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valleysentinel.com
October 2010
VOL 15, NO 10
SEVENTY-FIVE CENTS
SPOTLIGHT
Michael Krasny visits Walnut Creek Library By Denise Rousset
On Thursday evening, September 30 , t h e Wa l n u t Creek Library Foundation hosted their first Live! From the Library program with Michael Krasny, who since 1993 has been senior editor of KQED-FM radio’s award-winning Forum. The program covers public affairs topics such as culture, politics, the arts, health and technology. A resident of Marin County, he is a professor of English Literature at San Francisco State University where he has taught since 1970. A widely published scholar, he was invited to speak about his new book, Spiritual Envy: An Agnostic’s Quest. Entertaining and funny, he peppered his comments with anecdotes about his life,
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Who could resist a photo like this? This was taken in the Glass Pumpkin Patch that will be a part of Danville’s upcoming 19th annual Fall Arts and Crafts Festival on Saturday and Sunday, October 23 and 24 from 10am to 5pm along Hartz Avenue. Saturday morning at 10 am there will be a children’s Halloween costume parade with safe trick or treating, so save the date and come on out with the entire family. See page 4
Voters in San Ramon should learn about Measure W By Dana Guzzetti
San Ramon’s Measure W is one of the most controversial choices on the upcoming November 2010 election ballot. The consequences of it may not be obvious by simply reading the measure and checking the “Impartial analysis” on the city website. Now is the time for citizens who have not been a part of City workshops to do their homework. Basically the San Ramon City Planning Commission and Council want voters to approve a new 2030 General Plan that would change the urban growth boundary and increase the developable area of the city by about 19 percent. City boundaries would expand to include the Tassajara Valley area to the east, Norris Canyon area on the west and the 15-acre Laborer’s Camp property. The Measure extends most of the Ordinance 197 ridgeline and creek
Special Sections...
protections for five years, and continues the requirement for three public meetings and a 4/5ths Planning Commission and City Council vote to change the General Plan. It is not easy for voters to determine what Measure W may mean for them personally and how it will impact community life in San Ramon. The difficult decision resembles the kinds of choices that U. S. congress members face. Namely, Measure W, including the 2030 General Plan, contains a variety of opposing elements and it is not possible to vote for, or against parts of it separately. An environmentally oriented voter may favor the Ordinance 197 ridgeline and creek five-year extension, but
page 7
Mind & Body Awareness
oppose extending the growth boundaries with the knowledge that developers and planners (Contra Costa County, Danville and San Ramon) are already eyeing Tassajara Valley. Another voter might want to accelerate and guide growth for its economic benefits, potential tax revenue and the long-term continuity of future development. Determining what will happen if it does pass, or does not pass is one way to analyze it. Another is to look at the overarching goals of the planning documents. They clearly state two primary purposes for the Measure: “permit development and growth in the hill areas of the San Ramon planning area” while maintaining the
page 10
quality of life and “enhance City control and management of the planning for the areas described within the Sphere of Influence and the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) shown in the (proposed expansion) General Plan 2030.” Even this has two sides. Few can deny that some cities have been adversely affected by a lack of planning and that “Smart Growth,” transit oriented growth is logical. It is also true that property owners already impacted by redevelopment and government zoning changes may think there is already too much planning and too many rules. The Measure W opposition See page 4
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• ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT •
page 3
dining out • music • art • theater • fun events
valleysentinel.com
October 2010 October 1-23 A Taxicab Called Love A new romantic comedy about people over fifty! It is set in the Vintage Lodge Retirement Community where guests discover that “theatre” inspires dreams of stardom, companionship, purpose and most wonderful of all, love the second time around. Tickets: $20 Regular; $16 Senior; $10 Youth. Knight Stage 3 Theater at the Lesher Center, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Call for show times: 295-1400 October 9 Jim Brickman, An Evening of Romance 8pm. Jim Brickman has revolutionized the sound of solo piano with his popstyle instrumental and star studded vocal collaboration. Tickets: $44. Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center, 10550 Albion Rd, San Ramon. Information: 973.3343 October 15 & 16 Diablo Ballet’s 17th Season! A Tribute to Lena Horne Oct. 15: 7:30pm. Oct.16: 2pm & 7pm. Program includes “A Tribute to Lena Horne”, “Valse Fantaisie” and “Lady of the Camellias” Tickets: $46. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Information: 295-1400
Priest’s infamous Halloween show. Tickets: $12-$51 Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. Information: 373-6800 October 28-November 14 Becoming Britney How does a Pop sensation wind up bald and trapped in her own musical? Becoming Britney is a caustic (but loving) PG-13 fable that chronicles the rise...the dip...and the salvation of a foolhardy celebrity. May not be appropriate for those under the age of 13. Tickets: Avg. $25. Knight Stage 3 Theatre at Lesher Center, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Call for show times: 295-1400 October 29 Symphonic Band “A Night at the Cinema” Pops Concert 7:30pm. An evening of music provided by the 65 member San Ramon Symphonic band. Tickets: Adults $6, Kids under 12 or with a student ID are Free. Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center, 10550 Albion Rd, San Ramon. Information: 973.3343 November 3 Masters Of The Fiddle, Celtic Music 7:30pm. Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy are a whirlwind of fiddle-driven music, dance and song with foot-tapping raveups, heart-wrenching ballads, and world-class step dancing. Tickets: $12-62. Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. Information: 373-6800
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October 22 – Novmber 20 A Chorus Line 17 Broadway dancers put themselves on the line for their dream. Only 8 will reach it. Their stories pour out in song, providing a powerful metaphor for all human aspiration. Tickets: $40 Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Call for show times: 295-1400
October 28 Red Priest: Nightmare in Venice 7:30pm. Red Priest are the only early music group in the world to have been compared in the press to the Rolling Stones, Jackson Pollock, the Marx Brothers, Spike Jones and Cirque du Soleil. Dare to attend Red
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October 16 Tahiti in San Ramon 2pm & 6pm. Tahitian dancing, drumming and music performed by the Motu‘aina, School of Polynesian Performance Arts. Especially popular are our Tiny Hips dancers, ages 2 – 5 years. Elaborate costumes of natural fibers, shells, leaves and feathers will be showcased. Tickets: $26, Children and Seniors, $21. Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center, 10550 Albion Rd, San Ramon. Special Video Pass Seating available, call: 973.3343
October 22 – November 20 Dracula Experience the gothic classic as you’ve never seen it before. Bram Stoker’s Magnum Opus comes alive with all the chills and thrills that this sexy This culinary celebration masterpiece is famous for. Lesher Center willArts, be a1601 night to remember! for the Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Call for tickets & show times: 295-1400
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The VaLLey SenTineL
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MEASURE W from page 1
resents expansion of the voter-approved (UGB) and has concerns about increased demands on the water supply, school system fire protection district and police. The North Camino Ramon Specific Plan proposes more than 1,500 dwelling units and there is the potential for 4,200 more residences in Tassajara Valley if zoning is changed in the future. This is in addition to the 4,600 homes already approved in San Ramon and Dougherty Valley.
Bracketing Bishop Ranch
By presupposing that growth will occur anyway, planners have endorsed San Ramon’s “Smart Growth” transit oriented live/work paradigm, which creates a framework in which property owners would be “guided” to build a second center on the north end of Bishop Ranch, “complementing” the City Center Plan. The transit oriented growth model puts cities in a more
valleysentinel.com favorable position when they apply for grants and funding, especially because it is aligned with the Association of Bay Area Government policy and that body controls allocation of state and federal funds. The San Ramon Senior Planner Lauren Barr stated that by providing a longterm vision, as properties age, owners will have some certainty about what the potential future uses of their property may be. The Specific Plan, which applies to more than 100 parcels, is already well along in the planning process. The City of San Ramon has given public notice that it will be the Lead Agency in preparation of an Environmental Impact Report on the project. Citizens with a point of view on the plan should comment no later than Oct. 7, 2010. The Specific Plan will be incorporated into the new 2030 General Plan as part of Measure W. Passage of Measure W will create changes for residents of San Ramon and voters have only about a month to decide and study. For detailed information on Measure W and the 2030 General Plan read the voter information pamphlet, visit www.ci.san-ramon.ca.us/ clerk/elections/documents and for the North Camino Ramon Specific Plan, www. sanramon.ca.gov/plan/images or contact city planners.
MICHAEL KRASNY from page 1
his search for its meaning nd the difference between religion and faith. Michael Krasny fans here in the Bay Area and beyond will love to discover that within these pages he reveals himself as being as engaging, candid and powerful a writer as he is an interviewer. I came away with an even deeper appreciation for Dr. Krasny’s open and thoughtful consideration for his subject, and the excitement of having his book in hand to immediately delve into with gusto. The next Live at the Library event will feature the 100th Anniversary of the World of Mark Twain. More information will be made available online at www.wclibrary.org.
Enjoy autumn arts at Danville Fall Crafts Festival By staff writer
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The Danville Fall Crafts Festival offers art and activities for every age group Oct. 23 and 24 with craft displays, glass pumpkin patch and a Halloween Parade. This enchanting, all-ages festival, sponsored by the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Danville for 19 years, features 200 artists from across the country. The many eyecatching displays include, ceramics, painting, wood, metal, leather, mixed media, glass, jewelry, photography, fiber and more. The festival takes place on Hartz Avenue, between Diablo Road and Hartz Way from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 23 and 24. Admission is free and nearby parking limits will be lifted. The Halloween Parade begins the two-day event, stepping off at 10 a.m. Saturday. Unique to this fall-themed festival is the Glass Pumpkin Patch on Prospect Street, presented by the San Jose Glass Artist Alliance. More
than 1,000 exquisite glass pumpkins in various shapes and sizes will delight and amaze. Melony Newman, president and CEO of the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce says, “With its wonderful glass pumpkin patch, fine artists and costume parade, the Danville Fall Crafts Festival celebrates the season with something for the whole family. Please come and experience our friendly shops and fabulous restaurants.” Festival-goers will be serenaded by street corner musicians, as they enjoy fine festival food and wine and microbrews from the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce Beverage Garden. Next Step Dance will give their annual performance on Prospect Street at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 23. So get your costume ready for the Halloween Parade and Danville Fall Crafts Festival. For more information contact (925) 837-4400 or visit the festival Web site at www. mlaproductions.com
valleysentinel.com
October 2010
The Valley Sentinel
page 5
East Bay Regional Park District Police Department Receives National Recognition Bev Lane EBRPD Board of Directors
By: Beverly Lane
The East Bay Regional Park District Police Department was recently awarded accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), an independent authority which provides a nationally recognized award of excellence and professional achievement to public safety agencies in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Park District is one of only twelve CALEA-accredited agencies in California, and it was the only Californian agency to receive the accreditation this year.
To receive accreditation, the East Bay Regional Park District Police Department participated in an intense three-year process, complying with over 400 primary and nearly 1,200 overall standards set forth by the commission. These standards touched on every facet of the department from administrative to operational services. “I am especially proud of our Public Safety Department under the leadership of Police Chief Tim Anderson,” stated General Manager Pat O’Brien. “We’re one of the few park districts in the nation that has its own sworn police officers. Not only do our officers patrol a vast 100,000+-acre parkland system, they also provide law enforcement services for
other agencies and mutual aid assistance for nearly 40 cities in the East Bay.” O’Brien appointed Danville resident, Tim Anderson, as East Bay Regional Park District Police Chief in 2005. Anderson joined the Park District in 1988 having served with the Richmond Police Department for eight years. He has extensive experience in both administration and field operations. At peak summer season, the East Bay Regional Park District’s Public Safety Division is staffed by approximately 500 personnel, which includes 151 full-time equivalent employees (67 of whom are sworn police officers who derive their authority under California Penal Code Section 830.1). In
Sustainable Danville Area Backs new Bike Racks By Dana Guzzetti
household products, conserving water, making “green” home improvements, reduce traffic by walking or bicycling when possible, checking the for toxicity levels of prospective purchases and sharing new and better environmental information. Ruzzi is an also board member for Sustainable Contra
addition, the division employs 195 seasonal lifeguards and 175 members of a Volunteer Trail Safety Patrol, and 48 industrial firefighters. The department includes an Air Support Unit, Marine Patrol, Equestrian Patrol, K-9 Unit, Special Enforcement Unit, Investigations Unit, and a 24-hour-per-day 9-1-1 Communications Center. “The East Bay Regional Park District Police Department takes pride not only in being a law enforcement agency that has worked hard for this prestigious recognition, but also in being an agency that has earned the respect of its community and the people it serves,” stated Chief Anderson.
In its 23-page report, the on-site assessment team concluded, “The members of the East Bay Regional Park District Police Department are very proud of their organization and profession. They strive for excellence and it shows. The success of that effort is readily apparent. The agency has demonstrated that it is compliance with all applicable standards and has rightfully earned a reputation as an excellent police service.” Beverly Lane is vicepresident of the East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors. Her ward includes Central Contra Costa County from San Ramon through Concord.
Costa and commends The Athenian School for efforts the earned it “2010 School of the Year” award. Permaculture gardens producing all of the produce for the school, solar energy use, water conservation through landscaping modification, composting more food waste that the largest restaurants in Danville (saving 2/3 on their garbage collection) are some of the reasons they were
chosen. SDA holds monthly events with guest speakers on topics such as organic wines, buying a cooking local sustainable foods and “going green” at home. The new SDA organization officially began in April 2011 at the Diablo Country Club, but was in the making for about five months before that
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Tracy Bauer, Darlene Gayler Cynthia Ruzzi “Little things meaning a lot” is more than a cliché when it comes to sustainability. The work of three local women is evidence of that. Sustainable D a n v i l l e A r e a ’ s ( S DA ) upcoming party and unveiling of a new Bike Rack in the Rose Garden Center at Sycamore and Camino Ramon demonstrates that sustainability can involve fun and does not have to be difficult. “It is about protecting the wonderful environment that we have, “SDA co-founder Cynthia Ruzzi said. The group’s founders Tracy Bauer, Darlene Gayler and Cynthia Ruzzi have a wider take on environmentalism. “We are not the green police,” Gayler remarks. “Sustainability is not just about the environment it is about the economy, society and the environment. They all need to be in synch.” Providing bike racks to encourage bicycle transportation is part of that.
Convenient, safe bicycling cuts green house gasses and promotes better health. “SDA’s mission is to promote a healthy quality of life and the local economy for our community,” according to Cynthia Ruzzi. Danville is a flat, family-friendly place. We are looking for ways to inspire alternative transportation.” Building on various local, city and countywide initiatives such Biking to School Day at San Ramon High School (Oct. 13), building bike racks, organic foods education and the Bounty Garden at Hap McGee Park (volunteers grow food for the Food Bank) are some of the ways that SDA works to raise awareness about better choices that to sustain that quality of life. “We want to make our area an even more beautiful and a wonderful place to live,” Gayler said. Opportunities for to do that include: buying “green”
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The VaLLey SenTineL
October 2010
valleysentinel.com
Education National Walk/Bike to School Month By staff writer
Education that Opens Your World
Exciting and Engaging Curriculum Teaches Analytical Thinking Classes Average 15 Students Diverse International Programs and Community Nearly 100% Admitted to Outstanding 4-Year Colleges
October is a busy month for Walk and Bike events. The City of San Ramon is participating in the Walk ‘n Roll to School Program at Neil Armstrong Elementary School scheduled on Wednesday, October 6th in the morning from 8:15 to 8:40 am. This event is in partnership with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and TriValley Air Quality Resource Team.
The Walk/Bike Challenge will also launch at five different San Ramon Schools. Any student who participates for at least twenty one-way trips to and from school will receive a certificate of recognition and an individual prize. The Bike/Walk Challenge will be launching at Hidden Hills, Bollinger Canyon, Walt Disney and Twin Creeks elementary schools.
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Street Smarts also will continue with its assembly and bike rodeo programs throughout the months of October. There will be a bike rodeo at Hidden Hills Elementary on October 6th and on October 27th, Street Smarts will be at Bollinger Canyon Elementary. Street Smarts assemblies utilize Sam the Safety Car to hold the children’s attention, while presenting information about pedestrian and bike safety. The assemblies also address any traffic issues specific to a particular school site. The bike rodeo component is an after school activity that allows students a chance to practice their riding skills in a safe, fun, supervised environment. If you have any questions about the upcoming walk and bike activities, please contact the Street Smarts Team at (925) 314-3382.
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when the three found common ground on personal initiatives they believe anyone can take to be a part of sustainability. Some of those initiatives involve business practices, city cooperation and volunteer effort. For example restaurants could only serve water when it is requested and customers can tell wait staff if it is not needed, businesses can help incentivize the use of bicycles providing bike rack and many other simple steps to sustainability. Working as a volunteer with senior planners, Ruzzi reports that the City of Danville and leaders of a similar, successful group in Lafayette have given SDA’s efforts a boost. “They have been wonderful mentors,” Ruzzi remarked. “We really need leaders. Slow food and the Farmers’ Market, bike committee, there are so many tenants of sustainability.” The unveiling ceremony and a party fundraiser to support other projects and celebrate Danville’s Artful Bike Rack Program Launch is Sat., Oct. 16 from 2 to 4 p.m. Organic wine tasting, desserts and seasonal snacks are on the menu. Learn more the about up-coming Sustainable Danville Area events and information visit. http//:sustainabledanville. wordpress.com or call 925895-5001.
Mind & Body Awareness valleysentinel.com
October 2010
Is Your Lunch Making You Crabby? Eat Your Way to a Better Mood By Lisa T. Wood
I love food! A salad of roasted beets dotted with lovely pillows of creamy goat cheese is just my cup of tea. What about a perfectly grilled wild salmon filet with fresh organic vegetables? Divine. Oh, don’t forget homemade, warm, chocolate chip cookies. Eating should be simple, nourishing and tasty. However, we’re all bombarded with new research, diets, fads, studies, advertisements, choices and labels—sometimes I’m not sure what to eat Americans think a lot about food. We’re exposed to constant data about food and nutrition but much foodie news focuses on losing weight or mitigating health issues. Another food topic is “emotional eating”— reaching for our favorite treats when bored, stressed, sad or wound up. This is an outward reaching movement where our emotions drive us outward to action, in this case the action of eating. But I’d like to explore this body/mind connection with food from a different angle. What if we think about eating from the other way around? This is more of an inward movement where, after we eat, the food literally drives an inward action—in this case, the action of creating our emotional state. Viewing nutrition in this context, food contributes to the creation of our moods, which affects how we go about our day, which in a nutshell, is the essence of how we experience our lives. This idea has been around for a while, but most of just don’t think about food this way. However, science backs it up and it also just makes sense that our emotional state is connected to and generated by what fuel we choose for our bodies. In Food and Mood, author Elizabeth Somer, M.A., R.D. states, “Many people don’t realize how immediate the food-mood connection is. What you chose to eat two hours ago is having an effect on your mood right now.” We’re obviously talking about more than a physical feeling like fullness. I’m specifically referring to moods, like whether after eating lunch we are motivated to creatively tackle that problem at work or
do we barely make it home to flop onto the couch, passing on the opportunity to catch an evening hike with friends. Do we run out of patience and snap at our children or do we have the fuel in our emotional tank to take the high road to a productive discussion? All these emotions are generated by a combination of many factors including the chemicals in our body. Certain chemicals surge around through our brains and cells, many of them directly creating our moods through the day. According to Discovery Health and an article by Josh Clark entitled Can Food Make People Happy, these moodaffecting chemicals aren't made out of thin air, they're created by the compounds found in food. The very food you eat for breakfast contributes to how you navigate your day—not just if you have the energy to do it, but also if you even feel like tapping into that energy. We’re talking about quality of life. One place where theory meets daily practice with our awareness of the mind/body connection concerns the foods we choose on a meal-by-meal, snack-by-snack basis. But it’s a challenge—it’s one thing to know it in theory and another to live it through our choices. In many ways, this acknowledgement that we literally “feel what we eat” is bigger than us and yet it boils down to each of us. At the end of the day, it’s just you in your flannel pajamas facing down that Oreo cookie while glancing over knowingly at the grapes. But the healthcare and nutrition industries are finally starting to help us make wise choices by providing a more holistic framework to address our entire realm of food experiences, including the physical, emotional, and spiritual. Just ask Pam McDonald, a leading Integrative Medicine Nurse Practitioner based in Danville, author of The Perfect Gene Diet and a graduate of the Andrew Weil MD Program in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona. “We are shifting from the mass consumer diet de jour, with its promise of quick weight-loss
that lasts only a short time and then fails, to a lifelong plan that will prevent and reverse chronic diseases—truly healing a person’s physical body as well as the mind, emotions and spirit.” When meeting with patients, in addition to a medical consultation, Pam considers food and its impact on more than the physical body including stress and relaxation, quality of the mental and emotional environment and the type of spiritual energy and intentions in a person’s life. All this related to food? You bet. So what are the foods we should eat to create the best emotional outlook for each of us? Honestly, it’s everything you know you should eat and all the other foods you know you shouldn’t. Natural, organic, whole foods are high on the list of good stuff. Fruits, vegetables, lean meats and whole grains are your friends. Cheez Whiz is not your friend. Salt, bad fats and sugar are not your friends, either. Most of us have food sensitivities we aren’t even aware of. Something we eat may keep us from feeling our best, emotionally and physically, by creating a chemical imbalance when we eat it. This, says Lorie Gehrke, CEO, Cambiati Wellness Programs in Pleasant Hill, really makes a difference in our daily happiness. “What we eat clearly impacts our emotional state for the day. Highly processed sugar, bad fats and salt do not nourish us at a deep level. We do not feel good, instead we are in a fog.” We usually know, either intellectually or intuitively, what foods provide the best nutritional bang for the buck. Let’s also start considering that these same foods influence our emotional well being every day. Yes, brain chemistry is complicated. Fortunately, you don’t need to be a brain scientist to eat your way to a better mood. First, take responsibility for the food on your plate. Read, research, and seek local experts whose philosophies align with yours. Start with minimally processed natural and whole foods, avoid hormones and antibiotics, say no when you
The valley Sentinel
can to genetically modified foods and most farmed fish, and ensure that your home only offers wholesome, moodenhancing nourishment for you and your family. Of course the best recipe for homemade, life-enriching moods includes a good night’s
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rest and exercise. And, when it comes to food, you’re the boss. So here’s the question: what’s on your plate? Lisa is a graduate student of Consciousness and the Human Experience. Questions & comments welcome: lisa1wood@yahoo.com
Mind & Body Awareness page 8
The valley Sentinel
October 2010
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combination with conventional chemotherapy or alone. To talk about a few such treatments: Herceptin or transtuzumab, which targets the Her2neu receptor in breast cancer cells, has pioneered the treatment of breast cancer. Patients with Her2neu positive cancer are living longer because of the addition of this drug to conventional chemotherapy.
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This drug has also been studied in stomach cancer and can be a part of treatment in select patients. The use of Tamoxifen, Arimidex, letrozole, and Aromasin blocks the production of estrogen and progesterone in patients with breast cancer whose cancer grows with these hormones. Avastin or Bevacuzimab targets leaking blood vessels, which can feed tumor growth. Avastin is currently being used in colon, breast, ovarian and lung cancers. It has also played a positive role in brain tumors called Glioblastomas. Erbutix or Cetuximab is currently approved for colon cancer and head and neck cancer. This drug blocks a molecule call EGFR on cancer cells that cause the cancer growth. Sunitinib, Sorafenib, and Torsel are a few of the targeted agents that are now being used in treatment of kidney cancer. Patients with primary liver cancer may benefit from the medication Sorafenib. Tarceva, an oral agent, blocks the function of EGFR receptors. This receptor has shown to cause cancer cells to grow. Tarceva is approved for both lung and pancreatic cancer treatments. Lymphoma which is a cancer of the blood and lymph system is often treated with Rituximab . Above are some of the examples of the discoveries that have changed the face of cancer therapy, and more drugs are in development. It is important that patients who are diagnosed with cancer discuss treatment options and therapies with their oncologist. Any person diagnosed with cancer should always consider participating in clinical trials as advances made in treatment wo u l d n eve r h ave b e e n possible without clinical trial enrollment. Dr. Shoba Kankipati is board certified in Medical Oncology and Hematology. She is part of EPIC Care 925.875.1677 or www.epiccare.com Dr. Tyler Kang – Dr. Cannon Milani – Dr. Ken Chao
Mind & Body Awareness valleysentinel.com
October 2010 Advertorial
Show Me The Light: The Healing Power of Laser Therapy by Dr. Niele Maimone, DC
They can repair your vision with just one treatment and measure the distance from the Earth to the moon within a millimeter. They are in supermarket scanners and compact disc players. What are they? Lasers. Theorized by Albert Einstein in 1917 and invented in 1960, lasers have proven to be a versatile high-tech solution to many of life’s problems. Today, more and more people are learning that therapeutic doses of laser light can also relieve pain and expedite healing for a wide range of health complaints. What is laser therapy? Laser therapy is the application of low levels of laser light to areas of the body that have been injured or damaged. Contrasted with high-powered lasers used in health care that cut tissue, such as surgical or hair-removal lasers, therapy lasers produce beneficial chemical and biological interactions that can help relieve pain and repair injured/ damaged tissue. What is the history of laser therapy? The use of light as a healing modality has been recorded as early as 4,000 years ago in ancient Egypt. Albert Einstein wrote a theory about lasers in 1917, and the laser was invented in 1960. In 1967, Dr. Endre Mester was the first to observe the positive effects of laser when hair grew more quickly on shaved mice that were exposed to low levels of laser light. How long have lasers been used by health care providers? Therapy lasers have been used in Europe since Dr. Mester’s discovery in 1967. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave market clearance to the first therapy laser in 2002. Since then, progressive chiropractors, osteopaths, medical doctors and other have been offering laser therapy to their patients in increasing numbers. How do lasers work? The laser light penetrates through your skin and is absorbed by special receptors on your body’s cells called
c h ro m o p h o re s. J u s t a s photosynthesis creates energy for plants, the absorption of the laser light by your cells causes increased production of cellular energy. In areas of injury or damage, this means there is more energy available to improve the rate and quality of healing. Studies on tissue cultures reveal a wide range of beneficial physiological effects, including increased levels of endorphins, reduced levels of harmful compounds including C-reactive protein and increased rate and quality of tissue healing. That means relief from acute and chronic pain, reduced inflammation and muscle spasms, improved range of motion and restored function. Patients suffering from headaches, neck pain, carpal tunnel, low back pain, sports injuries, post-surgical pain and more have been helped with laser therapy. How long does it take to work? Some patients notice improvement after the very first treatment session; with others it may take a few treatments. The effect of laser therapy is cumulative, meaning that each successive treatment builds on previous ones. What does a treatment feel like? With very lowpowered therapy lasers, you feel nothing at all. Higherpowered (Class IV) therapy lasers produce a mild, soothing, warm feeling. Laser therapy is a painless treatment. Are there any side effects? Some patients may experience soreness in the area of treatment, as toxins are released and blood flow is restored. World experts on laser therapy have commented that therapeutic lasers have no undesirable side effects in the hands of a qualified therapist. For more information about how laser therapy may be helpful to you contact Align Healing Center to set-up a free consultation (925)362-8283. See us on the web at www. AlignHealingCenter.com.
The VaLLey SenTineL Advertorial
Body structure makes the difference connective tissue bodywork, by Kay Hogan
Do you like how you look and feel? Is it easy to move around? These questions are directly related to your posture, or more accurately your structure or how you are aligned. Alignment or structure is determined by where your head sits on your shoulders, if your shoulders and hips are even, if both knees are evenly centered over your first and second toe, if your feet are pointed slightly forward and slightly out. When your body structure is aligned it is balanced and in a “position of mechanical advantage.” You look long and dynamic, you feel energetic and you move with grace and assurance. Loss of good posture can be attributed to physical trauma such as a car accident or difficult birth, or from wearing the wrong shoes. Other influences on posture and alignment can come from your nutrition or your environment. Stress from living in a dangerous neighborhood or a home with drug or alcohol addiction or disability in family members can result in failure in body structure causing the entire weight of the body to be carried by the wrong areas, overloading joints, neck, low back and feet. Posture can be improved with care and therapy. There are two good restructuring alternatives that directly address how we stand, walk and sit. Hellerwork consists of
dialoging and movement reeducation. The Alexander Technique consists of lessons that teach one how to lengthen and widen the muscles for movement. Both of these alternatives help to repair the structure of the body. False sensory awareness prevents people from
page 9
perceiving how misaligned they are and until someone experiences pain and fatigue, body structure usually doesn’t come under scrutiny. The good thing is that there is help and that these alternatives can improve how one looks, feels and moves. Kay Hogan is a practitioner of Hellerwork, The Alexander Technique and Natural Vision Work, and can be reached at (925) 676-3696. Visit her website at www.kayhogan.com.
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Fall Home & Garden page 10
The VaLLey SenTineL
October 2010
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Holiday decorating colors are all around you By Dana Guzzetti
The onset of fall in the Bay Area is subtle. Temperatures do not drop drastically, nor does the vegetation suddenly shed its leaves and disappear within a week or two. Bay Area residents know that kids have returned to school but have to pay attention to notice that we are on our way to winter. Pick up some pumpkins
and Indian corn of every shape and color to get in the mood and use it for an interior change of season. Enjoy the fun of celebrating the season with seasonal parties, leafpeeper day trips and garden transformations featuring the full glory of autumn color and stay on a budget at the same time.
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A new season is a chance to look at nature with fresh eyes. Take decorating cues from the first glimpses of gold, orange and garnet trimmed leaves appearing here in midOctober. Wa t c h f o r C h i n e s e Pistache, Red oak, Red maple, Crepe Myrtle, Liquidambar, Ornamental Pear, and Gingko burst into the color of flames along Alamo, Danville and San Ramon roadways. Think about what colors would work for a basket or centerpiece arrangement and begin to gather leaves, pinecones, nuts and seed pods (lightly spritz both sides with water and let them dry before arranging).
One set of decorations for two holidays
Simply remove the Halloween ghosts, witches, goblins and anything black. Keep the golden/flame autumn leaves, whole pumpkins, and chrysanthemums; add an autumnal wreath and you have Thanksgiving decorations
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practically completed. In San Ramon watch the liquidambar turn to a riot of color near the stepped water fountain at Dougherty and Crow Canyon Roads and add those colors to an old wreath or make a new one. If last year’s wreath looks faded, replace the ribbon with whatever orange, russet, green or yellow ribbon is on hand, touch up the edges of cones and berries with gold paint, and find some freshly fallen burgundy leaves to tuck into it for a welcoming touch. Try applying Feng Shui principles to the porch and entry décor. If your home’s orientation is not perfect, healthy trees, especially on the northwest side symbolize protection and are an indicator of good Ch’i. Feng Shui or not, lush healthy plants make powerful, upbeat impression for any entrance area. For a touch of tablescape drama, consider using a limited palate of color and add texture. Placemats of burlap, or canvaslike fabric, candles tied with
fluffy, wheat-colored yarn or raffia. Instead of buying air freshener or scented candles, why not brew up a pot of apple cider with cinnamon sticks and serve home baked, leaf-shaped ginger snaps when company comes? From October through N e w Ye a r s , H a l l o w e e n , Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday visitors are likely to pop in at any time. Nothing makes entertaining easier than having your favorite pre-cooked casserole (in a microwavable serving dish) in the freezer, pretzels, crackers, olives, cheese and a jar of marinated artichokes on hand. Check the digital camera for batteries and keep it handy. Place scented bayberry soaps, pumpkin spice or cinnamon potpourri in the guest bathroom. Clear summer pots from the porch to feature fall pots, pumpkins or a bouquet of autumn branches in a tall basket or tin. If you have candles on hand, pick up a few mini-
Fall Home & Garden valleysentinel.com
October 2010
pumpkins, cut out the center and use them for candleholders. Tea candles inside of seasonally colored glasses, a vase or any interesting small container casts an autumn spell. Let children join the fun by decorating or cutting out lunch bags to be illuminated with tea candles or better yet, battery-operated tea lights that can be found at Richard’s Crafts in Alamo. (Be sure to place candles in safe
places and put sand in the bottom of bags for weight). If the economy is impacting your budget, plan potluck parties, progressive dinners and after the guests leave, actually use leftover decorative pumpkins to make pumpkin soup, pie or bread.
A time to plant
The beauty of the fall trees may inspire planting a tree, spring bulbs or a fall garden. Fall is the best time
LANDSCAPE DESIGN
to plant a tree because Mother Nature will do most of the extra watering it takes to get a new tree firmly established. Deciduous trees provide shade in the summer and let the sun shine through in the winter. Even though this means raking up the leaves for a few weeks, they will help reduce the need for air conditioning in summer and heating in winter. Consider the color you would like to see and then s t u d y yo u r p ro p e r t y f o r
The VaLLey SenTineL microclimates. Be sure to choose a tree that thrives in sun, if you decide to plant in a sunny spot. Do not plant the tree in a place that will require constant trimming to keep it away from structures or concrete porches and driveways. Research the ultimate, full-grown size of the tree and remember that roots roughly go out as far as the branches. Now is the time to place narcissus, tulips and daffodils in pots or as accent color for early spring. It is also a good
time to rotate plants that will be harmed by frost or that have faded from summer glory. The local nursery advisor, the Internet and Sunset Western Garden book are all good sources of information to do your research before making a choice. The University of California, Davis Cooperative Extension provides Master G a rd e n e r e d u c a t i o n a n d answers questions at 925/6466586, and on the Internet visit http://ccmg.ucdavis.edu.
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Please mail check and ad to: The Valley Sentinel, 390 Diablo Rd., Ste. 145, Danville, CA 94526. Or email w/credit card information to info@valleysentinel.com. Write your ad clearly and include your: Name, Address, Daytime Phone, Date, and Category. DEADLINE is the 15th of the month preceeding publication month. For more information call 925-820-6047. BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Ready To Lease Your Property or Looking To Rent It? Come To Hitchcock Realty Property Management Rentals, Listings, Advertising, Maintenance Full Services Low Rates Call Chris at 925-890-4482. BUILDING MATERIALS Discounted Steel Buildings Big & Small Get the Deal of Deals! Placement to Site www.scg-grp.com Source #1BJ Phone: 925-304-4266. EDUCATION Tutor: California Credentialed teacher and a degree in special education, will provide instruction for grades K-12. Phonics, Reading/Comprehension, Writing, Math, Study Dkill. RESULTS! Please call 925997-1673. HELP WANTED Database Administrator: Provide system administration for the
database servers. Resume to Netpace, Inc, 12657 Alcosta Blvd, Suite 410, San Ramon, CA 94583. Attn: Sri. Refer to job # Net DB when you apply. Sales Executive P o s i t i o n : T h e Va l l e y Sentinel Newspaper has immediate openings for two sales positions. No sales experience necessary, we will train. Must have an outgoing personality and a positive attitude. Compensation based on performance. The Valley Sentinel covers the most desirable areas of the Bay Area. Alamo, Danville, Blackhawk, Diablo and San Ramon. Please email your resume and request for interview to us at info@ vallsysentinel.com, or fax it to 925-820-6048. FOR SALE Scaffolding, 2 Pair “A” Frame. 6ft high with potential to reach 12 ft, adjustments can be made at 5ft, 4 ft, 3ft., and 2ft. $50. Call Chris 925-890-4482 Windfsurf, complete. Fun board, L-9ft.10 in., $50. Call Chris for details 925890-4482. Bell & Howell 16mm Movie Projector, model #2592. Works well. $95. Call Dave, 925-681-8594. 2010 Entertainment Coupon Books for Greater East Bay Area available NOW! Only $30 each. Support California High School Choral Boosters. Call Cam Reed @ 925-8290628. Free delivery San Ramon/Danville/Alamo/ Dublin area. SERVICES Semi retired electrician. Small jobs like installing track lights, new fixtures, ceiling fans, circuits for hot tubs, repairs. Call Dennis 925-389-6964.
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Painting, Plumbing, Tile and Carpentry Big or Small We Do It All 925-548-4202. Pool Service If your pool looks like a pond Call John at 925-584-6333 It’s the last call you will have to make. VOLUNTEERS Bruns House Seeks Volunteers: Volunteering at Hospice of the East Bay’s Bruns House In-Patient Hospice, the only one of its kind in the East Bay, offers opportunities for meaningful and interesting work. Hospice is seeking volunteers to fill 2 - 4 hour shifts, weekdays and w e e k e n d s . Vo l u n t e e r opportunities include:
Working alongside facility staff to provide comfort and support to patients. Assisting in administrative functions such as answering phones, greeting visitors, and helping the facility run smoothly and efficiently. Bruns House volunteers receive comprehensive training so that they are confident in carrying out their duties. For a volunteer application call Hospice of the East Bay at (925) 887-5678 and ask for the Vo l u n t e e r D e p a r t m e n t or email volunteers@ hospiceeastbay.org. Volunteer to Bring Sunshine to Hospice Patients: You can bring joy as a Hospice Volunteer. Some opportunities include: Offer a caregiver a few precious hours of relief, Read to patients, Capture patient stories on video, Help with grocery shopping , Take a patient on an outing , Build a wheelchair ramp, Donate services as a Notary, Help in one Hospice of the East Bay’s six Thrift Shoppes , Help with Estate Sales. Contact Hospice of the East Bay at (925) 887-5678 and ask for the Volunteer Department, or email volunteers@ hospiceeastbay.org to learn about ways that you can help.
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We hope to see you there! EVENTS October 13 Harvest Time For Edible Succulents 10am-12:30pm. The Ruth Bancroft Garden will host its 8th Annual Fruit Tasting Tour. Learn about and sample a wide assortment of prickly pears, cactus fruits, jelly palm fruits, pineapple guavas, persimmons, pomegranates, and more. Tickets:$20. The Ruth Bancroft Garden 1552 Bancroft Rd., North Entrance Walnut Creek. October 13 Commonwealth Club Presents Jeff Sharlet 5:30-7pm. Jeff Sharlet, Author, The Family and C Street: The Fundamentalist Threat to American Democracy, speaks on Uncovering the Secret Washington Family: Fundamentalism in American Politics. Lafayette Library and Learning Center’s Community Hall, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette (BART accessible) Tickets: $12 Members, $22 Non-Members, $7 students (with valid ID). To buy tickets call 415/597-6705 October 13 Art Slide Show Lecture 6:30pm. Walnut Creek Library invites the public to a slide show lecture on the de Young Museum¹s ³Van Gogh, Gauguin, Cezanne, and Beyond: Post-Impressionist Masterpieces from the Musee d¹Orsay. Walnut Creek Library, 1644 North Broadway, Walnut Creek. Information: 977-3340 October 13 – December 15 One Warm Coat The San Ramon Valley Rotary invites the community to help for those in need this winter. They are collecting for the homeless and the impoverished of the Bay Area. Coats, Sweaters and Blankets for men, women, children and infants are collected until Wednesday December 15th 2010 at various spots in Danville, San Ramon & Dublin. They received over 7,500 items last year and made a huge difference for the receiving local east bay & Outreach charities. On December 2nd, come to the Bishop Ranch Holiday Tree Lighting with a coat, sweater or blanket in good , clean condition to donate and enjoy refreshments, Santa’s arrival and more. The celebration will take place at 6111 Bollinger Canyon Road in San Ramon from 5:30-7:30pm. Information: 899-6771 Drop off locations in Danville Crow Canyon Country Club: 711 silver lake drive * Heritage Bank: 387 Diablo Rd. * Pascal’s Café: 155 Railroad Ave. * Bulgary Jewelry: 301 Hartz Ave., #107 * Denny’s: 807 Camino Ramon Drop Off Locations In San Ramon Whole Foods Market: 100 Sunset Dr. * DVC-SR Campus: 1690 Watermill Rd. * AAA/DMV: 2435 San Ramon Valley Blvd. * San Ramon Libraries: 17017 Bollinger Canyon Rd. or 100 Montgomery * San Ramon Community Center: 12501 Alcosta Blvd. * San Ramon Chamber of Commerce: 12667 Alcosta Blvd. # 160 * San Ramon Valley Fire Dept.: Bollinger Canyon Rd. * Club Sport: 350 Bollinger Canyon Lane HAS BEAN: 2475 San Ramon Valley Blvd * Peets Coffee: 166 Sunset Dr October 15 Dancin’ For Life- Kids Dance Party 6-8pm. Great time dancing and playing at Super Franks Fun Adventure. Advance tickets only. Tickets are $15 for children (ages 0-12 months are free). Ticket includes: Spaghetti dinner, drink, tokens, entrance to play area & dance party. Adults can purchase a spaghetti dinner for $5. Proceeds will benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Super Franks Fun Adventure, 5341 Owens Court, Pleasanton. Call 510-236-0613. October 16 World of Orchids - Show & Sale 9am-5pm. Orchid Displays and interesting and unusual orchids for sale. Potting & Culture Demonstrations - included with admission. Orchid supplies available and Plant Doctor too. Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Dr., Pleasant Hill. Tickets: $3 October 16 Turn Left at the Trojan Horse and What’s the Big Idea? 11:30am. California Writers Club Tri-Valley Branch invites writers of all genres and experience levels to learn about their craft and share their work. Guest speaker is Brad Herzog, award-winning magazine writer and author of children’s books and travel memoirs. Oasis Grille, 780 Main Street, Pleasanton. Information: 960-9834
October 16 Tri-Valley Animal Rescue’s 11th Annual “That’s Amore” 6-10pm. Funds raised from “That’s Amore” go directly toward TVAR’s mission to rescue homeless animals in the Tri-Valley area. Last year TVAR saved over 1,000 homeless animals from being euthanized. $75 w/free drinks. Goal Line Productions, 5959 Coronado Lane, Pleasanton. October 17 LPGA Party for Scholars, Charity Event 11:30am. See the best professional women’s golfers in the world benefiting: Exceptional Contra Costa Co. College-Bound Women with Financial Need. Tickets:$50. A matching contribution will be made by Pacific Rim Recycling. Blackhawk Country Club, 571 Blackhawk Club Dr.(on the 9th Hole of the Lakes Course) Danville. Information: www.bwscholarshipfund.com/events.htm. October 19 Women in Transition, Financial Literacy and the Social Security Question 3pm. Featured speakers: Financial planners in Long Term Care planning and retirement, and are advisors on the Social Security “safety net” issue. $10 in advance or $12 postmarked after October 12. Mail checks payable to Danville-Alamo AAUW and mail to Pat Gross, 606 Bridgewater Circle, Danville, CA 94526. Held at Diablo West Club House, 750 Ynez Circle, Danville. Information: 831-8518. October 25 Tarantula Trekking at Mt. Diablo How do the tarantulas know it’s Halloween? Of course they don’t. But it seems somehow appropriate that in the season of witchy tales and rubber spiders, real tarantulas arise on Mt. Diablo to refute the sinister mythology that accompanies these beautiful creatures. Cost: $20. Call the Lindsay Wildlife Museum in Walnut Creek at 935-1978 for information and reservations. October 25 Contra Costa Rose Society 7pm. Featured speakers will talk about rose grooming and have a flower arranging demonstration. Free; the public is invited. The Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: 408-1256. October 26 – January 11 FA-LA-LA-LA-LA! At the Moraga Art gallery 10am. One-of-a-kind, quality art and fine craft, from beautiful original art for your walls to stunning functional and decorative glass, pottery and jewelry. Moraga Art Gallery, 570 Center St, Moraga. Information: 376-5407 October 26 Reducing The Nuclear Stockpile 2pm. Former Secretary of Defense William Perry and LLNL Director Emeritus Michael May discuss the potential for and the issues associated with reducing American and Russian nuclear weapon inventories to zero. Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. Tickets: $12-$30 October 29 Harvest Workshop 2pm. A hands on workshop to make traditional crafts and foods for the season. Create four different craft projects from corn husks, seeds, apples and little pumpkins. Learn to make fresh butter and flavor it to taste with salt, honey or herbs. Enjoy your butter on warm cornbread along with farm fresh apple cider. Cost: $5. Dublin Heritage Park and Museum, 6600 Donlon Way, Dublin. November 5 Teen Esteem Fall Benefit Dinner 6:30-9:30pm. Teen Esteem will provide parents with tools and resources to help prepare their children to make healthy decisions during the turbulent adolescent years and address what youths wished their parents knew. Hear from young adult speakers and what they did to stay on track. Round Hill Country Club, 3169 Round Hill Road, Alamo. Tickets: $75 per person, or $500 for a table of 8. Register by calling: 855-9941.
November 6 Great Parenting Academy Live Event 9am-5pm. In just one day, you’ll learn what it takes to raise extraordinary children from top experts plus explore products and programs to help your child be their best. Learn – insights and ideas from top speakers and panel presenters who have created positive results. Before November 5th - $75. At the door: $100. Hilton Hotel, 1970 Diamond Blvd., Concord. Information: www. greatparentingacademy.com November 6 & 7 San Ramon High School 32nd Annual Ski and Snowboard Swap 10am-4pm. Retail ski and snowboard shops offering a huge selection of new, past season, and demo equipment and apparel, along with expert fittings. Community members can sell their past equipment on consignment at the swap. $5 admission, 14 & under free with adult. San Ramon Valley High School, 501 Danville Blvd., Danville. Questions? Contact srvswap@aol.com.
BUSINESS Danville Chamber of Commerce Events October 14: After Hours Mixer, 5:30pm. Basil Leaf Café, 501 Hartz Ave., Danville. Members: $5, Non-members: $20. October 24 & 25: Fall Craft Festival, 10am-5pm, Hartz Ave. Danville. Celebrate the 19th annual Danville Fall Crafts Festival in beautiful downtown Danville. San Ramon Chamber of Commerce Events October 21: Annual Wine and Dine, 5:30-8:30pm. Enjoy an evening of wine tasting, micro-brew tasting & culinary creations -- sampling from over 50 local businesses -- in addition to music, auction prizes & much more! Ticket price: $35.00 advance purchase and $45.00 at the door. Must be 21 Years of Age--or older, to Attend this Event. ClubSport San Ramon, 350 Bollinger Canyon Lane, San Ramon. October 26: New Membership Orientation, 4-5pm. Come and learn about the various Chamber services that can benefit your business. We will have some of our Ambassadors and the Chamber’s Executive Director, Stewart Bambino, here to greet you. San Ramon Chamber of Commerce - Conference Room, 2410 Camino Ramon, Suite 125, Bishop Ranch 6, San Ramon
CLUBS Mondays Rotary Club of Danville 12:00 meeting at Faz: Call for information. (925) 838.8721 Tuesdays Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary 7am. Join us at the Crow Canyon Country Club every Tuesday morning for a good breakfast and great company. Info: Scott Sampson, 925-743-8449. Wednesdays Alamo Rotary Noon. Meets every Wednesday at Round Hill Country Club, Alamo. Info: Mark Kahn, 925-837-3262. San Ramon Valley Rotary Club 7pm. Guests welcome. Join us at the Crow Canyon Country Club every Wednesday for dinner. A great way to make new friends. Info: 925-838-9110. Blue Star Moms 6:30pm. Chapter 101 meets every second Wednesday of the month at the Danville Veterans Memorial Building at 400 Hartz Avenue in Danville. Thursdays Rotary Club of San Ramon 12:15-1:30pm. Meets every Thursday at the Crow Canyon Country Club, San Ramon Info: Bill Nethercott, 925-337-3311. Kiwanis of San Ramon Noon. Meets every Thursday at Round Hill Country Club, 3169 Roundhill Rd, Alamo. For information call 648-4800
Please email or fax your Calendar Events to the Sentinel by 5 p.m. Tuesday, October 26 for the November issue. Fax No. 925-820-6048, info@valleysentinel.com or go to valleysentinel.com to enter your event online. Inclusion in the calendar pages is at the sole discretion of Sentinel Newspapers, Inc.
AUTO
maintenance • new cars • used cars • after market • safety
valleysentinel.com
March 2009 October 2010
2010 FORD F-150 4x4 SVT RAPTOR By David and Judy Colman
I f Po p eye ow n e d a pickup, the Raptor would be it. When you fit the 6.2 liter, 411hp engine to this 4x4’s beefy frame, you’ve got way more muscle than a tin of spinach. No other truck in our care has ever engendered so many conversations. Most of them began with the question, “Is that the Raptor?” because lots of truck fans have been on the lookout for this stout rig since it was announced at the beginning of the 2010 model year. However, the midyear addition of the $3,000 optional 6.2 liter V-8 motor, which produces 434lb-ft of torque, is just what the hefty 5,850 lb Raptor needed
to make it fly. If you need a power boost for passing, the 6.2 is your ticket to the fast lane. On back roads, just drop the massive shift lever into second or third gear, and the Raptor will jump obligingly when you prod the accelerator. On the freeway, in the “Drive” gate, a stomp of the gas pedal instantly drops the rig into passing gear. The 6.2 liter V-8 rocks the truck slightly at idle, and sounds like a motorboat at full chat. It’s a delightful motor that failed to use a full tank of gas during a week of heavy-footed driving. What’s really going to sell the Raptor is its appearance. Without question, this is the best looking sport truck on the road today. The compendium
Assurance 2011
of stylistic innovations is ingenious. Because the front bumper has been eliminated in favor of a pair of resilient pads, the snout of the Raptor looks clean and nasty. Gigantic “F-OR-D” letters are so skillfully integrated into the flat black grill matrix that you hardly notice them at first. A bevy of orange running lights cover the front end and illuminate whenever you open a door or lock the truck. They match the shocking “Molten Orange” metallic finish of the exterior. Large operative heat exhaust grills atop the hood mimic nostrils, and a pair of SVT-logo extractor vents add interest to the front flanks. Running boards that look like dinosaur backbones help lift you into
the cab. Once inside, you’ll slide into mildly bucketed seats and face a full bevy of instruments, including small gauges for water and oil temp, ammeter for battery charge and fuel gauge. Under them lie the large 7,000rpm white tachometer face decorated with SVT logo and accompanying speedometer dial. The aluminum trimmed center console features a series of auxiliary switches and buttons for ride control and hill descent. The door panels match the aluminum trim of the console and contribute an upmarket feel to the cabin. SVT logos adorn the rubber floor mats, and Raptor embossments distinguish the front seat headrests. A large and effective
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$2,430 optional Sony Navigation screen completes the front dash array. A pair of small suicide doors to the rear of the cab can be opened once you’ve released the front doors. The rear seat is uncomfortably vertical, but will accommodate 3 adults in a pinch. Ford has thoughtfully equipped the rear of the center console with sizeable air vents for back benchers. The Raptor is really all about fast off road travel, and to that end, Ford has not stinted in the suspension department. Clearly visible in every fender well is a remote reservoir “Internal Bypass” Fox Racing Shox featuring a blue anodized SVT cap piece. The front lower A-arms are massive cast aluminum pieces, and the SVT 12 spoke, 8.5 x 17” alloys carry serious offroad wear: 315/70R17 BFG All Terrain T/As with tri-cord 3 ply sidewalls. The stiffly sprung Raptor squishes these donuts like Play-Dough. Between the tires, the suspension system and the 4x4 geometry there isn’t a piece of terrain that will escape the Raptor’s mighty wrath.
2010 FORD F-150 4x4 SVT RAPTOR ENGINE: 6.2 liter 2V EFI V-8 HORSEPOWER: 411hp TORQUE: 434lb-ft FUEL CONSUMPTION: N/A PRICE AS TESTED: $48,175
Das Neu Auto. Introducing the all-new, totally redesigned Volkswagen Jetta 2011
You’ve heard about it. You’ve read about it. Now it’s finally here. It’s the all new 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. With new features, a new look, and the same quality you expect from Volkswagen. See it now at Diritos Brothers Volkswagen.
2010
www . dublinhyundai . com (925) 803-7700 6015 SCARLETT COURT
•
Family Owned & Operated Since 1932
DUBLIN
1840 North Main Street | Walnut Creek | 1-800-VOLKSWAGEN | Dirito.com
valleysentinel.com
October 2010
2011 Jaguar XJ
The VaLLey SenTineL
page 15
New 2010 LR4 0.9% APR* up to 36 months on approved lender credit
$999 /mo. + tax lease* on approved lender credit 1 at this price. ID V06421
†
INcLudeS JAguAR PLAtINuM coveRAge 5 years / 50,000 miles $0 Scheduled Maintenance $0 Oil Changes
$0 Filters $0 Brake Pads & Discs
$0 Wiper Blade Inserts 24/7 Roadside Assistance
† Jaguar Platinum Coverage includes all factory recommended scheduled maintenance for five years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Wear and tear items are limited to brake pads, brake discs, brake fluid changes and wiper blade inserts based on factory specified wear limits or intervals. All work must be performed by an authorized Jaguar dealer. For complete details on Jaguar Platinum Coverage, including warranty and maintenance coverage and exclusions, please visit your local Jaguar dealer.
Jaguar of Livermore
Land Rover of Livermore
*36 monthly closed-end lease payments of $999 plus tax. $4,493 due at signing plus first payment, tax, title, license and acquisition fees. Lessee responsible at lease end for mileage over 12K per year at 18 cents per mile. Expires 10/31/10.
*0.9% APR available on all new 2010 LR4s with 36 monthly payments of $28.16 per $1,000 borrowed. Based on 10% down payment. Valid through 10/31/10 through Land Rover Financial Group.
3500 Las Positas Road | 1-888-484-8075 Service Hours M–F 7:30 AM–5:30 PM Schedule your appointment online at LandRoverofLivermore.com
3500 Las Positas Road | 1-888-484-8075 Service Hours M–F 8:00 AM–5:00 PM Schedule your appointment online at JaguarofLivermore.com
©2010 Porsche Cars North America, Inc. Porsche recommends seat belt usage and observance of all traffic laws at all times. Optional equipment shown is extra.
2010 Panamera S
2011 Cayenne S
Lease for only 1,099/mo.+tax
Lease for only $ 899/mo.+tax
$
On approved lender credit. 1 at this offer. ID 10P066.
On approved lender credit 1 at this offer. ID A42873.
As a Porsche of Livermore client you will also recieve: Factory Trained Service Advisors Factory Trained Technicians Genuine Factory Parts
State-of-the-art Equipment Guaranteed Repairs Early Bird Drop-Off
Complimentary Shuttle Service Rental Cars Available Paintless Dent Removal
Bumper Repairs Paint Touch Up Window Tinting Clear Bra Protection
Porsche of Livermore 3100 Las Positas Road | 888-478-3042 Schedule your appointment online at PorscheOfLivermore.com 2011 Cayenne S Lease 36 monthly closed-end lease payments of $899 plus tax. $8,990 due at lease inception including a $0 refundable security deposit; plus tax and license. Lessee responsible at lease end for mileage over 10k at 30 cents per mile. Expires 10/31/10. Panamera Lease 36 monthly closed-end lease payments of $1,099 plus tax. $5,990 due at lease inception including a $0 refundable security deposit; plus tax and license. Lessee responsible at lease end for mileage over 10k at 30 cents per mile. Expires 10/31/10.
1009211-LAM-SNT-1004-9.75x13.375.indd 1
LAM Client Code: _______
1009211 Project ID: __________________
1 Version #: ______
1 Proof #: ______
10 / 1 / 10 Date: ____________
10/1/10 1:06:44 PM
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The valley Sentinel
October 2010
valleysentinel.com
hos·pi·tal·ist /häs ∕-pi-t -list/ noun : a dedicated physician who specializes in guiding and treating hospital patients throughout the continuum of inpatient care. See also: Guardian Angel, White Knight, Advocate M. Michael Kazemi, M.D. Medical Director, Critical Care, ICU and Telemetry Unit
Narendra Malani, M.D. Medical Director, Respiratory Services
Here, you’ll find the best of the best. San Ramon Regional is one of a few medical
Anitha Angan, M.D.
centers that can say our primary Hospitalists
Physician Advisor, Health Information Technology Project
are Intensivists who are triple board certified in Critical Care Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine, and Internal Medicine. They are dedicated to your inpatient care – from the ER or the OR, throughout your stay, to recovery and release. While you are in our hospital, hospitalists are the eyes and ears of your doctor, ready to respond quickly to any change in your condition. Consulting closely with your doctor or surgeon, they understand your needs and medical history. Our hospitalists bring their highly specialized and rich experience to your care. For a referral to a physician who practices at San Ramon Regional Medical Center, call 800.284.2878 or visit FIND A PHYSICIAN on www.OurSanRamonHospital.com.
OTHER AFFIlIATED PHYSICIANS: Erik Gracer, M.D. Family Medicine
Jatinder Marwaha, M.D. Internal Medicine
Frank Hsueh, M.D. Internal Medicine
Zainab Mezban, M.D. Internal Medicine
Nader Kaldas, M.D. Internal Medicine
Bakul Roy, M.D. Internal Medicine & Infectious Disease
6001 Norris Canyon Road, San Ramon
|
800.284.2878
|
www.OurSanRamonHospital.com