The Valley Sentinel_April 2019

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always for the community VOL 24 NO 4

April 2019

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SPOTLIGHT

Downtown Danville’s Eddy House Receives Commemorative Plaque

On March 22, members of the community came out to honor another of the Town of Danville’s historic buildings with a new commemorative plaque.

M e m b e rs o f t h e H e r i t a g e Re s o u rc e Commission, Danville Mayor Robert Storer, Town Council, and Town staff were in attendance to unveil the plaque commemorating the history

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Postmaster: Dated Material

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

See EDDY HOUSE page 5

Sentinel Newspapers, Inc. P.O. Box 130 Danville, CA 94526 925-820-6047

Danville Oaks Rugby Teams once again win in the NorCal Middle School championships. Front row (left to right) Ethan Younger, Talan Jones, Nabi Wahab, Gregory Leitch, Ofa Hingano, Parker Glynn, Jonas Ritigstein, Teimana Tuioti, Andre Palu-Moeinimanesh, Head Coach Kevin Barth. Back row (left to right) - Coach Cam Younger, Coach Dale Postin, Coach Sean Gann, Nate Comiskey, Sawyer French, Liam Walsh, James Carney, JT Rhodes, Riley Gann, Tucker Barth, Brody Bartusch, Nico Jimenez, Coach Andy Bordalo, Caleb Padrid, Teitum Tuioti, Tommy Rainsford, Eddie Molina, Mitch Bruno, Coach Nick Rainsford, Coach Chris Leitch. Missing from photo Diesel Pribble and coaches Erich Friess, Mike Ryan, Brett Chromy. Please see story on page 15.

The California Roach (Hesperoluecus symmetricus)

By James M. Hale

The California Roach (Hesperoluecus symmetricus) is a native California fish that is fairly common to abundant in intermittent streams of central California. I have found them widely distributed throughout the Walnut Creek watershed during my biological stream surveys. The California Roach was once considered to be the only member of the genus Hesperoluecus, however, recent taxonomic research has divided the genus into several closely related species and subspecies. The species complex is distributed throughout the Central Valley, foothills, and coastal streams of California. The California Ro a c h h a s b e e n d o c u m e n t e d hybridizing with Sacramento Hitch in Walnut Creek and other streams.

It is a chunky-bodied fish for its size, with large eyes and a head with a small, downward facing mouth.

The California Roach is a small

minnow, reaching a maximum of four and one half inches, including the deeply forked tail. The small, dorsal fin has seven to ten fin rays, while the anal fin has six to nine rays.

California Roach exhibit classic countershading coloration for protection from predators such as the Belted Kingfisher from above, and larger fish such as the nonnative Green Sunfish from below. This is an example of Thayer’s Law. The California Roach is a metallic, darker, grayish-bluish above, and a dull silver to whitish underneath, providing camouflage in its watery environment.

Predominately a bottom feeder, the California Roach feeds primarily on filamentous algae, aquatic insects, and crustaceans. However, food may be opportunistically taken from

the surface. During the breeding season, reddish-orange nuptial patches appear on the chin, operculum, and at the bases of the pectoral, pelvic, and anal fins. Breeding males may also develop a series of nodes or tubercles (pearl organs) on the head. From March through

June, the California Roach forms schools and moves into the shallow edges of streams to spawn. Females will lay a few eggs at a time on a substrate of small rocks and pea gravel.

This Month’s Special Section:

Spring Home & Garden

pages 8-9

See FISH page 5

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

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THE VALLEY SENTINEL

April 2019

photographs, and wearable art. Free. Blackhawk Gallery, 3416 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville, in the Blackhawk Plaza. Information: www. adas4art.org/blackhawk_ gallery or 925-648-8023.

Timothy Joshua Pritchett Acrylic paint & Ink Now - April 29 Each one of the pieces is explores the artist’s Native American heritage by research and study. They express fine brushwork to a dry brush technique, but also include stippling. Vivid colors in the artworks bring forth images

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April brings the best of spring to the farmers’ market. Enjoy fresh asparagus, green garlic, peas, artichokes, and the jewel of spring, cherries, arriving this month! Look for cherries at Cipponeri Family Farms and Gotelli Farms. Find organic cherries at Allard Farms, Frog Hollow, and Ken’s Top Notch!

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Artistry Now - April 21 The Alamo Danville Artists’ Society ‘Artistry’ exhibit features one guest artist and forty member artists.

Guest artist Jean Cherie will be showing her Raku sculpture pieces. Members’ artworks include paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics,

The Diary of Anne Frank Presented by Center REPertory Now - April 28 Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, Tony Award, Critics Circle Award and virtually every other coveted prize of the theatre, this enduring tale of hope captures the claustrophobic realities of eight people hiding from the Nazis in a concealed storage attic in war-torn Amsterdam. Anne’s daily existence – her fears, her hopes, her laughter, her grief and her family’s desperate attempt to preserve humanity in an inhumane world – drive this transcendently powerful true-life tale. $34 - $40. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: www. lesherartscenter.org or 925943-SHOW (7469).

SH OR T

New Art Exhibition ‘Print it!’

Now - April 20 The Village Theatre Art Gallery is partnering with the California Society of Printmakers for a new exhibition featuring a large collection of prints that depict a variety of styles and subject matter. An Opening Reception for the exhibition is scheduled for Saturday, March 16, 2019 from 1pm to 3pm. Artists will be on hand at the exhibition to discuss their artwork. Complimentary refreshments will be served.

The exhibit runs through April 20, 2019. Artwork in the exhibition will be for sale.

Admission is free. Village Theater Art Gallery, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: www.danville.ca.gov/227/ Village-Theatre-Art-Gallery or 925-314-3400.

of his Chickasaw Heritage.

Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center, 10550 Albion Rd. (Cross Street Bollinger Canyon Rd.) Located on the Dougherty Valley High School Campus.

San Ramon. Information: www. sanramonperformingarts.com or 925-973-3343.

SPLASH! Now - May 11 Nothing refreshes an interior like a splash of original art.

With that in mind the Gallery has assembled more than 300 fresh pieces for our 70th annual spring show that are sure to create a Splash! From abstracts to zoomorphics to everything in between, the work represents the best of the best by East Bay artists — with all works available for sale or rent. Also on hand is a wideranging juried selection of locally created fine crafts and jewelry. Free. Valley Art Gallery, 1661 Botelho Drive, Suite 110, Walnut Creek. Information: www.valleyartgallery.org or 925-935-4311.

The Sixties at Fifty at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley Now-June 3 T h e S i x t i e s we re a n exciting, awful, inspiring, innovative but always memorable time. This exhibit shows the Sixties through a national as well as San Ramon Valley prism. A special exhibit is focused on the 1969 moon landing. Models of the rockets, gyroscope and magazines from the period and other items related to the moon landing are on display.

Trace the development of the Valley during this period.

Learn about the opening of Interstate 680 starting in 1964 into Danville then in 1966 continuing onto San Ramon and Dublin. New homes from San Ramon Village to Greenbrook were sprouting up all over the San Ramon Valley.

This growth created havoc

valleysentinel.com in trying to provide enough classrooms for the growing population. See a collection of Barbie dolls and accessories which was the iconic doll of this period. Children will enjoy playing with a variety of 1960 vintage toys. $3 - $10, Members free. The Museum of the San Ramon Valley, 205 Railroad Avenue in downtown Danville. Information please visit museumsrv.org or call 925-683-3750.

Tradition Interrupted April 11 – June 23 Tradition Interrupted explores the methods used by artists to conflate contemporary ideas with traditional art and craft in a range of media, from rugs and quilts to metal and ceramic. Merging the ageold with innovation, artists are re-visioning culturally historic ideas to create hybrid images or objects that interrupt traditional practice but still collaborate with the past.

Bedford Gallery, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Information: www.bedfordgallery.org or 925-295-1417.

Friday Foreign Film - After the Wedding April 11 7 p m . J a c o b Pe t e rs e n manages an orphanage in India that is facing bankruptcy.

A Danish Corporation offers a substantial donation with the condition that Jacob return to his native Denmark to receive the funds in person from the CEO. Once in Denmark Jacob discovers a life-altering family secret that will forever impact his life. Rated R, 120 minutes, Danish & Swedish/English subtitles. $10 single ticket.

Foreign Film Season Ticket: $55 (Includes all 6 films) Front Row Theater inside Dougherty Station Community Center, 17011 Bollinger Canyon Rd, San Ramon. Information: www. sanramonperformingarts. com or 925-973-3350.

P re s c h o o l Pe r f o r m a n c e Series: Magician Phil Ackerly April 12 10 a m . M a k i n g l i t t l e ones laugh, dance, and sing along since 2009, the Town of Danville is pleased to continue to present fun and unique top-level entertainers for preschool-aged children.

Presented in 50 minutes with no intermission. Artist may be subject to change. $5.

Village Theater, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: www. villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400.

The Mystery of Irma Vep - A Penny Dreadful April 12 - 28 What do Victorian melodramas, Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights and Alfred Hitchcock’s film Rebecca have in common? Well, sprinkle in some vampires, werewolves and mummies and you have The Mystery of Irma Vep. This madcap mash up is heightened even more (as if that were possible) by the fact that it is performed by just two actors!

Ladies and Gentlemen, start your engines... $25 - $35.

Village Theater, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: www. villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400.

Fa m i l y C o n c e r t : D a n c e presented by Diablo Symphony Orchestra featuring Diablo Ballet April 14 2pm. The Diablo Symphony Orchestra joins forces with Diablo Ballet to present a concert that the whole family will enjoy. Besides examples of classic ballet, there will be dancing cats and unicorns as well as selections from Igor Stravinsky’s brilliant Petrushka.

Included also are Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake/ Sleeping Beauty and SaintSaëns’ Carnival of the Animals. $35. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: www. lesherartscenter.org or 925943-SHOW (7469).

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

valleysentinel.com

The Jazz Room –Matoshi Kosako and Michael Manring April 14 7:30pm. One of the most innovative musicians, Motoshi Kosako, harpist and Michael Manring, bassist team up to create a unique sound. Their virtuosic skills a n d m u s i c i a n s h i p m a ke the intimate ensemble and thrilling improvisation happen e f f o r t l e s s l y. T h e m u s i c is something you may not expect from the combination of these two instruments. $25.

Village Theater, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: www. villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400.

Synergy Theater presents Spontaneous Brothers Grimm: The Improvised Collection April 18- April 21 W i t c h e s, wo l ve s a n d giants run amok in Walnut Creek in this completely improvised comic homage to the magical and macabre world of The Brothers Grimm. $20. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: www. lesherartscenter.org or 925943-7469.

Dixieland jazz April 20 1:30-4:30Pm. On the 3rd Saturday of every month you can enjoy the music of the Devil Mountain Jazz Band.

Bring your own beverages, snacks and a friend or two!

There is a large dance floor and lots of free parking. $15.

Grange Hall, 743 Diablo Road, Danville. Information visit www.Jazznut.Com or phone 625-2707.

Lady K & the Kings of Swing April 20 8pm. Hop into spring and dance to swing! This will be a fun evening of mixed dance styles sure to please – From Fox Trot to Cha Cha, East Coast to West Coast Swing, a broad variety of dance

April 2019

styles will be in the mix. $20 Adults, $12 youth. San Ramon Community Center at Central Park, 12501 Alcosta Blvd, San Ramon. Information: www. sanramonperformingarts.com or 925-973-2850.

Comedy with Liz Grant & Friends: A Monthly StandUp Series featuring Karinda Dobbins April 25 7:30pm. In this monthly stand-up comedy series, Liz Grant brings a host of Bay Area and L.A. comedians to the Village Theatre stage! Join these seasoned performers for this hilarious series. 16+ unless accompanied by an adult. $20.

Village Theater, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: www. villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400.

Little Shop of Horrors TEEN presented by SingOut! featuring Youth Performers April 26 - 27 Meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names “Audrey II” - after his coworker crush. This foulmouthed, R&B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it, BLOOD. Over time, though, Seymour discovers Audrey II’s out of this world origins and intent towards global domination! $20. Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd, Walnut Creek, Information: www.lesherartscenter.org or 925-943-SHOW (7469).

P re s c h o o l Pe r f o r m a n c e Series: Purple Fox & The Heebie Jeebies May 3 10 a m . M a k i n g l i t t l e ones laugh, dance, and sing

THE VALLEY SENTINEL

along since 2009, the Town of Danville is pleased to continue to present fun and unique top-level entertainers for preschool-aged children.

Presented in 50 minutes with no intermission. Artist may be subject to change. $5.

Village Theater, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: www. villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400.

Town of Danville hosts 2nd Artist Open Studios

Friday Foreign Film - Force Majeure May 3 7pm. A Swedish family travels to the French Alps to enjoy a skiing vacation.

During lunch an avalanche turns the family’s world upside down. The real question is how will the f a t h e r ’s re a c t i o n t o t h e avalanche impact his family & marriage? Rated R, French, Norwegian/English subtitles. $ 10 . Fro n t Row T h e a t e r inside Dougherty Station Community Center, 17011 Bollinger Canyon Rd, San Ramon. Information: www. sanramonperformingarts. com or 925-973-3350.

Call for Artists:

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Call for artists to show their work to the community www.danville.ca.gov/VillageThe Town of Danville is searching for artists to participate in the 2nd annual Artist Open Studios. This FREE event is set for May 11-12, 2019. From 11am6pm on Saturday and 11am-5pm on Sunday, the public will be able to visit artists’ studios throughout Danville, view their work, and get a sneak peek into the artists’ creative process.

A r t i s t s i n t e re s t e d i n participating in Open Studios should visit the following link:

Theatre-Art-Gallery. Be sure to include a short biography as well as two high resolution jpegs of your work to be included in the Open Studios brochure. Artists must have a studio in Danville.

The deadline for signups is Friday, April 12, 2019.

For more information, contact Cultural Arts Program Supervisor, Jessica Wallner at 925-314-3426 or jwallner@ danville.ca.gov.

Village Theatre Art Gallery presents 9th Annual Juried Exhibit: Into the Blue The Town of Danville’s Village Theatre Art Gallery is calling all artists to show how they see the color blue: blue skies, blue berries, blue bells, blue oceans, and blue eyes....

Over the course of art history, artists have used all shades of blue to express themselves.

Blue connotes a sense of calm and tranquility and today is popular in a wide variety of art, from traditional landscapes and seascapes to abstract art.

The 9th annual juried exhibit, ‘Into the Blue’ is looking for artists to share their

interpretation of blue, how they use it in their art and how it informs their work.

Interested artists are encouraged to submit their entries online at townofdanville. submittable.com/ submit/136837/call-for-artistsinto-the-blue-9th-annual-juriedexhibit Exhibition dates are June 28-August 17, 2019. The deadline for entries is May 17, 2019.

For more information, contact Visual Arts Coordinator Marija Nelson Bleier at 925-3143460 or mbleier@danville.ca.gov.

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THE VALLEY SENTINEL

Hope Hospice introduces grief support groups for children and teens Grieving the death of a loved one or close friend is a personal journey. Young people experience physical, emotional and spiritual reactions to grief and grieve differently than adults. As a result, their unique needs may go unnoticed or their actions can be misunderstood by the adults in their lives who are also grieving. This can increase their feelings of isolation and despair.

Hope Hospice is now offering a Children and Teen Grief Support program to help address these issues.

The groups are led by trained facilitators and grief support counselors who, through the use of play therapy and creative arts, help children and their caregivers process grief related to the death of a loved one “We find that being in a support group with others their own age who have lost someone important to them helps them know they are not alone,” says Dawn Torre, C h i l d re n ’s B e re ave m e n t Counselor at Hope.

The grief support groups meet in the evenings, twice a month during the school year. Each session is 90 minutes in length. They are divided into: Children – ages 5 to 10 Adolescents – ages 11 to 13 Teens – ages 13 to 18 Pre-registration is required prior to attending the first session. To register or learn more about grief support programs, call (925) 829-8770.

Hope Hospice’s grief support services are provided free of charge to all community members in need. However, donations a re g re a t l y a p p re c i a t e d .

Hope Hospice is a non-profit organization that relies on the support of the community we serve. In addition to grief support services, Hope offers presentations and educational workshops to school counselors, teachers and other members of the community interested in supporting children who grieve.

Do you know what to do about back pain?

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

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

The Back Doctors

April 2019

valleysentinel.com

Alamo News Update

By Steve Mick

Easter Egg Hunt The Alamo Rotary will host the annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 20, 9 -11 AM at Livorna Park in Alamo. Children will search for plastic eggs stuffed with various goodies.

This event is a tremendous undertaking by the members of Rotary. For example, several thousand eggs are used and it takes over 8 hours to stuff them all. It should be noted that the hunt is usually over in about 5 minutes. Parents should allow plenty of time to attend this event. The actual start time is 10:00 AM sharp but arrive early.

Merchants and other donors can purchase a decorative advertising "Daisy" for $50 that will be displayed at the event. Their website is located at alamorotary.org.

For more information about the event please see article on page 7.

Stone Valley Middle School Construction of Stone Va l l ey M i d d l e S c h o o l i s on track to open this fall.

The original contractor was replaced in August 2018 due to ongoing construction issues. As part of the usual construction protocol, the San Ramon Valley USD secured completion insurance for the school construction.

This came into play when the original contractor was replaced. The insurance pays for a take-over contractor and in this case, the contractor is RJT Construction, Inc. a wellknown firm that specializes in such matters.

Alamo Police Services Advisory Committee (APSAC) Currently, the P2B County Service Area covers most of Alamo but there are some areas that are not included. APSAC is studying the possibility of bringing all of Alamo (except for the Roundhill area) into the P2B CSA. The committee is working with the Local Agency Formation

Commission (LAFCO) to understand the many issues and requirements. Among other issues with this action is the fact that a vote of the residents will be required since an increase in the parcel tax would most likely be part of the process.

Another discussion item for the committee is the old Firehouse on Stone Valley Road that has been declared surplus property by the Fire District.

As noted in a previous Update column, Other governmental agencies are first in line for the acquisition of the property. If no agency expresses interest, then it can be made available to any interested party. Both the Contra Costa Sheriff's Office and the San Ramon Valley Unified School District have indicated an interest in the property.

"Steve Mick is a long-time Alamo resident and is active in a number of community organizations. Among them are the Community Foundation of Alamo, the Exchange Club and the Alamo Municipal Advisory Council. You can reach Steve at steve@alamore.org."

Seeking Volunteer Host Families for Foreign Students Ages 15-18 for 2019-2020 School Year Above and Beyond (AnB) E d u c a t i o n , a n o n - p ro f i t organization pairing foreign high school students with volunteer host families, is looking for volunteer host families in the local area.

AnB Education is the leading non-profit sponsor of J-1 exchange students and has been developing rewarding relationships between international students and

their host families, schools, and communities for over 22 years. AnB Education places students from many countries for semester - long and year long academic programs.

Students who participate in the AnB Program have their own spending money and are fully insured. They attend local high schools in order to learn more about the American culture, make

friends, participate in sports and student, volunteer in the community, and most of all become a lasting member of your family and community.

Anyone interested in hosting or for more information, please contact Carol Berger by calling 209-567-2412, or e-mail Carol at arielpdog1@yahoo.com.

Please visit our website, www. anbeducation.org for more information.

A CHIROPRACTIC/MEDICAL NETWORK

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Call for appointment now! 685-0335

Advertise in The Valley Sentinel!

For information, please call 925-820-6047 or email info@valleysentinel.com.

Visit us at ValleySentinel.com

www. blueherongraphics.com

Central San Recognized for Budget Central San has received, for the first time, the Government Finance Officers Association’s (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its 2018-2019 Fiscal Year budget document. The GFOA award recognizes agencies whose budget serves as a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide, and a communications device.

Central San’s budget was rated against these four guidelines as well as met 14 additional criteria within those areas.

Central San’s budget is much more than a financial picture of the agency, it connects Central San’s mission to protect public health and the environment with a financial roadmap to achieve this mission. Integrated into the

budget are six strategic goals, a strategic plan to achieve g o a l s, d e t a i l e d p ro g ra m information, and the financial commitments required to be successful. Central San’s first goal is always a commitment to providing exceptional customer service.

In the previous 19 consecutive years, Central S a n r e c e i v e d G F O A’ s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting and is pleased to add the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award to their recognized efforts. “This award represents a significant achievement, reflecting the commitment of Central San’s Board of Directors to meet the highest principles of governmental budgeting, accounting, and financial

transparency”, said Roger S. Bailey, General Manager of Central San. About Central San Central San’s mission is to protect public health and the environment through safe and effective wastewater collection, cleaning, and disposal. It also operates a household hazardous waste collection facility, provides recycled water for landscape irrigation, and promotes pollution prevention through various educational, informational and inspection programs. It serves nearly 500,000 residents and over 3,000 businesses over 145 square miles in the central Contra Costa county area.

It is operated by over 280 employees and a five-member elected Board of Directors.

valleysentinel.com

April 2019

THE VALLEY SENTINEL

14th Annual Breast Cancer Walk – Bras for the Cause” The “Bras for the Cause” wa l k t a ke s p l a c e a t o n Saturday, April 13, 2019, at 7PM, in Pleasanton, CA. This unique, fun, high-spirited, 8k (-5 mile) evening stroll is hosted by Tri-Valley SOCKs (Stepping Out for Cancer Kures).

100% of all money raised by walkers goes to local breast cancer beneficiaries. Each registered walker is asked to raise a minimum of $200 in tax-deductible donations.

While wearing decorated bras and costumes, walkers travel on the sidewalks of downtown

Pleasanton and surrounding neighborhoods to raise money and awareness in the fight against breast cancer.

Pre-walk festivities include fabulous raffle baskets and a bra judging contest. Numerous decorated bra categories are judged for individual and team awards.

During the walk, a sweep limo is provided for participants who may need additional assistance to reach the finish.

T h e F i n i s h e r ’s Pa r t y completes the event with entertainment and an awards ceremony. Walkers receive

a generous goodie bag containing event sponsors products and also a 2019 Tri-Valley SOCKs, “Bras for the Cause” commémorative t-shirt.

As of 2016, Tri-Valley SOCKs has raised and given over $1.7 million to local breast cancer beneficiaries.

In 14 years of organizing and hosting this event, the annual fund-raising goal of $150,000 has been met or exceeded and walker participation continues to increase. Raising these much needed funds is why we keep on walking!

Hope Hospice introduces grief support groups for children and teens Pre-registration is required Grieving the death of a loved one or close friend is a personal journey. Young people experience physical, emotional and spiritual reactions to grief and grieve differently than adults. As a result, their unique needs may go unnoticed or their actions can be misunderstood by the adults in their lives who are also grieving. This can increase their feelings of isolation and despair.

Hope Hospice is now offering a Children and Teen Grief Support program to help address these issues. The groups are led by trained facilitators and grief support counselors who, through the use of play therapy

and creative arts, help children and their caregivers process grief related to the death of a loved one “We find that being in a support group with others their own age who have lost someone important to them helps them know they are not alone,” says Dawn Torre, Children’s Bereavement Counselor at Hope.

The grief support groups meet in the evenings, twice a month during the school year.

Each session is 90 minutes in length. They are divided into: Children – ages 5 to 10 Adolescents – ages 11 to 13 Teens – ages 13 to 18

prior to attending the first session. To register or learn more about grief support programs, call (925) 829-8770.

Hope Hospice’s grief support services are provided free of charge to all community members in need. However, donations are greatly appreciated.

Hope Hospice is a non-profit organization that relies on the support of the community we serve. In addition to grief support services, Hope offers presentations and educational workshops to school counselors, teachers and other members of the community interested in supporting children who grieve.

To register for the walk or to donate online, please visit www.trivalleysocks.org.

For further questions, send email to info@ trivalleysocks.org.

About Tri-Valley SOCKs: Organized in 2004, Tri-Valley SOCKs is a 501 (c)(3) Not-forProfit corporation, dedicated

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to raising money for local b re a s t c a n c e r re s e a rc h , treatment and educational programs. Tri-Valley SOCKs has no paid staff and is run solely by hardworking, dedicated, and fun-loving volunteers. Our goal is to prove we can change our world for the better and have fun at the same time.

HANDYMAN SERVICES

Serving the Bay Area for 33 years Specialist in • Plumbing • Minor Electrical Windows • Doors • Wall Repair Floors – Tile and Natural Stone Big or Small, we do it all!

(925) 548-4202 JRW CONSTRUCTION, INC. 381 Hartz Ave., Danville, Suite B phone 925.831.1615 fax 925.831.1643 lic. 694292

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

EDDY HOUSE from page 1

of the Eddy House at 500 Hartz Avenue. The current occupant, Danville Harvest Restaurant owner Darren Matte was also present for the unveiling with members of his family The Eddy House is a Queen Anne Cottage that was built in approximately 1903. The house was nearly demolished in 1988, but the demolition permit was denied FISH from page 1

Eventually 250 to 2,000 eggs are deposited, and the adhesive eggs stick to the rocks as they fall into the crevices. The male California Roach will then fertilize the eggs by releasing his milt. Upon hatching after two to three days, the fry will continue to remain amongst the protective crevices until they are able to actively swim.

The young may grow more than one and one half inches a year. Sexual maturity is reached at two to three years of age. Adults rarely live more

when the historic significance of the house was brought to the attention of Town officials.

This one story clapboard structure has a pyramidal hipped roof and single front gable. It has a partial width porch, turned porch supports and two pane windows.

According to information provided by the Town of Danville, members of the Eddy family lived in the home continuously from 1903 to 1946. Although they were not particularly well known, they

were descendants of Leonard Eddy who built a cabin in the Danville area in 1853 as one of the first U.S. settlers.

A separate structure, since removed, at the rear of the property served as the first San Ramon Valley Union High School in 1910. As a side note, one of the Eddy’s was married to a relative of Walt Disney, who had visited the home.

This plaque presentation continues a series of dedications designed to honor the Town’s historic sites.

than three years, although a six year old individual was recorded from San Anselmo Creek in Marin County.

The California Roach is a resilient fish that is able to survive environmental extremes and conditions that other fish species are not able to tolerate. As streams dry up in summer, the California Roach accumulates in large numbers in pools that may become increasingly alkaline, low in dissolved oxygen, and hot. They can tolerate temperatures of 95 degrees, as well as sewage, pesticide, and herbicide polluted waters.

Dams, agriculture, and alien species are major threats to the California Roach. Some Central Valley and Sierra foothill populations have been extirpated due to these factors and urbanization.

Their status should be closely monitored in order to ensure that current population levels are maintained.

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page 6

THE VALLEY SENTINEL April 2019

Trails Challenge 2019

By Beverly Lane, President, East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors

Spring is here (March 20 was the official start) and it’s the perfect time to explore the East Bay Regional Parks with the incentive and guidance of the 2019 Trails Challenge Program.

Now in its 27th year, Trails Challenge is a free, selfguided program encouraging visitors to seek out regional parks that may be new to them for healthy outdoor recreation. Cosponsors are the Park District, Regional Parks Foundation, and Kaiser Permanente.

The rules are simple.

Download the Trails Challenge guidebook from the Park District web site at www. ebparks.org. Or pick up a guide at participating visitor centers.

Trails Challenge T-shirts are available, too, while supplies last.

The guidebook includes 20 detailed trail descriptions, available for all levels of fitness, from easy to challenging. There are trails open to hikers, bicyclists, dogs,

and equestrians, and many are wheelchair accessible. To complete the challenge, hike five of the 20 trails – or 26.2 miles of trails. You can also submit your log, online or by mail, by December 1, 2019 and receive a commemorative pin, while supplies last.

Besides trail descriptions and maps, the guidebook contains tips on equipment, safety, hiking with kids and dogs, wildlife encounters, and more.

It’s a good idea to start out easy, before tackling more challenging routes. A couple of easier trails on the list are Sand Hill/Shady Slope/Short Ridge at Sycamore Valley Regional Open Space Preserve in Danville and Harrier Loop at Bay Point Regional Shoreline in Bay Point.

To take it up a step, check out Round Valley Regional Preserve south of Brentwood for a 6½-mile stroll. Among the most challenging trails are an 8-mile round trip at Crockett Hills Regional Park in Crockett, or a 7.8-mile loop at Morgan Territory Regional Preserve east of Mt. Diablo.

Remote and beautiful, Round Valley was a meeting place for Native Americans

Danville Innovators Receive #GameChangers Awards Innovation Tri-Valley Leadership Group (ITV) recently celebrated eight companies for their impact on innovation in the region at the 2019 #GameChangers Awards Event.

The founders of two unique companies representing the Town of Danville accepted awards for their entrepreneurial efforts. The award winners were: Coast + Range is transforming the $32 billion pet industry with clean and personalized nutrition for dogs making it easier to properly nourish beloved pets. www. coastandrange.com Elysium Therapeutics is disrupting the opioid pain

relief market by creating a new class of pain relievers that protect individuals from misuse, abuse and fatal overdose. Their technology will reduce the costly impact of prescription drug abuse and save lives. www. elysiumrx.com Both companies were honored to receive this recognition for their contributions to the Tri-Valley innovation eco-system.

For more information, visit award winners’ websites, www. innovationtrivalley.org or contact Economic Development Program Coordinator, Lianna Adauto at (925) 314-3309 or ladauto@ danville.ca.gov.

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from several tribes. In more recent times it was ranched by the Murphy family, who sold the core property to the Park District to preserve it in open space. Some old farm machinery is a reminder of the park’s ranching past. There’s lots of wildlife, too, including birds of prey. Because the park is habitat for the rare and endangered San Joaquin kit fox, dogs are not allowed at Round Valley.

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I plan to take up the Trails Challenge at Round Valley myself on Saturday, May 4, and anyone is welcome to join me. Meet me at 9:30 a.m. at the park’s staging area on Marsh Creek Road between Deer Valley Road and Walnut Boulevard. I’ll give a brief update on Park District activities; then we can set out to explore the park together.

April is also the height of the spring wildflower season.

And this year may be one of the best. The Park District will celebrate it with the Spring Wildflower Festival from 11

a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 14 at Sunol–Ohlone Regional Wilderness.

Activities will include wildflower hikes, arts and crafts, and live entertainment.

The festival is free; parking is $5 per vehicle.

Sunol is located at the end of Geary Road off Calaveras Road about five miles south of I-680 and the town of Sunol.

For information call 510-5443249.

But however and wherever you celebrate it, by all means enjoy the springtime and your East Bay Regional Parks.

Photo by Kevin Fox

East Bay Regional Parks Looking to Hire Lifeguards for 2019 Swim Season The East Bay Regional Park District is currently recruiting 40-60 new lifeguards for the 2019 swim season at its 11 facilities that include lakes, lagoons, and pools in the East Bay. The pay ranges from $16.15-$18.64 per hour.

All new lifeguard positions are seasonal, full-time positions May through September.

Anyone age 16 and over by April 20th, 2019 is encouraged to apply.

There are six different testing dates scheduled on Saturdays/Sundays the last three weekends in March.

Participants will be asked to swim 550 yards in under 10 minutes, carry a rescue board 50 feet, retrieve three dive rings under 4-7 feet of water, tread water for two minutes using only their legs, and retrieve a 10-pound brick from under water. There will also be a short interview after successful completion of the swim test.

Participants who pass the tests will be invited to the District’s Lifeguard Academy where they will receive paid training and certification in open water lifeguarding. The

Academy takes place over five weekends in April and May, with the swim season beginning in May for most facilities.

“Promoting water safety and educating park visitors on how to safely recreate in, on, and around the water is paramount in what a lifeguard does,” said East Bay Regional Pa r k s D i s t r i c t Aq u a t i c s Manager Pete DeQuincy.

“Working as a lifeguard is one of the few ways a young adult can give back to their community and learn about public service.”

Testing Schedule: • Saturday, March 16, 2019 (1:00 p.m.) Buchanan Swimming Pool, Pittsburg • Sunday, March 17, 2019 (1:00 p.m.) Roberts Pool, Oakland • Saturday, March 23, 2019 (1:00 p.m.) Livermore High School Swimming Pool, Livermore • Sunday, March 24, 2019 (1:00 p.m.) Roberts Pool, Oakland • Saturday, March 30, 2019 (1:00 p.m.) Roberts Pool, Oakland

• Sunday, March 31, 2019 (1:00 p.m.) Roberts Pool, Oakland Lifeguards can work at any of the Park District’s 11 swim facilities: Lake Del Valle in Livermore (East Beach and West Beach), Shadow Cliffs in Pleasanton, Quarry Lakes in Fremont, Lake Don Castro in Hayward, Cull Canyon in Castro Valley, Roberts Pool in Oakland, Lake Temescal in Oakland, Lake Anza in Berkeley, Castle Rock in Walnut Creek, and Contra Loma in Antioch.

For more information about how to become a lifeguard call (510) 544-2154 or visitwww.ebparks.org/ activities/swimming/lifeguard. htm.

The East Bay Regional Park District is a system of beautiful public parks and trails in Alameda and Contra Costa counties east of San Francisco Bay, established in 1934. The system comprises 121,000 acres in 73 parks including over1,250 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding and nature learning.

valleysentinel.com

April 2019

Rotary Club of Alamo to Sponsor Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Family Fun Day at the Park on Saturday, April 20, 2019 Mark Your Calendars! The Rotary Club of Alamo will sponsor the Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Family Fun Day on Saturday, April 20, 2019 at Livorna Park. The event will begin at 9:00 a.m. with games and music and end at 11:00 a.m. Last year, there were some 2,500 people in attendance and over 700 children participated, so this year there will be about 10,000 eggs that will be hidden for the children to find.

In addition to the Easter Egg Hunt and a visit by the Easter Bunny, where parents will have an opportunity to take photos, there will also be children’s carnival games, two balloon persons; face painting provided by the Monte Vista High School Interact Club, which is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Alamo, and other fun activities. In addition, there will be live music provided by The East Bay Banjo Club, along with coffee, chocolate milk, water and donuts for sale. The Alamo Elementary School Chorus will also perform. The actual Easter Egg Hunt will take place this year at 10:00 a.m. sharp. The egg hunt will be split into three age groups. One for children

three years of age and under (0-3); another for children ages four to six (4-6); and finally for children ages seven to nine (7-9). In past years the Easter Egg Hunt would start promptly at the assigned time and was finished in less than five minutes. Parents should allow ample time for their children to be on time to participate.

Gold, Silver and Bronze sponsors for the event are the Morgan Stanley Bach Group; John Muir Health System; Spectrum Wealth Partners; Thompson Consulting; and Republic Services.

The Rotary Club of Alamo was founded on May 7, 1971

and has 42 members. The major activities ongoing at the club include: • S u p p o r t f o r t w o RotaCare clinics that provide free health care for the indigent in our community.

• Cash and volunteer time for Meals on Wheels.

• Renovations at the East Bay Crisis Nursery.

• Renovations at the Choice in Aging Adult Day Care in Pleasant Hill.

• Support for two Cub Scout Packs.

• Support for waterharvesting projects in Tanzania.

• Contributions to the Rotary International End Polio campaign.

• School dictionaries distribution to third grade students.

• S u p p o r t f o r t h e Wheelchair Foundation.

• Roadside cleanup and beautification in Alamo.

The Club meets on Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m. at Round Hill Country Club, 3169 Round Hill Road, Alamo, CA .

page 7

For more information about the Rotarby Club of Alamo please contact Steve Polcyn at 925-548-3516 or email steve_polcyn@earthlink. net.

For more information about the Egg Hunt and Family Fun Day LIKE our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ RotaryClubofAlamo.

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Bay Area Children’s Theatre Advanced Performers Honored at Junior Theatre from Legally Blond The Festival West young audiences, but some excerpts Musical, JR. Bay Area Children’s Theatre (BACT) students in BACT’s Advanced Performers—the company’s by-audition-only traveling musical theatre team— brought home five awards last week from the Junior Theatre Festival West, a celebration of youth and musical theatre that attracts more than 1,800 theatre students, educators and professionals to Sacramento each year to share excerpts from productions and hear critiques of their performances from theatre pros.

Theatergoing families know that BACT creates imaginative professional productions for

THE VALLEY SENTINEL

may not be aware that BACT also has an award-winning theatre education program that introduces students aged 5 - 18 to the performing arts through classes, camps and programs in local schools.

Honors BACT’s students were honored in five categories: • Advanced Performers under age 13 were honored for “Outstanding Ensemble Work” for their performance from Shrek The Musical JR. • The age 13 and older group of Advanced Performers took honors for “Outstanding Achievement in Music” for their

• Miya Drain of Berkeley was named an “Outstanding Female Performer” for her portrayal of Pauline in Legally Blond The Musical, JR. • Sanjana Utimarerur of Pleasanton was honored as an “Outstanding Student Director.”

• For the second year in a row, BACT’s team of Zach Badain, 14, Elisa McCormick, 15, and Alexa Owen, 16, of San Ramon and Sadie Wayne, 14, of Orinda triumphed in the “Tech Olympics,” besting more than 30 other teams for efficient technical problem solving and stagecraft under time constraints on stage.

Spring in the Valley page 8

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April 2019

valleysentinel.com

Zero Net Energy for 2020

By Steven Wynn

The California Energy Code is already the most stringent in the nation, and it’s about to double down in 2020. Part of California’s Building Code, the Energy Code is updated every three years. We are currently governed by the 2016 Building Code, and the next version will be the 2019 Code, which goes into effect January 1, 2020.

What is significant about this next update for the residential Building E n e r g y Efficiency Standards portion of the Code is that this will be the longanticipated “Zero Net Energy” cycle.

Starting in 2020, all new homes must be designed to include some type of renewable energy producing system (e.g. solar, wind, hydro, bio-mass) so that it generates energy to offset its consumption. New commercial buildings are targeted to achieve Zero Net Energy by 2030.

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E s s e n t i a l l y, s o l a r photovoltaic panels will become mandatory on all new homes in 2020, with only a few exceptions.

Solar preheat of domestic hot water will also be required.

According to the California Energy Commission, homes built under the new 2019 Energy Standards will use about 7 percent less energy as compared to homes built under the current 2016 standards. But once rooftop solar electricity generation is

factored in, homes built under the 2019 Energy Standards will use an estimated 53 percent less energy than those under the 2016 standards.

What does this mean for remodels and additions in 2020 and beyond? Not all of the requirements for new homes will carry over to alterations of existing homes. But achieving compliance under the current 2016 standards is already difficult, so expect it to be even more challenging next year. And honestly, the first six months of any new Code cycle tend to be a mess for energy compliance.

There will be a learning curve for everyone involved (including myself). Also, on a practical level, energy compliance relies on software approved by the California Energy Commission.

If history is any guide, it will take some number of months to work out the kinks.

What I expect to see is a mad rush of projects aiming to submit for permit by December 31. Any project submitted in 2019 will be governed by the current 2016 standards, even if plan check isn’t completed or the permit pulled until 2020.

What other improvements will we see in the 2019 Energy Standards? Lighting, windows, doors, and insulation will all see increased efficiency requirements. In fact, third party inspection of new insulation will be mandatory

for new homes (not alterations).

Why? Because fiberglass batt insulation is notorious for being poorly installed. Current energy compliance software models wall insulation at only 70 percent of its R-value. When a builder performs the new Quality Insulation Installation inspection, the compliance software will credit 100 percent of the R-value instead.

Take a 10,000-foot view of the history of homebuilding in California, and you will see a tectonic shift from homes t h a t “ b re a t h e ” to homes that are hermetically sealed. As a result, indoor air quality becomes a critical issue. We already h ave s t r i n g e n t Green Building requirements for keeping our indoor air clean. Under Zero Net Energy, which means even more tightly-sealed homes, we will see these strengthened.

Air filters must balance the need to clean the air while not dropping the pressure in HVAC systems. Under the new standards, filters will be required to achieve the second-highest rating class, removing bacteria, cooking oil, insecticide dust, and most paint pigments. (Contrary to popular belief, HEPA filters are often impractical in HVAC designs due to the large pressure drop the dense filter material causes). If you plan to remodel your kitchen and install a new range, expect to see an inspector testing the hood, because a deficient hood in a sealed home will result in significant indoor air quality problems.

The obvious question is what is the cost of all these new requirements? The California Energy Commission touts the billions in lower electricity and natural gas bills that the state’s efficiency standards have saved consumers. As for the Zero Net Energy requirements for new homes, the CEC estimates an initial cost of $9,500 for a typical new home, with $19,000 in savings over a 30-year mortgage, in addition to reducing our carbon footprint. Short term, this means that already-high construction costs will increase even more. Long term, lower utility bills will recover the upfront costs, and then some.

One thing is certain – ready or not, homebuilding in California will lead the nation and the world in energy efficiency.

Spring in the Valley valleysentinel.com

April 2019

THE VALLEY SENTINEL

page 9

Danville area Chamber of Commerce Annual State of the Town and Awards Honors Local Businesses, People and and Nonprofits Memorial Building and is On Thursday March 28, The Danville area Chamber of Commerce held its annual S t a t e o f t h e To w n a n d Community Awards luncheon at the Crow Canyon Country Club in Danville.

Danville Mayor Robert Storer eloquently spoke of the Town’s finances, plans and security. Recognizing Town Manager Joe Calabrigo for 30 years of unwavering vision, foresight, stewardship and dedication in making Danville the Town it is today began his presentation.

Storer went on to say that Danville is situated on 12,000 acres; 18 square miles. “There are 156 miles of roads”, he said and went on to point out that the Town sweeps 6,000 curb miles of roadway each year. The Town spends 3 million dollars a year on asphalt repairs and resealing to ensure the health of the streets.

Mayor Storer pointed out that Danville is the safest city in California out of 482 cities, and in the top eight on many other surveys. He credited the dedication of Police Chief Allen Shields, siting that Danville’s case closure rate is 2.5 times the national average.

Providing well-maintained public facilities is achieved by Danville’s maintenance staff taking care of 5 community parks, 2 community centers, a library, the Veterans Memorial Building, Senior Center, Village Theatre, Town Meeting Hall, Town Offices, and numerous other multi-purpose and park restroom buildings as well as 60 acres of roadside landscaping.

The Town partners with the School District to maintain 5 other school parks, tennis courts and more.

Mayor Storer mentioned several challenges including the State of California’s Affordable Housing mandates.

The Town has stood up to

defend its “careful thought, and consideration”, and that it is being about “building units where it makes the most sense.” He said that Danville’s way has worked and that the Town is fighting to maintain local control while still doing “our fair share as should everyone in California”.

Also Danville has taken a stand against “small cell sites” regarding 4G units, (5G, he says is still about 3 years out).

They are 8”-10” in diameter, 3’-5’ in height and would sit atop public row utility poles.

They can pose a problem with aesthetics, location, but they’re not allowed to discuss health risks since it is a federal regulation. More info will be available in the near future.

Again, it’s about local control.

Parking and beautification of the north end of downtown was discussed as more parking has been added in the last year, including the Rose Street parking project and the new Front Street parking lot next to the Village Theatre. More is coming at the high school.

Mayor Storer pointed out that there will never be parking meters in Danville. This is one of the many perks of shopping and living locally in the Town of Danville.

The Danville Area Chamber of Commerce awarded and honored local businesses.

Business of the Year was awarded to Danville Old Towne Bakery. Located at Danville Town And Country Shopping Center, 105-G Town And Country Drive, Owner Karen Cordeiro and her team actively support the Danville community through donations, sponsorships and dedication.

She can be reached at (925) 837-7844, or by email at danvillebakery@sbcglobal.net.

Business Person of the Year was awarded to Keva Dodd. Keva is the owner of

Whim House in Danville Downtown. She is an active member of Danville Economic Development Committee.

Whim House is located at 485 Hartz Avenue and Keva can be reached at (925) 7185533, or email her at hello@ whimhouse.com.

New Business of the Year was awarded to Small Cakes Cupcakery & Creamery.

Owners Uday and Nisha have been engaged in the community and have made their business a success after less than one year! They are located at 95 Railroad Avenue in Danville, and can be reached at (925) 965-0333, or email them at smallcakes.danville@ gmail.com.

Nonprofit of the Year was awarded to Thrift Station.

Since 1973 they have been a major financial support for the Discovery Counseling Center.

It is managed by Friends of Discovery, an all-volunteer auxiliary and all revenue is donated back to the Discovery Counseling Center for mental h e a l t h . T h ey a c c e p t t a x deductible donations, and can be visited at 486 San Ramon Valley Blvd., Danville or you can call them at (925) 8201988.

Charitable Organization of the year was awarded to The Eugene O’Neill Foundation and Tao House. Established in 1974,

Exhibitors

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Thousands of locally grown plants Animals!

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Classes

it was set up in order to acquire the residence of the great playwright, Eugene O’Neill.

Since then the Foundation has dedicated itself to events, and programs for education and the arts, establishing the internationally recognized Eugene O’Niell festival.

Citizen of the Year was awarded to Lee Halverson.

Graduated from San Ramon Valley High School in 1965, Lee has maintained his roots in the community as a steward for philanthropy and veteran’s services. Currently the Treasurer for the veterans

involved in their operations and committees.

Employee of the Year was awarded to Nick Tenaza. If you enjoy the Events and Activities that the Town and the Chamber put on, then you must recognize the hard work and dedication behind the scenes. The Danville Area Chamber of Commerce wants to recognize and thank Nick Tenaza for all that he has done to support the masterful delivery of our downtown events. Whether it’s a festival or a rain-soaked Tree Lighting, Nick delivers a distinguishable service level that is unwavering.

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Not just another plant sale! We’ll have lots of fun things to see and do. Come and join the fun!

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BBQ by DVC Culinary School chefs In-season organic fruits and vegetables Vegetarian and Vegan dishes

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Senior Living page 10

valleysentinel.com

April 2019

Medicare Can Help You Stay Healthy Greg Dill

You may have heard something lately about “preventive health care.” What does that mean?

At its most basic, preventive health care means living a healthy lifestyle. Eat a balanced diet. Exercise regularly. Maintain a healthy weight. And stop smoking.

Like anyone else, people with Medicare can benefit from healthy living habits. But Medicare covers a wide variety of shots to help you stay healthy.

It also covers numerous tests to help detect diseases early, when they’re in their most treatable stages.

You pay nothing for most Medicare-covered preventive services if you get them from a doctor or other qualified healthcare provider who “accepts assignment,” meaning

they accept Medicare as payment in full for their services.

For example, you pay nothing out-of-pocket when you get a “Welcome to Medicare” physical exam. This one-time exam is offered during the first 12 months after you’ve enrolled in Medicare Part B. This visit includes a review of your medical and social history related to your health, and education and counseling about preventive services, including certain screenings, flu and pneumococcal shots, and referrals for other care if needed.

If you’ve had Part B for longer than 12 months, you can get a yearly wellness exam. You pay nothing for this visit if you’re doctor accepts assignment. And the Part B deductible doesn’t apply.

The wellness exam is designed to help prevent disease and disability based on your current health and risk factors.

Your provider will ask you to fill out a questionnaire, called a “Health Risk Assessment,” as part of this visit. Answering these questions can help you

and your provider develop a personalized prevention plan to help you stay healthy and get the most out of your visit, which can also include: • A review of your medical and family history.

• Developing or updating a list of current providers and prescriptions.

• Height, weight, blood pressure, and other routine measurements.

• D e t e c t i o n o f a ny cognitive impairment.

• Personalized health advice.

• A list of risk factors and treatment options for you.

• A screening schedule (like a checklist) for appropriate preventive services.

However, you may have to pay coinsurance, and the Part B deductible may apply if: • Your doctor or other health care provider performs additional tests or services during the same visit.

• These additional tests or services aren’t covered as Medicare preventive benefits.

Medicare also covers shots for flu, pneumococcal

disease (which can cause pneumonia), and Hepatitis B. Flu, pneumococcal infections, and Hepatitis B can be lifethreatening for older people.

Flu and pneumococcal shots are recommended for people over age 65.

People with Medicare also can get screened for cardiovascular disease and different kinds of cancer, including breast, prostate, cervical/vaginal, and colorectal cancer.

Take colorectal cancer, for example.

Medicare covers screening tests to help find precancerous growths or find cancer early, when treatment is most effective.

Medicare covers the multi-target stool DNA test, screening fecal occult blood test, screening f l ex i b l e s i g m o i d o s c o py, screening colonoscopy, and screening barium enema.

You pay nothing for fecal occult blood tests, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and screening colonoscopy if your doctor accepts assignment. (Note: If a polyp or other tissue is removed during a colonoscopy, you may

have to pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for the doctor’s services and a copayment if the procedure was done in a hospital outpatient setting.)

For people who have or are at risk for diabetes, Medicare covers screenings, certain supplies, and self-management training.

If you need help to stop smoking, Medicare pays for up to eight face-to-face counseling sessions per year with a doctor or other qualified provider.

Medicare also pays for tests for lung cancer, HIV, and bone mass (to see if you’re at risk for broken bones.)

People with Medicare don’t use preventive health services as much as they should. But getting screened can help you stay healthy and live longer – and save the government billions in healthcare costs.

It’s a classic win-win.

Greg Dill is Medicare’s regional administrator for Arizona, California, Nevada, Hawaii, and the Pacific Territories. You can get answers to your Medicare questions by visiting www.Medicare.gov or calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800633-4227).

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More than 30 years of experience have taught us that today’s seniors want more choices and are leading a more active lifestyle than generations before. That’s why we’re creating a community filled with options, from affordable studio apartments to spacious two-bedroom suites, great cuisine and an active lifestyle of growth and discovery. Enjoy fun excursions, meals with friends, interesting classes, clubs and personal pursuits plus top-notch care tailored to your needs, on your schedule, so it never interrupts your lifestyle.

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Call 925-725-1485 today to request an appointment.

AT S A N R A M O N

Sales Office: 2603 Camino Ramon, Suite 200 • San Ramon, CA 94583 Community: 12720 Alcosta Blvd • San Ramon, CA 94583 925-725-1485 • watermarkcommunities.com ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE

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April 2019 Sponsored Content

Retirement Advice Q&A

By Robert Cucchiaro

People are often surprised at how much joy can come from giving money away. In fact, many studies have proven that people actually get more joy out of giving money away than they do from spending it on themselves. If you doubt the conclusion of these studies, think about how you feel on Christmas watching your loved ones open the presents you’ve bought for them.

This year Summit Wealth & Retirement is proud to announce that we have started a scholarship for High School Seniors at SRV & Monte Vista. The “Nick Horn – Serve First Scholarship” is for $5,000 and will be awarded annually to the senior who has exemplified servant leadership over their high school career.

Both schools have added this scholarship to their websites where students can go and search all available scholarships. This is our chance to both give back and honor our long-time friend and business coach, Nick Horn.

In addition to sharing this, I’d also like to spend a minute and address some of the most common questions we get from readers.

Q: I’ve heard that you should pull out no more than 4% of assets during the 1st year of retirement, assuming 3% inflation. Do the assets include the value of my home?

A: No. Only consider liquid assets in this calculation. That being said, this is a rule of thumb but not sophisticated enough to handle every situation. For example, some clients retire at 62 and have a pension that starts at 65 and social security that will start at 66 or even 70. For them they may start with a higher withdrawal rate on their assets and then watch that % decline as other sources of income kick in.

Q: What should I do with my old life insurance policy now that the kids are out of the house?

A: It depends. I often see old whole life or universal life policies that were purchased a long time ago when the kids were young and life insurance was needed. Now these policies have cash value but either the owner doesn’t want to pay the premiums anymore, or worse, the policy is set to expire unless they pay even larger premiums. There are several good options available but they need to be evaluated on a case by case basis.

Q: Why do I have to pay quarterly tax estimates now that I’m retired?

A: When you were working and earning a wage, taxes were withheld from your paycheck. Now many retirees have social security, perhaps a pension, and taxable interest & dividends from an investment

Free Tax Preparation Free tax preparation for the 2019 tax season is available starting February 2019 from AARP’s Tax-Aide and United Way’s Earn It, Keep It, Save It (EKS) programs. Service is provided by volunteer tax preparers who are IRS trained and certified. Both programs serve taxpayers of any age, and AARP membership is not required for Tax-Aide. EKS service is limited to those with incomes below $54,000, while Tax-Aide does not have an income limit.

For information or to make an appointment for the TaxAide sites serving the San Ramon/Danville area, call: (925) 973-3250 for the San Ramon Senior Center site or (925) 480-7202 for the Danville Veterans Memorial Building of San Ramon Valley site. For general information and other

site locations, call: (925) 7263199. For information on EKS sites call 2-1-1 or visit www. earnitkeepitsaveit.org.

To complete your tax return, you will need to bring the following documents: • Social Security Card or ITIN letter for all individuals to be listed on the return • Photo identification for the taxpayer and spouse • Copies of all W-2s, 1098s and 1099s • Other income and deductions • Your 2016 Tax Return • Covered California: All documents including form 1095 • Ta x L aw C h a n g e : Although federal tax law changed, California tax law has not changed. If you itemized deductions for 2017 be sure to bring related records for 2018.

account. Often times no taxes are being withheld from these income sources and so quarterly estimated tax payments are required. There is a work-around here if you are also tapping into your IRA. Retirees can have enough taxes withheld from their IRAs to cover their tax bill and often can use this strategy to avoid paying quarterly estimates.

Q: Is there any way to make changes to my portfolio without paying a ton in capital gains taxes?

A: Yes there are several ways to accomplish this.

Some strategies include asset location (rebalancing your IRA to offset your brokerage account), gifting stocks to a donor advised fund or charitable remainder trust, gifting stocks to kids in a lower tax bracket, etc. This is something financial planners spend a ton of time on as a dollar saved (in taxes) is a dollar earned.

Financial planning is about more than just picking stocks or mutual funds. These are the types of issues we help clients with every day. If you are interested in finding out more about how we can help you & your family make better financial decisions, give us a call at 925-927-1900 or email me at rob@swrpteam.com.

Robert Cucchiaro is a Certified Financial Planner and owner of Summit Wealth &

THE VALLEY SENTINEL

page 11

Retirement, a financial planning firm that has been serving Danville for over 30 years. Summit Wealth has 4 Certified Financial Planners (CFP®), a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), an MBA and a Tax Director (EA) all on staff and in Danville. Visit us at www. summitwealthandretirement. com

Danville seeks Commission volunteers

The Town of Danville is recruiting for 10 volunteer positions for terms beginning July 1, 2019.

Parks and Leisure Services Commission 1 alternate position for term ending June 30, 2021 Youth Representative Parks and Leisure Services Commission two-year term Arts Commission – Three regular positions and one alternate position for four-year terms Design Review Board – One regular position to fulfill term ending December 31, 2022 (pref. architectural, engineering, construction experience) Poet Laureate – One position - two-year term Contra Costa Transportation Authority Citizens Advisory Committee – One Danville representative – two-year term County Connection – One Danville representative - two-year term Applications are due Tuesday, May 21, 2019, 4:00 p.m.

Interviews will be held on June 4 and June 18 (evening); June 11 (morning).

Commissioners will be appointed by the Danville Town Council on June 18, 2019.

Applications are available on the Town website at

www.danville.ca.gov

For more information, contact City Clerk Marie Sunseri at

(925)314-3401 or msunseri@danville.ca.gov

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Community Calendar

April • April • April • April • April • April • April • For additional Community Events visit: www.ValleySentinel.com Please email information about your events to info@valleysentinel.com COMMUNITY EVENTS April 13 Annual Earth Day Celebration 11am-1pm. Come out and celebrate Earth Day at Danville’s Town Green. 400 Front Street. This is a free, hands-on and informative event for residents and visitors of all ages interested in learning more about the natural world around you. Activities include: Fun, eco-friendly craft and activity stations including solar racing cars, a “rocket” launching station, live worms, interactive and educational mobile exhibits by East Bay Regional Park District. Explore a natural local wonder with a San Ramon Creek Walk by Friends of the San Ramon Creek. For more information, contact Clean Water Program Coordinator Chris McCann at cmccann@danville.ca.gov.

April 13 Bras For The Cause -14th Annual Breast Cancer Walk 5pm. Come and join the volunteers and supporters of Tri-Valley Socks, Livermore, CA., for a fun and memorable walk that takes place on Saturday, April 13, 2019, (starting at 5 pm) in downtown Pleasanton, CA. This unique, high-spirited, 8k (-5 mile), evening stroll has raised 1.7 million dollars in the last 13 years of this non-profit organization’s history. 100% of all the monies raised goes to local breast cancer beneficiaries and local programs.

April 18 Forum Addressing Healthcare in California 7pm. The Mt. Diablo Peace and Justice Center is joining with Lamorinda Peace and Justice Group, Health Care for All - Contra Costa County, Business Alliance for a Healthy California, and the League of Women Voters Diablo. Presentation of a 38 minute documentary film Fixit, Healthcare at the Tipping Point, an in-depth look at our dysfunctional health care system. The panel will include Mary Boegel, MD, Dan Geiger, MBA. and Pat Snyder, RN, PhD. This event takes place at the Center (1035 Carol Lane Lafayette, sanctuary of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church). It is FREE but an RSVP is requested (www.ourpeacecenter.org).

April 20 Annual Easter Egg Hunt in Alamo’s Livorna Park 9 -11am. Hosted by Alamo Rotary, this event takes place at Livorna Park in Alamo. Children will search for plastic eggs stuffed with various goodies. The Easter Egg Hunt is a tremendous undertaking by the members of Rotary. For example, several thousand eggs are used and it takes over 8 hours to stuff them all. It should be noted that the hunt is usually over in about 5 minutes. Parents should allow plenty of time to attend this event. The actual start time is 10:00 AM sharp but arrive early. For more information visit www.alamorotary.org April 20 Danville’s Annual Eggstravaganza 9am-1:30pm. Several sessions and time slots for age groups to give equal opportunities for the little ones. In addition to the Egg Hunt, there will be festivities, Arts and Crafts, face painting, photo opportunities with the Spring Bunny and more. Danville Residents can find details and registration information on page 26 of their Spring Activity Guide.

Pre-Registration required. Danville Community Center, 420 Front Street, Danville For more information call (925) 314-3400 April 23 Special Town Hall Series “A Conversation on Race” 6:30-8pm. Hosted by Congressman Mark Desaulnier with Special Guest Congresswoman Karen Bass (CA 37), Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and first African American woman to be Speaker of the California Assembly. This will be held at Diablo Valley College Cafeteria, 321 Golf Club Rd., Pleasant hill 94523. RSVP at https:// desaulnier.house.gov/town-hall-rsvp.

April 27 San Ramon Historic Foundation Sheep Shearing Day 11am-3pm. Join us for a fun filled day on the oldest homestead in San Ramon open to the public. Sheep will receive their annual haircut and provide an opportunity for us to demonstrate how sheep are sheared.

You will see how their wool is removed; cleaned and spun into yarn all while the sheep dogs are herding the next sheep in line to get their haircut. Face painting, Food, Crafts, Music, Wool spinning demos, and much more! Order Early Bird Tickets at SRHF.org. Early Bird (before April 14) $7 Adult, or at the gate, $10 Adult; $3 Children (3-12) or at he gate, $5 (under 3 free). Forest Home Farm, 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon.

April 27 Exchange Club Child Abuse Prevention Day Event 10am-12pm. is Saturday April 27 at north end of Lunardis parking lot in Danville, offering literature on Child Safety and Abuse Prevention.

Free pony rides, L’il Reds Barnyard Petting Zoo, Jungle James Reptile Petting Zoo, police fingerprinting for kids, and Fire Engine. Contact: Karen Stepper, at 925-998-8865, coachstepper@yahoo.com.

April 27 2019 Lazarex IMPACT 5.44K This is a family friendly event. This is a fundraising activity (walk, run cycle, swim, etc.) that you can do anywhere, in your hometown. It’s an easy way to raise funds for an amazing charity and be active in your hometown. Just register, complete a distance of 5.44K (3.38 miles) and share and tag your photos #Lazarex544K. Your participation will raise

funds for the programs and patients of Lazarex Cancer Foundation.

If you join us: We’ll complete a distance of 5.44K (3.38 miles) in the town of Danville. Check In 7:30am Start 9:00am Finish 11:00am Start & Finish: 50 Oak Court, Danville, CA 94526 For more information call Lazerex at (925) 820-4517.

May 2 GFWC Danville Women’s Club 23rdannual fashion show : Icing on the Cake 11am-2pm. Come join the fun in the Blackhawk Country Club Ballroom (599 Blackhawk Club Drive in Blackhawk) Your check for $55 should be made payable to GFWC Danville Women’s Club and mailed to Fashion Show, P. O. Box 564, Danville, CA 94526. All RSVPs required

by April 18. For more information call Lori at (925) 922-3210 or email dwcfashionshow@gmail.com. Proceeds benefit Hospice East Bay, and other charities.

ONGOING Collections for Men and Women in the War Zone Gourmet Junk Food: First Friday of the month at CVS in Alamo; Second Friday of the month at Lunardi’s in Danville; List of acceptable items available during collection times. Hours 11:30 to 1:30 Delta Nu Psi Special Services for Children with Cancer and Their Families Cancer Support Community offers short-term counseling (12 to 20 sessions) at no cost to children with cancer and their families. Counseling can be for the family, siblings, and/or kids coping with cancer.

Counseling is provided by doctoral interns or post doctoral fellows under the supervision of our clinical psychologists. To request this service, please call us at 925-933-0107 and ask to speak with our program director, Margaret Stauffer, LMFT. Hope Hospice seeking volunteers Hope Hospice is currently looking for individuals who are interested in volunteering to assist hospice patients and their families. Volunteer opportunities include; Home Care; Cosmetology; Healing Touch; Reiki; Massage Therapy; Vocalists. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, contact Jill Biggs, RN, at 925-829-8770.

Volunteers Needed: Read to Preschoolers Volunteers are needed at childcare centers in Concord, Pittsburg, and West County. The Contra Costa County Library will supply books and resources. For more information, please contact Maureen Kilmurray at 925-927-3288.

Sneaker Trips: The Town of Danville’s Senior Sneakers program is a great way for you to make new friends and get out and around the greater Bay Area. There’s always something new to see and learn.

The Danville Area Senior Hikes (DASH) is open to all adults and meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month. The group starts at 8:45am at Osage Park, 816 Brookside Drive, Danville and returns about 1pm. Information: 925-314-3400 or visit www.ci.danville.ca.us/Recreation/Seniors/ Senior_Hiking.

San Ramon Seniors The following events are held at the Alcosta Senior & Community Center, 9300 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon, unless otherwise noted. For more information call 925-973-3250 or visit www.sanramon.ca.gov/ parks/programs/ages55+.htm.

Wisdom Wednesdays: 10:30am-12pm. Free workshops and informational sessions that will benefit you. They will give you free access to coffee, knowledge and a better understanding of important issues. Information: 925-973-3250.

Trips Trip Desk is open Tuesdays from 10am-1pm. Sign up for trips at the travel desk or by depositing payment with registration form in the gold drop box found at the main entryway. Information: 925-973-3250.

Wednesday Morning Hikes (time and location varies) Join the San Ramon Trailblazers if you are interested in meeting new people, enjoying the outdoors, having fun and getting in shape. To find out the exact meeting location, please call the Senior Center at 925-973-3250 or email trailblazer88@comcast.net.

Page Turners Senior Book Group Third Tuesday of the month 1:30pm. Drop in–all are welcome! Copies of this month’s book are on reserve for you at the Dougherty Station Library Front Desk. Book group meets at Alcosta Senior and Community Center, 9300 Alcosta Blvd. Information: Carol Yuke, Adult Services Librarian. 925-973-2850.

BUSINESS

Alamo Farmer’s Market Every Sunday, Year round 9am-2pm, rain or shine. Fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables, nuts, local honey, live music, delicious varieties of hummus with fresh pita and pita chips. Located in the Alamo Plaza Shopping Center, at Stone Valley Road and Danville Blvd., with convenient parking.

Notice: The Danville Area Chamber of Commerce helps businesses improve digital footprint In partnership with The Economic Development Committee and the Town of Danville, it is our goal to help every business in the Danville Area to improve their digital footprint and customer outreach. This is a service and resource that we are offering for FREE to both members and non-members, so book your appointment today and bring your neighbor with you! Contact me, Zae Perrin: (925) 837-4400 or email: ceo@danvilleareachamber.com

Danville Farmer’s Market Every Saturday, Year-round 9am-1pm. Get the freshest seasonal fare at the Danville Certified Farmers’ Market. Railroad & Prospect Avenue, Danville. Information: www.ci.danville.ca.us. (You can make donations of fresh vegetables and fruit for our local food pantries at the Loaves & Fishes Booth at the Danville Farmers Market.)

April 11 Danville Area Chamber Networking Mixer 5:30-7pm. Join us for another engaging Networking Mixer as we March into Spring! Thank you to our host, The Museum of the San Ramon Valley for hosting this special networking event. Taking place at 205 Railroad Avenue, Danville. For more information call the Chamber at (925) 837-4400. Members $5.

San Ramon Farmers Market Every Saturday & Thursday Year-round Buy fresh, seasonal produce directly from local farmers at San Ramon Farmers Market. www.SanRamonFarmersMarket.org. Bishop Ranch 3, 2641 Camino Ramon, San Ramon.

April 12 Small Business Council Workshop 7:45-9am. The Danville Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to sponsor the Small Business Council. The Small Business Council delivers a Free Business Workshop on the 2nd Friday of every month.

The theme of each workshop varies each month. Veterans Memorial Hall, 400 Hartz Ave., Danville. For more information call the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce at (925) 837-4400.

Canine Companions for Independence Puppy Class Every Saturday 10-11am. Become a puppy raiser! The East Bay Miracles Chapter invites you to help train puppies to become assistant dogs for children and adults with disabilities. Athenian High School, 2100 Mt. Diablo Scenic Blvd., Danville. Information: 925-838-3213, cci.org/eastbaychapter Forest Home Farms Historic Park & Glass House Museum–open for Fun on the Farm Every Saturday 11am-2pm. Enjoy tours of the Glass House Museum, the farm and its history. Tours are $5 per person, or $8 for both tours on the same day. 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon. Information: 925973-3284 or visit www.sanramon.ca.gov.

Saturday without Reservations at the Tao House Every Saturday 10am, 12pm, and 2pm. Come explore this National Historic Site in Danville. Catch the shuttle at the bus stop in front of the Museum of the San Ramon Valley, 205 Railroad Ave. www.EugeneOneill.org SENIORS Danville Seniors Unless otherwise noted, the following activities are held at the Danville Senior Center, Veterans Memorial Building, 115 E. Prospect, Danville.

For more information call 925-314-3490 or visit www.ci.danville.ca.us/ Recreation/Seniors.

April 18 San Ramon Chamber of Commerce Third Thursday Mixer 5:30-7:30pm. Come out and network with other business owners.

The Third Thursday Mixer will happen at the Blackhawk Museum.

Refreshments by Scott’s Catering, located at 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville 94506. For more information call Kathy Fanning at (925) 242-0600. Pricing: $5 for Members and $20 for Non-Members.

No RSVP Required. Checks and cash only.

April 25 Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce BASH 5:30-7:30pm. Our April BASH is hosted by Rotary Club of Walnut Creek at The Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Dr. in Walnut Creek Our hosts have a wonderful BASH planned! This event is FREE to all Walnut Creek Chamber Members; please remember to bring your business card. Non-member admission is $20.00 [cash only] and a business card.

BNI Every Thursday Noon-1:30pm. We are actively looking for new members to refer business to in the trades. We need a plumber, electrician, handyman and cleaning service but are also looking for other professions like property manager, event planner and many others. Mo Mo’s Restaurant, 1444 North California Blvd., Walnut Creek. 925-330-8275 or david@staff.webquarry.com

Please email your calendar events to the Sentinel at Info@valleysentinel.com by 5pm on the 20th of the month preceding publication month.

Inclusion in the calendar pages is at the sole discretion of Sentinel Newspapers, Inc.

valleysentinel.com

April 2019

THE VALLEY SENTINEL

Community Calendar continued from page 12

BBR-Partners for Success 1st and 3rd Tuesdays 12-1pm. One of the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce’s successful Business by Referral groups, Partners for Success meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month to provide concrete business leads to one another.

Chamber Conference Room, 117 E Town & Country Drive, Danville. www. danvilleareachamber.com BBR-Sunrise Alliance 2nd and 4th Wednesdays 7:30-8:30am. One of the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce’s successful Business by Referral groups, Sunrise Alliance meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month to provide concrete business leads to one another.

Chamber Conference Room, 117 E Town & Country Drive. Danville. www. danvilleareachamber.com CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS April 12 California Writers Club: Scene Making: The Essence of Storytelling 11am-2pm Featuring Elizabeth Stark: “Scenemaking”, at the next luncheon meeting of the Mt. Diablo Branch of the California Writers Club (CWC) at Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant, 611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. Sign-in is from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, luncheon 12:00 pm to 12:45, including a short business meeting, and speaker from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

Registration is $25 for CWC members, $30 for guests. Reservations at https:// cwcmtdiablo.org/current-cwc-mt-diablomeeting/.

Alamo Danville Newcomers Club 10am-Noon Are you a new resident of Danville, Blackhawk, Diablo or Alamo, a longtime resident, newly retired or empty nester interested in making new friends and participating in various social activities? The Alamo Danville Newcomers Club is a women’s organization, whose purpose is to enrich the lives of all its members and their families in a sociable manner. The next “Welcome Coffee” will be held on April 12 from 10:00 AM to Noon. RSVP to alamodanvillenewcomers@gmail.com. Visit www. alamodanvillenewcomers.com Danville Veteran Service Organizations 8am-11am Every Saturday at Veterans Memorial Building of San Ramon Valley – in Danville – the VSOs jointly host a “Veterans Coffee Social” from 8AM until 11AM… Bring a friend or fellow Veteran and show them the museum - share some social time. Drop In - no reservations – all Veterans welcome… stop for a few minutes - or stay for hours! WW II Vet & Senior Docent Art Gaskns has pastries waiting for you! Please share information about our VMB /SRV Military Museum & Library open daily M-F from 9-3 and it’s free!

Tri-Valley Fly Fishers Visitors welcome. Meetings feature speakers who share their knowledge of the sport. Held at 7:00 PM on the first Thursday of every month, September through June at the Livermore-Pleasanton Rod and Gun Club, 4000 Dagnino Road, Livermore, CA 94551. Information: email Roger Perry at President@ Tri-valleyflyfishers.org Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Advances equity for women and girls.

AAUW membership is open to all graduates of accredited four year colleges or universities and those holding an Associate Degree. For information contact Soni at 286-1737 for details. Visit daw-ca. aauw.net for meeting dates.

Cancer workshops and support groups-Ongoing Most are FREE. Cancer Support Community, 3276 McNutt Avenue, Walnut Creek. Information / reservations call 925-933-0107 or visit www.cancersupportcommunity.net.

Fibro? CFIDS? Chronic Pain?

If these are familiar to you, call about the San Ramon Valley support group for people who need support, information,

classes and friendship from people who know what it’s like. We like to laugh while getting well. Call 925-837-0510.

Hope Hospice Grief Support Groups– Ongoing Hope Hospice provides support to help you understand and manage grief in a way that is healthy and appropriate. Our Grief Support Center is available to all community members at minimal or no cost. Information: visit www.HopeHospice.com or call 925-829-8770.

Hospice of the East Bay Support groups and workshops for adults, children and teens experiencing grief after the death of a loved one.

Classes will be offered at Hospice’s Administrative Offices: 3470 Buskirk Avenue; Pleasant Hill and the Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation: 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek. Preregistration is required for all groups and classes, except our drop-in group. To register, please call Hospice of the East Bay: (925) 887-5681. Information: www. hospiceeastbay.org RECURRING Mondays: The Walnut Creek Garden Club 9:45am April 8: The Walnut Creek Garden Club meets on the second Monday of each month at The Gardens at Heather Farm Camellia Room. Presenting “Butterflies in Your Garden”: Jim Spinello has raised butterflies since grade school. He will demonstrate how to raise the different species in our own gardens. The center is just off Ygnacio Valley Road at 1540 Marchbanks Drive. Call 925947-1678 for directions. The business meeting is at 9:45am, socializing time is at 10am, and the program is at 11am. Contact mslittle44@gmail.com for more information.

Sons In Retirement (Las Trampas Branch) Monthly Luncheon 11:15am. Meets the third Monday of each month, except for May and December. Make new friends and participate in fun activities. Make $25 luncheon reservations by calling 925-322-1160 by the preceding Wednesday. Boundary Oak, 3800 Valley Vista Road, Walnut Creek.

Information: visit www.branch116.org.

Danville Rotary 12pm. Meets every Monday. Black Bear Diner, 807 Camino Ramon, Danville.

Information: danvillerotary.org.

San Ramon Alzheimer Support Group 7-9pm. Meets the second Monday of each month, except on holidays. Sponsored by the Alzheimer Association.

Caregivers of Alzheimer victims can get information on how to help them through this difficult time in life. San Ramon Senior & Community Center, 9300 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon. Information: 925-973-3250 Tuesdays: TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) We meet every Tuesday at St. Timothy’s Office Building, Grace House, Basement 1550 Diablo Rd. Danville CA Our hours: Weigh in 8:30 - 9:30am, meeting is 9:30 - 10:30am. We are a weight loss club. Information, please call Mary Stoneburner, at (925) 837-1882 Danville am Toastmasters 7-8:30am. Want to improve your speaking and presentation skills? Toastmasters can help! Meets every Tuesday in downtown Danville. www.4143.toastmastersclubs.org Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary 7am. Meets every Tuesday morning.

Crow Canyon Country Club, Danville.

Information: dsvrotary.com.

Diablo View Toastmasters 8:30-9:30am. Meets every Tuesday on the first floor at Realty One, 2355 San Ramon Valley Blvd., Danville. Information: 4160.toastmastersclubs.org.

San Ramon Valley Geneological Society 10am. Meets every third Tuesday at the LDS Church, 2949 Stone Valley Road, Alamo. http://srvgensoc.org

Walnut Creek Rotary 12:15-1:30pm. Meets every Tuesday.

Heather Farms Garden Center, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: rotarywc.org.

ARF Pet Loss Support Group 5:30-7pm. Meets second Tuesday of every month. Register with Vicki at 925887-5681 or vickis@hospiceeastbay. org. ARF, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: arf.net.

Divorced and Separated Workshop 7- 8:30pm. A new workshop series for divorced and separated people is being held on at St. Joan of Arc Parish, 2601 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon.

Contact: Sue at smc9@sbcglobal.net.

925 -819-1809.

Prostate Cancer Group 7:30–9pm. Meets 2nd Tuesday of the month. Drop-in prostate cancer group for men and their loved ones. San Ramon Regional Medical Center, South Building, West Day Room. 6001 Norris Canyon Road, San Ramon. Information: 925.933.0107 or www.twc-bayarea.org/ community-programs.html.

Wednesdays: Danville Tennis Club (DTC) 6:30-9 PM Wednesday Night DropIn Tennis at San Ramon Valley High School, 501 Danville Blvd., for men and women of 4.0 level or above (and strong 3.5). Also have USTA teams and social events. Join free at https:// groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/danvilletennisclub/info Walnut Creek Toastmasters 7-8:15pm. Meets every Wednesday.

1660 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill. Information: walnutcreek.freetoasthost.net Sons in Retirement (San Ramon Valley chapter) Monthly Luncheon 10:30am; Social Hour, 11:35am meeting and lunch. Meets the 3rd Wed. of each month. Reservations, please email us at www.info@sir128.com by Friday prior to the luncheon. Bridges Golf Club, 9000 S. Gale Ridge Rd., San Ramon.

Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley 12pm. Meets the second Wednesday of every month. Sign-in and social time begins at 11:30. Guests are welcome with lunch reservations. Faz Restaurant, 600 Hartz Ave., Danville. RSVP 925-2752412. Info: www.srvexchangeclub.org Alamo Rotary 12:15pm. Meets every Wednesday.

Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Dr., Danville. Info: alamorotary.org.

Walnut Creek Host Lion’s Club 12:15pm. Meets the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Black Bear Diner, 700 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek. Information: walnutcreeklions. org.

Danville Lions Club 6:30pm. Meets the first and third Wednesday at the Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Dr., Danville.

Information: Truman Howard 925-7872565 truman.howard@gmail.com San Ramon Valley Rotary 7pm. Meets every Wednesday. Blackhawk Country Club, 599 Blackhawk Club Drive, Danville. Info: sanramonvalleyrotary.com.

Blue Star Moms 7-9pm. Meets the second Wednesday of every month to participate in service activities supporting sons/daughters serving in the military. Danville Veterans Memorial Building, 400 Hartz Ave. Information: bluestarmoms.org.

Diablo Valley Quilters 7-9pm. Meets the third Wednesday of every month. No charge for guests.

Danville Congregational Church, 989 San Ramon Valley Blvd., Danville.

Information: diablovalleyquilters.com.

Veterans of Foreign Wars 7pm. Meets the third Wednesday of every month. Veterans Memorial Hall, 400 Hartz Avenue, Danville. Information: Post Commander Ernie Petagara at 925-362-9806 or vfwpost75.org.

Diablo Singles Dance Club 7-10pm. Meets the last Wednesday of every month. Live music, refreshments. Members $8, Guests $12. All welcome. 111N. Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek.

Danville Toastmasters Club #1785 7:30-9pm. Meets every Wednesday. Room W204 at Diablo Valley College,1690 Watermill Road, San Ramon. Information: danvilletoastmasters1785.com.

Thursdays: Danville Alamo Garden Club Meets on the 2nd Thursday of the months between September and June starting at 9:15 am at the Alamo Women’s Club 1401 Danville Blvd, Alamo. If you have any questions, contact Susan at membershipvp@dagc. us or go to our website: www.dagc.us.

The Danville Women’s Club April 18 11:30am. Please join the GFWC Danville Women’s Club at 242 W. Linda Mesa Ave., Danville, for our monthly luncheon and to hear our speaker, Sonia Lo, CEO of Crop One Holdings, discuss “urban farming and its role in conservation.” Reservations required.

Contact Marijke at (925) 997-2197 to make your reservation. Lunch is free for first-timers, $8 for others. 11 a.m.: socializing; 11:30: speaker; 12:00 lunch; 12:45 business meeting. You’re welcome to stay for our meeting to learn more about us.

San Ramon Valley Newcomers 11:30am-2pm. Meets the third Thursday of every month with a featured guest speaker at a local Tri-Valley restaurant. New and long-time adult residents are welcome. Reservations/ information: susansgotbling@sbcglobal.net or www.srvnc.com.

Rotary Club of San Ramon 11:45am. Meets every Thursday. Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville. Information: sanramonrotary.org.

San Ramon Valley Kiwanis Club Thursdays at Noon. Black Bear Diner, 807 Camino Ramon, Danville. www. kiwanis-srv.org Clutterers Anonymous 7-8pm. Meets the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month. St. Luke’s Lutheran Church Room 3, 2491 San Miguel Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: 925-736-8627.

Diablo Valley Lions Club 7:30pm. Meets the 1st, 3rd, and 4th Thursday of every month. 1400 Montego Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: diablovalleyca.lionwap.org.

page 13

Fridays: Montelindo Garden Club (third Friday of every month, September through May) at 9 am, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 66 St. Stephens Drive, Orinda, CA. Everyone is welcome. Questions? Contact wconstantine@comcast. net. Or call 925-284-8193.

Transitions-“Navigating Life’s Turning Points Together” 9-11:30am. Our mission is to encourage and support women from empty nest, to aging parents and everything in between.

Community Presbyterian Church, Room 116, 222 W. El Pintado Rd., Danville.

Information: Contact Donna Hill at hillmom3@comcast.net Saturdays: Diablo Region of the Porsche Club of America 7:30-9am. Meets every Saturday. Buttercup Bar and Grill, 660 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. Information: diablo-pca.org.

Parkinson’s Disease Support Group 9am-12pm. Meets every 3rd Saturday.

Join us to share, laugh, and learn from each other. Grace Presbyterian Church, 2100 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek.

Contact Gregg Riehl at 925-254-8349 or jgriehl@gmail.com. Free. All are welcome. Information: Howard Zalkin at 9394210 or Ronnie Wanetick at 933-6357.

Classifieds HELP WANTED Sales Executive: Sentinel Newspapers, Inc. has an immediate opening for an advertising sales person for the Valley Sentinel. Sales territory includes Danville, Alamo, San Ramon, and Walnut Creek.

Sales experience helpful. Will train the right person. Must have an outgoing personality and a positive attitude. This is a commission-only position. Local Central Contra Costa residents only need apply.

Please email your resume and request for interview to us at drousset@valleysentinel.com.

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page 14

THE VALLEY SENTINEL

AUTO March 2009 April 2019

2019 Jaguar I-PACE EV400 HSE

By David and Judy Colman

When you mat the throttle in this Jag, you forget about range anxiety. You forget about being green and saving the planet from fossil burners. In fact, you forget about pretty much everything but keeping the indecently fast I-Pace pointed in the right direction, because things happen right quick inside this cockpit.

0 - 6 0 m p h t a ke s j u s t 4 . 5 seconds. The electric Jag is an absolute bomb on a backroad, a blast to drive. Even with optional 22 inch rims, it still generates tons of suspension travel. Ultra-quick steering reflexes, great tire grip and an explosive pair of electric motors will rocket you past slower traffic in an eye blink.

And if you’re lucky enough to be the commander of an I-pace, all traffic is slower.

Base price on this beauty starts at $80,500. Our Indus Silver test sample carried enough pricey options to boost the final sticker to $93,630.

Chief among those additions was $4,390 for the Carbon

Fiber Exterior Pack. If you love the lustrous beauty of carbon fiber’s clear coated weave, you will definitely want to check this box on your order form. The “pack” consists of thin CF trim strips running the width of the front and rear fascias, sizeable side panels emblazoned with “Jaguar” notations, and fat-cased CF side mirror housings. The $1,300 optional “5069 Gloss Black” 22 inch, 5-spoke rims are a sensational bargain at this price, since you would probably spend $1,300 for just one such rim - let alone four - in the aftermarket. These rollers are further enhanced by wide carbon fiber spoke inserts that key perfectly with that optional exterior package.

The cockpit of the I-Pace looks other worldly. Our sample featured “Dapple Grey Premium Textile Seats,” a no-cost choice that lends the interior a subdued and businesslike charm. The grippy, denim-like textile material Jaguar has chosen perfectly complements the $575 Indus

Grey exterior paint. Further lavish carbon fiber application keynotes the interior, with upper dashboard panels, and front door cards done in the material. The steering wheels rim is covered with tactile grey suede cloth as is the top of the instrument binnacle. An optional $800 “Ebony Suede Cloth Headliner” completes the interior’s optional refinement.

The I-Pace roof is almost completely made of dark tinted glass which bathes the interior in subtle light, albeit at the cost of a fishbowl like transparency.

Those massive alloy rims carry 255/40R22 Pirelli P Zero tires which have a treadwear rating of TW 280 and a Traction Rating of AA. Their inherent stickiness produces a ton of cornering grip but the low TW number suggests that replacement will come sooner rather than later unless you drive very sedately. However, sedate is not really an option of choice with this Jag, because it is constantly beckoning you to mash the throttle, twitch the steering wheel, and hang

on as the superlative chassis dispatches straights and curves alike in an instant.

To c o n f i r m t h e ra c e potential of the I-Pace, Jaguar has taken the giant step of establishing a worldwide match race series for these electric powered dynamos.

The Jaguar “I-PACE eTROPHY” is the world’s first series for battery powered electric production cars. A starting field of 20 I-Pace entries, lightly modified for racing, will contest the year-long series. The I-Pace eTROPHY serves as a preliminary event for the Formula E race series, where Jaguar already competes against other major auto manufacturers. At a recent I-Pace round held in Mexico City, Mexico, a finely tuned pair of I-Pace Jags - fielded by Indy 500 winner Bobby Rahal - finished first and second with Katherine Legge taking the win from Rahal teammate Bryan Sellers.

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valleysentinel.com experience of a lifetime with the new 5 seat I-Pace. Back when we owned 2 different XK-Es in the 1960s, we always called them “E Types.” Those incredible sports cars were as revolutionary in their day as the I-Pace is today. In fact, let’s go so far as to call this newest member of the Jaguar family the “E Type” for a new century.

But in today’s disruptively brave new world, the “E” in E Type stands for Electric.

201 9 J AG UA R I - PAC E EV400 HSE MOTORS: 2 Permanent Magnet Synchronous AC H O R S E P OW E R : E a c h Motor 197hp, Total Combined 394hp TORQUE: Each Motor 256lb.-ft., Total Combined 512lb.-ft.

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valleysentinel.com

April 2019

THE VALLEY SENTINEL

page 15

First Hope: At the Forefront of Psychosis Intervention

By Candace Andersen. Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors

Contra Costa County’s Mental Health Services works with many partners to provide a wide range of programs to those in need. One of our most vulnerable populations is our youth. This year 165 young people in Contra Costa County will experience their first psychotic episode. The risk of developing a major mental illness, however, can be dramatically reduced by early intervention. Concordbased First Hope is devoted to better serving those in the County who are at risk and showing early signs of psychosis, as well as helping their families.

Founded in 2012, First Hope is an innovative psychosis intervention program devoted to reducing the incidence and disability of psychotic illnesses and secondary disability of those developing a psychotic disorder. It serves Contra Costa County adolescents and young adults (ages 12 to 30), in both the Clinical High Risk (CHR) and First Episode Psychosis (FEP) phases. The program is funded by the Mental Health Services Act dollars received by Contra Costa County.

First Hope provides psychosocial intervention, supported education and employment, case management services and targeted medications, with the goals of early diagnosis, treatment, and disability prevention. Early diagnosis, according to First Hope, is crucial, as the average duration of untreated psychosis in the United States is one and a half years. Apart from timely recognition, First Hope also works toward rapid engagement services so that patients are put in the best position to experience progress in school, work, and the development of social relationships. Community outreach is another priority of First Hope, which outlines their goal of identifying all young people in the County who meet the criteria to qualify for the program.

Understanding psychosis, according to the staff at First

Hope, is difficult for many, as the disorder is consumed by an overwhelming stigma and series of myths. As a result people often go underserved and even untreated. One of the most important things we can continue to do is destigmatize mental illness.

It should be treated just as we treat any other disease or illness, providing the best treatment available.

Psychosis is a symptom describing the distortion or loss of contact with reality, while hallucinations and delusions frequently accompany the disorder. Prepsychotic break symptoms include feelings of being watched, fear, depression, anxiety, perceptual changes, and hearing voices, among many others.

C a u s e s o f p syc h o s i s va r y, t h o u g h s u b s t a n c e intoxication or withdrawal, negative effects of prescribed medications, metabolic abnormalities, infection and sleep deprivation are among many of the factors. Many of these suspected causes, however, are considered short-lived and subside with proper treatment.

The disorder, however, can bring forth even more debilitating outcomes.

Psychotic disorders, which are brain-based mental illnesses, occur with repeated episodes of psychosis or reoccurring psychotic disorders, such as Schizophrenia. In fact, 35% of young people with the Clinical High Risk syndrome develop a psychotic disorder such as Schizophrenia over the next two years, according to studies.

To prevent the onset of a psychotic disorder, First Hope is equipped with a talented staff comprised of psychiatrists, psychologists, marriage & family therapists, social workers, occupational therapists, and employment & e d u c a t i o n s p e c i a l i s t s, known as the First Hope multidisciplinary team (MDT). For the skilled staff at First Hope, determining if a young adult is high risk, they must first conduct an assessment to determine whether the individual is at risk for developing psychosis, if they are suited for their program, and if a referral to another is necessary. If further evaluation is needed, the individual will undergo a Structured Interview for Psychosis Risk Syndrome (SIPS) Assessment, a one to two hour interview that

assesses the presence of symptoms indicating that the young person is “at-risk.”

If determined to be atrisk, the individual and their family are accepted into the program, and are assigned a primary clinician.

These multi-family groups, according to First Hope, are at the very core of the program, as they benefit not only the family’s well-being, but also the individual’s ability to perform at school and work. Since early recognition is so important for treatment of psychotic disorders, First Hope builds on the resiliency, courage, and talents of people whose uniqueness might otherwise be overshadowed by mental illness. Incorporating the involvement of a patient’s family is also crucial for s u c c e s s a t F i r s t H o p e.

Program staff work closely with the client and their family to educate them on the effects of CHR symptoms, and provide an array of treatment options.

First Hope is what is known as a “Portland

Intervention and Early Re f e r r a l ( P I E R ) M o d e l ” program, supported by the PIER Institute at the University of Maine. To meet the criteria for the First Hope program, individuals must be between the ages of 12 and 25, be a Contra Costa County resident, and show early warning signs before a first episode of psychosis.

Eligibility for services are determined following a clinical assessment.

Along with being the only outpatient treatment program like this in the County, First Hope is also unique in that it serves everyone, regardless of insurance status, and despite full capacity, has yet to turn anyone away.

First Hope urges all interested to contact their office at 925-681-4450, to discuss potential patients or clients, ask general questions about their program, or to arrange for a training session for you, your colleagues, and staff.

For more information about Contra Costa County’s many Behavioral and M e n t a l H e a l t h p ro g ra m s

and partnerships, please go to cchealth.org. Another valuable resource to help navigate the mental health system is our local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). At namicontracosta.org you will find many resources to help families, including times of their weekly “Mental Health Crash Course.”

My office is here to serve the residents of Contra Costa County District 2, which includes San Ramon, Danville, Alamo, Walnut Creek, Saranap, Parkmead, Lafayette, Moraga, Canyon and Orinda. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if we can provide you with additional information on this topic or on other County issues. I can be reached at SupervisorAndersen@bos. cccounty.us or 925-957-8860.

Danville Oaks Rugby Teams Win NorCal Championships up a Championship game O n S a t u r d a y, M a r c h 16th, the Danville Oaks entered three teams into the Rugby NorCal Middle School Championships. One team in the Premier Open Division and two teams in the Light (<138 lbs) Division. In the Premier Division the Oaks were coming in as the defending Champions and knew everybody was gunning for them. They opened up against Placer Rugby who had gone undefeated in the Sacramento division. Down

10-12 at halftime, the Oaks rallied to win 22-12 with tries scored by Nico Jimenez, Ethan Younger, Caleb Padrid, and Diesel Pribble, plus a conversion kick by Tucker Barth. Next up was the always tough San Mateo Wolverines, best team in the South Bay. Again the Oaks prevailed, winning 26-10, with scores

by Tommy Rainsford, Nico J i m e n e z , C a l e b Pa d r i d , and Brody Bartusch. Three successful conversion kicks from Tucker Barth. This set

Lights Division: Front row (left to right): Colton Brown, Barry Winters, Hugh Jones, Declan Postin, Mana Tuioti, Alejandro Diaz. Back row (left to right): Cole Kemper, JP Dempster, Coach Bordalo, Brock SAcanlan, Jami Shi, Chance Frost, Barrett Walker, Coach Postin, Christian Bordalo, Coach Ryan, Makai Vierra, Coach Leitch, Jake Ryan.

(See page 1 for additional photo.)

against Marin Highlander who had not been scored on all day. Despite being down two of their fastest players, the Oaks rallied with a true team effort and defeated Marin 48-0. Stand out performance by Brody Batusch (3 tries). Additional scoring by Caleb Padrid (2 tries), Teitum Tuioti, Nabi Wahab, and Eddie Molina.

Successful conversion kicks

by Tucker Barth (2), Ethan Younger, and Gregory Leitch.

In the Light Division, the Oaks Light 1 team put on a commanding performance.

First up was a blow out 6112 victory over Land Park (Sacramento). Six players contributed to the score line with tries: Andre Palu (2), Jamie Shi (2), Makai Vierra (2), Brock Scanlan (2), Colton Brown (2), Mana Tuioti. Gregory Leitch also was successful with two conversion kicks. For the Championship game, the Oaks faced the East Palo Alto Razorhawks in a tough final.

Lead by Brock Scanlan’s 2 tries, Colton Brown’s single try, plus 3 for 3 conversion kicking by Gregory Leitch the Danville Oaks won the Light Division Championship 21-7.

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