Regional Parks September-October 2019
Valley
Look inside
t 2019
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Look inside for the latest Regional in Nature Activity Guide!
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ide Ac tivity Gu
Na Regional in Mendez
July – Augus
SEPTEMBE
Photo: Allan
Alamo • Danville • Blackhawk • Diablo • San Ramon
BER R – OCTO
2019
year! end of the through the s, and boat Friday, now horse trailer rsary every ent days. , dog entry, on non-ev our 85th annive ing, fishing Celebrate Historic Farm g, swimm use parkin to Ardenwood • FREE day entrance including launching, fees. include state • Does not
Inside:
11 Parks • page erts in the FREE Conc • page 11 Fish Festival Crab Cove • page 4 ams for Youth 5 Summer Progr rtunities • page Kayaking Oppo ies • page 14 rtunit Volunteer Oppo
200 Miles See page 2
Inside: of Region
page 2 85 Years • to Celebrate Fun Events 2 ors • page 3 Wildlife Warri res • page for Wildfi y • page 3 Staying Ready ful Park Histor – A Power Concord Hills s • page 14 tunitie Oppor Volunteer
al Trails
Above: Regional Park. Concord Hills 3. See story page
always for the community VOL 24 NO 8
Fun Events to Celebrate 85 Years Wildlife Warriors Staying Ready for Wildfires Concord Hills – A Powerful Park History Volunteer Opportunities
August 2019
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Plus many more fun activities for kids and families!
SPOTLIGHT
Kenneth Eugene Behring June 13, 1928 – June 25, 2019 Resident of Blackhawk
Kenneth E. Behring passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on June 25, 2019. He was born on June 13, 1928 to Elmer and Mae Behring and was raised in Monroe, Wisconsin, and attended Monroe High School followed by one semester at the University of Wisconsin.
ECRWSS
Postmaster: Dated Material
PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID DANVILLE, CA PERMIT NO. 70
See BEHRING page 5
Peregrine Falcons at Castle Rock Regional Recreation Area at the base of Mt. Diablo. For more about Castle Rock and about Diablo Foothills Regional Park.please see article on page 6.
Meet the Sagebrush Lizard By James M. Hale
The Sagebrush Lizard (Sceloporus graciosus) is a fairly common species throughout its range in the western United States. Its geographic distribution is centered in the sagebrush ecosystem of Nevada, Utah, and adjoining and nearby states of California, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, South Dakota, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico. Isolated populations are found in North Dakota and Nebraska. These isolated populations most likely became separated due to a geologic or catastrophic event. In the San Francisco Bay Area, the Sagebrush Lizard has isolated, disjunct populations on the peaks of Mount Diablo, Mount Hamilton, Mount Umunhum, Loma Prieta, and Mount Hamilton, all Sacred Peaks of the indigenous local Native Americans. Inland seas at the end of the Pleistocene Epoch extirpated the lowland populations of the
Sagebrush Lizard in the San Francisco Bay Area, leaving their peak-top distribution. Three regional races or subspecies are recognized living at elevations ranging from 500 to 10,500 feet throughout their range. The Sagebrush Lizard is commonly observed in shrub-lands with rock outcrops. It may also be found in coniferous forests, pinyon-juniper woodlands, and other habitats. The total population of Sagebrush Lizards is unknown, however as of 2016, it is estimated to exceed 100,000 individuals. The Sagebrush Lizard, at first glance, appears to look very similar to the Western Fence Lizard, our backyard, bluebelly lizard. Sagebrush Lizards are smaller with finer scales. Adults are brown, gray, or olivecolored on their backs, with a
whitish belly and underside. Their dorsal (back) scales are small, keeled, and spiny. A palecolored dorso-lateral stripe runs down each side. Adult males have a blue patch on each side of the belly, and a blue, gular (throat) patch. Females have smaller, more lightly colored blue patches. Gravid (pregnant) females, breeding males, and some individuals may develop orangish, rusty, or reddish colors
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on their armpits, sides and belly. The Sagebrush Lizard is easily frightened and will immediately seek refuge when alarmed. Rock crevices, rodent burrows, brush piles, and trees are used for escape cover. On rare occasions it will stay still and “play dead”. The Sagebrush See LIZARD page 8
Kids & Teens–Back to School pages 8-9
Senior Services
pages 10-11
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT dining out • music • art • theater • fun events
page 2
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
Chinese on the Railroad and in the Valley Now - September 3 To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the building of the Transcontinental Railroad, the Museum will exhibit Chinese on the Railroad and in the San Ramon Valley in the museum’s waiting room. O ve r 1 2 , 0 0 0 C h i n e s e were employed by Central Pacific to build the railroad from Sacramento over the Sierra Nevada Mountains to Promontory Point, Utah where the train tracks joined the Union Pacific tracks being laid from Omaha, Nebraska. When this herculean effort was completed, this massive work force scattered to find other work. Some Chinese migrated into the Tri-Valley wo r k i n g a s f a r m h a n d s, laundry men, cooks and masons. The Museum will d i s p l ay ra re p h o t o s a n d records of these men who came to California to find gold and discovered work opportunities in the TriValley. This exhibit is in the waiting room at the museum. The Museum of the San Ramon Valley, 205 Railroad Avenue in downtown Danville. Information: Visit museumsrv. org or call 925-837-3750.
Now - September 19 Dogs of Danville: Unleashed! Local Bay Area artists, collaborating with the Town and business community, have created fifteen, completely unique, handpainted dog statues which are “begging” to be admired in front of local downtown businesses as part of Dogs of Danville: Unleashed! T h e Dogs will r e m a i n outdoors in Downtown Danville all within a few blocks radius of each other. Walking tour passports are available at the Village Theatre and Art Gallery and all of the other 15 host sights. Drop off completed passports to the Village Theatre Art Gallery or bring to the closing reception to be entered into a raffle. For more information a b o u t t h i s u n i q u e eve n t please visit www.danville. ca.gov/dogsofdanville.
Dixieland jazz August 17 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
Bautista Ranch is back! They bring their amazing diverse varieties of peppers, heirloom tomatoes, & summer squash. They have been farming the same land in Stockton for over 60 years and a local favorite. Also, its not too late to pick up some blueberries grown by Rainbow Orchards from Apple Hill, CA.
August 2019
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Road, Danville. Information visit www.Jazznut.com or phone 625-2707. A conversation with Irish Playwright Ronan Noone August 24 6pm. Join us for a special opening n i g h t re c e p t i o n with The Second Girl playwright Ronan Noone. Now based in Boston, Noone, the author of nearly a dozen plays, will be joining us to discuss The Second Girl, his creative process and the plight of Irish immigrants. $25 tickets are available at www.villagetheatreshows. com. The event will take place at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley, 205 Railroad Avenue in downtown D a n v i l l e. I n f o r m a t i o n : V i s i t m u s e u m s r v. o r g EugeneOneill.org.or call 925837-3750.
The Second Girl by Ronan Noone (A staged reading) August 24 - 25 Fo r t h o s e w h o l o v e Downton Abbey and Upstairs Downstairs, The Second Girl is not to be missed. Set in the kitchen of the Tyrone family on the same day in 1912 that Long Day’s Journey Into Night takes place, The Second Girl tells the story of the hopes and dreams and the challenges of the Tyrone family’s hired help. Their tale touches on the plight of all immigrants trying to make their way in a new world. $20-$25 tickets are available at www.villagetheatreshows. com. The reading will be held at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley, 205 Railroad Av e n u e i n d o w n t o w n D a n v i l l e. I n f o r m a t i o n : V i s i t m u s e u m s r v. o r g o r EugeneOneill.org. or call 925-837-3750. The Village Theatre Art Gallery Presents: Memory & Imagination August 25 - October 12 The Town of Danville’s Village Theatre Art Gallery
is pleased to present Memory & Imagination, a new exhibit featuring a variety of different works by the practicing artist residents of The Reutlinger Community (TRC). TRC is a senior care center located in Danville. An Opening Reception for the exhibition is set for Sunday, August 25, 2019 from 2 to 4pm. Complimentary refreshments will be served. Fre e. V i l l a g e T h e a t e r & Art Gallery, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: www. villagetheatreshows.com or or 925-314-3400. Center Rep Presents Murder for Two August 30- October 6 Murder for Two is the p e r f e c t b l e n d o f m u s i c, m ay h e m a n d m u rd e r ! 2 performers play 13 roles and 1 grand piano in a witty and winking homage to oldfashioned murder mysteries. The New York Times calls it “INGENIOUS! A snazzy double-act that spins out a comic mystery animated by funny, deftly turned songs. You won’t want to miss this killer musical comedy!” $39– $90. Lesher Center for the A r t s , 1 6 01 C i v i c D r i v e, Walnut Creek. Information: www.lesherartscenter.org or 925-943-SHOW (7469).
Ro l e P l a y e r s E n s e m b l e Presents: The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams August 30 - September 15 In this memory play, narrator Tom Wingfield who is also a character in the play, tells the story from his memories. Set in St. Louis in 1937, Tom works a tiresome job in a shoe warehouse in order to support his mother, A m a n d a , a n d h i s s i s t e r, Laura. Will Laura be able to
overcome her shyness? Will Tom abandon his position as family breadwinner? Can Amanda let go of the past and help her children find their futures? The answers all lie in the conclusion of this classic American drama of a dire family’s challenges and fragility. $25 - $35 Village Theater & Art G a l l e r y, 2 3 3 F r o n t S t . , Danville. Information: www. villagetheatreshows.com or or 925-314-3400.
Relics on Railroad September 2 9am-3pm. This antique and upscale market features many vendor booths offering a wide array of goods from authentic antiques to the interesting and quirky–it’s a true eclectic marketplace. In addition, enjoy the music of the Stony Ridge Blue Grass band. The event is free. If you have an item that you would like to know the value of, an appraisal clinic will be open from 11-2. A donation of $10 per item is requested. Museum of the San Ramon Valley, 205 Railroad Av e n u e i n d o w n t o w n Danville. Information: Visit museumsrv.org or call 925837-3750.
Irish Airs and Arias concert September 5 8pm. Renowned Irish soprano Clodagh Kinsella and her accompanist Keith Stears will present a concert of Irish Airs and Arias. $25. Village Theater & Art G a l l e r y, 2 3 3 F r o n t S t . , Danville. Information: www. villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400. See A & E page 3
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT dining out • music • art • theater • fun events
valleysentinel.com
August 2019
Call for artists underway for new juried exhibit
Long Day’s Journey Into Night September 14 - 29 2pm and 7:30pm. A son’s looming health diagnosis and a mother’s drug addiction hang over the Tyrone family. The four wounded Tyrones confront the powerful and contradictory feelings they have for each other. Long Day’s Journey Into Night is considered the greatest American tragedy ever written. A picnic meal before all performances and will be sold separately for $25 to those purchasing a ticket to the play for $40. National Park Service shuttles at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley at 205 Railroad Avenue in downtown Danville. will pick up picnic guests early at 12:00 pm for matinees and 5:30 pm for evening shows. Information: Visit EugeneONeill.org or VillageTheatreShows.com, or call 925-314-3400.
Enrich Your Life: Volunteer at Bedford Gallery Bedford Gallery, located in the Lesher Center for the Arts, offers enriching, educational volunteer opportunities! By volunteering you can learn about trends in contemporary art, make friends, and contribute to a thriving art scene in your community. Bedford Gallery is currently seeking Guild and Docent volunteers. Guild Members staff the gallery’s f ro n t d e s k a n d we l c o m e in visitors while docents lead school tours of gallery ex h i b i t i o n s a n d p rov i d e hands-on art projects. No prior art knowledge is required. For those interested i n g u i l d vo l u n t e e r i n g , a commitment of 2.5 hour shifts once a month (Tues-Fri 12-2:30 pm or 2:30-5 pm) is requested. Guild members can also assist during receptions
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Art for Everyone…The Affordable Art Show
A&E from page 2
The Bedford Art Gallery presents: Blow Up Now - September 15 In response to the p o p u l a r i t y o f o u r 2 01 5 ex h i b i t i o n B L OW U P I I , Bedford Gallery is excited to present a second exhibition of inflatable art. BLOW UP II explores the imaginative ways that artists use air as a tool for creating largescale sculpture and includes imagery that is figurative and abstract. Accessible, yet rich with meaning, these pieces use perception of space to open a dialogue about pop culture and social norms. BLOW UP II will feature large-scale artworks by a roster of internationally renowned artists not before seen at the Bedford. Bedford Gallery, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Information: www. bedfordgallery.org or 925295-1417.
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
(weekday or weekend). For those interested in docent volunteering, we ask for we e kd ay ava i l a b i l i t y f o r morning or afternoon tours. Volunteers are welcome to join throughout the year. Docent training dates begin this Fall. Fall 2019 Docent Training Dates: Wednesdays 1:00—3:30pm September 18, 25 & October 2, 10, 16 To s i g n u p , c o n t a c t Carmen Kelly at 925-295-1416 or kelly@bedfordgallery.org. Once your inquiry is received, we will contact you to enroll. L e a r n m o re a t w w w. bedfordgallery.org/support/ volunteer . Get information at 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, Tuesday - Sunday, Noon - 5:00 p.m.
Artists are being sought for an upcoming juried exhibit aimed at making art accessible to everyone. The Village Theatre Art Gallery has announced their next exhibit is ‘The Affordable Art Show.’ This first of its kind event will focus on bringing affordable art to the community. All of the artwork in the exhibit will be priced at $199 or less to give members of the community an opportunity to own an original piece. Artists who would like to be involved in the exhibit and have art valued in that price range can submit their work at https:// townofdanville.submittable. com/submit. Deadline to enter is September 27, 2019. Artists will be notified of acceptance into the show by October 4, 2019. Jurors for the exhibition will be a committee of working arts professionals, artists, and Art Gallery staff. An Opening Reception for the exhibit is scheduled for Thursday, October 24, 2019 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Village Theatre Art Gallery, 233 Front St. Complimentary refreshments will be served. All art will
be for sale and the exhibit will run through December 17, 2019. The Village Theatre and Art Gallery is open to visitors Wednesday through Friday 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Monday and
Tuesday by appointment only. The Art Gallery is closed on Sundays. Admission is free. For more information, contact Visual Arts Coordinator Marija Nelson Bleier at (925) 314-3460 or mbleier@danville.ca.gov.
13th Annual
Danville
Relics on Railroad
ANTIQUES & UPCYCLE MARKET SEP 2
LABOR DAY 9-3
205 Railroad Ave., Danville
• Vendor Booths • Authentic Goods • Live Music • Appraisal Clinic 11-2
2019
Presented by
Museum of the San Ramon Valley
Advertise in The Valley Sentinel! Call 925-820-6047 or email info@valleysentinel.com.
2019 wines & steins BITES
VINO BEER
MUSIC
AUGUST 22, 2019 • 6PM
$ 3 5 PRE-SALE $ 4 5 AT THE DOOR $15
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Purchase Tickets at: https://www.wineandsteins.eventbrite.com
More information available at: Danvilleareachamber.com * Danvillelivery.com or call 925-837-4400
*Must be 21 or over to purchase nondesignated driver access
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THE VALLEY SENTINEL August 2019 valleysentinel.com
Searching for Veterans
The Second (Indianhead) Division Association is searching for anyone who served in the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division at any time. For information about the association and our 98th annual reunion in Tucson, Arizona from September 18 - 22, 2019; contact Bob Haynes at 2idahq@comcast.net or call 224-225-1202.
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Alamo News Update Hemme Station Park is Once Again Found to Be Safe By Candace Andersen. Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors
This month Steve has given the podium to Candace Andersen on this important issue. Steve will be back in September’s Sentinel. I’m very happy to announce that Hemme Station Park has once again been proven to be safe. Over the past 10 days, three underground storage tanks located outside the park along Danville Boulevard were found to be empty and intact. Once the tanks were removed, soil testing established that the ground is not contaminated, and no further remediation is needed. For those wishing more i n f o r m a t i o n , t h e re i s a long version gleaned from reports prepared by Nichols Consulting Engineers (NCE) from Sacramento. As stated in my last update, staff and our hired experts identified three underground storage tanks in total, along with various piping – all of which were found to be empty. There was no gasoline or other chemicals inside of them. The three tanks were washed out per environmental health standards, and the wastewater was transported offsite and appropriately disposed of. The public was never at risk from any fumes during this excavation process. Throughout the entirety of this project, there were three air monitors on-site, which at no time registered any dangerous
air quality levels. As a result, we found there to be no risk of toxin exposure and therefore no basis to close the park. All three tanks were subsequently removed, and testing of the soil beneath their location was conducted. Two 1,000-gallon storage tanks had originally stored gasoline (regular and ethyl), and the one 50-gallon tank h a d u n k n ow n c o n t e n t s. The testing was based on state guidelines for gasoline. The fuels, volatile organic compounds, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and metals data set do not suggest a re l e a s e, w h i c h i s a l s o consistent with NCE’s visual, olfactory and field screening tools. Soil samples were tested at BC Laboratories in Bakersfield. The arsenic values for metals related to the tanks, pipes and soil samples ranged from 6.4 mg/ kg to 7.0 mg/kg. Though these numbers exceed the published screening values for residential and commercial uses, they are well within range of normal background concentrations for the Bay Area (around 11 mg/kg is the upper range). Furthermore, lead results ranged from 6.8 to 41 mg/kg and are below the residential screening value of 80 mg/kg. The soil sample that did not have silica gel treatment had total petroleum as hydrocarbons as diesel (TPH-D) at 4.0 milligrams per kilograms (mg/kg), per NCE. The same sample with silica
gel treatment had 3.8 mg/kg, which suggests that the 4.0 mg/kg is diesel vs. natural organics. The residential screening value for diesel range organics is around 100 mg/kg. Testing showed to be well below that value. The same sample was reported to have TPH as oil and grease (TPH O&G) at 55 mg/kg. NCE expects that a probable source of the low concentrations of the heavier hydrocarbons (TPH-D and TPH O&G) is road oil or asphalt, which is not surprising since the excavation was performed at the edge of the road and the stockpiled soil is a mixture of those roadside materials. W h i l e f i n a l n u m b e rs are not yet in, the cost to respond to concerns over park contamination has been over $150,000. San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District, the previous owner of the property, has generously offered to pay for a significant portion of these costs. Since the storage tanks were located outside the park and along the roadway, the removal project has been utilizing Public Works roadway dollars rather than Alamo Parks funding. Once we have the final costs, we will be providing it to the community. It should be noted that the recent removal of these storage tanks would not have been any less expensive had it taken place before the park was developed. They were outside the park, and there was minimal intrusion into park fencing and landscaping.
Community Pianos Make Music Again Pianos installed in three downtown locations Have some musical skills and want to show them off? Just feel like playing chopsticks on a beautiful summer Danville day? Then come downtown and tickle the ivories as the Town of Danville’s community pianos are back! With the success of last year’s community piano program, the Town of Danville decided to add a third piano. The three pianos are placed at the Danville Community Center, 420 Front St, the Danville Senior Center, 115 E. Prospect Ave, and Railroad Plaza (corner of Railroad Avenue and W. Linda Mesa.) I n 201 8 , S a n Ra m o n Valley High School students
L a u r e n To r c h i a n a a n d Katherine Gillen brought the idea of having brightly p a i n t e d p i a n o s a l l ove r Danville for everyone to play to the Recreation, Arts & Community Services Department. Lauren and Katherine invited their friends, Grace McClure a n d Ke l l y A n d e rs o n , t o collaborate on the project. As a result of their hard work, Lauren, Katherine, Grace and Kelly won an Award of Merit at the Town’s 2018 Annual Community Service Awards. When approached about the opportunity to design a third piano, all four of these amazing young women jumped at the chance to bring
more visual and performing arts to their community. The Town of Danville encourages residents to make Danville a more musical place. Come down, play a tune, take a photo or video and post it to Instagram. Be sure to tag the Town at either danvilleparksca, l i ve l o c a l l yd a n v i l l e, o r townofdanvilleca. The pianos will be accessible to the public through Labor Day, September 2, 2019. For more information on the street pianos, contact Cultural Arts and Marketing Supervisor, Jessica Wallner at (925) 314-3426 or jwallner@ danville.ca.gov.
valleysentinel.com BEHRING from page 1
In 1949, Ken started Behring Motors and a career in the automobile dealership business becoming a millionaire by the age of 27. In 1956, he moved his family to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, where he began a career in real estate, launching Behring Construction Company. In 1961, Ken Behring founded the bedroom community of Tamarac, Florida, which today has nearly 80,000 residents. By 1972, Behring had established himself as the largest builder in Florida, and the tenth largest builder in the United States. That same year he moved to the San Francisco Bay area, and would go on to build the golf community, Blackhawk Country Club (where he has resided until his passing) and the community at Canyon Lakes in San Ramon. Ken was an avid S p o r t s m a n w h o e n j oye d hunting and fishing worldwide. Following his passion for football from his youth, in 1988 he purchased the Seattle Seahawks football team in a hand-shake deal and owned the team until 1997.
August 2019 Ken was a dedicated philanthropist. Early in his career, he and his wife, Patricia, founded programs to award outstanding teachers and educators in Florida. In 1988, Behring opened the world-renowned Blackhawk Auto Museum. The Behring family has supported numerous national and global projects including; The renovation of the Smithsonian Institution’s Hall of Mammals and Natural History Museum, The Price of Freedom and American Presidency exhibitions at the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum of American History, and the establishment of the Behring Center, noted at the time as the largest personal gifts ever made to the Smithsonian, for which he received the James Smithson Awa rd . H e re c e i ve d t h e Chancellor’s Citation in 2001 for the Principal Leadership Institute at the University of California, Berkeley, and the Kenneth E. Behring Center of Educational Improvement. In 2000, Behring founded W h e e l c h a i r Fo u n d a t i o n , which has provided 1,100,000 wheelchairs to the disabled and less fortunate in 155 countries worldwide.
He would later establish WaterLeaders to provide clean water in rural areas of the world and Operation Global Vision to perform cataract surgeries in Asia and Mexico. In 2010 he formed Behring Global Educational Foundation as an umbrella organization supporting his, and other, philanthropic projects including National History Day, Global Natural History Day and the International M u s e u m s P ro j e c t w h i c h assists with the building and development of Natural History museums worldwide. L a t e l y, M r. B e h r i n g has dedicated his time to developing new exhibits at Blackhawk Museum in Danville, including The Spirit of the Old West, Art of Africa and The Wonderful World of Nature. Ken is survived by his wife Patricia, sons (Michael), Tom (wife Malissa), David, Jeff (wife Jane) and Scott (wife Jenna). In Lieu of flowers or gifts, please make contributions to either Wheelchair Foundation or the Blackhawk Museum’s Children’s Transportation Fund. www. wheelchairfoundation.org www.blackhawkmuseum.org
September 11, 2001—The Largest FBI Investigation Ever the All Wars Memorial at Oak
The Exchange Club of the San Ramon Valley is proud to present Community Remembrance on September 11, 2019 from 5:30 – 6:30 pm at the All Wars Memorial at Oak Hill Park, 3005 Stone Valley Rd. in Danville, with keynote speaker FBI Special Agent John F. Bennett. Special Agent in Charge of San Francisco Division who, on September 11, 2001, was across from the World Trade Towers in New Jersey. In 2001, “Jack” Bennett, FBI Special Agent, was in the New Jersey FBI building
across from the World Trade Towers. He was immediately involved in investigating the attack on the World Trade Towers that he witnessed firsthand. His immersion in interviewing the survivors to find clues to the terrorists brought forth intense m e m o r i e s t h a t w i l l s t ay with him forever. He and his family have since returned to the Bay Area when he was appointed head of the region in SanFrancisco in 2016. Please join the community f o r t h e a n n u a l 9 / 11 Remembrance Ceremony at
Hill Park. Please arrive by 4:55 PM to find a reserved seat. The event begins promptly at 5:30 p.m. Special thanks to the event sponsors: C h i e f Pa i g e M e y e r, SRVFPD; Dennis Steiner, Graham Hitch Memorials; C h i e f A l l e n S h i e l d s, Sheriff’s Office; Ken Mintz, AT&T; Town of Danville; Safeway in Alamo; Uri Eliahu, Engeo, Inc.; David Miller, Hot Summer Sundays Car Show; Tom Guarino, PG&E; Denise Humbert, White Wings Dove Release
Nominate someone who has made a difference We a r e s e e k i n g nominations for the 2019 Arts Recognition Awards. AC5 will honor those who have made a significant artistic or philanthropic contribution to the communities in the County. The Commissioners ask that you nominate someone you feel is deserving of this award. The nominees must be, or have been, an active
supporter of arts and culture, with sustained contributions and work, that has had a farreaching impact. Consider those you feel h ave m a d e a d i f f e re n c e in visual arts, music, performing arts, dance digital arts or arts education for this award. Other worthy candidates might be those who have shown exceptional leadership, vision and
commitment to the growth and support of arts and culture, or organizations what have kept the arts alive through continuous or significant financial support. Please visit www.AC5. org for more details and to submit nominations online. The nomination period closes at midnight on Friday, August 30, 2019.
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San Ramon Chamber Accepts 2019 Community Award Nominations awards. The Nomination form The San Ramon Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for its 2019 Community Awards. Community members are encouraged to nominate deserving people for five awards: Citizen of the Year, Business (or Business Person) of the Year, Educator of the Year, Employee of the Year and Green Company/Individual of the Year Award. “The Business and Community Awards event is an opportunity to thank and give appreciation to individuals who have made a significant difference and contribution in our community,” said Stewart Bambino, San Ramon Chamber of Commerce President/CEO. “Come and network, enjoy good food and honor those around us who help to make San Ramon an exceptional place to live and work.” Anyone may submit nominations for these
and information regarding the criteria for each award category are posted on the San Ramon Chamber website, www.sanramon.org. Nominations are due October 1, 2019. Forms may be faxed to 925.242.0603; mailed to the San Ramon Chamber of Commerce, 2410 Camino Ramon, Suite 125, Bishop Ranch 6, San Ramon, CA, 94583; or e-mailed to kathy. fanning@sanramon.org. Awards will be presented at the San Ramon Chamber of Commerce Community Awards celebration to be held Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at Bridges Golf Club, 9000 S. Gale Ridge Road in San Ramon. Gala tickets will be sold online through the Chamber of Commerce. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Contact the Chamber office for more information at 925.242.0600.
Community Input We at The Valley Sentinel welcome comments and suggestions from the community at large. We love hearing from you! However, consideration is only given to those who provide their name, address and phone number. Two-way communication is essential for growth and understanding. Write us at P.O. Box 1309, Danville, 94526, email to drousset@valleysentinel.com, or call us at 925-820-6047. Thank you! —Denise Rousset, Publisher
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THE VALLEY SENTINEL August 2019
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Castle Rock and Diablo Foothills By Beverly Lane, President, East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors
Mt. Diablo and its state park dominate the landscape o f c e n t ra l C o n t ra C o s t a County. But the mountain is adjoined by two regional parks that provide great opportunities for picnicking, swimming, hiking and riding: Castle Rock Regional Recreation Area and Diablo Foothills Regional Park. A little history: the first inhabitants of t h e a re a we re Bay Miwok tribes, whose l a n d s included the Mt. D i a b l o foothills. After the Spanish conquest and l a t e r M ex i c a n independence, the Mexican government awarded huge land grants to soldiers and settlers. One s u c h g ra n t wa s Ra n c h o Arroyo de las Nueces y Bolbones, later called San Miguel Rancho, which included what is now Diablo Foothills. In 1902, William Ford purchased 750 acres of the original San Miguel Rancho, and operated a cattle ranch there until 1938, when it first opened as a privately owned park. During World War II, Ford’s park was used as a rest
camp for military personnel. After the war, an officer stationed at Camp Stoneman leased the property and operated it as a park for eight years. After that, William Ford’s son, Ron, continued t o o p e ra t e 2 30 a c re s a s Castle Rock Park, available by reservation for school gatherings, corporate events a n d t h e l i ke. Ac c o rd i n g to a recent newspaper account, diversions at the park included swimming, picnicking, dancing and pinball machines.
In 1971 the organization Save Mt. Diablo was founded by a group of citizens interested in preserving open space around the mountain. The group worked with the state parks, Walnut Creek, Concord, Clayton and the Park District to acquire and preserve open lands. The Park District’s 1973 Master Plan recognized the need for a regional park in central Contra Costa. The District purchased 488 acres
of Castle Rock Ranch from the Annie M. Ford estate in 1976. In the 1980 Master Plan, Diablo Foothills was designated as a regional park. Ron Ford’s property, c o n s i s t i n g o f 2 30 a c re s and the Castle Rock Park facilities, was purchased in 1985. And in June 1989 the District received 260 acres from the Woodhill Development Company as a result of public pressure on developers to donate acreage to the neighboring Park District. Castle Rock Regional Recreation Area is at the end of Castle Rock Road in Walnut Creek, out past Northgate High School. Tr a i l s l e a d from there into Diablo Foothills and Mt. Diablo S t a t e Pa r k . There’s also a parking lot a n d t ra i l h e a d near the end of Livorna Road, just before the Stonegate subdivision. The pinball machines are gone, but there’s still plenty to see and do at Castle Rock. The park has a swimming pool (in season) with lifeguards, picnic areas, a ballfield, two basketball courts, a volleyball court, horseshoe pits, and miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. The District moved Ford’s internal parking lot out to the entry, and replaced dirt with turfgrass at the ballfield, creating a safer
and more pleasant ambience. Although large groups can make reservations at Castle Rock, families can just drop in for a day in the outdoors. From Castle Rock you can walk up Pine Canyon into Diablo Foothills and Mt. Diablo State Park for views of the spectacular Castle Rock formation. Shady and cool, the trail is great on hot summer days. The Castle Rocks, which are across Pine Creek on State Park land, are off limits
from Feb. 1 through July 31, because they provide nesting for peregrine falcons. Wildflowers are beautiful in the springtime at Diablo Foothills and the State Park. For more information about Castle Rock picnic reservations, call 888-3272757 and select option 2. For general information and maps of Castle Rock and Diablo Foothills, visit the East Bay Regional Park District website, www.ebparks.org.
East Bay Regional Park District Seeks Public Input to Help Inform Future Priorities As the East Bay R e g i o n a l Pa r k D i s t r i c t (EBRPD) celebrates its 85th anniversary, the Park District is seeking public input to help inform the District’s future priorities and interests to maintain its relevancy to the recreational needs of the East Bay’s evolving multi-cultural community. The survey will also give the public an opportunity to weigh in on some of the most pressing issues the Park District and our community face moving forward. Through a robust outreach program, the East Bay Regional Park District will strive to reach out to as many people as possible and invite them to participate in the survey. The survey is intended to give the public an easy opportunity to provide feedback to the EBRPD’s Board and staff. Surveys are online or will be available at the Alameda County Fair EBRPD exhibit located in the Agriculture Building. “By completing this short survey, the public will help our Board and staff to evaluate priorities as the Park District plans for a future with wide-ranging
opportunities and challenges, such as wildfire prevention and climate change. We also want to understand what services, programs and recreational activities residents would like to see added in their local parks, including what they think can be improved,” said Robert E. Doyle, General Manager. For 85 years, the East Bay Regional Park District has provided public access to regional parks, shorelines, and trails for hiking, biking, swimming, horseback riding, boating, fishing, picnicking, camping, and nature discovery. The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park agency in the nation managing 73 parks and over 1,250 miles of trails in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. The Park District acquires, manages, and preserves natural and cultural resources for all to enjoy now and into the future. Ta k e t h e s u r v e y a t www.eastbayparksurvey. com. Learn more and stay connected with the Park District by visiting www. ebparks.org.
valleysentinel.com
August 2019
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
page 7
Rattlesnake Advisory: Rattlesnake Safety in the Regional Parks As the weather heats up, rattlesnakes become more active in many of our parks, their natural habitat. They like to explore when the weather gets warm which can lead to more encounters with humans and dogs. The East Bay Regional Park District is advising that the public take snake safety precautions when visiting Regional Parks. Safety Tips for Visiting Regional Parks 1. Always hike with a friend so you can help each other in case of emergency. 2. Look at the ground ahead of you as you are walking. 3. Look carefully around and under logs and rocks before sitting down. 4. Avoid placing your hands or feet where you can’t see clearly. 5. Check the area around picnic tables, campsites, and barbecues before using them. If you encounter a rattlesnake in these areas, notify park staff. 6. Keep pets on the designated trails and away from snakes if they see one. 7. Bring plenty of water for yourself and your pets as many parks do not have a direct water supply. What to Do If You See a Rattlesnake Leave it alone - do not try to capture or harm it. All park wildlife is protected by law. If you see a snake on a trail, wait for it to cross and do not approach. Then move carefully and slowly away. What to Do If Bitten by a Snake 1. I f b i t t e n b y a rattlesnake, stay calm and send someone to call 911. Remain calm by lying down with the affected limb lower than the
heart. Do not waste precious time on tourniquets, “sucking,” or snake bite kits. If you are by yourself, walk calmly to the nearest source of help to dial 911. Do not run. 2. If bitten by any other kind of snake, wash the wound with soap and water or an antiseptic and seek medical attention. 3. If you are not sure what kind of snake bit you, check the bite for two puncture marks (in rare cases one puncture mark) associated with intense, burning pain. This is typical of a rattle snake bite. Other snakebites may leave multiple teeth marks without associated burning pain. Snakes are an important re s o u rc e i n t h e n a t u ra l environment. They are prime controlling agents of rodent, insect, and other reptile populations. They must be enjoyed from afar and left where they are found. It is illegal to collect, kill, or remove any plants or animals from the East Bay Regional Park District. Please help us to protect wildlife and their environment for present and future generations. Additional information is available at www.ebparks.org/parks/ safety/#Snakesor download a PDF version of our Common Snakes. The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional parks system in the nation with 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and 1,250 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and natural learning. The Park District receives more than 25 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.
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Magee Preserve Project Unanimously Approved by Danville Town Council Will Permanently Preserve Hundreds of Acres of Public Open Space On a 5-0 vote, the Danville Town Council has approved the Magee Preserve project proposed for Danville by Davidon Homes. Magee Preserve permanently preserves Mt. Diablo foothills as public open space for generations to come. The project protects 93% of the property - 381 out of 410 acres - as new permanent public open space. It will be located south of Diablo and Blackhawk Roads and east of McCauley Road. Unlike current zoning, which would allow up to 78 highly-visible homes to be built across the hillsides, the Magee Preserve proposal restricts homebuilding to 69 single-family homes clustered on only 29 acres of the lowest, least visible parts of the property, leaving the remaining acreage to be preserved in perpetuity. “ 9 3 % o p e n s p a c e. Save Mount Diablo and Seth Adams comes out and support a project this size? That is priceless. Now we have bicycle safety that I feel very comfortable with. I trust the fact the [the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District] can handle and manage any incident in that area,” said Mayor Storer of the project. Councilmember Morgan echoed the open space
sentiment in her statement of support. “For what I see, the footprint of these homes are off our hills. They’re not on top of our hillsides. They’re clustered low and in the valleys.” The project will add two miles of new public trails to the East Bay Regional Park District, connecting Mt. Diablo State Park to Sycamore Valley Regional Park and the Iron Horse Trail, which will fill an important gap in the regional trail network. The project creates a new eight-foot wide bicycle and pedestrian path and provides critical lands to the Town for future expansion of the paved multi-purpose path along Diablo Road, giving cyclists new, safer alternatives to riding on Diablo Road. The path can also be used by runners, and walkers and their dogs. The project’s public benefits will accrue at no cost to taxpayers. In addition, Magee Preserve protects 1.5 miles of Green Valley Creek and local wildlife on the property, and is specifically designed to preserve views to keep Mt. Diablo’s foothills a prominent part of the landscape. The project also does its fair share to reduce congestion and wait times Ad paid for by Davidon Homes
at problematic Mt. Diablo Scenic and Green Valley/ McCauley intersections by allowing more cars to flow more efficiently and safely through the corridor. To address safety, the San Ramon Valley Fire Department has carefully reviewed the project and confirmed its ability to respond efficiently to emergencies at or near the site. The project also adds a half mile route through the project as an alternate emergency access along Diablo Road. The Magee Preserve project was approved by the Danville Town Council in July. It is supported by Save Mount Diablo because of the project’s conservation values and was overwhelmingly recommended by the Danville Planning Commission. The East Bay Regional Park District is on record in favor of the project. It is also supported by all of Danville’s major bike groups, including Bike East Bay, Mount Diablo Cyclists, Valley Spokesmen Bicycle Club, and the leaders of the San Ramon Valley Mountain Bike Club. Yo u c a n f i n d m o re information on the Magee Preserve Project at the Town of Danville website, https:// www.danville.ca.gov/639/ Magee-Preserve.
Kids & Teens–Back to School page 8
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
29th Annual Day in the Park
Hosted by The Taylor Family Foundation Features Performance by Brian Culbertson Award-winning multiinstrumentalist, songwriter and producer known for his distinct brand of genrecrossing contemporary jazz, R&B and funk, Brian Culbertson will be performing at The Taylor Family Foundation’s (TTFF) 29th annual Day in the Park auction fundraiser Sunday, August 25th at Camp Arroyo. The event will include noted celebrities, including l o c a l n ews p e rs o n a l i t i e s A B C 7 / KG O T V ’ s C h e r y l Jennings and Mike Nicco. Doug McConnell will be on hand along with radio personalities Jim Hampton from KKIQ/KKDV, Sue Hall of 96.5 KOIT and the San Francisco Bonneville Radio Stations and KCBS Food & Wine Editor, Narsai David. TTFF continues its commitment to providing financial and emotional support for children and families in the community who are in critical need. TTFF supports these families in medical crisis through grants that provide children with clothing, pay for funeral
expenses, and pay for medical devices. Sophie’s Place, TTFF’s mobile music therapy program in partnership with Wells Fargo and the Forever Young Foundation, brings music therapy to camp and those who are homebound or patients in Northern California hospitals. This year’s auction fundraiser features gourmet food, wine, and beer from some of Northern California’s top restaurants, wineries and breweries. Priceless and rare live auction items include private chef dinners and sports packages, red carpet events, luxurious vacations and other glamorous packages. Individual tickets are $250 and tables of 10 are $3,000 for General and $3,500 for Preferred. For tickets/tables for Day in the Park, please visit www. ttff.org or call 925-455-5118.
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August 2019
valleysentinel.com
BACK TO SCHOOL: Exciting Times for Science Education out, and their writing skills By Carolyn Thornton
This is the time of year when parents and students alike are busily preparing to go back to school – scrambling to get the supplies they will need, possibly attending orientations or signing up for activities, and some students will be starting a new school or level. In addition to looking forward to seeing their friends again and meeting new friends, kids feel the anticipation of wondering what learning opportunities the new year will bring. It’s fun to learn more about a favorite subject, and explore new ones. There are so many new routines to get used to, especially for students who are beginning a new level such as the transition to middle school. There, the adjustment to having several teachers and routines to get used to at once may be a bit stressful at first. Once the newness and excitement settle down a bit, students and their parents may find themselves discovering a new source of interest and motivation in the classroom in the form of science class. There are reasons for this – primarily, science class being a place where kids can indulge their curiosity about the natural world, and also the recent innovations that are making science much more hands-on. In response to reports that America is falling behind LIZARD from page 1
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Lizard is active usually from March through October in our area. Juveniles may be active later in the autumn than adults. Adult male Sagebrush Lizards are more active, and have larger territories than females. Like other reptiles and amphibians, the Sagebrush Lizard is poikilothermic or cold-blooded. Their activity level or metabolism is governed by the ambient temperature. The Sagebrush Lizard typically basks in the sun in the morning, a n d w h e n t e m p e ra t u re s exceed its comfort level, it will move to protective cover under the branches of a bush or elsewhere. When it cools down, the Sagebrush Lizard will return to warming itself in the sun. Insects are the primary food of the Sagebrush Lizard. Ants, beetles, flies, grasshoppers, spiders, and butterflies are favorite food items. The Western Fence
several other industrialized nations in science and math, combined with a new understanding of how children learn, our 20-year-old science standards have now been updated. The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are intended to build science, technology, engineering and math (collectively known as STEM) understanding as students progress through the grades, to better prepare them for the demands of today’s job market. What does all that mean for kids going back to school? They can look forward to a new approach in science class. That approach means more handson activities, and less emphasis on teacher and textbook as main sources of information. It means fewer experiments with just one expected outcome, and more investigations involving discussion and problem solving, with teacher as guide. Kids may observe a phenomenon, ask questions, and design their own experiments. They will be encouraged to think things through. Another change in science instruction is the integration with engineering (building problem-solving skills), math, and writing. Rather than being more complicated, this allows students to actually use their math skills to figure things
to keep lists and journals, for example. They may have more time to explore a topic such as plants, animals, earth science, or space, and use their own questions to do so. The degree to which all these elements come together in any class depends on how far along teachers are in putting the new standards into practice. New funding, teacher training, and materials have already made their way into our classrooms. It is indeed an exciting time for science education as new methods, resources, and a real effort to make science more engaging and hands-on takes hold. Starting a new school year is always full of anticipation for students and parents alike. Amid the excitement and eagerness of children at the beginning of the year, they may just discover that their natural curiosity about all things related to the natural world, and their attraction to hands-on activities could lead them to their new favorite subject – science! Carolyn Thornton has been teaching for over 30 years and is an advocate for giving children hands-on experiences by means of field trips to the ocean, marine sanctuaries and labs, and instilling excitement in young minds for the natural world. Newly retired, she has more time to play Swedish folk music on her fiddle!
Lizard is a direct competitor for food when their distribution overlaps. Male Sagebrush Lizards defend territories year-round. Physical posturing and direct combat are defense behaviorisms used for defining and defending territories. The male will do a “pushup maneuver”, extending his blue, gular throat patch and belly markings, to warn other males and attract females. The “pushup” brings the bottom of his legs in juxtaposition with the substrate, allowing him to mark his territorial boundaries with a waxy pheromone. These are the same behaviorisms we may observe with our backyard Western Fence Lizards. In the spring, male Sagebrush Lizards will mate with a few females whose territories overlap with theirs. The slightly larger male will use a courtship display involving head-bobbing and shuddering. The female will lay a clutch of from two to
ten eggs, during late spring to midsummer, an inch deep at the base of a shrub. The eggs hatch in about two months, usually 45-75 days, depending upon the weather. Female Sagebrush Lizards, in the northwestern range, may lay two clutches of eggs. Northern Sagebrush Lizards mature in one year. Southern Sagebrush Lizards take two years before becoming sexually mature. Striped Whipsnakes and Night Snakes are the main predators of the Sagebrush Lizard, although a variety of vertebrate predators prey on them. Birds of prey, skunks, c a t s, a n d o t h e r a n i m a l s consume large quantities of the Sagebrush Lizard. Loss of habitat is the major threat to Sagebrush Lizard populations. James M. Hale is a wildlife biologist, ethnobiologist, and ecological consultant based in Contra Costa County. Please visit his website at www. dochale.com.
Kids & Teens–Back to School valleysentinel.com
August 2019
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
page 9
2019 Rugby NorCal Boys Middle School Padrid with 11 tries, followed 7s Champions
Front Row (L to R) Diesel Pribble, Nate Comiskey, Caleb Padrid, Nico Jimenez, Ryan Teng, Gregory Leitch, Jonas Ritigstein Second Row (L to R) Ofa Hingano, Andre Palu-Moeinimanesh, Jamie Shi, Makai Vierra, James Carney, Tucker Barth, Talon Jones, JP Dempster, Morgan Lawless, Jake Ryan Back Row (L to R) Coach Mike Ryan, Coach Kevin Barth, Coach Dale Postin, Coach Chris Leitch
The Danville Oaks finished up a very successful Summer 7s season by winning the Rugby NorCal Championship. Two boys’ middle school teams were entered with the hope of both making it to the final. Unfortunately Oaks Black drew a tough draw going against an all star Land Park team, followed by the always tough Razorhawks. The boys played spirited rugby and improved with each game. Sawyer French was on fire and played incredible rugby on both sides of the ball. Other players of note were JP Dempster, Barrett Walker, and Declan Postin. Oaks Gold had a bit more size and speed and used every bit of it going 3-0 in pool play before knocking off Land
2019 Rugby NorCal Girls Middle School 7s Champions Figueroa, Anaseini (Twinkie) Annette Hagewiesche and The Danville Oaks capped off a very successful Summer 7s season by winning the Rugby NorCal 7s Championship. The Oaks team consisted of 11 girls this summer and completed the season in dominate fashion against Elk Grove by taking all three matches. Consistent clean passing, a strong attack and stifling defense were all part of the game plan which the girls executed well. Tries were scored by Lizbeth (Liz)
Malupo, Maata Malupo, Melesisi (SiSi) Malupo, and Viamoana (Moana) Malupo. Assists came from both new Oaks player Yona Allouche and Naomi Van Zandt as well as our veterans Amy O’Keeffe, Sophia Long and H a n n a h G l a s e r. S p e c i a l thanks go out to Amber Lee, another new player who could not make the final tournament but competed at a high level throughout the summer! Head Coach
Assistant Coaches Lopeti Malupo and Josh Glaser are so very proud of this team and cannot wait to get back on the pitch with the girls next season.
by Nate Comiskey with 5 tries and 5 conversion kicks. Other scoring included tries by Diesel Pribble (2), Janie Shi (2), Ryan Teng (2 tries, 4 conversions), Nico Jimenez (2), Ofa Hingano (2), Makai Vierra (1), and Tucker Barth (7 conversion kicks)
Park for the Championship. Oaks Gold outscored their opponents 174 to 40 over the four games. The 13 players that made up Oaks Gold all contributed to the success, especially with solid defense from every one of them. Scoring was lead by Caleb
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CHARACTER - PURPOSE - COMMUNITY
BENTLEY SCHOOL Families have selected Bentley for 100 years. Our exceptional faculty develop students of character, inspire purpose, and build community.
Front Row (L-R): Viamoana (Moana) Malupo, Hannah Glaser, Yona Allouche Middle Row (L-R): Sophia Long, Lizbeth (Liz) Figueroa, Anaseini (Twinkie) Malupo, Melesisi (SiSi) Malupo, Amy O’Keeffe, Naomi Van Zandt, Maata Malupo, Jason Divine (President, Rugby NorCal) Back Row (L-R): Annette Hagewiesche (Head Coach), Lopeti Malupo (Assistant Coach), Josh Glaser (Assistant Coach)
Learn more and arrange a visit: www.bentleyschool.org./admissions Oakland (K-8): 510.843.2512 Lafayette (9-12): 925.283.2101 Valley Sentinal August 5.75x5.75 final.indd 3
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Senior Living page 10
valleysentinel.com
August 2019
Medicare and Foreign Travel Greg Dill
Planning to travel abroad? Before you go, keep in mind that Medicare usually does not cover health care services or supplies while you’re traveling outside the United States. That doesn’t mean you have to travel abroad without health coverage. Here are 3 ways you can get health coverage outside the U.S.: 1. If you have a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy, check your policy to see if it includes coverage when traveling outside the U.S. 2. If you have Medicare Ad va n t a g e o r a n o t h e r
Medicare health plan (instead of Original Medicare), check with your plan to see if it offers coverage outside the U.S. 3. Consider buying a travel insurance policy that includes health coverage. In some cases, Medicare may cover medically necessary health care services you get on board a ship within the territorial waters adjoining land areas of the U.S. Medicare won’t pay for health care services you get when a ship is more than 6 hours away from a U.S. port. Medicare also may pay for inpatient hospital, doctor, ambulance services, or dialysis you get in a foreign country in these rare cases: • You’re in the U.S. when a medical emergency occurs, and the foreign hospital is closer than the nearest U.S.
hospital that can treat your medical condition. • Yo u ’ r e t r a v e l i n g through Canada without unreasonable delay by the most direct route between Alaska and another state when a medical emergency occurs, and the Canadian hospital is closer than the nearest U.S. hospital that can treat the emergency. • You live in the U.S. and the foreign hospital is closer to your home than the nearest U.S. hospital that can treat your medical condition, regardless of whether an emergency exists. Medicare drug plans (Part D) don’t cover prescription drugs you buy outside the U.S. If you get sick or injured while abroad, in most cases you’ll pay 100% of the costs. In the situations described above, you pay 20% of the Medicareapproved amount, and the Part B deductible applies.
In the situations above, Medicare pays only for services c ove re d u n d e r O r i g i n a l Medicare: • M e d i c a r e Pa r t A (Hospital Insurance) covers hospital care (care you get when you’ve been formally admitted with a doctor’s order to the foreign hospital as an inpatient). • P a r t B c o v e r s emergency and non-emergency ambulance and doctor services you get immediately before and during your covered foreign inpatient hospital stay. Medicare generally won’t pay for services (like return ambulance trips home) in either of these cases: • Medicare didn’t cover your hospital stay. • You got ambulance and doctor services outside the hospital after your covered hospital stay ended. • Yo u p ay t h e p a r t of the charge you would normally pay for covered
services. This includes any medically necessary doctor and ambulance services you get in a foreign country as part of a covered inpatient hospital stay. You also pay the coinsurance , copayments, and deductibles you’d normally pay if you got these same services or supplies inside the U.S. The 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa are considered part of the United States. Foreign hospitals aren’t required to file Medicare claims for your medical costs. You need to submit an itemized bill to Medicare for your doctor, inpatient, and ambulance services if both of these apply: • You’re admitted to a foreign hospital under one of the situations above. • The foreign hospital doesn’t submit Medicare claims for you.
Falls can be prevented by making a few adjustments and having a strategy By Staff Writer
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one-fourth of Americans aged 65 and over fall every year. They say that every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall, and every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall.
Getting older brings physical changes and health conditions and sometimes medications can increase the risk of falling. Falls bring a risk of serious injury such as hip fractures, broken bones or head injuries and it is important to consider strategies for minimizing
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your risk of falling both at home and while out and about. Seniors who have had a fall are more likely to fear the eventuality of anther, more serious one down the road, which can affect confidence and cause an older adult to become fearful and depressed. This makes it more difficult to stay active. Most falls are preventable. By raising awareness of the most common factors that can lead to a fall, changes can be made that minimize risk. These factors are Balance, Medications, Chronic medical conditions, Vision and Environment,
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Hospice | Home Health
Contact Hope to learn about these other opportunities: • Free Family Caregiver Education Series • Free Living With Dementia caregiver classes • Free grief support groups for adults and youth • Volunteering with patients in your own community • May 2, 2020, is the 10th annual Hike for Hope, a memorial hike and fundraiser in Livermore
according to the national Council on Aging. (NCOA). Modifications in lifetime habits can increase safety as we age. According to the Mayo Clinic, these common factors include: • Balance and gait: As we age, most of us lose some coordination, flexibility, and balance— primarily through inactivity, making it easier to fall. • Vision: In the aging eye, less light reaches the retina—making contrasting edges, tripping hazards, and obstacles harder to see. • Medications: Some prescriptions and over-thecounter medications can cause dizziness, dehydration or interactions with each other that can lead to a fall. • Environment: Most seniors have lived in their homes for a long time and have never thought about simple modifications that might keep it safer as they age. • Chronic conditions: More than 90% of older adults have at least one chronic c o n d i t i o n l i ke d i a b e t e s, stroke, or arthritis. Often, these increase the risk of falling because they result in lost function, inactivity, depression, pain, or multiple medications. Visit your doctor. Listing your medications including supplements and
over the counter drugs will help your doctor review them for side effects and interactions that may increase your risk of falling. If you have fallen before discuss the details including when, where and how you fell. Be prepared to discuss instances when you almost fell but managed not to. Your doctor can then identify specific fall-prevention strategies. Consider your condition: Certain eye and ear disorders may increase your risk of falls. Discuss with your doctor your comfort level when you walk, or if you feel any dizziness, joint pain, shorteness of breath, or numbness in your feet and legs when walking. Your doctor can evaluate yur muscle strength, balance, and walking style (gait) as well. Keep Moving. Consider activities such as walking, water workouts or tai chi — a gentle exercise that involves slow and graceful dance-like movements. Many Senior Centers and Park and Recreation programs offer these classes for Seniors. In Danville there is a class called Balance, Stability & Fall Prevention. At this time, this class is on most Mondays at he Veterans Hall. For information call coordinator Ian Murdock at (925) 314-3431. See FALLS page 11
Senior Living valleysentinel.com
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Protected Inheritance Planning By Robert Cucchiaro
Imagine the following scenario – your daughter is getting divorced and ½ of everything she owns, most of which came from gifts you’ve made to her over the years, will now be going to her soon-tobe ex-spouse. Not a very nice thought right? Here’s another equally disturbing scenario – many years ago you gifted assets into a trust for your grandchild, to be released to him once he turned age 25. Now he’s 25 years old, living off of this trust, not working at all, and wasting away the money it took you a lifetime to accumulate. Unfortunately these are the types of scenarios that we see all the time as a result of improper planning. But things don’t have to turn out this way, and for those that know exactly what types of scenarios they want to avoid, a little planning can go a long way. Without going into all of the details, here are 3 ideas for how to keep your assets FALLS from page 10
Remove Home Hazards a n d Ke e p yo u r H o m e Brightly Lit. Take a look around your home. Each room can be filled with hazards that you can remove or alter to make your environment safer. This includes boxes, electrical cords , coffee tables, loose rugs etc. Use nonslip mats in your tub or shower along with a bath seat allowing you to sit while in the shower, and install a hand-held shower. Bathrooms should have grab bars in the tub and shower, and near the toilet. Make sure to have two secure rails on all stairs. Avoid wearing floppy slippers or shoes with slick soles that can cause you to slip, stumble and fall. If you have hardwood floors instead of carpet, avoid walking around in stocking feet. Properly fitting footwear with nonskid soles go a long way in preventing accidents. Place night lights in your bedroom, bathroom and hallways. Make sure your
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August 2019
in the family and keep those that are inheriting these assets from turning into the next Paris Hilton. 1. D y n a s t y or Generation Skipping Trusts - With this kind of trust, your kids are the income recipients but not the actual owners of the assets placed in trust. As a result, there is a great degree of asset protection with these kinds of strategies that helps ensure that assets won’t be lost to a divorce or lawsuit. 2. C h a r i t a b l e Remainder Trusts - With this kind of trust, let’s say at your death for example $2M goes into a trust that pays out $100K per year for 20 years to your grandkids. Whatever is left in trust at the end of 20 years goes to your favorite charity or alma matter. The assets are protected and this type of strategy creates some estate tax benefits at your death. 3. Income Distributions based on a Matching Formula - Rather than state “all income shall be paid to the beneficiary” as most trusts do, why not tie trust income to actual earned income, giving your beneficiaries an incentive to work? Warren Buffet once said he’d like to give his kids enough money to do anything lamps are within easy reach. It’s suggested that glow in the dark, illuminated switches are a good idea. Make sure you have flashlights stored in easy-access spots in case of power outages. If you’ve fallen before and feel uneasy and fearful, ask your doctor about assistive devices such as a cane or walker to keep you steady. Handrails on stairways are helpful, as well as nonslip treads for bare-wood steps. If necessary, ask your doctor for a referral to an Physical Therapist. He or she can help you consider other fall prevention strategies. Some solutions may require professional help or a larger investment, but an investment in fall prevention, according to experts, is your investment in your independence and quality of life. Much of this information and more can be found at www. ncoa.org. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is a NonProfit 501c3 working to improve the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020.
but not enough to do nothing. With this type of strategy you are giving your kids or grandkids an incentive to earn money by matching what they earn. This could be a dollar for dollar match or some other formula that you come up with. These are the types of issues we help clients with every day. Every family is different and this is why real wealth managers work with a limited number of families and do completely customized work for each family. 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 & 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.
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Community Calendar
August • August • August • August • August • August • August For additional Community Events visit: www.ValleySentinel.com Please email information about your events to info@valleysentinel.com COMMUNITY EVENTS
ONGOING
Now - August 29 Broadway Plaza’s 2019 Summer Concert Series 6:30-8:30pm. All concerts are free to the public and will include special displays and booths provided by Broadway Plaza’s sponsors, retailers and community partners. Aug. 22 – The Unauthorized Rolling Stones; August 29 – Queen Nation. All shows will be held in the Broadway Plaza Event Plaza, located near True Food Kitchen and Macy’s. Guests encouraged to bring their own blankets and chairs. Beverages will be for sale at the event site, and food near by. Pre-show activities start at 6:30pm and music starts at 7pm.
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.
August 18 Hot Summer Sundays Hot Rod and Classic Car Show 11am-4pm. Now in its 25th year, Danville’s Hot Summer Sundays features hundreds of hot rods and classic cars along Hartz Avenue with vendor booths and awards for the favorite collector vehicles. Fun for the whole family. Food and beverages available for sale as well as fabulous local restaurants for your dining pleasure. August 18 Blue Grass and Pasta Dinner at San Damiano Retreat Music at 3:00, Dinner at 4:30pm. Located at 710 Highland Drive, Danville. For more information, visit www.sandamiano.org or call 925-837-9141. Cost is $20 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under August 22 Wines & Steins 6-9pm. The Danville Area Chamber of Commerce proudly presents Wines & Steins, a fun-filled evening with beer & wine tastings, small bites, entertainment & trolley rides. Cost: $35 per person (pre-purchased before 8/18), $45 per person (after 8/18) Tickets Include: commemorative tasting glass, beer & wine tasting, tote bag, small bites, live entertainment & trolley ride down Hartz and Railroad Avenues and between Historic Downtown and the Danville Livery. Tickets purchased here, may be redeemed at either of the two registration areas: 1) Veterans Memorial Building, 400 Hartz Ave, Danville, or 2) The Livery, Sycamore Valley Rd W, Danville. For more information call (925) 837-4400. August 25 Ridge Hike for Prevention 7am-Hike; Walk 9:30am. Join us for the 2nd annual Ridge Hike for Prevention benefitting the Breast Cancer Prevention Partners. Take a Sunday morning hike while raising awareness for breast cancer prevention at the second annual Ridge Hike for Prevention in Danville. Breast Cancer Prevention Partners (BCPP) and the Town of Danville have partnered to present this event, with all proceeds benefiting BCPP’s mission. Hike options include a 6 mile walk down the Iron Horse Trail or a 10.5 hike on the Las Trampas Trail. Event expo, lunch and beverages to follow. Register and learn more at bit.ly/BCPPRidgeHike19. August 26 Living With Dementia: Person-Centered Care and Enhancing Well-Being 1-2:30pm. Hope Hospice presents free classes for home caregivers. In this class caregivers will learn how person-centered care and a focus on the components of well-being can contribute to the personal identity and overall health of both the family caregiver and the individual living with dementia. Please pre-register with Jill Smith, RN, at jills@hopehospice.com or (925) 829-8770. September 1-30 Eugene O’Neil Festival The 20th Annual Eugene O’Neill Festival “Haunted Poets” is coming to Danville in September! We look forward to another year of exciting theatre, local events, community engagement and the Eugene O’Neill International Festival of Theatre in New Ross, Ireland, in October. Various events & locations. www. eugeneoneill.org September 3 Relics On Railroad: Antiques & Art Faire 9am-3pm. Make Danville your Labor Day stay-cation destination! Discover Vintage, Retro-Moderne, Country French, Farm Salvage, BoHo Chic and artisanal vendors at the Relics on Railroad Antiques and Upcycle Market beside the Museum of the San Ramon Valley. Live entertainment, an Appraisal clinic ($10/item from 11-2) and a treasure hunt await you in downtown Danville. “All Aboard!” for family fun from 9-3 on Labor Day Monday! 60-80 vendor show 9-3. Appraisal Clinic 11-2.
Special Services for Children with Cancer and Their Families Cancer Support Community offers short-term counseling (12 to 20 sessions) at no cost to children with cancer and their families. Counseling can be for the family, siblings, and/or kids coping with cancer. Counseling is provided by doctoral interns or post doctoral fellows under the supervision of our clinical psychologists. To request this service, please call us at 925-933-0107 and ask to speak with our program director, Margaret Stauffer, LMFT. Hope Hospice seeking volunteers Hope Hospice is currently looking for individuals who are interested in volunteering to assist hospice patients and their families. Volunteer opportunities include; Home Care; Cosmetology; Healing Touch; Reiki; Massage Therapy; Vocalists. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, contact Jill Biggs, RN, at 925-829-8770. Volunteers Needed: Read to Preschoolers Volunteers are needed at childcare centers in Concord, Pittsburg, and West County. The Contra Costa County Library will supply books and resources. For more information, please contact Maureen Kilmurray at 925-927-3288. Alamo Farmer’s Market Every Sunday, Year round 9am-2pm, rain or shine. Fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables, nuts, local honey, live music, delicious varieties of hummus with fresh pita and pita chips. Located in the Alamo Plaza Shopping Center, at Stone Valley Road and Danville Blvd., with convenient parking. Danville Farmer’s Market Every Saturday, Year-round 9am-1pm. Get the freshest seasonal fare at the Danville Certified Farmers’ Market. Railroad & Prospect Avenue, Danville. Information: www.ci.danville.ca.us. (You can make donations of fresh vegetables and fruit for our local food pantries at the Loaves & Fishes Booth at the Danville Farmers Market.) San Ramon Farmers Market Every Saturday & Thursday Year-round Buy fresh, seasonal produce directly from local farmers at San Ramon Farmers Market. www.SanRamonFarmersMarket.org. Bishop Ranch 3, 2641 Camino Ramon, San Ramon. 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: 925-973-3284 or visit www.sanramon.ca.gov. Saturday without Reservations at the Tao House Every Saturday 10am, 12pm, and 2pm. Come explore this National Historic Site in Danville. Catch the shuttle at the bus stop in front of the Museum of the San Ramon Valley, 205 Railroad Ave. www. EugeneOneill.org SENIORS Danville Seniors Unless otherwise noted, the following activities are held at the Danville Senior Center, Veterans Memorial Building, 115 E. Prospect, Danville. For more information call 925-314-3490 or visit www.ci.danville.ca.us/Recreation/Seniors. Sneaker Trips: The Town of Danville’s Senior Sneakers program is a great way for you to make new friends and get out and around the greater Bay Area. There’s always something new to see and learn. The Danville Area Senior Hikes (DASH) is open to all adults and meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month. The group starts at 8:45am at Osage
Park, 816 Brookside Drive, Danville and returns about 1pm. Information: 925-314-3400 or visit www.ci.danville.ca.us/Recreation/ Seniors/Senior_Hiking. San Ramon Seniors The following events are held at the Alcosta Senior & Community Center, 9300 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon, unless otherwise noted. For more information call 925-973-3250 or visit www.sanramon. ca.gov/parks/programs/ages55+.htm. Wisdom Wednesdays: 10:30am-12pm. Free workshops and informational sessions that will benefit you. They will give you free access to coffee, knowledge and a better understanding of important issues. Information: 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 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 August 21 First Steps To A Successful Startup 9:00am-12:30pm. Learn about the attributes of a successful entrepreneur, invaluable sources of information for the nuts and bolts of starting your business including licenses and permits, the business planning process and key information sources for developing your business plan, how to take advantage of the Small Business Development Center’s free and low cost services for your new business, and more! Join us to learn about the key success factors every new business owner needs before starting their venture! 300 Ellinwood Way, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523, Second Floor, Bodega Room. For information call Oscar Dominguez at (925) 671-4570. FREE. August 29 Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce BASH 5:30-7:30pm. Our August BASH is hosted by The Walnut Creek Center I & II. It will be held on the third floor Amenity Deck at 100 Pringle Ave., Walnut Creek, 94596. 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, check only] and a business card. For more information call Linda Vesneski, at (925) 934-2007. 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 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
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
August 2019
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
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Community Calendar continued from page 12 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 Alamo Danville Newcomers Club On summer break – for information please visit 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! 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. Pre-registration is required for all groups and classes, except our drop-in group. To register, please call Hospice of the East Bay: (925) 887-5681. Information: www. hospiceeastbay.org
RECURRING
Mondays: The Walnut Creek Garden Club 9:45am: The Walnut Creek Garden Club meets on the second Monday of each month at The Gardens at Heather Farm Camellia Room. The center is just off Ygnacio Valley Road at 1540 Marchbanks Drive. Call 925-947-1678 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 925322-1160 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: Senior Self-Help Clinic It is on the first Tuesday of every month at the Spinetta Family Law Center in Martinez on the first floor, room 144B, from 9-11AM. Drop-in clinic available to Contra Costa Seniors age 60 and older who do not have an attorney and who represent themselves in court. Attorneys can give information about pleadings, court procedures, provide court forms, and assist in filling them out. Staff can help with elder abuse temporary restraining orders, landlord tenant issues, consumer and civil matters. For info email katie.kelly@ ccsls.org. Contra Costa Senior Legal Services 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) 8371882 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
every month. Register with Vicki at 925-887-5681 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/communityprograms.html. Wednesdays: American Legion Post 246, meets First Wednesdays at 12:00 noon at The VMB building upstairs 400 Hartz, Danville Danville Tennis Club (DTC) 6:30-9 PM Wednesday Night Drop-In 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 925-275-2412. Info: www.srvexchangeclub.org Alamo Rotary 12:15pm. Meets every Wednesday. Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Dr., Danville. Info: alamorotary. 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
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 Rotary 7pm. Meets every Wednesday. Blackhawk Country Club, 599 Blackhawk Club Drive, Danville. Info: sanramonvalleyrotary.com.
San Ramon Valley Geneological Society 10am. Meets every third Tuesday at the LDS Church, 2949 Stone Valley Road, Alamo. http://srvgensoc.org
Blue Star Moms 7-9pm. Meets the second Wednesday of every month to participate in service activities supporting sons/daughters serving in the military. Danville Veterans Memorial Building, 400 Hartz Ave. Information: bluestarmoms.org.
ARF Pet Loss Support Group 5:30-7pm. Meets second Tuesday of
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 visit: www.dagc.us. The Danville Women’s Club 11:30am. Please join the GFWC Danville Women’s Club at 242 W. Linda Mesa Ave., Danville, for our monthly luncheon. 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, 2 491 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. 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, starting 9/13. We are real women moving through real transitions in life. Our mission is to encourage and support women from all walks of life newly wed to having aging parents and everything in between. Registration is open year round and there’s always a welcoming seat. Community Presbyterian Church: 222 W. El Pintado Rd., Danville, Conference Room. Contact Diane at dianewood70@gmail.com, or Liz at elizabeth1728@yahoo.com. Saturdays: Diablo Region of the Porsche Club of America 7:30-9am. Meets every Saturday. Buttercup Bar and Grill, 660 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. Information: diablo-pca.org. Parkinson’s Disease Support Group 9am-12pm. Meets every 3rd Saturday. Join us to share, laugh, and learn from each other. Grace Presbyterian Church, 2100 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. Contact Gregg Riehl at 925254-8349 or jgriehl@gmail.com. Free. All are welcome. Information: Howard Zalkin at 939-4210 or Ronnie Wanetick at 933-6357.
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.
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/Sycamore Valley Rotary 7am. Meets every Tuesday morning. Crow Canyon Country Club, Danville. Information: dsvrotary.com.
Walnut Creek Rotary 12:15-1:30pm. Meets every Tuesday. Heather Farms Garden Center, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: rotarywc.org.
Veterans of Foreign Wars 7pm. Meets the third Wednesday of every month. Veterans Memorial Hall, 400 Hartz Avenue, Danville. Information: Post Commander Ernie Petagara at 925-362-9806 or vfwpost75.org.
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.
Community News & Information Danville • Blackhawk Alamo • Diablo • San Ramon Publisher/Editor-Denise Rousset Chief Financial Officer-Jeff Gummere Graphic Designer-Laurie Prindle Auto-David & Judy Colman
925-820-6047
P.O Box 130 Danville, CA 94526 www.valleysentinel.com
page 14
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
AUTO March 2009 August 2019
2019 Genesis G70 RWD 3.3T Dynamic Edition By David Colman
Better hurry down to your Genesis dealer. Because they’re only making 400 copies of the Dynamic Edition G70 3.3-liter twin turbo for 2019, and you’ll definitely want to own one. If you’ve been following the script, Genesis is the luxury brand recently hatched by parent company Hyundai. Last year, Hyundai introduced their hyper performance allwheel drive (AWD) Stinger hatchback. Now they’ve developed the four-door Genesis G70 sedan, based on the Stinger platform, and powered by the Stinger’s potent V6 turbo motor. But for driving enthusiasts, the news gets even better because the G70 ditches the Stinger’s understeer prone AWD in favor of a much sportier handling rear-wheel drive (RWD) configuration. Then, to top off this already delightful confection, Genesis introduces the new model with an exclusive package of performance enhancements and cosmetic tweaks entitled “Dynamic Edition.” If this sports sedan carried a German label, it would cost close to $100,000 and require vigilant and expensive maintenance.
Under Genesis administration, the Dynamic Edition G70 lists for just $50,250, without so much as one optional surcharge. To understand why this sedan goes like stink, let’s briefly examine the architecture underlying the sleek body wrap. Up front, an independent strut axle stiffened by an antiroll bar cooperates nicely with the multilink rear suspension which is also leveraged by a rear antiroll bar. Brembo 4 piston front brakes work with Brembo 2 piston rear discs to produce instant braking. These brakes proved almost too effective since we managed to lock them prematurely a couple of times. A 70mph to 0 stop takes just 164’ to accomplish. Helping immeasurably in the braking and cornering departments are a set of high adhesion (Traction AA, TW 300) staggered Michelin radials (225/40ZR19 front; 255/35ZR19 rear) rated “Z” for operation above 149mph. These specific tires (Pilot Sport 4S) are the only brand and type specified by Genesis for installation on the Dynamic Edition’s black 19-inch sport alloy rims. Thanks to the stiff
suspension and the sticky Michelins, the Genesis will circulate the skid pad at a neck stretching 0.95g. The intercooled twin turbo mill features an alloy block and heads, and produces 365hp at 6000rpm, and 376lb.-ft. of torque at just 1,300rpm. The low threshold for maximum torque results in an explosive acceleration curve, with the admittedly heavy (3,847lb.) G70 recording a 0-60mph time of 4.7 seconds and a speed of 106mph in the standing start quarter mile. Genesis funnels power to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission equipped with paddle shifts and rev-matching capability. Unfortunately, this gearbox does not offer a manual-only shift gate, so you must intervene via the paddles every time you want to select a specific gear range. This Genesis operates in four distinct modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport and Custom. Sport Mode tightens steering f e e d b a c k f ro m t h e ra c k mounted, motor driven power steering unit that offers variable gear ratios. The suspension also hunkers down on the bump stops, lessening tilt
and sway as you attack back road apexes. The Dynamic Edition includes a limited slip, torque-vectoring rear axle that corrects your path in the middle of a turn if you have entered too aggressively. In fact, this torque-vectoring operates by clamping the inside brake as you turn in order to realign your path. This intervention results in a slight but noticeable lurch that can feel quite disconcerting when you are already near the limit of adhesion. The interior treatment of the Dynamic Edition is nothing short of spectacular. The black Nappa Leather front and rear seats feature red stitched sport quilting that is visually arresting. The seats feel as luxurious as they look. The fronts are heated and ventilated, and offer double memory positions. The driver’s seat provides 16-way power adjustment with 4 stages of power lumbar, while the front passenger seat is 12way adjustable with 4 power lumbar settings. The ante in back is acceptable, but not as stellar as the accommodations up front. In particular, the substantial vertical B-pillar impedes access to the rear seat.
valleysentinel.com But comfort is assured once you’re in place back there, thanks to AC/Heat outlets and a fold down cup holder equipped arm rest. All in all, the Dynamic Edition of the new G70 is a spectacular performance offering for a pittance of a price. Yes, it has a few minor operational foibles. And yes, you can choose a lesser G70 for just $34,000 base price if you’re willing to accept a meager 4-cylinder engine producing 255hp. Us? We wouldn’t be caught dead in any Genesis G70 that didn’t light off with a 365hp explosion. 2019 GENESIS G70RWD 3.3T DYNAMIC EDITION ENGINE: 3.3-liter V6, intercooled, twin turbocharged, alloy block and heads H O R S E P OW E R : 365hp@6000rpm TORQUE: 376lb.ft.@1300rpm FUEL CONSUMPTION: 18MPG City/26MPG Highway PRICE AS TESTED: $51,245 HYPES: Slingshot Motor, Highly Refined Handling GRIPES: No Manual Shift Gate, Restricted Rear Entry STAR RATING: 10 Stars out of 10
MCE Customers Offered $1.3 Million in Cash Back for Generating Their Own Solar Energy in 2018-19
Over 70% of cash outs go to municipalities and schools that have invested in solar panels MCE is issuing cash outs totaling over $1.3 million to rooftop solar customers when they have produced more electricity than they used themselves. MCE’s Net Energy Metering (NEM) program currently provides incentives for rooftop solar customers, including paying premium rates that compensate solar customers at the full retail rate plus an extra penny per kilowatt-hour for excess electricity generated. MCE’s NEM program is an example of MCE’s mission in action: supporting in-service area renewables, reducing carbon, lowering energy costs through self-generation, and incentivizing local rooftop solar through the annual cashout process, which is another channel for community reinvestment. Customers also have the option to transfer their credits to MCE programs that serve disadvantaged communities,
like the MCE Solar Rebate Program. Since launching the program in 2013, MCE has allocated $535,000 in income-qualified solar rebates through a partnership with GRID Alternatives’ Energy for All Program, which reduces household electricity costs by up to 90 percent by providing no-cost solar systems to homeowners who qualify as low income. “MCE’s solar program is a great incentive for everyone in our region to be less reliant on energy sources that are contributing to climate change and the growing threat of wildfires,” said Elizabeth Patterson, Mayor of Benicia and MCE Board Member. “Many of the recipients of the innovative cash-out program are local governments and schools that are using these funds to reinvest in making our communities more resilient.” MCE has a high number of rooftop solar customers
in its service area, with NEM participants making up over 7 percent of MCE’s total customer base. This year, MCE’s cash outs were distributed as follows: • $635,000 in Contra Costa County • $270,000 in Marin County • $250,000 in Napa County • $216,000 in Solano County Of the $1.3 million offered in 2019, over 70 percent of the proceeds are directed towards municipalities and schools. “In the first full year of working with MCE, Pittsburg Unified School District has realized a $72,000 cash out from overproduction of our solar arrays district-wide, due to the 2019 Net Energy Metering Cash Out Program,” s a i d D r. J a n e t S c h u l z e, Superintendent, Pittsburg Unified School District. “This was a win-win situation for
us. Our solar arrays are in place and now we are gaining additional value for the energy we are producing beyond the needs of our schools.” How MCE’s NEM CashOut Program Works To calculate the amount of the cash out MCE customers receive, a meter tracks the net difference between the amount of electricity an MCE customer’s solar panels produce and the amount of electricity used during each billing month. When the panels produce more electricity than is used on-site, customers receive a credit on their bill that rolls over excess credits every month. Most customers with solar panels in California are required to forfeit any surplus credits on their account each year through a ‘true-up’ process. MCE’s NEM program currently offers several innovative features, allowing customers who earn
credits of $100 or more to cash out their full credit balance or simply roll the credits over into the following year — up to a maximum of $5,000. Customers with a credit below $100 will have their credit automatically rolled over. About MCE: MCE is California’s first Community Choice Aggregation Program, a not-for-profit, public agency that began service in 2010 with the goals of providing cleaner power at stable rates to its customers, reducing greenhouse emissions, and investing in targeted energy programs that support communities’ energy needs. MCE is a load-serving entity supporting 1,000 MW peak load. MCE provides electricity service to approximately 470,000 customer accounts and more than 1 million residents and businesses in 34 member communities across 4 Bay Area counties: Napa, Marin, Contra Costa, and Solano. For more information about MCE, visit mceCleanEnergy.org.
valleysentinel.com
August 2019
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
page 15
Emergency Preparedness in Contra Costa County: A Guide By Candace Andersen. Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors
Californians have long been preparing for the “Big One.” The big one, of course, being the one earthquake that will cause unprecedented amounts of destruction. Earthquakes are unfortunately a part of life for all residents of the Golden State. Last month, residents of Southern California experienced seismic earthquakes in back-to-back days – 6.4 and 7.1 in magnitude. Less than two weeks after the Southern California shocks, a 4.3 magnitude earthquake – centered east of San Ramon– rattled the Bay Area and shook the walls of my office in Danville. Re c e n t l y, s e v e r a l constituents have reached out to my office to express concerns regarding the measures Contra Costa County has in place in the event of such disasters. Contra Costa County is home to at least five active fault systems; chief among them is the Hayward fault, which passes through the western portion of the county. But earthquakes certainly aren’t the only natural disaster Californians should prepare for. In recent months and years, wildfires have wreaked unparalleled levels of damage upon residents all across the state. Given the time of year, we are in the thick of wildfire season as well. As a County Supervisor, I take seriously my responsibility to make sure all of my constituents and Contra Costa County residents are upto-date and informed on the practices and resources that will be utilized in disasters and emergencies such as earthquakes and wildfires. Though they strike fear and anxiety in all of us, there are simple ways to prepare. One important step is knowing where to turn to for information in the event of a disaster: San Ramon 1610 is a low-power AM radio station that provides residents and motorists with timely and accurate information about incidents and emergency operations in real time. The station is operated by the City
of San Ramon. Antennas were recently upgraded to improve reception. Coverage extends from the southernmost point in San Ramon all the way to Alamo. The Community Warning System (CWS) is another great resource, which will send alerts to your phone in English or Spanish. To sign up for the County’s Community Warning System, visit coco. cws.us CWS alerts include both All-Hazards alerts and Hazardous Materials Incidents alerts from facilities. Taking a look at your surroundings in anticipation of an earthquake is important. Keeping exits clear is one way to ensure a speedy evacuation if needed. Have a flashlight and shoes in an easily accessible place should an earthquake strike when you are sleeping. It is recommended to know how to turn off your electricity, gas and water. It is also worth noting that in the event of an earthquake, once you turn off your gas, only your utility company should turn it back on for safety reasons. Some other measures to take within your home are to remove heavy objects above headboards, move beds away from windows or large mirrors, secure large items that might topple, and secure bookshelves and other items that could fall during an earthquake. For residents of two-story homes, emergency ladders are also a helpful item to possess. I’ve always kept simple chain ladders, that can be hooked to a windowsill for escape, stored under the beds in our second story bedrooms. While we never have had to use them, the peace of mind that they were there was great. Preparing with a disaster supply checklist is another vital step. Items such as blankets, can openers, an emergency phone number list, cash, flashlights, batteries, matches and candles, multipurpose knives, radio, water, food, and toiletries are some of the essentials that should be included in an emergency preparedness kit. It is recommended to store enough supplies for at least 72 hours. You should also equip your vehicle for emergency situations by storing safety items in there as well. Items should include food, water, booster cables, a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, flashlights and batteries, an AM radio, and pocket knife. A major earthquake might break gas pipes, electric lines
and water lines, which can cause gas fed fires. Broken water pipes can cause water damage to your home and sparks from electric lines can cause fires. Locate your gas, water and electrical utilities and know how, and when, to turn them off. Refrain from using matches, lighters, open flame appliances, or operate electrical switches until you are sure no gas leaks exist. After a substantial earthquake, if damage warrants you turning off the electricity, shut off the electricity at the circuit breaker, or pull out cartridge fuses. Then use battery operated flashlights until the threat of fire passes. Ro u g h l y 9 5 % o f a l l wildfires in California are caused by people. Be careful when using equipment that could spark or disposing of hot coals. To ready your home for a wildfire, create a defensible space, which is the buffer you create between a building on your property and the grass, trees, shrubs or any wildland area that surrounds it. Remove all dead and dying vegetation from around the house, roof, gutters, and decks, keep tree limbs 10 feet from structures and other trees, choose fire resistant plant species, have a roof made of composition, metal, or tile, and cover external vents with a fine mesh to keep out embers.
For pet owners, having food and other supplies is also important. During wildfires, pets should be kept inside to avoid the harmful smoke. Owners should also be prepared to transport or shelter their animals. Re s i d e n t s s h o u l d b e prepared to face all sorts of hazards; not just earthquakes and wildfires. Landslides and flooding are two hazards that also require evacuation. Many of the aforementioned safety measures are equally as applicable in these events. In any disaster, knowledge and preparation can often make all the difference. Be Ready San Ramon Valley is a one-stop shop for all the latest information on Emergency Preparedness. The information on this site will help you and your family understand potential risks and how best to mitigate them through preparation and training. During a disaster, the number and scope of incidents will likely far exceed the ability of your local Fire Department to provide effective emergency services. Consider signing up for the Community Emergency Re s p o n s e Te a m ( C E RT ) program. It is an all-risk, all-hazard training course designed to help protect your family, neighbors and your neighborhood in an emergency situation. The BeReadySRV. 2019
org site is brought to you by the San Ramon Valley Citizen Corps Council (SRVCCC) on which I serve. Contra Costa County residents outside of the San Ramon Valley should visit contracostacert.com to learn more about the various CERT programs currently operating throughout Contra Costa County. For any questions related to emergency preparedness o r o t h e r C o u n t y i s s u e s, contact my office at 925957-8860 or email me at SupervisorAndersen@bos. cccounty.us. 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.
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2019
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