Alamo • Danville • Blackhawk • Diablo • San Ramon
VALLEY
Find out what’s new in the Valley at
THE
SENTINEL
www.valleysentinel.com
Arts • Activities • Auto • Business • Gardening • Seniors and more...
always for the community VOL 27 NO 7
October 2021
www.valleysentinel.com
SPOTLIGHT
Hope 100 Golf Marathon Fundraiser Achieves AllTime High
Golfers from throughout the U.S. attended the event at Castlewood The 2021 Hope 100 Golf Marathon raised $155,217 for its namesake hospice organization— the highest amount raised in the event’s six-year history. The annual charity golf event, this year held September 13 at Castlewood Country Club
ECRWSS
Postmaster: Dated Material
PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID DANVILLE, CA PERMIT NO. 70
See HOPE page 4
Sentinel Newspapers, Inc. P.O. Box 1309 Danville, CA 94526 925-820-6047
Two new art exhibits opening in October bring different perspectives to the natural form and texture of local trees. Here above is one of the pieces shown at San Ramon City Hall Gallery, “The Trees of the san Ramon Valley and Beyond”, by artist and photographer Mark Stephenson. On display through December. See article page 5. Also Walnut Creek’s Bedford Gallery exhibit, “If a Tree Falls: Art of the Boundary Oak”. From October 30 through February 13, 2022. Pieces include works made from the wood of Walnut Creek’s 325 year old signature Valley Oak that fell in a windstorm in Oct. 2019. See details page 4.
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea) By James M. Hale
The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea) is one of North America’s smallest songbirds, weighing in at only five to seven grams. Their length may reach five inches, with a wingspan that may reach slightly more than six inches. Adult males are blue-gray above with whitish underparts. The specific epithet caerulea is Latin for blue. Blue-gray Gnatcatchers have a long, black tail that is edged in white. They have a slender dark bill, an indication of their insectivorous diet. Females are less blue and more grayish. Juveniles have greenish-gray plumage. Both sexes have a distinct white eye ring. In breeding plumage, the males have a thin, black line on their crown over their eyes forming a V. Blue-gray Gnatcatchers are migratory, with their breeding range including southern Ontario, the eastern and southwestern United
States, and Mexico. They prefer open deciduous woodlands, mixed oak and chaparral slopes, and scrublands. Riparian woodlands, urban and suburban parks, gardens, and habitats near water are also used for breeding and nesting. Blue-gray Gnatcatchers are quite abundant in the Diablo Range, and on the eastern, arid slopes of Mount Diablo. The first recorded confirmation for breeding in Contra Costa County wasn’t until April 27, 1940, when eggs were collected from a nest on Mount Diablo. Blue-gray Gnatcatchers migrate south to the southern United States, Mexico, northern Central America, and some of the Caribbean Islands to over-winter during inclement weather. A few individuals will overwinter in Contra Costa
County. The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher is an energetic, fussy and feisty little bird that seems to always be on the move. As this fidgety, little bird flits about in pursuit of food, it announces its presence with a cat-like meow or zee-u. Their call is sometimes likened to a banjo-like, high-pitched twang. Its nasal repertoires have earned it the nickname of “Little Mockingbird”. Bluegray Gnatcatchers “hawk” for insects and glean vegetation for spiders, invertebrates, and other insects. They often hold their tails upright like a wren while searching for food or defending their territory. Migratory Bluegray Gnatcatchers will begin to arrive in Contra Costa County as early as the beginning of March. Pairs will unite within the first day of arrival and
This Month’s Special Section:
begin to search for a horizontal branch or tree-fork for a nest site. Both parents will build a cone-like nest of grasses and fine plant fiber, bound together with spider silk, and covered in lichen. Up to seven nests may be built during the breeding season with multiple broods being raised. This may explain their population explosion in Contra Costa County from 1980 through 1985. The female
Fall Home and Garden page 6
See BIRD page 2
page 2
THE VALLEY SENTINEL October 2021 valleysentinel.com
Dumbarton Quarry Campground opens by Beverly Lane East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors
Dumbarton Quarry Campground in Fremont, East Bay Regional Park District’s newest overnight camping opportunity, is now open to the public. The campground is located within Coyote Hills Regional Park, adjacent to Highway
BIRD from page 1
incubates three to four eggs in the cup nest for about fourteen days. Nestlings fledge and leave the nest in from ten to fifteen days after hatching. The oldest known Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was a male of at least four years and two months old that was recaptured at a Pennsylvania banding station. With global-warming, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers have expanded their range northward by at least
84 and the east end of the Dumbarton Bridge. It has 60 campsites with RV hookups, three sites with water only, restrooms and hot showers, a camp store, an amphitheater, a playground and picnic areas. Dumbarton Quarry Campground is the culmination of a years-long public-private partnership. From the 1950s through 2007 it was the site of a gravel quarry owned by Dumbarton Quarry Associates that ultimately created a pit 22 acres across and 320 feet below sea level. It was the deepest human-made point
two hundred miles. Most populations appear to be stable. In Contra Costa County, the vast majority of Bluegray Gnatcatcher habitat is on rugged hillsides within protected watersheds and parklands. This delightful, little “fussbudget” of a bird is one of my favorites, and is a joy to observe James M. Hale is a vertebrate zoologist, ethnobiologist, and ecological consultant based in Contra Costa County. Please visit his website at www.dochale.com.
in North America. Gravel from the quarry was used to build parts of San Francisco and Oakland International Airports, regional highways, and many other construction projects. After quarrying operations ended, a partnership was formed including East Bay Re g i o n a l Pa r k D i s t r i c t , Dumbarton Quarry Associates, Pacific States Environmental Contractors, Inc., DeSilva Gates Construction, and the city of Fremont. The quarry pit gradually disappeared under clean fill provided from construction sites throughout the Bay Area. The depleted quarry wa s t ra n s f o r m e d i n t o a campground that will serve as a great getaway, both for locals and visitors from afar. The grand opening celebration was on Aug. 28. Although the campground is adjacent to Highway 84 and close to Fremont and Union City, it is notable for its quiet and peaceful environment. From the new campground there is easy access to nearby parklands, including Ardenwood Historic Farm, Mission Peak Regional Preserve, and Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge. A network of trails for hiking and bicycling connects the campground to Coyote Hills and to the wildlife refuge via a pedestrian overcrossing atop the Dumbarton Bridge toll plaza. Coyote Hills Regional Park has a remarkable history. Tu i b u n O h l o n e I n d i a n s inhabited a village within what
is now the park for some 2,000 years before the arrival of Europeans. Their descendants preserve Ohlone culture with programs and events within the park, especially during an annual Gathering of the Ohlone Peoples. Programs led by Coyote Hills naturalists emphasize the Ohlone heritage and also take advantage of the abundant wildlife that lives along the bay shore and in the park’s marshland habitat. The visitor center has displays highlighting the park’s natural and cultural history. Nearby Ardenwood H i s t o r i c Fa r m f e a t u r e s programs recreating life on
a prosperous 19th century estate. Originally it was the home of George Patterson, a ‘49er who struck it rich on the farm fields instead of goldfields. To reach Coyote Hills from I-880, take Highway 84 toward the bay and exit at Paseo Padre North. For the campground, turn left on Quarry Road. For the rest of the park and the visitor center, continue on to a left turn on Patterson Ranch Road. Dumbarton Quarry Campground is open yearr o u n d . Yo u c a n m a k e camping reservations by calling 888-327-2757, option 2 or online at ebparks.org/
San Ramon Valley Rotary brings back One Warm Coat for its 26th year The 26th Anniversary of the One Warm Coat, the collection of coats, blankets, sweaters and clothes for the impoverished of the East Bay Area by the San Ramon Valley Rotary Club will begin Saturday October 30 and run through Tuesday November 30. Due to Covid 19, some charities and outreach organizations are counting on the drive this year more than ever. The program was started in 1995 by the late C.W. "Bill Gregory" former marine during WW2 and founder of the San Ramon Valley Rotary Club. The club started by collecting 55 coats in Gregory’s garage the first year, collecting up to 12,000 pieces that were distribute to local shelters,
charities and the "Christmas for Everyone" project in Martinez. The committee is asking people to just clean their closets and give what they do not need. Drop off locations from 30th of October through 30th of November (include: ALAMO: Roundhill Country Club, 3169 Roundhill Rd. and a home driveway located at 172 Via Serena. DANVILLE: Monte Vista High School, 3131 Stone Valley Rd.; Peets Coffee and tea, 435 Railroad Ave.; Compass Real Estate, 190 Hartz Ave.; and Heritage Bank, 387 Diablo Rd. SAN RAMON: Club Sport, 350 Bollinger Canyon Rd., and Bella Vista Elementary School, 1050 Trumpet Vine
Lane. PLEASANT HILL: Home Driveway located at 2097 Ahneita Dr. Also 2 special events: - ONE Day only drop off in Alamo: Alamo Women's Club, 2-5 PM, Wednesday November 3rd,1401 Danville Blvd, Alamo, CA - ONE Day only drop off in Rossmoor: Rossmoor Gateway Club, 8:30 AM- 12PM, October 9th, 1001 Golden Rain Road, Walnut Creek, CA The San Ramon Valley Rotary is collecting Coats, Sweaters and Blankets for men, women, children and infants for the homeless and the impoverished of the Bay Area. All items need to be in clean and good condition. Thank you!
valleysentinel.com
October 2021
Nature Walks
By Ned MacKay, East Bay Regional Park District Autumn with its cooler weather is a great time for hiking in the regional parks and other public lands, and the park district has lots of enjoyable naturalist-led walks on the schedule. Here are some options: “Morningtide Walks” is a series of tidal marsh explorations the second Saturday of each month with naturalist Virginia Delgado. There’s a walk from 10 to 11 a.m. on Oct. 9 at Bay Point Regional Shoreline. The hike is free, but registration is required. For registration and information, call 888-327-2757 and select option 2. “Saturday Strolls” are another hiking series. Join a naturalist for a moderate, 3¼ -mile hike from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 9 at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve in Oakland. There’s no bubbling lava, but Sibley does show geologic evidence of a volcano that was active in the Oakland hills 10 million years ago. The hike is free of charge and registration is not necessary. The park entrance is on Skyline Boulevard a short distance south of the intersection with Grizzly Peak Boulevard. For information, call 510-544-3187. It’s more of a telescopeassisted hike through the heavens, but astronomy buffs will enjoy a skywalk hosted by park district naturalist Alex Collins and the Tri-Valley Stargazers from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 9 at the
Arroyo Road staging area of Del Valle Regional Park. The group will have telescopes set up for viewing of constellations, star clusters, nebulae and more. Bring blankets, flashlights, and dress in layers. The Arroyo Road staging area is at the end of Arroyo Road, which is reached via South L Street in downtown Livermore. The program is free of charge and registration is not required. Another hiking opportunity is the Over-thehills Gang, an informal group of hikers 55 years and older who enjoy nature study, history, fitness and fun. N a t u ra l i s t Tra i l G a i l Broesder will lead the group on a hike from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 12 starting at Marina Bay Park in Richmond. Bring water, a snack, and sunscreen. The group will follow CDC guidelines, so please also bring a mask. The hike is free of charge and registration is not necessary. For information and directions, call 510-544-2233. This is just a sampling of the activities scheduled in coming days at the regional parks. For a full list, visit the park district website, www. ebparks.org. * * * While we’re on the topic of hiking, a few safety tips are in order for anyone visiting the regional parks and other public lands, whether hiking, bicycling or horseback riding.
• It’s best to go with a friend or a group. The parks are safe, but if you’re with a friend, there’s help if you become injured. • If you do go alone, tell someone responsible where you are going and when you expect to return. Better yet, describe your specific trail route and stick to it. And remember to check back in when you return. • Take along a map of the park. You can download a map at the park district website, www.ebparks.org. Free maps are also usually available at the information panels at park trailheads. • Check the weather and dress in layers. Especially in the fall and winter, conditions can change suddenly. If it turns cold and wet, you can’t put on extra clothing that you didn’t bring along. • The park district still recommends carrying a mask and maintaining social distancing. We’re not out of the woods yet, COVID-wise. • Bring water and a snack. Once you are past the trailheads and picnic areas, there aren’t any drinking fountains. And don’t forget some water for your dog. A one-gallon Ziploc bag makes a good drinking bowl for Fido. • In an emergency, call 9-1-1. There’s also a direct emergency number to the park district’s police and fire dispatcher: 510-881-1121. These few precautions will assure a safe and enjoyable visit to the parklands. Happy trails!
Inspire Change Through a Love Exchange White Pony Express, the food rescue organization serving Contra Costa County, launched their 2021 annual fundraising campaign on October 1st: The Love Exchange! At White Pony Express, there is no “giver” or “receiver”—It’s a Circle—A Love Exchange! This campaign features love in action and the way it is shared freely between
White Pony Express, their community partners, dedicated volunteers, and the hungry and malnourished neighbors they feel privileged to serve. Here’s why these exchanges are so important: • 42 million Americans face food insecurity in 2021— thirteen million of which are children. • Up to 40% of the food produced in the U.S. is wasted annually. It would take
redistributing only 30% of this wasted food to meet the total dietary needs of every food-insecure person in the nation. • Short and long-term health outcomes of being food insecure include birth defects, anemia, cognitive problems, behavioral problems, anxiety, and aggression. W h i t e Po n y E x p r e s s relies on the generosity of our giving community to help us provide nutritious, fresh food, clothing, and goods to 80+ partner agencies serving the county’s highest need populations. Become A Change Agent For Your Community • Support White Pony Express, Contra Costa County’s food rescue organization. • Share donation links on your social media profiles. • Raise awareness, fundraise, or host a drive! Together, all of us take care of all of us!
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
page 3
Mount Diablo State Park 100th Anniversary This year marks the 100th anniversary of Mount Diablo State Park. To celebrate, we’ve created a film about Mount Diablo’s natural heritage. Nature Heals & Inspires: Mount Diablo State Park 100th Anniversary Film Premiere Thursday, October 14 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM Mount Diablo State Park has been healing and inspiring us for 100 years! This year marks the park’s 100th anniversary. To celebrate, together with our partners at California State Parks and the Mount Diablo Interpretative Association, we created a film about the mountain’s natural heritage and human history, featuring naturalists Ke n L av i n a n d M i c h a e l Marchiano, Save Mount Diablo
Land Conservation Director Seth Adams, former East Bay Regional Park General Manager Robert Doyle, East Bay Ohlone and Co-Founder of Cafe Ohlone Vincent Medina, and Mount Diablo State Park Supervising Ranger Cameron Morrison. Join us October 14 at 4 PM for a premiere showing of this new film—an inspiring journey through the lands that sustain us close to home. Presented by Mount Diablo Interpretive Association in partnership with Save Mount Diablo and Mount Diablo State Park. Photography and video by Kendall Oei, Scott Hein, Wally de Young, Dan Fitzgerald, and Floyd McCluhan. Music by Phil Heywood. Writing, narration, and production by Joan Hamilton.
Real Estate Professional
YOUR HOME EQUITY IS UP— I specialize in your local area, providing comprehensive marketing with your goals and needs in mind. If you are thinking of listing your home, Please call or email me.
Christian Rousset
925.890.4482
ChrisRousset09@gmail.com
Broker Associate
Delphi
Realty Group
Cal Bre # 01848037
Be Kind to the Environment Please Recycle this Newspaper
page 4
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
HOPE from page 1
in Pleasanton, raises support for Hope Hospice’s patientcare services and grief support center, as well as a range of free educational programs for the local public. “We’re so grateful to our event organizers and biggest champions, Jim and Kathleen Berriatua, for their leadership and philanthropic hearts,” says Hope Hospice CEO Jennifer Hansen. “Coming out of a hard year with several events canceled because of the pandemic, we weren’t sure what could be accomplished. But the Hope 100 attracts a special group of generous golf aficionados who seem to return each year more excited to participate than the last.” T h e H o p e 10 0 i s a n exclusive event with only 36 available player spots. Many participants reside in the Bay Area, but some come from as far as the East Coast. The structure of this event—playing 100 holes in one day—symbolizes the difficult challenges patients and their families face at the end of life. The event’s peerto-peer fundraising structure encourages participants to seek support from their personal networks. Some pay their own $2,500 player fees, while others seek sponsorships to cover the cost or solicit donations to bolster their fundraising totals. The event went dark in 2020 due to COVID-19, shorting Hope over $80,000 in anticipated revenue. “From
a fundraising perspective, we desperately needed to hold the event this year,” says Hope’s Director of Philanthropy Marc Rovetti. “The fellowship with these dedicated players is, of course, a bonus. We enjoy reconnecting each fall.” The marathon was established in 2015 to honor the life of Piper Wagner, a beloved golf pro at Castlewood who died from lung cancer. This year, in the spirit of Piper’s memory, the event also honored the life of the late Steve Thompson. Steve was a Bay Area native, having attended Marin Catholic High School and the University of San Francisco. He was a founding member of Jerry Thompson and Sons Painting with his father and brother, and over the years he helped guide JTS to become one of the most respected and successful painting companies in the Bay Area. Steve had a big heart and quietly led by example for the causes he cared about. He participated in the inaugural Hope 100 Golf Marathon, and Hope Hospice is grateful for his legacy in making this event what it is today. Several of the Thompson family members played at this year’s event. Hope Hospice is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, proudly serving the Tri-Valley and neighboring East Bay cities since 1980. Learn more about our services and community programs at www.HopeHospice. com or contact us at (925) 8298770.
October 2021
valleysentinel.com
Bedford Gallery Presents — If a Tree Falls: Art of the Boundary Oak We a r e t h r i l l e d t o announce our next exhibition, If a Tree Falls: Art of the Boundary Oak. This show memorializes the City of Walnut Creek’s signature Valley Oak, which tragically fell during a massive windstorm in October 2019. As a tribute to the tree’s long life and rich history, which spanned 325 years, the artists in the exhibition created artworks from its wood, offering this monumental being a second life. In addition to honoring the tree’s grand legacy, this t i m e l y c o m m u n i t y s h ow provides a much-needed celebration of local artists and highlights the unifying forces of nature. If a Tree Falls includes 64 emerging, midcareer, and established Bay Area artists who work across disciplines from painting and drawing to woodturning and carving. Each artwork—made exclusively for the show— incorporates pieces of Walnut Creek’s beloved Boundary Oak, providing visitors a rare opportunity to see how artists interpret the same base material in different ways. Pa r t i c i p a t i n g A r t i s t s : Irene Bee Kain, Danielle
B e n o i t , C h a s B l a c k f o rd , B o n n i e B o n n e r, P e t e r Brown, Shelley Carlisle, John Cobb, Brian Condran, Suzy Elsworth-Heithcock, Kathleen Farros-Hoeppner, Jane Fisher, Garth Fry, Susan Fuller, Bushra Gill, Lisa Glicksman, Louis Goldman, Annette Goodfriend, Ellen H å k e n s e n Fa r i s , C l i n t Imboden, Michael Jesse, Ken Joye, Kyung Min Kim, Mark Knize, Maureen Langenbach, Peter Langenbach, Sarah Lee, David Lew, Paul Lin, Christine Loehrlein, Maggie Mackinlay, Robert Mackinlay, Jeffrey Maylath, Claudette McDermott, Lisa McElroy, Ann McMillan, Peter McNeill,
J u l i e M e r i d i a n , A n d rew Messer, Michelle Mongan, Tsungwei Moo, Elise Morris, David Morris, Leslie Norgren, Sheridan Oakes, Michael Palace, Celena Peet, Sam Perry*, Christopher Pickslay, Daniel Powell, Anne Ross, Jack Shipman, Mary Shisler, Daniel Southard, Ariel Strong, Kerima Swain, Nick Taylor*, Netsanet Tesfay, Beau Thomas, Kelsey Thomas, Josef Twirbutt, Adon Valenziano, Marc Waidelich, Ruth Waters and Kim Wolfe. We hope you’ll join us on Saturday, October 30 from
3 - 5 pm for our opening reception! Stop by for an opportunity to meet the artists and see how they reimagined the Boundary Oak. Reserve your tickets here! Advance ticket purchase is encouraged but not required. Please see below for our updated health and safety protocols. * indicates invitational artist. As guidance from Contra Costa Health Services has evolved, we have modifi ed our health and safety protocols at Bedford Gallery to protect visitors, staff and volunteers. We now require all guests age 12 and over to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before visiting the gallery. Additionally, we continue to require all guests age 2 and over to wear a mask covering the nose, mouth and chin while at Bedford Gallery regardless of vaccination status. Learn more about all our safety measures, including new, premium HVAC chiller & boiler systems, air purification with newly installed Plasma Air Self-Cleaning Bi-Polar I o n i z e rs, h o s p i t a l g ra d e a i r f i l t e rs, a n d m o re a t bedfordgallery.org/visit.
Arts & Culture Commission of Contra Costa Seeks to fill Youth Advisor seat Serving the Tri-Valley since 1980
Hospice Care | Grief Support | Family Caregiver Resources | Dementia Care Solutions | Educational Presentations | Volunteering Opportunities FAMILY CAREGIVER EDUCATION SERIES
Live webinars offered year-round at no charge to you November 18; 10–11:30 a.m.
“Medicare: An Overview and Update” A representative from Alameda County’s Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program will share information about coverage options and changes for 2022.
December 9; 10–11:30 a.m.
“Living With Dementia: Behaviors as Communication” As the conditions that cause dementia progress, your loved one may increasingly use behaviors rather than speech to express needs. In this webinar, you will learn how to assess, interpret, and respond to dementia-related behaviors in a positive way.
HopeHospice.com/family | (925) 829-8770
Contra Costa County is seeking an individual to serve on the Arts & Culture C o m m i s s i o n i n a Yo u t h Advisor seat. The Arts & Culture Commission was established to advise the Board of Supervisors on matters related to promoting arts and culture as a vital aspect of community engagement. The Arts & Culture Commission is dedicated to advancing t h e a r t s i n a way t h a t promotes communication, education, appreciation, and collaboration throughout Contra Costa County so that we may grow creatively as a community that preserves and celebrates our diverse cultural expression.
Applicants will be interviewed and recommended by the Commission for appointment by the Board of Supervisors for a oney e a r t e r m . T h e Yo u t h Ad v i s o r a p p o i n t e e w i l l perform a Commissionapproved service project during their term and will be expected to attend all Commission meetings and other Commission activities as needed. 1 Position Available: Youth Advisor (non-voting) Qualifications: Applicants can be a high school or college students and must reside in Contra Costa County.
Meeting Information: Meetings of the Arts & Culture Commission are held on the second Monday of every month at 6:00 PM. How to Apply: Application forms can be obtained from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by visiting the County webpage at www. contracosta.ca.gov/3418, calling (925) 655-2000, or e-mailing ClerkoftheBoard@ cob.cccounty.us Deadline for Application: Friday October 22, 2021 For further information about the Arts & Culture Commission, please visit www. ac5.org or contact Jenny Balisle, Managing Director at (925) 6462278 or staff@ac5.cccounty.us
valleysentinel.com
October 2021
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
New Art Exhibit Focuses on The Trees of the San Ramon Valley A new exhibition at San Ramon’s City Hall Gallery “The Trees of the San Ramon Valley and Beyond.” The exhibition runs October 4 through December 16.
A nationally recognized photographic artist and local resident, Mark Stephenson markets his work at fine arts festivals across the country and collaborates with art consultancy
firms for private and corporate clients. Mark recently moved to San Ramon at the mouth of Bollinger Canyon, overlooking emerald green, oak studded hills. The stately oak, bay laurel, madrone, buckeye and other trees covering the picturesque hills and parks of the San Ramon Valley and East Bay have been particularly inspiring for Mark. Mark’s passion for light, natural form and devotion to following the artistic process wherever it leads, is spectacularly evident in his astonishingly luminous, deeply dimensional photographic mixed media artworks. Swirling patterns etched into metal panels
The First People, an exhibit at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley The First People, an ex h i b i t i o n o f C a l i f o r n i a Indians, will be at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley, August 26 to November 14. In this display, visitors will see Indian home models, cave paintings, maps, hunting nets, arrowheads, a complete acorn-processing set up and stunning Indian-made baskets. Examples of some beautiful, hand woven baskets from the Phelps Collection will be on display. Docents will allow
visitors to try some of the traditional games as well. A special section will showcase the arrival of Spanish soldiers and missionaries after 1769. Called Two Cultures Collide, contrasts in building materials, foods, art, music and tools will be shown. T h i s E u ro p e a n i n va s i o n revolutionized Indian culture. The Museum will sponsor a special event: Don Phelps will hold a sale of his American Native Silver and
Turquoise Jewelry. He will also give appraisals at $10 per evaluation. Proceeds donated to the Museum. Saturday, October 16, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in front of the Museum of the San Ramon Valley. The Museum of the San Ramon Valley is located at 205 Railroad Ave Danville CA 94526. Our hours are TuesdayFriday 1-4, Saturday 10-1 and, Sunday 12-3. You can contact the museum at museumsrv.org or call 925-837-3750
81 San Ramon Valley Unified School District Students Named Semifinalists in 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program Officials of National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®) announced the names of approximately 16,000 Semifinalists in the 67th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. The San Ramon Valley Unified School District had 81 students named as semifinalists. These high school seniors have an opportunity to complete an application and continue in the competition to go on and be awarded scholarship money in the spring. Semifinalists were named from three SRVUSD comprehensive high schools:
California High School - 14 Dougherty Valley High School - 51 Monte Vista High School - 16 “It is truly wonderful to see so many of our students recognized as part of the National Merit Scholarship Program,” said SRVUSD Superintendent Dr. John Malloy. “These students have achieved this high level of success through commitment and hard work. They have a future filled with possibilities and we are immensely proud of them.”
Students qualified for the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2020 Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Q u a l i f y i n g Te s t ( P SAT / NMSQT®), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. For more information on the National Merit Program, visit their website.
Mustang Soccer Student Athlete Award Application Deadline October 15 Mustang Soccer season is off to a great start and seeing so many Mustang players wearing their red or white uniforms around our neighborhoods is always a heart-warming spectacle. These young players range in age from four to 18, but without exception, they wear their uniforms with honor and pride and reflect our Club and community in such a positive way. 2020 was such a challenging year for us
all, but spotting our players all over Danville, Alamo, and Blackhawk reminds me how important recreation has been and will be as we get past these crazy and tough times! Lastly, each year, the Mustang Soccer League recognizes the remarkable accomplishments of our membership by presenting the Student Athlete Award. This prestigious award is granted to up to four Student Athletes for as
much as $1,000 each, to honor our members’ accomplishments in the classroom, on the field, and in the community. Candidates must be high school seniors, in the Class of 2022. The award recipients will be notified in time for them to include the achievement on their college applications. The deadline to receive applications is: 10 pm, Friday, October 15, 2021. Please go to mustangsoccer.com for more information and to apply.
create brilliant backgrounds. Light dances behind textured branch and bough, imbuing sylvan scenes with depth and movement. The luminosity of these artworks supports and emphasizes the message that the transcendent, even ecstatic, nature of life exists everywhere,
page 5
all the time, and is inherent in the common natural forms he photographs. The Museum is located at San Ramon City Hall, 7000 Bollinger Canyon Road, San Ramon. See and shop Mark’s artwork, check his events and exhibition schedule and more at https:// www.markstephensonart.com
SRVUSD Seeks Community Members for New District Steering Committee The San Ramon Valley Unified School District is looking for community members to serve on a new steering committee that will support the District in promoting understanding of the financial challenges we face and advocating for adequate resources so that students will continue to have access to the educational excellence for which our District is known. The Access to Excellence Steering Committee is one of four new steering committees that will help guide the District in achieving the goals set forth in the new SRVUSD Strategic Plan. Ideally, committee members will represent education partners and stakeholder groups from the local business community, faith community, service organizations, municipal partners, parent groups and community based organizations. Steering committee members must commit to
meeting four times during the year and may be asked to take on additional responsibilities including facilitating focus groups in the community to help inform the process. Applications are due no later than October 5th. More information on this, as well as the other three steering committees, can be found in each Steering Committee Application: • Access to Excellence Steering Committee Application • Deep Learning and Innovation Steering Committee Application • E q u i t y S t e e r i n g Committee Application • Social Emotional WellBeing Application We hope you will consider being part of this valuable experience! If you have questions, please send an email to SRVUSD Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Debra Petish.
For A Life of Intellectual Exploration and Meaningful Contribution Challenging and Experiential Classes Average 15-17 students Students Inspire Each Other to Think Critically, Problem Solve, and Collaborate Unmatched International & Wilderness Programs 100% Admitted to Outstanding 4-Year Colleges Diverse Global Community on an Extraordinary 75-Acre Campus Transportation and Financial Aid Available
www.athenian.org Danville
ADMISSION OPEN HOUSES FOR FALL 2022 ENROLLMENT
Grades 6-8 January 8 1:00 pm Grades 9-12 January 9 1:00 pm To register for an Open House, please visit our Admission webpage and choose “Apply Now”
Fall Home and Garden page 6
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
October 2021
valleysentinel.com
Master Planning a Yard By Steven Wynn
The San Ramon Valley features the best of California outdoor living. We work hard to maximize the indooroutdoor relationships in our residential projects. Design does not stop at the wall, or door, but extends into the yard, where space planning is as important it is inside. We think of a yard plan as a series of opportunities, places to gather, or quietly enjoy. One key to a successful plan is defining comfortable spaces. But what makes an outdoor space “comfortable?” Is it just a question of choosing the most comfortable furniture? Imagine your yard if it
were continuous concrete from fence to fence, maybe with a pool in the middle. There would be ample space for most any activity, except gardening. So, add a garden border around the perimeter. Still, you could place the most comfortable furniture on that vast patio and never find it comfortable. Why? The campfire is the timeless, iconic heart of the oldest outdoor “room” on the planet. The “room’s” size is defined by the light and heat cast by the fire. We innately understand the comfortable size of that space – any kid who’s roasted a marshmallow
JRW CONSTRUCTION, INC. 381 Hartz Ave., Danville, Suite B www.jrwconstructioninc.com phone 925.831.1615 fax 925.831.1643 lic. 694292
CUSTOM HOMES ADDITIONS REMODELS BATHROOM AND KITCHEN REMODELS TENANT IMPROVEMENTS COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL
knows about where to place chairs around the campfire. Comfort comes from being inside that outdoor, open space. As designers, we use that innate sense of space as a tool to help define comfortable boundaries of each outdoor room. We use walls of the house or cabaña to create a hard boundary, and planting areas to soften other edges. Open trellises provide a ceiling where we want shade and protection. In the example shown, my partner Blair Barry created a master plan for a yard designed to unify a n ew c a b a ñ a a n d p o o l with an existing home. The firepit is at the heart of the plan, positioned along the centerline of the cabana and
Creating and transforming spaces great and small. We’re here to help with your remodel, addition, outdoor room, or new home. Schedule a free consultation today.
swimming pool. Black rocks in a channel running under the firepit provide an accent and break in the hardscape that separates the cabaña from the main house. A shade trellis provides partial
social gathering space is the outdoor dining table, adjacent to the kitchen and near the cabaña’s bar and bar-b-que. We often blur the line between indoors and outdoors, as with the bar, which has
cover, leading to bi-fold doors that when opened unite the cabaña’s interior with the firepit’s inviting warmth. The pool’s edge beckons to a world of water and sun. At the far end, a sunning deck invites basking a lap away from the cabaña’s shaded retreat. A seat wall creates another boundary along half of the length of the pool, accented by bright yellow sun pads. The master suite has its own patio access to the yard, a private space bounded by a garden landscape. The largest
seating both inside and outside the cabaña. Also, we soften the overall aesthetic by limiting how much hardscape intersects building walls. We use planting areas to separate the house from hardscape. T h e s e s t ra t e g i e s a n d techniques can be applied to a yard of any size. Creating outdoor spaces of comfortable proportions and soft edges around a variety of focal points invites friends and family to gather while enjoying California outdoor living.
October in the Contra Costa Garden Master Gardeners are trained
We’ve Moved!
925.837.1422 (office) | 925.285.5582 (mobile) 379 Hartz Avenue, Danville, CA 94526 www.barryandwynn.com Entrance at rear of building, along Railroad Ave. stevew@barryandwynn.com
Feed hydrangeas with acidifier for bluer blooms. Feed with agricultural lime to turn them pink. Plant bulbs now for spring blooms. Fall is a great time to plant natives. Check the UC Davis Arboretum website for ideas. Plant garlic and shallots now for a summer harvest. Prepare planting beds for winter: clear out weeds and rocks. Add soil amendments and/or plant winter cover crops such as fava beans to replace nitrogen in the soil. Add fallen leaves and plant debris to your compost pile. Or, leave them on the ground to serve as a natural mulch for your garden.
volunteers for the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE). They are residents of local communities who have an active interest in horticulture, have taken the Master Gardener training offered by the UCCE, and now share their knowledge with other members of that community. They provide University of California researchbased horticultural information to the citizens of California through their volunteer efforts as Master Gardeners. It is the acquisition of knowledge, the skill in gardening, and giving back to the community that distinguishes a Master Gardener from other gardeners. For more information visit ccmg.ucdavis. edu.
valleysentinel.com
October 2021
“Walk and Roll with Street Smarts!” Poster Contest As we celebrate “National Walk to School Month,” Street Smarts is inviting all elementary school age students to enter the “Walk and Roll with Street Smarts” Poster Contest. Win great prizes! Elementary School students in the San Ramon Va l l e y a r e i n v i t e d t o draw and color a Traffic Safety themed illustration
d e p i c t i n g b i ke, s c o o t e r, skateb oard or pedes trian safety. Two illustr ations , in each grade level, will be select ed to have their posters displayed on Street Smarts Banners throughout the community. Details and Eligibility: • All elementary school students attending or residing in the San Ramon Valley are eligible to participate.
Danville Fall Fest Make it a memorable weekend of safe, family friendly activities at this year’s annual FALLFEST, brought to you by the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce on Saturday & Sunday, October 23 & 24, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Now in its 29th year, this popular community event has been dubbed the “faire of 1,000 pumpkins” featuring a stunning collection of handblown pumpkins, 100+ street vendors, activities for the kiddos, and live music, classic cars (Sunday), shopping and beer & wine for the adults. The kids costume parade kicks-off the festivities on Saturday at 10am at Faz
Restaurant, as children of all ages dress up in their Halloween best and make their way down Hartz Avenue, accompanied by “Sparky”, the SRVFD mascot. The fun continues with free, safe trick-or-treating at merchants and vendors along the parade route. The Museum of the San Ramon Valley will also be hosting its annual children’s train ride in the parking lot of Faz Restaurant. Watch for our announcement on kids’ activities soon, including our pony rides and a petting zoo This year’s FallFest offers some outstanding live music from local bands, high-energy performances by the talented
• Drawings due by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 4 • Two winners in the following grade levels will be selected: • Kindergarten – 2nd Grade • 3rd Grade – 5th Grade Artwork will be judged on originality, visual design and composition, storytelling ability, clear communication of the theme of “Walk and Roll with Street Smarts!” and inclusion of Street Smarts logo.
THE VALLEY SENTINEL V i s i t w w w. s t r e e t smarts.com “Poster Contest” for program guidelines and upload information. For questions, please contact
page 7
Dolores Pita, at 925-973-2581 or dpita@sanramon.ca.gov. STREET SMARTS is a traffic safety education program serving the San Ramon Valley.
dancers of Next Step Dance Studio, and a promo display of trains by European Train Enthusiasts. Car fanatics will want to head down East Prospect Avenue to marvel at the Classic Car Show (Sunday only). With nearly 40 of the coolest cars & hot rods, this display is second to none. All of these attractions are sure to work up an appetite, so take time to indulge in the offerings from the abundance of downtown Danville restaurants, visit our boutique shops and treat yourself to a glass of Boisett Wine or quench your thirst with locallysourced microbrew from Danville Brewing Company!
Goodbye Grass Hello Garden! Rebates up to $2000
Standard Rebate Convert your lawn to a water-wise garden and receive $0.75 per square foot. *New* Super Rebate Convert your lawn using ecological principles and receive $1.50 per square foot—double the standard rebate amount. Irrigation Upgrade Upgrade your system to increase efficiency. Rebates are available for irrigation controllers, drip irrigation, and more. Call 1-866-403-2683 or visit us online at ebmud.com/rebates for program details, mulch coupons, and eligibility requirements.
Senior Living page 8
Jun
Encouraging Exercise for Elders: Motivation By Tami Anastasia, M.A.
Any course of action begins with motive and intent. To establish an enduring motive and intent, you may first need to let go of your belief in certain popular myths about exercise, such as: • I have to exercise s t re n u o u s l y f o r i t t o b e beneficial • I have to exercise to lose weight • If I’m not losing weight, I’m doing it wrong • If I’m having fun, it’s not considered exercise Begin to change your exe rc i s e h a b i t s by f i rs t replacing these beliefs with new ways of thinking about exercise and then by setting reasonable and attainable exercise goals. For example: • Choose activities you enjoy (i.e. pleasure vs. boring) • Exercise at a pace that is comfortable (i.e. invigorating vs. breathless) • Exercise for a shorter period of time (i.e. 10 minutes vs. 1 hour) • C o m b i n e exe rc i s e with another activity that is enjoyable (i.e. walk and listen to music) • Choose exercises or activities that make your body feel good (i.e. comfort vs. pain) The motivation to exercise has to come from within, and it must have personal significance. Place the value of exercise where it belongs; on the physiological and psychological changes that take place inside your body. Make a list. My list includes mental alertness, time to process my thoughts, opportunity to be outdoors,
Of all the lifestyle c h a n g e s t h a t h ave b e e n studied, regular physical exercise appears to be one of the best things that you can do to reduce your risk of getting dementia. The latest health advice from the Surgeon General and the Center for Disease Control suggests that adults should exercise 30 minutes at least five days a week or for a total of 150 minutes per week. This may not be welcome news for those who have difficulty motivating themselves to exercise. If you are one of those individuals, the following insights may help you understand what’s really keeping you from exercising and what changes you can make to increase your motivation. D e s p i t e k n ow i n g t h e importance and benefits of exercise, over 60% of our population has difficulty motivating themselves to exercise? Some think it’s because of laziness, a lack o f s e l f - d i s c i p l i n e, s e l f determination or will. The number one reason people give for not exercising is simply a lack of time. But is lack of time really the root of the problem? The difficulty in getting ourselves to exercise goes deeper. If time isn’t the problem, what is? In a word, motivation. Whether we exercise or not depends on how we think about exercise and whether we have the motivation to do it. Consider the definition of motive: an emotion, desire, or physiological need that can incite one to action.
PORTEOUS PORTEOUS PORTEOUS PORTEOUS FAMILY DENTISTRY FAMILY DENTISTRY FAMILY DENTISTRY FAMILY DENTISTRY Larry LarryPorteous PorteousD.D.S. D.D.S.++Linda LindaPorteous PorteousR.D.H. R.D.H.
Larry Porteous, Linda R.D.H. Porteous, R.D.H. Larry Porteous D.D.S. +D.D.S. Linda + Porteous
“Let Our Family Be Family Dentist” OurBe Family BeYour Your Family Dentist” Our Family Be Your Family Dentist” “Let“Let Our“Let Family Your Family Dentist” We Weare arecelebrating celebrating2929years years
50% OFF
We are 29 in years 50% OFF We arecelebrating celebrating 30 yearsArea. in ininpractice 50% OFF Teeth Whitening practice inthe theBay Bay Area. 50% OFF in practicein in the the Bay Teeth Whitening practice BayArea. Area. Our Teeth Whitening Teeth Whitening Our practice is dedicated for new patients (reg $450) Our practice is dedicated for new patients (reg $450) Our practice is dedicated to treating for new patients for (regnew $450) patients (reg $450) practice istodedicated totreating treatingand andpreventing preventing to treating and preventing and preventing dental indiseases in a (925) 736-9000 dental diseases a friendly, dental (925) 736-9000 dental diseases in a diseases friendly, in a friendly, 925-736-9000 (925) friendly, relaxed atmosphere. is 736-9000 relaxed ItItisisIt our relaxedatmosphere. our relaxed atmosphere. Itatmosphere. is our 3840 Blackhawk Road our philosophy to give each person philosophy totogive person 3840Blackhawk Blackhawk Road 3840 Road 3840 Blackhawk Road giveeach each person philosophy tophilosophy give each person Suite 110 the same respect, care and concern the same respect, care and Suite 110 the same respect, care respect, and the same care and Suite 110 Suite 110 concern thatwant we would wantasto Danville Danville that wethat would want Danville concern we would Danville concern thatto wetoreceive would want to Across(Across Blackhawkfrom Rd. as a patient. patients. Across BlackhawkAcross Rd. Blackhawk receive as areceive patient. Rd. receive as a patient. Independently Rated Highest in Quality
fromDraeger’s Draeger’s Market NINTH from Draeger’s Market Market) from Draeger’s CONSECUTIVEMarket YEAR
Independently Rated Highest in Quality Independently Rated Highest in Quality
IfIf you have an have aching tooth, want Ifanyou an aching tooth, you have tooth, If aching you have an aching tooth, to maintain good wantyour to maintain your good want to maintain good dental wantyour to maintain your good health, are interested in interested improving dental are dental health, are health, interested dental health, are interested your smilein your or just have questions improving your smile or justor in improving smile or just in improving your smile or just have or concerns, concerns, please call our office. We have questions orquestions concerns, have questions or concerns, ourlook office. We look pleaseforward call please our office. We look tocall meeting you. please call our office. We look
NINTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR NINTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR
forward to meeting forward you. to meeting you.
forward to meeting you.
Providing Full Service Dentistry the Entire Providing Full Service Dentistry For The for Entire Family Providing Full Service Dentistry For The EntireFamily Family
Providing Full Service Dentistry For The Entire Family
WWW.pOrteOusFAMILYDeNtIstrY.coM www.PorteousFamilyDentistry.com WWW.pOrteOusFAMILYDeNtIstrY.coM
WWW.pOrteOusFAMILYDeNtIstrY.coM
valleysentinel.com
October 2021
increased patience, more energy, better mood, and lack of need for medication. Think about what internal needs exercise could meet for you. Focus on your current lifestyle patterns and see what you can change to add movement into your life. Ask yourself what would take the least amount of physical and mental energy. For example, walk 10 minutes twice a week, march in place with your walker during commercials, do Yoga or Tai Chi two to three times a week or chair exercises a few times a week. Start there. Don’t place pressure on yourself to do more until you have a desire to do more. Exercise is supposed to be fun and enjoyable. The more you like it, the more you’ll stick with it. Before you know it, you’ll be exercising 150 minutes per week. Getting yourself to exercise is 95 percent mental and 5 percent physical. Doing something, no matter how small, is better than doing nothing at all. Tami Anastasia, owner of TAMS Wellness Studio, has a Master’s Degree in Counseling and 30-plus years of experience in the health and fitness industry. She is a health and wellness counselor, exercise specialist, motivational speaker and author of Toward A Magnificent Self: The Exercise Book For Every Body. Contact her at 408 377- 4716 or email her at tamswellness@gmail. com or visit her website www.tamswellness.com for information and book orders.
Valley Oak Adult Day/Respite Center in Danville Is Open and Seeks Volunteers “ We a r e p l e a s e d t o announce that our Valley Oak Adult Day/Respite Center in Danville is open post Covid. We are so pleased to have many of our previous clients back and happy to welcome a number of new clients,” said Jean Morrison, Program Director. “Now we would like to encourage those with a passion for being with and working with seniors to become Volunteers in our program,” she continues. Valley Oak is open five d ays p e r we e k , M o n d ay through Friday, from—10:30 am – 2:30 pm. There are many attendance options for clients. Drop-ins will not be available due to staffing and
CDC restrictions. Participants bring their own lunch. Participants’ physicians must complete a form, a copy of the client’s Covid shot card will be required, as well as a copy of an updated clear TB test. “Participation at Valley Oak helps ease social isolation for frail seniors which has b e c o m e a g re a t e r i s s u e due to the pandemic. And, volunteers provide extra TLC for the clients and engage with them for a more meaningful experience,” Morrison adds. For more information about becoming a client or to volunteer contact, Jean Morrison, jean@dv-fa.org or at 925-915-0030.
Call for Performers - 50 and over The Town of Danville is seeking performers 50 years and over for the 3rd Annual Senior Variety Show Auditions to be held on Friday, October 15 Danville’s seniors are sure to steal the show as the Town of Danville’s Senior Center and Village Theatre are pleased to announce the 3rd Annual Senior Variety Show. The show is scheduled for Saturday, December 11, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Village Theatre at 233 Front St. in Danville. This fast-paced array of performances will include a wide variety of 3-5 minute acts. Previous shows have included dance, singing,
musical performances, standup comedy, clogging, skits, poetry reading, and more. Auditions for the show will be held on Friday, October 15. Interested performers a g e d 50 o r ove r s h o u l d schedule an audition by emailing Program Supervisor for Adults & Seniors, Leah Martinez, at lmartinez@ danville.ca.gov, or call (925) 314-3431. Tickets for the 3rd Annual Senior Variety Show will go on sale in late October. For more information, contact Program Supervisor for Adults & Seniors, Leah Martinez, at (925) 314-3431 or lmartinez@danville. ca.gov.
Veterans Memorial Building Now Open and Seeking Volunteers! The Veterans Memorial Building is open and needs new volunteer docennts. If enough people are not enisted to fulfill this rewarding opportunity,
they will be forced to cut the days or hours of operation. Please consider volunteering for a morning or afternoon shift once or twice a month.
For more information call Dennis Giacovelli, President, at (925) 383-6455 or email him at houseworks@pacbell.net
Volunteer with AARP Tax-Aide for 2022 Tax Season Do you like working with people? Are you good with numbers? A A R P Ta x - A i d e i s looking for volunteers to become members of a team providing free tax preparation for individuals of all ages residing in Contra Costa
County. Tax-Aide volunteer p o s i t i o n s i n c l u d e Ta x Counselors who are trained by Tax-Aide and certified by IRS, and Client Facilitators, who schedule appointments and assist clients at tax sites. Orientation is in November 2021, classes for
tax counselors start in January 2022. Service is from February through April 15, 2022. If interested, apply online at www.aarp.org/ taxvolunteer or call (925) 7 2 6 - 31 9 9 f o r a d d i t i o n a l information.
Senior Living valleysentinel.com
Danville Seniors’ Buzz Sessions are back! Unless otherwise noted, Buzz Sessions take place at Danville Senior Center: Hall C, 115 East Prospect Avenue, Danville, CA 94526. Please call 925-314-3430 for more information. Buzz Session - 2021 Medicare 2022 - What You Need To Know Tuesday, October 19, 2021 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM. What’s happening with your Medicare prescription drug or Advantage plan for the coming year? Medicare Open Enrollment occurs from October 15, 2021, to Dec 7, 2021. Every year plans change their covered drugs, copayments, physician networks, and more. Even if you like your current plan, it may no longer be best for you in 2022. Also, your health care needs may have changed. Join us to learn more about Medicare and get an overview of the changes for 2022. Sponsored By: Contra Costa HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program) Audience: 55 +.
Free! Pre-registration required. Reference Barcode: 29543 Buzz Session - 2021 Tax Legislation Update and YearEnd Planning for Income and Estate Taxes Tuesday, October 26, 2021 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM. Join John Lau CPA, CFP®, M.S. (Tax) in this in-person seminar that will cover an update of the income and estate/gift tax planning opportunities before December 31, 2021, and what specifically to do and not to do in light of the present environment. John Lau will discuss the following points at the seminar: • Increase in income tax rates • Increase in capital gains tax rate • Proposed changes for retirement accounts
• Acceleration of the TCJA sunset to January 1, 2022 • Restrictions on grantor trusts and their impacts on insurance trust planning • Proposed effective dates 55 +. Activity Code 29647 Buzz Session - 2021 How To Avoid Holiday Scams Tuesday, November 2, 2021 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM. Make sure you stay safe this holiday season. Join us for a talk on how to avoid scams over the next few months. This is a discussion no one should miss! Audience: 55 + .Free! Pre-registration required. Reference Barcode: 29647 Sponsored by the Town of Danville
Spooky Halloween Hike Join the Spooky Hike to Black Diamond Mine with Save Mt. Diablo on Sunday, October 30th from 9am -12pm.
page 9
October 2021
The hike is approximately 3 miles and considered easy to moderate in difficulty. Please Contact Denise Castro
for more information at dcastro@savemountdiablo. org
San Ramon Seniors Poet Laureate Workshops:
Your Story, Your Place in History In this 3-part Poetrek, Poet Laureate Jennyth Jo will lead participants through a series of narrative exercises in both poetry and prose forms that are designed to stimulate reflection. This Fall series will focus on place as
both a fundamental place of departure and an ongoing tether to our past histories. No writing experience is necessary, since your life experiences are enough to generate and celebrate.
2021 Tri-Valley Mayor’s Summit Watch the video promo
Please join the Tri-Valley Chamber of Commerce Alliance for the 2021 Tri-Valley Mayor’s Summit, featuring Town of Danville Mayor Renee Morgan. Thursday, October 28 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM The program will take place at the spectacular Wente Vineyards, 5050 Arroyo Road, Livermore. $75 per person, $600 Table of 8.
to learn more about the event, which features all five Mayors of the Cities of Pleasanton, Livermore, San Ramon, Dublin and the Town of Danville. See what our communities are doing to promote jobs, housing, transportation and infrastructure, keeping people healthy and safe during the pandemic and so much more!
be kind to the environment please recycle this newspaper
One-of-a-kind Bargains!
Make a difference by donating today! Bring us your gently-used furniture, clothing, housewares, jewelry and vintage items. Your support allows us to achieve our mission of supporting and comforting people and their loved ones through the final stages of life.
Donation Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-until full
At a Hospice Thrift Shoppe, you’ll find fabulous bargains on vintage clothing, heirloom treasures, estate jewelry, and unique furniture—all at amazing prices!
Mention this ad at our Danville Shoppe and receive 30% off your purchase!
To schedule a pick-up, please call: (925) 674-9072 Thank you for supporting community-based hospice care!
Hospice Thrift Shoppe in Danville Thrift Shoppes www.HospiceEastBay.org
444 Diablo Road, Danville (925) 838-7697
Offer expires December 31, 2021. Not combinable with other discounts; some exclusions apply.
page 10
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
AUTO March 2009 October 2021
2021 Lexus ES 350 F Sport Black Line Special Edition By David and Judy Colman
For only $51,795, you can now buy a brace of very special Zero Halliburton Edge Lightweight travel cases at your
F Sport called the Black Line Special Edition. Black Line Special Editions are not limited to the ES 350 model, but are also available across the Lexus
local Lexus dealer. These matte black polycarbonate beauties - a 22” Continental Carry-on and a 26” Medium Travel Case - carry a chrome logo badge laser-etched “Zero Halliburton for Lexus.” Their interior is lined with a sumptuous fabric that mimics the Lexus spindle grill motif. Oh, and did we mention that this suitcase package also comes with a car? In this instance, a very special version of the ES 350
range this year, with suitcase equipped versions of the UX, NX, RX and LS on offer as well. Of course, the modestly priced Black Line option (a steal at $850) also includes a number of other refinements to the already potent F Sport model. A premium graphite finish distinguishes the 19 inch, split 5-spoke alloy wheels which are fastened with matching dark lug nuts. Lexus fits these rims
with 235/40R19 Michelin Primacy radials carrying a long life treadwear rating of TW 500. The exterior mirror housings are capped with black shells. A model specific rear spoiler tops the decklid, and a striking white perforated NuLuxe interior distinguishes the cabin. This soft touch material features low contrast gray seam stitching. Subtle Hadori Aluminum Trim graces the door and dash surfaces. The heavily bolstered front seats include both heating and ventilation, though a heated steering wheel is notably absent. If you are in any doubt about the worth of the Black Line option, bear in mind that you will pay more than $850 if you buy the two similar cases from Halliburton, and they won’t have the same finish or logo ID as the ones made for Lexus. Secondly, the Black Line Special Edition is an exclusive option limited to just 1500 examples for the model year. The ES 350, which utilizes the company’s latest GA-K front wheel drive platform, benefits greatly from getting an F Sport massage. This
Sentinels of Freedom is a national nonprofit organization that helps severely wounded post-9/11 Veterans with comprehensive personal support and financial assistance as they complete their higher education and achieve success in their post-military careers.
HELP OUR SENTINELS STORY CONTINUE TO MOVE FORWARD AND IMPACT OUR COMMUNITY. WWW.SENTINELSOFFREEDOM.ORG
Sentinel John W. Walding Business Owner
Sentinel Lina Efremenkova Louisiana State Univeristy
Sentinel Cardia Summers Columbia University
Sentinel Christopher Lamy Juris Doctorate
Contact Us at 925-380-6342 or info@sentinelsoffreedom.org
valleysentinel.com
salon treatment includes Adaptive Variable Suspension, which provides 650 levels of adjustment to the F Sport specific shock absorbers. Sensors measure and adjust the shocks according to vehicle speed, linear and vertical g-loads, steering angle, yaw rate, master cylinder brake pressure, engine control input, and skid control sensors. While the Dynamic Control Shocks of the standard ES 350 are quite competent in an old school way, they are simply no match for the advanced technology incorporated into the F Sport portfolio. And the best part of the deal is that you, the driver, get to select the precise amount of ride control by twisting a “Moveable Meter” control conveniently located
transmission to maximize torque thrust at 4700rpm. Handling and acceleration response is quick enough to satisfy your sports sedan craving. The infotainment system in the ES 350 persists in utilizing a touch pad controller that is all but impossible to operate while underway. The simplest tasks have now been subsumed under even more levels of sub-menu complication. For example, it used to be relatively easy to eliminate the annoying valet seat slide by simply selecting the “settings” menu and then scrolling down to the appropriate heading. Now the computer brigade at Lexus has moved that operation into a separate c a t e g o r y w h i c h re q u i re s you to first select “settings,” then click on a pictograph of
atop the instrument binnacle. Our favorite setting was “Sport+” which stiffened the ride and suspension to just short of competition level. For extended freeway travel, however, the “comfort” setting will get you to your destination with less jounce and rebound harshness. Even without the F Sport magic, the latest ES 350 platform benefits from recent structural upgrades that include doubling the number of laser screw welds compared to the previous generation ES. Lexus also added reinforcement panels to the front strut towers, a front strut tower brace, and new radiator support braces. The latest chassis also sits lower than before, with a longer wheelbase and a wider track both front and rear. The added stability of these changes is obvious when you push this sedan through a set of challenging curves. The 302hp V6 is quick on the uptake, especially when you manipulate the paddle shifts of the 8-speed automatic
the car to access and delete the seat valet. Meanwhile, the “settings” menu now contains over a hundred micro refinements you will never need or use. For the record, we also gave up trying to tune the radio frequency through the infotainment pad. Could Lexus could possibly make this simple request any more complicated? Aside from the Graphic User Interface complaint, very little blots the copybook of this fine family sized sedan. Our only real complaint has to do with that fancy luggage - because our test car never came with any! 2021 LEXUS ES 350 F SPORT ENGINE: 3.5 liter V6 DOHC H O R S E P OW E R : 302hp@6600rpm TORQUE: 267lb.ft.@4700rpm FUEL CONSUMPTION: 22MPG City/31MPG Highway PRICE AS TESTED: $51,795 HYPES: Spectacular Black Line package GRIPES: Lose the Graphic User Interface touchpad STAR RATING: 9.5 Stars out of 10
valleysentinel.com
October 2021
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
page 11
Contra Costa County’s Supervisorial Redistricting Process By Candace Andersen. Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors
who would like to see their district changed from District III to District II since they believe their “community of interest” is more aligned to Danville and Alamo than to Brentwood and Oakley. The Board of Supervisors is required to adopt the boundaries of the supervisorial districts no later than 151 days before the county’s next regular election which will be held on March 1, 2021. Current Law requires that our redistricting process must be completed by December 15, 2021. For a full rundown on the redistricting timeline and events, including workshops, public hearing dates, and other important events, visit https://www.contracosta. ca.gov/8136/Timeline-andEvents.
Vintage Jewelry Wedding Jewelry &
Unique Gifts
Free shipping on all orders of $30 or more
www.etsy.com/shop/vintagejewelryetal
Open October 4th!
Miranda Ave.
Stone Valley Alamo Plaza Shopping Center
Stone Valley Center
lvd
eB
ill nv
Da .
Nationally, the decennial redistricting process is underway. In Contra Costa County, my colleagues and I on the Board of Supervisors are now tasked with taking the results from the 2020 Census and redrawing the five supervisorial district boundaries to ensure that each is nearly equal in population. These imminent changes will not occur without a great deal of input from the community. The process o f re d i s t r i c t i n g i n vo l ve s many stakeholders, all with different interests hoping to advocate for changes they believe to be necessary and fair. Current redistricting law encourages us to take into consideration “Communities of interest” (COI), which are populations that share common social or economic interests that they feel should be included within a single supervisorial district. Communities of interest do not include relationships with political parties, i n c u m b e n t s, o r p o l i t i c a l candidates. The County has established several methods to assure all Contra Costa County residents can voice their opinions and concerns regarding the redistricting process. DistrictR is a tool that allows residents to draw his or her ideal proposal or one’s Community of Interest. D i s t r i c t R i s f r e e, o p e n source software designed just for public input in the redistricting process. Learn more at www.districtr.org. An Online Mapping Workshop will be held at 2:00 p.m. on October 14 to assist residents in drawing and submitting Communities of Interest to be considered in the County’s Supervisorial Redistricting Process. The workshop will be hosted by DistrictR. More information and a link to rsvp for the workshop can be found at www.cocoredistricting.org. A District 2 Redistricting Workshop is scheduled for Saturday, October 23 at 9 am at San Ramon City Hall. It will also be available via Zoom.
The County is also accepting maps on other platforms, such as Representable or Dave’s Redistricting App. Please email links or maps to clerkoftheboard@cob. cccounty.us. You may also submit a comment, provide a w r i t t e n t e s t i m o ny, o r also add a Community of Interest at https://portal. contracosta-mapping.org. Members of the public are also invited to attend live public hearings. If you prefer to send written feedback by mail, you can send it to: Clerk of the Board, Attn: Jami Morritt Contra Costa County 1025 Escobar Street, 1st Floor Martinez, CA 94553 The available 2020 Census local level results have shown our County is in a transitional stage; the data indicates Contra Costa is becoming increasingly multiracial. The total population of Contra Costa i s 1 , 1 6 5 , 2 9 7 . T h e ra c i a l demographic makeup is as follows: • 39% White • 27% Latino • 18.4% Asian • 8.4% Black • 5.7% two or more races • American Indian or Alaskan Native 0.2% District II is comprised of • 55.1% White • 28% Asian • 8.5% Latino • 1.6% Black • 6.7% Other While all of Contra Costa has seen a boost in p o p u l a t i o n g row t h ove r the past 10 years, District II has experienced the second largest increase in population growth out of all five districts. Since 2010, the population in District II grew from of 218,917 residents to 243,656, adding nearly 24,648 residents. Overall, the 2020 census revealed that Contra Costa County grew by 10% or 116,902 people. As a result of these shifts, the areas, and the individuals in District II may change. As it currently stands, District II is composed of San Ramon, Danville, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, a portion of Walnut Creek, and the unincorporated communities o f A l a m o , Pa r k m e a d , Saranap, and Canyon. I have heard from many residents living in Diablo, Blackhawk, u n i n c o r p o ra t e d D a n v i l l e and the Tassajara Valley
Creek, Saranap, Parkmead, Lafayette, Moraga, Canyon and Orinda. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if we can provide you with additional information on this topic or on other County issues. I can be reached at SupervisorAndersen@bos. cccounty.us or 925-957-8860.
To read more about the process or ways to provide input, please visit Contra Costa Redistricting website at www. CoCoRedistricting.org. My office is here to serve the residents of Contra Costa County District 2, which includes San Ramon, Danville, Alamo, Walnut
page 12
No Tricks – All Treats! THE VALLEY SENTINEL
October 2021
at the Home Consignment Center Beautiful designer furniture & accesories ALL at consignment prices!
www.thehomeconsignmentcenter.com
valleysentinel.com
DANVILLE
1901 Camino Ramon 925-866-6164
CAMPBELL 930 West Hamilton Ave. 408-871-8890
CORTE MADERA 801 Tamalpais Dr. 415-924-6691
SAN CARLOS 1123 Industrial Road 650-508-8317