The Valley Sentinel_November 2016

Page 1

VALLEY

THE

SENTINEL always for the community VOl 21 nO 11

Inside this month...

A lamagazine carte

Local Food, Wine, Dining, Events

Inside... Taste of Yosemite Warming up withWine Cocktail Gems to Try Celebrating with AuburnJames Tamale Fiesta! and more...

Á la carte

your regional restaurant resource

!

Alamo • Danville • Blackhawk • Diablo • San Ramon

Winter 2016/17

Visit us online at

www.alacartemagazine.com

november 2016

www.valleysentinel.com

SPOTLIGHT

Book Review: Let There Be Laughter by Michael Krasny, PhD By Denise Rousset In his new book, Let There Be Laughter, author Michael Krasny digs deep into Jewish culture, probing every aspect of it to extract the best jokes passed down over generations. It’s a look into the psychology and history of Jewishness, in the face of an evolving society that demands assimilation and yet through tradition and humor is able to preserve its cultural identity.

ECRWSS

Postal Customer

PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID DANVILLE, CA PERMIT NO. 70

See LAUGHTER page 15

Sentinel Newspapers, Inc. 390 Diablo Road, Ste. 145 Danville, CA 94526 925-820-6047

How fortunate we are to live in the shadow of beautiful Mount Diablo! Your financial support as a ‘Friend of the Mountain’ allows Save Mount Diablo to preserve, defend and restore the natural lands on and around the mountain for wildlife, you, and future generations to enjoy. Photo by Ted Clement of Save Mount Diablo For more information visit www.SaveMountDiablo.org.

Botta’s Pocket Gopher burrow system can extend over 5100 square feet! By James Hale Botta’s Pocket Gopher (Thomomys bottae), or the Valley Pocket Gopher as it is known by some in California, is a fairly common and widespread gopher native to western North America. Both the common and specific names of the species honor Paul-Emile Botta, a naturalist and archaeologist who collected mammals in California in the 1820’s and 1830’s. Distributed from California to Texas, Utah, Colorado, and Mexico, Botta’s Pocket Gopher is found in valley grasslands, woodlands, chaparral, scrubland, agricultural land, and other habitats, limited mostly by major rivers, barren deserts, and rocky terrain. They have been found in suitable habitat up to 14,000 feet in elevation, and gopher skeletal remains from Oklahoma have dated back 31,000 years in the past.

Geographical distribution and the highly variable coloration of the pelage have facilitated the description of 195 subspecies. Both albino and melanistic individuals have been reported. I have observed and photographed beautiful, agouti patterned individuals in Morgan Territory preserve. Most adults are dark or grayish brown above and slightly paler below. Botta’s Pocket Gophers reach almost eleven inches in length, including a two and one half inch tail.

Adults may weigh more than half a pound. Botta’s Pocket Gophers are strict herbivores, feeding mostly on highly nutritious shoots and grasses, although a variety of plant matter is consumed. Roots, tubers, and bulbs supplement their winter diet. Gophers will pull the entire young plants by the roots into the safety of their tunnels to consume. Food is transported in their fur-lined cheek pouches. The main predators of Botta’s Pocket Gopher include the

This month’s Special Sections:

Holidays

pages 8 - 9

Senior Living pages 8 - 9

American badger, coyotes, foxes, owls, hawks, golden eagles, skunks, bobcats, longtailed weasels, and snakes. Ninety percent of the gopher’s life is spent underground in their burrows, and digging is estimated to aerate the soil to a depth of eight inches. Botta’s Pocket Gopher dig primarily with their teeth, which are larger and with a thicker layer of enamel than in claw-digging gophers. This enables them to tolerate a wider range of soil types. A gopher’s incisors remain outside their mouth, even when their lips are closed, thereby keeping dirt out of their mouths while digging. Ears are small and inconspicuous. See GOPHERS page 4


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

page 2

The Valley Sentinel

November 2016

Tree Lighting Ceremonies Danville Lighting Alamo Tree of the Old Oak Tree Lighting Friday, November 25 5:15 - 8:30pm Diablo Road, Old Oak Tree (925) 837-4400 danvillechamber.com or danville.ca.gov Lighting of the Old Oak Tree is a tradition with strong roots in the Town of Danville. The community gathers after Thanksgiving to honor the Old Oak. San Ramon Valley High School Chorus under the direction of Ken Abrams provides the inspiration and vocals for the musical countdown to the the ceremonial lighting of the tree, officiated by Father Christmas and Snow Angel at 6:15 p.m. Follow Father Christmas and the Snow Angel along Prospect and Hartz Avenues in parade toward Downtown Danville’s continuation of the holiday theme. Musical entertainment and refreshments at stores, shops and restaurants invite the public to wander and check out the values for sale. The event is sponsored by Danville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Danville.

Bishop Ranch Tree Lighting Celebration Friday, December 2 5:30pm - 7:30pm www.bishopranch.com Gather family and friends, come play in a snow park (with real snow!), listen to live music and watch the ceremonial lighting of our spectacular 70-foot White Fir tree. The guest of honor, of course, is Santa Claus! Be sure to bring your camera and strike a pose with jolly old St. Nick. There will be a variety of refreshments, activities for the kids – and this year, the Rotary Club will be on hand to accept donations for One Warm Coat. Bring your family and friends, your cozy attire, and help spread the holiday spirit!

Sunday, December 4 4:30 - 6:30pm Andrew H. Young Park at the corner of Danville Blvd. and Jackson Way, Alamo. www.community foundationofalamo.com. Alamo’s 32nd annual Tree lighting event is presented by The Community Foundation of Alamo in conjunction with local business sponsors. This is a traditional holiday event, including caroling, music, treats, beverages, and photos with Santa. Take part in the event’s food drive benefiting the Contra Costa Food Bank by donating canned or boxed non-perishable food items.

StoryBooks By the Bay Now - Dec 17 Art from 16 children’s books will be on display. Books will be on sale. Village Theatre Art Gallery, 233 Front Street, Danville, 925-314-3460 or www.danville. ca.gov/Things-To-Do/Art-andCulture/Village-Theatre-ArtGallery.

Hospice Tree of Lights ceremonies Hospice Tree of Lights ceremonies offer members of the community a way to honor the lives of their friends and loved ones. A few of this year’s ceremonies are listed below. For information about events in other locations, please visit www.HospiceEastBay.org Danville & San Ramon Friday, November 18, 5:30pm Town Meeting Hall, 201 Front Street This tree is dedicated to Win Haagensen, Founder of our Tree of Lights! Alamo Tuesday, November 22, 5:30pm Alamo Women’s Club, 1401 Danville Blvd. Dedicated to Moni Whitbeck, Sumner Hawley & Ann Pearson

Reefer Madness Now - Nov. 19 Onstage Theatre presents the hysterical musical “Reefer Madness” written by Kevin Murphy & Dan Studney. This fast paced musical comedy is inspired by the 1936 film. It contains adult humor and is not recommended for young children. General $22, Seniors & Students $18, Thursday, Bargain Price $15 Martinez Campbell Theater, 636 Ward Street, Martinez. Visit Onstagetheatre.homestead.com or call 925-518-3277

Blackhawk Friday, December 2, 5:00pm Blackhawk Road at Blackhawk Drive. Dedicated to Ted Santon. Hospice East Bay provides compassionate end-of-life care to terminally ill patients, while offering emotional, spiritual, and grief support for the entire family. For more information visit www. hospiceeastbay.org

DCMT presents The Music Man Jr. Nov 17- Nov 26 There’s trouble in River City with a capital T! Based on Meredith Wilson’s six-time Tony Award-winning musical comedy, The Music Man Jr.

valleysentinel.com follows fast-talking salesman, Harold Hill, as he cons the people of River City, Iowa into buying instruments and uniforms for a boy’s band he vows to organize. The catch? He doesn’t know a trombone from a treble clef. His plans to skip town with the money are foiled when he falls for Marian, the town librarian, whose belief in Harold may help him succeed in the end in spite of himself. Village Theatre, 233 Front Street, Danville. Visit www.villagetheatreshows.com or call 925-314-3400. The Bobby Vinton Story: A Tribute to Bobby Vinton and Tony Bennett Nov 19 3pm & 7:30pm. Presented by West Coast Performing Arts and featuring Eddy Kaye as Bobby Vinton and Tony Bennett. Audiences will thrill to the hits that made Bobby famous, like “Roses are Red”, “Blue on Blue”, Mr. Lonely”, “Blue Velvet” and of course the song he wrote which crowned him The Polish Prince, “My Melody of Love”. There will also be many more surprises and even a special guest or two. $45. Del Valle Theater,1963 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. Visit www. lesherartscenter.org or call (925) 943-7469.

Smuin’s Christmas Ballet November 18 & 19 From classical to cool and contemporary, Smuin offers two acts filled with a stunning and original array of ballet, tap, and jazz. A joyous celebration of dance and a true holiday classic. This year’s program will feature Smuin favorites as well as new pieces. $57 - $73. Lesher Center for the Arts, Hofmann Theatre, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Visit www.lesherartscenter.org or call (925) 943-7469. A Classic Rock Christmas performed by December People November 20 7pm. Classic rock ‘n roll hits, classic holiday carolsfused into one amazing, eye-popping, high-energy and family-friendly Classic Rock Christmas show. Band

members hail from such famed groups as Boston, The Greg Kihn Band, Sammy Hagar Band, and The Tubes. Food donation barrels will be in the lobby the day of the concerts, benefitting the Contra Costa Food Bank Holiday Food Drive, which helps to feed the hungry in the local Tri-Valley. Bring donations, and get your picture taken with the band! Single Ticket Price $44, Season Ticket Price $41 Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center, located on the Dougherty Valley High School Campus, 10550 Albion Rd, San Ramon. Visit www. sanramon.ca.gov/parks/theater or call (925) 973-2787. An Evening of Music with Eve Marie Shahoian Nov 20 5pm. A special evening of jazz standards, contemporary favorites, and original music featuring this acclaimed Bay Area jazz vocalist and by Grammy Award-Winning violinist and composer Mads Tolling. $25. Village Theatre, 233 Front Street, Danville. Visit www. villagetheatreshows.com or call 925-314-3400.

Christmas Memories - A Very Beary Christmas November 22 December 31 This year’s Christmas Memories exhibit features Teddy Bears and dolls. There will be decorated Christmas trees, model trains running, toys, a flying Santa, an antique sleigh, Merry-Go-Round, and much more. Bring the whole family! Museum of the San Ramon Valley, 205 Railroad Ave., Danville. Visit www.museumsrv. org or call 925-837-3750.


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

valleysentinel.com Sunshine Vocal Performance Nov 22 6pm. With a microphone in hand, young participants between 6 to 12 years of age develop their musical talents in an enjoyable, specialized environment. Inspired by such programs as Star Search and American Idol, the Town’s Sunshine Vocal program is designed to provide months of training and coaching in order to prepare these young participants to perform live on stage. Village Theatre, 233 Front Street, Danville. Visit www.villagetheatreshows.com or call 925-314-3400. Santa’s Arrival November 27 11am-3pm. Santa and friends will make their way from the North Pole to the Danville Livery. Bring your camera and capture your visit with Santa! The festivities will also include street entertainment, carriage rides and more! Additional Santa visits occur various dates throughout December. Danville Livery, 440 Sycamore Valley Rd, Danville. For specific dates visit www.danvillelivery.com. Preschool Performance Series - Illusionist Timothy James December 2 10am. Presented in 1 hour with no intermission. Making little ones laugh, dance, and sing along since 2009, the Town of Danville is pleased to continue to present fun and unique top-level entertainers for preschool-aged children. Village Theatre, 233 Front Street, Danville. Visit www. villagetheatreshows.com or call 925-314-3400.

november 2016 the critics have called it “THE Christmas Carol to see in the Bay Area.” Join the thousands who make this theatrical event a part of their annual holiday traditions. The Happy Elf by Harry Presented by Center REPertory, Connick Jr. directed by Scott Denison. $27 December 2-18 $41. Lesher Center for the Arts, This charming musical Hofmann Theatre, 1601 Civic tells the tale of Eubie the elf a Drive, Walnut Creek. Visit www. loveable fellow who wants to lesherartscenter.org or call 925spread Christmas joy throughout 943-7469. the town of Bluesville. $16 - $18. Front Row Theater, located inside the Dougherty Station Community Center, 17011 Bollinger Canyon Rd, San Ramon. Visit www.sanramon. ca.gov/parks/theater or call (925) 973-3343.

Thursdays @ the VT presents A Christmas Story December 8 7:30pm. It’s 1940 in the small town of Hohman, Indiana, and 9-year-old Ralphie wants nothing more for Christmas Home for the Holidays than a Red Ryder BB gun. With presented by SF Gay Men’s every adult warning him that Chorus he’ll shoot his eye out, Ralphie December 3 decides that the best way to 3pm and 7:30pm. Known receive his BB gun is to ask for its warm, rich choral tones the department store Santa on and over-the-top productions, Christmas Eve. Rated PG, 1h the San Francisco Gay Men’s 34min. Village Theatre, 233 Chorus continues its tradition Front Street, Danville. Visit of bringing holiday cheer to the www.villagetheatreshows.com East Bay with its December 3rd or call 925-314-3400. show in Walnut Creek. The show features all four vocal ensembles of the Chorus: The Lollipop Guild, Vocal Minority, SWAG and HomoPhonics. $30 - $40. Margaret Lesher Theatre, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Visit www.lesherartscenter.org or call (925) 943-7469. Fratello Marionettes present The North Pole Review! Dec 6 4pm. This production showcases the high kicking antics o f the Russian Trepak Dancers, our graceful ice skater Crystal

8

YEARS

Y

CM

Exciting and Engaging Curriculum Teaches Analytical Thinking

ADMISSION OPEN HOUSES FOR FALL 2017 ENROLLMENT at the Kate & Dyke Brown Hall

Classes Average 15 Students

Grades 6-8 January 7 1:00 pm

Diverse International Programs and Community Nearly 100% Admitted to Outstanding 4-Year Colleges Extraordinary 75-Acre Campus Transportation and Financial Aid Available

Grades 9-12 January 8 1:00 pm

To register for Open House, please visit the Admission page on our website. Click on the “Request Info & Register for Events” ribbon and complete the “Inquiry for The Athenian School.”

www.athenian.org Danville

For more Arts & Entertainment See our website at www.valleysentinel.com.

MICHAEL YOSHIKAMI IS RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF AMERICA’S “TOP 100 INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVISORS”1 BY BARRON’S

IN A ROW

MY

READY FOR A FRESH PERSPECTIVE?

CY

If you have investable assets of at least $500,000 and would like a complimentary portfolio review of your current strategy, call 855.396.7526 for more details.

CMY

K

A Christmas Carol December 8 - 18 Brimming with music and dance, love and laughter, spectacular special effects and scary ghosts, it’s no wonder

Education for a Life of Intellectual Adventure and Meaningful Contribution

TOP 100 INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVISORS

M

Chandelier, and features the dazzling acrobatic penguins. Danville Library, 400 Front St., Danville. Visit ccclib.org/ locations/danville.html or call 925-314-3750.

page 3

2016 BARRON’S

C

TPW presents Santa’s Magic Bag December 2 - 4 Santa may have to cancel Christmas when his magic toy bag goes missing. Can a pair of siblings find it and save Christmas before it’s too late? This definitely calls for a Christmas carol or two! Village Theatre, 233 Front Street, Danville. Visit www. villagetheatreshows.com or call 925-314-3400.

The Valley SenTinel

MICHAEL YOSHIKAMI, CFP®, PH.D. IS CEO AND FOUNDER OF DESTINATION WEALTH MANAGEMENT AND AUTHOR OF “YOUR MONEY, YOUR FUTURE” WWW.DESTINATIONWM.COM 1255 Treat Blvd. Suite 900 | Walnut Creek, CA 94597 1

| PHONE: 855.396.7526

The ranking reflects the volume of assets overseen by the advisors and their teams, revenues generated for the firms and the quality of the advisors’ practices. The scoring system assigns a top score of 100 and rates the rest by comparing them with the winner. The Barron’s award is not indicative of Destination Wealth Management’s future performance.


page 4

The Valley Sentinel November 2016 Advertorial

Cancer Screening Tests Can Save Your Life By Gautam Prasad, M.D., Ph.D.

As a cancer doctor, I often see patients who are diagnosed with cancer in advanced stages where treatment options can be limited. They often ask me, “what could I have done differently in my life to avoid getting cancer?” Sadly, there are no easy answers but there are ways to minimize the risk including regular screenings for cancer. As our screening technology ever improves, we are catching cancer at earlier (and curable) stages. It is important to keep in mind that nobody knows your body as well as you. For this reason, you should bring any concerning symptoms (described below) to your provider’s attention and not rely solely on screening. Breast Cancer For women over the age of 40, it is recommended to receive an annual mammogram as well as an annual breast exam by your primary care provider. In addition, you should inspect your own breasts periodically and bring

any abnormalities to the attention of your provider. If you have a strong history of breast cancer in your family or have a history of radiation treatment to your chest (for example to treat lymphoma) then you should speak with your provider about more frequent screening. Colon Cancer For men and women, starting at the age of 50, it is recommended to receive a colonoscopy every ten years. Alternatively, your provider may test your stool for blood annually or have you undergo a procedure called flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years. If you notice new symptoms in your bowel habits such as presence of blood or “pencil-thin” stools, you should consult your provider. If you have a strong history of colon cancer in your family or if you have an inflammatory bowel disease (like ulcerative colitis) then your provider may recommend more frequent screening. Prostate Cancer For men, screening for prostate cancer should happen once at age 40, again at age 45, and then once per year starting at age 50. Screening consists of two tests called a digital rectal exam (where the

Do you know what to do about back pain?

WE DO.

The Back Doctors are a network of CHIROPRACTORS, MEDICAL DOCTORS and other health care professionals all with one common goal, the effective treatment of your pain.

Don’t Ignore These warning signs of spinal misalignment • Recurring Headaches • Low Back and Leg Pain • Neck, Shoulder and Arm Pain • Pain Between Shoulders

• Muscle Spasms • Difficulty Sleeping • Numbness in Limbs • Dizziness/Ringing in Ears

OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE

Saturday and evening appointments available • Most insurance accepted • Workers compensation welcome

The Back Doctors A CHIROPRACTIC/MEDICAL NETWORK

Phillip Runco, D.C.

Call for appointment now! 685-0335

www. blueherongraphics.com

provider feels your prostate for abnormalities) and a PSA blood test. Symptoms which you should additionally bring to your provider’s attention include difficulty, pain or blood while urinating. If you have a strong history of prostate cancer or are African-American, your provider may recommend more frequent tests. Cervical Cancer For women, screening should begin at age 21 and be repeated every two years. Once you reach age 30, your doctor may reduce the frequency of screening or discontinue it based on your age and risk factors. 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

valleysentinel.com GOPHERS from page 1 Gophers are active for about nine hours each day and night, spending most of their time feeding in their burrows. Gophers vocalize with squeaks, soft hisses, clicking noises, and other sounds. The burrow systems of Botta’s Pocket Gopher are extensive and inhabited by a single adult, with some male burrows extending over a mean area of more than 5,100 square feet, and those of females extending more than 3,000 square feet. The gophers actively and aggressively defend a much larger area around the burrow entrance, with males defending almost 9,000 square feet and females more than 4,200 square feet. Multiple deep chambers, some as much as six feet deep, are used for nesting, food storage, and defecation. Population densities as high as 62 individuals per acre have been reported.

Alamo News Update Tis the Season By Steve Mick

As this is being written, it’s a warm day in the middle of October. However pleasant, this kind of weather is not exactly conducive to a discussion of the upcoming holiday season. However, this article will hit the street about a week before Thanksgiving and following closely after that will be December and all the festivities the Christmas season offers. With this in mind, I would like to indulge in a bit of nostalgia. I grew up in one of the mid western states (hint: What’s round on the ends and high in the middle?) At that time, the only shopping area was the downtown area and for a long time, downtown merchants adhered to a tradition of not starting their Christmas marketing nor putting up decorations until after Thanksgiving. This, of course, made the shopping season a little short, but everything seemed to work out. This tradition went by the wayside when chain stores arrived as part of the construction of two large shopping centers, one in the north end of town and the

other in the south end. Many of these big-box chain stores were beholden to national corporate requirements that dictated their holiday marketing efforts. The downtown merchants had no choice but to follow along. Now it’s common to see Christmas decorations and related items being offered in October. This is true nationwide. However… The holiday spirit continues to be active and alive in Alamo. The best evidence of this is the Tree Lighting Festival held each year. This popular event is sponsored by the Community Foundation of Alamo with the support of a number of businesses and individual sponsors. This year marks the 32nd annual Festival. It will be on Sunday, December 4th from 4:30 to 6:30 at Andrew H. Young Park in downtown Alamo. You will be entertained by students from local schools who will offer a number of seasonal music selections. Treats and beverages will be provided by local merchants and community groups. Please plan to bring non-perishable items for the Contra Costa Food Bank. They will have collection barrels at the Festival.

Although beneficial as a key source of aeration for soils in the region, Botta’s Pocket Gopher is considered a pest in home gardens, lawns, urban and agricultural lands, and grazing pastures. In areas with sufficient food, like alfalfa fields, breeding may occur throughout the year, with up to four litters being born each year. Gestation lasts eighteen days with usually three or four, and up to twelve pups in each liter. The hairless and blind pups are about two inches long at birth. Gophers may live up to three or four years in the wild. Their burrow systems provide escape and inclement weather refugia for many small animals, including the endangered California Tiger Salamander and Red-legged Frog. James M. Hale is a wildlife biologist, ethnobiologist, and ecological consultant based in Contra Costa County. His website is www. dochale.com

Santa Claus, everyone’s favorite North Pole visitor, will be there to hear Christmas wishes. The Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) will also be on hand with a number of pets looking for their forever homes. The Community Foundation Festival committee includes Kevin Musante, Terri Delfosse, Sharon Schuyler, John Lineweaver, Andrew Elkin, Steve Mick, Alicia Watson, Christian and Denise Rousset, Elaine Ferguson, Russ Belleci, and Brent Tucker. We are also thankful for the generous donations and sponsorships from Stone Valley Center, Alamo Oak Tree Plaza, the Alamo Municipal Council, and World of Sound and Vision. We also give a BIG, WARM thank you to Alamo Today, Your Town Monthly and the Valley Sentinel Newspaper for their help and support for this and for all events they promote for our community! Steve Mick is a longtime Alamo resident and is active in a number of community organizations. Among them are the Community Foundation of Alamo, the Exchange Club and the Alamo Municipal Advisory Council. You can reach Steve at steve@ alamore.org.


valleysentinel.com November 2016

Advertorial

Kick Your Plantar Fasciitis

Class IV laser therapy to heal foot pain By Dr. Niele Maimone, DC

What is Plantar Fasciitis Plantar fasciitis is an irritation and swelling of the thick tissue (plantar fascia) on the bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia is a thick fibrous band of connective tissue originating on the bottom surface of the calcaneus (heel bone) and extending along the sole of the foot toward the five toes. The plantar fascia helps hold up the bones on the bottom of the foot, creating the arch. When this fascia becomes inflamed it makes walking painful and difficult. The pain is usually felt on the underside of the heel and is often most intense with the first steps of the day. Plantar fasciitis is commonly thought of as being caused by a heel spur, but research has found that this is not the case. On x-ray, heel spurs are seen in people with and without plantar fasciitis.

Risk factors for plantar fasciitis include: • Foot arch problems (both flat foot and high arches) • History of low back pain or sciatica • Tight Achilles tendon (the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel) • Obesity • Running, extended amounts of driving or repetitive stress to the foot or leg • Sudden weight gain What treatments are available for Plantar Fasciitis Western medicine typically treats Plantar Fasciitis with oral and/ or injectable antiinflammatories. These may temporarily reduce the pain associated with Plantar Fasciitis but they do not treat the cause of the problem, and by no means heal it. Long term correction of Plantar Fasciitis is a two step process. First: Heal the Damaged Fascia

Ending the pain caused by Plantar Fasciitis requires stopping the cycle of inflammation. Class IV laser therapy is an excellent method for this, because it is presently the only modality that can both reduce inflammation and heal tissue simultaneously. Laser treatments at Align Healing Center are done with the K-laser 1200 a Class IV Laser. This laser does not cut or burn but is gently absorbed by the tissue. During Laser Therapy the infrared laser light interacts with tissues at the cellular level, increasing metabolic activity and improving the transport of nutrients across the cell membrane. This initiates the production of cellular energy (ATP) that leads to a cascade of beneficial effects, increasing cellular function and health. This creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness and pain. As the injured area returns to normal,

Street Smarts Brings the “CHP Start Smart” Driver Safety Education to California High School! Tuesday, November 15, Driving can be dangerous for teens. According to “Teen Driving Facts and Stats” on the State Farm website, motor vehicle crashes are the Number 1 cause of death among teens in the United States. The fatality rate for drivers age 16 to 19 is four times that of drivers age 25 to 69 years. Teens are almost 10 times more likely to be in a crash in their first year on the road. What causes teens and teenage drivers to be at such risk? Please join San Ramon Valley Street Smarts on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. at California High School Theater in San Ramon for the California Highway Patrol (CHP) “Start Smart” program, sponsored by State Farm Insurance. Start Smart is a two-hour driver safety education class delivered by the CHP to new and future teenage drivers and their

parents/legal guardians. At the event, CHP officers speak directly to the audience through candid conversations by discussing collision factors associated with teen drivers, collision avoidance techniques, aspects of distracted driving, driver/parent responsibilities and what precautions they all need to stay safe. At least one parent must attend with their teen. (Note: The presentation contains graphic “accident” images, which are unsuitable for children under 15 years old.) This event is free and open to teens/parents in the San Ramon Valley and beyond. To register your teen, visit http:// chp-bayarea.eventbrite. com and choose the date and location from the list. Arrive at 6:15pm to try the driving simulator! Several safety themed door prizes will be given!

2016, 7:00pm – 9:00pm California High School 9870 Broadmoor Drive, San Ramon For more information, please contact Dolores Pita, at 925-973-2581 or dpita@ sanramon.ca.gov. To learn more about the Start Smart Program, contact CHP Officer Branden Correia at 925-646-4980 or visit https://www.chp. ca.gov/Programs-Services/ Programs/Youth-Programs. STREET SMARTS is a collaborative program between the City of San Ramon, Town of Danville, San Ramon Valley Unified School District, County of Contra Costa, San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District, San Ramon Valley Council of PTAs and other community partnerships and sponsors. Street Smarts San Ramon Valley provides traffic safety educational programs to schools in Alamo, Danville and San Ramon.

The Valley Sentinel function is restored and pain is relieved. Second: Correct the Foot and Gait Mechanics This involves rehabilitation of spine as well as the arch of the foot. Arch rehabilitation is achieved by utilizing specific insoles and/or specific taping of the foot in order to re-establish proper motion of the arch while walking, then specific strengthening and stretching exercises are used to rehabilitate of the musculature of the foot and lower leg to ensure lasting results. At Align Healing Center we are having great success treating plantar fasciitis,

page 5

sciatica, shoulder and neck pain, migraines, arthritis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel, post surgical pain, sports injuries and more; even if it’s long-term residual pain. Even arthritis and degenerative disc disease sufferers can see long term benefits from this treatment without any of the negative side effects experienced with the long term use of medications. Dr. Niele Maimone, DC is the founder of Align Healing Center in Danville, CA. To set up a complimentary consult call 925.362.8283 or visit www. alignhealingcenter.com for more information.

JRW CONSTRUCTION, INC. 381 Hartz Ave., Danville, Suite B phone 925.831.1615 fax 925.831.1643 lic. 694292

CUSTOM HOMES ADDITIONS REMODELS BATHROOM AND KITCHEN REMODELS TENANT IMPROVEMENTS COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL

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

Chris@via.pm.com


valleysentinel.com page 6 The Valley SenTinel

november november 2016 2016

Bay Area high school students accepted the challenge of the world’s obstacles at the 26th annual Contra Costa County Model UN including Disarmament

Instead taking part in their schools’ football games, dances, and other fun weekend activities, 225 Bay Area high school students buckled down this past Friday afternoon and evening, as well as all day Saturday to discuss and provide workable solutions to many of our world’s biggest challenges, at the 26th annual Contra Costa County Model United Nations (UN) Conference, held at Diablo Valley College. This academic event is produced and directed by the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) and coordinated by Kevin Felix Chan, of Best Delegate, along with members of the Model United Nations Club at U.C. Davis. The two-day event enhances high school students’ understanding of the United Nations and its role in global issues. Participating students (delegates) each represent a nation and negotiate on that country’s behalf. During the conference, delegates debated international issues in 10 committees,

and International Security Committee (DISEC), Security Council (UNSC), United Nations Women (UN Women), and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Topics discussed included Eradicating Child Labor, The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), Cybersecurity, The Political Participation of Women, and Reducing Global Food Waste. Bay Area high school teams participating in this year’s Contra Costa County Model UN were Acalanes High (Lafayette), Athenian High (Danville), California High (San Ramon), Campolindo High (Moraga), Carondelet High (Concord), De La Salle High (Concord), Deer Valley High (Antioch), Dougherty Valley High (San Ramon), Foothill High (Pleasanton), Lycée de Francais San Francisco (San Francisco), Northgate High (Walnut Creek), Pittsburg High (Pittsburg) and Tilden High (Walnut Creek). This year, Foothill High earned the Best Delegation Award, and Dougherty High was presented with the Outstanding Delegation Award.

We are proud to carry

Origen Dog and Cat food

Baby Chicks

5

$ 00

OFF

Any large bag of dog food with coupon expires 11/30/16

Premium No-Waste Wild Bird Food

“Will not grow!”

$2395

with coupon

20lb. Bag

$3.50 each

expires 11/30/16

expires 11/30/16

5

$ 00

OFF

Any purchase of $35 or more expires 11/30/16 Not applicable to advertised items.

Alamo Hay & Grain

We Feed Them All—Dogs, Cats, Birds, All Other Livestock

3196 Danville Blvd.,

837-4994

Open: Mon – Sat, 8 – 6 • Sunday, 9 – 4 For All Your Pet or Animal Needs!

The Valley SenTinel page 6 valleysentinel.com

Thanksgiving On The Trails By Beverly Lane, East Bay Regional Parks District

With November comes Thanksgiving, traditionally the season for turkey dinners and football games. This can lead to caloric intake in excess of expenditure. But fortunately the East Bay Regional Park District’s Trails Challenge stands ready to help. Trails Challenge is an annual program that has encouraged literally thousands of people to explore the East Bay Regional Parks by hiking or biking on any of 20 listed trails ranging in difficulty from easy to strenuous. With health and fitness in mind, a major sponsor is Kaiser Permanente. All you have to do to join is visit the park district website, www. ebparks.org. There you can download a guidebook that describes all the trails and includes lots of other useful information on how to enjoy the outdoors. Complete any five of the trails, mail in your trail log, and receive a commemorative pin and t-shirt, while supplies last. This year’s Trails Challenge ends on Dec. 1. But don’t despair; next year’s starts up very soon. Here are some trails you can explore to get a post-Thanksgiving workout: • Round Valley Regional Preserve south of Brentwood. Round Valley is a lovely oak savannah surrounded by high ridges, with abundant wildlife including birds of prey. From the trailhead on Marsh Creek Road there’s a gentle climb into the valley on the Miwok Trail, or a more strenuous up-andover on the Hardy Canyon Trail. No dogs, please, because it’s habitat for the endangered San Joaquin kit fox.

• George Miller Regional Trail at Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline. This is an easy, scenic stroll along a paved trail overlooking the strait. It starts at the west end of Carquinez Scenic Drive in Martinez and extends for about a mile and a half of motorized-vehicle-free trail towards Port Costa. Views of the strait and its maritime traffic are unsurpassed. • Castle Rock and Diablo Foothills regional parklands in Walnut Creek.

One entrance is at the end of Castle Rock Road past Northgate High School. It’s an easy stroll through the recreation area and along Pine Creek on the Stage Road Trail out to the Mount Diablo State Park boundary and beyond, with great views of the spectacular Castle Rock formation. You can climb the Little Yosemite Trail and loop back to the start through Diablo Foothills. • Las Trampas Regional Wilderness. This one can be strenuous, because from the staging area at the end of Bollinger

Canyon Road in San Ramon, pretty much every direction is up. Climb the Bollinger Creek Loop Trail to the top of Las Trampas Ridge for views of Mt. Diablo, or for a real workout, take the Elderberry and Devil’s Hole Trails to Devil’s Hole and back. Devil’s Hole sounds sinister, but it’s just a stream and grove of trees at the bottom of a deep canyon. • Dublin Hills Regional Park in Dublin. These trails are rated easy in the guidebook, but there is hill climbing involved and it can be quite windy. The staging area is on Dublin Boulevard two miles west of town. From there you can hike up to the Donlan Point overlook for views of the Pleasanton-Livermore Valley, then head north on the Calaveras Ridge Regional Trail. There’s also a descending trail that loops around Donlan Canyon. These are just a few of the many trails you can use to explore your regional parks. The district was established by vote of the people way back in November of 1934. So while we are enjoying this great public resource, we should give thanks to the community leaders whose foresight made it all possible.


valleysentinel.com

november 2016 Advertorial

Irrevocable Insurance Trust Reviews By Robert Cucchiaro

For many families in Danville and the rest of the Bay Area, estate taxes were once a major concern and advanced planning was done to reduce or minimize their impact. The two most commonly prescribed tools were annual gifting (now up to $14,000 per person per year) and the use of an irrevocable life insurance trust, aka an “ILIT”. For those that are unfamiliar with this type of trust, the idea is quite simple – anything that you own is part of your estate and when you die will be subject to estate tax. Today the amount of wealth that one can pass without any estate taxes due is $5.45M for a single person and $10.9M for a married couple. But those limits were not always so high, in fact just 10 years ago the amount was $2M per person and less than 20 years ago it was $600K per person! With these low thresholds the # of people subject to estate taxes was much higher before than it is today. As a result, estate planning attorneys would often recommend that in addition to a revocable living trust, successful families should also create an irrevocable life insurance trust. Because this type of trust is irrevocable and beyond the control of the person who forms it (the Grantor), it exists outside of a person’s estate. What that means is that any asset owned by this trust does not count towards that person’s net worth when they die, and as a result, is not subject to estate tax. Let’s use a simple example to make this concept easier to understand. John & Beth were concerned that upon their passing, as much as 40% of their estate would go to taxes as opposed to their children and grandchildren. To mitigate this concern they formed an ILIT and made annual gifts to this ILIT, using their annual gifting limits. The trustee of this ILIT decided that the best way to invest the money inside of the ILIT, from both an income and an estate tax

perspective, was to buy a life insurance policy on John & Beth. Upon their death, that life insurance was paid out income and estate tax free to their heirs and that money could be used to fund private high school, college education, the purchase of their first home, the starting of a business, or anything else that satisfied the wishes of John & Beth when they set up that trust. ILITs are great vehicles and still something that sophisticated financial planners recommend today. The challenge however is that many ILITs formed in the 80s and 90s still own old life insurance policies that have been ignored, and could lapse. The reason for this problem is that many of those insurance policies were written at a time when interest rates were high and were assumed to stay high forever, which of course they have not. If you are the grantor or even worse the trustee of one of these ILITs, now is the time to have an independent review of the trust itself and the insurance or other assets owned inside of that trust. If your financial advisor or estate planning attorney are not proactively addressing these issues, you should seek a second opinion. Our firm has been helping successful Bay Area families for over 30 years and we are here to help you as well. To set up a confidential discussion, send me an email at rob@swrpteam. com or give us a call at 925927-1900. Robert Cucchiaro is a Certified Financial Planner. He is a Partner and owner of Summit Wealth & Retirement, a financial planning firm that has been serving Danville for 30 years. Rob specializes in retirement, investment, tax, and estate planning. www. summitwealthandretirement. com

The Valley SenTinel

page 7

Non-Profits Gear Up for End of the Year Giving Campaign For those interested in Every year non-profit organizations gear up for their final fundraising push of the year known to many as the End of the Year Giving Campaign. The end of year fundraising efforts by non-profits make up a significant portion of a non-profit’s revenue. Organizations compete with each other for the attention of donors and supporters who may be looking to give charitably with an end of the year bonus or to balance their budget at the end of the year. For local non-profits like San Ramon’s Sentinels of Freedom, this time of the year is essential to their growth and sustainability. The organization which serves severely wounded and injured veterans who are pursuing higher education, rely heavily on individual donors. Giving USA estimates that 72% of all contributions raised by non-profits across the country are raised by individual donors. Some non-profit organizations maintain high profiles through mass media, celebrity partnerships, or massive endowments. For organizations that are less publicly known like

Sentinels of Freedom, the End of the Year Giving Campaign is not just a fundraising tool, but a marketing one as well. These end of the year efforts are a way for organizations to maintain relationships with past donors and are an opportunity to reach out to new donors.

supporting a non-profit as the year comes to a close, it is recommended that they research an organization’s 990 which is a financial filing required by all nonprofit organizations and is made available to the public. For more information about Sentinels of Freedom, visit www. sentinelsoffreedom.org

Home of the freshest olive oil in the world!

Daily tastings of over 60 olive oils & barrel aged balsamic vinegars on tap! Offering complimentary gift wrapping, corporate gifts and private parties! 7 Fiesta Lane, Lafayette, Ca (925) 310-4681

SENTINELS OF FREEDOM Scholarship Foundation

Housing • Education • Employment • Mentoring • Ongoing Support

Sentinels of Freedom provides the resources and support needed for severely wounded veterans to live active, engaged, and successful lives as they recover from the physical, emotional, and psychological impact of their injuries, learn to live with their disabilities, and work their way back to a life of complete self-sufficiency. To learn more about our organization please visit us at: www.sentinelsoffreedom.org www.facebook.com/sentinelsoffreedom (925) 380-6342 info@sentinelsoffreedom.org


Holidays page 8

The Valley SenTinel

november 2016

valleysentinel.com

Coats Coats

Dashing to Make a Difference Danville Youth Council presents 1st Annual Turkey Dash. Dash around Downtown Danville for a good cause this November. Danville residents are invited to come downtown on November 19, 2016 to take part in the Danville Youth Council’s first-ever Turkey Dash. Come and join participants of all ages as they enjoy a scavenger hunt at participating downtown businesses, and provide assistance to the Glide shelter in San Francisco. Turkey dashers can pick up their first clue at

the Danville Senior Center, 115 E. Prospect Avenue, from 10:30AM-4:00PM on November 19, 2016. The first ten participants to finish will receive a Danville Gift Card and the value of a turkey donated in their name to Glide. All participants to finish will receive a gift bag and the opportunity to donate to Glide. Make a difference this holiday season and have some fun while doing it! #giveaturkey. For more information, contact the Danville Community Center at (925) 314-3400.

San Ramon Valley High School Winter Boutique Saturday, December 10, 2016 10am - 3pm San Ramon Valley High School 501 Danville Blvd., Danville Over 50 Local Crafters, Artists and Vendors FREE Admission and FREE Parking For More Information contact glasson@sbcglobal.new

Toys for Tots Drop Off Location

be kind to the environment please recycle this newspaper

Coats Coats Sweaters Sweaters Coats Sweaters Sweaters Blankets Sweaters Blankets Blankets Blankets (Clean and in Blankets (Cleancondition) and in in and in good (Clean and goodcondition) condition) condition) (Clean and in good Mencondition) good

Men Men

Donations for those in need to

Women Men Women Women Women Children Women Children Children Children Infants Children Infants Infants Infants

Donations forfor those inin need toto Donations for those inneed need Donations for those in to Donations need Local East Bay &those Outreach charities Local East Bay & Outreach charities Local East Bay && Outreach Local East Bay & Outreachcharities charities Local East Bay Outreach charities

Now through January 6th

Now through January 6th Now through January 6th Now through January 6th Drop off points in Alamo, Danville, Dublin, Drop off points in Alamo, Danville, Dublin, Drop off points in Alamo, Danville, Dublin, Pleasanton, San Ramon, Ramon, Walnut Creek and beyond... beyond... Drop off points in Alamo,Walnut Danville, Dublin, Pleasanton, San Creek and Pleasanton, San Ramon, Walnut Creek and beyond... Pleasanton, San Ramon, Walnut Creek and beyond... For more information visit For For more more information information visit visit For more information visit www.sanramonvalleyrotary.com www.sanramonvalleyrotary.com www.sanramonvalleyrotary.com For more information visit

Alamo

www.sanramonvalleyrotary.com www.sanramonvalleyrotary.com

Roundhill Country Club 3169 Roundhill Road

Danville

Bay Area Team/Keller Williams 760 Camino Ramon, Suite 200 Danville Police Dept. 510 La Gonda Way Brookdale Senior Living 950 Diablo Road Heritage Bank 387 Diablo Road Sycamore Valley Chiropractic 565 Sycamore Valley Blvd. Monte Vista High School 3131 Stone Valley Road Pascal’s Café 155 Railroad Ave. Gibbs Real Estate Rockliff Realtors 15 Railroad Ave.

Peets Coffee & Tea 435 Railroad Ave. The Studio 730 Camino Ramon, Suite 200 Blackhawk Country Club 599 Blackhawk Club Drive Danville Library 400 Front street Empire Realty 380 Diablo Road

San Ramon

AAA Automobile Assn. 2435 San Ramon Valley Blvd. Insurance Brokerage Services—Sudhir Sahni 2010 Crow Canyon Place #100 Bodylines Day Spa 2330 San Ramon Valley Blvd. Golden View Elementary School 5025 Canyon Crest Drive

Club Sport 350 Bollinger Canyon Road Dougherty Station Library 17017 Bollinger Canyon Road Brookdale Senior Living 18888 Bollinger Canyon Road Quail Run Elementary School 4000 Goldenbay Ave. Peets Coffee 166 Sunset Drive Montevideo Elementary School 13000 Broadmoor Dr. San Ramon Fire Dept. 1500 Bollinger Canyon Road San Ramon Community Center 12501 Alcosta Blvd. The Child Day School 18868 Bollinger Canyon Road Coyote Creek Elementary School 8700 N Gale Ridge Road

Rossmoor

Rossmoor Community Center 1001 Golden Rain Road

Walnut Creek

Glen Allen – ReMax 2950 Buskirk Ave.#140 Palmer School 2740 Jones Road Dudum Real Estate 1910 Olympic Blvd. #100

Exceptional drop off Bishop Ranch Tree Lighting Friday December 2nd! 5.30-7.30pm

Innovative Mobile Gift Giving – The Danville Gift Card Makes if Easy Story by Andrea Cardinale

Instantly send Make it a ‘home,

Instantly send

Good Tidings

Good Tidings to all with a mobile Danville Gift Card

sweet home’ holiday season with a mobile Danville gift card.

to all with a mobile Danville Gift Card

Holiday Special!

shopdanvillefirst.com

Send a Danville Gift Card before December 25th and become automatically eligible to receive a mobile gift card.

shopdanvillefirst.com

shopdanvillefirst.com

Send a Danville Gift Card before December 25th and become automatically eligible to receive a mobile gift card.

Your holiday shopping was just made easy, as Danville is offering a nextgeneration approach to gifting that will not only provide a perfect present for everyone on your list, but is available at your fingertips and will surely bring joy to your world. The Town of Danville partnered with Yiftee, a national online and mobile gift card service, and launched a mobile Danville Gift Card that offers the convenience of online shopping and the benefit of supporting local merchants. Danville’s mobile Gift Card makes giving gifts easy and enjoyable: Simply go to www.yiftee.com/danville to purchase a Danville Gift Card, or choose a specific Danville shop from a list of over a 120 local merchants, select a gift ranging from $5 to $250, then shopdanvillefirst.com enter a personal message, a delivery date, the recipient’s

Make it a ‘home, sweet home’ holiday season with a mobile Danville gift card.

Holiday Special!

contact information, and pay with your credit card. Recipients of a mobile Danville Gift Card receive your gift via email, text or Twitter and can redeem it by presenting the voucher, either via a mobile device or printed version, to the designated shop, restaurant, or service provider. Powered by Yiftee and backed by MasterCard, the mobile gift card is not only greener than its plastic predecessors, but is 100% protected against fraud and allows your dollar to go farther in the community, as approximately $23 is reinvested in the town’s business activity when you spend $50 locally. “Purchasing this gift card is not only secure and easy, it reinforces a sense of community,” said Marty Breen, who owns Forward Motion Sports and will feature a one-click option for purchasing a Yiftee card

on his website this holiday season. “Knowing that someone can buy you a gift at a store that you love, but you can choose just the right items and sizes, is a unique Danville experience and one where everyone wins.” So when you’re thinking about the people in your life who deserve something special this season, from family, friends, babysitters and teachers to employees, clients, stylists and hostesses, give them a gift that allows them to delight in Danville’s abundant offerings and shop in the places they love. And, to add even more sparkle to your season, if you purchase a Danville Gift Card between now and December 24, you’ll be automatically entered to win a $50 Danville Gift Card -- just the Town’s way of thanking you for your support of local merchants this month and all year long. Start Gifting today at: www.shopdanvillefirst.com.


Holidays valleysentinel.com

november 2016

The Valley SenTinel

Clean your chimney before it is too late! With winter just around the corner, it’s a good time to start thinking about getting prepared. Cold weather brings increased heating/energy costs, and a lot of people take full advantage of their fireplaces. It is extremely important to be as fire safe as possible by maintaining your chimney and keeping some fireplace safety tips in mind. Fires result when creosote builds up and ignites within the chimney. Creosote is a dark brown or black flammable tar deposited from wood smoke. Chimneys must be cleaned out to prevent this buildup, thus reducing the chance of a fire. The yellow pages are a great place to locate a chimney sweep. If you do have a chimney fire, get out of your home immediately and call

911 from a safe location. Here are some other tips to keep in mind: • Make sure that you have clearance between your roof line and trees. Branches should NEVER be directly over your chimney.

• ALWAYS have a screen in front of your fireplace, and never leave a fire burning by itself. • Put matches and lighters in a safe place (preferably locked up) if you have children.

• DO NOT use gasoline or other flammables in the fireplace. • When cleaning out your fireplace place the ashes in a metal container with water and let it sit outside away from house to cool. Ashes can stay hot for up to 2 WEEKS. Once the ashes are cool, discard. • Make sure that your smoke detectors are in working condition. Remember to change the battery out at least TWICE a year. So when you change your clock, change your batteries. The San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District wants you and your family to be fire safe. For more information, please contact the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District, Fire Prevention Division at (925) 838-6600 or visit us online at www. srvfire.ca.gov.

page 9

Vintage Jewelry Gifts for the Holidays

www.etsy.com/shop/vintagejewelryetal (Local seller)

Enter BHGVS15

for 15% off your purchase

Walnut Creek on Ice Open daily now through January 16 at Civic Park 1375 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek

Presented by the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce & Walnut Creek Downtown Business Association www.IceSkateWalnutCreek.com

DANVILLE

1901 Camino Ramon 925-866-6164

CAMPBELL 408-871-8890 CORTE MADERA 415-924-6691 MOUNTAIN VIEW 650-964-7212 SAN CARLOS 650-508-8317

Diamonds • Rings • Necklaces • Pendants • Earrings • Bracelets Rings ••Necklaces •• Pendants Earrings • Bracelets TheHomeConsignmentCenter.com Diamonds Diamonds •Diamonds Rings • Rings • Necklaces •• Necklaces Pendants • Pendants Earrings • Earrings ••Bracelets • Bracelets CAMPBELL 408.871.8890 MOUNTAIN MOUNTAIN VIEW 650.964.7212 CAMPBELL CAMPBELL 408.871.8890 408.871.8890 MOUNTAIN VIEW VIEW 650.964.7212 650.964.7212 CORTE MADERA 415.924.6691 SAN CARLOS 650.508.8317 CORTE CORTE MADERA MADERA 415.924.6691 415.924.6691 SANSAN CARLOS CARLOS 650.508.8317 650.508.8317 DANVILLE 925.866.6164 16 LOCATIONS 16 CALIFORNIA, LOCATIONS INNEVADA CALIFORNIA, NEVADA & TEXAS DANVILLE DANVILLE 925.866.6164 925.866.6164 16 LOCATIONS IN CALIFORNIA, IN NEVADA & TEXAS & TEXAS


Senior Living page 10

valleysentinel.com

november 2016 Experience the “Total Homecare Services Program” provided exclusively by

Get Free Help with your Medicare By Cate Kortzeborn

America’s Choice in Home Care • Personal Care • Medication Reminders • Meal Preparation • Light Housekeeping • Bathing Assistance • Errands and Shopping • Alzheimer/Dementia Care • Care Management and Technology Services • Immediate Response • Employee Based • Screened, Bonded, Insured • On Call Staff 24/7 • Flexible Schedules

(925) 552-6500 www.jmhomecare.com Call today for your Complimentary, No Obligation Assessment by a Licensed Nurse CA HCO #074700004

Check out www.ValleySentinel.com

When someone with Medicare finds his or her way to my office phone, it’s often because of a complicated and snarly issue that’s going to take time to fix. However, it’s sometimes a Medicare beneficiary who found my number somewhere and called for some basic help in understanding their coverage. I LOVE those calls because I have a quick and easy answer for folks like that. I refer them to the State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or SHIP. There’s a SHIP in every state in the country. I have phone numbers for the ones in my Medicare region written

on a card right next to my phone, and I refer to it often. SHIPs are nonprofit organizations that help people with Medicare understand their benefits better. The counseling is personalized and it’s absolutely free. SHIPs aren’t connected to any insurance company or health plan, so they’re not trying to sell you any kind of product. If you’re eligible for Medicare, you’re eligible for assistance from your local SHIP. You can talk to a SHIP counselor over the phone, or go to your local SHIP office for face-to-face assistance. The quality of the counseling is terrific. Many SHIP counselors have Medicare themselves and they’re well-trained to answer your questions. They know all the ins and outs of the program,

Caring for an aging parent? Turn Crisis into Confidence Let our experienced Geriatric Care Managers help – by phone or in-person. We know your time is valuable. We will present all aspects of care, but only focus on those important to you.

$150* Per Session (reg. $260) *Exp. 12/20/16

(800) 441-6373

www.agemodern.com/advice

1990 N. California Blvd., 8th Floor, Walnut Creek, CA 94596

Offering Cremation and Burial Services

We Invite Price Comparison

125 Railroad Avenue, Suite D, Danville, CA (925) 837-2500 FD2088 www.ghmemorial.com

whether you have Original Medicare (where you choose the doctor or hospital you want and the government pays your providers directly) or Medicare Advantage (in which private insurers offer health care services through a specific network of doctors, hospitals, and other providers). SHIPs also can help with Part D prescription drug insurance. And did I mention that SHIP counseling is free? Here are some of the issues that a SHIP counselor can help you with: • Billing problems; • Complaints about your medical care or treatment; • How to shop for a Medicare Advantage health plan or Part D prescription drug plan that meets your needs; • How to appeal if you disagree with coverage or payment decisions by Medicare or your Medicare plan; • How Medicare works with other insurance. How do you get in touch with SHIP? Below is the phone number for contacting the SHIP office closest to you if you live: In Arizona: Call 800432-4040 In California: Call 800434-0222 In Hawaii: Call 808-5867299 In Nevada: Call 800307-4444 Of course, there are other ways besides SHIP to get information about Medicare. One excellent resource is the “Medicare & You” handbook, which is mailed to Medicare beneficiaries every fall. “Medicare & You” is a gold mine of easy-tounderstand information about how Medicare works, how to enroll, what services are covered, and many other topics. The handbook also lists all Medicare Advantage and Part D plans available in your area, their costs, and contact information for each one.


Senior Living valleysentinel.com You can find the latest edition of “Medicare & You” online at: www.medicare. gov/Pubs/pdf/10050.pdf Help is also available through the Medicare customer service center, at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800633-4227; TTY users call 1-877-486-2048). The call center is open 24 hours a day, including weekends. Another helpful resource is the official Medicare website, at www. Medicare.gov. The website has a wide variety of information about Medicare health and prescription drug plans in your area, including what they cost and what services they provide. Medicare also rates the plans based on its Five-Star Rating System. You can look for doctors or other health care providers and suppliers who participate in Medicare, and see what Medicare covers, including preventive care services like cancer screenings and vaccinations.

page 11

november 2016 At www.Medicare.gov, you also can: • Get Medicare appeals information and forms; • Get information about the quality of care provided by plans, nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, and dialysis facilities; • Look up helpful websites and phone numbers.

Cate Kortzeborn is Medicare’s regional administrator for Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and the Pacific Territories. You can always get answers to your Medicare questions by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Hope Hospice _ bringing hope for a better today

F

or more than 35 years, patients and families facing life-limiting illnesses have turned to Hope Hospice. We help bring hope for a better today, so you can enjoy what matters most to you. Why families choose Hope Hospice: • Community-based, non-profit • Staff availability 24/7 • Personalized care • Accredited by The Joint Commission • Medicare and Medi-Cal certified • Committed to quality Let us know how we can help you. We’re just a phone call away. (925) 829-8770

H o p e H o s p ice .co m

CALL TODAY!

Sometimes life holds an endless list of challenges, until you discover an

ABUNDANCE of SOLUTIONS. If you have questions about senior living, we have answers. Aging is often difficult with a seemingly endless number of decisions and changes. Let us offer simple solutions. We’ll share with you information on your many options and offer a helping hand to assist you on your journey.

For more information, contact the community nearest you.

brookdale.com

Bringing New Life to Senior Living™

Brookdale Danville

Brookdale Danville Diablo Road

Brookdale San Ramon

RCFE # 75601257

RCFE # 079200382

RCFE # 79200355

Alzheimer's & Dementia Care 400 West El Pintado Danville, CA 94526 (925) 208-4807

CA-P1-0116-ROP LJ

Independent Living | Assisted Living 950 Diablo Road Danville, CA 94526 (925) 854-1868

Independent Living | Assisted Living 18888 Bollinger Canyon Road San Ramon, CA 94583 (925) 854-1889

©2016 Brookdale Senior Living, Inc. All rights reserved. BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING and BRINGING NEW LIFE TO SENIOR LIVING are the registered trademarks of Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.


COMMUNITY CALENDAR

November

November

November

November

November

November

For additional Community Events visit: www.ValleySentinel.com Please email information about your events to info@valleysentinel.com COMMUNITY EVENTS Hope Hospice seeking volunteers Hope Hospice is currently looking for individuals who are interested in volunteering to assist hospice patients and their families. In keeping with Hope Hospice’s goal to make sure patients can live their lives to the fullest and with dignity, volunteers provide a variety of services that help enhance the quality of care of our patients’ lives. Volunteer opportunities include; Home Care; Cosmetology; Healing Touch; Reiki; Massage Therapy; Vocalists. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, contact Jill Biggs, RN, at 925-829-8770. Volunteers Needed: Read to Preschoolers Volunteers are needed at childcare centers in Concord, Pittsburg, and West County. The Contra Costa County Library will supply books and resources. For more information, please contact Maureen Kilmurray at 925-927-3288. 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, SanRamon. Canine Companions for Independence Puppy Class Each Saturday 10-11am. Become a puppy raiser! The East Bay Miracles Chapter invites you to help train puppies to become assistant dogs for children and adults with disabilities. Make sure to check out their online calendar before heading off to volunteer. Athenian High School, 2100 Mt. Diablo Scenic Blvd., Danville. Information: 925-838-3213, cci.org/eastbaychapter Forest Home Farms Historic Park & Glass House Museum–open for Fun on the Farm Every Saturday 11am-2pm. Enjoy tours of the Glass House Museum, the farm and its history, interactive exhibits including the tractor museum, the beautiful grounds and free activities. Visit the Welcome Center and purchase old-fashioned toys and gifts at the Gift Shoppe. Tours are $5 per person, or $8 for both tours on the same day. 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon. Information: 925-973-3284 or visit www.sanramon. ca.gov. 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 November 16 Staying Healthy For The Holidays - With Anna Ritner, L.Ac. 6 pm - 8 pm. Learn how to optimize wellness during the holiday season so you can enjoy it with full presence and a healthy body. We’ll cover tips to avoid over-eating, and how to use easy-to-find kitchen remedies and herbal supplements to reduce bloating and indigestion, increase energy, and protect your immune system. Cancer Support Community, 3276 McNutt Avenue, Walnut Creek. Free. For more information and reservations please call 925.933.0107. November 18 Hospice Tree of Lights Ceremony 5:30 pm. Hospice of the East Bay, Tree of Lights ceremony in conjunction with the Danville Women’s Club. The tree this year is is dedicated to Win Haagensen, Founder of our Tree of Lights Ceremony. Snacks and hot chocolate served inside after the event. Town Meeting Hall, 201 Front Street, Danville

November 22 Thanksgiving Wine Pairings and Cooking Demo with PRIMA’s Executive Chef, Peter Chastain 6 - 8pm. Join us as we host a wine tasting featuring the finest pairings for classic Thanksgiving dishes. Following the tasting, at 6:45 sharp, will be a cooking demo hosted by Chef Peter, who will show you how to de-bone, roulade and truss an entire turkey. This cooking method allows for a quicker, more flavorful and unique presentation to spruce-up your holiday meal! $58 per person. We’d love to know how much turkey to prep in advance, so please let us know if you can make it! Email Matt@Primawine.com for more details or to RSVP November 25 Danviille Lighting of the Old Oak Tree 5:15 - 8:30pm. Danville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Danville present the Annual Lighting of the Old Oak Tree, a beautiful sight to see this holiday season! Lighting of the Old Oak Tree is a tradition with strong roots in the Town of Danville. The community gathers after Thanksgiving to honor the Old Oak. Father Christmas, The snow Angel and the San Ramon Valley High School Chorus enhance the evening. www.danvillechamber.com November 25 Museum of the San Ramon Valley Open House Immediately after the Danville Tree Lighting Visit our popular Christmas Memories exhibit and see Santa Claus immediately following the Danville Tree Lighting Ceremony. This year’s Christmas Memories exhibit features special collections of Teddy Bears, Santas and International Dolls from the 20’s and 30’s. There will be decorated Christmas trees, model trains running, toys, a flying Santa, an antique sleigh, Merry-Go-Round, and much more. November 26 – December 11, 2016 Victorian Holiday Fair Daily, 10am - 4pm. Since 1983, The Holiday Faire has been a seasonal tradition at Shadelands Ranch. During this two-week event, dozens of vendors offer a wide variety of handcrafted items and gifts for sale inside the Museum. Admission and parking are free. 2660 Ygnacio Valley Rd, Walnut Creek, CA 94598 December 2 Bishop Ranch Tree Lighting Celebration 5:30 - 7:30pm. Gather family and friends, come play in a snow park (with real snow!), listen to live music and watch the ceremonial lighting of our spectacular 70-foot White Fir tree. The guest of honor, of course, is Santa Claus! Be sure to bring your camera and strike a pose with jolly old St. Nick. For more information call Community & Outreach at 925-543-0100. December 4 Alamo Tree lighting Ceremony 4:30pm – 6:30pm Alamo’s 32nd annual Tree lighting event is presented by The Community Foundation of Alamo in conjunction with local business sponsors, bringing you Music, Photos with Santa, Treats and Beverages and a special collection for the Contra Costa Food Bank., Andrew H young Park at the corner of Danville Blvd. and Jackson Way, Alamo. Fun for the whole family!

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.

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: 973-3250. Wednesday Morning Hikes (time and location varies) Join the San Ramon Trailblazers if you are interested in meeting new people, enjoying the outdoors, having fun and getting in shape. The group meets once a week at the north end of Osage Park, off of Brookside Dr. This is an adults only group; pets are not permitted on hikes. To find out the exact meeting location and to get on the email list, please call the Senior Center at or email trailblazer88@ comcast.net. 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 BNI Every Thursday Noon-1:30pm. We are actively looking for new members to refer business to in the trades. We need a plumber, electrician, handyman and cleaning service but are also looking for other professions like property manager, event planner and many others. Vic Stewart’s Restaurant at 850 S Broadway in Walnut Creek. 925-330-8275 or david@staff. webquarry.com BBR-Partners for Success 1st and 3rd Tuesdays 12-1pm. One of the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce’s successful Business by Referral groups, Partners for Success meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month to provide concrete business leads to one another. Chamber Conference Room, 117 E Town & Country Drive, Danville. www.danvilleareachamber.com BBR-Sunrise Alliance 2nd and 4th Wednesdays 7:30-8:30am. One of the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce’s successful Business by Referral groups, Sunrise Alliance meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month to provide concrete business leads to one another. Chamber Conference Room, 117 E Town & Country Drive. Danville. www.danvilleareachamber.com

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.

November 17 San Ramon Chamber of Commerce and Danville area Chamber of Commerce Joint Business Mixer 5:30-7pm. Clubsport San Ramon Please join us for our Third Thursday Mixer at ClubSport San Ramon! This is a joint Mixer with the Danville Chamber. Meet other business owners for an opportunity to network and make your business more visible. Pricing: Free, we just ask that you kindly bring some canned foods for our holiday food drive.

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 8:45 am at Osage Park, 816 Brookside Drive, Danville and returns about 1pm. Most hikes are not strenuous, but gradients are involved due to the local terrain. Distances are usually in the 4-5 mile range, and the pace is moderate, with stops to view scenery, wildlife and to talk about location history when appropriate. Information: 925-314-3400 or visit www. ci.danville.ca.us/Recreation/Seniors/Senior_Hiking.

Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce BASH 5:30-7pm. Join us for the last Business And Social Hour of 2016 on November 17 when the Holiday BASH goes Italian style this year. So “tutti a tavolo a mangiare pizza” while networking at Rocco’s Ristorante Pizzeria, 2909 Ygnacio Valley Rd, Walnut Creek. This event is free to all Walnut Creek Chamber members. Please remember to bring your business card. Non-Member admission is $10.00 (cash only) and a business card.

Please email your calendar events to the Sentinel at Info@valleysentinel.com by 5pm on the 15th of the month preceding publication month. Inclusion in the calendar pages is at the sole discretion of Sentinel Newspapers, Inc.


valleysentinel.com December 1 Annual Business and Community Awards Dinner. 5:30pm – 9pm. Please join us at The Bridges Golf Club, 9000 S. Gale Ridge Road in San Ramon, to recognize the Nominees for the 2016 San Ramon Chamber Business and Community Awards. The Awards Dinner will begin with networking and “no host” cocktails. Representatives from Chevron, PG&E, the City of San Ramon, San Ramon Regional Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, Sunset Development and many other corporations will be present. For tickets visit www. sanramon.org or call Kathy Fanning at (925) 242-0600

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. AAUW membership is open to all graduates of accredited four year colleges or universities and those holding an Associate Degree or equivalent. Prospective members are welcome and may contact Soni at 286-1737 for details. Visit dawca.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. Pre-registration is required for all groups and classes, except our drop-in group. To register, please call Hospice of the East Bay: (925) 887-5681. Information: www.hospiceeastbay.org Wind ‘n Sea Sailing Club Sailing training classes take place at members’ homes. Information: Call Jan at 925-837-3381. Forewomen Golf Association provides opportunities to play golf with other women who share the love of the game and also want to give back to our community through our charity program. FWGA is an associate club of the Northern California Golf Association (NCGA), not affi liated with any particular golf course. We offer fi ve opportunities to play per week at East Bay courses. All levels welcome. For more information contact Cheryl Ramirez at communications@ forewomengolf.org.

november 2016 Overcome inappropriate compulsive sexual behavior Avenue nonprofit ministry helps men overcome inappropriate compulsive sexual behavior and helps women heal from the betrayal of their relationship. Confidential groups for men and for women. No charge / donations accepted. Call (877-326-7000). www.AvenueResource.com. RECURRING Mondays: The Walnut Creek Garden Club Meets the second Monday of each month. Meeting begins at 9:30am with community and socializing from 10:30-11:00am. You do not need to be a gardener to join the club. The Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Road, Walnut Creek. Information: californiagardenclubs. com/content/walnut-creek-gardenclub or mslittle44@gmail.com Danville Rotary 12pm. Meets every Monday. Black Bear Diner, 807 Camino Ramon, Danville. Information: danvillerotary. org. San Ramon Alzheimer Support Group 7-9pm. Meets the second Monday of each month, except on holidays. Sponsored by the Alzheimer Association. People who know or are caregivers of Alzheimer victims can get information on how to help them through this difficult time in life. San Ramon Senior & Community Center, 9300 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon. Information: 925-973-3250. Sons In Retirement (Las Trampas Branch) Monthly Luncheon 11am. Meets the third Monday of each month, except for May and December. Make new friends, participate in fun activities. Make $15 luncheon reservations by calling 925-322-1160 by the preceding Wednesday. Walnut Creek Elks Lodge, 1475 Creekside Dr, Walnut Creek. Information: visit www. Branch116.org. Tuesdays: Danville am Toastmasters 7-8:30am. Want to improve your speaking and presentation skills? Toastmasters can help! Meets every Tuesday in downtown Danville. www.4143.toastmastersclubs.org Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary 7am. Meets every Tuesday morning. Crow Canyon Country Club, Danville. Information: dsvrotary.com. Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) Meeting 8-10am. Every Tuesday. This Weight Loss Support Group provides a space for those who wish to lose weight. St. Timothy’s, 1550 Diablo Rd. 925-838-7870. San Ramon Valley Geneological Society 10am. Meets every third Tuesday at the LDS Church, 2949 Stone Valley Road, Alamo. http://srvgensoc.org Diablo View Toastmasters 8:15-9:15am. Meets every Tuesday. CMG Mortgage, 4th Floor Conference Room, 3160 Crow Canyon Rd., San Ramon. Information: 4160. toastmastersclubs.org. Walnut Creek Kiwanis Club 12:10-1:30pm. Meets every Tuesday. Massimo’s Ristorante, 1604 Locust Street,
 Walnut Creek. Information: kiwanisofwalnutcreek.org. Walnut Creek Rotary 12:15-1:30pm. Meets every Tuesday. Heather Farms Garden Center, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: rotarywc.org.

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 A new workshop series for divorced and separated people is being held on Tuesday evenings from 7- 8:30pm 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: Walnut Creek Toastmasters 7-8:15pm. Meets every Wednesday. 1660 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill. Information: walnutcreek.freetoasthost.net Hospice of the East Bay Drop-in Bereavement Support 4:30-6pm, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of every month. 3470 Buskirk Avenue; Pleasant Hill. Information: 925-8875681 or visit www.hospiceeastbay. org. Alamo Rotary 12:15pm. Meets every Wednesday. Round Hill Country Club, 3169 Roundhill Road, Alamo. Info: alamorotary. org. Danville Toastmasters Club #1785 7:30-9pm. Meets every Wednesday. Room W204 at Diablo Valley College,1690 Watermill Road, San Ramon. Information: danvilletoastmasters1785.com.

The Valley SenTinel email us at www.info@sir128.com by Friday prior to the luncheon. Bridges Golf Club, 9000 S. Gale Ridge Rd., San Ramon. Diablo Valley Quilters 7-9pm. Meets the third Wednesday of every month. No charge for guests. Danville Congregational Church, 989 San Ramon Valley Blvd., Danville. Information: diablovalleyquilters.com. Veterans of Foreign Wars 7pm. Meets the third Wednesday of every month. Veterans Memorial Hall, 400 Hartz Avenue, Danville. Information: Post Commander Ernie Petagara at 925-362-9806 or vfwpost75.org. Diablo Singles Dance Club 7-10pm. Meets the last Wednesday of every month. Live music, refreshments. Members $8, Guests $12. All welcome. 111N. Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. Thursdays: Danville Women’s Club 11am – 1pm. Meets third Thursdays of each month. November 17, Socializing begins at 11 a.m., with lunch following at 11:30, and a guest speaker from TroopsDirect at noon. 11-1, 242 Linda Mesa. Call Karen at 925-831-9237 for reservation. San Ramon Valley Newcomers 11:30am-2pm. Meets the third Thursday of every month with a featured guest speaker at a local Tri-Valley restaurant. New and long-time adult residents are welcome. Reservations/ information: susansgotbling@sbcglobal.net or www.srvnc.com. Rotary Club of San Ramon 11:45am. Meets every Thursday. Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville. Information: sanramonrotary.org. San Ramon Valley Kiwanis Club Thursday at Noon. Black Bear Diner, 807 Camino Ramon, Danville. www. kiwanis-srv.org

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

Clutterers Anonymous 7-8pm. Meets the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month. St. Luke’s Lutheran Church Room 3, 2 
 491 San Miguel Drive, W 
 alnut Creek. Information: 925736-8627.

Danville Lions Club 7pm. Meets the first Wednesday at the Alamo Grill, 3160 Danville Blvd, Alamo, CA 94507. Visitors Welcome. Information: Truman Howard 925-787-2565 truman.howard@gmail.com

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.

Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley 12pm. Meets the second Wednesday of every month. Sign-in and social time begins at 11:30. Guests are welcome with lunch reservations. Faz Restaurant, 600 Hartz Ave., Danville. RSVP 925-275-2412. Info: www.srvexchangeclub.org Walnut Creek Host Lion’s Club 12:15pm. Meets the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Black Bear Diner, 700 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek. Information: walnutcreeklions. org. Blue Star Moms 7-9pm. Meets the second Wednesday of every month to participate in service activities supporting sons/daughters serving in the military. Danville Veterans Memorial Building, 400 Hartz Ave. Information: bluestarmoms.org. Sons in Retirement (San Ramon Valley chapter) Monthly Luncheon 10:30am; Social Hour, 11:35am meeting and lunch. Meets the 3rd Wed. of each month. For a nominal charge, attendees get lunch, a guest speaker and the opportunity to socialize with at least 150 other retirees from the San Ramon Valley. Reservations, please

Fridays: Transitions-“Navigating Life’s Turning Points Together” 9-11:30am. Our group now has a new name, which has been changed from TENS to Transitions. Our mission is to encourage and support women from empty nest, to aging parents and

page 13

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. Contact Gregg Riehl at (925) 254-8349 or jgriehl@gmail.com. Free. All are welcome. Information: Howard Zalkin at 939-4210 or Ronnie Wanetick at 933-6357. Sundays: Cars n Coffee: First Sunday of Every Month 8-10am. On the first Sunday of every month, automotive enthusiasts gather in the parking lots of the Blackhawk Museum to share their vehicles and admire the other fabulous classic cars, hot rods, sports cars, exotics and anything else with wheels and a motor that promotes the car enthusiast hobby. Cars & Coffee is a year round event, rain or shine. The Museum opens at 9am on Cars & Coffee Sundays and there is a Docent-led tour at 2pm. Participating car owners receive two complimentary tickets to the Museum courtesy of our sponsors. Blackhawk Museum, 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville. www. blackhawkmuseum.org

Classifieds HELP WANTED Financial Reporting Analyst: Bach. in Bus. Admin. or rltd. or a 3-year Bach. in Bus. Admin. or rltd. & 5 yrs. rltd. exp. Bank of the West. Job in San Ramon, CA 94583. CV to careers@bankofthewest.com. Business Analyst: Implement efficiencies and improvements for BSA and AML ops. MS in Bus. Admin., Fin., or rltd. & 3 yrs. rltd. exp. Bank of the West. Job in San Ramon, CA 94583. CV to careers@ bankofthewest.com. Audit Leader: Master in Accounting or rltd. & 5 yrs. exp. in job offered or rltd. CV to: Bank of the West, 2527 Camino Ramon, San Ramon, CA 94583. ATTN: HR or email careers@ bankofthewest.com. EEO. Position in San Ramon, CA.

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

925-820-6047

390 Diablo Road, Suite 145 Danville, CA 94526

www.valleysentinel.com


page 14

AUTO March 2009 november 2016

The Valley SenTinel

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata By David and Judy Colman

In the current pressgenerated blather for self-driving cars, it would seem that Mazda’s rallying cry–“Driving Matters”– is singularly out of step with the times. But the fact of the matter is that driving does matter, and for the foreseeable future at least, you- the driver - will still be held responsible for the conduct of your vehicle. Given that unavoidable fact, wouldn’t you rather choose a sharp tool for the job than a blunt one? The MX-5 Miata is still without question the sharpest scalpel in any driver’s kit bag. Learn to drive a Miata well, and you will instantly become a better driver than you were before. Because this diminutive sports car requires concentration, coordination, and adept manipulation of all control interfaces. If you plan on texting or talking while driving, forget about the MX-5, because it demands a level of involvement that rules out such foolish behavior. In return, it will pay your finesse off in dividends of delight

unmatched by anything else you can buy today, regardless of price. The fact that such rich reward is available for just $30,065 makes the MX-5 the best cheap date you can buy period. Everything about the Miata is straightforward. Its front engine/rear wheel drive layout was once considered the prime solution to the sports car equation. Famous marques like Triumph, MG, and Lotus all built vibrant sports cars to this formula. Although that classic era has long since passed, Mazda alone soldiers on with its affordable, reasonably powerful take on the legendary British design that worked so well back in the 50s and 60s. The MX-5 proves that it continues to excel today. You quickly discover that this Mazda is blissfully devoid of the over-complication plaguing so many vehicles today. There’s a 2 liter straight 4 up front making 155hp. Its twin cam motor boasts 16 valves and performs best in the lower rev ranges, where 148 lb.-ft.

of torque is instantly on call. The spry four-banger connects to a 6-speed manual gearbox offering micrometer precise shifts. You can buy an MX-5 with an optional automatic gearbox with 6 speeds, but why would you want to do that? An immense chunk of Miata joy is attributable to that stubby wand between the seats that distributes power to the rear wheels. Chose the automatic and you’re ceding half the fun to a unit that renders you partially useless. If driving matters, go for the stick. Because this two seater weighs only 2,335lbs, great handling does not require steam roller size wheels and tires. Mazda has supplied even the base model we drove with primo rubber: Bridgestone Potenza S001 tires measuring 205/45R17 mounted on smoked chrome alloys. The precise, fully independent suspension of the MX-5 allows the Bridgestones to develop sustained cornering grip that will have you squealing with glee every time you clip an apex on a back road. Have just one such experience and you

valleysentinel.com

will instantly understand why Miata is the most raced car on the planet. Every weekend, hundreds of contests take place with various classes of Miatas. These range from box-stock street cars to heavily modified track stars. No other single make series comes close to duplicating the racing world’s allegiance to the Miata. In the 2017, Mazda will be introducing a retractable fastback hardtop version of the MX-5 that promises to look sleeker than our test model soft top, but also weigh considerably more. When the hardtop is erect, that extra weight will be situated high up in the chassis, resulting in an elevated center of gravity compared to our ragtop. The lightweight fabric roof is so easy to drop and erect with one hand from the driver’s seat that there’s really no need for a complicated push-button electric powered hardtop. We spent 90% of our week driving the Soul Red ($300 optional color)) rocket with its top dropped. If there’s a bug on the windshield of the Miata, it’s the poor ergonomic design

of the interior. For example, although Mazda has added a 7 inch color touch screen display to the dash top, such chores as selecting and installing XM radio favorites is unduly complicated and annoying. Likewise, the rotary selector knob for accessing the touchscreen is inexplicably located atop the transmission tunnel, so that every time your right elbow inadvertently touches the selector knob during a shift, the radio changes stations. Finally, there is virtually no cabin storage either in the dash or the doors, so you’re faced with an awkward reach to a small cubby located behind and between the two seats. Thus, Mazda seems to have resurrected the niggling quirkiness of the British sports cars in ways best left forgotten. 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Engine: 2.0 liter inline 4, DOHC Horsepower: 155hp Torque: 148 lb.-ft. Fuel Consumption: 27mpg City/34mpg Highway Price as Tested: $31,330 Hypes: Consummate Affordable Sports Car Gripes: Head Scratching Interior Shortcomings Star rating: 9.5 Stars out of 10

DIABLO MOTORS

Auto Sales • Service • Detailing Top Quality Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles at Private Party Prices Certified Pre-Owned Private Party Prices • Financing Available Trade-Ins Welcome • On-Site Consignment Extended Warranties Available

$500 Off

any car on the lot Good through 11/30/16 One Coupon Per Vehicle. No Cash Value. Not Combinable With Other Offers.

Award-Winning Service Department

Unmatched 5-Star Detailing

Everything from Oil Changes and Brake Jobs to 30K, 50K, 90K Factory-Style Services to Full Engine and Transmission Replacements! Top Notch Technicians!

We offer a wide range of detailing and restoration service utilizing top quality materials applied by our exclusive, talented, and professionally-educated detail staff. Specializing In Paint Correction

$99

$299 Detail Special

Synthetic Oil Service With FREE Inspection

Good through 11/30/16 Up to 5 quarts synthetic oil, and filter. Additional parts are extra. Applies to most vehicles.

Includes: - Interior and exterior cleaning - Clay bar and wax exterior - Detail engine compartment Good through 11/30/16 Larger/Dirtier vehicles extra

Your One Stop Auto Shop… Call Diablo Motors Today! Life’s Too Short To Drive A Crummy Car!

2067 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon (925) 830-8747 • www.diablomotors.com


valleysentinel.com

november 2016

Creek and Channel Safety– “Stay Out, Stay Alive” By Candace Andersen. Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors

With the autumn rains arriving, please take the time to speak to your children and friends about the dangers of fast moving storm water and the almost certain fate that awaits anyone who goes into rain swollen creeks and channels. The flood control channels are part of our community’s infrastructure and, like freeways or railroad tracks, should never be used for recreation. The channels are designed to drain storm water from our communities and take it swiftly “out to sea”, preventing flooding. Water from the surrounding watershed area first gathers in small streams and creeks and then flows into the large channels for a fast trip to the Delta, Carquinez Strait and San Pablo Bay. This storm water can pass from small open creeks to large underground tunnels; from narrow rocky stream beds to wide concrete channels; all the while gathering debris, speed, volume, and power. At key points along the way, large structures have been built into the system to slow down the water and control the power. This allows the water to flow back into wide earthen channels without destroying their natural habitat or causing erosion. These structures are an efficient tool in managing our floodwaters but can be deadly for humans. The County initiated an educational program following the 2011 drowning of two Walnut Creek teenagers who tried to raft down a flood control channel. Since then, the Flood Control District has ramped up outreach efforts each year, and most recently partnered with students at Walnut Creek Intermediate School to have their leadership students help spread the word. While much of the focus of these efforts has been in Walnut Creek, where the tragedy occurred, there are many creeks in channels throughout the San Ramon

Valley which also pose a significant danger should someone attempt to enter them when fast moving water is present. The Flood Control District recently refreshed the large “Stay Out, Stay Alive” signs that can be seen on the walls of many of the concrete channels throughout the County. The Board of Supervisors has directed

the Flood Control District to continue to enhance and improve its ongoing safety campaign, and will make the “Creek and Channel Safety Awareness Month” designation an annual event each October. Efforts continue to spread the “Stay Out, Stay Alive”

message to youth and their parents, and will focus on outreach to the schools this time of year. If you’re interested in finding out more about the campaign or how you can share the message, visit www.cccounty.us/ creekandchannelsafety. 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.

Residential & Office Experts “Moving You On To Better Things” Family Owned and Operated Since 1975

The Valley SenTinel LAUGHTER from page 1 The gems just keep coming. The stories and jokes are plentiful, targeting wellknown stereotypes and more subtle cultural anomalies offering an inside look at aspects of Jewishness that provide food for thought. Very funny…and nobody is safe from being the butt of jokes from grandmothers to rabbis, scholars, businessmen, sons, daughters, and the culture itself. The book is thoughtfully written by a man who has the gift of observation, and who is able to surgically pick apart an entire culture offering insights to help both the familiar and unfamiliar understand the humor and the impetus to keep on laughing. Michael Krasny will be visiting Rakestraw Books in Danville on November 29 and will speak and sign copies of his book. This is a treat not to be missed. For more information about this event, call Michael Bernard at (925) 837-7337. Michael Krasny, Ph.D., is a scholar and a professor

page 15

of English and American Literature, an award-winning broadcast journalist, and author of two acclaimed books, Off Mike: A Memoir of Talk Radio and Literary Life and Spiritual Envy: An Agnostic’s Search. Since 1993 he has been the host of Forum with Michael Krasny, a news and public afffairs interview program produced at KQED Radio, the NPR affiliate in San Francisco.

OLGA’S CLEANING

Olga Sanchez Ph/Fax: (925) 732-3736 Direct: (925) 286-1893 contact@olgasproservices.com http://olgasproservices.com

FREE estimate

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL

Want a Lift

but without Surgery? LIQUID FACELIFT

• No Surgery • In Office Procedure • Safe comfortable environment • Great Holiday Gift – even for YOU! (You deserve it) • Look years younger regardless of age

Reliable…Quality…Professional Relocation and Storage Services 1 Month FREE storage at our new facility Our priorities are clear… We are dedicated to quality ser vice and customer satisfaction! Call today for instant price quote or set up a free estimate for a guaranteed price!

800-232-9977

Call TODAY and talk to Shiva for all the details

925-743-1488 AdvAnced LAser

Michael J. Tomcik, MD

skin cAre center

Medical Group, iNc.

www.SanRamonDerm.com

Board Certified Dermatologist Over 35 years experience

101 Park Place San Ramon

925-743-1488

Introducing Ultherapy • Only FDA approved,


november november 2016 2016

The Valley SenTinel page 16 valleysentinel.com

Helping you stay informed “In “ In the event of a power outage, we want our customers to stay safe and stay informed. informed.” BRANDON GONZALES Troubleman

PG&E wants you to always be informed about potential power outages in your area. That’s why PG&E offers outage alerts via email, text and phone that provide up-to-date information about the cause of an outage and let customers know when they can expect the power to be back on. PG&E crews respond to power outages 24 hours a day to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. To stay informed, sign up for outage alerts at pge.com/outagealerts.

Go online

Sign up

Stay informed

pge.com/outagealerts

“PG&E” refers to Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation. ©2016 Pacific Gas and Electric Company. All rights reserved. Paid for by PG&E shareholders.

valleysentinel.com page 16 The Valley SenTinel


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.