new city, which incorporated in 1983. The exhibit will provide hands-on opportunities for young and older visitors alike including a history hunt, a saddle for children to try out, and several videos. Every Saturday from 10 to 11am a speaker will tell stories about the city’s transformation from a rural community to modern San Ramon. Beginning a “First Friday” opening tradition, the museum will be open 6 - 8pm on Friday, June 2, for free tours and refreshments.

Museum of the San Ramon Valley, 205 Railroad Ave., Danville. Information: www. museumsrv.org or 935-8373750.

May 2017 from “Mission Impossible”, “The Pink Panther”, and “Meet The Flintstones” to “Georgia on My Mind”, and “A Taste of Honey”. $15 students, $25 general. Village Theater, 233 Front Street, Danville. Information: www. villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400.

Walnut Creek Ballet School Spring Concert May 7 2:30pm. The Ballet School Performing Arts Celebrates 40 years with an afternoon of classics and original work plus a new World Premier Ballet with the music of La La Land. $40. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: www.lesherartscenter.org or 925-943-SHOW(7469).

Friday Foreign Film Series: The Second Mother May 12 7pm. The film centers around a housekeeper whose estranged daughter shows up and throws into disarray all the class barriers that exist in the house, forcing everyone to reconsider what family means. (In Portuguese/ with English Subtitles) Rated R. 114 min. $10. Front Row Theater, located inside the Dougherty Station Community Center, 17011 Bollinger Canyon Rd., San Ramon. Information / tickets: www.sanramon. ca.gov/parks/theater or 925973-3343.

The Jazz Room: Mads Tolling & The Mads Men - Playing the 60s May 7 5pm. Two-time Grammy Awa rd - w i n n i n g v i o l i n i s t Mads Tolling and his quartet, The Mads Men, will perform selections from their new 2017 album, Playing the 60s. With his quartet, Mads has created a fun and exciting show that touches on the nostalgic as well as the contemporary.

It includes timeless movie themes, popular TV classics, and celebrated songs ranging

Smuin Ballet May 12 - 13, 2017 Smuin presents Dance Series 02, featuring a world premiere by Trey McIntyre, hailed by The New York Times as “one of the most important choreographers working today,” who will return to Smuin to create a new piece celebrating the 50 t h a n n i ve rs a r y o f S a n Francisco’s Summer of Love; the return of Choreographer in Residence Amy Seiwert’s visually stunning Broken Open; and a world premiere

by S m u i n d a n c e r N i c o l e Haskins, honored by the

valleysentinel.com National Choreographic Institute as one of the four selectees this summer. $57$73. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: www. lesherartscenter.org or 925943-SHOW(7469).

B AC T ’ s “ F l y G u y, t h e Musical” Buzzes May 13-14 10:30am and 1:30pm. The world premiere production of Fly Guy, the Musical, by the Bay Area Children’s Theatre (BACT) is recommended for age 4 and up. Inspired by the popular Fly Guy books by author and illustrator Tedd Arnold, Fly Guy, the Musical, regales audiences with the tale of what happens when a boy named Buzz brings his pet insect on a school field trip. Fly Guy, the Musical, is conceived and directed by BACT’s Nina Meehan and features book, music and lyrics by Bay Area playwright and composer Austin Zumbro. $25 adults, $23 seniors, $20 children, $15 groups of 15 or more.

D o u g h e r t y Va l l e y Performing Arts Center, 10550 Albion Road, San Ramon.

Visit www.bactheatre.org or call 925-973-3343.

Works On Silk by featured artist Susan Helmer Opens May 16. Reception Saturday, May 20, 3 to 5 pm.

In addition to Susan’s work, the new 2017 spring

collection of over 300 new works by Valley Art Gallery Artists will be on display, in a wide range of motifs, styles, media and prices, and representing the best of the best from more than 100 East Bay artists. Plus, there are beautifully crafted, ceramic, wood and glass pieces, and original designer jewelry.

Va l l ey A r t G a l l e r y, 1 6 61 Botelho Dr., #110, Walnut Creek. Info: valleyartgallery. org or 925-935-4311.

Lafayette’s 15th Annual Restaurant Walk May 16 5:30-9pm. Tour Lafayette’s finest dining establishments and sample the signature cuisine of each restaurant.

Start at 5:30 - 6:30pm at the Taste Pavilion, in Downtown Lafayette at the corner of Mt. Diablo Blvd. and Lafayette Circle for a hosted reception w i t h m u s i c, a p p e t i z e rs, wine and beer. Then from 6:30 - 8:30pm. stroll down Lafayette’s Restaurant Row, savoring samplings from 25+ restaurants. We’ll see you back at the Pavilion between 8 & 9pm for dessert and coffee. Enjoy musical entertainment, auction, and raffle to benefit the Lafayette Community Foundation and the programs and services of the Lafayette Chamber. Raffle tickets are $25/each or 5 for $100 and can be purchased at the Lafayette Chamber office, at the Taste event, or via email at info@LafayetteCF.org.

Need not be present to win.

Event tickets $50. Downtown Lafayette. Information: www. lafayettechamber.org/events/ taste-of-lafayette or 925-2847404.

Dixieland Jazz May 20 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 call 925-625-2707.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT dining out • music • art • theater • fun events

valleysentinel.com The Diablo Women’s Chorale Spring Concert “Make Them Hear You! Music for Our Times” May 20 2pm. TheDiablo Women’s Chorale presents songs celebrating the power of the human spirit and the connections between us. From classic poetic melodies, to contemporary pop anthems, and featuring music from a live band, it’s entertainment for the whole family and a great way to start the summer! Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church, 1801 Lacassie Avenue. Information: www.DiabloWomensChorale.org or call 1-800-838-3006.

Getting To Know…The Sound of Music May 25-27 Thursday and Friday at 7pm; Saturday at 2pm and 5pm.

Performed by the teen students of Bay Area Children’s Theatre Next Stage Performers, this onehour version of the original Broadway classic is a fantastic way to introduce your family to the songs and story of The Sound of Music. When an aspiring nun joins the rigid VonTrapp family as their new governess, their world expands as she teaches them to love through the beauty and power of music. $10. Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center, 10550 Albion Rd., San Ramon, located on the Dougherty Valley High School Campus. Info: www.ci.san-ramon.ca.us/parks/ theater/dvpac.htm or 925-9733343.

Contra Costa Ballet presents: Alice in Wonderland May 26 - 27 7:30pm. Come and enjoy this wonderful ballet version of the classic by Lewis Carroll. $38. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: www. lesherartscenter.org or 925-943SHOW(7469).

May 2017

San Ramon Symphonic Band Concert: Symphony In The Round May 26 7:30pm. Have you ever wondered what it feels like to sit in an orchestra? The San Ramon Symphonic Band is breaking down the traditional barriers between orchestra and audience with their Symphony in the Round performance! This concert o f f e rs a u n i q u e c i rc u l a r seating arrangement on the floor of The San Ramon Community Center, enabling audience members to sit in the orchestra near the musicians. Don’t miss this special opportunity to get up close and personal with music! $7 Adults, Kids under 12 or with student ID are FREE. San Ramon Community Center at Central Park, 12501 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon.

Information: www.facebook. com/San-Ramon-SymphonicBand-194015750635907 or 925-973-3200.

I C a n D o T h a t T h e a t re p re s e n t s L i t t l e S h o p o f Horrors May 26 - June 4 Seymour Krelborn is a meek and dejected assistant at a floral shop who happens upon a strange plant, which he affectionately names “Audrey II” after his crush at the shop. Little does he know that this strange and unusual plant will develop a soulful R&B voice, a potty mouth, and an unquenchable thirst for HUMAN BLOOD! This delectable sci-fi horror musical with an electrifying 1960s pop/rock score by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman features the talented kids of Danville’s I Can Do That Theatre Company. $15 - $20. Village Theater, 233 Front Street, Danville. www. villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400.

2017 San Ramon Art & Wind Festival May 28 - 29 11am - 6pm. “Let’s go fly a kite!” This annual event features fine arts, crafts and specialty food vendors, 3 entertainment stages headlining international music, party bands and variety entertainers, children’s puppet shows, 2 gourmet food courts, family amusement zones, professional choreographed kite flying demonstrations, and free kite making workshop. The Art and Wind Festival is pet friendly and admission is always FREE. San Ramon Central Park, 12501 Alcosta Blvd. Information: visit www.

ArtandWind.com P r e s c h o o l Pe r f o r m a n c e Series - Physical Comic Bri Crabtree June 2 10am. Presented in 1 hour with no intermission. Making little ones laugh, dance, and sing along since 2009, the Town of Danville is pleased to continue to present fun and unique top-level entertainers for preschool-aged children. $ 5 . V i l l a g e T h e a t e r, 2 3 3 Front Street, Danville. www. villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400.

The Valley SenTinel Wa l n u t C r e e k F i r s t Wednesdays J u n e 7 a n d eve r y f i rs t Wednesday through October 5:30pm. Walnut Creek F i r s t We d n e s d a y s e v e n t for all ages includes live entertainment, arts & crafts, treats & more! Bike Walnut Creek is sponsoring a free ‘bike valet’ so you can bike to the event and relax with your bike secured by a valet attendant. Event is free, but bring some money for dinner because the Food

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Truck Mafia food trucks will be there for your dining pleasure. Cypress Street in Downtown Walnut Creek. www.walnutcreekdowntown. com/event/3-walnut-creekfirst-wednesdays

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May 2017

valleysentinel.com

Sponsored Content

Cancer Survivorship Dr. Shoba Kankipati

Surviving cancer or “survivorship” can be defined in different ways. Two common definitions include: Having no disease after the completion of treatment and the process of living with, through, and beyond cancer.

After a cancer diagnosis, a person’s priorities regarding relationships, career, or lifestyle may change. Some people with a history of cancer, often called cancer survivors or survivors, say that they appreciate life more and have gained a greater acceptance of self. At the same time, some survivors also become anxious about their health and uncertain of how to cope with life after treatment,

especially when regular visits with their doctors stop.

Survival statistics The number of people with a history of cancer in the United States has increased dramatically, from 3 million in 1971 to about 13.7 million today. Of these, an estimated 379,112 are survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer, which means they were diagnosed before the age of 20. About 68% of today’s cancer survivors were diagnosed with cancer five or more years ago. Approximately 15% of all cancer survivors were diagnosed 20 or more years ago. More than half of cancer survivors are 65 or older. And an estimated 1 in 530 adults between the ages of 20 and 39 is a survivor of childhood cancer.

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Most cancer survivors were initially diagnosed with common cancers. For example, 22% of survivors had breast cancer, 20% had prostate cancer, 9% had colorectal cancer, and 8% had cervical, uterine, or ovarian cancers.

Surviving cancer: What to expect At the end of active treatment, many survivors often have mixed emotions, including relief that their treatment is over, as well as anxiety about the future. After treatment, the “safety net” of regular, frequent contact with the health care team ends. Some survivors may miss this source of support, especially because anxieties may surface at this time. Others may have physical p ro b l e m s, p syc h o l o g i c a l problems, sexual problems, and fertility concerns. Many survivors feel guilty about surviving, having lost friends or loved ones to the disease.

Some survivors are uncertain about their future, while others experience discrimination at work or find that their social network feels inadequate.

Discussing these concerns are important with your health care team, as resources are available.

Fear of recurrence The fear of cancer coming back after treatment is common among most cancer survivors.

It may lead a person to worry over common physical problems, such as a headaches, coughs, and joint stiffness. It is hard to know what is “normal,”

and what needs to be reported to the doctor. Discussing the actual risk of recurrence with your doctor and the symptoms to report can often lower anxiety. Maintaining a regular schedule of follow-up visits can also provide a sense of control. Although many cancer survivors describe feeling scared and nervous about routine follow-up visits and tests, these feelings may ease with time.

Relationships When active treatment is over, some survivors need different types of support then they had before. Some friends may become closer, while others distance themselves.

Fa m i l i e s c a n b e c o m e overprotective or may have exhausted their ability to be supportive. The entire family can also be changed by the cancer experience in ways they may not even be aware of. Relationship problems that may have been ignored before cancer can surface. Recognizing and working through these changes are needed to help survivors get the support they need, and some people find that counseling helps. Open and ongoing communication helps when adapting to life and shifting relationships after cancer.

Getting back to “normal” Returning to a regular work schedule is a sign of getting back to a normal routine and lifestyle. Many people with cancer who took

time off for treatment return to work afterwards, while others may have worked throughout treatment. Others may not be able to return to work because of the effects of the cancer or treatment.

Although many survivors can be as productive as they were before treatment, some find they are treated differently or unfairly. During and after treatment it may be helpful to anticipate questions from coworkers and decide how to answer these questions in advance. Coworkers may want to help but not know how. It may be up to the survivor to start the conversation and set the limits. When and how one chooses to discuss a diagnosis is a personal decision.

Below are local resources where people can go and seak help in the East Bay area: Cancer Support Community American Cancer Society Sandra Wing Foundation There are also many resources available online, such as: w w w. c a n c e r. n e t / survivorship www.cancer.org/treatment survivorshipduringand aftertreatment/index www.cdc.gov/cancer/ survivorship Dr. Kankipati is a board certified Medical Oncologist and Hematologist with Epic Care, a group of experts in the diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of cancer and blood disorders. www.epic-care.com

San Ramon Valley Kiwanis Foundation the Kiwanis Club has been Awards $27,000 In Grants organizing and conducting The San Ramon Valley Kiwanis Foundation has awarded over $27,000 in grants to 27 area non-profit agencies this year. The grants will be presented at the club’s annual grants Breakfast ceremony, to be held on May 18th at Round Hill Country Club. Representatives of the recipient organizations will make brief presentations on their programs the Kiwanis grants support.

Kiwanis of San Ramon Valley has awarded nearly $750,000 through their grants program since 1995. This year, Grant amounts ranged from $500 to $1,500, including a grant to the San Ramon Valley Educational Foundation for distribution to worthy school projects that the Education Foundation identifies.

Other recipients include: Agape Villages, Assistance League of Amador Valley, Bay Area Crisis Nursery, Cancer Support Community, Contra

Costa Interfaith Housing, Diablo Valley Quilters, Discovery Counseling Center of SRV, Down Syndrome Connection, Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, Hope Hospice, Inc., Hospice of the East Bay, I Can Do That Theatre, Kiwanis Family House, Loaves & Fishes of Contra Costa, Meal on Wheels and Senior Outreach, Mobility Matters, Moment by Moment, National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse, Nayeli Faith Foundation, New Day for Children, St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, San Ramon Historic Foundation, SonRise Equestrian Foundation, Teen Esteem, The Museum of the San Ramon Valley and The Taylor Family Foundation,.

Funds for the annual grants program are raised by the San Ramon Valley Kiwanis Foundation, primarily through the solicitation of sponsorships of the Kiwanis 4th of July Parade in Danville, which

since 1975. Grant applications are solicited in February of each year and awarded in May with an additional several thousand dollars held in reserve to provide emergency grants and fund additional Kiwanis community projects throughout the year.

K i wa n i s i s a g l o b a l organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Founded in 1915, Kiwanis International is a thriving organization of service and community minded individuals who support children and young adults around the world. Form more information about the Kiwanis Club of the San Ramon Valley may be obtained at their website. www. srvkiwanis.org. The club holds weekly luncheon meetings at Noon every Thursday at Black Bear Diner in Danville. All are welcome to join the club for a meeting to learn more about the organization.

valleysentinel.com

May 2017

The Valley Sentinel

Sponsored Content

Calming Restless Legs Syndrome Naturally

By Dr. Niele Maimone, DC

What exactly is restless leg syndrome?

Restless legs syndrome ( R L S ) i s a n e u ro l o g i c a l disorder characterized by throbbing, pulling, creeping, or other unpleasant sensations in the legs and a n u n c o n t r o l l a b l e, a n d sometimes overwhelming, urge to move them. Symptoms occur primarily at night when a person is relaxing or at rest and can increase in severity during the night. Moving the legs relieves the discomfort, which can range in severity from uncomfortable or irritating to painful.

The most distinctive or unusual aspect of RLS that lying down and trying to relax activates the symptoms.

Most people with RLS have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. Left untreated, the condition causes exhaustion and daytime fatigue. Many people with RLS report that their job, personal relations, and activities of daily living are strongly affected as a result of their sleep deprivation.

Who’s at risk for RLS? • Individuals with iron deficiency anemia • I n d i v i d u a l s o n antidepressant medication • Pregnant women • F r e q u e n t b l o o d donors • T h o s e w h o h a v e undergone gastric surgery • Chronic smokers and alcoholics • Children with ADD/ ADHD RLS has been linked to low levels of dopamine. The neurotransmitter dopamine is an important messenger in the brain helping to regulate much of our body’s functions, including thinking, behavior, mood, and especially in the case of RLS – rest and movement. Low levels of dopamine can trigger the urge to move our limbs, as found in RLS. RLS drugs and their side effects The drugs approved by the FDA for treatment of RLS are Mirapex, Neupro and Requip.

These medications (originally developed for treatment of Parkinson’s disease) work by making dopamine more available to receptors.

These medications can have side effects ranging from

nausea, depression, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue and impulse control disorders. RLS will certainly affect quality of life, but so do these other severe side effects. Research is now revealing the significant role of nutrition, and other natural approaches to RLS. Key i n g re d i e n t s t o reduce RLS Both iron and folate play key roles in the production of dopamine. In fact, iron deficiency anemia is a known condition associated with RLS. Magnesium and zinc levels also have an impact on RLS. I personally believe in running specific blood tests in order to zero in on what is deficient in each individual to ensure the most effective outcome.

Micronutrient Testing allows a person to know exactly what to eat and specifically what to supplement in order to support the healing of their RLS. Healing your RLS Conditions like restless legs syndrome can significantly interrupt daily life, but we work to figure out what the body needs, and provide that in a course of treatment. Through natural techniques based in science such as specialty lab testing, personalized

supplementation, low force chiropractic to restore nerve function and laser therapy to speed up the healing process we can correct the critical imbalances causing the RLS. There is nothing more gratifying than helping

a patient resolve an issue utilizing natural therapies that give them their life and their joy back.

Dr. Niele Maimone, DC is the owner of Align Healing Center in Danville, CA. For more information or to set up a complimentary consult call 925.362.8283 or visit www. alignhealingcenter.com.

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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Alamo News Update Alamo Fire Station 32 Cornerstone Ceremony

By Steve Mick

Alamo residents recently had the opportunity to tour Station 32, the brand new fire station at the corner of Miranda Ave. and Stone Valley Road. The occasion was a dedication ceremony as conducted by the Masons (see below). This was not the formal opening ceremony for the fire station–that will occur sometime in May. This firehouse has been in the planning stages for several years and has gone through several design iterations.

Representatives of the SRV Fire Protection District spoke at a number of community meetings including the Alamo Municipal Advisory Council.

These meetings provided many valuable suggestions for the design team.

Due to budgetary and economic issues, the original station design was pared back.

The start of construction was also delayed. However, the station was finally greenlighted by the district and approved building permits were issued in February 2 , 2 01 6 . C o n s t r u c t i o n started soon thereafter. Our extremely long and intense rainy season impacted the construction schedule. But the new station is now on track to be completed for the opening ceremony in May. Members of the Masonic Lodge of Orinda together with members of the Grand Lodge of California officiated at the cornerstone ceremony.

The Masonic order has a long history of performing t h i s c e re m o ny t o b e g i n the construction of new buildings.

Since Station 32 is in the final stages of completion, the cornerstone was laid symbolically using the d e d i c a t i o n p l a q u e. T h e plaque reads:

“Dedicated to the re s i d e n t s o f t h i s A l a m o neighborhood. Erected to save lives and property. May this fire station forever keep all of those its serves from harm. Cornerstone ceremony conducted by the Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons of California and Orinda Lodge 122 F. & A. M.” Steve Mick is a long-time Alamo resident and is active in a number of community organizations. Among them are the Community Foundation of Alamo, the Exchange Club and the Alamo Municipal Advisory Council.

You can reach Steve at steve@ alamore.org.

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The Valley SenTinel

May 2017

Sponsored Content

Asking for Help

By Robert Cucchiaro

Baseball season is upon us and both of my boys are playing Danville Little League.

My oldest is playing Farm Ball which is where a courageous parent pitches to the kids from 10 feet away and hopes to avoid a line-drive up the middle. My middle son is playing T-Ball where I am lucky enough to be his team’s coach. So far the kids are having a blast, even if they don’t know which one is 1st base.

Preparing my sons for this season got me thinking a lot of what we do for our clients. My oldest son was having trouble with his swing but for some strange reason didn’t want anyone to help him. Of course I couldn’t do it because I’m his dad and what do I know about baseball, right? But having played myself for many years, I mentioned to him that I know a few guys in the area that played professionally, and offered to have one of them come over and give him some hitting lessons. Much to my dismay he declined; guess he wants to learn the hard way, which I supposed is not to be unexpected for a 7 year old.

As a parent, we want to give our kids an edge in whatever endeavors they

pursue. So whether that’s hiring a private piano teacher, a baseball instructor or a math tutor, we as parents aren’t afraid to ask for help when it comes to our kids. And we are rightfully frustrated when our kids don’t want or won’t accept the expert advice that is being offered to them.

But how many of us are following our own advice when it comes to hiring a financial advisor or a tax planner? I am still amazed at how many successful people I meet who are either attempting to do this work themselves or ignoring it altogether. Shouldn’t we as parents lead by example and hire our own team of experts when needed?

Now I know both from studies I’ve read and conversations I’ve had with folks that there are 2 main reasons not to hire a financial & tax advisor. The first is fear that you don’t qualify or don’t have enough money to be taken seriously. I am always amazed when the first question a prospective client asks is “What’s your minimum account size?” To a financial planner that’s like asking a doctor “How sick do I need to be to come see you without wasting your time?” The second reason is fear of being taken advantage of. Our industry, and Wall Street banks in particular have

earned a poor reputation.

From the outside looking in, it’s hard to tell which firms are trustworthy and do great work for their clients and which ones are basically used car salesman masquerading as financial advisors. Better off to just avoid the industry altogether, right?

Though admittedly I am biased, I would suggest the following: 1. E v e r y o n e n e e d s , deserves, and can benefit from a quality financial game plan.

2. There are firms out there, like mine, that will charge a flat or an hourly rate for this work and don’t care about the size of your portfolio as it stands today.

3. Finally, some of us are happy to be held to the fiduciary standard, meaning we are legally required to act in our client’s best interest at all times.

This coupled with references and the use of a 3rd party custodian like Charles Schwab all go a long way in proving that a firm is trustworthy.

Now is the time to ask for help. Whether you are already retired or 10 years away, our team includes two CFPs, a CPA, a CFA and an MBA. We are conveniently located in Danville and have over 30 years of experience helping folks just like you.

Call us to make a complimentary appointment at 925-927-1900 or visit o u r w e b s i t e a t w w w. summitwealthandretirement. com

SENTINELS OF FREEDOM Scholarship Foundation

Housing • Education • Employment • Mentoring • Ongoing Support

Sentinels of Freedom provides the resources and support needed for severely wounded veterans to live active, engaged, and successful lives as they recover from the physical, emotional, and psychological impact of their injuries, learn to live with their disabilities, and work their way back to a life of complete self-sufficiency.

To learn more about our organization please visit us at: www.sentinelsoffreedom.org www.facebook.com/sentinelsoffreedom (925) 380-6342 info@sentinelsoffreedom.org

valleysentinel.com

Stone Valley Middle Honored as California Gold Ribbon School S t o n e Va l l e y M i d d l e School in Danville is being recognized as one of the California Gold Ribbon S c h o o l s f o r 2 01 7 . T h e award refl ects the school’s success in creating a positive learning atmosphere for its students. Such success is a direct result of the dedicated, creative, and talented staff, and the supportive school community. Stone Valley Middle School joins the other seven SRVUSD middle schools in this honor.

“We are honored to receive the 2017 Gold Ribbon Award.

Our school is committed to ensuring that all students learn at high levels and the Gold Ribbon award highlights the work of our Response to Intervention program that provides additional time those who need it. Stone Valley is has a distinguished and talented teaching staff that provides a 21st Century Learning environment where excellence occurs on a daily basis. We are pleased that the Stone Valley Community has been recognized and celebrated,” says Stone Valley Principal Jon Campopiano.

The Gold Ribbon Awards recognize California schools that have made gains in implementing the academic content and performance standards adopted by the State Board of Education. These include the California Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics, California English Language Development Standards, and Next Generation Science Standards.

Schools applied for the award based on a model program or practice their school has adopted that includes standards-based activities, projects, strategies, and practices that can be replicated by other local educational agencies.

The award acknowledged elementary schools last year.

A total of 275 middle schools and high schools are being honored under the Gold Ribbon Schools Awards Program this year. Stone Valley Middle School will be honored in Santa Clara at the 2017 Gold Ribbon Schools regional ceremony in May. For more information, please visit the California Gold Ribbon Schools Program on the California Department of Education’s (CDE’s) Web site.

Sentinels of Freedom to Co-Host Career Day for Veterans Sentinels of Freedom, a San Ramon based nonprofit, is teaming up with PG&E and Sonoma Raceway to host a Military Career Day to equip current and former military personnel with the skills to successfully transition to the workplace. The event will be held on June 23rd, 2017, at Sonoma Raceway and is open to all active, guard, reserve, veterans, and military spouses.

There is no cost to attend.

While many military members and veterans have not only the technical skills but the drive and determination needed for high workplace performance, the transition to civilian life can still prove difficult to accomplish. To ease that process, the career day will provide participants with a one-stop location for a multitude of career-focused resources – a unique and needed opportunity.

For Sentinels of Freedom, whose focus is on assisting severely wounded veterans find long-term success on their new post-military path, the event is a natural fit. As part of their comprehensive t ra n s i t i o n p ro g ra m , t h e nonprofit offers networking opportunities with a focus on career-oriented employment

for their scholarship recipients.

The career day serves as an additional outlet for the organization to reach out to and assist more veterans.

On the day of the event, participants will be able to attend workshops and leadership panels that will focus on resume building, interview preparation, and the process of successfully translating military skill sets for the job market. Attendees will also have the opportunity to interact with over 40 employers from various fields including utilities, health care, chemical, and law enforcement. Of course, the event will also serve as a great opportunity for participants to connect with not only employers, but with each other as well.

An added bonus? The Military Career Day will be held during the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series weekend, and the first 200 participants to register will receive two free, reserved seat tickets to Sunday’s NASCAR race. Preregistration is required.

Are you interested in attending? To find out more information and register as either an attendee or employer, go to www.sonomaraceway. com/militarycareerday.

valleysentinel.com

May 2017

Devil Mountain Run to Debut the Mile of Truth

The valley Sentinel

page 7

Walnut Creek Chamber Announces 2017 UXL Citizen of recipients

The East Bay’s oldest foot race takes to the streets of Danville on Sunday, May 7 at 8:00 a.m. As in the past, the annual run, powered by Danville-based Herrmann & Cooke, includes a 5K and 10K, a free Kids Fun Run and Expo.

One of the highlights of this year’s event will be the debut of the Mile of Truth, a onemile race through Downtown Danville. The iconic mile is unique in its ability to stoke the fire of even the most competitive runners. It’s 5,280 feet of pure, unadulterated effort.

The USATF Certified Mile of Truth starts at 9:00 a.m. and will run in five separate heats: • Men and Women’s Open: Ages 39 and under • Men and Women’s Masters: Ages 40 – 54 • Men and Women’s Super Masters: Ages 55+ • E l i t e M e n a n d Women:* $1500 prize purse • B u d d i L o v e D o g Mile: For runners and their speedster canine companions.

All dogs must run on leash and be under the full control of their owner. Only well socialized and leash friendly dogs allowed. Please carry a bag to pick up after your dog.

People wishing to walk with their dog should register for the 5K. Locals may remember that Buddi Love was the beloved

shop dog at Forward Motion Sports. Through the years Buddi brought so much joy to not only owners Marty and Cameryn Breen, but to thousands of people who walked through the doors at Forward Motion Sports.

People couldn’t help but love her. Although she is greatly missed, her memory lives on in the Buddi Love Dog Mile.

Proceeds from this year’s eve n t b e n e f i t D i s c ove r y Counseling Center of the San Ramon Valley. Discovery Counseling Center is dedicated to enhancing the wellbeing and quality of life for individuals and families in the greater San Ramon Valley.

This is the fifth year that proceeds from the race have benefitted Discovery.

Executive Director Kathy Chiverton says, “May is National Mental Health Month and the Devil Mountain Run is an important way that Discovery Counseling Center helps raise awareness about the prevalence of mental health challenges (at least one in five Americans is struggling with a mental health condition) and the importance of early intervention. You wouldn’t wait 10 years to get help if you were experiencing symptoms of cancer or diabetes, but that is the average time people wait to get treatment for mental health conditions. The support from this great community

event serves as a reminder of the strong link between our mental and physical health.

We are most grateful for the continued generous support from the Devil Mountain Ru n , w h i c h w i l l a s s i s t Discovery Counseling Center in our mission to continue to provide resources to help our community stay healthy.”

This year marks the 39th anniversary of the well-loved race that got its start in 1978 as a benefit for Children’s Hospital in Oakland. After a one-year hiatus in 2012, Chris McCrary, founder of Katalyst Events and a Danville resident, brought back the race. “Bringing back Devil Mountain Run and keeping the fundraising dollars local to benefit our community was an important decision,” he says. “In the five years that we have partnered with Discovery Counseling Center, we’ve seen first-hand just how meaningful and impactful their work truly is. Day after day, the staff at Discovery is helping children, adults, seniors and families get through some of life’s most difficult challenges. The work they do is incredibly important and I am proud to put on an event that provides them with a platform to raise awareness and funds”.

Registration is $20-$42.

The Kids Fun Run is free.

Registration is available online at www.devilmtnrun.com.

The Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau proudly announces the recipients of the 9th annual UXL Awards, which honor and celebrate exceptional businesses and individuals of the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau that have made a difference in our community.

Business of the Year is awarded Dawson CPA Firm.

A certified public accountant for more than 20 years, Leslie Dawson is the owner of Dawson CPA Firm, an active and growing business providing accounting and litigation services. Leslie is a respected member of the community, who displays leadership and integrity both in her professional and personal life.

Leslie volunteers her expertise as treasurer and financial director for many nonprofit organizations and has been a member of several boards of directors.

Her tireless work on behalf of the Walnut Creek business community is extraordinary, and she has volunteered countless hours of time and services. Leslie is a graduate of the Leadership Contra Costa program. Dawson CPA firm embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and corporate citizenship that the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau seeks to recognize with this award.

the Year is awarded to Francene Anderson.

Francene is recognized for her inspiration, motivation, and tireless effort on behalf of the Walnut Creek Chamber and community. Francene’s professional life is in the cosmetic industry, representing Mary Kay for over 38 years, and her presence in our community is far reaching.

She has combined business and community together, embracing a variety of great causes including Operation Sunscreen, which is run in partnership with Soldiers’ Angels; the holiday program Adopt-a-Grandparent, delivering over 450 stockings to five local convalescent facilities; and Fashion for a Cause, which includes the “Fashions for Foster Care” program. A tireless advocate for the Chamber, Francene continues to be instrumental in the success of the East Bay Women’s Conference, which is now in its 12th year. Francene models excellence in being a leader and frequently mentors women as part of her role in her Professional Women’s Referral Group. Francene represents what being part of the Walnut Creek community is all about.

The awards will be presented during the Chamber’s Installation Breakfast on May 17.

OWLS from page 1

like squirrels and rabbits, are decapitated, and sometimes dismembered, before taking them to an eating perch or the nest. Sometimes prey may be cached for later consumption, especially during years with an abundant supply of prey.

The Great Horned Owl has the most diverse prey profile of any American raptor. It’s ecological niche parallels that of the diurnal Red-Tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis). Over 500 species have been identified as Great Horned Owl prey, with mammals (over 200 species) and birds (over 300 species) making up the majority of prey.

Dozens of other prey items identifiable only to genus or general type, including large numbers of invertebrates, have been recorded as Great Horned Owl prey. Their diet in North America consists of 87.6% mammals, 6.1% birds, 1.6% reptiles and amphibians, and the remaining 4.7% being made up by insects, invertebrates, and fish. Only a few species, primarily hares, rabbits, and voles, are the target prey. Great Horned Owls routinely attack and consume Striped Skunks (Mephitis mephitis) and other

large mammals including raccoons, opossums, and foxes.

Pellets of bone, fur, exoskeletons, and undigestible materials are regurgitated six to ten hours later after consumption. Great Horned Owl pellets are large, over four inches long and two inches thick.

Great Horned Owls are some of our earliest nesters in Contra Costa County with mated pairs at nest sites as early as December. Pairs mate for life and breed together year after year. Males select nest sites and attract the females by stomping on the nest. Great Horned Owls do not build their own nests.

Rather, they have the widest variety of nest sites of any North American bird. Hollowed nest cavities, cliff ledges, sheltered depressions, and other bird nests are commonly used.

Most tree nests used by Great Horned Owls are those built by other animals, usually squirrels, hawks, crows, magpies, and other birds. Most tree nests are fifteen to seventy feet in height.

Eggs, from one to six in a clutch, may be laid year-round. Usually two eggs are laid, and after an incubation period averaging thirty-three days, the eggs hatch.

The whitish-gray down-covered nestlings develop rapidly, with fledglings moving to nearby branches at about six weeks, and first flights following a week later. The young owlets solicit for food constantly with their raspy, high pitched, intense calls. After leaving the nest, the young learn from the adults and disperse after several months to establish their own territories.

Sexual maturity is at two years of age. Twenty-nine years is the oldest known record of longevity for the North American Great Horned Owl, although thirteen years is a more typical lifespan.

No significant threats to the health of local Great Horned Owl populations are evident, although habitat destruction will continue, particularly East Contra Costa County.

Many warrior-based tribes of Native Americans admired the Great Horned Owl for their “strength, courage, and beauty”. The Pima of the southwest believed the owls were reincarnations of slain warriors who fly about by night. The Arikara of the Great Plains had mystic owl societies in which initiates were made to adorn facial masks made

of the wing and tail feathers of Great Horned Owls. The Passamaquaddy of Maine felt the call of the Great Horned Owl was a magical flute designed to ignite human passions. The Hopi of the southwest associated the Great Horned Owl with fertility as well, believing the calls of the owl into summer predicted hot weather, thereby producing good peach crops. One of their winter solstice ceremonies, using owl feathers, summoned hot summers. Tribes in New Mexico and the southwest used Great Horned Owl feathers in their arrow fledges to produce silent flight of their arrows.

James M. Hale is a wildlife biologist, ethnobiologist, and ecological consultant.

Please visit his website at www.dochale.com

Great Horned Owls are highly sedentary and seek secluded daytime roosts in rock crevices, large tree hollows, and densely covered tree canopies. Males usually have a favorite roosting site not far from the nest, often used in successive years. At dusk, Great Horned Owls fly to their singing perch before beginning their nocturnal foraging paths.

Peak hunting activity is from sunset to midnight and 4:30am to sunrise.

Owls hunt mainly by observing from a snag or perch.

Hunting flights are usually slow, although Great Horned Owls are capable of exceeding forty miles per hour in level flight.

The stiff feathers allow for minimal sound production in flight while hunting. Territories are kept year-round and longterm, and range from less than one square mile in Wyoming to over six square miles in the Yukon Territory. Almost all prey are killed by crushing and piercing with the owl’s talons. Prey, like gophers, rats, and mice are swallowed whole when possible. Larger prey,

Senior Living page 8

The Valley SenTinel

May 2017

valleysentinel.com

New Medicare help for people with chronic illness

By Greg Dill

If you have Medicare, there’s a good chance you have two or more chronic conditions such as arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, or dementia.

Two-thirds of the 57 million Americans with Medicare have two or more chronic illnesses. Having multiple

chronic conditions increases the risk of death and functional limitations, decreases quality of life, and leads to higher health care spending.

Managing chronic diseases can be difficult, to say the least. You often face multiple visits to one or more doctors; you must take multiple drugs at different times on different days; you have to make extra trips for tests. It can all be a bit overwhelming.

At Medicare, we recognize the challenges you have in managing your conditions,

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working with your health care providers, and trying to stay healthy. Two years ago, we added a new benefit called Chronic Care Management, or CCM. This program provides additional payments to doctors and other providers to help you live with chronic disease.

For example, through the CCM benefit your primarycare doctor will help you keep track of your medical history, medications, and all the different health care providers you see. You’ll receive a comprehensive care plan that outlines your treatments and goals. Additionally, you’ll have 24-hour-a-day, 7-daya-week access to health care professionals for urgent needs from the comfort of your home.

To be eligible for CCM services, you must be enrolled in Medicare or in both Medicare and Medicaid. And you must have two or more chronic diseases that are expected to last at least 12 months and place you at significant risk of death, acute exacerbation/decompensation, or functional decline.

Other examples of chronic conditions include, but are not limited to, asthma, atrial fibrillation, autism spectrum disorder, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depression, h e a r t f a i l u re, h e p a t i t i s, hypertension (high blood pressure), infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, ischemic heart disease, osteoporosis, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, and stroke.

Specific CCM services may include: • At least 20 minutes a month of chronic care management services; • Personalized assistance from a dedicated health care professional who will work with you to create your care plan; • Coordination of care between your pharmacy, specialists, testing centers, hospitals, and more; • Phone check-ins between visits to keep you on track; • 24/7 emergency access to a health care professional; • Expert assistance with setting and meeting your health goals.

See MEDICARE page 14

valleysentinel.com

May 2017

The Valley SenTinel

page 9

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Home & Garden page 10

The Valley SenTinel

May 2017

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By Candace Andersen. Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors

After the record setting winter and early spring storms, many of us are eager to get outside and tend to our gardens and landscaping. Contra Costa County has various resources to help as you make decisions about the types of plants to grow, how to best water, and how to control insects and pests. Information can be found at the County’s website under “Composting and Gardening” at www.co.contracosta.ca.us/4916/Compostingand-Gardening.

One great resource we refer people to is the Master Gardeners, who in our community are ready and willing to help you develop new gardening skills or improve on what you already know. They are trained to help residents become allaround better gardeners, using a variety of activities such as workshops, lectures, sustainable landscaping, and integrated pest management.

Master Gardeners are people of all ages and come from all walks of life. They have a basic knowledge of landscape and food gardening, have an interest in increasing their horticultural knowledge and skill, and have a desire to volunteer in their community to share what they have learned and to teach their gardening skills. Master gardeners are qualified to help the public with problems in areas such as: weed control, plant problem diagnosis, integrated pest management (insect and pest control), soils, fertilizers, and irrigation, selecting and caring for fruit and landscape trees, growing annuals, perennials and food crops, lawn care, vegetable gardening, plant pathology, and soils and composting.

UC Master Gardeners are trained volunteers for the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE).

They provide University of California research-based horticultural information to the citizens of California through their volunteer efforts as UC Master Gardeners. They will be answering questions while

you shop for local produce at the Danville Farmer’s Market from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. every fourth Saturday through October 28th. They will also be at the downtown Walnut Creek Farmer’s Market from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. every second Sunday through October 8th; and at the Moraga Center Farmer’s Market from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. every first Sunday through October 1st.

UC Master Gardeners also give Library talks and will be at the Danville Library from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on May 17th.

UC Master Gardener Keith Silva will talk about the best tools and techniques for successful pruning in your garden. There will be time for questions and answers after the presentation.

The event is free.

The UC Master Gardener program will be hosting clinics at the Lafayette Community Garden and Outdoor Learning Center on the 3rd Saturday of every month. Master Gardeners will be available to answer your garden questions, hand out materials, share the latest information about growing edibles in our area, and walk through the garden to answer questions about the existing crops. The clinics are open to the public. You can register for classes at www. lafayettecommunitygarden. org.

If you are looking for help with your garden but don’t want to attend a scheduled event, you can visit the UC Master Gardener Public Demonstration Garden in Walnut Creek, at 2405 Shadelands Drive (corner of North Wiget Lane & Shadelands Drive). The garden is open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays from April through October. The garden is built and maintained by the volunteers of the UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County, and features methods of gardening that may help you with decisions about your own home garden space. Come visit to wander See GARDENING page 11

Home & Garden valleysentinel.com

May 2017

A Warm Welcome

By Steven Wynn, Barry & Wynn Architects

The entrance to your home is more than just a door – it’s the portal, the passageway, separating the outside world from the shelter within. To the ancient Greeks, the word oikos meant home and family – the two were synonymous. To be invited into one’s home was to be invited into one’s family. That sense of invitation was also apparent in the Old French, from which we derived the word entrance, which literally meant “the right or opportunity of admission.”

Don’t Crowd the Door – When you knock on a door, the tendency is to then step back. Unfortunately, many homes have shallow landings with a step only a few feet from the door. This is terribly awkward for guests; to stand on that shallow landing is to crowd the door, while stepping back risks an accidental fall. Best to keep at least six feet level and clear at the front door.

The Finest Furniture – Think of the door and any glass around it as a single

Diablo 1 before

Diablo 1 after

Today, we rush out the door to work and school, and run right back in after a hectic day that went by much too fast. But we haven’t really forgotten the power of the entrance. When we knock on a neighbor’s door, we inherently know that there is a certain distance to stand away. And we’d never barge in without the friendly invitation to “come on in.”

How does your home welcome friends and families?

Here a few tips for improving the feel, flow, and function of your entry: It Starts with a Path – Create a path that doesn’t “rush” – provide a bench, a wide landing, or a place to pause next to a feature in the landscape. Don’t make guests walk up the driveway, if you can avoid it.

unit – perhaps the finest and most important piece of furniture in your home.

One mistake I often see is using ordinary windows next to or above the front door (sidelights and transoms).

Unite the door, sidelights, and transom with a distinctive wood surround, such as a dark-stained alder.

through the garden, attend a weekly presentation, or get your questions answered.

Presentations are held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., under the big oak tree. The Ask a Master Gardener team is available from 9:00 a.m. to noon to answer gardening questions or discuss any gardening problems you may have.

If gardening is more than your weekend hobby and you would like to become a UC Master Gardener, the UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County holds an annual Master Gardener Training Program at Los Medanos Community College in Pittsburg. Applications can only be accepted from residents of Contra Costa County, and you must attend a free Orientation Session in order to apply. During the training program, you must attend all training classes.

Classes will be held on most Thursdays (1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.) with two Saturday classes as well, starting September 7, 2017 through January 25, 2018.

For more information about the class and how to apply, visit www.ccmg.ucanr.edu/ and click on “New Training Class” in the first paragraph on the homepage or call 925-646-6586.

For more information about events around the County, including more library talks (in Walnut Creek, Lafayette and Concord), Farmer’s Market events, special events, events at the public demonstration garden in Walnut Creek, pests and pesticides or anything garden related, visit the UC Master Gardeners at 75 Santa Barbara Road, 2nd Floor, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523; call them at 925646-6586; or send an email to ccmg@ucanr.edu. Visit their website at www.ccmg.ucanr.

page 11

edu/. Help Desk hours, Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to Noon.

My office is here to serve the residents of Contra Costa County District 2, which includes San Ramon, Danville, Alamo, Walnut Creek, Saranap, Parkmead, Lafayette, Moraga, Canyon and Orinda. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if we can provide you with additional information on this topic or on other County issues. I can be reached at SupervisorAndersen@bos. cccounty.us or 925-957-8860.

COMPOST! COMPOST!

HEALTHY SOIL. HEALTHY FOOD. HEALTHY SOIL. HEALTHY FOOD. International Compost Awareness Week May 6-13 International Compost Awareness Week May 6-13

International Compost Awareness Week is the largest and most comprehensive education initiative of the

Saturday, May 13 Wednesday, May 10 compost industry.

The goal of the program is tolargest raise awareness around the benefits of using compost to International Compost Awareness Week is the and most comprehensive education initiative of the improve or maintain soil, to grow plants, reduce thethe usebenefits of fertilizers andcompost pesticides, Vermicomposting and Home Composting Workshop compost industry.

Thehigh goalquality of the program is tohealthy raise awareness around of using to improve water qualityhigh and quality protectsoil, the environment. improve or maintain to grow healthy plants, the use of fertilizers and pesticides, Bin reduce Building 10am - 1pm improve water quality and protect the environment.

Saturday, May 6of Contra Wednesday, 10am May 10 Two sessions: - 12pm UC Master Gardeners Home Composting Workshop Third Annual Compost Saturday, May Giveaway 6 May 10 and 1Home - Wednesday, 3pm 10:00 am - 1:00 pm Costa County Demo 10:00 am - 1:00Garden pm Composting Workshop Third Annual Compost Giveaway UC Master Gardeners of Contra Costa County Demo Garden Heather Farm Park (front parking lot), Walnut Creek 10:00 am - 1:00 pm 10:00 am - 1:00 pmand requirements UCCorner Master Gardeners of Creek Contra Corner of Shadelands of Shadelands and N. Wiget, Walnut REGISTRATION REQUIRED. For event information, UC Master Gardeners of Contra Costa County Demo Garden Heather Farm Park (front parking lot), Walnut Creek Hot/Cold Composting and to register visit www.recyclesmart.org\icaw2017 Costa CornerCounty of Shadelands Demo and N. Wiget,Garden Walnut Creek N. REGISTRATION Wiget, REQUIRED. Walnut Creek For event information, requirements Apply Your Compost: containers, beds, raised beds Hot/Cold Composting and to register visit www.recyclesmart.org\icaw2017 Using Your Soilsaver Compost Bin Saturday, May 6 Corner Shadelands andbeds Apply Yourof Compost: containers, beds, raised Black Gold for all Your Gardening Needs Using Your SoilsaverMay Compost Saturday, May 6 Wednesday, 10 Bin N. Wiget, Walnut Creek Wednesday, 10 10:30May am - 11:30 am Black Gold for all Your Gardening Needs Waterwise Wednesday Walnut Creek Library Wednesday, May 10 10:30 am - 11:30 am $20 per household/bin Waterwise Wednesday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Organic, Sustainable "Black Gold" Compost in your own Backyard Waterwise Wednesday Walnut Creek Library Ruth Bancroft Garden: 1552 Bancroft Rd., Walnut Creek Joie Spinelli - Master Gardener, CompostSMART Graduate 10:00 am - 4:00 pm REGISTRATION REQUIRED: 10am - 4pm Organic, Sustainable "Black Gold" Compost in your own Backyard Free Admission to the Garden Lead Compost Manager at the UC Master Gardener Demo Garden Ruth Bancroft Garden: 1552 Bancroft Rd., Walnut Creek Joie Spinelli - Master Gardener, CompostSMART Graduate Home Composting for Busy People Workshop at 1:00 pm www.recyclesmart.org\icaw2017 (Walnut Creek) Ruth Bancroft Free Admission to the Garden Lead Compost Manager Garden at the UC Master Gardener Demo Garden Ask a Master Gardener Tent Home Composting for Busy People Workshop at 1:00 pm (Walnut Creek) 1552 BancroftSunday, Rd.,May Walnut Creek 7 AskSaturday, a Master Gardener May 13Tent Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour Free Admission to the Vermicomposting & Bin Building Sunday, May 7Garden Saturday, May 13 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour Home Composting for Busy Wenninger’s Garden: 1091 Walker Ave., Walnut Creek 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Over 40 gardens on the 2017 tour!

People Workshop at 1pm Wenninger’s Garden: 1091 Walker Ave., Walnut Creek REGISTRATION REQUIRED. www.BringingBacktheNatives.net Over 40 gardens on the 2017 tour!

REGISTRATION REQUIRED. www.BringingBacktheNatives.net

Two sessions: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm and 1:00 - 3:00 pm Vermicomposting & Bin Building UC Master Gardeners of Contra Costa County Demo Garden Two sessions: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm and 1:00 - 3:00 pm Corner of Shadelands and N. Wiget, Walnut Creek UC Master Gardeners of Contra Costa County Demo Garden 20 households max per session • $20.00 per household/bin Corner of Shadelands and N. Wiget, Walnut Creek REGISTRATION REQUIRED: www.recyclesmart.org\icaw2017 20 households max per session • $20.00 per household/bin REGISTRATION REQUIRED: www.recyclesmart.org\icaw2017

For more information visit www.recyclesmart.org www.recyclesmart.org\icaw2017

Creating and transforming spaces greatRaffle and small.

We’re here to help with your remodel, addition, outdoor room, or new home.

Schedule a free consultation today. www.recyclesmart.org\icaw2017 Raffle

At each event you’ll have the opportunity to enter a FREE raffle – up to six chances to win!

Prize 1: Soilsaver Compost Bin, compost thermometer, compost aerator, ceramic kitchen food scraps container At each event you’ll have the opportunity to enter a FREE raffle – up to six chances to win!

Prize 2: Wriggly Wranch Worm Bin, 1-pound composting worms (The Worm Farm), ceramic kitchen food scraps container Prize 1: Soilsaver Compost Bin, compost thermometer, compost aerator, ceramic kitchen food scraps container RecycleSmart residents for raffle.

Prize 2: Wriggly Wranch Worm Bin, 1-pound composting wormsonly (The Worm Farm), ceramic kitchen food scraps container RecycleSmart residents only for raffle.

Saranap entry

Light, But Private – An entry that’s dark inside isn’t warm or welcoming. Plan an entry with plenty of natural light. There are many types of specialty glass that maintain privacy – rain, reed, tuxedo, seeded, and even resins are just a few examples.

The entrance is one of the most powerful symbols and statements in our homes.

Take a moment to appreciate yours, and ask if it’s providing the welcome befitting its history.

Diablo 2

GARDENING from page 10

The valley Sentinel

We’ve Moved!

117 Town & Country Dr. Suite G, Danville, in the Shopping Center behind Walgreens and McCaulou’s

925.837.1422 www.barryandwynn.com

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 May 6 Hope Walk - 5K for Cancer Support Community 8:30am-12:30pm . The Third Annual Hope Walk, benefitting Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area (CSC), will take place on May 20, 2017 at Heather Farm Park in Walnut Creek. This will be a 5K (3.1miles) walk around scenic Heather Farm Park for friends and families to celebrate and honor all of those who have been touched by cancer and raise critical funds to support CSC’s services and programs that benefit local cancer patients and their families. To register go to www.hopewalkbayarea.net or call Carol Louisell, at: 925-953-1209 May 7 Devil Mountain Run 8am Start Time. The East Bay’s oldest foot race returns to the streets of Danville on Sunday, May 7. Lace up your running shoes and join in the fun as hundreds of locals gather to participate in this annual tradition benefitting Discovery Counseling Center of the San Ramon Valley. For more information visit and Register at www.devilmtnrun.com. Proceeds benefit The Discovery Counseling Center. 5K, 10K, Kids Fun Run and more. Fun for the whole family.

May 11 Great American Folksong Revival 6:30-7:30pm. It began with a search for authentic American folk music back in the 1920s. Recordings of the songs of Appalachia and other roots music were collected and stored at the Archive of the American Folk Song at the Library of Congress and later recorded and sung

by The Weavers, The Kingston Trio, and Peter, Paul, & Mary. In this one-hour program Tim Holt revisits the golden age of folk music of the 1950s and 1960s. The Walnut Creek Library, 1644 North Broadway in downtown Walnut Creek. For more information, call 925-977-3340 May 18 Trinity Center’s Third Annual Gala Event 6-9pm. Trinity Center is a non-residential program serving homeless adult men and women in Walnut Creek and Central Contra Costa County area. Its mission is to be a doorway to opportunity for homeless and working poor people through supported access to services and resources. Trinity Center’s Gala on May18 is a fun way to help.

The Gala is held at The Clubhouse at Boundary Oak Golf Course in Walnut Creek. Cocktails, dinner, silent and live auctions and more.

Entertainment by jazz trio, Audiocultures. Tickets are $150 and can be ordered online www.trinitycenterwc.org Sponsors and donors are still welcome! Contact Sandy Hathaway at sandyhathaway@wavecable. com or call Trinity Center at 925-949-8712.

May 19 Jail and Bail Fundraiser 10am-4pm. Agape Villages Foster Family Agency will hold their annual Jail and Bail fundraiser on Friday, May 19 from 10 am to 4 pm. There are 2 locations to choose from: Comerica Bank at 3110 Crow Canyon Pl., San Ramon and Comerica Bank at 600 Main St., Pleasanton. Stop by either location to be thrown in jail for a good cause! All proceeds benefit foster children at Agape. Info: Contact Jennifer Oxe at jenoxe@ agapevillages.org.

May 20 17th Annual Animals on Broadway 9:30am-4pm. Join Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation for the 17th annual Animals on Broadway, a fun, free community festival celebrating the bond between people and their pets! This year’s festival is Saturday, May 20, at Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek. It’s a one-mile fundraising Pet Walk at 9:30 am, to raise awareness and critical funds for ARF’s life-saving programs. Walk with your friendly pet to reach our goal of $90,000 to save more homeless dogs and cats this year.

Register to walk and find full event details at www.arflife.org. 10 am – 4 pm, family activities, include adoptions, rescue groups, vendor and exhibitor booths, demonstrations, Doggie Casting Calls with KOFY-TV, raffle prizes and more.

Veterans Walk of Honor 8:30-1pm. Check in at the Crockett Community Center, 850 Pomona Street, Crockett. Transportation will be provided to and from the bridge.

10:00am - “Walk” begins.11:45am - Luncheon Ceremony. Following the “Walk” all registered participants are invited to join us for a luncheon ceremony. There will also be a performance by the John Swett High School Band and a raffle. For questions, contact Paul Adler, Phillips 66 Public Relations Manager at 510-245-4400.

Bay Area NephCure Walk 2017 8:30-11am. NephCure Kidney International is the only organization committed exclusively to support research seeking the cause of Nephrotic Syndrome, improve treatment and find a cure! Join us for a Family Fun Run on May 20th at Oak Hill Park in Danville, 3005 Stone Valley Road. Enjoy prizes, raffles and silent auction. All money raised to support the NephCure Association and Team Wilson! www.give. nephcure.org/bayarea/wewalkforwilson May 28-29 2017 San Ramon Art & Wind Festival 11am-6pm both days. “Let’s go fly a kite!” The San Ramon Art & Wind Festival, the BEST festival in the East Bay, is scheduled for Sunday and Monday, May 28- 29, 2017 in San Ramon’s Central Park, 12501 Alcosta Blvd. from 11am to 6pm both days. This annual event features fine arts, crafts and specialty food vendors, 3 entertainment stages headlining international music, party bands and variety entertainers,

children’s puppet shows, 2 gourmet food courts, family amusement zones, professional choreographed kite flying demonstrations, and free kite making workshop. The Art and Wind Festival is pet friendly and admission is always FREE. To be a vendor at the best festival in the East Bay call Mary Ann Simmons at 925-973-3210 or visit our website at www.ArtandWind.com

ONGOING Special Services for Children with Cancer and Their Families Cancer Support Community offers short-term counseling (12 to 20 sessions) at no cost to children with cancer and their families. Counseling can be for the family, siblings, and/or kids coping with cancer. Counseling is provided by doctoral interns or post doctoral fellows under the supervision of our clinical psychologists. To request this service, please call us at 925-933-0107 and ask to speak with our program director, Margaret Stauffer, LMFT. Hope Hospice seeking volunteers Hope Hospice is currently looking for individuals who are interested in volunteering to assist hospice patients and their families. In keeping with Hope Hospice’s goal to make sure patients can live their lives to the fullest and with dignity, volunteers provide a variety of services that help enhance the quality of care of our patients’ lives. Volunteer opportunities include; Home Care; Cosmetology; Healing Touch; Reiki; Massage Therapy; Vocalists. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, contact Jill Biggs, RN, at 925-829-8770.

Volunteers Needed: Read to Preschoolers Volunteers are needed at childcare centers in Concord, Pittsburg, and West County. The Contra Costa County Library will supply books and resources. For more information, please contact Maureen Kilmurray at 925-927-3288.

Sneaker Trips: The Town of Danville’s Senior Sneakers program is a great way for you to make new friends and get out and around the greater Bay Area.

There’s always something new to see and learn.

The Danville Area Senior Hikes (DASH) is open to all adults and meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month. The group starts at 8:45am at Osage Park, 816 Brookside Drive, Danville and returns about 1pm. 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: 10:30am-12pm. Free workshops and informational sessions that will benefit you. They will give you free access to coffee, knowledge and a better understanding of important issues. Information: 925973-3250.

Trips Trip Desk is open Tuesdays from 10am-1pm. Sign up for trips at the travel desk or by depositing payment with registration form in the gold drop box found at the main entryway. Information: 925-973-3250.

Alamo Farmer’s Market Every Sunday, Year round 9am-2pm, rain or shine. Fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables, nuts, local honey, live music, delicious varieties of hummus with fresh pita and pita chips. Located in the Alamo Plaza Shopping Center, at Stone Valley Road and Danville Blvd., with convenient parking.

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 the north end of Osage Park, off of Brookside Dr. 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 at or email trailblazer88@ comcast.net.

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.)

Page Turners Senior Book Group Third Tuesday of the month 1:30pm. Drop in–all are welcome! Copies of this month’s book are on reserve for you at the Dougherty Station Library Front Desk.

Book group meets at Alcosta Senior and Community Center, 9300 Alcosta Blvd. Information: Carol Yuke, Adult Services Librarian. 925973-2850.

San Ramon Farmers Market Every Saturday & Thursday Year-round Buy fresh, seasonal produce directly from local farmers at San Ramon Farmers Market. Connect with your community while shopping at a festive gathering place with live music! www.SanRamonFarmersMarket. org. Bishop Ranch 3, 2641 Camino Ramon, San Ramon.

Canine Companions for Independence Puppy Class Each Saturday 10-11am. Become a puppy raiser! The East Bay Miracles Chapter invites you to help train puppies to become assistant dogs for children and adults with disabilities. Make sure to check out their online calendar before heading off to volunteer. Athenian High School, 2100 Mt. Diablo Scenic Blvd., Danville. Information: 925-838-3213, cci.org/ eastbaychapter Forest Home Farms Historic Park & Glass House Museum–open for Fun on the Farm Every Saturday 11am-2pm. Enjoy tours of the Glass House Museum, the farm and its history, interactive exhibits including the tractor museum, the beautiful grounds and free activities. Visit the Welcome Center and purchase oldfashioned toys and gifts at the Gift Shoppe. Tours are $5 per person, or $8 for both tours on the same day. 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon. Information: 925-973-3284 or visit www.sanramon.ca.gov.

Saturday without Reservations at the Tao House Every Saturday 10am, 12pm, and 2pm. Come explore this National Historic Site in Danville. Catch the shuttle at the bus stop in front of the Museum of the San Ramon Valley, 205 Railroad Ave. www.EugeneOneill.org

SENIORS May 13 Senior & Community Live Well Resource Fair 8:30am–12:30pm Mark your calendar and Celebrate Older Americans Month at the annual Live Well Resource Fair and Breakfast for seniors, families, caregivers and friends. The day will begin with a free pancake breakfast hosted by the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District. The day will feature vendors distributing valuable information on health, exercise, travel, finance, healthcare, housing, safety, transportation and more! For more information call 925-973-3250 or visit www.SanRamon. ca.gov/parks. Alcosta Senior and Community Center, 9300 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon, CA 94583. All ages FREE 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.

BUSINESS May 11 Bike to Work Day Join the fun on the biggest Bike day of the year! Pledge to ride and win prizes, Visit your local energizer station for great giveaways, and celebrate at your local Bike Happy Hour. For information visit www. youcanbikethere.com. And BikeEastBay.org/BTWD. Supported by 511contracosta.org, Kaiser Permanente and more!

After Hours Business Mixer 5:30-7pm Join the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce for an exciting Business Mixer to take place at Danville Hardwood, located at 101 F Town & Country Drive in Danville. Network with other local businesses and Chamber Members during a memorable evening with refreshments and raffle. For more information, call the Chamber.

May 17 Installation Breakfast & UXL Awards 7:30am to 9:30am The Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau will be having its 2017 Installation and UXL Awards.

Outgoing Chair Linda Rimac Colberg, Writer, Editor, Writing Coach, will review the year of Chamber accomplishments before passing the gavel to incoming Chair Mary S. Brooks, Integre Wealth Management of Raymond James. The event will include recognizing two individuals with the Chamber UXL Award. $45.00 per person. National Guest Speaker Jeff Saut, Raymond James Chief Investment Strategist, known for his insightful stock market commentary on PBS, NPR, CNBC, Bloomberg TV, USA Network and Fox News. Scott’s Seafood Grill & Bar, 1333 N. California Blvd., Walnut Creek Call to reserve, 925-934-2007.

May 30 Interview Right and Hire Right 9:00am-11:00am. Hiring and training employees is an expensive venture. Be sure to hire the right person for the right position. It is about finding the right combination of skills, attitude, and fit for your organization’s culture. Hiring Strategies will save your company time and money as you will be recruiting and hiring the right candidates.

Workshop Objectives: Know how to present the current open position, Develop a workable hiring strategy, Steps and techniques to use in an interview and more. Contact Oscar Dominguez 925-602-6806 Contra Costa SBDC, 300 Ellinwood Way floor 2, Pleasant Hill CA 94523-4859 FREE. BNI Every Thursday Noon-1:30pm. We are actively looking for new members to refer business to in the trades. We need a plumber, electrician, handyman and cleaning service but are also looking for other professions like property manager, event planner and many others. Vic Stewart’s

Please email your calendar events to the Sentinel at Info@valleysentinel.com by 5pm on the 15th of the month preceding publication month.

Inclusion in the calendar pages is at the sole discretion of Sentinel Newspapers, Inc.

valleysentinel.com Restaurant at 850 S Broadway in Walnut Creek. 925-330-8275 or david@staff. webquarry.com BBR-Partners for Success 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 12-1pm. One of the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce’s successful Business by Referral groups, Partners for Success meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month to provide concrete business leads to one another.

Chamber Conference Room, 117 E Town & Country Drive, Danville. www. danvilleareachamber.com BBR-Sunrise Alliance 2nd and 4th Wednesdays 7:30-8:30am. One of the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce’s successful Business by Referral groups, Sunrise Alliance meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month to provide concrete business leads to one another.

Chamber Conference Room, 117 E Town & Country Drive. Danville. www. danvilleareachamber.com

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS May 11 Danville Alamo Garden Club Danville-Alamo Garden Club (DAGC) meets on the 2nd Thursday of the months between September and June starting at 9:15 am at the Alamo Women’s Club 1401 Danville Blvd, Alamo. At the May 11th meeting, Bradley Gates, owner and nurseryman of Wild Boar Farms in St. Helena will bring some of “the most outrageous tomatoes available on the planet”. If you have any questions, contact Susan at membershipvp@dagc.us or go to our website: www.dagc.us.

May 13 Tri-Valley Cultural Jews Lag B’ Omer Picnic 10:30-12:30 Tri-Valley Cultural Jews will be hosting our annual Lag B’Omer picnic potluck on Saturday, May 13. This event will take place at Athan Downs Park, which is at 2975 Montevideo Dr. in San Ramon. Please bring: a picnic dish to share, an outdoor toy (frisbee, ball, etc.), and be ready to participate in our fun and hilarious annual watermelon toss.

May 17 Mt. Diablo Branch California Writers Club 11:15-3pm. (Meets the second Saturday of every month with a break over the summer.) Special guest Tim J. Myers will present “Becoming a Writer” at the next meeting of the Mount Diablo Branch, California Writers Club at Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant, 611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. Sign-in begins at 8:30am, Workshop is from 9:00a.m. to noon, luncheon from 12 to 12:45 pm.

Speaker 1-2 pm at Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant, 611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. The cost is $25 for CWC members, $30 for guests. Reservations required.

Contact Robin at cwcrobin.gigoux@ yahoo.com, or call 925-933-9670 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 Soni at 286-1737 for details. Visit daw-ca.aauw.net for meeting dates.

Cancer workshops and support groups-Ongoing Most are free. Cancer Support Community, 3276 McNutt Avenue, Walnut Creek. Information / reservations call 925-933-0107 or visit www.cancersupportcommunity.net.

May 2017 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. Meeting begins at 9:30am with community and socializing from 10:30-11:00am. 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. Black Bear Diner, 807 Camino Ramon, Danville. Information: danvillerotary.org.

San Ramon Alzheimer Support Group 7-9pm. Meets the second Monday of each month, except on holidays. Sponsored by the Alzheimer Association.

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: 925973-3250.

Sons In Retirement (Las Trampas Branch) Monthly Luncheon 11am. Meets the third Monday of each month, except for May and December. Make new friends, participate in fun activities. 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. Want to improve your speaking and presentation skills?

Toastmasters can help! Meets every Tuesday in downtown Danville. www.4143.toastmastersclubs.org Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary 7am. Meets every Tuesday morning.

Crow Canyon Country Club, Danville.

Information: dsvrotary.com.

San Ramon Valley Geneological Society 10am. Meets every third Tuesday at the LDS Church, 2949 Stone Valley Road, Alamo. http://srvgensoc.org Diablo View Toastmasters 8:15-9:15am. Meets every Tuesday.

CMG Mortgage, 4th Floor Conference Room, 3160 Crow Canyon Rd., San Ramon. Information: 4160.toastmastersclubs.org.

ARF Pet Loss Support Group 5:30-7pm. Meets second Tuesday of every month. Register with Vicki at 925-887-5681 or vickis@hospiceeastbay.org. ARF, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: arf.net.

Divorced and Separated Workshop 7- 8:30pm. A new workshop series for divorced and separated people is being held on at St. Joan of Arc Parish, 2601 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon. Contact: Sue at smc9@ sbcglobal.net. 925 -819-1809.

Prostate Cancer Group 7:30–9pm. Meets 2nd Tuesday of the month. Drop-in prostate cancer group for men and their loved ones. San Ramon Regional Medical Center, South Building, West Day Room. 6001 Norris Canyon Road, San Ramon. Information: 925.933.0107 or www.twc-bayarea.org/community-programs.html.

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.

Wednesdays: Hospice of the East Bay Drop-in Bereavement Support 4:30-6pm, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of every month. 3470 Buskirk Avenue; Pleasant Hill. Information: 925-8875681 or visit www.hospiceeastbay. org.

Hope Hospice Grief Support Groups– Ongoing Hope Hospice provides support to help you understand and manage grief in a way that is healthy and appropriate. Our Grief Support Center is available to all community members at minimal or no cost. Information: visit www.HopeHospice.com or call 925-829-8770.

Sons in Retirement (San Ramon Valley chapter) Monthly Luncheon 10:30am; Social Hour, 11:35am meeting and lunch. Meets the 3rd Wed. of each month. Reservations, please email us at www.info@sir128.com by Friday prior to the luncheon. Bridges Golf Club, 9000 S. Gale Ridge Rd., San Ramon.

Alamo Rotary 12:15pm. Meets every Wednesday.

Round Hill Country Club, 3169 Roundhill Road, Alamo. Info: alamorotary. org.

Danville Toastmasters Club #1785 7:30-9pm. Meets every Wednesday.

Room W204 at Diablo Valley College,1690 Watermill Road, San Ramon.

Information: danvilletoastmasters1785. com.

San Ramon Valley Rotary 7pm. Meets every Wednesday. Blackhawk Country Club, 599 Blackhawk Club Drive, 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville. Info: sanramonvalleyrotary.com.

Danville Lions Club 7pm. Meets the first Wednesday at the Alamo Grill, 3160 Danville Blvd, Alamo, CA 94507. Visitors Welcome. Information: Truman Howard 925-787-2565 truman.howard@gmail.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 925-2752412. Info: www.srvexchangeclub.org Blue Star Moms 7-9pm. Meets the second Wednesday of every month to participate in service activities supporting sons/daughters serving in the military. Danville Veterans Memorial Building, 400 Hartz Ave. Information: bluestarmoms.org.

Diablo Valley Quilters 7-9pm. Meets the third Wednesday of every month. No charge for guests.

Danville Congregational Church, 989 San Ramon Valley Blvd., Danville. Information: diablovalleyquilters.com.

Veterans of Foreign Wars 7pm. Meets the third Wednesday of every month. Veterans Memorial Hall, 400 Hartz Avenue, Danville. Information: Post Commander Ernie Petagara at 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: Danville Alamo Garden Club Meets on the 2nd Thursday of the months between September and June starting at 9:15 am at the Alamo Women’s Club 1401 Danville Blvd, Alamo. If you have any questions, contact Susan at membershipvp@dagc.us or go to our website: www.dagc.us.

Danville Women’s Club 11am – 1pm. Meets third Thursdays of each month. November 17, Socializing begins at 11 a.m., with lunch following at 11:30, and a guest speaker from TroopsDirect at noon. 11-1, 242 Linda Mesa. Call Karen at 925-831-9237 for reservation.

San Ramon Valley Newcomers 11:30am-2pm. Meets the third Thursday of every month with a featured guest speaker at a local Tri-Valley restaurant.

New and long-time adult residents are welcome. Reservations/information: susansgotbling@sbcglobal.net or www. srvnc.com.

Rotary Club of San Ramon 11:45am. Meets every Thursday. Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville. Information: sanramonrotary.org.

San Ramon Valley Kiwanis Club Thursday at Noon. Black Bear Diner, 807 Camino Ramon, Danville. www. kiwanis-srv.org Tri-Valley Fly Fishers Visitors welcome to monthly meetings featuring guest speakers who share their knowledge of the sport. Meetings are held at 7:00 PM on the first Thursday of every month, September through June at the Livermore-Pleasanton Rod and Gun Club, 4000 Dagnino Road, Livermore, CA 94551. May’s meeting will feature Luong Tam (Lu), recognized speaker, author and rod builder who will speak on recent developments in Tenkara fly fishing, equipment and techniques. For more information please contact: Roger Perry, President

The Valley SenTinel of Tri-Valley Fly Fishers by email at President@Tri-valleyflyfishers/org 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: Contact Donna Hill at hillmom3@ comcast.net Saturdays: Diablo Region of the Porsche Club of America 7:30-9am. Meets every Saturday. Buttercup Bar and Grill, 660 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. Information: diablo-pca.org.

Parkinson’s Disease Support Group 9am-12pm. Meets every 3rd Saturday.

Join us to share, laugh, and learn from each other. Grace Presbyterian Church, 2100 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek.

page 13

Contact Gregg Riehl at 925-254-8349 or jgriehl@gmail.com. Free. All are welcome. Information: Howard Zalkin at 939-4210 or Ronnie Wanetick at 933-6357.

Danville Veteran Service Organizations 8am-11am Every Saturday at Veterans Memorial Building of San Ramon Valley – in Danville – the VSOs jointly host a “Veterans Coffee Social” from 8AM until 11AM… Bring a friend or fellow Veteran and show them the museum - share some social time. Drop In - no reservations – all Veterans welcome… stop for a few minutes - or stay for hours! WW II Vet & Senior Docent Art Gaskins has pastries waiting for you! Please share information about our VMB /SRV Military Museum & Library open daily M-F from 9-3 and it’s free!

Sundays: Cars n Coffee: First Sunday of Every Month 8-10am. On the first Sunday of every month, automotive enthusiasts gather in the parking lots of the Blackhawk Museum to share their vehicles and admire the other fabulous classic cars, hot rods, sports cars, exotics and anything else with wheels and a motor that promotes the car enthusiast hobby. Cars & Coffee is a year round event, rain or shine. The Museum opens at 9am on Cars & Coffee Sundays and there is a Docent-led tour at 2pm. Participating car owners receive two complimentary tickets to the Museum courtesy of our sponsors. Blackhawk Museum, 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville. www. blackhawkmuseum.org

Help Wanted Sr. Appian Developer: Master’s in Comp. Sci. or rltd. & 3 yrs. rltd. exp. Bank of the West. Job in San Ramon, CA 94583. CV to careers@ bankofthewest.com.

Senior Project Manager: Bach. in C.S., Engineering or rltd. & 5 yr. rltd. exp. CV to: Bank of the West, 2527 Camino Ramon, San Ramon, CA 94583. ATTN: H.R. or email careers@ bankofthewest.com. EEO. Position in San Ramon, CA. Sr. Data Quality Analyst: Bach. in C.S., Engineering or rltd. & 5 yr. rltd. exp. CV to: Bank of the West, 2527 Camino Ramon, San Ramon, CA 94583. ATTN: H.R. or email careers@ bankofthewest.com. EEO. Position in San Ramon, CA. Senior Java Developer: Bachelor in C.S., Electronic Engr’g 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. IT Application Engineer: Bachelor in Information Technology, C.S., or rltd. & 3 yrs. rltd. exp. CV to Bank of the West, careers@bankofthewest.com.

Job in San Ramon, CA.

Senior Basel II Data Analyst (A): Master in C.S., Comp. Info. Sys. or rltd. & 2 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. IT Data Architect: Master’s in C.S., Comp. Info. Sys. or rltd. & 4 yr. rltd. exp. CV to: Bank of the West, 2527 Camino Ramon, San Ramon, CA 94583. ATTN: H.R. or email careers@ bankofthewest.com. EEO. Position in San Ramon, CA. Sr. Basel II Data Analyst: Bach. in C.S., Engineering or rltd. & 5 yr. rltd. exp. CV to: Bank of the West, 2527 Camino Ramon, San Ramon, CA 94583. ATTN: H.R. or email careers@ bankofthewest.com. EEO. Position in San Ramon, CA. Quantitative Analyst: Master’s in Stat., Fin., Econ., or rltd. & 3 yrs. rltd. exp. Bank of the West. Job in San Ramon, CA 94583. CV to careers@ bankofthewest.com. EEO. IT QA Specialist: BS (3 yrs accepted) in CS, Engr., or rltd. & 2 yrs. rltd. exp. Bank of the West. Job in San Ramon, CA 94583. CV to careers@bankofthewest. com. EEO.

Community News & Information Danville • Blackhawk Alamo • Diablo • San Ramon Publisher/Editor-Denise Rousset Advertising-Betty Overhoff Chief Financial Officer-Jeff Gummere Graphic Designer-Laurie Prindle Auto-David & Judy Colman

925-820-6047

542 San Ramon Valley Blvd., #A Danville, CA 94526

www.valleysentinel.com

page 14

The valley Sentinel

AUTO March 2009 May 2017

2017 Genesis G80 Rwd 5.0 Ultimate

By David and Judy Colman

Genesis. A name of Biblical derivation generally used to denote birth. In this case, a new model line of cars has been born. Hyundai has appropriated the name Genesis - previously used on a single model of Hyundai to designate their new line of premium passenger cars.

They also appropriated a winged trademark insignia for the brand that is highly reminiscent of Aston Martin’s logo. Currently, two Genesis models are available - the large and plush limousinesize G90 and the slightly smaller G80. Although no limo, the G80 is plenty spacious, with a stretched wheelbase of 119 inches, a length of 197 inches, and a width of 74 inches. Those numbers translate into a passenger compartment capable of escorting 5 adults to any destination in spacious luxury.

The keynote here is fit and finish. The moment you climb into the G80, you feel better than you did. Thanks to buttery leather seating surfaces, subdued swaths of matte finished real wood, and lustrous true aluminum, you feel like you’ve stepped into an exclusive first class travel experience. While you might expect such cosseting in the front row, Genesis h a s g o n e t o exc e p t i o n a l lengths to make the back seat comfortable. The key here is the sling-like posture of the outboard back seats that encourages you to slide

STEM from page 1

Regionals and second at State, the team qualifies to represent Tassajara Hills at DI’s Global Finals which will be held May 24-27 at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Tassajara will be represented by 4th graders Max McCay, Parker Pierce, Alex Rhee, Joey Sabo, plus 5th graders Kyra McCool, and Emma Walsh.

They will compete with other teams in the Scientific C h a l l e n g e : To p S e c r e t , one of seven, open-ended challenges that require young people to apply science, technology, engineering and

your torso forward and down until maximum comfort is achieved. The key to making this hammock work is the abundant legroom afforded by that 119 inch wheelbase.

While the G80 never lets you forget that it’s big and

Part of the reason that this powerful and torquey (383lb.-ft.) V8 can record such acceptable fuel mileage is the Hyundai designed and built 8-speed automatic transmission with manual override (Shiftronic) and nifty

heavy (4,530lbs.), Hyundai h a s e n d owe d i t w i t h a n all-aluminum 5.0 liter V8 with direct injection and variable valve timing, potent enough (420hp) to give the big sedan some real sporting punch. That’s because the power-to-weight ratio of 10.7lb/hp is good for 13 second quarter mile runs and 0-60mph sprints in the 5 second range. You can also order the G80 with a twin turbocharged V6 producing 311hp, but if you opt for this combo, the power-to-weight factor jumps the wrong way almost 50 percent - to 14.5lb/ hp. Since the V8 returns a surprising 23MPG on the highway, there’s really little economic incentive to replace it with the turbo V6.

aluminum paddle shifters.

The transmission works so smoothly through the gears that the G80 produces a seamless stream of jet thrust.

If you do decide to harness the output specifically in a particular rpm range, the Shiftronic allows you to hold any gear in force without fear of an unwanted upshift to a higher cog. To complement this do-it-yourself shifting you can toggle the G80’s “Intelligent Drive Mode” (IDM) from “Normal” to “Sport” configuration with a simple switch flip that stiffens the steering and heightens suspension response. “Eco” and “Snow” modes are also on offer from IDM. This kind of manual oversight is both surprising and welcome from

math (STEM), in addition to improvisation, theater arts, writing, project management, communication, innovation, and teamwork.

Destination Imagination, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) volunteerled non-profit organization whose purpose is to inspire and equip students to become the next generation of innovators and leaders.

The organization is a leader in project-based learning experiences, where students work together in teams to solve open-ended STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) and service learning challenges and then present their

solutions at tournaments.

Founded in 1982, Destination Imagination has impacted more than 1.5 million students.

T h e Ta s s a j a r a H i l l s team members are among more than 8,000 students representing more than 1,250 teams that have advanced to the elite competition.

In order to participate at Global Finals, the team will be raising funds to help offset the $10,000 of expected expenses. If you would like to donate to help these students compete in the Global Finals, please go to http://thelementary. corecommerce.com.

a car that looks more like a limo than a sports sedan.

Equally ingratiating is the finely tuned array of s u s p e n s i o n c o m p o n e n t s, wheel size, and tire contact patch. In “Sport” mode, the big sedan corners f l a t a n d h a rd , w i t h l o t s o f g r i p g e n e ra t e d by i t s sizeable Continental Pro Contact radials (245/40R19 front/265/35R19 rear) mounted on 8.5 x 19 inch alloy rims. These gun metal rims not only complement the Patagonia Blue Metallic paint of our test G80, but spread a wide and dependable footprint through each and every bend. While we wouldn’t say the G80 merits full sports sedan accolades, it will nonetheless surprise you with it athleticism.

If we were commissioned to redo the G80, the first thing on our list would be to eliminate the split-lid storage box between the front seats and equip it with a onepiece top. Next, we would provide privacy screens for the rear seat windows as well as the back light. We would convert the rear seat’s

MEDICARE from page 8

How much do CCM s e r v i c e s c o s t ? Yo u ’ l l b e responsible for the usual Medicare Part B cost-sharing and may have a deductible o r c o i n s u r a n c e / c o - p a y.

However, many people with M e d i c a re h ave M e d i g a p s u p p l e m e n t a l i n s u ra n c e that provides wraparound coverage of CCM costsharing.

Chronic Care Management means having a continuous relationship with a dedicated health care professional who knows you and your history, gives personal attention, and helps you make the best choices for your health.

valleysentinel.com large central arm rest into a storage bin, since its size is wasted on just 2 cup holders.

Finally, flip down tray tables f o r t h e b a c k s e a t wo u l d increase the limo utility of this plush area.

The transition from Hyundai to Genesis recalls the leap Lexus made from Toyota back in 1990. The G80 is a fully realized luxury sedan with welcome sporting aspirations. At its current list price of $54,550, it is worthy of any prospective BMW or Audi buyer’s immediate attention.

2017 GENESIS G80 RWD 5.0 ULTIMATE ENGINE: All Aluminum 5.0 Liter V8, DOHC, GDI Dual CVVT HORSEPOWER: 420hp TORQUE: 383lb.-ft.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 15MPG City/23 MPG Highway PRICE AS TESTED: $55,660 H Y P E S : Fa u l t l e s s Construction, Lap ‘o Luxury GRIPES: Lots of Dash Reflection in Windshield STAR RATING: 9.5 Stars out of 10

CCM gives you and your loved ones the assistance you need to manage your chronic conditions so you can spend more time doing the things you enjoy.

Ask your doctor about Chronic Care Management and get the connected care you need.

For more information, call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit:go. cms.gov/ccm.

Greg Dill is Medicare’s regional administrator for Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and the Pacific Territories.

You can always get answers to your Medicare questions by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800633-4227).

valleysentinel.com

May 2017

Lots To See and Do in the Regional Parks

By Beverly Lane, President, East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors

the north end of Central Park Drive. For information, call 510-544-2233.

May is always an exciting month in the East Bay Regional Parks. The hills are green, wildfl owers abound, and the park district has scheduled lots of special programs celebrating spring in all its beauty.

Tilden Nature Area near Berkeley gets in the spirit with a May Day Celebration and Open House from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 7.

The Berkeley Morris Dancers will lead off with their “rites of May” performance from 11 a.m. to noon. There will also be maypole dancing, giant bubble blowing and crafts for the whole family.

Natural history programs during the month will include a pond exploration from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 13, led by naturalist Trail Gail Broesder. And early risers will enjoy a birdwalk from 8 to 11 a.m. Sunday, May 14, led by naturalist Anthony Fisher.

Grand finale for the month is Tilden’s Memorial Day open house from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 29 at the Nature Area and Little Farm.

M a y D a y, t h e p o n d exploration, birdwalk and open house are all free of charge. All are based at Tilden’s Environmental Education Center, which is at

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in Antioch has a fascinating history.

You can take a walk through the old days with naturalist Kevin Dixon during a history hike that he will lead from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 20.

This is a strenuous trek, for ages 12 and older. Kevin will retrace a historic eightmile pedestrian commute from the town of Clayton to the Nortonville town site and the west end of the Mt. Diablo coalfields.

Meet Kevin at the Clayton Park & Ride lot at the corner of Clayton Road and Peacock Creek Drive. For information, call 888-3272757, ext. 2750.

There’s history in marble at Black Diamond Mines’ Rose Hill Cemetery, final resting place for many of the 19th century miners and their families. Their stories will be told during “An Evening at Rose Hill Cemetery,” scheduled from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, May 26.

Rose Hill Cemetery is a half-mile uphill walk from the park’s trailhead at the south end of Somersville Road.

The program is free, but registration is required. For

registration and information, call 888-327-2757. Select option 2 and refer to program number 16726.

Black Diamond Mines has a parking fee of $5 per vehicle when the kiosk is attended.

The history and ecology of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta are the emphasis at Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley.

Big Break offers two recurring programs every Saturday and Sunday. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. it’s Delta Discoveries, during which the staff naturalists lead hands-on arts and crafts activities on natural history themes. Drop by any time.

And from 9 to 10 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday, you can help the staff test Delta water samples for dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity and other characteristics, using state of the art instruments. Results go into a regional database for use by researchers, scientists and water managers.

B i g B re a k i s l o c a t e d at 69 Big Break Road off Oakley’s Main Street. For information, call 888-3272757, ext. 3050.

So there’s lots to see and do in the regional parks this spring and beyond. You can check it all out by visiting the district web site at www. ebparks.org.

The Valley SenTinel

page 15

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