The Valley Sentinel_Oct. 2011

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October 2011

VOL 16, NO 10

SEVENTY-FIVE CENTS

SPOTLIGHT

Gayle Uilkema speaks at local luncheon

By StaffWriter

On Wednesday S e p t e m b e r 21 , Gayle Uilkema, new Contra Costa County Supervisor for district 2 spoke to guests at a luncheon sponsored by the Alamo, Danville, and San Ramon Chambers of Commerce held at Round Hill Country Club in Alamo. As of September 9, she represents over 110,000 constituents in this district that includes Orinda, Moraga, Lafayette, Alamo, Danville, Canyon, Castle Hill, Saranap and half of Walnut Creek, the boundaries for which will remain in place for the next ten years.

Ms. Uilkema spoke of the programs that have been put in place in the last few years that are almost ready to launch. After the 9-11 disaster it was determined that there was an immediate need for cross agency communication between

ECRWSS

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

See SUPERVISOR page 5

Fall is in the air, and at the time of printing, the first rainstorms were blowing into the Bay Area, reminding us of the changing season. Autumn is a joyful time and brings with it the opportunity to celebrate the season by decorating and enjoying new recipes, and old traditions. Great decorating resources are farmers markets, local florists and nurseries. This photo was taken at Orchard Nursery in Lafayette.

SRVUSD middle school leadership conference

Postmaster: Dated Material

By Judy Delany

“Public service is going to need you and need your talents in the future” Joe Calabrigo (Town Manager of Danville) told his audience on Friday morning September 22. It was the second day of a two-day conference, hosting members of the leadership clubs from all eight middle schools in the SRVUSD. Students arrived at 8:30am at the San Ramon Valley Community Center.

The various schools were identified by students wearing colorful teeshirts bearing the slogans of their respective leadership clubs.

On day two Mr. Breiemle, leadership teacher from Los Cerros Middle School, began the ceremonies by making sure the group interacted.

“If you’re sitting next to someone in your school, get up and move.” He broke the ice for the students by having them partake in exercises like the human knot. The kids had to take the left hand of someone across from them in the circle and then take the right hand of someone else. Once they were in a human knot, they had 30 seconds to untangle without letting go. After 30 minutes of innovative ways to get to know each other, Mr. Calabrigo took the stage and spoke to the students about leadership and communication.

Mr. Calabrigo’s inspiring talk was delivered live–not on

Students at Leadership Conference

You Tube, it wasn’t texted or written, it wasn’t even a pod cast or delivered via live feed.

He stood there in the flesh. His point was that communication was far more effective in person than on a cell phone or computer. He expressed

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the idea that active listening and active observation of the person in front of you makes communication a lot easier.

“We reveal a lot to each other through body language, facial See CONFERENCE page 6

• ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT •

page 2

dining out • music • art • theater • fun events

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October 2011 Diablo Women’s Chorale Auditions DWC is seeking new singers of all ranges for fall rehearsals of our new program of traditional holiday favorites and Broadway and jazz offerings. Rehearsals are Monday evenings from 7 to 9pm at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 399 Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek have begun. Our 69th annual holiday concert will take place on Saturday, December 10.

For more information please contact Director Mary Sorenson at 890-8680 or Barbara Burkhardt at 945-0853 and visit diablowomenschorale.org.

October 7 Trapped in a Rumor 8pm. An entertaining, unrehearsed, unpredictable show that is fast-paced, funny, energetic and rated PG-13. Never the same show twice. Tickets: $8 students/seniors, $10 adults.

Village Theatre, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: 3143400.

October 14 – November 13 Little Shop of Horrors A down-and-out skid row floral assistant becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving. Soon “she” grows into an ill-tempered, R&B-

singing carnivore who offers him fame and fortune in exchange for feeding her growing appetite!

Tickets: $44. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Information: 943-7469 October 15 The Voice of Africa 8pm. The band focuses on African traditional music from the Kissi tribes of Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea, with the deep rhythms and drums of West African tribal music.

Funds go for Global Women Intact, dedicated to eliminating female circumcision and genital mutilation customs in Africa through education. Tickets:

$38. Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek.

Information: 943-7469.

October 21 Life is a Cabaret 7:30pm. Bring the entire family for an evening of music by the 65-member San Ramon Symphonic band. Tickets: Adults $6. Kids under 12 or with a student ID are free. Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center, 10550 Albion Rd., San Ramon.

Information: 973-3343

October 22 Capitol Steps 8pm. An evening of political hilarity, “The Capitol Steps” put the “mock” in Democracy.

The Steps dig deep into the daily headlines to create ontopic and fun satire that pokes funs at politicians on both sides of the aisle. Tickets: $44.

Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center, 10550 Albion Rd., San Ramon. Information: 9733343.

October 21 – November 19 A Weekend with Pablo Picasso Explore the man and paint brush of the man who changed how we look at the world. Acting the irrepressible Picasso with boundless energy, exuberance and humor, Herbert Siguenza, of the nationally renowned comedy troupe Culture Clash, introduces a new portrait of Picasso. Tickets: $38. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek.

Information: 943-7469.

October 15 - November 6 The Unstoppable Rain Can a murder kill a dying town? An original, dramatic stage play where a stranger joins the owners of a desolate Café on Route 66, causing them to relive and reexamine what their small town once did in the name of justice and save their town from becoming extinct. Advanced tickets: $20. Zio Fraedo’s, 611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. Visit www.theunstoppablerain.com for more info.

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Fall Events

page 3

October 2011 Now - October 31 Pirates of Emerson - Haunting Fields 10am–8pm. Chills, thrills and cut throat terror consuming over four acres, including five haunted houses, metallic maze, theatre, games and the spectacular “Never Was Haul,” and not to mention the fiery pirate ship stage filled with entertainment. Featured on Discovery Channel as one of the seven scariest haunted houses in the country. Not recommended for children under 13. General Admission: $20, tired of waiting in lines, Speed Pass: $30, Corn Maze: $10, Combo Ticket: $40, V.I.P. Ticket: $70. Alameda County Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton.

October 11 Winnie the Witch–A Black Light Puppet Spectacular 4-4:45pm. Winnie loves Halloween, especially the candy!

With the help of the audience and her trusty broomstick, Winnie must dodge dancing ghosts, batty bats and silly skeletons to save Halloween! San Ramon Library, 100 Montgomery St., San Ramon.

Information: 973-2850.

October 21, 22, 28, 29 Pleasanton Ghostwalk 6-8:30pm. Meet the local “ghosts” on your guided tour of the haunted buildings of downtown Pleasanton.

Who was murdered at the Pleasanton Hotel? What have the locals seen after businesses close? And where have the spooks written a message in a mirror? Tours will enlighten you to the history of the area and the spirits who are still around. Tickets: $18 adults, $13 children 12 and under.

Museum on Main St., 603 Main St., Pleasanton. Information: 462-2766.

October 27 – 29 Creatures of Impulse Nightmare 7:30pm. Join the teen improv troupe for chills, thrills, teenage screams, a n d u n p re d i c t a b l e l o n g form improve. The audience helps create the characters.

Guaranteed to give you a Halloween experience like never before. No show is t h e s a m e. S t u d e n t s : $ 5 advance/$8 door. General: $10 advance/$15 door. Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Ave., Pleasanton. Information: 931-4850.

October 22 Pumpkin Jubilee 11 a m - 3 p m . K i d s a n d families are invited to dress-up in their Halloween costumes for live music, pumpkin carving, pumpkin giveaways, horse-drawn wagon rides, face painting, balloon twisting, magic shows, entertainment, arts and crafts and trick-ortreating at participating Livery merchants. Danville Livery, 440 Sycamore Valley Rd., Danville.

October 28 Storytime with the Farmer 10-11am. Ages 3-5. Gather at Forest Home Farms Historic Park to hear stories, sing songs and do a Halloween craft. The Pumpkin Patch will be open to visit after the program.

Children must be accompanied by an adult but only children need to register. $5 residents, $6 non-residents. Forest Home Farms, 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon.

Information: 973-3284.

Feather your nest for the season at the Danville Fall Crafts Festival

By StaffWriter

A visit to the Danville Fall Crafts Festival from 10am to 5pm October 22 and 23 on Hartz Avenue between Diablo Road and Hartz Way, is the perfect way to herald the fall season and feather your nest for the holidays. Unique craft items, Avenue of the Giants sculpture garden, Halloween costume parade and music and dance are all part of the family fun.

More than 200 artists gather to show paintings, photography, jewelry,ceramics, wood, metal, leather, glass, fiber and mixed media.

The Avenue of Giants is a display of large metal sculptures

by Phillip and Chad Glashoff in a mixture of whimsical and contemporary styles. This must-see display is at Prospect and Hartz Avenues.

Special to the Fall Crafts Festival is the Halloween Costume Parade at 10am Saturday, beginning at Hartz Avenue and School Street with safe-trick-or-treating both Saturday and Sunday. Also that day, local dance troupe Next Step Dance will perform at 1:30pm.

L o c a l merchants don’t miss a beat in supporting the festival when the Alamo Danville Artists Society hosts plein air demonstrations on East Prospect October 22 and 23. Artists will also have completed paintings to sell.

To s e re n a d e f e s t i va l goers, musicians will play in street corner concerts and the Beverage Garden, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, will have its own entertainment along with fine wines and microbrews. Fine food abounds throughout the event.

Admission is free to the Danville Fall Crafts Festival and parking limitations will not be enforced during the festival weekend. For

more information, call (925) 8 3 7 - 4 4 0 0 o r v i s i t w w w. mlaproductions.com.

October 29 Blackhawk Magic Halloween 8pm-1am. For ages 21 & over. Vamp it up in a haunted haute couture style and let your inhibitions run wild. DJ with three levels of entertainment. Tickets: $26.

Blackhawk Auto Museum, 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville.

October 30 Howl-oween Dog Parade 2:15pm. To enter your dog for the parade, $10/

advance or $15/at event, and for the Alamo Kids Costume Contest, free to enter. There is no charge for spectators.

Visit www.alamopetstore. com for registration forms and details. Additional festivities: vendor booths, bobbing for Howl’oweenies, a dog treat stacking contest and photo opportunities. All proceeds go to the “Dogs of Danville”, that help defray the cost of obtaining and caring for local police dogs. Alamo Pet Store, Alamo Plaza, Suite 170-A, Alamo.

The San Ramon Chamber of Commerce presents the 23rd Annual

Wine & Dine

Thursday, October 13, 2011 5:30 - 8:30pm at Clubsport San Ramon Wine • Microbrews • Food Networking • Silent Auction

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page 4

The Valley Sentinel

Obituary

Rose Elia Martinez Lineweaver Rose Elia Martinez Lineweaver, beloved wife of John Lineweaver of Alamo, passed away suddenly on September 3, 2011. She truly left us too soon at the age of 68. Rose was born in Acambaro, Mexico on October 26, 1942 to Ninfa Garcia and Cristobal Martinez, and was the youngest of 14 children. At age five, her mother brought her to the United States where she became a naturalized citizen in 1961.

Her mother remarried in 1947 and she became the adoring step daughter of Paul Martinez. Rose attended Old St. Mary’s Grammar School in West Oakland and graduated from Oakland High School in 1961. She worked for 19 years for the County of Alameda, many of which were at Highland Hospital as a medical assistant and translator.

Rose gave birth to five children between 1962 and 1976, and in 1969 also adopted five of her nephews after the tragic death of her brother, Javier. Rose married John Lineweaver in 1981 and became the loving mother of John’s son Peter. Rose gave birth to Danny Lineweaver in 1981. They subsequently adopted Jimmy Lineweaver in 1987, completing a family of 13 children.

Danny Lineweaver suffered a tragic baby crib accident in 1984 at the age of 23 months, from which he eventually died in 1993. Rose’s life was forever impacted and altered by Danny’s injury and subsequent death.

From this tragedy, however, Rose and John formed The Danny Foundation for Crib and Child Product Safety. In its 20 years of international activity, The Danny Foundation created the safety regulations which defined, for the first time, how U.S. crib makers should manufacture cribs. It forced, badgered and litigated industry and the government into radical but necessary changes in the design, advertising, inspection, use and sale of cribs, leading to the salvation of untold thousands of infants. For her life-saving efforts, Rose was awarded The Jefferson Award in 2006, as well as several listings in the Congressional Record. She received personal letters of thanks from the White House, from members of congress and from members of the legislatures of seven states where crib safety legislation was passed, as well as many other accolades.

In addition to her husband, John, she is survived by 12 children–Javier (Evelia), Alfredo, Eileen (Clark), Carlos (Margarita), Willie, Peter (Lea), Andy (Amber), Luis, Eddie, Rick (Tarah), Mike (Gena) and Jimmy. She was the proud grandmother of 27, and the joyful great grandmother of 13.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to the Kids in Danger Foundation (www.kidsindanger. org), a successor to The Danny Foundation, at 116 W. Illinois St., Suite 5E, Chicago IL 60610. Rose’s life was celebrated with a Rosary and Memory Sharing on Friday, September 9, and funeral Saturday, September 10 at St. Isidore Church, attended by over 1,000 friends, family and admirers. She was interred at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Lafayette with her son Danny and John’s parents, Hans and Peggy.

October 2011

valleysentinel.com

Bike beautiful

By Judy Delany

Since 2007 Chanel has designed bicycles to go with clothing. The bike as an accessory? In New York City they had a fashion show for bike gear with willowy models wearing bike locks as belts.

Since it’s national bike/ walk to school month, we checked the Iron Horse Trail and found Henry Powell, seventh grader at Stone Valley Middle School (pictured.) The almighty bicycle has been through a transformation of its own in the last ten years from pastel Townies to top of the line Bianchi’s. However, function does prevail.

If your legs don’t straighten out when the pedal is in the down position, who cares if your bike is painted by Picasso.

You need a good sturdy bike to use as transportation. Bikes get flats, chains malfunction and gears jam. For Iron Horse Trail junkies, there are numerous places to fix your bikes in Danville and Alamo.

According to the British Medical Association, riding just 20 miles a week can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by 50 percent. For cardiovascular fitness, muscle tone, lowering blood pressure and fresh air, a bicycle is a gym on wheels. It’s a proven fact that cycling lessens stress.

It’s tough to stay anxious when you’re riding past a fragrant eucalyptus, admiring a lush front yard while building up your quads at the same time.

Henry Powell of Alamo, 7th grader at Stone Valley, riding his bike to school during national walk/bike to school month.

Communities across the United States are becoming more bike friendly as riders are growing in numbers. Portland, Oregon, the number one cycling city in the U.S., has awakened to the purchasing power of bicycle owners. They have “bicyclesupported developments.”

Mr. Christian Ettinger, the owner of Hopworks Urban Brewery and of six bicycles, says that some 3,000 bicycles pass by his brewery per day.

He has racks for 75 bicycles, free locks, and food-to-go in packages that fit in bicycle water bottle cages.

Consider that New York City will have 10,000 maniacs on their streets come the summer of 2012, spending $50 million on their bike rental program opening next year.

San Francisco has 40,000 b i cyc l e c o m m u t e rs w i t h countless wild and wooly

bicycle messengers. Oakland and Berkeley are famous bike friendly towns.

Our own San Ramon Valley has catered to bikers with bike lanes and a light induction box at a main intersection in Danville. However, we could use more bike racks throughout the San Ramon Valley.

If you’re looking for a new trail, look no further than www.TrailLink.com, a website sponsored by the Ride-to-Trails Conservancy. The site also houses the progress of “Bay Area Ridge Trail,” a multiuse trail that will eventually link nine counties and over 75 open spaces on the ridgeline that surrounds San Francisco Bay. At www.511.org you can find all kinds of Bay Area bicycle maps, and Livestrong.com has a good selection of trails to ride in the Bay Area too.

Poker tournament will help troops

By Lisa Starratt, TroopsDirect

“Unprecedented and game changing” said one United States Colonel. TroopsDirect supports U.S. frontline service members exclusively at battalion levels of 1,000 persons, with the objective of making them the healthiest, most energized and highest spirited Marines, soldiers, aircrew and sailors that we can.

We function as a nonprofit “back line” of supply for Afghanistan based units.

We communicate with the frontlines daily and provide in bulk detailed hygiene, nutrition, gear, medical and K9 support.

When our units go without, TroopsDirect is there 24/7.

• When service members were drinking well water pumped out of the ground in 130 degree heat, TroopsDirect shipped over 50,000 units of hydrating drink powder and water purification units.

• When medics in the highly active combat zone of Sangin, Afghanistan were waiting over four weeks for additional stretchers, stethoscopes and gauze from their own military supply lines after intense fighting destroyed or depleted their supplies, TroopsDirect filled their request for help in less than three hours.

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• When several units had no protein in their diets and were eating less that one meal a day, TroopsDirect was there with over five tons of nutritional supplements, energy bars and protein powder.

• When one battalion near Musa Qala, Afghanistan was resorting to using bottle caps to mark where roadside bombs were located, TroopsDirect was there with over 50 cases of chalk powder for marking these areas at more effective and life saving levels.

Recently TroopsDirect took on the support of three additional units of 1,000 service members, each of which were deployed to Afghanistan. TroopsDirect’s goal is to support 50,000 service members, and is reaching out to all Americans to pledge as little as $1 a month for our men and women who risk their lives for our safety and security daily. You can also support TroopsDirect at their inaugural “Frontline Poker Tournament” on October 15in Lafayette. Learn more at www.

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October 2011

Healthcare fraud hurts us all

By David Sayen

People talk a lot these days about the rising cost of healthcare. How much of a role does fraud play in this? A significant one, unfortunately.

The fact is that criminals steal billions of dollars each year from Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

This is taxpayer money that should be going to medical treatment for some of our most vulnerable citizens, including seniors, low income families and kids.

Fraud hurts everyone by driving up healthcare costs. It also undermines the financial s u s t a i n a b i l i t y o f f e d e ra l healthcare programs upon which millions of Americans depend.

What’s the federal government doing to stop it?

Plenty, especially with the new tools we have under last year’s health reform law.

For one thing, we’re becoming more proactive about keeping criminals out of federal healthcare programs in the first place. My agency, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), has adopted a more rigorous screening process for new providers and suppliers. This is intended to weed out crooks before they can start submitting fraudulent bills to the government.

Under the Affordable Care Act, we can now use sophisticated new technologies and innovative data sources to identify patterns associated

with fraud. We also have the authority to temporarily stop enrolling new providers and suppliers when we detect patterns that may indicate a significant potential for fraud.

When there’s a credible allegation of fraud against a provider or supplier, we can temporarily stop payments to them while an investigation is undertaken.

In other words, CMS is moving away from the old “pay and chase” model of doing business – paying out claims and then trying to recover the fraudulent ones.

Of course, we know that most providers – doctors, hospitals, nursing homes, home health care operators, and others – are honest. But we’re becoming more vigilant about the dishonest few. And those who defraud federal healthcare programs will face tougher penalties.

The Affordable Care Act increases the federal sentencing guidelines related to healthcare fraud offenses involving $1 million or more in losses to federal programs. The Act also allows the government to impose stronger civil and monetary penalties against those who commit fraud. And crooks kicked out of one state’s Medicaid or CHIP program will now be kicked out of all states’ Medicaid or CHIP programs.

I s M e d i c a re m a k i n g progress in the fight against fraud? Yes, we are. For example, the federal government recovered $4 billion last year from people who attempted to defraud seniors and taxpayers.

That’s a record amount.

How can individuals help in the fight against healthcare fraud?

If you have Medicare, here are some things you can do: · Guard your Medicare and social security numbers.

Treat them like you treat your credit cards. Criminals use these numbers to send the government bogus medical bills -- in your name. · Hang up the phone if someone calls and asks for your Medicare number, Social Security number, or bank or credit card information.

Medicare will NEVER call and ask for this information, and we will NEVER call you or come to your home uninvited to sell Medicare products. · Be suspicious of anyone who offers you free medical equipment or services and then requests your Medicare number. It’s illegal, and it’s not worth it! · Don’t let anyone borrow or pay you to use your Medicare ID card or your identity. · Check your Medicare claims for errors. Look at your Medicare Summary Notice or statements from your Medicare plan. ·If your Medicare Summary Notice shows billings for goods or services that you never received, call us at 1-800-MEDICARE (1800-633-4227). The sooner you see and report suspected fraud, the sooner we can stop it. TTY users should call 1-877486-2048.

David Sayen is Medicare’s regional administrator for California, Arizona, Nevada, H a w a i i , a n d t h e Pa c i f i c Trust Territories. You can always get answers to your Medicare questions by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-6334227).

The Valley Sentinel

page 5

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Alamo Pet Store

HOWL-O-WEEN DOG PARADE Sunday, October 30, 2011 at 2:25 p.m.

SUPERVISOR from page 1

police, fire and medical response teams during e m e rg e n c i e s, e s p e c i a l l y regional disasters such as terror threats, fires, earthquakes, flooding or other such events.

EBRCSA, or the East Bay Regional Communication System Authority, has worked to create a regional broadband width that allows first responders to communicate effectively. This includes Contra Costa and Alameda Counties. It will work with BAYRICS, the system that includes the other eight Bay Area counties and three core cities, San Francisco, San Jose and Oakland. It was established in 2006 through the creation of a strategic plan

with the goal of providing voice and data interoperability throughout the Bay Area region. More information can be found at www.ebrcsa.org, or at www.bayareauasi.org/ groups/bayrics.

Mobile ID If police officers have an individual in custody, or an unconscious person, Mobile ID would enable them to establish an identity and get all information immediately by wirelessly transmitting a fingerprint captured by field personnel to the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) to search local and regional systems, and then wirelessly transmits the result back to field personnel. This allows officers to accurately identify unknown individuals

in the field without transporting them to the booking facility.

The funds for this have been a c c u m u l a t i n g ove r t i m e from the $2 service charge included in California auto registration funds and is being developed in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties. It should be operational in October.

These systems were the topic in Ms. Uilkema’s presentation at the luncheon.

She urged constituents to stay in touch by contacting her at her Lamorinda office: Fire District Headquarters, 3338 Mt. Diablo Blvd. in Lafayette. Her hours are Wednesdays, 10am to 1pm. and by appointment. Please call (925) 646-6067 or email her at gayle@bos.cccounty.us.

Enter your dog for $10 in advance or $15 at the event.

Alamo Kids Costume Contest is free to enter!

(No charge for spectators)

Visit Alamo Pet Store or www.alamopetstore.com for registration forms and details.

Help bring additional police dogs to the San Ramon Valley and defray the cost of maintaining local K-9 units by attending the Alamo Pet Store “HOWL-OWEEN DOG PARADE” and win great prizes too. Alamo Pet Store will donate ALL proceeds to the “Dogs of Danville”.

“Dogs of Danville” has helped defray the cost of obtaining and caring for local police dogs since 2005.

For more information on the SRV police dog program go to www.wcdog.org

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The valley Sentinel

October 2011

Tarantulas

By Beverly Lane, East Bay Regional Park District Board President

Turning leaves, cooler weather, college football and harvest festivals are all harbingers of autumn. So is another annual spectacle

– the mating march of the tarantula.

Tarantulas are common in the regional parks. But most of the year, you aren’t likely to see these formidable looking though non-aggressive spiders because they stay underground during the day.

They emerge only at night to

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hunt for the small insects that make up their diet.

Tarantulas live on grassy areas in holes with the entrance held together by webbing. The home generally goes down vertically six to ten inches, ending with a boudoir off to one side. The spiders reach maturity between seven and ten years of age. Then, during September and October, the males can be seen wandering about, looking for females that are ready to lay eggs.

If the boys find the girls, the mating process can be dangerous, because the girl sometimes, though rarely, ends the relationship by making a meal of her partner. Even if she doesn’t, males die within a year of mating. Females can

live as long as 30 years.

A deadly enemy of the tarantula is a variety of wasp called a tarantula hawk wasp, which hunts the spider, delivers a paralyzing sting, then lays wasp eggs on the live but helpless arachnid to provide a meal for the wasp larvae when the eggs hatch.

It isn’t easy being brown and hairy with eight legs.

Drier inland regional parks such as Morgan Territory, Round Valley, Black Diamond Mines, Sunol and Del Valle are all good tarantula habitat.

Tarantulas are slow moving and generally docile. But if you see one, have some respect.

Don’t touch it or try to pick it up. Tarantulas seldom bite, and the bites are not deadly

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to humans, but the bite does hurt. Moreover, tarantulas have barbed, irritating hairs on their abdomens as a defense against predators. They use their legs to scrape off hairs toward their attackers. Beyond that, improper handling of a tarantula can cause its death.

There’s a Chilean rose tarantula-in-residence at the Environmental Education Center at Tilden Nature Area in Berkeley.

Center hours are 10am to 4:30 pm Tuesdays through Sundays.

There are two female California tarantulas at the Sunol visitor center, which is open on weekends.

Naturalist Eddie Willis will be leading a Tarantula Trek from 3–4:30 pm Sunday, October 9 at Black Diamond Mines in Antioch. Interpretive student aide Morgan Evans will show off the Tilden tarantula in a program from 2 to 3 p.m.

Sunday, October 23.

If you’d like to see one in the wild, join naturalist Cat Taylor on a spider safari from 1:30 to 3 pm Saturday, October 29 at Del Valle Regional Park south of Livermore.

To join Cat’s expedition, park in the overflow lot behind the Del Valle camp store, then meet her in the campground amphitheater. The program is geared for ages seven and older. For information, phone 510-544-3249.

By the way, Cat wrote the East Bay Regional Park District’s brochure on tarantulas, with lots of interesting facts. It’s available online at www.ebparks.org.

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expression and how we dress.

When you text someone – it’s just words and they may easily be misinterpreted. When you’re face to face, a lot more than words comes across.”

He also explained that his style of leadership was personal. He considered himself an ambassador for the town.

What people thought of him was what they thought of Danville. He went on to give specific examples of how he changed the town for the better by challenging its council to make risky changes. “Some worked and some didn’t,” he admitted. The important thing was not to remain stagnant. In summary, he urged the leaders of tomorrow to recognize and appreciate the efforts of others while inspiring and enabling your peers.

The rest of the day was spent in teambuilding activities, character development and leadership swap, an exercise in sharing ideas between the schools. By the end of the conference, leadership clubs had exchanged, challenged and communicated with each other for a memorable experience.

Home & Garden valleysentinel.com

A spiky treat

by Judy Delany

Solanum pyracanthum looks more like a plant-gone punk rocker than simple foliage. A mohawk of brilliant orange spikes down the center of the leaf on both sides frames

October 2011 Corleones of the plant kingdom, are responsible for a litany of deaths throughout history. Datura or Jimson weed, an illustrious member that does well in temperate Contra Costa County was responsible for many deaths in Jamestown in the early

skin make the person feel as if they were flying. Amy Stewart has a wonderful handle on poisonous plants with her Wicked Plants book published in 2009.

The lure of plants that belong to the bad side of the garden is their ability to withstand heat, their drought tolerance, resistance to deer and their beauty.

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f a m i l y c h a ra c t e r i z e d by dangerous white milky sap.

Even though lately it’s not considered poisonous, it is.

I don’t know from a genetic point of view how it’s possible not to be toxic. Especially for small children and pets.”

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1600’s. Tomatoes, a distant c o u s i n t o J i m s o n we e d , were avoided like the plague by the early settlers due to their resemblance to the deadly datura stramonium.

“Our local datura is heat tolerant and the deer don’t touch it even though it’s highly fragrant. It grows as a profusion of lemon yellow flowers with purple veins.

The fragrance only comes out at night.” Dustin said.

H a m l e t ’s f a t h e r wa s arguably murdered by Henbane, a favorite of the nightshade family, “with juice of cursed hebenon in a vial.

And in the porches of my ears did pour.” Shakespeare must have been inspired by the witches salve popular at the time consisting of henbane, belladonna and mandrake which when applied to the

Kimberly Hamilton brought out a digitalis plant otherwise known as “foxglove” when I asked about scary plants.

Foxglove, with its well-known stately stalk and lovely pastelcolored trumpet columns, makes it easy to overlook the dangers of accidentally inhaling it. Kimberly was quick to bring up the poinsettia too. “It belongs to the highly toxic euphorbia

page 7

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a perfect little purple flower with a bright bulbous yellow center. It blooms once a year at Halloween. Belonging to the dark and sinister nightshade family, firethorn nightshade as it is also called, hails from Madagascar, an island so rich in vanilla it’s surrounded by an army of mercenaries that guard the precious crops.

However, you won’t have to brave the seas and sentries to purchase this exotic flower; it’s available at Sloat Nursery in Danville. Poison plant guru Dustin Strobel, also known as Sloat’s general manager, took me for a walk around his trove of wicked plants.

Saying a plant is poisonous is easy because so many are.

But to join the ranks of the illustrious they have to have a history.

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October 2011

Local class sheds light on useful plants

by Judy Delany

Fo r a o n e - o f - a - k i n d ex p e r i e n c e t h i s f a l l t r y Kimberly’s Herb and Tea class at Sunset Color Nursery in Danville. I spent a wonderfully informative and sensuous two

hours learning about how herbs can transform the body and the garden.

Class was held in a greenhouse with patio chairs arranged in a semicircle, although the setting was more

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Hogwarts than a nursery in Danville. Large jars full of dried leaves, flowers and chopped twigs, small vials of lotion, glass droppers full of exotic essences and bottles of herbally enhanced wines lined the front counter. A wagonload of fragrant, colorful herbs and scented flowers sat to the right for demonstration.

After everyone arrived, Kimberly announced that she’d made a scrumptious (my word, not hers) pasta from variegated basil, olive oil, garlic and kalamata olives (yum!). She described the sweetening properties of stevia, then pointed to a pitcher of orangeade sweetened with it for us to try. She also offered a pitcher of mint tea made from homegrown spearmint leaves.

The class began with a list of documentaries downloadable from the web for a broader view of what she was going to touch on in class, and I do mean touch.

She picked up each herb and

valleysentinel.com described its affects on the body and where to plant it in the garden for full effect.

“For instance, if parsley is planted near roses, it increases their fragrance. It should be planted in full sun and is reputed to have medicinal properties to treat arthritis and rheumatism, acne, bladder or urinary problems, high cholesterol, is a diuretic, and helps edema, gout, kidney problems, irregular menstruation, osteoporosis, psoriasis and is a breath sweetener. It’s a detoxifier and helps with weight loss.

(Do not use during pregnancywill cause abortion.) A parsley plant was passed around to touch, smell and taste.

After Kimberly’s herb presentation, she introduced her friend and chemist, Walid, who lectured on the merits of plants, trees and vines for medicinal healing. He exposed the class to an array of recipes he’d developed that treated specific areas of the body.

For instance, try okra – raw, if you have kidney problems.

I’d rather try his sage-treated Merlot. Sage is a miracle herb whether you eat it, burn it or rub it on yourself in a bath.

By growing his own herbs and distilling their essences in pure copper, you knew his essential oils were 100 percent pure. His ointments, essential oils, dried leaves for unusual teas, vinegars and dried herbs have been developed over the years and were for sale.

The stories of healing from his tinctures and essential oils were entertaining and educational.

If you purchased a plant at the nursery after class, you received $10 back from the $20 you paid for an afternoon of invaluable information and sense-filled experience; a tremendous deal for an afternoon spent in a charming and informative setting. Kimberly and Walid can be found at the San Ramon Farmer’s Market on Thursdays and Saturdays in their “Herbal” booth. You can sign up for a class there or at the Sunset Nursery.

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October 2011

ThE VallEy SEnTinEl

What is sustainable landscaping Part 3:

Roofing & Raingutters

But how’s it going to look?–Framing your garden ecosystem

By Jonathan Espalin, Garden Designer and Horticulturist, Calvin Craig Landscaping

In the last two articles, we discussed the basics of sustainable landscaping: considering the function of all parts of your garden ecosystem, awareness of the relationship of your garden to the future, and working in harmony with place, both the site of the garden and the climate and ecosystem that surrounds it.

We then talked about practical applications, such as how to minimize waste, and ways to nurture your soil so it can function as the healthy base for your garden ecosystem.

All this talk about ideas and functional concerns laves aside a key part of garden making: beauty. How is a garden that is treated as an ecosystem going to look?

Does it have to look a certain way? Contrary to popular belief, there is no “ecological look”. This misconception is widely held, even by many professional designers and gardeners, who should know

better. Your sustainable garden can be as formal or as wild as you want, as bright or subdued, as open or intimate as your needs dictate. Certain features might be smaller, larger or located differently so that they function more efficiently and less wastefully, but there is no particular style required. The only visual characteristics common to ecological, sustainable gardens are that they look healthy. We can’t see any reason to object to that.

Gardening sustainably does not have to mean accepting a messy or wild appearance.

Neat frames, either of hardscape features like decking, pergolas, and paving, or a clear, deliberate order to the planting, can allow ecological processes to go on within these bounds. Even those gardens that are meant to look natural can benefit from careful consideration of order and framing. The sustainable

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garden might be one that celebrates natural processes, reveling in seasonal changes, bringing attractive birds and butterflies, celebrating plants that are native or historically important to the area, or finding clever and artistic uses of recycled materials.

The sustainable low-water, garden does not look barren.

The denser planting needed for ecological landscapes to work can, in fact, make the garden look neater and lusher with much less water use, as well as making maintenance easier.

A lot of ecological processes that benefit your garden and the world can even go on behind the scenes, hidden under plants and soil. The only reason you know they are happening is the health of your plants, and the slimness of your water bill.

It takes smarter planning to create a sustainable garden, but the results can have a beauty that exceeds more traditional clichéd gardens because the sustainable garden works with the site and with natural processes, rather than struggling to force outdated and ill-informed methods on the site.

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Health & Wellness page 10

ThE VallEy SEnTinEl

October 2011

valleysentinel.com Advertorial

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Joint pain got you inflamed?

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It is more common than not that my patients believe that joint pain is an inevitable sign of aging and arthritis is to be expected as we grow older. As we experience pain and swelling in our fingers, wrists, knees or any joint, it’s easy to jump to the conclusion that our joints are “wearing down” from use, like car parts.

But our bodies are not made up of mechanical pieces with built-in obsolescence; they are made up of living cells that can actually strengthen and grow when fully nourished and used properly. Instead, joint pain is most often a sign of chronic inflammation.

When a person learns to solve these underlying problems, most find their joint pain and stiffness significantly improve or disappear altogether.

How does chronic inflammation lead to pain?

T h e h e a l t hy i m m u n e system triggers the inflammatory response to deal with sporadic threats like injury or infection. In a healthy individual, the inflammatory response is quick to resolve, it comes on then subsides. But in many, the inflammatory response is constantly on a low “simmer.” This chronic, lowgrade inflammation prevents cell regeneration and repair and gradually tears down

tissues — including those in your joints.

Some causes of chronic inflammation: Po o r d i e t a r y h a b i t s and food allergies: Chronic inflammation can be caused by a diet that’s too high in refined carbohydrates and sugars and too low in essential fatty acids. A highcarb diet promotes prolonged high levels of insulin, which disrupts cellular metabolism and spreads inflammation.

Undiagnosed food allergies or sensitivities also contribute to inflammation when those foods are eaten.

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies: Overwhelming scientific evidence confirms that vitamin deficiencies are associated with disease processes and the overall condition of one’s health.

Vitamin, mineral and a n t i ox i d a n t d e f i c i e n c i e s have been shown to suppress immune function and contribute to chronic degenerative processes such as chronic inflammation, arthritis, cancer, Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Research shows that 50 percent of people taking multivitamins are still nutritionally deficient.

Poor digestion: Stress, poor food quality, drug and antibiotic use break down the digestive barrier allowing large particles of undigested

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matter to seep into the blood stream, causing a cascade of inflammation resulting in pain and allergies.

Toxic lifestyle habits: Smoking and excessive drug and alcohol consumption feed the inflammatory response by placing the body in a state of stress due to chronic toxic overload.

Psychological stress: Cortisol, the hormone released in response to stress, works as an inflammatory agent.

Sustained stress — the kind most of us experience — can cause inflammation to spread like wildfire.

The natural approach to joint pain: Taking medications for pain is not a long term solution.

At Align Healing Center, we specialize in combining medical science with natural therapies, allowing your body to heal from the inside out. Finding the solution to your joint pain may seem like a daunting task, don’t go it alone.

We will work with you to create the proper program you need to begin to reclaim a pain free life.

We’ve had great success helping people solve the causes of their pain. If you suffer from chronic pain, it is worth your while to spend some time figuring out which of any number of factors are contributing to it — and which combination of therapies will help heal it.

What patients are saying: “I’ve had ongoing back and spine issues and have been unable to get any relief.

I’ve seen orthopedic surgeons and neurologists and have come away from those doctors frustrated, confused and still hurting. Since seeing Dr. Maimone, I am regaining my health, spirit and confidence.

Dr. Maimone has helped me regain my strength and freedom again.”

–Pat W., Alamo Dr. Niele Maimone, DC owner Align Healing Center in Danville, CA has been active in natural health & wellness since 1999. For more information or to set up a consult call 362-8283 or visit alignhealingcenter.com.

Health & Wellness valleysentinel.com

October 2011 Advertorial

Advances in breast cancer over the past, every woman the last 10-20 years withIngreater than a one cm. tumor

By Shoba Kankipati, MD

Breast cancer is the number one prevalent cancer among women. Over the years, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer has evolved and major advances have been made.

Diagnostic Imaging In imaging the analog mammogram has been replaced by digital mammography. A digital mammogram machine uses compression and x-rays to image your breast, but instead of capturing the image on film as with traditional mammography, the image is captured to a computer as a digital image file. Digital mammograms are faster because there is no film to develop. The image can be sent immediately to the radiologist for viewing. If the image is unclear, you will be told about it right away, and the image can be retaken. This may help reduce mammogram callbacks and stress on patients. The National Cancer Institute did a study comparing film and digital mammography and concluded that digital mammography is more accurate than film at finding cancer in women less than 50 years-old, and women who have dense (not fatty) breast tissue. Digital mammography also uses less radiation than traditional film mammography, reducing your lifetime exposure to x-rays Another advancement was the introduction of the MRI. MRI of the breast is used in selected patients with diagnosis of breast cancer. It is used as a screening tool in patients with greater than 20 percent lifetime risk for breast cancer based on family history, patients with BRCA mutations,and patients with history of radiation to the chest during teenage years for lymphoma.

Surgery Women no longer have to go into the operating room for initial biopsy of a breast mass.

Techniques called core biopsy or stereotactic core biopsy are performed in the doctor’s office or by a radiologist, and thus general anesthesia and cost is avoided.

Mastectomies were the mainstay treatment for breast cancer. Now a majority of women are able to keep their breast.

Lumpectomy and radiation has replaced the concept of mastectomies in majority of cases.

Radiation Oncology Radiation techniques have also improved. Today radiation oncologists are able to do precise targeting, thus avoiding damage to the heart and the lungs.

Catheter directed radiation in selected cases has shortened the course of radiation treatment from six weeks to one week.

Medical Oncology Chemotherapy agents along with anti-nausea medications have all made great advancements. Newer chemotherapeutic and targeted agents have helped change the face of treatment as well.

The introduction of herceptin, lapatinib and newer antiestrogen agents have given us the tools to make breast cancer more curable than ever.

were offered chemotherapy. With tools like Oncotype Dx score and Mammoprint, we are able to identify women with early stage breast cancer that may or may not benefit from chemotherapy.

Understanding breast cancer genetics and the importance of family history have allowed us to identify women who are at increased risk and help them take measures like prophylactic mastectomies and oopherectomy.

The fact is many more women are being diagnosed with breast cancer in the 21st century.

However, they are also surviving.

The future of breast cancer is not a grim one. Every day new advancements are being made in the treatment of breast cancer.

Dr. Kankipati is a board certified Medical Oncologist and Hematologist with Epic Care, a group of experts in the diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of cancer and blood disorders. www.epic-care.com.

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We hope to see you there!

ANNOUNCEMENTS Now – November 20 Insider/Outsider Art: Selections from Bay Area Collections A look at artwork from five prominent Bay Area collections. Over 120 artists representing a broad range of styles and techniques from across the globe. Bedford Gallery at Lesher Center, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Information: 295-1417.

October 7-9 Gem Faire Fri: 12-6pm, Sat: 10am-6pm, Sun: 10am-5pm. Gems, jewelry, beads, crystals, minerals, lapidary equipment, imports. Information: www.gemfaire.com. Adults: $7, Parking: $8. Alameda County Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton.

October 8 Fall Trail Mixer - Del Valle Regional Park, Livermore 9am-2pm. You will stay in the East Bay but explore trails in regional parks with others. Each Trail Mixer will meet in the Danville Community Center parking lot at 9:00am and caravan to each location.

Plan on being gone until the mid to late afternoon. Pre-registration is required. To register for this Trail Mixer visit danvillerecguide. com and search for barcode 23594. Information about the Trail Mixer will be emailed out a day or two prior so please make sure your email address is accurate in your Town of Danville account.

For more information please contact Sheena Wellman-Miner at swellman-miner@danville.ca.gov. Free.

October 8 Carboload 5-10pm. San Ramon community’s signature event celebrates its 27th year! Exciting choir performances, expanded kids play area and activities, live and silent auctions, raffle prizes and all-youcan-eat pasta. Proceeds go to the San Ramon Valley Education Foundation. Toyota Warehouse Facility, 2451 Bishop Dr., San Ramon. Information: KGailey@WorldTravelDreams.net.

October 8 Adventures in Jazz 1pm. A musical program that is fun, entertaining and educational.

Performed by jazz musicians, the show opens wide the doors of jazz music to young minds. Admission: free. San Ramon Community Center at Central Park, Fountain Room, 7060 Bollinger Canyon Rd., San Ramon. Information: 973-3200.

October 8 DeafNation 9am-5pm. The foremost trading tour show for, by, and about deaf people. Exhibitors, entertainment, children activities and much more. Free admission, parking: $8. Information: www.deafnation.com. Alameda County Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton.

October 8 Blue Star Moms Drop Zone 10am to 3pm. The East Bay Chapter 101 Blue Star Moms is having a Drop Zone to collect donations for their upcoming “Holiday Hugs” care package mailing to our Troops in December. Location: Lucky, 660 San Ramon Valley Blvd., Danville. Visit www.bluestarmoms. org for more information and a list of donation items needed.

October 8 Tri-Valley Comic Book & Collectible Show 9am-4pm. Tons of comics, plenty of toys and other collectibles that can complete or start your collection. Adults $5, Children (under 12) $2. Information: www.toyhavoc.com. Alameda County Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton.

October 9 Primo’s Run for Education 7:30am-12pm. Choose from a 5K run/family fun walk in San Ramon or a half-marathon that stretches from Downtown Danville to Iron Horse Middle School in San Ramon. The run benefits the San Ramon Valley Education Foundation. After the race enjoy a fun fair and a slice of Primo’s Pizza. To learn more and to register, contact the San Ramon Valley Education Foundation at (925) 820-9181 or visit www.primosrun.com.

October 11 Ron Cohen, Speakers Series 7:30pm. Berkeley Atmospheric Sciences Center Director & Professor of Chemistry discusses how the popular press, searching for two diametrically opposed sides of the climate change debate, creates enormous distortions. Students: $14. General: $30. Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. Information: 373-6800.

October 14 Adam Shulman Quintet 8pm. The Adam Shulman Quintet seeks to convey the incredible intellect and heart of a genius of 20th century music, Bill Strayhorn.

Tickets: $20 each (Seniors 62+ and Students $15). Purchase tickets by mail or ordering them at the San Ramon Library only.

San Ramon Library, 100 Montgomery St., San Ramon.

October 15 Northern California Doll & Teddy Bear Show 10am - 3:30pm. Show and sale of over 130 tables of antique to modern dolls and teddy bears in all sizes. Dealers will answer questions or give appraisals. Teddy bear artists, including some that make bears from recycled fur coats. Adult, $5, Children 6 14, $2. Information: www.HermanShows.com. Alameda County Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton.

October 22 Fall Clean-up 9am-12pm. Volunteers of all ages are needed to help with cleanup and enhancement projects at Forest Home Farms Historic Park. Perfect for service clubs, families and scout groups. Bring your gloves and wear closed-toed shoes. Refreshments provided.

Forest Home Farm, 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon.

Information: 973-3284. .

October 24-28 Harvest Moon Classic Dog Show All breed dog show, obedience rally and agility trials with 40 individual breed specialties on Saturday. Over 75 vendors. Details on specific breed show times and rings will be posted after October 10. Visit www.dvd.org for more information. Free admission, parking $8. Alameda County Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton.

October 27 CityRead with Jamie Ford 7pm. Discover this heartwarming and quiet story about love, family, and friendship during WWII America and explore the strengths and strains of human relationships through the eyes of a young Chinese boy and a Japanese girl. Tickets are free, but must be reserved prior to the event. Two tickets per person, arrive 15 minutes before event begins. Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center, 10550 Albion Rd., San Ramon. Information: 973-3343.

October 28 Epicenter– featuring Bruce Mishkit 8pm. Epicenter is a musical collective. The repertoire ranges from seldom heard contemporary jazz compositions to original music and the sounds of Be-Bop, Latin and Fusion. Tickets: $20 each (Seniors 62+ and Students $15). Purchase tickets by mail or order them at the San Ramon Library only. San Ramon Library, 100 Montgomery St., San Ramon.

October 28 – 30 Bay Area Golf Show Fri: 11am-5pm, Sat: 9am-5pm, Sun: 9am-4pm. The Bay Area Golf Show is back at the fairgrounds this fall with over 70 exhibitors.

Top manufacturers and a variety of activities. Adults $10, Students (13-17): $9, Children 12 & under free, Seniors $9 (62+). Parking: $8. Information: www.bayareagolfshow.com. Alameda County Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton.

November 4-6 31st Annual Ia ‘Oe E Ka La Hula Festival Fri: 3-10pm, Sat: 9am-6pm, Sun: 9am-6pm. Hula Competition, solo and group competition. Arts & crafts vendors from California and Hawaii. Local style food booths. Adults Fri $12, Sat & Sun $15, children 5 & under FREE, Arts & crafts & food, $10. Parking: $8. Information: www.kumuhulaassociation.com. Alameda County Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton.

November 5 & 6 San Ramon Valley High School Annual Ski and Snowbard Swap 10am-4pm each day. Buy/sell new, past season, and gently used ski and snowboard equipment and apparel. Adult and child sizes available. Retail ski and snowboard shops will have a huge selection of new, past season, and demo equipment and apparel, along with expert fittings and advice. In addition, community members are invited to sell their past season equipment on consignment at the swap. Visit http://skiandsnowboardswap-srvhs.com/wp/.com to register equipment and for more information. $5 admission, 14 & under free with adult. San Ramon Valley High School, 501 Danville Blvd., Danville. Questions: Contact srvswap@aol.com.

SENIORS Danville Buzz Sessions are the buzz on topics and issues facing today’s older adults with the experts. Buzz Sessions are always free!

The following sessions are all held at the Town Meeting Hall, 201 Front St., Danville.

October 4 Picasso Exhibit-de Young Museum 7:15am-2pm. The de Young hosts an extraordinary exhibition of more than 100 masterpieces by Spanish Artist Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) from the permanent collection of Paris’ world renowned Musee National Picasso. Cost: $54 resident; $65 nonresident. Price includes: transportation, tour, audio device and box lunch. Please bring money if you plan on visiting the Japanese Tea Garden. Information: 314-3490.

October 6 How to Treat Diabetes with Nutrition 12-1pm. Learn to make meal planning easy and how to pick up foods at your local supermarket that will fit into a diabetic plan.

Learn how to pack foods when you are on the run, how much fruit you can eat and if you can eat desserts. Free. Town Meeting Hall, 201 Front St., Danville.

October 7 Dance and Dessert Social 6:30-9pm. Feet will be tapping and skirts twirling as big band favorites are played. During intermission, a lesson on how to dance the waltz.

Light refreshments provided. Cost: $5. Oak Hill Park Community Center, 3005 Stone Valley Rd., Danville. Information: 314-3490.

October 8 The Mystery about Vertigo 3-4pm. Vertigo is a common condition seniors face as they enter their later years. Sarah will discuss what Vertigo is, what causes it, and what one can do to both prevent and treat it. Free. Town Meeting Hall, 201 Front St., Danville.

October 11 How to Use Your Digital Camera 1-2pm. This session will give you a brief introduction that will look at the features and capabilities “hidden” in these relatively inexpensive, yet very capable cameras. Free. Town Meeting Hall, 201 Front St., Danville.

October 11 Filoli Garden Tour 8:30am-4:30pm. A two-hour private docent-led tour of the 654-acre garden, including the 36,000 square foot Georgian country house and spectacular 16-acre English Renaissance garden. After the tour, lunch at John Bentley’s in Redwood City. Cost: $62 resident; $74 non-resident. Price includes: transportation, tour and lunch.

Information: 314-3490.

October 20 Help Your Kids or Grandchildren Purchase their Home 9:30-10:15am: free breakfast, 10:30am-12pm: presentation.

Discover the financing options available for purchasing a home in today’s market including the loan programs available, minimum requirements for the down payment and closing costs and typical credit requirements. Free. Town Meeting Hall, 201 Front St., Danville.

San Ramon Seniors Travel: Detailed information about upcoming trips at the Alcosta Senior and Community Center. Information 973-3256.

October 10- Cache Creek Casino October 14-23 – Heritage of America

Please email or fax your Calendar Events to the Sentinel by 5pm on the 15th of the month proceeding publication month.

Fax No. 925-820-6048,info@valleysentinel.com or go to valleysentinel.com to enter your event online.

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

valleysentinel.com

October 2011

COMMUNITY CALENDAR CONTINUED BUSINESS Danville Chamber of Commerce Events October 13. 5:30pm Business After-Hours Mixer at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley at 205 Railroad Ave. October 22 & 23. 10:00am Danville Fall Crafts Festival November 10. 5:30pm Business After Hours Mixer San Ramon Chamber of Commerce Events October 13: 5:30pm. Annual Wine and Dine at ClubSport San Ramon–An evening of wine tasting, micro-brew tasting & culinary creations, sampling from over 50 local businesses in addition to music, a silent auction & much more! Ticket price: $35.00 per person, $45.00 at the door. All drinks and food are included. Must be 21 Years of age or older to attend this event. ClubSport San Ramon, 350 Bollinger Canyon Lane, San Ramon.

CLUBS October 13 Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW), Post 75, San Ramon Valley 7pm. Meets every second Thursday of the month at the Swain House at Hap Magee Ranch Park, located at 1025 La Gonda Way in Danville. Doors open at 7pm, meeting begins at 7:30. For more information, contact Post Commander Nathan Greene at (925) 875-1747. Find out more about our post on the Internet at http://vfwpost75.org.

October 15 The Parkinson Network of Mt. Diablo Support Group 10am-12pm. Speaker: Dr. Robert Edwards, UCSF Dept. of Neurology senior faculty member. Dr. Edwards is on the cutting edge of research into the origins of Parkinson’s disease. Refreshments served. Free. Grace Presbyterian Church, 2100 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. Information: 284-2189 or 933-6357.

October 18 San Ramon Valley Genealogical Society 10am-12pm. Speaker: Ron Aron. Program: Putting The Flesh On The Bones. The program will be of interest to both beginner and the more advanced genealogist. Library of the LDS Church, 2949 Stone Valley Road, Alamo. Information: 299-0881.

Mondays Danville Rotary 12:15-1:30pm. Meets every Monday. Faz Restaurant, Danville Info: Victor, 838-8721.

Tuesdays Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary 7am. Join us at the Crow Canyon Country Club every Tuesday morning for a good breakfast and great company. Info: Scott Sampson, 743-8449.

Wednesdays Alamo Rotary Noon. Meets every Wednesday at Round Hill Country Club, Alamo. Info: Mark Kahn, 837-3262.

Exchange Club of the San Ramon Valley 2nd Wednesdays lunch at FAZ. October 12 program features Barbara and Harry Hubinger, Danville police volunteers. “Our Unsworn Officers are Everywhere” 600 Hartz, Danville. Information: (925) 275-2412 or coachstepper@yahoo.com San Ramon Valley Rotary Club 7pm. Guests welcome. Join us at the Crow Canyon Country Club every Wednesday for dinner. This is a great way to make new friends. Info: 365-1435.

Blue Star Moms 7-9pm. Chapter 101 meets every second Wednesday of the month at Hap Magee Ranch Park Swain House at 1025 La Gonda Way, Danville.

Thursdays Rotary Club of San Ramon 12:15-1:30pm. Meets every Thursday at the Crow Canyon Country Club, San Ramon. Info: Bill Nethercott, 337-3311.

Kiwanis of San Ramon Noon. Meets every Thursday at Round Hill Country Club, 3169 Round Hill Rd., Alamo. For information call 648-4800.

Danville • Blackhawk • Alamo Diablo • San Ramon

Community News & Information

Publisher/Editor – Denise Rousset Chief Financial Officer – Jeff Gummere Writer, Auto – David & Judy Colman Graphic Designer – Laurie Prindle Assistant Editor – Jason Bellini Staff Writer and Sales – Judy Delany Intern – Stephanie Steinbrecher 390 Diablo Road, Suite 145 Danville, CA 94526

925-820-6047

www.valleysentinel.com

FOR SALE ’94 Electra Glide Custom Black on Black. 21” front wheel.

Thunder header, etc. $8500.00.

Contact Marc 925-639-4474.

2011 Entertainment Coupon Books for Greater East Bay Area available NOW! Only $30 each. Support California High School Choral Boosters. Call Cam Reed at 925-829-0628.

Free delivery San Ramon/ Danville/Alamo/Dublin area.

Beautiful Minolta Digital Camera hardly used, in box. Must see, one year old. Paid $550, will sell for $200. Call (925) 735-3895.

JVC Movie Camera, digital, almost new. Paid over $600, will sell for $250. Call (925) 735-3895.

FINANCE Basel II Risk Management Analyst: MS in Industrial Eng. and Ops. Rsrch., Finance or rltd., and 3 yrs. rltd. exp. incl. developing statistical scoring models; Basel II PD, LGD, and EAD models related to stress testing; and SAS and model builder for predictive analytics. Resume to: H.R. @ Bank of the West, 2527 Camino Ramon, San Ramon, CA 94583 or go to www.bankofthewest. com. Position is located in San Ramon, CA. HELP WANTED Sales Executive: The Valley Sentinel Newspaper has immediate openings for two sales positions. No sales experience necessary, we will train. Must have an outgoing personality and a positive attitude. Compensation based on performance. The Valley Sentinel covers the most desirable areas of the Bay Area.

Alamo, Danville, Blackhawk, Diablo and San Ramon. Please email your resume and request for interview to us at drousset@ valleysentinel.com.

SERVICES (K-12) Tutoring by California State Certificated Teacher Reasonable rates, Flexible tutoring schedule to meet the student’s needs. Contact information: mkelleysanramon@comcast.net or (925) 339-8943.

JRW CONSTRUCTION, INC. 381 Hartz Ave., Danville, Suite B phone 925.831.1615 fax 925.831.1643 lic. 694292

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

ThE VallEy SEnTinEl

Classifieds Pool Service–If your pool looks like a pond, call John at 925-584-6333.

It’s the last pool maintenance call you will have to make.

REAL ESTATE Ready To Lease Your Property or Looking To Rent It? Come To Hitchcock Realty Property Management Rentals, Listings, Advertising, Maintenance Full Services Low Rates Call Chris at 925-890-4482.

Marc Williams

page 13

BUILDING MATERIALS Steel Buildings Discounted factory inventory.

24x36, 38x50, 48x96, 60x150.

Misc. sizes, limited availability.

Source# 0EN. Call (530) 8841920. www.sunwardsteel.com.

Clock Repair

Byfield’s Clock Shop Antique & Modern Clocks

Quality Service Reasonable Rates Work Warranty Pickup & Delivery Free Estimates Timely Service

925-736-9165

CA License #0688647

Health & Dental Insurance Health Plans

• Individual & Family Plans • Group Plans • Medicare Supplement

800-799-0917

5100 B-1 Clayton Rd., Suite 362, Concord, California 94521

Power Wash Your House!

Remove: mildew, moss, spider webs, oil, dirt, bird droppings, birds & wasp nests, etc...

Starting at $300.00

(Average size house, including deck, fence, and cement floor)

Call 925-674-0163

page 14

The valley Sentinel

October 2011

valleysentinel.com

Bag It comes to Danville

The San Ramon Valley High School Environmental Club (E2), Sustainable Danville Area and the Sierra Club

present is your life too plastic?

Wednesday, October 12th at 7pm San Ramon Valley High School Performance Arts Center 501 Danville Blvd.

$5 suggested donation benefits the San Ramon Valley High School Environmental Club (E2) Collegiate Scholarship (You are welcome to attend the Near-Zero Waste Pre-Show at 6pm) The film, Bag It, by award-winning director Suzan Beraza is a touching and often funny documentary about how we use and abuse plastic.

For more information regarding this event contact Cynthia Ruzzi at sustainabledanville@gmail.com or 925-895-5001.

Please consider the environment and recycle this newspaper

San Ramon Valley High School Environmental Club (E2) students have joined with Sustainable Danville Area, The Sierra Club and the Central Contra Costa Solid Waste Authority to bring the award-winning film Bag It to a ‘theatre near you’.

Bag It, a touching and often funny documentary about how we use and abuse plastic, is the featured film to be screened on Wednesday, October 12th at 7pm in the S a n Ra m o n Va l l ey H i g h School Performance Arts Center 501 Danville Blvd.

The group hopes to raise awareness of the impact of single use plastics, like plastic bags and water bottles on our community a n d e n c o u ra g e t o u s t o recycle plastic items and even better, use reusable alternatives to plastics.

T h e f i l m , by awa rd w i n n i n g d i re c t o r S u z a n Beraza, is an eye-opening look at the environmental and health dangers posed by the global use of disposable, non-biodegradable plastic p ro d u c t s. To l d w i t h w i t and humor, Bag It follows “everyman” Jeb Berrier as

he embarks on a global tour to unravel the complexities of our plastic world.

The film focuses on plastic as it relates to our throwaway mentality, our c u l t u re o f c o n ve n i e n c e, our over consumption of u n n e c e s s a r y, d i s p o s a b l e p ro d u c t s a n d p a c ka g i n g – things that we use one time and then, without a n o t h e r t h o u g h t , t h row them away. But where is AWAY?? Could it be ‘out of sight, out of mind’ is actually the nearest over flowing landfill, clogged rivers or islands of trash in our oceans?

Bag It is a first-person documentary asking how we can incorporate healthy, more environmentally friendly practices into our l i ve s, o u r c u l t u re s, a n d our communities. SRVHS E2 students hope you will get a few suggestions from the film and by attending the Near-Zero Waste PreShow. Weather permitting, students and businesses will offer snacks and entertainment before the filming. Test your recycling knowledge and become a star and win cool prizes.

Learn how to protect our creeks and water resources.

See worm composting in action and take a tour of the school’s organic and drought tolerant planting beds.

Jules Thin Crust Pizza will be on hand with samples of their delicious, organic thin crust pies, along with other Danville Area S u s t a i n a b l e B u s i n e s s e s.

Please bring a re-usable container for beverages.

Pre-show activities begin a t 6 P M o n We d n e s d a y, October 12, 2011. $5 suggested donation b e n e f i t s t h e S a n Ra m o n Va l l e y H i g h S c h o o l Environmental Club (E2) Collegiate Scholarship.

T h e s c h o l a rs h i p w i l l b e awarded for a second y e a r i n J u n e 2 01 2 t o a graduating SRVHS student that has demonstrated their commitment to the environment through action in our community.

For more information regarding this event, or to donate to the San Ramon Valley High School Environmental Club (E2) Collegiate Scholarship, contact Cynthia Ruzzi at sustainabledanville@gmail. com or 925-895-5001.

AUTO

valleysentinel.com

maintenance • new cars • used cars • after market • safety March 2009 October 2011

The valley Sentinel

page 15

2012 BMW 650i Convertible

By David and Judy Colman

BMW has reintroduced the 650i as a 2012 model after a short break in production. Although the coupe will be available shortly, the first version offered is the convertible, which retails for a healthy base price of $90,500. When you add in the slew of options that equipped our test car, the retail price soars to more than $105,000. If you’re looking for beauty and exclusivity, then the revamped 650i is worth the price of admission. But if sports car performance is your aim, then you may want to look elsewhere for your ride.

The 650’s flame-surfaced body shell refines the unmistakable look of all BMWs since Chris Bangle redirected the styling department in Munich more than a decade ago. Whether you love the look or hate it, you have to admit that this chisel-nosed BMW is an eye magnet that draws looks like few cars on the road.

In our week long stewardship of it, we noticed countless fellow travelers pointing to our BMW. If you want to be the center of attention, the 650i convertible guarantees instant gratification, especially when the top is down.

BMW has discarded the old 6 Series platform in favor of a new space frame also used by 5 and 7 Series sedans. This insures a longer and wider 650 than before, changes you note when climbing into the newly widened and elongated cabin. Gone is the cramped lack of elbow room in the front seat area, as well as the lack of legroom for rear seat occupants. This convertible will now carry four adults in supreme comfort. There’s even an electrically controlled rear windshield behind the back seats to cut draft in the cabin when the top is down. The interior is flawlessly turned out with contrasting stitching on the door and dash panels, supply contoured sports seats with adjustable thigh bolsters, and a huge navigation/info display screen.

Instead of the 4.8 liter V8 used in previous 6 Series BMWs, the new 650i depends on a twin turbo 4.4 liter V8 for propulsion. This engine produces 400hp and 450 lb.-ft. of torque. Coupled to a silky 8-speed automatic transmission, the twin turbo V8 is easy to launch, and foaming at the bit to be thrashed.

BMW reports a 0-60mph time of 5.9 seconds, so there is always enough power on tap to blast past slower traffic without giving a thought to down shifting the gearbox.

Should you wish to become more involved in the driving procedure, however, you can easily slip down a gear or two by tapping the aluminum paddles behind the steering wheel. The left side controls downshifts, the right side upshifts. This system works well when driving in a straight line, less well when the wheel is cranked for a turn and you lose hand contact with the paddles Under most circumstances the 650i handles with benign aplomb. Nicely weighted steering feedback keeps you informed of front wheel behavior. The $2,000 optional “Active Roll Stabilization” adjusts sway bar stiffness to G Force loading demand, stiffening the chassis in turns, relenting on the straights.

The 20 inch optional alloys ($1,300) carry sizeable, sticky Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tires measuring 235/35/20 front and 275/30/20 rear. However, when pushed to the limit in a long, decreasing radius bend, the 650i vacillates between understeer and oversteer.

When the 650 starts sliding towards the outside of the turn, a slight steering correction to tighten the car’s line induces the rear end to lose adhesion.

Once you experience this disconcerting trait, you will be wary of cornering the 650i at the limit.

Of course, this BMW is unlikely to appeal to hard core racer types. Rather, it’s a beautifully constructed pleasure package with exotic looks, flamboyant styling, and ultra-luxe interior furnishings.

As long as you are aware of its cornering limitations, the new 650i will serve as a boulevard cruise without peer.

201 2 BMW 650 CONVERTIBLE ENGINE: 4.4 liter V8, 32 valves, direct injection, twin turbo HORSEPOWER: 400hp TORQUE: 450 lb.-ft.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 16 City MPG/ 24 Highway MPG PRICE AS TESTED: $105,025 PROS: Drop Dead Gorgeous Inside and Out C O N S : U n p re d i c t a b l e Handling at the Limit

DIABLO MOTORS

AUTO SALES, BROKERAGE, CONSIGNMENT & SERVICE

Grand Reopening!

Come see our Beautiful New Showroom and our Expanded Professional Service Department.

Ask about free maintenance for1year!

STILL the ONLY Diamond Certified Dealership in the ENTIRE EAST BAY!

2067 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon (in the old “Total Sports” building across from KFC)

(925) 830-8747 www.diablomotors.com

Shop locally Rakestraw Books

(925) 263-2533

“The Bookstore in Danville”®

• Author appearances • Book groups www.rakestrawbooks.com • Great recommendations

925-837-7337

522 Hartz Avenue in downtown Danville

Unique Art Supplies Vintage Wares Classes and Workshops Birthday Parties

www.queen-of-arts-cs.com 155 Railroad Ave. Suite D • Danville

Something

Very Special One-of-a-kind necklaces by

Jackie Jones You will love them!

House of Fashion 3221 Danville Blvd. • Alamo 925-837-6818

www.HouseofFashionCalifornia.com

SAVE 40%-80% OFF Brand Names!

EXTRA SAVINGS for your Holiday Supplies & Gifts $5.00 OFF any purchase over $25.00*

$10.00 OFF any purchase over $50.00*

$20.00 OFF any purchase over $100.00*

*These offers may not be used in conjunction with one another or other promotions.

Sale & Clearance items may not be included. Exp. 11/4/11

DEEP DISCOUNTS

•

UPSCALE BRANDS

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Evenings Tuesday – Thursday until 8pm

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Danville Bike Sales & Service

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Christmas Layaway Service Select your bike now pick up as late as 2 p.m.

December 24 Delivery Available Call for details

175 Hartz Ave., Danville 837-0966 DanvilleBikes.com