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October 2017
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SPOTLIGHT
Steve Polcyn Named 2017 Alamo Citizen of the Year Steven R. Polcyn, longtime Alamo resident and exemplary A l a m o Rotarian, has been selected a s t h e 2 01 7 Alamo Rotary Alamo Citizen o f t h e Ye a r ! Steve is a very well-deserving recipient of this honor as the 32nd Steve Polcyn with County Alamo citizen Supervisor Candace Andersen recognized since the Rotary Club of Alamo began the program in 1985. Steve has long served our
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Local photographers, who entered Tri-Valley Conservancy’s annual Freeze Frame Photography Contest were awarded prizes for photos capturing their unique perspectives of Tri-Valley’s open spaces. The top photos from both the youth and adult categories will be featured in a travelling exhibit to help inspire our community to go outside and enjoy the beauty and benefits of preserving open space. The photo above by Richard Finn of Livermore is entitled “Spring Morning at Del Valle Park.” You can see the winning photos at TriValleyConservancy.org.
Food for the raptors, only 25% of young American Robins survive first year The ubiquitous American Robin, which flourishes among gardens, parks, suburban lawns, and golf courses, is a familiar bird to most North Americans. It is frequently seen searching for earthworms and insects. When an earthworm is encountered, the robin will cock its head to the side to listen and visually identify the worm’s exact location by movements in the soil. Sometimes a tug- of- war ensues when a large “earthcrawler” is grabbed. The American Robin was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1766 in his twelfth edition of Systema Naturae as (Turdus migratorius). The binomial name derives from the Latin turdus for thrush, and migratorius for “to go”, or migratory. The term robin for this species has been recorded since 1703. It is named after the European Robin because
of its reddish-orange breast, though the two species are not closely related. The American Robin belongs to the Thrush family, while the European Robin is a member of the Old World Flycatcher family. Seven subspecies are recognized. The American Robin is widely distributed throughout North America, and breeds as far north as Alaska and across Canada. It migrates to avoid inclement weather in the north to wintering habitat in Mexico and along the Pacific coast. It is the state bird of Connecticut, Michigan, and Wisconsin. The American Robin is considered by some sources as the second most abundant extant land bird in North America. The Redwinged Blackbird is considered
the most abundant. Following the Robin in abundance are the European Starling and the House Finch. The American Robin reaches eleven inches in length with a wingspan up to sixteen inches. They average three ounces in weight. Males have a black head, brown back, and deep, brick red, peachyorange or rich, red- maroon breast. They have a white eye ring and yellow bill. Females have paler or duller plumage. Juveniles have a heavily spotted breast. The total population is approximately 320 million individuals. At one time the American Robin was hunted for its meat. The American Robin’s diet consists of around 40% small invertebrates, earthworms,
beetle grubs, caterpillars, g ra s s h o p p e rs, l a r va l a n d adult insects. The other 60% consists of wild and cultivated fruits and berries. Tens of thousands of birds may gather from October to March in large flocks as an influx of birds from northern states and Canadian provinces congregate
This month’s Special Sections:
Fall Home & Garden pages 8-9
See ROBIN page 5
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT dining out • music • art • theater • fun events
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The Valley Sentinel
October 2017
Also on display is a wide ranging juried selection of locally created fine crafts and jewelry. Valley Art Gallery, 1661 Botelho Drive, Suite 110, Walnut Creek. Information: valleyartgallery.org or 925935-4311.
The First People of California: An Exhibition of California’s Indigenous People Now thru November 5 Archaeological findings show that the first people settled in California well over 5,000 years ago, inhabiting the mountains, river valleys, deserts and the coast. The exhibition showcases California’s diverse climate zones which led to variations of diet and housing, even as trade, periodic gatherings, and intermarriage led to cultural similarities such as creation myths. Tools made of stone, shell, wood and fiber as well as regalia, foods, games and examples of hunting and gathering will be on display. California Indians are said to be the best basket weavers among the Native American groups and the Museum is proud of the exceptional exhibit we have on display, such as a rare and diverse collection of baskets, baby carrier, and seed sweeper. Especially noteworthy are the delicate gift baskets, woven with bird feathers and shells. The Museum of the San Ramon Valley, 205 Railroad Ave., Danville.Information: museumsrv.org or 925-8373750.
Art, Naturally Now - November 11 Making art, it’s what we do — naturally. And it’s why we’re cleverly calling our new fall 2017 collection ‘Art, Naturally’. From objects found, to impressions visualized, our gallery artists have all been busy the past six months creating art — naturally.
About Abstraction: Bay Area Women Painters Now – December 17 This show celebrates 16 Bay Area women artists, emerging and established, who have worked in abstraction for years. Taking elements from a wide range of styles, such as op art, expressionism, m i n i m a l i s m , o r l aye r i n g different styles together, the artists in About Abstraction are extending a vital, universal, and dynamic dialogue about what abstraction can do— and what it can be—today. Bedford Gallery, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Information: www.bedfordgallery.org 925295-1417.
The Jazz Room Presents: Oakland Jazz Choir October 6 7:30pm. “In a city full of delightfully different cultural traditions, the Oakland Jazz Choir stands out as a local treasure.”–Dave Becker of The Oakland Tribune. $20. Village Theater, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: www. villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400. For tickets visit w w w. b row n p a p e r t i c ke t s. com/event/3076565 Stand-up Comedy with Scott Capurro October 7 8pm. Comedian Scott Capurro takes the stage in
this adults only comedy show. Described as “unbashedly raunchy, provocative, and hilarious”, and known as a “master of deadpan comedy and a professional in the fields of gut-busting hilarity and subtle wit,”Capurro’s shows are for 18 and older. $25. Village Theater, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: www. villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400.
Fa n t a s y Fo r u m A c t o r s Ensemble Presents: Hansel & Gretel October 12 - 14 Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble is pleased to present this original tale, HANSEL & GRETEL. A young brother and sister are left in the forest after the witch casts a “mean” spell on their parents. Aided by their faithful friend, Dog, they outwit the cookie baking witch. This is an original family friendly musical that encourages audience participation from all ages which provides an exciting live theatre experience you and your children will not forget. $14. Discount tickets available for groups of 10 or more. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: www.fantasyforum.org call 925-943-SHOW (7469).
Billy Elliot Presented by Contra Costa Musical Theatre Music by Elton John October 13 - November 11 Set in a northern-England mining town during the strike of 1984/’85, Billy Elliot The Musical is the inspirational
valleysentinel.com story of a young boy’s fight to make his dream come true. Follow Billy’s journey from boxing ring to ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance that unites his family, inspires his community and changes his life forever. $55 - $59. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1 6 01 C i v i c D r. , Wa l n u t Creek. Information: www. bedfordgallery.org or 925295-1417.
Oktoberfest October 14 11am to 4pm. Presented by the San Ramon Historic Fo u n d a t i o n O k t o b e r f e s t featuring the Olympia Fields Brass Band, Golden Gate Bavarian Dancers, Dachshund Races and a delicious German t h e m e d l u n c h . Ad va n c e Ticket Sales – Register online through PayPal. $10 - $25, 6 and under FREE. Forest Home Farms Historic Park, 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon. Tickets and info: www.SRHF.org
Romeo and Juliet presented by Diablo Symphony Orchestra October 15 2pm. Our 55th season opener centers on two composers inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless love story, Romeo and Juliet. Separated by less than 70 years, these compositions imagine the famous tragedy in wildly different ways, from the unearthly and fierce beauty of Prokofiev’s ballet score to the lush romanticism and high drama of Tchaikovsky’s tone poem. $35. Hofmann Theatre, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Information: www.bedfordgallery.org or 925-295-1417. Z is for…Zombie! An Improvised Zombie Apocalypse October 19-22 This show is a completely improvised spoof of zombie apocalypse movies in which n o b o d y k n ows w h o i s a zombie and who is still human – not even the cast! Who will be eaten and converted into
a brain-sucking zombie? And, who will be the last human improviser standing? Nobody knows until the very last scene! $20. Lesher Theater for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive in downtown Walnut Creek. Information / reservations visit CenterREP.org or call 925-943-SHOW (7469).
Bedtime Theater - The Bubble Lady October 20 6:30pm. This fabulous show really pops! It’s crazy, zany, super silly and tons of fun. Parents and kids alike will be wowed as we follow ‘The Bubble Lady’ to ‘Bubble Land’ and participate in incredible musically enhanced bubble adventures. Children are helpers throughout this astounding interactive show! Spectacular bubble artistry mixed with comedy, is a winning combination making this ‘Bubble Show’ o n e yo u wo n ’ t s o o n ( i f ever) forget. $7. San Ramon Community Center at Central Park, Fountain Room, 12501 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon. Information: www.sanramon. ca.gov/parks/theater or 925973-3343.
Angel Street (Gaslight) October 20 - November 5 Isabella Manningham fears she is going mad under the influence of her mysterious and dashing new husband. The stakes become deadly when a detective arrives with a theory about Mr. Manningham’s sinister motivations. Best known under the title “Gaslight” after its successful screen adaptation, Angel Street is a Victorian thriller that still
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT dining out • music • art • theater • fun events
valleysentinel.com resonates today. $20-$30. Village Theater, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: www. villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400. The Liar October 20 - November 18 T h e charming and charismatic Dorante has but a single f l aw : h e c a n n o t t e l l t h e truth. Cliton, his manservant cannot tell a lie. Together they bring us one of the Western world’s greatest comedies. $34 - $56. Tickets for preview performances may be available to US Veterans and active college students for $15. Please visit our website for more information. Center REPertory Company, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: CenterREP.org or call 925.943.SHOW(7469).
Dixieland Jazz October 21 1:30-4:30pm. On the 3rd Saturday of every month you can enjoy the music of the Devil Mountain Jazz Band. Bring your own beverages, snacks and a friend or two! There is a large dance floor and lots of free parking. $15. Grange Hall, 743 Diablo Road, Danville. Information visit www.jazznut.com or phone 925-625-2707.
October 2017 www.villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400. Romeo and Juliet come to Shakespeare in the Park in Danville October 28 12pm. ‘Romeo and Juliet’ features both thrilling sword fights and Shakespeare’s beautiful poetry, performed by a cast of five Bay Area actors in contemporary costumes. Now in its 30th year, the ‘Shakespeare on Tour’ program annually travels an average of 10,000 miles to bring a onehour version of a Shakespeare classic to schools, libraries, and community centers across California. Each hour-long performance is composed entirely from Shakespeare’s text. Bring your own lawn chairs and lunch. FREE. Danville Town Green, 400 Front St (in front of the Danville Library). In case of rain, the performance will take place at the Village Theatre and Art Gallery, 233 Front Street. For more information, contact the Danville Community Center at 925-314-3400. Comedy with Liz Grant & Friends: A Monthly Stand-Up Series November 2 In this new monthly standup comedy series, Liz Grant brings a host of Bay Area and L.A. comedians to the Village Theatre stage! Join these seasoned performers for this hilarious series. 16+ unless accompanied by an adult. Village Theater, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: www. villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400.
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sword fights, and stomach busting laughter! $5-$15. San Ramon Valley High School, 501 Danville Blvd, Danville. Information: srvtheatre.com or call 925-364-0356. P r e s c h o o l Pe r f o r m a n c e Series November 3 10 a m . M a k i n g l i t t l e ones laugh, dance, and sing along since 2009, the Town of Danville is pleased to continue to present fun and unique top-level entertainers for preschool-aged children. Presented in 50 minutes with no intermission. Artist may be subject to change. $5. Village Theater, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: www. villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400.
moves in chronological order, while Cathy’s story flows in reverse chronological order. Composer Jason Robert Brown weaves the two perspectives together in a masterfully lyrical take on the life and death of a romance. $15-$20. Village Theater, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: www. villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400.
Live Music: Dirty Cello November 9 7:30pm. Dirty Cello brings a high energy and unique spin on blues and bluegrass. Led by vivacious cross-over cellist, Rebecca Roudman, Dirty Cello is cello like you’ve never heard before. From down home blues with a wailing cello to virtuosic stompin’ bluegrass, Dirty Cello is a band that gets your heart thumping and your toes tapping! $15-$20. Village Theater, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: www. villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400.
THE DANVILLE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESENTS
Night At The Improv “Suburban Stories” Suburban Thunder Improv • • Company Presents November 4 HISTORIC DOWNTOWN DANVILLE • • • an • 8pm. Do you need end of year pick-me-up? Join HISTO R I C D O W N T O W N D AH NIVS I LTLO E RIC DOWNTOWN DANVILLE Glass Classic Suburban Thunder Improv 200 Children’s Pumpkin Car Show Artisans Fair Company for spontaneous Patch sunday only • Glass• Classic 200 improvisational theater! All Children’s Pumpkin Car Show Artisans Live R&B Glass GlassBike Fair Classic based on Your suggestions, Patch sunday 200only H I SMusic T O R I C D OClassic W N T OCellars W N D A N V I L L E Parking 200 Children’s Car Show Car Show Pumpkin Pumpkin we’ll create a one-of-a-kind Artisans Fair Patch Patch Live R&B Artisans sunday Bike only sunday only show just forMusic you! Let us Cellars Parking Food Beer & Wine Safe Trick Local regale you with familiar Booth or Treating & Drink Shops & Eats Glass Classic Live R&B Bike Children’s 200 stories from your suburban Beer & Wine Food LocalCar Show Safe Trick Pumpkin • orCellars • Music Parking Artisans Fair life! Booth Come along with us Treating & Drink Shops & Eats Food Patch Children’s onlyPerforming Children’s sunday Live Performing Live Performing Live on this journey of Directed • • Costume Parade Activities That Uncle Rico H IISCan T ODo RIC D O W N& T ODrink W N Next D A NStep VILLE • • Rock Band Saturday 10am Theatre Dance Studio Classic • • Group long form ’ improv stories Live R&B Bike Children s Performing Live Performing Live Performing Live Safe Trick Beer & Wine Food Local • H& I NSStep TLOLR W NCellars TOWN DAN L E• Parking &V IVLIEats and Costume scenes. SuitableHfor ages Parade Do That IISCan TO RIC D O W N T OMusic W N Next D AH E IRCI CD O IVSI& T Drink O D OUncle WRock NRico TBand OWN D A N& LLE or Treating Booth Shops Saturday 10am Theatre Group Dance Studio Classic Glass Classic IN HISTORIC DOWNTOWN DANVILLE 14+. Front Row Theater. $10. 200 Children’s Pumpkin Car Show Artisans Fair Safe Beer• Special Promotion: If you Patch sundayLocal only Glass Classic 200 3 or more Beer Trick or • Safe Trick & Wine Food Local purchase tickets & Wine Children’s Shops & Pumpkin Glass Car Show Classic www . danville fall fest. com Glass Classic Artisans R&B Bike Fair 200 Patch ’ 200 Glass Glass Children’s Children Performing Live Classic Performing Live Performing Live Classic or Treating Booth &TLive Drink Shops & Eats Children’s sunday only s receive a discount rate of $7 Pumpkin Booth Eats 200 Pumpkin HI ICan SShow O RCar I CShow DOW N T OCellars W N D A NStep V Treating I L L EActivities 200 Car Children’s Music Parking Artisans Costume Parade Do That Next Uncle Rico Pumpkin Artisans Car Show Patch sunday only Fair Pumpkin per ticket. Front RowArtisans Theater. Car Show Patch sunday only FairBand www . danville fest. com Artisans 10am Theatre Group sunday only Dance Studio Classic Rock Patch Live Saturday R&B fall Bike sunday only Patch Located inside Music the Dougherty Cellars Live Parking R&B Concierge Beer & Wine Safe Trick Food Local Cellars Booth Children’s Performing Live Performing Live Performing Station Community Center, Booth Music or TreatingLive & Drink Shops & Eats Live R&B Bike Glass Classic I Can Do That Next Step Rico Costume Parade Live R&B Bike Uncle 200 Children’s 17011 Bollinger Canyon Rd, Beer & Wine Safe Trick Food Local Pumpkin Music Cellars Parking Car Show Live R&B Concierge Theatre Group Dance Studio Safe Classic Rock Band Saturday 10am Food Local Trick Beer & Wine Music Cellars Parking Artisans Fair Booth or Treating & Drink Shops & Eats San Ramon. Information: Food Patch Children’s only & Drink Booth ’s sunday Children Performing Live Shops & Eats Performing Liveor Treating Performing Live Music Cellars Desk •Parade • • • Costume I Can Do That Next Step Uncle Rico w w w. s a n r a m o n . c a . g o v / & & & Drink Activities Saturday 10am Theatre Group Dance Studio Classic Rock Band parks/theater or 925-973IN HISTORIC DOWNTOWN DANVILLE Safe Trick Beer && Wine Local Live R&B Bike Children’s Performing Live Performing Food Live Performing Live Safe Trick Beer Wine Food Local ’sS T O R I CPerforming LiveN T O WPerforming Children Live Performing Live H I D O W N D A N V I L L E www . danville fall fest. com Costume Parade I Can Do That Next Step Uncle Rico 3343. or Treating Booth & Drink Shops & Eats Music Cellars Parking I Can Do That! Costume Parade Next Step Uncle Rico or Treating Booth & Drink Classic Rock Band Shops & Eats Saturday 10am Theatre Group Dance Studio
Sat & Sun October 21 & 22 10-5 & Sun21 October Sat & 22 10 - 5 21 & 22 10 - 5 Sat & Sun October
Sat & Sun October 21 & 22 10-5
Sat & Sun October 21 & 22 10-5 --55 & 10 Sat 22 &Sun 10 Sat Sun21October October 21&&10 22 & 22 10 - 5 21 Sat & Sun October -5 Sat Sun October 21 22 Sat & Sun October 21 & 22
Comedy with Liz Grant & Friends: A Monthly Stand-Up Series October 25 7 : 30 p m . I n t h i s n ew monthly stand-up comedy series, Liz Grant brings a host of Bay Area and L.A. comedians to the Village Theatre stage! Join these seasoned performers for this hilarious series. 16+ unless accompanied by an adult. $17 $20. Village Theater, 233 Front St., Danville. Information:
San Ramon Valley Theatre presents: Treasure Island November 2-4 The family classic adapted from the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson. A mysterious man delivers the black spot that is dreaded by all. Which encourages the pirates to go on an adventure for buried treasure. A cynical man named Long John Silver is out to betray his fellow Crewmen. There will be a crazy fashion show of cheese,
10 - 5
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Performing Live Performing Performing Performing Live Live Studio Performing Live Live Performing Live Children’s Children’s Theatre Saturday 10am Dance Classic Rock Band Performing Live Group Live Performing Performing Live Performing Live Performing Live Performing Live Children’s Children’s I Can Do That I CanNext Do That Step Next Uncle StepRico Uncle Rico Costume Costume
I Can DoIThat Can Do That Next Step Next Step Safe Uncle Rico Uncle Rico Glass CostumeCostume200 Classic Beer Local Children’s ICDT presents The Last Theatre Group Theatre Theatre Dance Group Studio Dance Classic Studio Rock Classic Rock ParadeFive Parade Theatre Pumpkin Car Show Group Group Dance Studio Dance Studio Classic Rock Classic Rock Parade ParadeArtisans Activities www . danville fall fest. com Trick or Band Safe Trick Beer & Wine Food Local Band Band & Wine Shops &Performing Patch sunday only Saturday 10am Years Band Live Glass Saturday 10am Saturday 10am 10am Classic ’sSaturday www . danville fall fest. com Children Performing Live Live Performing 200 Children Performing Live Performing Live Performing Live or Treating Booth’s & Drink Shops & Treating Eats Children’s Booth November 7 - 10 Costume Eats Pumpkin Parade I Can DoDo That Next Step Uncle Rico Car Show Live R&B Concierge I Can That Next Step Uncle Rico Costume Parade Artisans Fair www.danville fall fest.com Music Theatre Group Studio Classic Rock Band Patch T h e L a s t F i vSaturday eSaturday Ye a r.10am s10am Booth sunday only www danville fall fest. com Theatre Group Cellars Dance Dance Studio Classic Rock Band explores the rise and fall of Children’s Beer & Wine Performing Live Performing Live Safe Trick Performing Live Food Local a love affair between Jamie LiveBooth Bike Drink R&B Shops & Eats Step or Treating I Can Do& That Next Uncle Rico Costume Parade We l l e rs t e i n , a n u p -Saturday a n d - 10am Music Cellars Live R&B Theatre Group DanceConcierge Studio ParkingClassic Rock Band coming novelist, and Cathy Music Performing LiveCellarsPerforming Live DeskPerforming Live Children’s Hiatt, a struggling actress. I Can Do That! Costume Parade Next Step Uncle Rico Saturday 10am Food Theatre Group Dance Studio & Wine Local Classic Rock Band Safe Trick Told from both Beer characters’ www . danville fall fest. com www com or Treating Booth & Drink. danville fall Shopsfest. & Eats points of view, Jamie’s story
Performing Live Performing Performing Live Live Performing Performing Live Live Performing Live Children’s Children’s Performing Live Performing Live Performing Live Performing Live Performing Live Performing Live Children’s Children’s I Can DoI That CanNext Do That Step Next Uncle StepRico Uncle Rico CostumeCostumeCostumeCostume Can DoIThat Can DoIThat Next Step Next Step Uncle Rico Uncle Rico Group Theatre Dance Group Studio Dance Classic Studio Rock Classic Rock Parade Parade Parade Theatre Parade Theatre Group Theatre Group Dance Studio Dance Studio Classic Rock Classic Rock Band Band Band Band Saturday 10am ’ Saturday Saturday 10am Saturday 10am 10am www.danville fall Performing fest.com Live Children s Performing Live Performing Live
www . danville fall fest. com
Costume Parade
I Can Do That
Next Step
Uncle Rico
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October 2017 Sponsored Content
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Many women look forward to the completion of their breast cancer treatment and getting on with their life. However for some the end of treatment can be a confusing or stressful time. They may feel nervous or upset at the thought of no longer regularly seeing members of their health care team and worry about what the future holds for them. A common complaint of survivors is the apparent belief of those around them that, once the last treatment is over, the cancer is over. For example family and friends may expect a return to full family and work responsibilities and not appreciate the lingering effects of fatigue. This is why it is important that family and friends be educated about the realities of breast cancer survivorship. A s m o re wo m e n a re surviving breast cancer, common complaints include fatigue and low energy past t h e i r c h e m o t h e ra py a n d
radiation. Muscle aches, stiffness, joint pain sometimes delayed side effects of chemotherapy or ongoing side effects of hormonal treatment can be interpreted as a fear of cancer recurrence. The term Chemo Brain is one I hear often. Many women experience a general blunting of mental acuity, certain fuzziness with quantitative thinking, and trouble with m e m o r y. T h e s e c h a n g e s usually improve over time, and reassuring woman of this is important. Wo m e n m ay a l s o b e unhappy with their changed bodies and feel aged after treatment. Hair changes, weight gain, skin changes and scars from surgery can all be emotionally overwhelming. Early menopause and sexual changes are equally distressing. Hot flashes, mood swings, and decreased libido are important issues to address with your physician. Between 5% to 33% of women who have had breast surgery may develop lymphedema months or years later. Physicians need to educate their patients the ways to minimize complications of
Alamo News Update By Steve Mick
Alamo trees continue to be a topic of discussion. Earlier this year, individuals found that trees in at least two different areas in Alamo had been cut down without full authority. The county has a tree ordinance, however it was discovered that the ordinance provided no serious consequence to these activities. For this reason, the county is looking to review and improve the existing ordinance to offer better protections for Alamo’s trees. Speaking of trees and lawns and recreational activities and such, it has been brought to the MAC’s attention that County Service Area R-7 (also known as Alamo Parks and Recreation) is paying a rather large sum of money for the maintenance and upkeep of Alamo’s park properties. As an example, Alamo’s expenditure for Livorna Park’s upkeep and maintenance for 2015 –
2016 was just over $250,000. That’s a quarter of a million dollars, folks. As a comparison, combined expenditures for Montalvin Park and Montara Bay Park in San Pablo run to approximately $30,000. In light of these numbers and to the credit of senior county staff, they are researching and assessing park maintenance costs to develop an accurate comparison of the various park costs. Part of this effort will be to interrogate neighboring jurisdictions (Danville & Walnut Creek) on their park maintenance costs. We shall see what we shall see… A New ARC! Congratulations are extended to the SRV United Methodist Church on their dedication of the new Activity and Recreation Center (ARC). This center has been on the planning and construction stage for several years. This structure will be the home of many events and sports activities. Drop-in sports such as badminton, basketball and pickleball are being arranged. Added organizational sports
lymphedema, and encourage them to visit lymphedema clinics. T h e key t o e a s e t h e above issues of breast cancer survivorship is support and time. Survivors can also find comfort in speaking to their doctors. A consult with a psychologist is another option. I also deeply believe and encourage women to join a support group. The challenge of survivorship is the searing recognition of mortality that changes everything, but time does heal and knowing you are not alone makes it a little easier. Dr. Kankipati is a board certified Medical Oncologist and Hematologist with Epic Care, www.epic-care.com. HELPFUL RESOURCES The Association of Oncology Social Work can make referrals to an experienced oncology social worker for psychological support services. 1-215-599-6093 www.aosw. org The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. 1-877-465-6636 www.komen.org The American Cancer Society 1-800-227-2345 www.cancer.org
will include soccer training and Vibe Volleyball. Visit the ARC website for more information -- www.thearcenter.com. A New AMPA? AMPA was the name of the Alamo Merchants and Professional Association which was formed in 1992. It was a successful business and social networking group. AMPA changed its name in 2008 to the Alamo Chamber of Commerce in order to increase exposure and name recognition. Then in 2014, the Alamo Chamber merged with the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce to the benefit of both organizations. However, there has recently been some discussion about re-booting AMPA as a social club with a business component. There will be further discussions about this proposal in the months ahead. Please let me know your thoughts on it. Steve Mick is a long-time Alamo resident and is active in a number of community organizations. Among them are the Community Foundation of Alamo, the Exchange Club and the Alamo Municipal Advisory Council. You can reach Steve at steve@alamore.org.
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October 2017 Sponsored Content
Healing Arthritis Naturally By Dr. Niele Maimone, DC
Joint pain, known as arthritis, comes in many forms. The most common type is osteoarthritis, known as “wear and tear arthritis”. Joint pain can flare up for a number of reasons — some of which may be overlooked by conventional practitioners. Many of my patients ask me if their pain is caused by arthritis. Sadly, it is estimated that one in five Americans has been diagnosed with some form or arthritis. There are over a hundred different arthritic conditions, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis being the most well known. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease causing inflammation in the synovial fluid of the joint. Rheumatoid arthritis is most common in the hands and feet and is frequently accompanied by a hot or warm feeling in the joint, stiffness for over 30 minutes ROBIN from page 1
to feed. The American Robin begins to breed from February through August in Contra Costa County, shortly after returning to its summer range. The first known nest record for Contra Costa County was likely a set of eggs taken from Pine Canyon in Mt. Diablo State Park, on May 29, 1925, according to the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley. It is one of the county’s earliest nesters, and normally has two or three broods per season. The male’s song is an evenly spaced warble. The cup-shaped nest is constructed by the female alone, and consists of
in the morning, the same joint affected on both sides of the body, polyarthritis (more than one joint affected at a time), and pain that can last through the night. With this form of arthritis, most of my patients notice the pain eases the more they use the joint. Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, feels worse the more we exercise and as the day wears on. Also linked to inflammation, this type of arthritis can be traced back to a breakdown in the joint cartilage. It generally affects the hips, knees, spine, hands and feet and develops as more of a wear-and-tear situation, whereas rheumatoid arthritis is closely tied with genetic factors that lead to an autoimmunity problem. What you need to know if you suffer from arthritis. All forms of arthritis involve some kind of inflammation — either local or systemic. When injured, a chain of events in your immune system known as the inflammatory cascade is triggered. This is what causes the redness, swelling
and pain we often see with an acute injury. When this process, known as local or acute inflammation, turns on and then off in response to injury it’s a sign of a healthy immune system. Yet when the symptoms of inflammation don’t disappear, it tells us that your immune system is unable to turn itself off when it should and therefore leads to a state of chronic inflammation. How do I begin to heal my arthritis pain naturally? 1 . Ad o p t a h e a l t hy diet rich in natural antiinflammatories. Choose a diet of richly colored fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and pure omega-3 fatty acids. Remove foods that contribute to inflammation such as refined sugar, white flour/ baked goods, canned or packaged foods. 2. Correct vitamin and mineral deficiencies: Vitamin, mineral and antioxidant deficiencies have been shown to suppress immune function and contribute to chronic degenerative processes such as chronic inflammation,
twigs, grass, moss, loose bark, feathers, and other available materials cemented with mud. It is lined with fine grass and softer materials. The American Robin will frequently nest under awnings and eaves near human habitation. A clutch of three to five light blue eggs is incubated by the female alone. After fourteen days of incubation the eggs hatch. Two weeks later the nestlings fledge and leave the nest. Twenty-five percent of young robins survive their first year. The average lifespan is two years, with the oldest recorded lifespan in the wild for an American Robin at fourteen years. A wide variety of wildlife is known to prey on
the American Robin, including at least twenty-eight raptorial birds. In Native American mythology, the American Robin got its red breast by fanning the dying flames of a campfire to save a Native American man and boy. The Tlingit people of Northwestern North America believed the American Robin to be a culture hero created by Raven to please people with its song. It is also considered to be a symbol of spring. James M. Hale is a wildlife biologist, ethnobiologist, and ecological consultant based in Contra Costa County. Please visit his website at www. dochale.com.
Arts & Rec Is On the Go
Mobile Recreation brings the arts to area parks Being outside and enjoying one of the many beautiful parks in the Town of Danville is fun, but what would make it even more fun? A visit from the Mobile Recreation van! The Town of Danville is announcing a new program, ‘Mobile Recreation,’ that will bring the arts to the parks. These spontaneous ‘popup’ appearances will be held at one of the Town’s parks. Staff will bring all of the
materials necessary for that day’s activity. The Arts and Recreation activities will vary by park. Activities are designed for children ages 5-14 years. The pop-ups will occur in the afternoons and the van will be on site for approximately two hours. Because the program is spontaneous, once Mobile Recreation gets running, the date/time/location will be announced via Facebook and Instagram prior to the
van’s arrival. Residents will need to follow the Town on Facebook (www.facebook. com/townofdanvilleca) or Instagram (@ DanvilleParksCA) in order to know where to go for the pop-up. Users do not need to have a Facebook account to view the Town’s page. For more information, contact the Danville Community Center at (925) 314-3400.
The Valley Sentinel arthritis, cancer, Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Special blood testing can reveal what your body has absorbed from your food and/ or supplements over the past 6 months and zero in on what is deficient. Micro-Nutrient Testing allows a person to know exactly what to eat and/ or supplement in order to support their healing process. By correcting nutritional imbalances the body is given the building blocks it needs to naturally create its own antiinflammatories and heal from the inside out. 3. Class IV Laser Therapy. Ending the pain caused by arthritis requires stopping the cycle of inflammation. Class IV laser therapy is an excellent method for this, because it is presently the only modality that can both reduce inflammation and heal tissue simultaneously.
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Laser therapy creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness and pain. As the injured area returns to normal, function is restored and pain is quickly relieved. We have great success helping people solve the causes of their joint pain. If you suffer from arthritis it is worth your while to spend some time figuring out which of any number of factors are contributing to your pain — and which combination of therapies will help heal it. The good news is — you can do it without drugs, and you don’t have to give up any of the activities you love! For more information or to set up a consult with Dr. Niele Maimone call 925.362.8283 or visit www.alignhealingcenter. com.
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or insurance company? While there is nothing wrong with this in and of itself, you should know if your Advisor works for you or for someone else. A W2 is a clear indication of employment and thus a likely predictor that they are incentivized to sell whatever product their employer profits from. 3. How do you manage portfolios, and is there a CFA on your team? A CFA is a Chartered Financial Analyst. This is also a 3 year program and is the standard designation serious portfolio managers o b t a i n b e f o re m a n a g i n g private money. Again, if they say their “back office” has CFAs on the team, don’t fall for it. A few CFAs supporting several thousand financial advisors who in turn are supporting thousands of clients is of little use to you and your hard-earned savings. For the fees you are paying, getting a local CFA and CFP to manage your wealth and plan your financial future is not too much to ask for and it’s what you deserve. 4. How many clients/ households do you serve? While there is no hard and fast rule here, this will
give you a sense of how much time the Advisor can really spend on your situation and providing you custom advice. 5. What does your client service model look like, both initially and on an ongoing basis? Any firm that claims to offer wealth management services better have a process for both initially understanding and analyzing your current situation, as well as a process for reviewing and monitoring this work on an annual basis. Financial Planning and Investment Management are fluid and ever-changing and your plan needs to remain current at all times. 6. What is your client retention rate? If this number is too low, that should give you some indication that the firm overpromises and under delivers. 7. Who is your custodian? A custodian is where the investments you own actually reside. The correct answer here should be an independent custodian like Charles Schwab, TD Ameritrade, Raymond James, etc. The answer should not
be “we self-custody” which is what Bernie Maddoff did and is somehow still allowed today. Your monthly statements should come directly from your custodian, not from your Advisor’s office. Finding an Advisor you c a n t r u s t i s h a rd . M a ke sure you find one that has experience and expertise that are available to you, not in the back office somewhere. Find one that has an independent custodian, and find one that charges transparent fees for their advice. Get a good understanding of how they manage client money and compare what they say they will do with what they are actually doing. This is the advice I would give my own wife or kids should they need help, and I am confident this advice will serve your needs as well. Whether you are already retired or 10 years away, the team at Summit Wealth & Re t i re m e n t i s h e re t o help you with investment manage m e nt, re tire me nt planning, and financial & tax planning. Our team includes two CFPs, a CFA and an MBA and we are conveniently located in Danville. Call us to make a complimentary appointment at 925-927-1900 or visit our website at www. summitwealthandretirement. com
CITIZEN from page 1
for a special Transitional Care Clinic for diabetic, hypertensive and asthmatic patients study and treatment program at the RotaCare Pittsburg and Richmond Free Medical Clinics. Steve has won numerous Rotary recognitions including the Rotary District 5160 Service Above Self Award and two recognitions as The Alamo Rotarian of the Year in 2012 and again in 2014! Before moving to Alamo, Steve grew up in the Chicago area, was an Eagle Scout and an ROTC cadet who graduated from Elmhurst College and went to work in Public Relations and Investor Relations for several large firms, including the American Red Cross, American Hospital Supply, Abbott Laboratories, LTV Corporation in Dallas TX, PG&E, Read-Rite Corporation, Ad a c L a b o r a t o r i e s a n d Chordiant Software. Steve’s strong skill set and corporate management understanding has reaped great benefits for local and international Rotary projects. Steve and his wife Sherri have two children, son David and daughter Laura, three grandsons who are living in
Italy. Steve and Sherri dote on their Sheltie, Brandi, and enjoy a large and wide array of friends and activities. They especially enjoy entertaining and traveling both locally and abroad. Ah yes, they are football fanatics, too, dedicated to the USC Trojans and to the Green Bay Packers. S t eve Po l cy n i s a n outstanding Rotarian and an extraordinary human being. He richly deserves being designated Alamo Citizen of the Year! We are all proud and fortunate to know Steve, to depend on his help and friendship, to be able to enjoy his humor, and to marvel at his continuous energy as he achieves project after project of Service Above Self for the benefit of us all. “ T h i s re c o g n i t i o n i s deserved by a lot of people who have been involved with these free clinics, especially all of the volunteers who provide the quality medical care to those uninsured and underserved adults with acute or chronic medical conditions,” said Steve Polcyn. “I’m please to accept this recognition on their behalf.”
Questions to Ask Your Financial Advisor By Robert Cucchiaro problem, which is simply a lack of standards around who can claim to offer financial advice vs. who can sell a financial product. While the DOL/Fiduciary rule is a step in the right direction, it’s still very hard for an individual to know who they can trust in this industry and it’s no one’s fault but our own. So with that in mind, I came up with a list of questions I would want my wife to ask her prospective Advisor should I die before her and my firm not be around to serve her needs (an extremely unlikely event given our firm’s breadth, depth and average age). Feel free to use this list with your current advisor or any prospective advisor you might interview: 1. Are you a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)? If they try to bluff by saying “I have a team of CFP®’s who support me”, with very limited exception - take a pass. The person looking you in the eyes and advising you needs to be certified as a financial planner, otherwise all of the experience that they boast may simply be years of selling product. 2. Do you receive a W2 from a parent company, and if so, is that company a bank
I n A p r i l o f 201 6 t h e department of labor released a rule requiring that brokers who provide investment advice to retirement plans (401Ks, IRAs, etc.) act like fiduciaries. A fiduciary is someone who is legally required to give advice that is in the best interest of the client, as opposed to the firm he/she works for. This requirement may seem obvious but unfortunately it is not and thus the new rule. One of the reasons this type of rule needs to be in existence is because the financial services industry has no regulation around the professional titles individuals can use. Fo r e x a m p l e , t h e r e are many folks out there today who call themselves Financial Planners or Private Wealth Advisors, and yet have not passed the CFP® exam, which is a 3 year program in which one is actually trained to become a Certified Financial Planner. Why the industry allows this is beyond me, and quite honestly the DOL/Fiduciary rule is a really roundabout way of addressing the
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community and beyond by filling many roles in Rotary, including two stints as Alamo Rotary Club President in 1992-3 and 2010-11 and most notably as the current chair of the Rotary District 5160 Foundation Grants Committee. Steve is also the President of the RotaCare Bay Area, Inc., Board of Directors and was one of the founders of the RotaCare Free Medical Clinic in Pittsburg as well as the cofounder of the RotaCare Free Medical Clinic in Richmond. As Alamo Citizen Of The Year nominating committee chair, Dick Olsen wrote, “Steve has epitomized the Rotary slogan of Service Above Self. He has helped alleviate human suffering and provided healthcare for the neediest individuals in our greater community.” In addition, Steve has been instrumental in securing the passage of numerous local and international Rotary grants, easily totaling a million dollars in value, split here and abroad. Steve’s latest efforts have secured over $165,000 from Rotary International
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October 2017
The valley Sentinel
page 7
2017-2018 Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year Announced San Ramon Valley Unified School District and West Contra Costa Representatives move on to State Program On September 29, in an electrifying and packed Concord Hilton banquet room, Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Karen Sakata, announced Paula Raj, of the West Contra Costa Unified School District and Marissa Ware, of the San Ramon Unified School District as the 2017-2018 Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year. Before she was old enough to attend school, Paula Raj began honing her teaching skills with a “classroom” of stuffed animals and younger neighbor kids. Raj teaches Spanish to grades 9-12 at De Anza High, in Richmond. The 35-year teacher has been with the high school for the past 21 years. Prior to her current position, the Brooklyn native taught middle high and high school Spanish and French in Brooklyn, New York City, and Lexington, Massachusetts, between 1968-1995. “‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,’” Raj quotes Nelson Mandela. “This is why every day when I greet my students, I am ever cognizant that what I do may have an impact far greater than what I can see. Each student is someone’s child and deserves to be treated with the respect, kindness, and caring of their teachers. I believe in keeping this philosophy in mind at all times. Each student is an individual who brings their uniqueness to the classroom, if only we give them voice. Over the years, I have learned so much from my students and I’m always in awe of the new and profound perspectives they bring to class.” Marissa Ware was well on the road to becoming a physical therapist, but during her college work with an infant development program, she became absolutely fascinated watching the development stages of the infant and toddler patients grow physically and mentally. From this experience, Wa r e c h a n g e d c o u r s e
to education. The 18-year educator has been teaching grades K-3, at John Baldwin Elementary, in Danville for the past six years. “In our classroom, every day begins with a squeeze and a smile, and ends with a hug, handshake, high five, or this year’s student created ‘handblam,’” says Ware. Every child is nurtured and embraced for their unique learning style, academic and emotional needs, cultural background, and individuality. Inclusion is paramount, as I integrate their commonalities into our class culture. Which of my students is interested in baseball or Pokémon, fairies or fashion? Knowing these snippets of information allows me an entry point into their lives and increases their engagement in learning. A stronger academic outcome is the result.” The two educators’ pathways to becoming this year’s Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year were quite the endeavor. After both teachers were named Teacher of the Year by their school districts, last March, Raj and Ware successfully proceeded, with the other 19, K-12 eligible county candidates, through a rigorous countywide selection process, including an application screening, classroom evaluation and interview, and speech presentation. Their two fellow finalists were Tom Trowbridge, Mt. Diablo School District (Concord High) and Kari Stewart, Walnut Creek School District, (Tice Creek Elementary). The evening’s sizable audience included the TOYs’ family members and friends, as well as numerous local educators, business partners, and elected-official representatives. Kicking off the festivities was a musical performance provided by the El Cerrito High School Jazz Ensemble. Their teacher, Keith Johnson, led the 16-piece band of exceptionally talented
Community Input We at The Valley Sentinel welcome comments and suggestions from the community at large. We love hearing from you! However, consideration is only given to those who provide their name, address and phone number. Two-way communication is essential for growth and understanding. Write us at P.O. Box 1309, Danville, 94526, email to drousset@valleysentinel. com, or call us at 925-820-6047. Thank you! —Denise Rousset, Publisher
musicians. Johnson is a former West Contra Costa Unified School District Teacher of the year. The evening also offered a 15-minute video that featured a visit to each of the honored TOYs’ classrooms, and short interviews of their students. This was followed by Sakata introducing the TOY class of 2017-2018, individually on to the stage, where each teacher told the audience about which teacher inspired them to follow a career in education. Afterwards, the four TOY finalists each presented a short speech to the crowd, incorporating the topic: “What I have learned from my students.” The highly anticipated announcement of the two new county TOYs concluded the exciting festivities with a loud ovation. R a j a n d Wa r e w i l l now compete with all the other California county representatives in the California State TOY competition. The California State Teachers of the Year are expected to be announced in early October. The county TOY program is coordinated by the Contra Costa County Office of Education. For additional info and a complete list of this year’s TOYS, visit the CCCOE’s Teacher of the Year Web page at www.cccoe.k12.ca.us
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Planting Flowers for Your Bees
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Flowers and bees are a perfect match. Bees gather FREE nectar and pollen enabling Analysis & Analysis & plants to reproduce. In turn, Quotes Declare Your Independence Quotes pollen feeds baby bees and Declare Your Independence nectar is turned into honey We care about our community and we believe in giving back. A portion of each project’s We care about our community and we believe in giving back. A portion of eachtoproject’s profi t will be donated, in your honor, a charity of your choice. to be enjoyed by the bees and We care about our community and we believe in giving back. A portion of profit will be donated, in your honor, to will a charity of your choice. each project’s profit be donated in your honor to a charity of your choice. you, the beekeeper. Everyone’s happy. While many kinds of trees and shrubs are bees’ prime source of pollen and n e c t a r, a w i d e ra n g e o f flowers contributes to bee development and a bumper crop of honey. You can help in ❑this Check Offer process by adding some of FAMILY OWNED ❑ Check Offer ❑ Check Changes FAMILY OWNED these flowers to your garden & Changes ❑ Check ❑ Check Expiration & byPhone not removing some ❑ Check Expiration LOCAL BUSINESS ❑or Check LOCAL BUSINESS ❑ Check Phone ❑that Proof Read already are there. Did ❑ Proof Read ❑you Checkknow Photo that many weeds ❑ Check Photo ❑ Check Address actually are great bee plants, Check Address ❑ Check Website FREE Monitoring System with every❑ Installation! including the#pesky dandelion, ❑ Check Website ❑ Check License FREE Monitoring System with every Installation! ($1,000 Value) ❑ Check License # ❑ Confirm goldenrod, Areas clover, and purple ($1,000 Value) No Minimum Purchase Required! ❑ Confirm Areas By vetch? approving You this proof, are releasing it Expires 11/15/17 canyougrow all kinds No Minimum Purchase Required! and have confirmed all information areprint, releasing it Expires 11/15/17 What Our Customers Are SayingBy approving this proof, you for ofinformation flowering inforyour correct you are legally plants bound to pay this for print, and have confirmedisall What Our Customers Are Saying “I never realized that installing solar panels would be so easy and mailer. Subject to corrections noted. will add is correct you are legally bound to pay for this garden that not only “I never realized thatpainless. installing solar panels would be easy and I was much impressed byso the professional service chad provided and mailer. Subject to was corrections ❑ noted. Correct beauty and fragrance to your painless. I was much impressed by the professional provided thrilled to learn they areservice a smallchad family owned and localwas business. ❑ I highly recommend!” Correct thrilled to learn they are a small family owned local business. I highly recommend!” yard but also give bees handy sources of pollen and nectar. Advertiser’s Signature You’ll hear the warm buzz of Advertiser’s Signature bees enjoying them before you 2450 Stanwell Dr #295 • Concord, CA www.MyUtilityLiberty.com 2450 Stanwell Dr #295 • Concord, CA even realize the plants are in www.MyUtilityLiberty.com LocalBuzz Account Executive bloom. LocalBuzz Account Executive
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pincushions-to-peony style flowers start blooming late in summer and continue their displays until frost. They are annuals. Plants can be bought potted from local nurseries or purchased by seed. Sunflowers (Helianthus/ Tithonia) Sunflowers are made up of two families. They provide the bees with pollen and nectar. Each family is readily grown from seed, and you may find some nurseries that carry them as potted plants. When you start sunflowers early in the season, make sure that you use peat pots. They are rapid growers that
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Each source of nectar has its own flavor. A combination of nectars produces great tasting honey. Not all varieties of the flowers described in the sections that follow produce the same quality or quantity of pollen and nectar, but the ones that listed here work well and bees simply love them. Asters (Aster/ Callistephus) The Aster family has more than 100 different species. The aster is one of the most common wildflowers ranging in color from white and pink to light and dark purple. They differ in height from 6 inches to 4 feet and can be fairly bushy. Asters are mostly perennials and blooming times vary from early spring to late fall. However, like all perennials, their blooming period lasts only a few weeks. Several varieties can be purchased as seeds, but you’ll also find some aster plants offered for sale at nurseries. Callistephus are china asters, which run the same range of colors, but produce varied styles of flowers. These
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Fall Home & Garden valleysentinel.com transplant better when you leave their roots undisturbed by planting the entire pot. Helianthus annuus include the well-known giant sunflower as well as many varieties of dwarf and multibranched types. Sunflowers no longer are only yellow. They come in a wide assortment of colors, from white to rust and even several varieties of mixed shades. Watch out for the hybrid that is pollenless, because it is of little use to the bees. Salvia (Salvia/FarinaceaStrata/Splendens) The Salvia family, with more than 500 varieties, includes the sages (Salvia officinalis) and many bedding plants. The sages are good nectar providers. When in bloom, they’re covered with bees all day long. The variety of colors and sizes of the Farinacea and Splendens cover the entire gambit from white, apricot, all shades of red, and purple, to blues with bicolors and tricolors. They’re easily found potted in garden stores or available as seed. Salvia officinalis is the sage herb that you can use in cooking. Bee balm (Monarda) Bee balm (Monarda didyma) is a perennial herb that provides a long-lasting display of pink, red, and crimson flowers in midsummer. They start flowering when they reach about 18 inches and continue to grow to 3 or 4 feet in height. Deadheading them encourages more growth, which can prolong their flowering period. Bee balm is susceptible to powdery mildew but the Panorama type does a good job of fending off this problem. Bee balm is a good source of nectar for bees as well as butterflies and hummingbirds. This family also includes horsemint (M. punctata), and lemon mint (M. citriodora). The fragrant leaves of most of these plants are used in herbal teas. They are easily found in seed catalogs. Several varieties usually are available at local nurseries. Hyssop (Agastache) Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) has a licorice fragrance when you bruise its leaves. It produces tall spikes of purple flowers in midsummer. Sometimes you can find a white variety of this plant. The bees happily gather nectar from it. Hyssop flowers from seed the first year that you plant it. Another common hyssop is found in the wild —
October 2017 Agastache nepetoides. It has a light, yellowish flower and is found in wooded areas. The seed for this variety are more difficult to find, but some seed houses carry them. Mint (Mentha) Chocolate, spearmint, apple mint, peppermint, and orange mint are only a few of the types of mints available. They come in a variety of colors, sizes, fragrances, and appearances, but when they produce a flower, bees are there. Most mints bloom late in the year. Some can be easily grown by seed; other varieties you can start from roots. Mints are easily obtained because they spread readily and many gardeners are happy to share their plants. Most nurseries carry peppermint and spearmint. Cleome / Spider flower (Cleome) Spider flower (Cleome hasslerana) is heat and drought tolerant and grows well in the cold Northeast. This annual is easy to start from seed and grows more than 4 feet tall with airy flowers that are 6 to 8 inches across. It comes in white, pink, and light purple and adds an unusual flower to your garden. It’s also a good producer of nectar for the bees, blooming from midsummer to fall. Thyme (Thymus) Thyme varieties are lowgrowing hardy herbs. Common, French, wooly, silver, and lemon are but a few of the varieties available. Several are used in cooking. In spring most nurseries have large selections. These varieties also can be started by seed at least two to three months before planting. Put plants between
your steppingstones or at the edges of your garden beds. They bloom from midsummer on. Bees will cover them most of the day gathering nectar, which is aromatic and produces nice tasting honey. Poppy (Papaver/ Eschscholzia) Danish flag (Papaver somniferum), corn poppy (P. rhoeas), and Iceland poppies (P. nudicaule) are easily grown from seed. Some are deep scarlet or crimson, but others are found in pastel shades. All bloom freely from early summer to fall, need full sun, and grow 2 to 4 feet tall. Literature claims that poppies are valuable mostly for the pollen, but bees also are gathering a fair amount of nectar. California poppies (Eschscholzia) are golden orange and easily grown. They are a good pollen source for honey bees. California poppies will self-seed in warmer climates. Bachelor’s buttons (Centaurea) Annual and perennial s e l e c t i o n s o f b a c h e l o r ’s buttons are available. The annuals (Centaurea cyanus, C. imperialis), found in shades of white, pink, yellow, purple, and blue, also are referred to as cornflowers. The perennial version is a shade of blue that blooms early in summer, and sometimes again in late fall. They’re sometimes referred to as mountain blue buttons. Annual and perennial varieties produce an ample supply of nectar. They’re easily grown from seed and most nurseries have the annual variety available as potted plants.
The Valley SenTinel
Home Composting for Busy People
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The valley Sentinel
October 2017
Celebrate Discover & Go Month in October The Contra Costa County Library is celebrating Discover & Go Month. This October visit your local branch and enjoy the Library’s ongoing partnership with Bay Area museums and cultural venues. Library visitors can enter drawings for some great prizes and help give back to the community at the same time. As part of the celebration, the Library is partnering with the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. For every donation of nonperishable food items patrons bring to a participating branch, they can enter to win prizes including premium awards for some of the Bay Area’s most popular attractions. They can also enter an easy on-line contest, “Why I Love Discover & Go”. There will also be a pop-up story-time at the Cobra Car Museum in Martinez on Sunday, October 15 at 10:30 and 11:15 a.m. For further details, go to the “Discover & Go Month” link atwww.ccclib.org.
“Discover & Go is a great way to introduce your friends and family to some of the unique and culturally diverse museums and venues in the Bay Area,” said Contra Costa County Librarian Melinda Cervantes. “Since 2011, we have made nearly one million cultural visits possible for families with library cards.” Discover & Go is a nationally recognized partnership between libraries and museums offering free and low-cost passes for world-class cultural venues to library cardholders from every community and background. Library card holders age 16 and up can go online at discover.ccclib.org to check out a free pass all year long. For more information about the program, please contact library staff at ASK@ccclib.org or (800) 984-4636. For media inquiries, please contact Community and Media Relations Coordinator Brooke Converse atbconvers@ccclib.org or (925) 608-7713.
valleysentinel.com
Two Ways to Get Your Medicare Benefits covered for emergency and By Greg Dill
At a family reunion last month, my Aunt Abby and Uncle Glen got into a squabble over the best way to get their Medicare benefits. Uncle Glen is an Original Medicare man, and has been for nearly a decade. Aunt Abby prefers Medicare Advantage, which is similar to a health plan she had before enrolling in Medicare last spring. When they turned to me, asking me to referee and declare which form of Medicare is better, I gave them a big smile and said, “Well, it depends.” Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage have different benefits and costs that you should consider based on your personal needs. So grab a cool drink and I’ll go over some of the differences. Medicare open enrollment season runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, and it’s a good idea to know how the two types of Medicare work before you select one. Original Medicare, With Ed Antenucci, Owner/Broker Dale Bridges, Realtor you can choose any doctor, BRE #00876592 BRE #01176228 hospital, or other healthcare (925) 3A51-‐8686 (925) 876-‐9710 provider you want, as long Ed ntenucci, O wner/Broker Dale Bridges, Realtor Ed Antenucci Dale Bridges BRE # 00876592 BRE # 01176228 kantenu615@aol.com dale@dalebridges.com as they accept Medicare. Owner/Broker Realtor (925) 351-‐8686 (925) 876-‐9710 BRE #00876592 BRE #01176228 kantenu615@aol.com dale@dalebridges.com When you receive medical (925) 351-8686United California Brokers(925) 876-9710 services or goods, Medicare United California BrokersSuite kantenu615@aol.com dale@dalebridges.com 1801 Oakland Boulevard, 210 pays the provider directly. 1801 Oakland Boulevard, Suite 210 Walnut 94596 United California Brokers Walnut Creek, Creek, CACA 94596 About 70 percent of all people 1801 Oakland Blvd., Suite 210 with Medicare have Original Specializing in Residential, Commercial and ICA nvestment Services Creek, 94596Real Estate Specializing in Residential, CWalnut ommercial and Investment Real Estate Services Medicare. in Residential, Founded in 1989, we offer eSpecializing The other way to get your xperience, knowledge and trust. We have an understanding of Commercial Investment Real Estate needs bjectives and and will work hard to find the right property or hyServices ou, or atn o suell your benefits is Medicare Advantage, Founded in your 1989, wae nd ooffer experience, knowledge and trust. Wfe ave nderstanding of existing property. We strive to build a partnership with you – now and for the future. Please which is a form of managed Founded in 1989, we offer experience, knowledge and trust. We have an your needs contact and oubjectives and wwill ork ahll ard to rfeal ind the nreeds ight in paroperty for myanner. ou, or to sell your s and trust that we ill w handle of your estate professional understanding of your needs and objectives and will work hard to find the care, like an HMO or PPO. existing property. We strive to build a partnership with you – now and for the future. Please right property for you, or to sell your existing property. We strive to build Medicare Advantage is provided contact us and atpartnership rust that wwith e will handle ll ofor f your real ePlease state ncontact eeds in professional manner. you – now aand the future. usaand trust by private insurance companies that we will handle all of your real estate needs in a professional manner.
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urgent care. You can join a Medicare Advantage plan even if you have a pre existing condition -- except for End-Stage Renal Disease. People with ESRD usually are covered through Original Medicare. Keep in mind that Medicare Advantage plans can charge different out-of-pocket amounts and have different rules for how you get service. For example, you may need a referral to see a specialist. And you may need to stay in the plan’s provider network, unless you’re willing to pay more to go outside the network. You should always check with the plan before you get a service to find out whether it’s covered and what your costs may be. If the plan decides to stop participating in Medicare, you’ll have to join another Medicare health plan or return to Original Medicare. H ow c a n yo u d e c i d e whether Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage is better for you? There’s a good comparison of Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage in the “Medicare & You” handbook. “Medicare & You” is mailed to all Medicare beneficiaries every fall. You can also find it online, athttps://www.medicare.gov/ medicare-and-you/medicareand-you.html. If you have any questions, call Medicare’s toll-free number, 1-800-MEDICARE. Greg Dill is Medicare’s regional administrator for Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and the Pacific Territories. You can always get answers to your Medicare questions by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-6334227).
Alamo welcomes new Hemme Station Park
Hemme Station Park, Alamo’s newest park, had its grand opening Saturday, “The East Bay’s Most Trusted Real Estate Company” “Let’s Do Business” September 23rd. Several A special buy in Roseville – over 29+ acres bordering Riverside Avenue and Vernon Street members turned A special buy in Roseville – over 29+ acres bordering Riverside Avenue and community Offered at $4.1 Million (Sellers will carry back a portion) out to help celebrate the Vernon Street OFFERED AT $4.1 Million (Sellers will carry back a portion) new trailside park with train “Lets Do Business” themed activities for kids “The East Bay’s Most Trusted Real Estate Company” “Let’s Do Business” “The East Bay’s Most Trusted Real Estate Company” and refreshments for all who stopped by. The park is located at the corner of Danville Boulevard and Hemme Avenue, with its entrance on the trail. It features a tot lot play area, A special buy in Roseville – over 29+ acres bordering Riverside Avenue and Vernon Street OFFERED AT $4.1 Million (Sellers will carry back a portion)
approved by Medicare. If you’re in Medicare Advantage, you generally must go to doctors and other providers in the company’s network. If you go outside the network, you may have to pay more. On the other hand, Medicare Advantage plans may offer some services – such as dental, hearing, vision, and prescription drug coverage – that Original Medicare doesn’t. Most people with Original Medicare pay a monthly premium. If you’re in Medicare Advantage, you may pay an additional monthly premium to the private insurer that covers you. With Original Medicare, you or your supplemental insurance must pay deductibles, co-pays, and coinsurance. To cover these “gaps” in Medicare, some people buy a type of supplemental insurance called Medigap. If you have aMedigap policy, Medicare pays its share of the covered costs, and then your Medigap policy pays its share. Original Medicare doesn’t cover prescription drugs. If you want drug coverage, you can buy a Medicare Part D plan. Such plans are sold through private companies approved by Medicare. You have to pay an additional monthly premium for Part D. M e d i c a r e Ad v a n t a g e companies must cover all of the services that Original Medicare covers. (However, Original Medicare covers hospice care, some new Medicare benefits, and some costs for clinical research studies, even if you’re in a Medicare Advantage plan.) In all types of Medicare Advantage plans, you’re always
picnic pavilion, restrooms, bike racks, drinking fountains, walking path, tables, benches, trashcans, turf area, and beautiful native landscaping. Throughout the park, visitors can read about the history of Alamo, native plants, and the original Southern Pacific Railroad Hemme Station on informational plaques. The Hemme Station Park project is the result of a partnership between our office, the Contra Costa County Public Works
Department, and the Alamo Municipal Advisory Council. The project was fully funded through the County Service Area R7 Parks and Recreation Fund. The park will be a wonderful respite spot for the local community and Iron Horse Trail users, who will access the park on foot or by bicycle from the Iron Horse Trail. There is no car parking provided at the site or on the adjacent streets.
valleysentinel.com
October 2017
Black Diamond Mines By Beverly Lane, President, East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors
There are big plans afoot for Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in Antioch. Because of a purchase agreement with the Antioch Unified School District, the Park District is receiving title to the historic Arata Ranch property, which will become the new gateway to the park. Black Diamond Mines, currently more than 6,000 acres in size, is located at the end of Somersville Road, 3½ miles south of Highway 4. As you enter the park you pass a barn and a cluster of other buildings on the right side of the road. That’s the 191-acre Arata Ranch. H oweve r t h e c u r re n t entrance kiosk is located another mile ahead, next to another group of buildings at Sidney Flat. When planning is completed, Arata Ranch will become the new “Northern Gateway,” closer to town and with enhanced services. Po t e n t i a l i m p rove m e n t s include a visitor center, parking, picnic areas, shade structures, drinking fountains and restrooms. Most of the ranch buildings will be restored and reused. Black Diamond Mines has a long and varied history. Native Americans have lived
in the area for thousands of years, and the parkland was used by Bay Miwok tribes. With the arrival of European settlers after 1772, the land was used for cattle ranching. From the 1850s to the early 1900s, the area including Black Diamond was California’s largest coal producing region. Five mining towns were established, and as many as 900 miners labored to extract nearly four million tons of coal. The coal mines eventually shut down, due to rising production costs and competition from new energy sources. Mining resumed from the 1920s through the late 1940s – this time for silica, which was used in foundries and glass manufacture. This too ended due to competition and foundry closures, and ranching resumed. East Bay Regional Park District acquired the first properties for Black Diamond Mines in 1973. Yo u c a n l e a r n a b o u t Black Diamond Mines’ amazing history by joining in programs led by Park District naturalists. To see the mine, you can take an underground tour on weekend days through November. Advance reservations are recommended as tours frequently sell out. For safety reasons, the guided tours are open only to ages seven and older, and children must be accompanied by an adult.
Another historic feature of the park is Rose Hill Cemetery, where many of the 19th century miners and their families are buried. It’s marked by some tall, slender Italian cypress trees; a 10- to 15-minute walk up hill from the parks innermost parking lot at the south end of Somersville Road. Some of the grave markers are in the Welsh language – many of the miners came from Wales. To reserve space on a public mine tour, call 888-EBPARKS. For general information about the park, call 510-544-2750. Black Diamond Mines has interesting natural history, too. It’s the northernmost extent of Coulter pine. Spring wildflower displays are extensive and beautiful. More than 100 species of birds have been seen. Mountain lions, bobcats and deer have been sighted occasionally. Visitors to Black Diamond Mines can enjoy more than 60 miles of hiking trails with panoramic views of Mt. Diablo, the Delta, the Central Valley, and even the Sierra Nevada crest on a clear day. The Arata Ranch area will remain closed to the public until planning is complete and the facilities are made safe for public access. The new “Northern Gateway” will be a great addition to an already beautiful parkland. If you haven’t visited already, come and explore, and look forward to future developments.
The valley Sentinel
Beware Poisonous Mushrooms Due to the recent rains, the East Bay Regional Park District is seeing a surge in poisonous mushrooms growing in our parks. We’re reminding visitors that it’s illegal to collect mushrooms –or any plants–found in our parks, and pet owners especially should keep their dogs away from mushrooms. About poisonous mushrooms: The Bay Area is home to two of the world’s most toxic mushrooms – Amanita phalloides (the Death Cap) and Amanita ocreata (the Western Destroying Angel). Both are robust, handsome mushrooms that grow near oak trees, and both contain lethal toxins.
Amanita phalloides– The Death Cap
Amanita phalloides (the Death Cap) is a medium to large mushroom that typically has a greenish-gray cap, white gills, a white ring around the stem, and a large white sac at the base of the stem. It fruits early in the fall, usually right after the first rains. Though the Death Cap is mainly associated with oak trees, it has been found growing with other hardwoods. It was accidentally introduced to North America on the roots of European cork oaks, and is now slowly colonizing the West Coast.
Amanita ocreata– Western Destroying Angel
Photo by Deane Little
page 11
Amanita ocreata (the Western Destroying Angel) is a medium to large mushroom that usually has a creamy white cap, white gills, a white ring around the stem that disappears with age, and a thin white sac at the base. It fruits from late winter into spring, and is associated exclusively with oaks. Unlike the Death Cap, it is a native California mushroom.
Both of these species contain amatoxins, a group of molecules that inhibit cellular metabolism in many animals. In mammals, the liver and kidneys are typically the first organs affected after ingestion. Symptoms don’t usually appear until up to 12 hours after consumption, beginning as severe gastrointestinal distress and progressing to liver and renal failure if treatment is not sought immediately. While these two species are responsible for most cases of mushroom poisonings in California, deadly amatoxins can be found in Galerina and Lepiota species as well, both of which occur in the Bay Area. Pa r k v i s i t o rs s h o u l d remember that mushroom collecting is not allowed anywhere in the East Bay Regional Park District. If you are legally harvesting mushrooms elsewhere, learn these two species before any others and do not let them end up on your dinner table. Pet owners are encouraged to keep their animals under close watch during the winter months, and contact a veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet has eaten a toxic mushroom.
Galerina marginata– The Deadly Galerina aka Galerina autumnalis
Galerina marginata, the Deadly Galerina Mushroom Caps are yellowish to brownish, or somewhere in between. The cap shape is convex and flattens with age. Brownish or tan gills underneath the cap that do not run down the stem. The spore print is brown. There is a ring on the stem, but it often disappears as the mushroom gets older. All galerinas are saprotrophs, meaning they feed on dead organic material. You’ll find them growing on dead or decaying wood, often conifer trees. Galerina marginata is very widespread. They’re found in Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia.What people used to call Galerina autumnalis, now Galerina marginata, is very toxic. It damages the liver an eventually causes death if not treated right away. The deadly galerina is especially dangerous because it is sometimes mistaken for edible mushrooms.
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For additional Community Events visit: www.ValleySentinel.com Please email information about your events to info@valleysentinel.com COMMUNITY EVENTS October 7 Tinsel and Treasures, 10th Annual Folk Art Show 10AM-4PM. A seasonal artisan boutique of original handmade decor, dolls, jewelry, ornaments, Halloween, Christmas, pet portraiture and magical gifts. Your $5.00 entry fee benefits The Bay Area Crisis Nursery...and you get a chance to win lovely artists prizes. Veterans Memorial Hall, Hartz Ave at Prospect, Danville October 14 San Ramon Historic Foundation Oktoberfest 11:00am to 4:00pm Presented by the San Ramon Historic Foundation Oktoberfest featuring the Olympia Fields Brass Band, Golden Gate Bavarian Dancers, Dachshund Races and a delicious German themed lunch. Forest Home Farms Historic Park, 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon CA 94583 Adult: $25.00 includes lunch, beer stein and 1 beer. Ages 13-20: $15.00 includes lunch and root beer. Ages 6-12: $10.00 includes lunch and root beer. Ages 6 and under. Free. October 14 Strengthen Family Ties at Family Discovery Day Learn easy ways to find your ancestors and build your current family legacy. Specialist in German-Russian, Asian, India and other heritages will be available. Learn about new apps and technologies that make preserving your family stories easier than ever. There will be activities for all ages: photo booth, Story time, children’s coloring station, games, Boy Scout genealogy merit badge workshop & much more. Free. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Visit www.lds.org for more information. October 14 3rd Annual Walnut Creek Oktoberfest The Oktoberfest Autobahn returns to Cypress Street by popular demand. This annual event is expected to draw close to 10,000 attendees from all over the Bay Area. Keeping with the Harvest theme, exhibitors will offer their handmade arts and crafts, prepackaged gourmet foods, culinary products, cooking accessories and more. The entertainments stage will feature a wide range of music to satisfy all ages and tastes. Walnut Creek restaurants and Bay Area concessionaires will offer an array of food and adult and nonalcoholic beverages, while the Oktoberfest Beer Garden will pour the latest in mega-hopped IPA brews. This event is located in downtown Walnut Creek on Locust Street from Mt. Diablo Boulevard to Civic Driveand and includes the cross streets. of Bonanza and Cypress. Information 925-933-6778. October 15 Night at the Museum Fundraiser Event Friends of the Blackhawk Museums is sponsoring a Western Themed fund raising event “NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM” with dinner, dancing, live auctions and historic character reenactments. The event will benefit the Blackhawk Museums’ Children’s Education and Transportation Fund that sponsors local and underserved Bay Area schoolchildren to visit the exhibitions. Information: 925-736-2280 October 21 “Enjoy the Classics” Scotch Cigar Wine & Champagne Tasting Dinner Enjoy an elegant evening out with great fun for this elegant Dinner fundraiser in a fine private Country Club while benefiting charity works. Whisky educator Douglas Smith, will take you on a sensory perception journey of whisky and food. Please Contact Valerie to reserve your seats at 925-683-6310 or visit www.sanramonvalleyrotary.com/ October 21 Agape Villages Foster Family Agency 5th Annual Dinner and Auction Agape Villages is holding its 5th annual fundraising dinner and auction at the Pleasanton Marriott. Agape Villages provides safe and loving homes for children who have been removed from their biological families, often due to abuse and/or neglect. Dinner sponsorship and auction items are also most appreciated. For additional information about Agape Villages, go to www.agapevillages.org/. October 21 Parkinson Association of Norther California’s Annual Education and Information Conference 9:30am-3:30pm. The Parkinson Association of Northern California (PANC) is holding its Annual Education and Information Conference at the Sacramento Convention Center. The event will provide information, education, and inspiration to people living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) along with their carepartners and family members and interested members of the community. Information: 916-357-6641. October 25 Business and Community Mixer 5:30-7pm The Community Foundation of Alamo invites you to come mix and mingle, and hear all about what’s planned for the holidays in Alamo. This fun event will take place at Don Jose’s Mexican Restaurant, 3168 Danville Blvd, Alamo. Be there or be square! Refreshments will be served.
October 31 Trick-or-Treat 5:30-7pm. Broadway Plaza will host its annual community Trick-OrTreat. Kids of all ages are invited to join in on the fun, collecting tricks and treats from participating Broadway Plaza retailers. Information (925)-939-7601. November 4 7th Annual Holiday Boutique 9am to 3pm. San Ramon Senior Foundation, a non-profit organization is having their 7th Annual Holiday Boutique. Proceeds support Meals on Wheels in San Ramon. Visit our Holiday Boutique, where there will be local crafters, including our Foundation’s Senior Crafters. Shop early for holiday gifts and decor, it is a perfect event to purchase a gift for that special someone. Please stop by at the Alcosta Senior & Community Center. Information: 925-973-3250. ONGOING Special Services for Children with Cancer and Their Families Cancer Support Community offers short-term counseling (12 to 20 sessions) at no cost to children with cancer and their families. Counseling can be for the family, siblings, and/or kids coping with cancer. Counseling is provided by doctoral interns or post doctoral fellows under the supervision of our clinical psychologists. To request this service, please call us at 925-933-0107 and ask to speak with our program director, Margaret Stauffer, LMFT. Hope Hospice seeking volunteers Hope Hospice is currently looking for individuals who are interested in volunteering to assist hospice patients and their families. Volunteer opportunities include; Home Care; Cosmetology; Healing Touch; Reiki; Massage Therapy; Vocalists. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, contact Jill Biggs, RN, at 925-829-8770. . Volunteers Needed: Read to Preschoolers Volunteers are needed at childcare centers in Concord, Pittsburg, and West County. The Contra Costa County Library will supply books and resources. For more information, please contact Maureen Kilmurray at 925-927-3288. Alamo Farmer’s Market Every Sunday, Year round 9am-2pm, rain or shine. Fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables, nuts, local honey, live music, delicious varieties of hummus with fresh pita and pita chips. Located in the Alamo Plaza Shopping Center, at Stone Valley Road and Danville Blvd., with convenient parking. Danville Farmer’s Market Every Saturday, Year-round 9am-1pm. Get the freshest seasonal fare at the Danville Certified Farmers’ Market. Railroad & Prospect Avenue, Danville. Information: www.ci.danville.ca.us. (You can make donations of fresh vegetables and fruit for our local food pantries at the Loaves & Fishes Booth at the Danville Farmers Market.) San Ramon Farmers Market Every Saturday & Thursday Year-round Buy fresh, seasonal produce directly from local farmers at San Ramon Farmers Market. Connect with your community while shopping at a festive gathering place with live music! www.SanRamonFarmersMarket. org. Bishop Ranch 3, 2641 Camino Ramon, San Ramon. Canine Companions for Independence Puppy Class Each Saturday 10-11am. Become a puppy raiser! The East Bay Miracles Chapter invites you to help train puppies to become assistant dogs for children and adults with disabilities. Athenian High School, 2100 Mt. Diablo Scenic Blvd., Danville. Information: 925-838-3213, cci.org/eastbaychapter Forest Home Farms Historic Park & Glass House Museum–open for Fun on the Farm Every Saturday 11am-2pm. Enjoy tours of the Glass House Museum, the farm and its history. Tours are $5 per person, or $8 for both tours on the same day. 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon. Information: 925973-3284 or visit www.sanramon.ca.gov. Saturday without Reservations at the Tao House Every Saturday 10am, 12pm, and 2pm. Come explore this National Historic Site in Danville. Catch the shuttle at the bus stop in front of the Museum of the San Ramon Valley, 205 Railroad Ave. www.EugeneOneill.org SENIORS Danville Seniors Unless otherwise noted, the following activities are held at the Danville Senior Center, Veterans Memorial Building, 115 E. Prospect, Danville. For more information call 925-314-3490 or visit www.ci.danville.ca.us/ Recreation/Seniors.
Sneaker Trips: The Town of Danville’s Senior Sneakers program is a great way for you to make new friends and get out and around the greater Bay Area. There’s always something new to see and learn. The Danville Area Senior Hikes (DASH) is open to all adults and meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month. The group starts at 8:45am at Osage Park, 816 Brookside Drive, Danville and returns about 1pm. Information: 925-314-3400 or visit www.ci.danville.ca.us/Recreation/ Seniors/Senior_Hiking. San Ramon Seniors The following events are held at the Alcosta Senior & Community Center, 9300 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon, unless otherwise noted. For more information call 925-973-3250 or visit www.sanramon. ca.gov/parks/programs/ages55+.htm. Wisdom Wednesdays: 10:30am-12pm. Free workshops and informational sessions that will benefit you. They will give you free access to coffee, knowledge and a better understanding of important issues. Information: 925973-3250. Trips Trip Desk is open Tuesdays from 10am-1pm. Sign up for trips at the travel desk or by depositing payment with registration form in the gold drop box found at the main entryway. Information: 925973-3250. Wednesday Morning Hikes (time and location varies) Join the San Ramon Trailblazers if you are interested in meeting new people, enjoying the outdoors, having fun and getting in shape. To find out the exact meeting location, please call the Senior Center at 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 October 12 After Hours Business Mixer 5:30-7pm Join The Danville Area Chamber of Commerce for an exciting business mixer taking place at located at Community Bank of the Bay located at 156 Diablo Road, Danville 94526.Network with other local businesses and Chamber members during a memorable evening with refreshments and raffle. For more information, call the chamber at (925) 837-4400. October 18 CCAR Big Event General Membership Meeting 8:30am-12:3-pm Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear first-hand from a leading industry resource, Joel Singer. Joel Singer is C.A.R.´s CEO and State Secretary, President of Real Estate Business Services Inc. (REBS), and President and CEO of zipLogix®. He will discuss the 2018 Housing Market forecast and housing supply conditions. Register today for this year´s general membership meeting held on October 18th at the Lesher Center for the Arts while space is available. A light breakfast will also be served. Visit www. www. ccartoday.com to reserve. 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
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 CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS Danville Veteran Service Organizations 8am-11am Every Saturday at Veterans Memorial Building of San Ramon Valley – in Danville – the VSOs jointly host a “Veterans Coffee Social” from 8AM until 11AM… Bring a friend or fellow Veteran and show them the museum - share some social time. Drop In - no reservations – all Veterans welcome… stop for a few minutes - or stay for hours! WW II Vet & Senior Docent Art Gaskns has pastries waiting for you! Please share information about our VMB /SRV Military Museum & Library open daily M-F from 9-3 and it’s free! Tri-Valley Fly Fishers Visitors welcome. Meetings feature speakers who share their knowledge of the sport. Held at 7:00 PM on the first Thursday of every month, September through June at the LivermorePleasanton Rod and Gun Club, 4000 Dagnino Road, Livermore, CA 94551. Information: email Roger Perry at President@Tri-valleyflyfishers.org Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Advances equity for women and girls. AAUW membership is open to all graduates of accredited four year colleges or universities and those holding an Associate Degre. For information contact Soni at 286-1737 for details. Visit daw-ca.aauw.net for meeting dates. Cancer workshops and support groups-Ongoing Most are free. Cancer Support Community, 3276 McNutt Avenue, Walnut Creek. Information / reservations call 925-933-0107 or visit www.cancersupportcommunity.net. Fibro? CFIDS? Chronic Pain? If these are familiar to you, call about the San Ramon Valley support group for people who need support, information, classes and friendship from people who know what it’s like. We like to laugh while getting well. Call 925-837-0510. Hope Hospice Grief Support Groups–Ongoing Hope Hospice provides support to help you understand and manage grief in a way that is healthy and appropriate. Our Grief Support Center is available to all community members at minimal or no cost. Information: visit www.HopeHospice.com or call 925-829-8770. Hospice of the East Bay Support groups and workshops for adults, children and teens experiencing grief after the death of a loved one. Classes will be offered at Hospice’s Administrative Offices: 3470 Buskirk Avenue; Pleasant Hill and the Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation: 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek. Pre-registration is required for all groups and classes, except our drop-in group. To register, please call Hospice of the East Bay: (925) 887-5681. Information: www.hospiceeastbay.org Wind ‘n Sea Sailing Club Sailing training classes take place at members’ homes. Information: Call Jan at 925-837-3381. RECURRING Mondays: The Walnut Creek Garden Club Meets the second Monday of each month. Meeting begins at 9:30am with community and socializing from 10:30-11:00am. The Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Road, Walnut Creek. Information: californiagardenclubs.com/content/ walnut-creek-garden-club or mslittle44@gmail.com Danville Rotary 12pm. Meets every Monday. Black Bear Diner, 807 Camino Ramon, Danville. Information: danvillerotary.org.
October 2017 San Ramon Alzheimer Support Group 7-9pm. Meets the second Monday of each month, except on holidays. Sponsored by the Alzheimer Association. Caregivers of Alzheimer victims can get information on how to help them through this difficult time in life. San Ramon Senior & Community Center, 9300 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon. Information: 925-973-3250 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: Alamo-Danville Newcomers Club 10-12pm. On Sept. 26 Join us for a Welcome Coffee to learn about our club. Meets 4th Tuesdays of each month. For the location or more info send an email to: alamodanvillenewcomers@ gmail.com Danville am Toastmasters 7-8:30am. Want to improve your speaking and presentation skills? Toastmasters can help! Meets every Tuesday in downtown Danville. www.4143. toastmastersclubs.org Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary 7am. Meets every Tuesday morning. Crow Canyon Country Club, Danville. Information: dsvrotary.com. San Ramon Valley Geneological Society 10am. Meets every third Tuesday at the LDS Church, 2949 Stone Valley Road, Alamo. http://srvgensoc.org Diablo View Toastmasters 8:15-9:15am. Meets every Tuesday. CMG Mortgage, 4th Floor Conference Room, 3160 Crow Canyon Rd., San Ramon. Information: 4160.toastmastersclubs.org.
D a n v i l l e To a s t m a s t e r s C l u b #1785 7:30-9pm. Meets every Wednesday. Room W204 at Diablo Valley College,1690 Watermill Road, San Ramon. Information: danvilletoastmasters1785.com. San Ramon Valley Rotary 7pm. Meets every Wednesday. Blackhawk Country Club, 599 Blackhawk Club Drive, Danville. Info: sanramonvalleyrotary.com. Danville Lions Club 6:30pm. Meets the first and third Wednesday at the Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Dr., Danville. Information: Truman Howard 925-787-2565 truman.howard@ gmail.com Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley 12pm. Meets the second Wednesday of every month. Sign-in and social time begins at 11:30. Guests are welcome with lunch reservations. Faz Restaurant, 600 Hartz Ave., Danville. RSVP 925-275-2412. 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. 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.
Walnut Creek Rotary 12:15-1:30pm. Meets every Tuesday. Heather Farms Garden Center, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: rotarywc.org.
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.
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.
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.
Divorced and Separated Workshop 7- 8:30pm. A new workshop series for divorced and separated people is being held on at St. Joan of Arc Parish, 2601 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon. Contact: Sue at smc9@sbcglobal.net. 925 -819-1809.
Thursdays: Danville Alamo Garden Club Meets on the 2nd Thursday of the months between September and June starting at 9:15 am at the Alamo Women’s Club 1401 Danville Blvd, Alamo. If you have any questions, contact Susan at membershipvp@ dagc.us or go to our website: www. dagc.us.
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 Sons in Retirement (San Ramon Valley chapter) Monthly Luncheon 10:30am; Social Hour, 11:35am meeting and lunch. Meets the 3rd Wed. of each month. Reservations, please email us at www.info@sir128.com by Friday prior to the luncheon. Bridges Golf Club, 9000 S. Gale Ridge Rd., San Ramon. Alamo Rotary 12:15pm. Meets every Wednesday. Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Dr., Danville. Info: alamorotary. org.
The Danville Women’s Club invites you to lunch with socializing at 11, lunch at 11:30, and a guest speaker at noon. Contact Lynne Vuskovic at (925) 285-8285 or e-mail danvillewc@gmail.com to RSVP. Located at 242 West Linda Mesa Avenue. 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
The Valley SenTinel Clutterers Anonymous 7-8pm. Meets the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month. St. Luke’s Lutheran Church Room 3, 2491 San Miguel Drive, W alnut Creek. Information: 925736-8627. Diablo Valley Lions Club 7:30pm. Meets the 1st, 3rd, and 4th Thursday of every month. 1400 Montego Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: diablovalleyca.lionwap.org. Fridays: Transitions-“Navigating Life’s Turning Points Together” 9-11:30am. Our mission is to encourage and support women from empty nest, to aging parents and everything in between. Community Presbyterian Church, Room 116, 222 W. El Pintado Rd., Danville. Information: Contact Donna Hill at hillmom3@comcast.net Saturdays: Diablo Region of the Porsche Club of America 7:30-9am. Meets every Saturday. Buttercup Bar and Grill, 660 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. Information: diablo-pca.org. Parkinson’s Disease Support Group 9am-12pm. Meets every 3rd Saturday. Join us to share, laugh, and learn from each other. Grace Presbyterian Church, 2100 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. Contact Gregg Riehl at 925254-8349 or jgriehl@gmail.com. Free. All are welcome. Information: Howard Zalkin at 939-4210 or Ronnie Wanetick at 933-6357. California Writer’s Club October 14 Writers’ Workshop: Get Intimate With Your Characters… Jordan Rosenfield will present a workshop on Get Intimate With Your Characters: Mastering Point of View For Dazzling Development. Learn how to unlock the essentials of each POV, using key “cues” to reveal character, and other secrets of powerful character development. Sign-in starts at 8:30am and the workshop ends at noon (lunch is served). The cost is $45 for members, $55 for guests. Zio Fraeda’s Restaurant . Reservation deadline is noon on Wednesday, October 11, 2017. To reserve a spot, go t the CWC Mt. Diablo website at: cwcmtdiablo.org/ current-cwc-mt-diablo-meeting Sundays: Cars n Coffee: First Sunday of Every Month 8-10am. Automotive enthusiasts gather in the parking lots of the Blackhawk Museum to share their vehicles and admire other fabulous classic cars. 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
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Help Wanted Business Analyst: Master’s in C.S., Bus. Admin., Engineering, or rltd. & 4 yrs. rltd. exp. Bank of the West. Job in San Ramon, CA. CV to careers@bankofthewest.com. Software Engineer II: Master’s in Comp. Sci., Elec. Eng., or rltd. & 3 yrs. rltd. exp. Bank of the West. Job in San Ramon, CA. CV to careers@ bankofthewest.com. Senior Business Systems Analyst: Bachelor’s in C.S., Engineering 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. Financial Performance Analyst: Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance or rltd. & 2 yrs. rltd. exp. CV to Bank of the West, careers@bankofthewest.com. Job in San Ramon, CA. Sr. Business Intelligence Analyst: MSc in Engineering Management, C.S., or rltd. & 1 yr. rltd. exp. CV to Bank of the West, careers@ bankofthewest.com. Job in San Ramon, CA. Sr. Business Analyst: Bach in C.S., Engineering or rltd. & 3 yrs. rltd. exp. Bank of the West. Job in San Ramon, CA. CV to careers@ bankofthewest.com. Software Engineer II: Master’s degree in C.S., Computer Applications or rltd. & 2 yrs. rltd. exp. CV to Bank of the West, careers@ bankofthewest.com. Job in San Ramon, CA. Cash Management Product Strategist: Bach. in Bus. Admin. or rltd. & 3 yrs. rltd. exp. Bank of the West. Job in San Ramon, CA. CV to careers@bankofthewest.com.
Homes for Rent Danville Crow Canyon Country Club Gated Community, golf course, Danville. 3 Bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. High ceilings. Double car garage. Call Sylvia, at (925) 736-3500 Concord Granite Kitchen Counters, 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, double car garage, Swimming Pool, near schools, shopping and Concord Blvd. Call Sylvia, at (925) 7363500
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 Intern-Veronica Yoo, SRVHS
925-820-6047
542 San Ramon Valley Blvd., #A Danville, CA 94526
www.valleysentinel.com
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AUTO March 2009 October 2017
The Valley SenTinel
2017 Lexus RC F 2-Dr Coupe By David and Judy Colman
Lexus has been nibbling around the edges of the ultra high performance market for more than a decade without much to show for it in terms of sales or showroom rub-off. Their first efforts in this field were timid indeed, with Lexus “F-Sport” options that were more cosmetic than operational. Several years ago, they sold a few hundred of their remarkable LF A two seat rocket ships for about $350,000 each. But in order to buy one, you not only had to have the necessary cash, but also submit to a vetting process stricter than a TSA strip search. But Lexus has finally seen the light this year with the introduction of the RC F, an eminently affordable supercar that requires no background check or half million dollar investment for purchase. Just regular car money will do. $64,165 buys you the base car. If you want to duplicate the one we drove, however, you will end up paying $80,314 because our test car was
equipped with the following improvements: Premium Triple Beam LED Headlights ($1,160), Leather Trimmed Seats ($800), Navigation System with Mark Levinson Audio ($2,550), Performance Package with carbon fiber roof, rear wing and torque-vectoring differential ($5,500), and Premium Package with heated/ventilated front seats, carbon fiber interior trim, and a suite of safety information devices ($3,240). If you think the bottom line here is expensive, you have not priced comparable products from BMW, Mercedes Benz or Audi. In fact, the fully loaded RC F we drove comes off looking like a real bargain compared to the pricier competition from Germany. This year, for the first time since Lexus dabbled in sedan racing more than a decade ago with their IS 250, the company has launched a full race campaign in IMSA’s incredibly competitive GT Daytona race series with a two-car team of RC Fs. These Lexus coupes, race prepared by Paul Gentilozzi’s Rocket Sports Racing, are battling on
even terms with 911 Porsches, NSX Acuras, and M635 BMWs. Though they have yet to score their first win, the Lexus coupes are getting closer to the top rung with each passing event. The reason for their imminent success lies in the beautiful bones of the RC F we drove for a week. In terms of high performance acceleration and handling this car wants for absolutely nothing. Under the long and chiseled hood lies a monster V8 displacing 5 liters and producing 467hp and 389 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s coupled to an 8-speed automatic gearbox with big aluminum “F Spec” paddle shifts for quick, manual ratio changes. A Torsen (torque sensing) differential is further refined by the addition of torque vectoring thanks to that Performance Package. In best race car practice, the suspension of the RC F is fully independent with double wishbones up front and multiple links in back. The prodigious power of the V8 is regulated by a supremely competent braking system. Brembo-sourced, ventilated front rotors measure 14.9 inches in diameter, with slots for water
valleysentinel.com
dispersion, and 6 piston calipers for immediate deceleration. Rear Brembo brakes measure 13.5 inches, with slotting and 4 piston calipers. Capping off the techno extravaganza are forged 19 inch alloy rims (9” wide front, 10” wide rear) planting 255/35R19 front and 275/35R19 rear Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. Despite the prodigious output of the V8, it’s almost impossible to get the RC F to break traction with these large sticky Michelins hanging on well past all logic. The RC F is one of the quickest, best handling cars from any manufacturer that we have ever had the pleasure of driving hard. Yet despite all its techno refinement and race breeding, the RC F is a marvelously comfortable street car. We ran it down to Car Week in Monterey from the Bay Area, and found it to be comfortable, and quiet, with good visibility in all directions, and informative, clear instrumentation. The only problem you will encounter with the RC F on long trips is its tendency to sneak over 80mph when it feels like you’re travelling 60mph. To drive this
DIABLO MOTORS
car on the freeway without hazarding a speeding ticket, you need to recalibrate your seat- ofthe-pants speed meter. G ra n t e d , t h e f ro n t a l appearance of the RC F can be off-putting. We would not place it among our own top ten in terms of appearance. But when you set the RC F next to its progenitor, the LF A, you realize just how many advance design features both cars share, from their slotted intakes to their bulging tail light clusters. It’s amazing that Lexus has been able to tame the RF A into such a fully domesticated but still vicious street car as the RC F. 2017 LEXUS RC F 2 DR COUPE Engine: 5.0 liter DOHC 32 Valve V8 Direct and Port Injection, VVT Intake and Exhaust Horsepower: 467hp Torque: 389lb.-ft. Fuel Consumption: 16MPG City/25 MPG Highway Price As Tested: $80,314 Hypes: IMSA Race Car for the Street Gripes: Needs a Nose Job Star Rating: 10 Stars out of 10
SALES • BROKERAGE • CONSIGNMENT • SERVICE • DETAIL
Not too Scary Autumn-otive deals!
End of Summer Convertible Clearance! It’s always convertible weather in California!
“Give me a Brake” Special Includes: Free Synthetic Oil Service (Value $145) with any complete brake job, front or rear.
$36,900 2014 BMW 428i Convertible VIN: WBA3V7C55EP770897
$39,900 2014 Mercedes E350 Cabriolet VIN: WDDKK5KF0EF244923
$24,900 2013 BMW 3-Se 328i Convertible VIN: WBADW7C56DE731747
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$34,900 2016 BMW 428i Hrdtp Convertible VIN: WBA3V7C50G5A25671
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2067 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon
valleysentinel.com
October 2017
The valley Sentinel
page 15
Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office
By Candace Andersen. Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors
Last month we appointed Diana Becton as the new District Attorney to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Mark Peterson. Diana recently resigned from being a Superior Court Judge and brings a great deal of experience from her 21 years on the bench. Next June voters will get to decide who our permanent District Attorney will be. 34 years ago, I began my legal career in the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office in Honolulu, and I always find it interesting to talk about the important role this office plays in our Justice System. In Contra Costa County, the District Attorney oversees a department of approximately
205 employees of whom 103 are attorneys. The District Attorney’s department includes a child abuse unit, a consumer protection (civil) unit, a community violence reduction unit, an elder/dependent abuse unit, family violence unit, gang prosecution, high tech crimes, sexual assault, a homicide unit and many other divisions to serve the residents in the prosecution of crimes committed in Contra Costa County. Our new District Attorney may implement new programs, but current programs within the office include Victim/ Witness Assistance, Rape Crisis Services, Battered Women Alternatives, and Adult Pretrial Diversion Programs, as well as anti-truancy, cease fire and safe streets initiatives. Each year the District Attorney’s Office, in conjunction with National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, holds a special recognition ceremony to honor individuals
who make a difference for victims of crime in Contra Costa County. If you know of a victim of crime who needs help, there are two Victim Assistance Centers; the Martinez office at 900 Ward Street, (925) 957-8650, and the Richmond office at 100 37th Street, Suite 220, (510) 374-3272. Elder Abuse is another important and troubling issue the District Attorney’s office deals with. They work diligently to prosecute persons who willfully cause or permit an elder to suffer, either physically and mentally, or cause financial abuse or false imprisonment of the elder. Elder crime victims are 65 and older at the time of the crime. 4000 complaints of possible elder abuse incidents occurred in 2016 in Contra Costa County. That is an estimated 30% increase from 2015. The Elder Abuse Prevention Project was launched in June of this year. It is designed to
increase the reporting of elder abuse and to also optimize its interagency-collaborative approach, including sharing data to help seniors as quickly as possible. Education is key to addressing this problem, as family members or caregivers may mistakenly feel that they are entitled to money, and don’t believe they are being abusive. Interceding before the abuse happens, before a senior hands over their finances to someone who’s not trustworthy, is the goal. The District Attorney’s office is also a great place for youth who are interested in learning about the prosecution of crimes committed in Contra Costa County. Each year the District Attorney’s Office accepts applications for their College and High School Student Summer Internship Program. Students have the opportunity to experience a first-hand look at the California justice system. The program is open to those who will be seniors in high
Beyond Perseverance: A Veteran’s Journey Mike Conklin, Chairman & CEO, Sentinels of Freedom
This year, we observe the 16th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attack on our nation and remember our fellow citizens that lost their lives that day – a tragedy that ultimately changed our world forever. That day certainly changed the life of young Navy hospital corpsman, Derek McGinnis, who knew then that he would be headed to war soon. Petty Officer 2nd Class Derek McGinnis, US Navy An Iraq combat Veteran and a graduate of the Sentinels
of Freedom (SOF) program, Derek served in the Navy for eleven years. He was severely wounded in 2004 in Fallujah, Iraq, by a suicide bomber who attacked the ambulance that he was driving, blowing it to pieces. Derek lost his left leg above the knee, sustained multiple shrapnel wounds, and suffered a traumatic brain injury that caused him intense pain long into his recovery. This past September 11, our community was honored to hear Derek share some of his story with us. As the keynote speaker for the annual Exchange Club 9/11 Remembrance Event in Danville, Derek spoke about love of country, duty, sacrifice, resilience, and faith. It was deeply emotional and inspiring to see someone who has faced such a difficult and long road home speak so eloquently about service above self to our nation. While Derek’s transition to civilian life has been filled with
many obstacles, he has always found a way to push through. B y h av i n g a s u p p o r t i ve network, participating in various athletic events, seeking care for not only his physical but mental injuries, and sharing his experiences with others, Derek has found healing and a piece of mind that have allowed him to take control of his life. Through Sentinels of Freedom’s help, Derek gained confidence and invaluable tools to help him on his journey. One of the services that we provide to our scholarship recipients is mentoring – pairing them with an individual to assist with their personal and professional development. I have had the privilege of serving as Derek’s mentor and, let me tell you, the amount of drive and motivation that he has to help others is beyond inspiring. A successful college graduate with a master’s degree in social work, Derek now serves other Veterans as a licensed clinical social worker for the Department of Veteran’s Affairs. He is a national speaker and advocate of pain management, post-traumatic growth, and readjustment therapies for Veterans and their families. Derek has also published his own book, “Exit Wounds,” that narrates the details of his experiences of being wounded and learning to thrive.
“I’m grateful for all the things that I have, and proud of all I’ve accomplished,” he says. “In the end though, I don’t measure how far I’ve come by goals achieved, or academic degrees earned, or running trophies won. For me, what counts is that pain no longer rules my life.” And that is what Derek wants to help other wounded Veterans to learn – that they are still in control of their life. Derek’s journey, like the journeys of countless other wounded Veterans, is far from over. With his commitment to his community, he epitomizes a slogan that I often use: “Veterans Never Stop Serving.”
school or entering college in the fall. Interns have the opportunity to attend trials and participate in several field trips over the course of the summer. In the past, these trips have included tours of San Quentin, the Contra Costa Crime Lab and the U.S. Coast Guard Facility in San Francisco. Applications for the internship programs are generally accepted in March of each year. If you are interested in this program you can contact my office for more information. All of the attorney’s and employees of the District Attorney’s office work diligently to prosecute crimes committed in Contra Costa County and to provide support and assistance to the victims of crime. I look forward to working with Diana Becton as she brings a new perspective to our District Attorney’s Office. His perseverance inspires others in their struggles, reminding them that there is a new life to be envisioned and experienced. We owe a deep amount of gratitude, respect, and support to our Veterans and to those currently serving in our military, for without them we would not enjoy the freedom and quality of life that we have come to know. Whether it be big or small, I encourage you to take some time this upcoming Veterans Day to show your gratitude for these brave individuals. To learn more and to contribute to our effort in making a difference in the lives of Veterans like Derek, visit www.sentinelsoffreedom.org.
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Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center in Pleasant Hill is creating a brick pathway in front of our 150 year old farmhouse. Cement your place in history with an engraved brick to honor or remember family or loved ones, or highlight a business or organization.
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Heritage classes for children School field trips Sustainable gardening classes Displays of items from the Pleasant Hill Historical Society • Meetings and events
Rodgers Ranch is a Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District ©2016 Brookdale Senior Living, Inc. All rights reserved. propertyBROOKDALE and SENIOR Pleasant Hill’s only historic site. Weof Brookdal aree aSeniononLIVING and BRINGING NEW LIFE TO SENIOR LIVING are the registered trademarks r Living, Inc. profit, tax-exempt 501c3 organization
Barn Wood for Sale Call Chris at (925) 890-4482
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