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SENTINEL always for the community VOL 23, NO 4
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SPOTLIGHT
First place category winners with local elected officials and representatives. Photo by: Lara George
Young San Ramon Valley Filmmakers Honored at Street Smarts “Be Reel!” Video Contest Awards Ceremony! Over 220 parents, students, school staff members and elected officials came to view the creative work of 65 aspiring filmmakers from San Ramon Valley middle schools at the Street Smarts “Be Reel!” Video Contest Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at the Danville Village
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On Saturday, April 21 Danville residents gathered at the Town Green in front of the Danville Library on Front Street to enjoy the eighth annual Earth day Celebration, that featured educational green events for the whole family. The day also had a creek walk led by the Contra Costa Resource Conservation District’s Friends of the San Ramon Creek. This inclusive and fun day was free and not to be missed next year!
Red-Shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) by James Hale
One of our most beautiful resident birds of prey is the Red-Shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus). In the past three decades, their population in Contra Costa County and other, mostly coastal, regions of California have recovered dramatically. The first known nesting in the county since 1915 wasn’t until 1979, when a pair with a fledgling was noted near Clayton along Morgan Territory Road. Red-Shouldered Hawks have become a common roadside sight, rebounding from extreme rarity. The clearing of mature forests, principally the wet hardwood forests they prefer, caused population densities to decrease drastically. The change in habitat favored their cousin, the Red-Tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), which experienced a general population increase. Unchecked hunting of raptors, with the greater availability of firearms in the early 1900’s, further
contributed to their demise. The pesticide DDT caused egg shell thinning in many birds, including Red-Shouldered Hawks, and the breakable shells reduced their ability to reproduce. Local forest regrowth and the ban of hunting and DDT allowed Red-Shouldered Hawk populations to become more stable. However, human activity, including logging, habitat loss, poisoning from other pesticides and industrial pollutants, continue to threaten t h i s s p e c i e s . Ac c i d e n t a l collisions with power lines, automobiles, and at wind farms kills many birds annually. The coloration of RedShouldered Hawk plumage is quite striking. Adults have finely barred, intensely reddish heads and underparts. The back and wings are boldly dark and
light checkered. The multibanded tail is distinguishable. The red “shoulders” are visible in perching birds. Smaller than Red-tailed Hawks, the RedShouldered Hawk, may weigh 1.5 pounds, with a length of two feet and a wingspan of just over four feet. Like most raptors, females are slightly larger than
This month’s Special Sections:
Spring Home & Garden pages 8-9 Senior Services pages 10-11
males. In Contra Costa County, Red-Shouldered Hawks live in riparian and oak woodlands, and also in Eucalyptus groves and residential areas. They prefer to nest in Sycamore trees (Platanus racemosa) See HAWK page 5
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Gamblers & Dreamers The Chinese and the Iron Road Now - June 10 The Museum of the San Ramon Valley is proud to announce this exhibit which first opened at the Chinese Historical Museum in San Francisco and then was on exhibition at Stanford University. The exhibit provides a stunning visual understanding of the difficult work accomplished by Chinese laborers to build the railroad from California across the Sierras and ending at Promontory Point Utah. The second part of the exhibit covers the story of Chinese immigration. It starts at the Gold Rush in 1849, covers the 12,000 men who built the railroad and continues on through the 19th century. The Museum of the San Ramon Valley, 205 Railroad Ave., Danville. Information: museumsrv.org or 925 8373750. “ C o n c e i ve, C o n s t r u c t , Embellish” exhibit features unique clay creations of seven california ceramic artists Now - June 16 Expect the unexpected! The Town of Danville and the Village Theatre Art Gallery invite the community to view the clay, porcelain, and
mixed media ceramic sculptures of several California A r t i s t s including the Pipe Brothers o u t o o r pieces. This exhibit attempts to offer viewers a glimpse into the world of ceramics and to challenge all preconceived notions of what the clay arts are. Village Theatre Art Gallery, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: www. villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400. The Jazz Room: Cole Swings Cole May 5 8pm. The Jazz Room presents Cole Swings Cole: the George Cole Trio recreating the sound and style of the original Nat King Cole. $15-$25. Village T h e a t e r, 2 3 3 F r o n t S t . , Danville. Information: www. villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400. Artist Open Studios 2018 May 5 - May 6 Visit the Village Theatre Art Gallery from 11am to 6pm to pick up your guide book to Danville’s Artist Open Studios 2018. At the Village Theatre Art Gallery, you’ll be able to get a sneak peak of the artists participating in the event. The Open Studios will be an opportunity for art lovers to visit local artists’ workspaces and speak to them one on one. You get to decide which and how many artists to visit! Open Studios will take place over
The Alamo Business and Community Foundation and the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce invite everyone to a Ribbon Cutting in Celebration of our New Office at
170-F Alamo Plaza in Alamo
May 23, 2018 Hors d’ouvres
5:30 - 7:30pm Great bites!
$10 per person for Mixer Meet & Greet
Come on out and enjoy your Alamo Community!
May 2018 the weekend of May 5 - May 6 at various locations. Village Theatre Art Gallery, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: www.villagetheatreshows. com or 925-314-3400.
Friday Foreign Film Series: The Salesman May 11 7pm. A young Iranian couple move into a new apartment that was previously occupied by a prostitute. The wife, Rana, is attacked one day when she is alone. Instead of calling t h e p o l i c e, h e r p r i d e f u l husband chooses to handle the situation himself with disastrous results. Rated: PG13, 125 minutes, Persian/ English subtitles. $10. Front Row Theater, 17011 Bollinger Canyon Rd., San Ramon. Information: www.ci.sanramon.ca.us or 925-973-2787. Robin Hood May 10 - 12 With King Richard gone, Prince John unjustly taxes the people. Join Robin Hood’s band of merry men as they try to outwit Prince John and the Sheriff. This performance is recommended for younger audiences, and those young at heart. $14. Parking Advisory: Please note that the Lesher Center Garage will be under construction. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive. Walnut Creek.Information visit CenterREP.org or call 925.943.SHOW (7469). The Little Mermaid JR May 11 - 12 Journey “under the sea” with Ariel and her aquatic f r i e n d s i n D i s n ey ’s T h e Little Mermaid JR, adapted f ro m D i s n ey ’s B ro a d way production and the motion picture (featuring the enormously popular Academy Award-winning music and delightfully charming book and lyrics). Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories, Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR is an enchanting look at the sacrifices we all make for love and acceptance. $20. Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. Information: www. lesherartscenter.org or 925943-SHOW (7469).
valleysentinel.com The Smuin Ballet presents: Dance Series 02 May 11-12 Smuin’s Dance Series 02 features the return of Helen Pickett’s “stirring and gorgeously dispatched” Oasis, featuring a lush original score by House of Cards composer Jeff Beal (San Francisco Chronicle); Choreographer in Residence Amy Seiwert’s visually stunning Falling Up; and an exciting world premiere from local dance maker Val Caniparoli. $57 - $ 7 3 Pa r k i n g Ad v i s o r y : Please note that the Lesher Center Garage will be under construction. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: www.lesherartscenter.org or 925-943-SHOW (7469).
Suburban Thunder Improv C o m p a ny N i g h t At T h e Improv - The Birthday Show May 12 Join Suburban Thunder Improv Company for spontaneous improvisational theater! It’s your birthday, it’s your Party! You get to choose what you want to see onstage! $7 - $10. Front Row Theater, 17011 Bollinger Canyon Rd., San Ramon. Information: www.ci.sanramon.ca.us or 925-973-2787. Symphonic Band Concert: A Mother’s Love May 13 2pm. The San Ramon Symphonic Band will perform music for a Mother’s Day Celebration Concert. $7. Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center, 10550 Albion Road, San Ramon. Information: www.ci.sanramon.ca.us or 925-973-3343. Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra presents: American Idols May 13 2 - 3 : 30 p m . C o n d u c t o r and Music Director Timothy Smith will step down from the podium after leading the Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra in its season finale, American Idols. Smith’s passion, dedication, and leadership have transported the all-volunteer community group to noticeably expanded
artistic and musical heights in his 11-year tenure. The season finale features works by significant American composers of today, such as Carolyn Bremer and Michael Markowski, as well as favorites from the past, including Charles Ives and George M. Cohan. The featured soloist is the vibrant East Bay pianist Martin Morley, performing George Gershwin’s beloved masterpiece “Rhapsody in Blue.” $10 - $30 Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Information visit www.lesherartscenter.org or contracostachamberorchestra.org or call 925-943-SHOW (7469). SRVHS Spring Instrumental Concert May 16 7pm. Come and listen to the musicians as they perform their last concert of the year. Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and the Orchestra will be playing a variety of pieces, as well as solos, for their audience. San Ramon Valley High School, 501 Danville Boulevard, Danville. For more information, contact kathyhanze89@gmail.com.
Comedy with Liz Grant & Friends: A Monthly StandUp Series May 17 7:30pm. In this monthly stand-up comedy series, Liz Grant brings a host of Bay Area and L.A. comedians to the Village Theatre stage! Join these seasoned performers for this hilarious series. 16+ unless accompanied by an adult. Headlining this month is Keith Lowell Jensen along with Parker Newman, Robert Berry, & Liz Grant. $17 - $20. Village Theater, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: www. villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400. TPW presents The Wiffle Ball Kid – School Show May 17-20 As the baseball season begins, Tony and his sister Tina discover a love for Wiffle ball. When Tina
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT dining out • music • art • theater • fun events
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May 2018
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
page 3 Creek. Information: www. walnutcreekdowntown.com or 925.933.6778.
realizes that she’s a natural pitcher, Tony starts a Wiffle ball league for all the kids in the neighborhood. $8 - $10. Village Theater, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: www. villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400. Wo o d y S e z : T h e L i f e & Music of Woody Guthrie May 17 – June 23 Ta p y o u r f e e t a n d s i n g a l o n g w i t h Wo o d y Guthrie, America’s greatest troubadour, in this uplifting musical portrait. You will be transported through his fascinating life with moving ballads and energetic footstompers like “This Land is Your Land,” “The Ballad of Tom Joad,” “Pastures of Plenty,” and “This Train is Bound for Glory” in this incredible, award winning musical journey. The Chicago Sun Times called it “stirring … sparkling… virtuosic!” Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut C re e k . I n f o r m a t i o n v i s i t www.lesherartscenter.org. Information visit CenterREP. org or www.lesherartscenter. org or call 925.943.SHOW (7469). Delta Moon Student Film Festival presented by Liberty Film Alliance May 18 7 : 3 0 p m . Fo u n d e d i n 2001, the Delta Moon Student Film Festival is exclusively dedicated to showcasing the top works of high school students from across the globe. The top-rated entries are designated as “Official Jury Selection” and will be featured at the main screening e v e n t i n Wa l n u t C r e e k . Immediately following the screening, winners of each category will be announced and prizes awarded. $11. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: www. lesherartscenter.org or 925943-SHOW (7469). Dixieland Jazz May 19 1:30-4:30pm. On the 3rd Saturday of every month you can enjoy the music of the Devil Mountain Jazz Band.
Bring your own beverages, snacks and a friend or two! There is a large dance floor and lots of free parking. $15. Grange Hall, 743 Diablo Road, Danville. Information visit www.jazznut.com or phone 625-2707.
Next Step Dance Recital May 20 Times vary. The Next Step Dance Studio offers dance instruction and performance opportunities for all ages and in all styles of dance. $17 - $25. Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center, 10550 Albion Road, San Ramon. Information: www.ci.san-ramon.ca.us or 925-973-3343. Bay Area Children’s Theatre: All Shook Up May 24 - 26 Inspired by and featuring the songs of Elvis Presley, you’ll want to put on your blue suede shoes! $10. Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center, 105 50 A l b i o n Ro a d , S a n Ramon. Information: www. ci.san-ramon.ca.us or 925973-3343.
P r e s c h o o l Pe r f o r m a n c e Series: Magician Phil Ackerly June 1 10 a m . M a k i n g l i t t l e ones laugh, dance, and sing along since 2009, the Town of Danville is pleased to continue to present fun and unique top-level entertainers for preschool-aged children. Presented in 50 minutes with no intermission. Artist may be subject to change. $5. Village Theater, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: www. villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400. Studio Recital presented by Performing Academy featuring Youth Performers June 2 12pm Primary Division (Ages 3.5-5); 2pm Junior Division (Ages 5-8); 5:30pm Elite Division (Ages 8-11); 8pm Pre-Professional Division (Ages 12-18). Performing Academy’s annual studio recital offers students the opportunity to share their talents with friends and family. $14. Del Valle Theatre, 1 9 6 3 T i c e Va l l ey B l vd . , Walnut Creek. Information: www.lesherartscenter.org or 925-943-SHOW (7469).
to July 11th) you can end the work or school day on the first Wednesday of each month with a street festival full of live music, dancing, food trucks, wine and beer, chef’s demo, Kids Fun Zone, interactive games and free prizes. Free parking after 5 p m a t N o r t h B ro a d way Garage at 1390 N. Broadway, a short 3 block walk to the festivities at Cypress Street, between Locust & N. Main Streets in downtown Walnut
Comedy with Liz Grant & Friends: A Monthly StandUp Series June 6 7:30pm. In this monthly stand-up comedy series, Liz Grant brings a host of Bay Area and L.A. comedians to the Village Theatre stage! Join these seasoned performers for this hilarious series. 16+ unless accompanied by an adult. $17 - $20. Village T h e a t e r, 2 3 3 Fro n t S t . , Danville. Information: www. villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400.
Danville seeks Commission volunteers Parks and Leisure Services Commission – 4 positions Youth Representatives – 2 positions Contra Costa County Advisory Council on Aging – 1 position Applicants must be residents of the Town of Danville. Information and applications are available on the Town website at www.danville.ca.gov or by calling the City Clerk at (925)314-3401. Deadline is May 16 at 4:00 p.m. Interviews will be conducted by the Town Council in June and terms begin July 1, 2018.
Advertise in The Valley Sentinel! For information, please contact Denise Rousset at 925-820-6047 or email info@valleysentinel.com. Visit us at ValleySentinel.com
C e n t e r Re p P re s e n t s A Production of Freaky Friday May 25 - June 30. When an overworked mother and her teenage daughter magically swap bodies, they have just one day to put things right again before Mom’s big wedding. Freaky Friday, a new musical based on the celebrated novel by Mary Rodgers and the hit Disney films, is a hilarious, contemporary update on an American classic in which a mother and daughter really see what it is to be a family and experience each other’s lives firsthand, if only for a day. $38 - $79. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive. Walnut Creek.Information visit CenterREP.org or call 925.943. SHOW (7469).
The Senior Variety Show June 3 1pm. Come one, come all! Danville’s got talent. Enjoy the variety of the many local, talented seniors at this diverse and entertaining show. From comedy to tap dance to singing and more! $5. Village Theater, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: www.villagetheatreshows. com or 925-314-3400. First Wednesdays Walnut Creek featuring The Cheeseballs June 6 5:30 - 8:30pm. Now through September (except July 4th date has been moved
SATURDAYS • 9AM - 1PM Railroad Ave. & Prospect Ave.
PCFMA.ORG • 1.800.949.FARM
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THE VALLEY SENTINEL
May 2018
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Sponsored Content
Technology that Revolutionizes Cancer Treatment By Gautam Prasad, MD, PhD
It is the one word no one ever wants to hear their doctor say – cancer. But according to the American Cancer Society, more than 1.5 million Americans received that diagnosis in 2017 alone. Being diagnosed or having a loved one diagnosed with cancer is frightening, stressful and overwhelming. The good news is that the majority of Americans can now continue to live full lives following their initial diagnosis thanks in large part to the new medical technology and treatments now available. In the past, having a cancerous tumor removed meant undergoing invasive surgery and recuperating in the hospital for days. Thankfully, today doctors have access to cutting-edge technology that target and eliminate many types of cancerous tumors without cutting into the patient or requiring an overnight hospital stay. The CyberKnife® Radiosurgery System was the first, and remains the only, full-body radiosurgery device designed to help destroy tumors with intense, highlyfocused beams of radiation. The CyberKnife System can treat tumors anywhere in the body, from the brain to the lung to the prostate, and is the best radiation oncology solution for treating, tracking and adjusting in real-time to moving targets with extreme precision and accuracy. Unlike other radiation systems, the CyberKnife System is able to treat patients in one to five days as opposed to what can be months of other forms of daily radiation treatment. This is because of the CyberKnife
System’s extreme accuracy, which enables it to deliver the maximum dose very precisely. Not only do most CyberKnife patients avoid surgery and finish treatment in a week, their brief course of treatment is pain-free and typically lasts an hour or less per treatment. The majority of patients go about their daily routine during treatment. A unique and important feature of the CyberKnife System is its tracking technology that enables continuous coordination with a patient’s tumor movement during treatment. This is especially crucial for patients receiving treatment for lung and prostate cancer – two areas that are in constant motion. Because of the CyberKnife System’s ability to continuously track and adjust in real-time in combination with its sub-millimeter accuracy, a patient can be confident their tumor is being treated while the surrounding healthy tissue and organs are spared. Who can receive CyberKnife treatments? It is up to a medical provider to determine whether the CyberKnife treatment is right for a patient. Factors that will influence their opinion are the tumor type, location and size of the tumor, and extent of disease. It is important to keep in mind that sometimes there are many different approaches and opinions can differ. The CyberKnife System is versatile and can treat cancers from early stages to advanced disease and, in some cases the treatment can be partnered with surgery, chemotherapy, and conventional radiation therapy. H ow m a ny p a t i e n t s have been treated using CyberKnife? Over 300,000 patients had been treated, worldwide by the
Community Input We at The Valley Sentinel welcome comments and suggestions from the community at large. We love hearing from you! However, consideration is only given to those who provide their name, address and phone number. Two-way communication is essential for growth and understanding. Write us at P.O. Box 1309, Danville, 94526, email to drousset@valleysentinel.com, or call us at 925820-6047. Thank you! —Denise Rousset, Publisher
CyberKnife System and that number continues to grow as more CyberKnife treatment facilities open up. What is a CyberKnife treatment like? When receiving treatment, patients simply lie down on a padded table and breathe normally while the CyberKnife System quietly moves around
them. Once treatment is complete, a patient has followup appointments with their doctor as they follow the destruction of the tumor. The CyberKnife System is a great option for patients who are unable to receive surgery, have surgically complex tumors or are seeking an alternative to surgery that will allow them to
Alamo News Update What’s Your Sign? By Steve Mick
S i g n s a n d b i l l b o a rd s have always been a part of the American landscape. In the early days, many of the advertising signs were composed of a graphic depicting the service or p ro d u c t . T h i s wa s d o n e because much of the populace was illiterate. If a person needed a blacksmith or shoes, they would search for sign with an anvil or a shoe. As American commerce grew, signs became more prevalent and standardized. One of the most ubiquitous exa m p l e s i s t h e f a m o u s “Chew Mail Pouch Tobacco” ad painted on barns mostly in the Midwest. Farmers received 1 or 2 dollars a year for the advertisement, but more importantly their barns received a fresh coat of paint every so often to help resist weathering. The growth of billboards really took off with the creation of the Interstate H i g h way Sys t e m i n t h e 1950’s. The over-proliferation of signs was seen by many community and state leaders as detrimental to the countryside. In addition, t h e o u t d o o r a d ve r t i s i n g industry began to realize that the number of billboards was becoming excessive, with billboards sometimes blocking other billboards. Lady Bird Johnson prevailed on Lyndon to initiate the Highway Beautification Act, which was signed into law in 1965. This brought a reasonable measure of decorum to the number of billboards being installed. Ultimately, these efforts extended down to the local level. Contra Costa County and Alamo have sign ordinances that specify sign
size, location, illumination and so forth. Before looking at a few specifics, it may be interesting to note that there are two sign control districts in the County. One district (S-2) consists only of the downtown business district in Alamo and the other district consists of the rest of the county. The two have significant differences. Details of the Alamo Sign Ordinance are available on the county website. Visit co.contra-costa.ca.us then select the Government pulldown menu. Select Ordinance Code. This will take you to the county ordinance code (not recommended for light reading). Click on “Title 8 – ZONING” and then finally select Chapter 88-9 - S2 SIGN C O N T RO L C O M B I N I N G DISTRICT. This document specifies the signage issues for Alamo. Rather than dig down into the intricacies of this document, it may be instructive to look at a few of its highlights. One of the objectives of the code is to recognize that the “… attractiveness of the community is an important factor of the general welfare of the citizens of the county, and reasonable control of signs is in the public interest.” No argument with that. Political signs can be hotbutton issues and the sign ordinance addresses them as follows: “Political signs may be erected or displayed before an election until ten days after the election, inclusive.” This makes sense. After all, the community doesn’t want old political signs cluttering up the landscape. However, notice that the Code is silent as to when a political sign can be put up. All it says is that signs “may be erected or displayed before an election.” Real estate “For Sale” signs are usually put up on a temporary basis. The
continue their active lifestyle with minimal disruption. For more information about the CyberKnife System, visit www.epiccarecyberknife. com or contact us at 925-3912220. Dr. Gautam Prasad is a Radiation Oncologist with Epic Care, a group of experts in the diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of cancer and blood disorders. www.epic-care.com
Contra Costa Association of Realtors has strict guidelines that conform to the sign ordinance. For Sale signs must be removed within 10 days after the sale of the property A rather intriguing section of the code has the f o l l ow i n g s t a t e m e n t : “A Nonaccessory sign is a sign established for the purposes of advertising other than the name or occupation of the user of the premises on which the sign is located, or advertising other than the nature of the business or activity conducted thereon, or advertising of goods and services other than those primarily sold, produced or manufactured thereon.” While it’s not immediately clear what a nonaccessory sign is, there’s no doubt that it is something to be aware of (for some reason…) One of the most erudite parts of the code is in 88-9.408 - Community Directional Sign. This defines such a sign as “…directing to or informing of the location of a community service organization, public facility, church or other place of public worship, hospital, school, c e m e t e r y, e l e e m o sy n a r y institution, or the like. The word you may have stumbled on is “eleemosynary.” That word is probably not in many people’s vocabulary. I had to look it up. The Contra Costa sign code is a bit of a labyrinth of definitions, regulations and policy. At a minimum, the county should make an effort to meld the two sign control districts into one. This will greatly increase clarity and promote good signage policy. Steve Mick is a long-time Alamo resident and is active in a number of community organizations. Among them are the Alamo Business and Community Foundation, the Exchange Club and the Alamo Municipal Advisory Council. You can reach Steve at steve@ alamore.org.
valleysentinel.com
May 2018 Sponsored Content
Suffering from Sciatica? There’s hope By Dr. Niele Maimone, DC
The condition known as Sciatica is one of the most common conditions that we treat at Align Healing Center. Some of the typical symptoms of Sciatica are sharp pain in the low back and/or buttocks accompanied by numbness, tingling, aching or burning down the back of the leg. In severe circumstances, weakness in the leg may also be seen. The Sciatic Nerve is large and travels down the back of the leg to the foot. The nerve is buried deep within the muscles of the buttock and leg making it difficult to treat with common physical therapy methods. The Sciatic Nerve is composed of several smaller nerves and originates from the low back. It passes under the piriformis muscle (underneath the main buttock muscles) on its way down the leg. Irritation of the Sciatic Nerve at any point along its path is commonly known as “Sciatica”. Understanding Sciatica Let’s talk about nerves for a moment. Nerves are the electrical wiring of the human body. They carry the signals that allow us to move, feel, digest, detoxify, respond to our environment, and so much more. Plain and simple, if the nerves do not work the body will not work. That being said, HAWK from page 1
along creeks and rivers when available. The majority of nests in the county, perhaps as many as 80%, are in Eucalyptus trees. The Red-Shouldered Hawk is perhaps the most vocal of all our raptors. While courting or defending territories, the distinctive, screaming “‘kee-aah” call is repeated several times. Courtship displays consist of the pair soaring together in wide circles while calling and diving at one another. Usually occurring in late morning or early afternoon, the males’ “sky dance” is performed by soaring high in the air, and then making a series of steep dives, each followed by a wide spiral and rapid ascent. The mating season is between April and July with the breeding pair building a stick, platform nest usually in the fork of a tree. Brown to lavender blotched eggs are laid in a clutch of three to
it is important to understand that unlike other tissues, the primary blood supply to nerve tissue is actually located WITHIN the nerve itself. So, if a nerve becomes impinged or compromised, so does the blood supply to the nerve. Without proper blood supply, the nerve does not receive the energy and nutrition that are needed for the nerve to heal. Over time neural impingement leads to a painful chronic condition called Neuropathy. The definition of neuropathy is a disease or injury affecting nerve cells. The common symptoms of Neuropathy include sharp pain, burning, muscular weakness, numbness or tingling either at the site of the nerve injury or wherever the nerve travels. The condition known, as Sciatica is a form of Neuropathy that specifically affects the Sciatic Nerve. What can I do to relieve my Sciatica without drugs or surgery? Since 1999 Align Healing Center has been offering many different modalities to heal Sciatica. We have found that a combination of Class IV laser therapy and spinal decompression offer outstanding results in healing stubborn Sciatica. Class IV Laser Therapy allows the practitioner to stimulate healing within the damaged tissue by delivering the necessary energy directly to the injured area. This
creates an optimal healing environment that reduces pain and inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms and stiffness. In addition to laser therapy we implement spinal decompression to restore spinal disc health. Decompression works by gently stretching the spine, creating a vacuum effect, which can restore disc height and even reduce the severity of bulging disc conditions associated with chronic pain and neurological symptoms. We have found laser and decompression therapy to be most beneficial for patients with pinched nerves, arthritis, herniated discs, and degenerative disc disease. This unique combination of non-invasive therapy offers a chance for realizing a permanent cure. The treatment is finite and typically lasts for about a month. This eliminates the long-term care commitment forced upon patients by other symptomatic sciatica treatments. With proper care and rehabilitation of your spine and nervous system you can be back to your healthy self quickly! Dr. Niele Maimone, DC of Align Healing Center in Danville, CA has been active in natural health & wellness since 1999. For more information or to set up a consult call 925.362.8283 or visit www. alignhealingcenter.com.
four. Incubation is from 28 to 33 days. After hatching, the female broods the nestlings for up to forty days. The male does most of the hunting, but will also incubate and brood occasionally. The young will fledge and leave the nest at about 6 weeks of age, however are dependent upon the adults until they are 17 to 19 weeks old. Sexual maturity is reached between one and two years of age. Some adults may reach 20 years of age, although most live only half that long. Nesting success can be as little as 30% with 50% mortality within the first year. Red-Shouldered Hawks hunt while soaring or from a perch. They sometimes try to flush prey by flying low in surprise attacks. Small mammals, especially rodents, are the most important prey. Locally, voles, gophers, and moles are favorite prey. Occasionally tree squirrels and rabbits are hunted. Red-Shouldered Hawks will
attack birds as large as a pigeon. Sometimes they prey on birds drawn to backyard feeders. Other prey may include amphibians, reptiles (especially small snakes), and large insects. They may cache food near their nest for later consumption. Raccoons, Great Horned Owls and other larger raptors prey upon the eggs, nestlings, fledglings and occasionally adult Red-Shouldered Hawks. Human activity, particularly habitat loss, continues to be the biggest threat to the RedShouldered Hawks’ survival. The lure of the abundant Eucalyptus for nesting RedShouldered Hawks likely bodes well for this species’ continued success in Contra Costa County, even with further degradation of the county’s riparian corridors. James M. Hale is a wildlife biologist based in Contra Costa County. Please visit his website at www.dochale.com
page 5 The Second (Indianhead) Division Association is searching for anyone who served in the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division at any time. For information about the association and our 97th annual reunion in Jacksonville, Florida from September 19 - 23, 2018, contact Mike Davino at 2IDA.PAO@charter.net, visit www.2ida.org/2018-reunion or call 919-498-1910.
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THE VALLEY SENTINEL
May 2018
valleysentinel.com Sponsored Content
Springtime in the Regional Parks
Integrated Tax Planning
By Beverly Lane, President, East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors
From an easy stroll with a picnic stop to more strenuous treks listed in the Trails Challenge program, there are plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities close to home in the East Bay Regional Parks. Let’s start with an easy outing. Naturalist Kevin Dixon will lead a nature walk from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 19, along the banks of Pine Creek at Castle Rock and Diablo Foothills Regional Parklands in Walnut Creek. Bring picnic food for lunch in a quiet, secluded locale. Pine Creek runs through a canyon that is overlooked by the impressive Castle Rock formations, where prairie and peregrine falcons nest. Wildflower displays are great in the spring. While you’re at Castle Rock, check out Castle Rock’s swimming pool, ballfield and picnic grounds. It’s a great park to visit when the weather gets warmer. To join Kevin on the walk, meet at the Orchard Staging Area. It’s at the end of Castle Rock Road in Walnut Creek,
about a mile past Northgate High School. Call 510-544-2750 for information about the hike. Another beautiful regional park is Del Valle, located at the end of Del Valle Road about 10 miles south of Livermore. With its five-mile lake and extensive trail system, Del Valle is great for hiking, swimming, camping boating and fishing. Basic day parking fee is $6 per vehicle. A good introduction to the park’s offerings is “Lakeside
Cup of Joe,” a program hosted by the park’s naturalists from 9 to 10 a.m. every Saturday from May 5 through June 30 at the park visitor center. The naturalists will talk about what fish are biting, what wildlife has been seen, and what programs are on schedule for the weekend. Call 510-544-3249 for information. For more adventurous hikers, Del Valle is also the gateway to the Ohlone W i l d e r n e s s Tra i l , w h i c h extends for about 30 miles through four regional
parklands between Livermore and Fremont. It’s the most remote and beautiful trail in the East Bay. Speaking of trails, a great way to explore new regional parks is the District’s Trails Challenge program. It’s a free, self-guided program offered in partnership with Kaiser Permanente and the Regional Parks Foundation. To p a r t i c i p a t e, j u s t download a guidebook from the District website, www. ebparks.org, or pick one up at a District visitor center. The guidebook describes excursions in 20 regional parks and trails, ranging from easy to challenging. The trails are open to hikers, bicyclists, dogs and equestrians, and many are wheelchair accessible. To complete the challenge, hike any five of the trails or 26.l2 miles of trail by Dec. 1 of this year. Send in your trail log, and receive a commemorative pin, while supplies last. Some examples: there’s an easy trails challenge hike, the Meadowlark Ridge Loop, at Waterbird Regional Preserve, which is located off I-680 near Martinez. For a moderate workout, take the Squirrel Gulch/Ridgeline/Eagle Crest route at Del Valle. And for the most challenging, take the loop hike that starts at the Ringtail Cat Trail at the end of Hemme Avenue in Alamo. So in sum, May is a great month for exploring your regional parks. And the May/ June edition of Regional In Nature, the Park District’s calendar of events, will help you decide where to go and what to do. It is available online at the District website. See you on the trails!
315 Cortsen Road in Pleasant Hill • • • •
Heritage classes for children School field trips Sustainable gardening classes Displays of items from the Pleasant Hill Historical Society • Meetings and events Rodgers Ranch is a Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District property and Pleasant Hill’s only historic site. We are a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501c3 organization
Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center in Pleasant Hill is creating a brick pathway in front of our 150 year old farmhouse. Cement your place in history with an engraved brick to honor or remember family or loved ones, or highlight a business or organization.
Barn Wood for Sale Call Chris at (925) 890-4482
Information and an order form for the brick(s) can be found at
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For more information please contact us at 925-937-3677 or visit www.rodgersranch.org
By Robert Cucchiaro
N ow t h a t t a x s e a s o n is over (unless you are on extension) if you are like most people, you will not think about taxes again until early 2019. If you are an affl uent family with a high income and/or lots of assets, this would be a big mistake and one that could cost you thousands. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was passed on December 22, 2017 making our already complex tax code even more onerous and complex. And while for some lower earning families the new tax code will simplify things, for those of us in CA with high incomes the new tax code will just do the opposite. The good news is if you get started soon, you will have plenty of time to navigate the new rules and potentially come out ahead on next year’s returns. Here are 5 things to consider when assessing your individual situation: 1. Do you own an asset that creates lots of income? Let’s say you own an apartment building that creates lots of income which you pay taxes on each year. Under the new tax code the amount one can gift without gift tax has doubled. This asset could be partially gifted to family members (kids/grandkids) in lower tax brackets who could benefit from this income and pay less in taxes than you do. 2. D o y o u h a v e a n asset that has appreciated significantly since it was purchased? Over the past 9 years both the stock and the real estate markets have grown like weeds, benefitting many of us here in the Bay Area. However now that means you may be sitting on an asset that you’d like to sell but doing so would trigger a big capital gains tax bill. There is a strategy, the complexity of which is beyond the scope of this article, where one can gift an asset and later receive it back all while potentially eliminating the capital gains taxes that would normally be due upon sale.
3. Do you have both pretax investments (401K/IRA) and after tax investments (brokerage account, trust account)? Let’s say you have 2 investment accounts, an IRA and a Trust account. Both are balanced and contain a mix of stocks & bonds. From a tax perspective, this could be less than ideal. There is a concept called ‘asset location’ where you use the tax nature of an investment to decide if it should be held in your IRA vs. your Trust account. Not doing this already, well it could cost you up to 0.50% per year based on a study done by Ernst & Young. And on a $1,000,000+ portfolio, that’s $5,000 per year in unnecessary taxes. 4. Do you give money to charity? Charitable donations have always been an itemized deduction. But under the new tax code many individuals won’t itemize their taxes, and therefore will lose this valuable tax break. There are 2 smart ways to avoid this happening to you, donor advised funds and directing required minimum distributions (RMDs) straight to charity. 5. Do you own your own business? Last but not least, you may be eligible for a 20% deduction on qualified business income from a partnership, S corporation or sole proprietorship based on the new tax laws. The rules here are very complex so don’t count on this break as an automatic. Careful planning must be done to see if you qualify and if not, how you could qualify for this break. If you are unsure whether or not your tax bill can be lowered, give us a call or send us an email and we will analyze your taxes for you. 925-9271900 or rob@swrpteam.com Robert Cucchiaro is a Certified Financial Planner and owner of Summit Wealth & Retirement, a financial planning firm that has been serving Danville for over 30 years. Rob specializes in retirement, investment, tax, and estate p l a n n i n g . w w w. s u m m i t wealthandretirement.com
valleysentinel.com
May 2018
page 7
Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year finalist at Cal High
Shanna Gagnon, a teacher at California High School in San Ramon, was selected as a finalist for the Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year. Although Shanna Gagnon says that she always wanted to be a teacher, circumstances led
her to first pursue a business career. Her second career as a teacher began, she said, with the realization that she most enjoyed her role mentoring new employees, leading her to earn a teaching credential. Shanna taught history first in the Acalanes and Martinez Unified School Districts until landing at California High School in 2013, where she remains. She says that has found her passion teaching students in the iQuest program, a course where student learning meets the real world through internships. Under Shanna’s leadership, the program has grown to serve more than 100 students each year and more than 60 community partnerships.
“Shanna is one of the remarkable educators who is able to bring learning to life for her students. She believes strongly in connecting students with their passion to prepare them in high school for everything that comes next,” said California High School principal, Sarah Cranford. “Our iQuest students leave Cal High with a vision and direction for their future goals and better prepared than anyone who they will come up against. Shanna’s students enter her classes as high school students and leave as critical thinkers, effective communicators, passionate leaders and selfaware adults,” she added. Shanna is a frequent presenter at school, district,
Never Again: A Conversation on Gun Control with Students at the Forefront Editorial by Veronica Yoo, SRVUSD student
Twenty school shootings. More than sixty people, injured or dead. Then, on February 14, an armed shooter walked onto the campus of Stoneman Douglas High School and killed seventeen people. There was no word that could describe the emotion that swept the nation. A word that could describe anger, frustration, grief, and most importantly the desperation for change. Gun control has been a controversial topic for civilians and politicians alike. Some argue, “Owning a gun is my right”, while others refute that, “The safety of our kids is in jeopardy”. As Ellie Cairns, a senior from San Ramon Valley High, sees it, “The second Amendment right was created when we needed that, because we had local militias. And it was created in time where the world was completely different...the world has changed, laws have changed, amendments have changed and so should the Second.” So across the nation, protestors have taken to the streets to demand change from one institution specifically: the National Rifle Association (NRA). While the NRA emphasizes that it soley supports gun owners and their right to own firearms, the association has mainly received criticism for suspicious ties to government representatives and the resulting lack of action regarding gun control. “The
point of this movement is not to take guns away from law abiding, safe gun owners, it’s to make sure that the people that are going to perpetrate mass shootings do not have access to firearms. I hope that they understand that gun control legislation is a compromise that is needed for the safety of American children”, shares Ce-Lai Fong, a Senior from San Ramon Valley High School. But to any person, the root of the problem remains unclear and quite debatable. Senior Alexandra Castro from San Ramon Valley believes that, “People that have mental issues or the government not taking enough action when they are alerted” are the primary causes. And there are grounds for that belief. More than half of the shootings that occured in the last few years have involved a mentally ill shooter. Adding on, Madeleine Taylor (12th grade student at San Ramon Valley High School) believes “there needs to, in general, be a stronger emphasis on mental health across all racial demographics, as well as gender/sexuality. I believe there are many factors into school shootings and mass shootings including, mental health, pent up anger, and easy access to guns.” This movement seems different, and its passion from its participants is the most noticeable. The “Never Again” movement is led by students of Stoneman Douglas High School, figures like Emma Gonzalez and David Hogg, survivors of the shooting in Parkland, Florida on February 14th. Here in our own community, students and youth are using their voices to advocate for themselves and the cause. “To witness the rise of
youth advocacy in this area of controversy gives me immense pride—pride for our generation and pride for the possibility of a safer future. San Ramon Valley Senior Ella Do, shares that “I feel this movement demonstrates a sincere concern for the future of the next generations and beyond, a concern lacking among many others today who feel their actions have either no consequence or no consequence impactful to their own lives and therefore insignificant.” Most recently, students on campus celebrated the anniversary of the Columbine shooting, reminding all that the fight for a change in law is far from over. “This issue is not black and white,” explains CJ Mack, a senior at San Ramon Valley. “Making a false dichotomy out of this will only cause us to lose more lives.” So the matter of gun control is not a yes-or-no, black-or-white matter. This means that the solution will also be a bit more complicated than the simple banning of assault weapons and AR-15 rifles. But one thing is for sure, some kind of action must be taken. Whether it is more background checks, more administrative action, more protests. Whatever it may take to change the minds of the officials sitting the Capitol building. Because students should not have to go to school with the fear that their lives are endangered, teachers should not have to be armed in their classrooms. The goal of this movement is indeed gun control, but it has become much greater than that. Rather, the “Never Again” movement has become the movement to “raise awareness” and “inspire change”
and community events where she shares her love of learning and her belief in the power of community. In addition to her teaching credential from St. Mary’s College, she has a B.A. in History and Business Economics from U.C. Santa Barbara and a Career Technical Education Credential from UC Berkeley. Shanna and three other educators were chosen by a
committee that reviewed and rated applications for the 21 Teachers of the Year representing public school districts across the county. The two winners are set to be announced during a banquet in Concord on Sept. 27 that will also honor all 21 districtlevel Teachers of the Year from throughout the county.
AWARDS from page 1
trophy, award certificate and gift card. Top category winners included: • “Best Overall” – “Intergalactic Injury,” Produced and Directed by: Carson Foster, Max Begun and Will Candy from Charlotte Wood Middle School • “Best Plot / Storyline” – “ E x t re m e Tr i c k s T V, ” Produced and Directed by: Holden Ivashin and Aidan Linchey from Charlotte Wood Middle School • “Best Acting / Voiceover” – “One Choice,” Produced and Directed by: Vivienne Whyte, Olivia Thorne, Tatum Roberts and Katherine Busselen from Charlotte Wood Middle School • “Best Use of Music” – “Street Smarts Dudes,” Produced and Directed by:Emma Zweidinger, Trinity Wells, Rhandy Weston and Gaby Jimenez from Iron Horse Middle School • “Best Editing” – “Helmet Dork,” Produced and Directed by: Emily Tao a n d D e s t i ny P i n t o f ro m Windemere Ranch Middle School • “Best Use of Special Effects/Animation” – Produced and Directed by: Raymond Wang from Pine Valley Middle School Please view this year’s finalists and for more information, visit www.streetsmarts.com.
the Danville Village Theatre. The “Be Reel!” Video Contest encourages middle school students to work in teams to create 60-second Public Service Announcement videos on a traffic safety theme. This year’s theme was “Gear Up for Safety!” There were 67 video submissions from 206 students (more than double the amount of students from last year) with 21 entries chosen as finalists. City of San Ramon Mayor Bill Clarkson and Town of Danville Mayor Newell Arnerich emceed the event. Student Award presentations were delivered by Candace Andersen, District 2, Contra Costa Board of Supervisors; Ken Mintz, President, San Ramon Valley Unified School District’s Board of Education; Renee Morgan, Councilmember, Tow n o f D a n v i l l e ; J o h n Leonard, Training Captain and Debbie Vanek, Fire and Life Safety Inspector, San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District; Harout Hagopian, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Sunset Development/Bishop Ranch; and Scott Perkins, Councilmember, City of San Ramon. After premiering each of the top 21 finalist videos, the category winning filmmakers were invited on stage to answer questions about their work and presented with a
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Spring Home & Garden
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
Power for the People!
May 2018
valleysentinel.com
May in the Contra Costa Garden By the Contra Costa Master Gardeners
May Garden To Dos General Garden Care Check irrigation: unclog heads, make sure coverage hasn’t changed - repair as required. Change the time on irrigation clocks to water in the early morning. Deep soak trees. Control emerging weeds: hand pick, hoe, pour boiling ALL water over them (carefully) or ANALYSIS & spray with a fatty acid-derived QUOTES ALL herbicide FAMILY such as Safer weed ARE FREE ANALYSIS & and grass OWNED killer. QUOTES Renew mulch. To stop ARE FREE We believe that you should be able to Monitor LOCAL weeds and keep moisture levels your Systems production at all times! BUSINESS consistent, mulches need to be FREE $1,000 Value Monitoring System with every Installation! 3” thick. Keep mulch pulled No Minimum Purchase Required! away from the trunks & root Expires February 28, 2018 Offer expires 12/6/17 crowns of woody plants. Solarize soil in full sun areas where weeds went to seed last year. Aerate lawns, fertilize wa r m s e a s o n g ra s s e s i f 2450 Stanwell Dr. #295, Concord not growing rapidly. Mow www.libertybaysolar.com frequently, leaving grass as 2450 Stanwell Dr. #295, Concord tall as you and your mower www.MyUtilityLiberty.com can stand. We care about our community and we believe Remove in giving back. A portion of each project profit willlawns to save be donated, in your honor, to a water non-profiand t association resources.
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Fruits & Vegetables Thin fruit. Stake or cage tomatoes that were planted last month. Check soil temperature before planting various summer crops. Soil thermometers are available from various suppliers. Plant seeds of beans, corn, melons and okra once soil temperatures are at least 65°F (18.3°C). Successive planting of beans and corn will extend your harvest. Plant seedlings of tomato, eggplant, peppers, squash when soil is warm enough. Plant herbs in full sun with good drainage: basil, chives, oregano, parsley, r o s e m a r y, s a g e, t h y m e, cilantro, marjoram, borage. These do well in containers. Flowers & Landscaping Cut back the foliage of ornamental grasses before new growth emerges. Remove foliage of spring blooming bulbs only after it has turned brown.
Fill it up!
Apply iron chelate to acid-loving plants if chlorotic: citrus, azaleas, camellias, rhododendrons, Pieris. Acidic soil amendments will help lower soil pH. Purchase perennials and interesting annuals if you have enough water to keep them going. Great local sources abound! Garden Pests & Diseases Earwigs: Trap by placing moistened, tightly rolled newspaper or corrugated cardboard in the garden in the evening. In the morning, dispose of the paper and trapped insects. Another method of control is a covered container such as a small margarine tub with holes cut halfway up the sides. Pour in about an inch of soy sauce and a thin layer of vegetable oil in the container. Empty as needed. Remember, they eat aphids and other pests. Fireblight: This bacterial pest affects ornamentals in the rose family: Pyracantha, See GARDEN page 9
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Spring Home & Garden valleysentinel.com
May 2018
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
page 9
The Rancher Kitchen Grows Up By Steven Wynn
The casual, modest ranch-style house was the defining element of nearly every tract development built in the valley after World War II, especially in the 1950s and 1960s. Boxy and functional, they became the archetype of a growing middle class. Kitchens and baths were frugal, “just enough,” and never overdone. Today, we watch as our neighborhoods are being transformed, with many of the old ranchers remodeled, enlarged, or simply razed f o r s o m e t h i n g n e w. We prefer a more open plan, and sophisticated aesthetic. We expect designer kitchens where family and friends gather – not the utilitarian kitchen that hid its workaday life from guests. Put simply, we’ve outgrown much of what the original rancher provided. Calls to help with transforming a rancher are the most common we receive. And while some of our projects
are tear-downs and radical makeovers, most are more modest improvements, often starting at the kitchen. When taking on this challenge, I remind clients of the enduring q u a l i t i e s o f t h e ra n c h e r that are worth preserving – comfortable proportions, a warm aesthetic, and efficient use of space. And, humility – it’s the life within that paints the canvas, not the other way around. Ta k e t h i s D a n v i l l e Westside rancher seen in the photographs, for example. The original kitchen possessed not a single cabinet more than what was practical at the time. Ceramic tile floor and counters were the epitome of frugality and function. And the whole, small space was completely walled off from adjoining living spaces. A s u c c e s s f u l transformation required a larger space, easily achieved by opening and combining the kitchen with the dining room. We kept it all informal
and efficient, true to the spirit of the rancher. While the style is updated to a modern farmhouse aesthetic, it retains the warmth, modesty and character of the delightful original house. Best of all, it need not cost a fortune. Here, a simple, wooden kitchen table stands in place of an expensive island. Not only does this save money, but it contributes to an overall more open feel. One of my favorite books is How Buildings Learn, by Stewart Brand (Viking, 1994). In it, Brand proposes that buildings “adapt best when constantly refined and reshaped by their occupants, and that architects can mature from being artists of space to becoming artists of time.” He offers dozens of “then and now” photographs to prove his point. I agree with Brand, with much of my career spent adapting buildings for future generations. For your rancher, it’s never too late to teach it a few new tricks – all while preserving the spirit of the original. And there’s no better place to start than the kitchen.
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GARDEN from page 8
Cotoneaster, flowering pear, crabapple, mountain ash, hawthorne and fruit trees (apple, pear and quince). Prune to remove affected branches. Fruit tree borers: Paint trunks of fruit trees with 50/50 mix of white latex paint and water. The paint can often be picked up for free at the hazardous waste recycling center at Central Sanitary. Gophers: Ultrasonic devices, chewing gum, hair, urine, kitty litter and all the other “great” home remedies are ineffective. Snails & Slugs: Control with hand-picking, yeast traps or iron phosphate baits. Snapdragon rust: Forms unsightly dark brown or rust colored pustules or blisters
on the leaves and stems. Keep your plants growing vigorously by watering and feeding properly. Other pests common in May include aphids, scale, powdery mildew, and coyotes. See below for UC IPM Pest Note links. Master Gardeners are trained volunteers for the U n i v e rs i t y o f C a l i f o r n i a Cooperative Extension (UCCE). They provide University of California research-based horticultural information to the citizens of California through their volunteer efforts as Master Gardeners. It is the acquisition of knowledge, the skill in gardening, and giving back to the community that distinguishes a Master Gardener from other gardeners. For more information visit ccmg.ucdavis.edu.
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Senior Services page 10
valleysentinel.com
May 2018
How Medicare covers kidney disease By Greg Dill
Did you know that one in three American adults is at risk for kidney disease? Major risk factors for kidney disease include diabetes, high blood
pressure, a family history of kidney failure, and being age 60 or older. The best way to fight kidney disease is to find it before trouble starts. But if you’ve already been diagnosed, Medicare can help you make informed decisions about your care. The kidneys are two beanshaped organs. Each kidney is about the size of a fist. Your kidneys filter extra water and
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go for care. If you’re already on dialysis, it’s also important to understand the quality of care that your dialysis center delivers. Medicare’s Dialysis Facility Compare website ( w w w. m e d i c a r e. g o v / dialysisfacilitycompare) lets you easily search for dialysis centers, compare them side by side, and find the right one for you. You also can see how dialysis patients responded to survey questions about their dialysis center, their kidney doctor, and the center’s staff. Dialysis Facility Compare provides information on more than 6,500 centers throughout the United States. The website assigns each facility from one to five stars, based on the quality of its patient care. Five stars is the highest rating. Dialysis Facility Compare is one of many sources of information you can use when deciding where to get dialysis. When you’re looking for a dialysis center that’s right for you, talk to your doctor and dialysis center staff about what this information means and how you can use it to make health care decisions. You can protect your kidneys by preventing or managing health conditions that cause kidney damage, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. The steps described below may help keep your
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Hospice | Home Health
wastes out of your blood and make urine. Kidney disease means your kidneys are damaged and can’t filter blood the way they should. If you experience kidney failure, treatments include dialysis or kidney transplant. Other kidney problems include acute kidney injury, kidney cysts, kidney stones, and kidney infections. If you have Stage IV chronic kidney disease that will usually require dialysis or a kidney transplant, Medicare covers up to six kidney disease education sessions that teach you how to take the best possible care of your organs. Topics include how to prevent complications of kidney disease, what to eat and drink, and what options you have if your kidneys get worse, like dialysis and kidney transplants. Here’s more information about how Medicare covers dialysis and transplants: www. medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/10128Medicare-Coverage-ESRD.pdf. If you or a loved one has advanced kidney problems requiring dialysis, often known as End-stage Renal Disease (ESRD), finding the right care can be a challenge. Dialysis centers can vary in the quality of care and services they provide, so it’s important to understand the differences in dialysis centers in your area before you decide where to
whole body healthy, including your kidneys. During your next medical visit, you may want to ask your health care provider about your kidney health. Early kidney disease may not have any symptoms, so getting tested may be the only way to know your kidneys are healthy. Your health care provider will help decide how often you should be tested. See a provider right away if you develop a urinary tract infection (UTI), which can cause kidney damage if left untreated. Choose foods that are healthy for your heart and your entire body: fresh fruits, fresh or frozen vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Eat healthy meals, and cut back on salt and added sugars. Aim for less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium each day. Try to have less than 10 percent of your daily calories come from added sugars. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases offers tips on making healthy food and lifestyle choices here: www.niddk.nih. gov/health-information/kidneydisease/chronic-kidney-diseaseckd/prevention Greg Dill is Medicare’s regional administrator for Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and the Pacific Territories. You can get answers to your Medicare questions by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1800-633-4227).
Alzheimer’s is our nation’s most expensive disease, and arguably one of the most devastating. 650,000 people live with Alzheimer’s in California today, and three times that many family members provide unpaid care to a person with Alzheimer’s. Dementia is not just an issue for seniors anymore; we must take action locally and nationally to ensure that this disease exists only in history books for future generations. When my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s several years ago, I became her long-distance caregiver, which was quite difficult. Now, I have two friends in San Ramon who I am advocating for through their journeys: one with early onset Alzheimer’s in her 60s and another the mother of a 40-yearold who has been diagnosed with the disease. Having access to support services for their
caregivers and those with Alzheimer’s is so important as they deal with this difficult disease. The bipartisan policies that the Alzheimer’s Association supports directly support families facing Alzheimer’s here in the Tri Valley. For example, in January 2017, CMS adopted the Health Outcomes, Prevention, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer’s Act, which allows physicians to bill Medicare for care planning services once a diagnosis has been made. This allows persons with dementia to choose how and where they receive care while they still can. Every individual with a dementia diagnosis should ask their doctor to help them plan for the future and connect with local resources. The Alzheimer’s Association is also working to advance the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act (H.R. 4256), which would
allow the CDC to work with state health departments to educate consumers and providers on the benefits of early detection and diagnosis. We are grateful that Congressman Swalwell has cosponsored the BOLD Act, and continue to work with Congress on a bipartisan basis to ensure this bill passes. I am also appreciative of Congressman Swalwell for meeting with local residents with Alzheimer’s, their caregivers, and supportive friends to ask what they need. C a ro l e B re k k e i s a n Alzheimer’s Congressional Team Ambassador for CA District 15. Anyone facing Alzheimer’s, whether they live with the disease or care for a loved one affected, should contact the Alzheimer’s Association at 800272-3900 or stop by their office in Lafayette. The Association is a 24/7 helpline, care consultation services, support groups, and online resources at www.alz. org/norcal.
Senior Services valleysentinel.com
We’ve Got To Talk! By Sharon Moody Iversen
“The French think death is inevitable. The British think death is imminent. Americans think death is optional. “ As all jokes do, the statement above contains a grain of truth. We Americans have never been very rational about death. We often hope for a Hollywood ending and tend to ignore discussion or planning for our own mortality. That fact results in the following statistic: 82% of Californians say it’s important to put end of life wishes in writing but fewer than 37% of us have done so. If you have completed an Advance Directive (“AD”), good for you! An AD gives us the opportunity to write down our wishes about endof-life choices while we are still cognitively able to do so and to choose an agent to carry out these wishes if and when we lose capacity. You may have even given copies to your agent and physician. But those steps may still not be enough to ensure that your wishes will be followed. And perhaps you haven’t really given much thought to what those wishes are. “Can’t I just trust my caregivers and loved ones to decide?” Most ADs are written in general and nonspecific language and, while those statements appear clear enough on paper, they don’t often provide our loved ones, agents and even physicians clear directions when the choice of treatment or situation is more nuanced, which most are. Right now you’re probably asking yourself, “Well, how can I predict these nuanced situations? How do I know what I will suffer from? Can’t I leave it to caregivers?” Of course you can and most Americans do. But consider this: Studies have shown that loved ones named as agents in advanced directives or who are asked to provide direction to physicians are often too emotionally wrought to do so or are unavailable to evaluate the burden and benefit of suggested treatments. These same studies have shown that family members tended to make choices of over treatment even when they had reviewed their loved one’s advance directive. Physicians are only about 65% accurate in predicting patient preferences and tend to make errors of under treatment… even after reviewing a patient’s advanced directive.
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“So, how do I know what will matter to me at the end of my life?” You might ask yourself two simple questions: “What would be of most value to me at the end of my life? What would be least tolerable?” If the ability to talk with family is most valuable to you, you may question being placed permanently on a ventilator. If you believe that the inability to speak, feed or toilet yourself might be least tolerable, you might consider a Do Not Resuscitate order more readily if a stroke left you permanently disabled and aphasic. “What’s a good time for a talk?” Have the discussion with loved ones now while you are healthy and again when you are faced with a threatening disease, condition, or extreme old age. Pick a time and place conducive to discussion. Ask them to listen and to suspend judgment. Indicate that you will listen to them in return (suspending judgment). In addition to my preferences for the end of my life, I want my children to have a road map from my physician(s). The questions, “Where are we going with this treatment? And why?” should be asked each time a new form of treatment is suggested. “What is the range of treatment choice?” “If my mother survives, what does her future look like?” “Can you do what I’m asking?” The most important blank on the advance directive form is “Designation of Agent,” the person you choose to speak for you when you are no longer able to speak for yourself. Most choose their spouse, significant other, or child. But think carefully. Can your agent do what you’re asking them to do? I want my agent to act consistently with my wishes. I may want him to pull the plug on my life support machine. If he can’t do what you ask without a lifetime of guilt or remorse, you may need to reconsider your choice of agent. Current copies of your AD should be given to your agent, all physicians, and facilities to which you are admitted. California maintains an Advance Health Care Directive Registry, which allows your AD to be registered and your healthcare providers/ agent to have access to it (see www/sos.ca.gov/registries/ advance-health-care-directive). Sharon Moody Iversen is a nurse and health care attorney
The Eighth Annual Hike for Hope
Enjoy the outdoors and hike for a good cause Gather your family, friends and co-workers or come solo for Hope Hospice’s eighth annual Hike for Hope on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at Del Valle Regional Park in Livermore. Hikers are invited to pack a lunch and stay afterwards for a family picnic. Participants can check-in and start their hike from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. then start their picnic when they return. The event ends at 1:30 p.m. The Hike for Hope is a memorial hike and fundraiser. All net proceeds enable Hope Hospice to continue nearly 40 years of providing comfort and compassion to patients and their families at the end of life. Hope Hospice relies on the generous support of the event hikers and the community to make this fundraising effort a success. Two trail options are available for Hike for Hope participants. One is an easy 2.6 mile roundtrip route (which is easily shortened) traveling along the lake, turning around at the Hetch Hetchy Group Camp. The other route is a 4.4 mile hike with a moderate incline. It follows along the Ridgeline and Hetch Hetchy trails, providing spectacular
views of the valley, lake and surrounding hills. Hikers can form teams for fun, to build camaraderie or engage in a spirited competition with other organizations and businesses. Early registration fee for the Hike for Hope is $45 after May 4. Children 12 years and younger may hike for free, but must register. Hikers can register by going to TheHikeForHope.com or by calling Hope Hospice at 925-829-8770 for a printed registration form. “The Hike for Hope raises funds for Hope Hospice, and the net proceeds are used to care for the more than 2,000 area residents we serve each year,” says Bob Boehm, CEO of Hope Hospice. “The hike provides an opportunity to celebrate the joy our loved ones brought us, and we encourage hikers to bring photos or mementos of their special person with them,” he adds. Del Valle Regional Park is located in Livermore. The centerpiece of the park is a 5-mile long lake that is surrounded by approximately 5,000 acres of beautiful land for hiking.
Hope Hospice is grateful to the many local sponsors who are supporting this event including Hitachi Vantara, Graham Hitch Mortuary, Heritage Bank of Commerce, Pleasanton Emergency Medical Group, MCE Corporation, Bradley Tanks Inc., Sensiba San Filippo and media sponsors KKIQ Radio and Diablo Magazine. For sponsorship information or to learn more, visit TheHikeforHope.com and learn more about the event. Hope Hospice helps patients and their families live each day to the fullest by providing quality end-of-life hospice care, home health care, grief support and community education. As a communityled, non-profit organization, Hope Hospice offers services regardless of insurance, income status or nation of origin or religion. Staff is available 24/7. Hope Hospice is accredited by the Joint Commission, licensed by the State of California Department of Health Services and Medicare/ Medi-Cal certified. Learn more at HopeHospice.com or contact us at (925) 829-8770.
Holocaust Survivor Henry Drejer Honored by Assemblywoman Catharine Baker On April 23, Assemblywoman Catharine Baker, representing California’s 16th Assembly District, met and honored Henry Drejer, a Holocaust survivor living at The Reutlinger Community (TRC), a senior housing facility in Danville. His family was also in attendance to mark the occasion. “It is both humbling and fitting to honor Henry Drejer as we observe Holocaust Remembrance Week. Henry’s skill in tailoring and singing saved his life in the camps. We have a responsibility to learn from these stories, to share them with younger generations, and never to allow this horrible past to be repeated,” said Assemblywoman Baker regarding the Holocaust. Holocaust Remembrance Day and Week has been celebrated annually for the past 16 years at the California State Capitol. The Assembly’s Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony honors Holocaust survivors, liberators, and children of survivors. This ceremony memorializes the horrific atrocities committed
during this dark chapter in history and honoring the bravery and fortitude of the survivors and liberators of the Holocaust. This year’s honoree from the 16th district, Henry Drejer, was born on March 15, 1924 in Slupca, (pronounced: slootza,) in the district of Konin, Poland. As a boy, he took part in a boys
choir and then started to sing solo pieces in his Synagogue. The synagogue was destroyed and burned by the Nazis shortly after German occupation. With the invasion of Germany into Poland, all Jews were barred from attending school. At age 15, Henry was training to become a tailor. He started to work in tailor shops. This training saved Henry’s life
in the camps. He was then rounded up and taken by cattle train to a stone quarry concentration camp called Kraków-Płaszów (Pronounced: Plashov). In 1942, Henry was moved to Mauthausen Concentration Camp. The third year he was moved to Ebensee, a sub camp of Mauthausen. Ebensee was considered one of the most horrific camps. Henry arrived in the US in 1948 from a displaced persons camp set up in Innsbruck, Austria, by the Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and the Red Cross. Henry and his family became U.S. citizens in 1955. He worked as a head tailor at the Emma Domb Textile and clothing industry in San Francisco. At the same time, he became the official Cantor and his synagogue; B’nai Emunah (children of faith). The Reutlinger Community, which recently underwent a $10 million renovation, is located at 4000 Camino Tassajara in Danville and has been caring for the elderly of our community for more that 60 years.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
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For additional Community Events visit: www.ValleySentinel.com Please email information about your events to info@valleysentinel.com May 6 40th Anniversary of the Devil Mountain 5K-10K Run 8am Lace up your running shoes for the 40th anniversary of the Devil Mountain Run on Sunday May 6 at 8am. Join in the fun as hundreds of runners, walkers and elite racers participate in the East Bay’s oldest foot race through the streets of Danville. New this year is the Elite Division of the Mile of Truth is this years Pacific Association USA Track and field Grand Prix Championship event with a $5000 prize purse! Downtown Danville. Event benefits the Discovery Counseling Center. Register at devilmtrun.com. May 9 Start Smart Class Start Smart is a FREE two hour highly impactful interactive traffic safety class designed for drivers or soon to be drivers 15-19 years of age and their parents to discuss the serious laws, obligations, responsibilities, and family expectations that are part of driving a vehicle. The session is from 6:30pm to 9:30pm at the Village Theatre (233 Front Street, Danville). For more information, visit www.facebook.com/CHPGoldenGate. May 13 Mother’s Day Brunch at San Damiano You are welcome to join us for Mass is at 10:00 AM. Brunch will be served after. Cost is $40 for adults, $15 for kids 12 and under. 710 Highland Dr., Danville. Register at www.sandamiano.org or call 925837-9141 x315 May 18 Charity Poker Tournament for Cancer 530-9pm. Join us for a great night of networking and fun. Beginners, we will teach you how to play! All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. Enjoy finger foods and desserts. Bring cash! Buy raffle tickets for a chance to win door prizes donated by sponsors. Donation tickets include a complimentary beverage. Victory Workspace, 1261 Locust St. walnut Creek. For more information call Leslie at (925) 482-8300. May 19 Hike for Hope and Family Picnic 8:30am-1pm. Gather your family, friends and co-workers or come solo for Hope Hospice’s eighth annual Hike for Hope on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at Del Valle Regional Park in Livermore. Hikers are invited to pack a lunch and stay afterwards for a family picnic. Participants can check-in and start their hike from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. then start their picnic when they return. The event ends at 1:30 p.m. May 19 26th Annual Epilepsy Awareness Stroll 8am-1pm. Join us at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom for our 26th Annual Epilepsy Awareness Stroll! This family-friendly event at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is a wonderful opportunity to raise funds, support, and awareness for individuals with epilepsy and their families. Each person needs to raise at least $100, which covers Stroll admission, Stroll T-shirt, Six Flags park admission, plus a continental breakfast and lunch. Event parking is an additional $25 per car, paid to Six Flags. Children two and under are free. May 19 Walk 4 Their Future The Walk 4 Their Future Walkathon is Youth Matters’ largest annual fundraiser which aims to provide a great camping experience for these kids. This year our Walk will occur Saturday, May 19 at Lafayette Reservoir from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm. Our stretch fundraising goal this year is $155,000. 100% of funds raised for this event will go to pay for the costs of the camps. Walk yourself or form a team and set a Fundraising goal! Sign up today on our website at www.walktym.org. We hope to see you there! May 20 Pasta Dinner at San Damiano 4:40-6:30pm. Cost is $15 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under. 710 Highland Drive, Danville. Register at www.sandamiano.org or call (925) 837-9141 May 27 Diablo Region 34th Annual Car Show Come down to the Livery (400 Sycamore Valley Road, Danville) and check out some of the finest cars in the Bay Area! The collection of cars will be out from 8am to 2pm with tacos, live music, and raffle tickets to those attending. For more information, contact Brian Adkins at bpagoride@aol.com. May 28 Memorial Day Ceremony Honor and remember our fallen veterans at Danville’s Memorial Day Celebration. Follow the American flags on Stone Valley Road to Oak Hill Park (3005 Stone Valley Road, Danville), where you’ll enjoy live music, entertainment, and a special ceremony including guest speakers and tributes to past and present service members from 10:30am to 12pm. Bring a picnic lunch and share this patriotic and educational event with the whole family. To learn more, contact Viet Nam Veterans of Diablo Valley, or visit www.vnvdv.com. June 2 & 3 Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce 37th Annual Art & Wine Festival Sat: 11am-7pm, *Sun. 11am-6pm * Beer Garden hours will be extended
in the event of a Warriors’ playoff game. Whether you are a wine connoisseur, a micro-brew lover, an art buff or just interested in lounging in the grass listening to good music, the annual Art & Wine Festival has something for you. The Festival attracts over 100,000 people to the beautiful Heather Farm Park during its two-day run. Enjoy wines from local and regional wineries, as well as beers and malt beverages from major breweries and smaller local microbreweries. Dozens of local restaurants share their favorite delicacies, and 200 artists create a colorful tent city at the festival each year. 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. Volunteer opportunities include; Home Care; Cosmetology; Healing Touch; Reiki; Massage Therapy; Vocalists. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, contact Jill Biggs, RN, at 925-829-8770. Volunteers Needed: Read to Preschoolers Volunteers are needed at childcare centers in Concord, Pittsburg, and West County. The Contra Costa County Library will supply books and resources. For more information, please contact Maureen Kilmurray at 925-927-3288. Alamo Farmer’s Market Every Sunday, Year round 9am-2pm, rain or shine. Fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables, nuts, local honey, live music, delicious varieties of hummus with fresh pita and pita chips. Located in the Alamo Plaza Shopping Center, at Stone Valley Road and Danville Blvd., with convenient parking. Danville Farmer’s Market Every Saturday, Year-round 9am-1pm. Get the freshest seasonal fare at the Danville Certified Farmers’ Market. Railroad & Prospect Avenue, Danville. Information: www.ci.danville.ca.us. (You can make donations of fresh vegetables and fruit for our local food pantries at the Loaves & Fishes Booth at the Danville Farmers Market.) San Ramon Farmers Market Every Saturday & Thursday Year-round Buy fresh, seasonal produce directly from local farmers at San Ramon Farmers Market. Connect with your community while shopping at a festive gathering place with live music! www.SanRamonFarmersMarket. org. Bishop Ranch 3, 2641 Camino Ramon, San Ramon. Canine Companions for Independence Puppy Class each Saturday 10-11am. Become a puppy raiser! The East Bay Miracles Chapter invites you to help train puppies to become assistant dogs for children and adults with disabilities. Athenian High School, 2100 Mt. Diablo Scenic Blvd., Danville. Information: 925-838-3213, cci.org/eastbaychapter Forest Home Farms Historic Park & Glass House Museum– open for Fun on the Farm Every Saturday 11am-2pm. Enjoy tours of the Glass House Museum, the farm and its history. Tours are $5 per person, or $8 for both tours on the same day. 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon. Information: 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 Danville Seniors Unless otherwise noted, the following activities are held at the Danville Senior Center, Veterans Memorial Building, 115 E. Prospect, Danville. For more information call 925-314-3490 or visit www.ci.danville.ca.us/ Recreation/Seniors. Sneaker Trips: The Town of Danville’s Senior Sneakers program is a great way for you to make new friends and get out and around the greater Bay Area. There’s always something new to see and learn. The Danville Area Senior Hikes (DASH) is open to all adults and meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month. The group starts at 8:45am at Osage Park, 816 Brookside Drive, Danville and returns about 1pm. Information: 925-314-3400 or visit www.ci.danville.ca.us/Recreation/Seniors/ Senior_Hiking.
San Ramon Seniors The following events are held at the Alcosta Senior & Community Center, 9300 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon, unless otherwise noted. For more information call 925-973-3250 or visit www.sanramon. ca.gov/parks/programs/ages55+.htm. Wisdom Wednesdays: 10:30am-12pm. Free workshops and informational sessions that will benefit you. They will give you free access to coffee, knowledge and a better understanding of important issues. Information: 925-973-3250. Trips Trip Desk is open Tuesdays from 10am-1pm. Sign up for trips at the travel desk or by depositing payment with registration form in the gold drop box found at the main entryway. Information: 925973-3250. Wednesday Morning Hikes (time and location varies) Join the San Ramon Trailblazers if you are interested in meeting new people, enjoying the outdoors, having fun and getting in shape. To find out the exact meeting location, please call the Senior Center at 925-973-3250 or email trailblazer88@comcast.net. Page Turners Senior Book Group Third Tuesday of the month 1:30pm. Drop in–all are welcome! Copies of this month’s book are on reserve for you at the Dougherty Station Library Front Desk. Book group meets at Alcosta Senior and Community Center, 9300 Alcosta Blvd. Information: Carol Yuke, Adult Services Librarian. 925-973-2850. BUSINESS May 7 Writing and Publishing Books for Profit 9am-11am. Writing a book is a fun and rewarding thing to do, but little consideration is paid towards writing in a manner that will lead to getting their book published and hopefully getting paid for it. This class focuses on the practical considerations associated with writing a book that will ultimately be published and financially successful. CC SBDC, 300 Ellinwood Way, Pleasant Hill in the Bodega Room . For information call Oscar Dominguez at (925) 602-6806. Free May 8, May 14, and May 15 Sales and Marketing of Professional Services: Module 1 May 8 9am -12pm. Sales and Marketing (i.e., Business Development) is essential for any business. Marketing research is the first step in the process (evaluating market conditions, competitors, etc.). Sales is the next component of Business Development and normally the hardest activity for most people. This course has three Modules May 8, 9am-12pm-Module 1: Introduction to Sales and Marketing Concepts May 14, 9am-12pm-Module 2: Business Development strategies and tools for obtaining work . May 15, 2-4pm-Module 3: Business Development tools and sales strategies to allow a person the greatest chance of success. Contra Costa SBDC, 300 Ellinwood Way, Bodega Room, Pleasant Hill. For information call Oscar Dominguez at (925) 602-6806. Free May 10 After Hours Business Mixer 5:30-7pm. Join the Danville area Chamber of Commerce and the local business community at the May after Hours Business Mixer to be held at the Crayon Initiative located at 155 Railroad Ave. Suite E in Danville. Refreshments, Networking, and New Faces! Members $5, Non-members, $10. For more information call the Chamber at (925) 837-4400. May 16 Business Master Mind Class For Women Entrepreneurs-Walnut Creek 6-8pm. Join us for our ongoing meeting of Women Business Owners in Walnut Creek. Get together to network and support each other on the journey of Entrepreneurship. Whether you are just starting your business or have an existing one, this venue can be a great place to learn how to grow your business in the company of other peers like yourself. We will present a different business topic each month, (marketing, branding, financials, taxes, growth strategies and more), with opportunity for discussion, problem-solving and support. Held at Intero Real Estate Services, 590 Ygnacio Valley Rd., Ste. 102, Walnut Creek. Call for info, Mari Lovalvo at 925 437 3303. May 29 Website Building Basics—Building and Publishing your Own Website 9am to Noon. This inspiring and interactive 1-day workshop is suitable for any level of experience or ability. This workshop is designed to introduce you to building and publishing your very own website. Bring your laptop to this workshop for an interactive session and learn; What is Wordpress - Introduction, Setting up a Wordpress Website, Wordpress Themes, Plugins, Menus, How to create or edit pages, How to create or edit blogs articles, and so much more. Contra Costa SBDC, 300 Ellinwood Way, Bodega Room, Pleasant Hill. For information call Oscar Dominguez at (925) 602-6806. Free
Please email your calendar events to the Sentinel at Info@valleysentinel.com by 5pm on the 20th of the month preceding publication month. Inclusion in the calendar pages is at the sole discretion of Sentinel Newspapers, Inc.
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Community Calendar continued from page 12 May 31 Walnut Creek Business and Social Hour (BASH) 5:30-7pm. Join the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce for the MayBASH & Ribbon Cutting, hosted by Omni Fight Club Walnut Creek, located at 1357 S. Main Street in Walnut Creek. Free to all Walnut Creek Chamber Members;. Non-member admission is $20.00 (cash only) and a business card. The BASH is a great opportunity to network with Chamber members, government officials, educators and local businesses. BNI Every Thursday Noon-1:30pm. We are actively looking for new members to refer business to in the trades. We need a plumber, electrician, handyman and cleaning service but are also looking for other professions like property manager, event planner and many others. Mo Mo’s Restaurant, 1444 North California Blvd., Walnut Creek. 925-330-8275 or david@ staff.webquarry.com BBR-Partners for Success 1st and 3rd Tuesdays 12-1pm. One of the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce’s successful Business by Referral groups, Partners for Success meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month to provide concrete business leads to one another. Chamber Conference Room, 117 E Town & Country Drive, Danville. www. danvilleareachamber.com BBR-Sunrise Alliance 2nd and 4th Wednesdays 7:30-8:30am. One of the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce’s successful Business by Referral groups, Sunrise Alliance meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month to provide concrete business CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS California Writers Club: 11am-2pm. New York Times bestselling author Veronica Rossi will present “Life is Fiction and Fiction is Life” at the May 12 meeting of the Mt. Diablo Branch of the California Writers Club (CWC) at Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant, 611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. Sign-in is from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, luncheon 12:00 pm to 12:45, including a short business meeting, and speaker from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Registration is $25 for CWC members, $30 for guests. Reservations at https://cwcmtdiablo.org/current-cwcmt-diablo-meeting. ADAS (Alamo Danville Artist Society) monthly meeting May 8 7:30pm. Live demonstration with collagist Gerri Lum. Meeting held At the Alamo Women’s Club, 1401 Danville Blvd., Alamo for more information visit www.ADAS4art.org. Alamo Danville Newcomers Club 10am-Noon. Are you a new resident of Danville, Blackhawk, Diablo or Alamo, a longtime resident, newly retired or empty nester interested in making new friends and participating in various social activities? The Alamo Danville Newcomers Club is a women’s organization, whose purpose is to enrich the lives of all its members and their families in a sociable manner. Visit www.alamodanvillenewcomers.com Danville Veteran Service Organizations 8am-11am. Every Saturday at Veterans Memorial Building of San Ramon Valley – in Danville – the VSOs jointly host a “Veterans Coffee Social” from 8AM until 11AM… Bring a friend or fellow Veteran and show them the museum - share some social time. Drop In - no reservations – all Veterans welcome… stop for a few minutes - or stay for hours! WW II Vet & Senior Docent Art Gaskns has pastries waiting for you! Please share information about our VMB /SRV Military Museum & Library open daily M-F from 9-3 and it’s free! Tri-Valley Fly Fishers Visitors welcome. Meetings feature speakers who share their knowledge of the sport. Held at 7:00 PM on the first Thursday of every month, September through June at the Livermore-Pleasan-
ton Rod and Gun Club, 4000 Dagnino Road, Livermore, CA 94551. Information: email Roger Perry at President@ Tri-valleyflyfishers.org Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Advances equity for women and girls. AAUW membership is open to all graduates of accredited four year colleges or universities and those holding an Associate Degree. For information contact Soni at 286-1737 for details. Visit daw-ca.aauw.net for meeting dates. Cancer workshops and support groups-Ongoing Most are free. Cancer Support Community, 3276 McNutt Avenue, Walnut Creek. Information / reservations call 925-933-0107 or visit www.cancersupportcommunity.net. Fibro? CFIDS? Chronic Pain? If these are familiar to you, call about the San Ramon Valley support group for people who need support, information, classes and friendship from people who know what it’s like. We like to laugh while getting well. Call 925-837-0510. Hope Hospice Grief Support Groups–Ongoing Hope Hospice provides support to help you understand and manage grief in a way that is healthy and appropriate. Our Grief Support Center is available to all community members at minimal or no cost. Information: visit www.HopeHospice.com or call 925-829-8770. Hospice of the East Bay Support groups and workshops for adults, children and teens experiencing grief after the death of a loved one. Classes will be offered at Hospice’s Administrative Offices: 3470 Buskirk Avenue; Pleasant Hill and the Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation: 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek. Preregistration is required for all groups and classes, except our drop-in group. To register, please call Hospice of the East Bay: (925) 887-5681. Information: www.hospiceeastbay.org RECURRING Mondays: The Walnut Creek Garden Club 9:45am The Walnut Creek Garden Club meets on the second Monday of each month at The Gardens at Heather Farm in the Camellia Room. The center is just off Ygnacio Valley Road at 1540 Marchbanks Drive. Call 925-947-1678 for directions. The business meeting is at 9:45am, socializing time is at 10am, and the program is at 11am. Contact mslittle44@gmail.com for more information. You do not need to be a gardener to join the WCGC! Sons In Retirement (Las Trampas Branch) Monthly Luncheon 11:15am. Meets the third Monday of each month, except for May and December. Make new friends and participate in fun activities. Make $25 luncheon reservations by calling 925322-1160 by the preceding Wednesday. The Clubhouse at Boundary Oak, 3800 Valley Vista Road, Walnut Creek. Information: visit www.branch116.org. Danville Rotary 12pm. Meets every Monday. Black Bear Diner, 807 Camino Ramon, Danville. Information: danvillerotary.org. San Ramon Alzheimer Support Group 7-9pm. Meets the second Monday of each month, except on holidays. Sponsored by the Alzheimer Association. Caregivers of Alzheimer victims can get information on how to help them through this difficult time in life. San Ramon Senior & Community Center, 9300 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon. Information: 925-973-3250 Tuesdays: TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) We meet every Tuesday at St. Timothy’s Office Building, Grace House, Basement 1550 Diablo Rd. Danville CA Our hours: Weigh in 8:15am, meeting is 9:30 - 10:30am. We are a weight loss club. Information, please call Mary Stoneburner, at (925) 837-1882
Danville am Toastmasters 7-8:30am. Want to improve your speaking and presentation skills? Toastmasters can help! Meets every Tuesday in downtown Danville. www.4143. toastmastersclubs.org Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary 7am. Meets every Tuesday morning. Crow Canyon Country Club, Danville. Information: dsvrotary.com. Diablo View Toastmasters 8:15-9:15am. Meets every Tuesday. CMG Mortgage, 4th Floor Conference Room, 3160 Crow Canyon Rd., San Ramon. Information: 4160.toastmastersclubs.org. Divorce Angels 5:30 - 7:30pm Going through a divorce is often a life altering experience, one that can make you feel lost. Divorce Angels is a volunteer organization that can help. We are made up of different professionals within the following industries: Legal, Financial, Real Estate, and Psychology. Our goal is to provide you with practical information so you can confidently move forward in your life. Visit www.divorceangel.com. Join us on the first Tuesday of each month at 5:30 pm at the Danville Area Chamber (117 Town & Country Drive Suite #E ) for help with the issues you are facing. San Ramon Valley Geneological Society 10am. Meets every third Tuesday at the LDS Church, 2949 Stone Valley Road, Alamo. http://srvgensoc.org Walnut Creek Rotary 12:15-1:30pm. Meets every Tuesday. Heather Farms Garden Center, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: rotarywc.org. ARF Pet Loss Support Group 5:30-7pm. Meets second Tuesday of every month. Register with Vicki at 925887-5681 or vickis@hospiceeastbay. org. ARF, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: arf.net. Divorced and Separated Workshop 7- 8:30pm. A new workshop series for divorced and separated people is being held on at St. Joan of Arc Parish, 2601 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon. Contact: Sue at smc9@sbcglobal.net. 925 -819-1809. Prostate Cancer Group 7:30–9pm. Meets 2nd Tuesday of the month. Drop-in prostate cancer group for men and their loved ones. San Ramon Regional Medical Center, South Building, West Day Room. 6001 Norris Canyon Road, San Ramon. Information: 925.933.0107 or www.twc-bayarea.org/ community-programs.html. Wednesdays: Danville Tennis Club (DTC) 6:30-9 PM Wednesday Night Drop-In Tennis at San Ramon Valley High School, 501 Danville Blvd., for men and women of 4.0 level or above (and strong 3.5). Also have USTA teams and social events. Join free at https:// groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/danvilletennisclub/info Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley 12-1pm The Exchange Club meets every 2nd Wednesday at Noon at Faz Restaurant. Lunch included, $20 for members, $25 for non-members. RSVP coachstepper@yahoo.com, 275-2412. Faz is located at 600 Hartz Avenue, Danville 9526. Walnut Creek Toastmasters 7-8:15pm. Meets every Wednesday. 1660 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill. Information: walnutcreek.freetoasthost. net Sons in Retirement (San Ramon Valley chapter) Monthly Luncheon 10:30am; Social Hour, 11:35am meeting and lunch. Meets the 3rd Wed. of each month. Reservations, please email us at www.info@sir128.com by Friday prior to the luncheon. Bridges Golf Club, 9000 S. Gale Ridge Rd., San Ramon. Alamo Rotary 12:15pm. The Club meets on Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m. on a temporary basis, at Forli’s Restaurant, 3160 Danville Blvd, Alamo, at least until mid 2018,
while Round Hill Country Club in Alamo undergoes a remodeling project. Walnut Creek Host Lion’s Club 12:15pm. Meets the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Black Bear Diner, 700 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek. Information: walnutcreeklions.org. Danville Lions Club 6:30pm. Meets the first and third Wednesday at the Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Dr., Danville. Information: Truman Howard 925-7872565 truman.howard@gmail.com San Ramon Valley Rotary 7pm. Meets every Wednesday. Blackhawk Country Club, 599 Blackhawk Club Drive, Danville. Info: sanramonvalleyrotary.com. Blue Star Moms 7-9pm. Meets the second Wednesday of every month to participate in service activities supporting sons/daughters serving in the military. Danville Veterans Memorial Building, 400 Hartz Ave. Information: bluestarmoms.org. Diablo Valley Quilters 7-9pm. Meets the third Wednesday of every month. No charge for guests. Danville Congregational Church, 989 San Ramon Valley Blvd., Danville. Information: diablovalleyquilters.com. Veterans of Foreign Wars 7pm. Meets the third Wednesday of every month. Veterans Memorial Hall, 400 Hartz Avenue, Danville. Information: Post Commander Ernie Petagara at 925362-9806 or vfwpost75.org. Diablo Singles Dance Club 7-10pm. Meets the last Wednesday of every month. Live music, refreshments. Members $8, Guests $12. All welcome. 111N. Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. Danville Toastmasters Club #1785 7:30-9pm. Meets every Wednesday. Room W204 at Diablo Valley College,1690 Watermill Road, San Ramon. Information: danvilletoastmasters1785. com. Thursdays: Danville Alamo Garden Club Meets on the 2nd Thursday of the months between September and June starting at 9:15 am at the Alamo Women’s Club 1401 Danville Blvd, Alamo.. If you have any questions, contact Susan at membershipvp@dagc.us or go to our website: www.dagc.us. The Danville Women’s Club 11am-2pm April 19—Come join us at the Danville Women’s Club located at 242 W. Linda Mesa Drive in Danville. Reservations are required. Contact Bonnie at normbraga99@hotmail.com for your place (free for first-timers!). Seating is limited to 40 people.
San Ramon Valley Newcomers 11:30am-2pm. Meets the third Thursday of every month with a featured guest speaker at a local Tri-Valley restaurant. New and long-time adult residents are welcome. Reservations/ information: susansgotbling@sbcglobal.net or www.srvnc.com. Rotary Club of San Ramon 11:45am. Meets every Thursday. Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville. Information: sanramonrotary.org. San Ramon Valley Kiwanis Club Thursdays at Noon. Black Bear Diner, 807 Camino Ramon, Danville. www. kiwanis-srv.org Clutterers Anonymous 7-8pm. Meets the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month. St. Luke’s Lutheran Church Room 3, 2491 San Miguel Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: 925-736-8627. Diablo Valley Lions Club 7:30pm. Meets the 1st, 3rd, and 4th Thursday of every month. 1400 Montego Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: diablovalleyca.lionwap.org. Fridays: Transitions-“Navigating Life’s Turning Points Together” 9-11:30am. Our mission is to encourage and support women from empty nest, to aging parents and everything in between. Community Presbyterian Church, Room 116, 222 W. El Pintado Rd., Danville. Information: Contact Donna Hill at hillmom3@comcast.net Saturdays: Diablo Region of the Porsche Club of America 7:30-9am. Meets every Saturday. Buttercup Bar and Grill, 660 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. Information: diablo-pca.org. Parkinson’s Disease Support Group 9am-12pm. Meets every 3rd Saturday. Join us to share, laugh, and learn from each other. Grace Presbyterian Church, 2100 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. General questions may be directed to Co-Chairs Lance Gershen, (925) 932-1028; or Abraham Raja, (925) 304-2064.Web site: www.pnmd. net
Classifieds HELP WANTED Treasury Analyst: Master’s in Finance or rltd. & 2 yrs. rltd. exp. CV to: Bank of the West, careers@ bankofthewest.com. Position in San Ramon, CA.
Community News & Information Danville • Blackhawk Alamo • Diablo • San Ramon Publisher/Editor-Denise Rousset Chief Financial Officer-Jeff Gummere Graphic Designer-Laurie Prindle Auto-David & Judy Colman Intern-Veronica Yoo, SRVHS
925-820-6047
542 San Ramon Valley Blvd., #A Danville, CA 94526 www.valleysentinel.com
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THE VALLEY SENTINEL May 2018
valleysentinel.com
County Veterans Services Offers Outreach Programs By Candace Andersen. Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors
We care about the veterans in our community. Each year, more than a quarter of a million Americans leave active military service. Some will have returned from active duty abroad wounded in some way. Most will be facing the challenge of finding work or learning new skills. The transition to civilian life can be a very difficult process, and Contra Costa County’s Veterans Service Office is constantly looking for ways to help. Our County is home to more than 50,000 veterans, and we have expanded our outreach efforts considerably over the past few years to provide even more resources, programs, and assistance to veterans and their families. Outstations in Danville, San Pablo and Brentwood now supplement services delivered at the main office in Martinez. The County Veteran Services Office is constantly creating new ways to reach out to veterans in need. With veterans of the Baby Boomer generation rapidly aging, they are vulnerable to the dangers that come from scams targeting the elderly.
This threat is a high priority for our Veterans Services Officers. A survey found veterans are twice as likely to be victims of scams than their non-veteran peers. Veterans are targeted for their federal VA benefits. Scams targeting the Disability Pension with Aid and Attendance are especially prevalent. A scammer will often approach an assisted living facility to get on the activities calendar. They use charm, food, trigger words, and present themselves as a “VA Attorney” or “VA Sales Representative.” Financial predators, armed with limited knowledge about the complex process, sell unsuitable deferred annuities and irrevocable living trusts to a Veteran or surviving spouse to get them qualified for federal benefits. The VA disability pension program is for low income veterans with 90 days of service (1 day in a war era), 65 years old or totally and permanently disabled. There is an asset limit of generally $80,000 (not including a home or vehicle). The scam will get Veterans who have moderate to high wealth to sign over their assets leading them to believe that they will then qualify for the federal program. Often the predator will not even submit the proper VA form promised because he is not accredited to do so, and vanish with a Veteran’s life savings.
Our Veterans Service Office is actively working to stop the financial abuse of older veterans. We have also partnered with the Institute on Aging (IOA) in San Francisco and their Veterans Benefits Protection Project (VBPP), the California Attorney General, and the California Department of Insurance. The County Veterans Service Office, located at 10 Douglas Dr., #100 in Martinez provides respectful advocacy and representation to the veteran’s community regarding earned entitlement rights to federal and state benefits as a well as services for veterans and their families. The VBPP is a coalition working to fight against the financial exploitation of elderly veterans and to educate the veteran community, assisted living facilities leadership/ staff, and their families on the dangers of scams and how they target Veterans. Another great County program assisting veterans debuted in 2014. Veterans’ Voices is a live, interactive talk show hosted monthly by our County Veterans Service Officer Nathan Johnson. Produced at the Contra Costa TV (CCTV) studios in Martinez, Veterans’ Voices focuses on the issues veterans face as they transition back to civilian life. Each month Nathan and co-host Kevin Graves, whose son was
killed in Iraq in 2006, focus on a specific topic, bring in guests, and take calls, emails, and live chat messages from viewers. Funded by a state mental health grant, the awardwinning show hears directly from veterans about what their needs are and how to best connect with them. If you have questions or want to suggest ideas for the show, you can contact our Veterans Service Office at 925-313-1481. Veterans’ Voices airs on the third Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m., on CCTV, and replays on Saturdays at 9:00 a.m., Mondays at 7:00 p.m. and Wednesdays at 11:00 p.m. CCTV can be found on Comcast Channel 27. You can also stream online or watch any of the previous
episodes at the Veterans’ Voices website, www.contracosta. ca.gov/5163/Veterans-Voices. If you or a Veteran you know needs assistance in filing for any veteran’s services, please contact the main office at (925) 313-1481, or visit online at www.co.contra-costa. ca.us/1557/Veterans-Service. 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.
San Ramon Valley Kiwanis Foundation Awards $35,500 in Grants The Museum of the SRV, We
The San Ramon Valley Kiwanis Foundation has awarded over $35,500 in grants to 26 area non-profit agencies this year. The grants will be presented at the club’s annual grants Breakfast ceremony, to be held on May 17th 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 $1,035,000 through their grants program since 1995. This year, Grant amounts ranged from $500 to $2,000, including a grant to the San Ramon Valley Educational Foundation for Michael J. Tomcik, M.D., Board Certified Dermatologist distribution to worthy school projects that the Education Foundation identifies. We are pleased to announce: Other recipients include: Agape Villages Foster Family Agency, Assistance Leagues of Amador Valley and Diablo With over 13 years of skin care and lasering Valley, Canine Companion for Independence, Child experience, Tamar’s services include: Abuse Prevention Council of IPL/BBL (Take out redness & sun damage) CCC, Court Appointed Special Advocates Program of Laser Hair Reduction CCC, Diablo Valley Quilters, Skin Tyte Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area, Hearing Loss Micro Laser Peels Association of America-Diablo Microdermabrasion Valley Chapter, Hope Hospice, Peels/Facials Inc., Hospice of the East Bay Loaves & Fishes of Contra Jane Iredale Mineral Make-Up Costa, Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach, Mobility Matters, Moment by Moment, Monument Crisis Center, National Coalition Against Michael J. Tomcik, MD Prescription Drug Abuse, Nayeli 101 Park Place, Suite 101 AdvAnced LAser Board Certified Dermatologist Over 35 years experience Faith Foundation, San Ramon skin cAre center San Ramon, CA 94583 101 ParkHistoric Place Medical Group, iNc. Foundation, SonRise San Ramon www.SanRamonDerm.com Equestrian Foundation, St. 925-743-1488 www.SanRamonDerm.com Timothy's Episcopal Church, Sunflower Hill, Teen Esteem, Introducing Ultherapy
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Care Services for Children, White Pony Express 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 the Kiwanis Club has been organizing and conducting 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. Kiwanis is a global 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. More than 600,000 Kiwanis improve the world around them by addressing needs in their communities and pooling their resources to address worldwide issues. Through these efforts, Kiwanis International truly is “Serving the Children of the World”. Additional 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 and find out more about the organization.
AUTO March 2009 May 2018
valleysentinel.com
2018 Honda Fit 5-Dr Sport By David and Judy Colman
We wouldn’t have liked the Fit half as much as we did if Honda had equipped it with the available CVT transmission. Instead, they provided us with a Fit worthy of the name Sport - thanks to its lovely, quick shifting, beautifully weighted 6-speed manual gearbox. This diminutive, 2,625lb. 5 door sedan reminds us in many ways of the first sports car we ever drove - a 1959 Austin Healey “Bugeye “ Sprite. Like that Sprite, the Fit reacts instantly to steering input, makes the most of its gas saving 130hp output, and most importantly, provides every bit as much joy in driving as that long lost Austin Healey. In an automotive landscape increasingly occupied by overweight, over-complicated, remote control slot cars, the Fit Sport stands virtually alone today as a talisman embodying the best attributes of cars from a simpler era. The more so-called improvements manufacturers ladle into the mix, the heavier
the ends become. Since curb weight is the enemy of good handling, these complex vehicles respond fitfully to your driving inputs because they filter your commands through synthetic electronics. By contrast, this Honda is a fly weight by today’s automotive standards. Consequently, it will out-handle sports sedans costing four times more than its list price of just $18,390. Beyond providing enthusiasts with the kind of driving challenge they relish, however, the Fit Sport suffices in many other ways as a successful transportation tool. With its wide opening tailgate door, flat loading floor, and fold down rear seats, the available 13 cubic feet of storage space can accommodate a wide variety of loads. You could even go so far as to call the Fit an SUV because it will handle a trip to Home Depot with ease. If you chose not to haul goods, the 5 door Fit will easily transport 4 adults in acceptable comfort, or even 5 bodies in a pinch.
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However, with a full passenger load, you will find yourself rowing the gearbox with great deliberation to extract every last bit of performance from the 1.5 liter “Earth Dreams” in-line 4. Out on the Freeway, tooling along at 70mph in sixth gear, the Fit is spinning its motor at a rather elevated 3300rpm, which makes for a noisy cruise since there’s little soundproofing in the cabin. Also be forewarned that if you need to pull off a pass at that speed, sixth gear will not suffice for instant acceleration. You’ll need to downshift to fifth or fourth for the needed poke. But given the lightness of the clutch and the precision of the gear slots, downshifting to complete a pass presents a thoroughly enjoyable challenge. One of the little secrets most Fit owners will never know is that their bargain Honda is powered by the same delectable engine that the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) has chosen for its toughest competition class, Formula F. The “F” once stood for “Ford” but since Ford long ago ceased building that
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powerplant, Honda became the provider of choice for this incredibly competitive worldwide class of racing. Perhaps that’s why Honda provides the Fit Sport with a brightly illuminated tachometer that zings all the way to redline at 7000rpm when you apply full throttle. The test Fit was shod with decent Firestone rubber, FR740 tires measuring 185/55R16 and mounted on understated gloss black alloy rims. We never got the Firestones squealing, because their treadwear rating of 300 definitely puts them in the super sticky “Sport” range appropriate to this car’s design brief. We can only imagine how responsive the Fit would be if upgraded to a “Plus One” tire/wheel package using 17 inch rims and lower profile rubber. The Fit Sport rides rather harshly, which serves as good index to the kind of pavement you’re traversing. The beauty of this Honda is that it supplies few filters to distance you from the road surface. The price you pay in ride stiffness is definitely worth the payoff in unvarnished feedback.
The interior of the Sport offers a handsome combination of discreet linear patterned cloth seating surfaces. The fronts offer only the most minimal manual adjustments, while the rears are acceptable for short trips. Our test model lacked the available suite of Safety nannies, and we were thankful for that omission. Various levels of upgrade are available however, if you need a sunroof (EX level) or heated leather seats (EX-L). Us? We’ll take my Sport just the way this one came equipped - the basic package, the 6-speed manual, and absolutely nothing else. 2018 HONDA FIT 5-DOOR SPORT ENGINE: 1.5 liter inline 4, I-VTEC Direct Injection HORSEPOWER: 130hp TORQUE: 114lb.-ft. FUEL CONSUMPTION: 29MPG City/36MPG Highway PRICE AS TESTED: $18,390 HYPES: Channels the Spirit of the Bugeye Sprite GRIPES: Front Seats Could Be Better STAR RATING: 10 Stars out of 10
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FAQ Contra Costa
Starting this April, residents and businesses in Alamo, Blackhawk, Danville, Diablo, and San Ramon, along with Concord, Martinez, Moraga, Oakley, Pinole, Pittsburg, and unincorporated Contra Costa County, will have more renewable and locally controlled energy service with MCE at lower rates than PG&E, or they can choose another option.
CHOOSE FROM 33%, 50%, OR 100% RENEWABLE ENERGY Is MCE’s power supply more renewable than PG&E’s?
HOW MCE WORKS
YOUR SERVICE OPTIONS
50%
MCE Light Green | 50% RENEWABLE Take no action to start saving automatically in April with Light Green 50% renewable energy. MCE Deep Green | 100% RENEWABLE Eliminate your electricity–related carbon footprint by opting up to 100% California renewable energy at mceCleanEnergy.org/DG–enroll or 1 (888) 632–3674.*
33%
PG&E | 33% RENEWABLE You can choose to opt out and continue purchasing energy from PG&E at mceCleanEnergy.org/opt–out or 1 (888) 632–3674.*
*Please have your PG&E account number on hand.
How does MCE affect electricity services for Contra Costa residents and businesses?
Aside from having access to more renewable energy, not much will change. Residents and businesses can choose 50–100% renewable energy from a local public agency. MCE customers continue to enjoy the same reliable electricity service, with PG&E delivering power, maintaining the wires, and providing billing and gas services.
SOURCE
DELIVERY
CUSTOMER
Buy and build cleaner energy
Deliver energy, maintain lines, and send bills
Benefit from renewables, choice, and local control
MCE
PG&E
YOU
Yes, considerably! MCE’s power supply contains a higher portion of renewable resources like solar, wind, bioenergy, and geothermal. According to the most recent California Energy Commission Power Content Labels, MCE’s Light Green service is 55% renewable and PG&E’s service is 33% renewable.
Does MCE cost less than PG&E?
Which communities does MCE serve?
Will my billing change?
How is MCE funded?
Yes. MCE’s 50% renewable electricity costs less than PG&E’s 33% renewable electricity. Part of MCE’s mission is to provide stable and competitive rates. MCE has reduced rates the past two years in a row. Discount programs such as CARE, FERA, and Medical Baseline are unaffected by enrollment; these customers receive the same discount with MCE as they would with PG&E. For rates and cost comparisons visit: mceCleanEnergy.org/rates No. PG&E will continue to send one monthly bill. Instead of one fee that combines charges for the delivery and generation of your electricity, the bill will show separate charges — one for electric delivery (PG&E) and one for electric generation (MCE). MCE’s generation rates simply replace the generation charges you currently pay to PG&E; they are not an additional charge.
WE’RE HERE TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS!
MCE has been serving Bay Area electric customers since 2010. Today, about 255,000 customers in Marin and Napa Counties, and the cities of Benicia, El Cerrito, Lafayette, Richmond, San Pablo, and Walnut Creek are buying more renewable energy from MCE. Concord, Danville, Martinez, Moraga, Oakley, Pinole, Pittsburg, San Ramon, and unincorporated Contra Costa County (including Alamo, Diablo, and Blackhawk) will enroll with MCE in April. Like PG&E, MCE is funded by electricity ratepayers through their monthly energy purchases. MCE is not funded by taxpayers. A cornerstone to MCE’s mission is to redirect ratepayer dollars back to local economies, and reinvest in its communities by providing low, stable rates, supporting local workforce development, and partnering with community–based organizations.
mceCleanEnergy.org/ContraCosta | 1 (888) 632–3674 | info@mceCleanEnergy.org
DIABLO MOTORS
SALES • BROKERAGE • CONSIGNMENT • SERVICE • DETAIL
Happy Spring!
Still the ONLY Diamond Certified Car Dealership in the East Bay…13 Years Running!
“SPRING BRAKE” Special Includes: Free Synthetic Oil Service (Value $145)
with any complete brake job, front or rear.
$39,900
$29,900
$29,900
2018 BMW 430i Convertible
2017 BMW 430i Convertible
2015 BMW 428i Convertible
$29,900
$28,900
$26,900
VIN WBA4Z1C53JEC56240
VIN WBA4U7C57H5H19332
VIN WBA3V7C56FP771445
Good through 5/31/18
$299 Spring Cleaning Includes: -Interior and exterior cleaning -Clay bar and wax exterior -Detail engine compartment
2017 Mercedes C300
VIN 55SWF4KB0HU228042
2015 BMW 535i
VIN WBA5B1C55FG127823
2015 BMW 428ix Gran Coupe VIN WBA4C9C59FD330870
Larger/Dirtier vehicles extra Good through 5/31/18
Call (925) 830-8747 for an appointment today!
$36,900 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltd. VIN 1C4RJFBG0JC129597
$29,900 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlmtd 4x4 VIN 1C4BJWDG4FL569652
$29,900 2017 BMW X3 xDrive28i AWD VIN 5UXWX9C58H0D99044
2067 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon (925) 830-8747 www.diablomotors.com