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always for the community VOL 24 NO 3
March 2019
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SPOTLIGHT
Celebrating 100 Years of a Good Life Shirley Mannette had her 100th birthday last month. Shirley Mannette, a resident of Sunrise Villa San Ramon celebrated her 100th birthday last month with a visit and special presentation from San Ramon Mayor Bill Clarkson and surrounded by family and friends.
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Snow adorns the top of Mount Diablo in February, and the Marsh Creek Reservoir sparkles, after a recent rainstorm. Photo: Richard Angeloni, Save Mount Diablo. For more information and a message from Caleb Castle, Communications Manager at Save Mt. Diablo, please see page 7.
The Western Grebe By James M. Hale
The Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis) is the largest grebe in North America. It weighs up to four and one half pounds, with a wingspan more than three and one half feet. Adults may reach almost three feet in length, with the long bill, head, and swan-like neck making up one half its length. It is the long neck that gives rise to the Western Grebe’s folk names of “swan grebe” and “swan-necked grebe”. Their striking red eye and straight, greenishyellow bill are diagnostic. The whispy, raspy, haunting call of the Western Grebe is a classic sound on western waters. The long legs are located well back on the body, an adaptation for diving and fast, underwater pursuit of their fish prey. Clark’s Grebe is a very similar looking close relative. Much phylogenetic and taxonomic research has been done to help understand the relationship between Clark’s and Western Grebes. Presently, both
Western and Clark’s Grebes have two recognized subspecies. The Western Grebe exhibits classic countershading in its coloration, an example of Thayer’s Law. They are dark gray or black above, and white below. This method of camouflage is an adaptation for protection against predation from above and below. The Western Grebe is a water bird that breeds in colonies on ponds and lakes, with marsh and open water habitat, throughout western North America, from Canada to Mexico. It winters in saltwater, primarily off the Pacific Coast, or in brackish water bays and estuaries. They are a common site in Contra Costa County in the appropriate habitat. Western Grebe fossils from the Late Pleistocene Epoch have been identified from southwestern North America.
Western Grebes breed in colonies, sometime reaching into the hundreds, and generally on large inland lakes with plenty of marsh habitat for nesting. Their “Rushing Ceremony’, a spectacular, ritualized courtship and mating “dance” performed by both sexes, is dramatic and a treat to observe. The pair rear up in unison and patter across
the surface of the water to dive at the finish. It is truly one of nature’s wonders and gems. The synchronous, courtship behavior functions to strengthen the pair-bond in the monogamous Western Grebe. Once the pairbond is established, the “Weed Ceremony” is initiated. The
This Month’s Special Section:
Spring Home & Garden
pages 8-9
See GREBE page 7
o
th Us!
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT dining out • music • art • theater • fun events
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THE VALLEY SENTINEL
Altered States Now - March 24 T h e B e d f o rd G a l l e r y begins the new year with the thought-provoking exhibition Altered States. Guest curated by Heather M a r x , the show features a r t i s t s a c r o s s multiple generations living and working along the California coast who harness natural elements and/or the environment to create their artwork. The artists work in a wide range of media and share a passion for creating art that is about process and reclamation. This exhibition highlights the natural cycles of our complex environment and offers visitors an opportunity to slow down and reflect on the interconnectedness of the sun, mood, air, and tides. $5 general, $3 youth (13-17), 12 & under free. Free for Bedford Members. Bedford Gallery, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Information: www. bedfordgallery.org or 925295-1417.
T h e Sixties were an exciting, a w f u l , inspiring, innovative but always memorable time. This exhibit shows the Sixties through a national as well as San Ramon Valley prism. A special exhibit is focused on the 1969 moon landing. Models of the rockets, gyroscope and magazines from the period and other items related to the moon landing are on display. Trace the development of the Valley during this period. Learn about the opening of Interstate 680 starting in 1964 into Danville then in 1966 continuing onto San Ramon and Dublin. New homes from San Ramon Village to Greenbrook were sprouting up all over the San Ramon Valley. This growth created havoc in trying to provide enough classrooms for the growing population. See a collection of Barbie dolls and accessories which was the iconic doll of this period. Children will enjoy playing with a variety of 1960 vintage toys. $3 - $10, Members free. The Museum of the San Ramon Valley, 205 Railroad Avenue in downtown Danville. Information please visit museumsrv.org or call 925683-3750.
March 2019
valleysentinel.com Ramon. Information: www. sanramonperformingarts. com or 925-973-3350.
Family Friendly Improv March 10 2 p m . I n t ro d u c e yo u r children to the fun world of Improv! They will have a chance to see their ideas come to life on stage and perhaps play a game and get a prize! Our one hour Improv show is designed especially for children and their families to enjoy together. The show is made up on the spot and based on audience suggestions. $ 10 . Fro n t Row T h e a t e r inside Dougherty Station Community Center, 17011 Bollinger Canyon Rd, San Ramon. Information: www. sanramonperformingarts. com or 925-973-3350.
exhibition featuring a large collection of prints that depict a variety of styles and subject matter. An Opening Reception for the exhibition is scheduled for Saturday, March 16, 2019 from 1pm to 3pm. Artists will be on hand at the exhibition to discuss their artwork. Complimentary refreshments will be served. The exhibit runs through April 20, 2019. Artwork in the exhibition will be for sale. Admission is free. Village Theater Art Gallery, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: www.danville.ca.gov/227/ Village-Theatre-Art-Gallery or 925-314-3400.
Chorus St. Patrick’s Concert March 15 7pm. The luck of the Irish will be with you at the Community Chorus St. Patrick’s Day Concert! Enjoy wonderful Irish tunes and Irish dancing! Don’t forget to wear your green! FREE. Front Row Theater inside Dougherty Station Community Center, 17011 Bollinger Canyon Rd, San Ramon. Information: www. sanramonperformingarts. com or 925-973-3350.
Dixieland jazz March 16 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 Presented by Comcast Rogers & Hammerstein’s A Road, Danville. Information Grand Night for Singing visit www.Jazznut.Com or Discover local businesses and 925.242.0600 www.SanRamon.org March 15 - 16 phone 625-2707. network with up to 300 guests at the 8pm. A musical revue showcasing the music of Richard Rodgers and the lyrics of Oscar Hammerstein II. Featuring songs from such lesser-known works as Allegro, 5 pm to 7:30 pm Me and Juliet, State Fair, and Thursday, March 21, 2019 Pipe Dream, modest successes like Flower Drum Song and hits like Carousel, Oklahoma!, Blue Oyster Cult Exhibitors: The King and I, South Pacific, March 16 $200 Members $300 Non-Members $150 Non-Profit Cinderella and The Sound 8 p m . Fo r o v e r f o u r $20 Non-Members & Everyone at the Door of Music, it originally was decades, Blue Oyster Cult presented cabaret-style at has been thrilling fans of Rainbow & Stars at the top hard rock worldwide with Register and pay online: of Rockefeller Center. $75. p owe r f u l a l b u m s l o a d e d www.sanramon.org or contact the Village Theater, 233 Front St., with classic songs. The Long Danville. Information: www. Island, NY-based band is Chamber Office at (925) 242-0600 villagetheatreshows.com or reve re d w i t h i n t h e h a rd or e-mail at kathy.fanning@sanramon.org 925-314-3400. rock and heavy metal scene f o rSPONSORS: i t s p i o n e e r i n g wo r k . WHERE: The Bridges Golf Club BUSINESS EXPO Visit www.sanramon.org for pre-expo workshop info New Art Exhibition ‘Print it!’ Tickets: $64 (single Ticket WHEN: 5 pm to 7:30 pm, Thursday, March 21, 2019 Opens March 16 price), $58 Season Ticket Visit www.sanramon.org for pre-expo workshop T h einfo: V i l l a g e T h e a t r e Price. Front Row Theater Art Gallery is partnering inside Dougherty Station Facebook for Business with the California Society Community Center, 17011 EXHIBITORS: $200 Members $300 Non-Members $150 of Non-Profit Printmakers for a new Bollinger Canyon Rd, San
The Sixties at Fifty at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley Now – June 3
Business Expo and Mixer
Come Grow With Us!
San Ramon Business Expo and Mixer
Discover local businesses and network The Bridges Golf Club with up to 300 guests at the San Ramon Business Expo and Mixer
ADMISSION: Early Bird Deadline March 7, 2019 – $10 Members $20 Non-Members & Everyone at the Door 925.242.0600 www.SanRamon.org Register and pay online: www.sanramon.org
Friday Foreign Film - Truman March 22 7pm. Julián receives an unexpected visit from his friend, Tomás, who lives in Canada. The two men, accompanied by Julián’s f a i t h f u l d o g , Tr u m a n , will share emotional and surprising moments prompted by Julián’s complicated life situation. Rated NR, 108 minutes, Spanish/English subtitles. $10. Front Row Theater inside Dougherty Station Community Center, 17011 Bollinger Canyon Rd, San Ramon. Information: www. sanramonperformingarts. com or 925-973-3350.
The Jazz Room March 24 8pm. Join award-winning s i n g e r - s o n g w r i t e r, vo c a l arranger and “Artivist” Lisa Forkish for an evening of music in celebration of the human spirit. Lisa will be joined by guitarist, Patrick Anseth. Performing original songs from her most recent album “Love Warrior,” as well as some new renditions of jazz and folk standards. $20 - $30. Village Theater, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: www. villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400. Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner March 29 1:45 PM Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner. Admission is free. Veterans Hall, 400 Hartz in Danville. Admission is free. Information: museumsrv. org or call 925-683-3750.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT dining out • music • art • theater • fun events
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
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continue to present fun and unique top-level entertainers for preschool-aged children. Presented in 50 minutes with no intermission. Artist may be subject to change. $5. Village Theater, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: www. villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400.
Tradition Interrupted April 11 – June 23 Tra d i t i o n I n t e r r u p t e d explores the methods used by artists to conflate contemporary ideas with
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Billy Ocean April 6 8pm. Born in Trinidad, Billy settled in London’s East End when he was just seven. The calypso kid soon got turned on to soul singers like Otis Redding and Sam Cooke, as well as groups like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Billy received a G ra m my f o r B e s t R & B Vocal for his number one single Caribbean Queen. $69. Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center, 10550 Albion Rd. (Cross Street Bollinger Canyon Rd.) Located on the Dougherty Valley High School Campus. San Ramon. Information: www. sanramonperformingarts.com or 925-973-3343.
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Lesher Center for the Arts, 1 6 01 C i v i c D r. , Wa l n u t Creek. Information: www. bedfordgallery.org or 925295-1417.
Friday Foreign Film - After the Wedding April 11 7 p m . J a c o b Pe t e rs e n manages an orphanage in India that is facing bankruptcy. A Danish Corporation offers a substantial donation with the condition that Jacob return to his native Denmark to receive the funds in person from the CEO. Once in Denmark Jacob discovers a life-altering family secret that will forever impact his life. Rated R, 120 minutes, Danish & Swedish/ English subtitles. $10 single ticket. Foreign Film Season Ticket: $55 (Includes all 6 films)Front Row Theater inside Dougherty Station Community Center, 17011 Bollinger Canyon Rd, San Ramon. Information: www. sanramonperformingarts. com or 925-973-3350.
P r e s c h o o l Pe r f o r m a n c e Series: Magician Phil Ackerly April 12 10 a m . M a k i n g l i t t l e ones laugh, dance, and sing along since 2009, the Town of Danville is pleased to
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The Mystery of Irma Vep - A Penny Dreadful April 12 - 28 What do Victorian melodramas, Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights and Alfred Hitchcock’s film Rebecca h ave i n c o m m o n ? We l l , sprinkle in some vampires, werewolves and mummies and you have The Mystery of Irma Vep. This madcap mash up is heightened even more (as if that were possible) by the fact that it is performed by just two actors! Ladies and Gentlemen, start your engines... $25 - $35. Village T h e a t e r, 2 3 3 F r o n t S t . , Danville. Information: www. villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400.
The Jazz Room –Matoshi Kosako and Michael Manring April 14 7:30pm. One of the most innovative musicians, Motoshi Kosako, harpist and Michael Manring, bassist team up to create a unique sound. Their virtuosic skills a n d m u s i c i a n s h i p m a ke the intimate ensemble and thrilling improvisation happen effortlessly. The music is something you may not expect from the combination of these two instruments. $25. Village Theater, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: www. villagetheatreshows.com or 925-314-3400.
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traditional art and craft in a range of media, from rugs and quilts to metal and ceramic. Merging the ageold with innovation, artists are re-visioning culturally h i s t o r i c i d e a s t o c re a t e hybrid images or objects that interrupt traditional practice but still collaborate with the past. Bedford Gallery,
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Jumpin’ at the Sun Dance Company March 29 & 30 7:30pm. Winner of Diablo magazine’s 2016 Best of the East Bay for Best Dance Tro u p e, J ATS c re a t e s a n engaging blend of dance and music styles that is entertaining and fun for the entire audience. Sponsored by t h e S a n Ra m o n A r t s Foundation.Show is most suitable for ages 2 - 7. $22. Groups of 6 or more are $20. Students 17 & under with valid school ID through the box office only can buy one ticket and get one free. Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center, 10550 Albion Rd. (Cross Street Bollinger Canyon Rd.) Located on the Dougherty Valley High School Campus. San Ramon. Information: www. sanramonperformingarts.com or 925-973-3343.
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THE VALLEY SENTINEL
Dogs Make Life Better Town of Danville hosts dog photo contest Those interested Dog lovers and photobugs, the Town of Danville needs you! Because everyone knows #dogsmakelifebetter, the Town has decided to celebrate that fact with a dog-centric cover to the summer Activity Guide. The Recreation, Arts, and Community Services Department is announcing a Danville Dog Photo Contest, with the winner gracing the cover of the summer guide. The contest runs from February 19 – March 8, 2019. During the contest, participants can submit pictures of dogs by themselves or dogs with their owners in recognizable Danville locations. Photographers are asked to only submit actual photos, no photoshopped pictures.
in participating in the photo contest should submit one image to jwallner@danville. ca.gov. Images should be high resolution, jpeg format and at least 2625 x 3075 pixels. Once the deadline has passed, all images will be reviewed by a committee of Town of Danville Staff. The winning image and photo credit will be on the cover of the Summer Activity Guide which will be mailed out by April 25, 2019. Runners-up will be featured on the Town’s social media platforms. For more information, contact Program Supervisor, Jessica Wallner at 925-3143426 or jwallner@danville. ca.gov.
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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March 2019
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Alamo News Update By Steve Mick
High School graduation ceremonies are just around the corner. This means that a slew of festivities and parties are being planned by graduates and their parents. This also means that people need to know the issues related to the Contra Costa County Social Host Ordinance. Social Host Liability is created by a statute or case law that imposes liability on social hosts as a result of their serving alcohol to adults or minors. This is usually done by an individual in a private home. The act of serving alcohol imposes a liability on the social host. This liability is created by statute or law as enacted by recognized authority. In Contra Costa County, this liability is described by the county social host ordinance. Some of the main points of this
ordinance are included in the following discussion. The County Board of Supervisors recognizes that underage drinking is hazardous and dangerous. People aged 12 to 20 years drink 11% of all alcohol consumed nationwide. More than 90% of this alcohol is consumed in the form of binge drinks. On average, underage drinkers consume more drinks per drinking occasion than adult drinkers. With the passage of the social host ordinance, persons who host such gatherings are now responsible for any problems that develop. Problems include physical fights, vandalism, noise disturbances, and other alcohol related incidents. The sheriff’s office now has the authority to hold the host responsible for unlawful activities. Here are the specifics of the social host ordinance: No person shall suffer, permit, allow, or host a gathering at his or her place of residence or other private property under
his or her control where three or more persons under the age of twenty-one are present and where alcoholic beverages are in the possession of, or are being consumed by, any person under the age of twenty-one. A violation of this chapter is a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding six months, or by fine not exceeding one thousand dollars, or by both. The bottom line is that not only will you be held liable and responsible for any issues arising from underage drinking but you also will be exposing yourself to direct legal action such as fines and/or imprisonment. There are numerous on-line sources for more information on underage drinking. A local organization is the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Team (ADAPT). They are at discoveryctr.net/adapt. Steve Mick is a long-time Alamo resident and is active in a number of community organizations. Among them are the Community Foundation of Alamo, the Exchange Club and the Alamo Municipal Advisory Council. You can reach Steve at steve@alamore.org.
San Ramon Mayor Bill Clarkson gives annual State of the City Address Achievements, Partnerships, Challenges Housing and Elections Highlighted On Wednesday February 20, The San Ramon Chamber of Commerce presented its annual State of the City Luncheon at the San Ramon Marriott. It was a packed house, with a turnout of approximately 200 residents and business people. Clarkson began by outlining some of San Ra m o n ’s s u c c e s s e s a n d accomplishments. “Solid financial decisions” were aided by the City Council’s committee of citizens in 2018 that delved into city finances and made suggestions to the City Manager on ways to efficiently supply services to residents, and “brought back some great ideas”, Clarkson said. Construction of the City Center including a Bollinger Canyon Road widening project to ease traffic has greatly enhanced the downtown area. Also the purchase of the old Mudd’s Restaurant property from the State for $1 will enable the City to incorporate it into the Crow Canyon Garden. Mayor Clarkson praised the San Ramon Police Department and City staff for helping to make San Ramon the third best place in California to raise
a family for making it one of the safest cities in the country, he said. Clarkson highlighted “dynamic partnerships” with the school district, fire district, East Bay Regional Parks, East Bay MUD, Dublin San Ramon Services District and San Ramon businesses for being the “secret sauce” in making San Ramon so exceptional., he said. T h e M ayo r s p o ke o f future plans for creating a Bike Master Plan and Walking District in the core of the downtown area and working toward a pedestrian and bike overpass on Bollinger Canyon Road for the Iron Horse Trail in an effort to make San Ramon more pedestrian friendly. Challenges include future housing issues related to the State of California mandating more housing to be built. Mayor Clarkson explained that the Tassajara Valley and western hills are particularly vulnerable, and said that while the Tassajara Valley is outside city limits, it is inside San Ramon’s planning area. There are factors such as voters moving the urban limit lines, and the State passing legislation mandating development or the County
Board of Supervisors opening up the area to extensive development. Clarkson says that he is most concerned by the State passing law that preempts the County, and preempts the City, stressing that “we have to do things today to find a way to protect the Tassajara Valley”. Challenges with open space preservation are compounded by the threat of san Ramon losing control over its development to State officials in Sacramento attempting to fix the state’s housing crisis “with a one size fits all solution”, Clarkson said. Mayor Clarkson finally warned of the potential perils associated with district transition to district-based elections for City Council seats. District elections would allow you to vote for only one councilmember every four years which potentially disenfranchises residents from three quarters of the City Council, dropping voters’ influence by a factor of three. For more information on these topics, Mayor Bill Clarkson can be reached by phone at Cell Phone: (925) 2005380, or you can email him at bclarkson@sanramon.ca.gov.
valleysentinel.com
March 2019
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
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White Pony Express Brings Needed Food, Cash, and Clothing to Butte County Fire Survivors in Isolated Areas Program and Free General Store, were going hungry, while at the W h i t e Po n y E x p r e s s (WPE), a non-profit headquartered in Pleasant Hill, continues with its efforts in providing food, cash donations, and clothing to those suffering from the Camp Fire in Butte County, especially those located in remote locations. On November 14, 2018, White Pony Express began making daily refrigerated truck runs to Butte County with perishable ready-toeat meals and envelopes of donated cash to aid the fire victims. After two weeks, WPE learned that although a lot of food was being shipped to the affected areas, it was often not reaching those living in isolated areas where grocery stores are not available, where some residents don’t have transportation, or others a re l i m i t e d by p hys i c a l disabilities. This predicament often led to shortages of food for these fire survivors. To address this situation, WPE changed its strategy by t a rg e t i n g i t s r u n s t o provide sufficient food on a weekly basis to people living in out-of-the way locations with little access to food sources. In addition to delivering ready-to-eat meals, WPE continues to
hand out envelopes of cash donations to individuals lacking financial resources. New clothing has also been distributed on an individual basis. Highlights of WPE’s current assistance to the fire victims in Butte County: WPE volunteers (no paid staff) drive a refrigerated van to Butte County (a 6-hour round trip) with surplus ready-to-eat meals, fresh produce, bread, milk, eggs and envelopes of individual cash donations. WPE focuses on providing these items to fire survivors in trailers that are situated in remote locations with little access to grocery stores. WPE has increased its delivery from 200 meals a week in December, to currently 400 meals a week. WPE is looking for food donors between Pleasant Hill and Butte County that can add to the food that WPE is delivering, as well as funding to help WPE continue and expand its work. Those who wish to volunteer with WPE to help with its Butte County efforts or with WPE’s other programs should visit https:// www.whiteponyexpress.org/ volunteer
W P E ’ s Fo o d Re s c u e Program The food deliveries to Butte County are being managed by WPE’s Food Rescue Program. Every day of the week, WPE picks up quality surplus food from supermarkets, restaurants, and farmers markets and then delivers that food to shelters, churches and other facilities that feed the hungry in our communities. All of this is done free of charge. In over 5 years, WPE has rescued about 8,000,000 pounds (equivalent to about 6,660,000 meals) of fresh, nutritious food that would otherwise go to waste. Free General Store In addition to its Food Rescue program, WPE has a “Free General Store” (FGS), which provides high quality clothing, toys, and books in a respectful, loving manner to the underserved in our communities--all free of charge. So far, FGS has distributed over 500,000 items, or about 10,000 per month, to people who need them. White Pony Express is a mostly-volunteer powered organization headquartered in Pleasant Hill but serving those in need in our communities. Through its Food Rescue
Applications Sought for Government Oversight Program • Having Contra Costa County Superior Court is accepting applications for Civil Grand Jury service for the fiscal year 2019 – 2020. Nineteen members will be selected and serve for one year, July through June, to monitor review and report on city and county governments as well as special districts and school districts. Once selected and sworn in, jurors will attend a twoweek training session to meet key members of local government and learn their functions. They organize into committees to investigate local government agencies, research topical materials, interview county executives and their staff, gather facts, and issue written reports with recommendations that will benefit the citizens of Contra Costa County. This unique and powerful system of government oversight was established in the California
Constitution in 1849 and applies to each of the 58 counties. As a Grand Juror you will: • Develop solutions to problems • Meet leading members of every level of the government and tour their facilities • Observe government in action • Experience a sense of making a contribution to the difficult task of governing • Write about the facts, findings and recommendations developed as a result of research, investigations, and reports • Develop strong working relationships with fellow jurors’ • Know that your ideas can ‘make things happen’ Other issues to consider: • Jurors receive a stipend for their service, plus mileage reimbursement, and a parking permit.
a working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel is a plus. • Be prepared to spend three days a week in committee meetings and perform some work at home. • Confidentiality is imperative and information cannot be discussed with anyone including family members. • Investigations and inhouse jury activities are also strictly confidential. • Jurors must be a United States citizen, 18 years of age or older and have been a resident of the County for at least one year prior to selection. • Persons interested in applying may contact the Office of the Civil Grand J u r y a t ( 9 2 5 ) 6 0 8 - 2 6 21 . Applications are available online (http://www.cc-courts. org/grandjury) and at your local library. The deadline to submit an application is March 22.
be kind to the environment please recycle this newspaper
WPE helps people move from the margins to the mainstream by providing fresh food and high-quality clothing. Dr. Carol Weyland Conner founded WPE in September 2013 when she was troubled that in a county of such abundance, thousands
same time, food retailers were throwing out huge quantities of healthy, fresh food. From this, the Food Rescue program was born. For more information, please visit: www. whiteponyexpress.org.
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THE VALLEY SENTINEL March 2019
valleysentinel.com
Lots To See And Do At Tilden Nature Area By Beverly Lane, President, East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors
No matter the season, there’s always something enjoyable going on at Tilden Nature Area near Berkeley. The Nature Area is essentially surrounded by Tilden and Wildcat Regional Parks. Within its 740 acres are more than 10 miles of hiking trails through a blend of native and introduced plant communities. No dogs are allowed within it, and bicycles are allowed only on the Loop Road. The idea is to preserve an area in as much of a natural state as possible for plants and animals to thrive.
Crown jewels of the Nature Area are the Environmental Education Center and Little Farm, both of which are located at the north end of Central Park Drive. The center offers a variety of programs highlighting the natural and cultural history of the park. There’s also a watershed exhibit, which traces the origins, ecology and historic uses of Wildcat Creek from its headwaters in Tilden through adjacent communities down to San Francisco Bay. The Little Farm has all the domestic animals you would find on a working farm. It’s a great opportunity especially for kids to see live animals in a safe setting, and learn where our food comes from. Visitors can bring lettuce or celery to feed the animals.
An easy walk from the center and farm takes you to Jewel Lake, a historic reservoir and peaceful setting in which to watch wildlife. There’s a nature trail around the lake, too. Jewel Lake has always had problems with sedimentation, and was last dredged about two decades ago. The Park District has just completed improvements on a sediment basin that helps to prevent sediment from entering the lake. Sediment can be removed from the basin annually. For the longer term, the District is in the planning and design phase of a project that will involve dredging the lake itself, and restoring Wildcat Creek to enable passage of fish around the lake and farther upstream. The District also has enhanced the environment at several seasonal ponds that are alongside the road to Jewel Lake. This has created habitat for native species such as Western pond turtles, red-legged frogs, California newts and the Alameda striped racer, an endangered species of snake. Allowing the ponds to dry up in the summer discourages bullfrogs from establishing themselves. Bullfrogs are non-natives that prey on red-legged frogs and other
rare animals. It all can be v i ewe d f ro m a d i s a b l e d accessible observation deck, an amphitheater and a new trail.
The center’s naturalist staff has planned lots of programs in March h i g h l i g h t i n g t h e N a t u re Area’s attractions. Young children will enjoy “Farm Chores for Littles,” which meets from 10:30 t o 11 a m eve r y S a t u rd ay in March and April. Meet the naturalist at the rabbit hutch for a variety of age appropriate activities. Or there’s “Talk With the Animals,” from 11 to 11:30am. every Sunday in March and April, with a different animal featured each week. Meet in the Little Farm classroom.
And naturalist Trent Pearce will lead “Creek Study” from 3 to 4:30pm on Saturdays, March 16 and 30. Wear shoes that can get wet and muddy, join Trent to learn about the creatures that live in the Nature Area ponds and streams.
All these programs are free of charge. For more information, call 510-5442233. The rest of Tilden Regional Park has lots to offer as well. There are miles of hiking and riding trails, picnic grounds, the Regional Parks Botanic Garden, the Brazil Building for weddings and other special events, the vintage Merry-Go-Round with its beautiful handcarved animals, and the quarter-scale steam train. Find out more about all of it by visiting the Park District web site, www.ebparks.org.
160 Acres Added to East Bay Regional Park District’s Doolan Canyon Regional Preserve trails in Alameda and Contra including rare alkali soil plant is pleased acquisition of the The East Bay Regional Park District board of directors voted to authorize purchase of the Grove Family property as an addition to Doolan Canyon Regional Preserve during its November 6, 2018 board meeting. The board action authorized the transfer and appropriation of $1,239,500 of Measure WW acquisition funds for the Doolan Canyon allocation area. Including previously appropriated funds of $32,300, total project cost is $1,271,800. The District closed escrow on November 28 and has taken possession of the property, expanding the existing regional preserve lands. The East Bay Regional Pa r k D i s t r i c t h a s b e e n negotiating acquisition of the parcel, located between Dublin and Livermore, from the Grove family since June 2018. The Grove property is comprised of a roughly 160-acre parcel located in southern Contra Costa County, approximately
three miles northwest of Livermore. The property is bordered to the south by Doolan Canyon Regional Preserve and privately-held agricultural parcels to the north, east and west. “The purchase will serve to protect the upper reaches of Doolan Canyon for future recreational opportunities, h a b i t a t p ro t e c t i o n , a n d open space preservation,” said East Bay Regional Park District Board President Ayn Wieskamp. “The property will also protect and preserve forever the headwaters of Cottonwood Creek.” Doolan Canyon provides habitat corridors for wildlife between Morgan Territory and Doolan Canyon Regional Preserves, including endangered species such as the Alameda whipsnake and red-legged frog. Preservation of the property will also serve to protect riparian and wetland habitats that support a variety of special status species,
species. “ T h e G r o v e Fa m i l y property is in the East Bay Regional Park District Master Plan and has been a longtime goal of the District’s” said East Bay Regional Park District General Manager Robert Doyle. “The District
property has come to fruition.” The Grove property has been placed into land bank status until a land use plan for Doolan Canyon Regional Preserve is completed. The East Bay Regional Park District is a system of beautiful public parks and
Costa counties east of San Francisco Bay, established in 1934. The system comprises 121,000 acres in 73 parks including over 1,250 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding and nature learning.
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March 2019
A message from Save Mt. Diablo Last June 5th, California voters approved the $4.1 billion Proposition 68, also commonly referred to as the California Clean Water & Safe Parks Act, and Save Mount Diablo (“SMD”) was honored to be on the Clean Water, Natural Resources, and Parks Campaign Committee that worked to achieve this successful result. It was a long road to achieve this historic success, and we are thankful for our wonderful supporters
and partners who helped make it possible. More financial resources can now be applied to help Mount Diablo State Park with critical needs and acquisitions, open the longawaited Marsh Creek State Park (pictured on the front page), and support other important park and water projects. Although it’s still winter, the hills have turned a bright, lush green thanks to the recent rains… and conditions are ripe for observing rainbows,
wildflower blooms and waterfalls. We encourage you to get outside to enjoy these wild, open spaces right here in the East Bay’s backyard. You can learn more about this amazing area, and the work Save Mount Diablo does to protect it, by attending a free guided public hike through Save Mount Diablo’s “Discover Diablo” hikes program. An expert naturalist will lead the way. See the calendar and RSVP here: http://bit.ly/ Discover-Diablo
Peace and Justice Art and Writing Contest Mt. Diablo Peace and J u s t i c e C e n t e r re c e n t l y a n n o u n c e d i t s 2 01 9 competitions for local youth in connection with its Creating Peaceful Schools programs. Both are open to middle and high school students in Contra Costa County. The 21st annual Dennis T h o m a s A r t & Wr i t i n g Challenge has prizes ranging from $25 to $500. And in celebration of its 50th year, this year the Center is adding a new way to recognize youth who are making a difference. It is awarding three $100 Youth Activist Grants!
This year the topic/prompt for the Art & Writing Challenge is: “Cultivating A Peaceful World: Visions for the Future” and the description reads as follows: Across the globe, marginalized communities continue to face direct threats to their humanity and livelihood. We fear not only for the lives of those across the globe, but for ourselves, our families, and our loved ones. At times, this fear can be overwhelming. However, we must not let it defeat us. We are more powerful together than anyone can imagine. We must look inside ourselves and to
our community to envision the future we want. The Youth Activist Grants will be awarded to an individual, youth organization or group of young people who have been outstanding in doing the work and engaging in the struggle for human rights, peace and/or youth empowerment. Deadlines for Art & Writing submissions and Youth Activist Grant nominations is April 12, 2019. Contest rules, forms and more information may be found at https://tinyurl. com/2019CAPS , contact the Center at (925) 933-7850 or margli@ourpeacecenter.org.
BIRTHDAY from page 1
to assist servicemen attending dinners and plays at the local clubhouse. He had fought in combat during WWII and was later stationed in India to teach meteorology to other servicemen. Shirley and Bill were married November 10, 1945. They raised four children. Shirley has 6 grandchildren and
several great grandchildren. She retired after more than 30 years working for EBMUD. Shirley’s advice to others is to love the Lord, be kind, and do good works for others. Love life and welcome each new day. Good advice, Shirley! Congratulations on turning 100 years young.
Reeds, cattails, and plant debris, with sodden materials and feathers for lining, are used to construct the floating nests in shallow water, which are anchored to emergent marsh vegetation. From one to six, usually two to four, pale bluish eggs are laid. Both Western Grebe parents incubate the clutch for about twenty-four days. Hatching is not synchronous, sometimes resulting in the last egg being abandoned. Immediately upon hatching, the young climb onto the back of the attending parent. The family soon leaves the nest, and the young are raised and fed by both parents. Fledglings take their first flights at about ten weeks of age. Western Grebes dive underwater, and propelled by their feet, pursue fish for food, which they spear or grab with their pointed bill. Crustaceans, insects, polychaete worms, and salamanders are also eaten. Like other grebes, Western Grebes also eat feathers.
The oldest recorded Western Grebe was a female of at least eleven years of age, when she was found in California. At the beginning of the 20th century, tens of thousands of Western Grebes were killed for their silky white breast and belly feathers, which were used for clothing and hats. Pollution from pesticides and oil spills, disturbance by boaters near nest sites, entanglement in fishing lines and gill nets, and habitat loss have contributed to population declines throughout their range. The North American Waterbird Conservation Plan e s t i m a t e s a b o u t 110 , 0 0 0 breeding Western Grebes in North America, and rates the species a 12 out of 20 on the Continental Concern Score, and as a Species of Moderate Concern. James M. Hale is a Vertebrate Zoologist, Wildlife Biologist, Ethnobiologist, and Ecological Consultant based in Contra Costa County. Please visit his website at www.dochale.com.
Born February 1, 1919 in New Orleans as Shirley Strauss, her family relocated to Chicago when she was 10 years old. As a young woman Shirley met Bill Mannette, her future husband and a meteorologist in the Air Force while working GREBE from page 1
ceremony begins with the couple bobbing their heads up and down in water, and follows with them diving to retrieve aquatic vegetation from the bottom. Upon surfacing, the “weed” is held and presented with the bill. The ceremony continues until one of the pair flips away the “weed” to the side while resuming to a normal posture in the water. Weed Ceremony usually precedes mating and nest building behavior in Western Grebes. Greeting Ceremony follows Weed Ceremony and is characterized by dip-shaking, bob-shaking, bob-preening, and arch-clucking. These breeding behavior dances are known to be the most elaborate in water bird species. Finally, the male Western Grebe feeds the female, completing Mate Feeding Behavior, and leading to nesting. Nest building, performed by both sexes, begins from late April through June.
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page 7
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Spring Home and Garden page 8
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
March 2019
valleysentinel.com
What Makes a Material Authentic? By Steven Wynn
We v a l u e g e n u i n e , natural, authentic materials, and instinctively frown when “fake” substitutes for “real.” But what factors influence how we value a material, and are our perspectives changing in an era of climate, environment, and social change? Actually, faux materials a n d f i n i s h e s h ave b e e n around for centuries, created to solve some of the same
problems we face today with natural materials – scarcity, and durability. In fact, faux finishes were highly regarded in the past, often gracing the halls of palaces. They were valued for their artistic quality, and for the character of the natural material they represented. For example, mahogany was highly prized but difficult to obtain, and so artisans skillfully replicated its character. “Graining” imitated
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the appearance of wood, using layers of oil paint and a fine brush and comb to “pencil” the effect of wood grain. Or, consider the prevalence of fruit carved into stone facades and antique furniture. Fresh fruit was scarce, expensive, and perishable. But its artificial, decorative likeness provided an enduring and affordable form of welcome and beauty. Today, designers have a remarkably diverse catalog of materials to choose from w h e n s o u rc i n g f i n i s h e s, fixtures and furniture. But we also recognize that we are making choices in a complex, interconnected world that demands economic, environmental and social responsibility. What is the “right” material to choose? The answer depends on a number of variables, and may change in a different context. Consider hardwood flooring. There is warmth and beauty to a quality wood floor, and softness underfoot. A wo o d f l o o r c a n b e a wonderful and appropriate choice, provided the wood is responsibly sourced, correctly installed, and properly cleaned and maintained. For families with indoor dogs, however, a softer wood floor
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can quickly be destroyed. So is an affordable, more durable alternative appropriate? Ta k e a l o o k a t t h e kitchen photo accompanying this article. We completely remodeled the interior of this townhouse, featuring stained alder cabinetry and shelves, a wood table, and roughsawn wood floors. Wait – did I say wood floors? In reality, the floors are a porcelain tile simulating the look of roughsawn wood. Why? Because the owners have an indoor dog, a slab foundation, and wanted a low-maintenance floor. The tile will never fade, will not scratch, and will never require refinishing. Tile is initially more expensive, and requires more energy to produce, but in this case will likely be longer lasting. Similar considerations affect our decision making at the exterior. Wood siding, such as cedar shingle, can be responsibly sourced and is one of many materials on our frequently-used menu of options. But again, maintenance is key, and responsible sourcing means little if the material eventually deteriorates such that it needs to be replaced. Also, in areas prone to wildfires, we have to prioritize fire resistant materials, like fiber cement. Fiber cement panels, which
replicate the look of wood, are also bug resistant, hold paint longer, and in some cases even warranted for 50 years. Advances in building technology offer new options that take advantage of the inherent strengths of a material, while reducing or eliminating its inherent weaknesses. A holistic view of the lifecycle cost of a material or finish is necessary to make a wise selection. Even for design professionals, the multitude of new products is difficult to keep up with. Still, professional guidance can help distinguish fact from hype. Tile replicating metal; metal posing as wood; solid surface replacing stone; vinyl and laminate recreating every material imaginable – we are blessed with an embarrassment of riches when it comes to available materials, natural and manmade. And not to be lost in the calculus of options is the value of playfulness. We can surround ourselves with materials that enhance our lives, mindful of the impacts of our choices while also bringing comfort, fun, and satisfied smiles – the real, enduring fruit happily carved into any timeless design. Steve Wynn is a partner at Barry and Wynn in Danville. You can reach him at 925-8371422.
March in the Contra Costa Garden Aerate lawns when rains
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March Garden To Dos General Garden Care C h e c k d r i p sys t e m s : replace clogged emitters, filters, repair leaks, uncover sprinkler heads and flush. Fertilize lawns, fruit trees and shrubs if needed once it stops raining and if needed. Citrus will need nitrogen, although it is unavailable to the plants until the soil warms. F e r t i l i z e s p a r i n g l y, using a slow release form— fertilizer run-off is a form of pollution. Nitrogen has been depleted from most soils by the winter/spring rains.
have stopped, top dress with compost. Fruits & Vegetables Plant potato tubers, citrus by the end of the month. Plant herbs—most require full sun and welldrained soil. Plant seeds of beets, carrots, lettuce, radishes, spinach, borage, radicchio. Harvest strawberries. Strawberries need 6 hours of direct light a day to ripen fully. See GARDEN page 15
valleysentinel.com
March 2019
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
TODAY’S FOOD WASTE. TOMORROW’S POWER. Thanks to these restaurants and businesses 29,245 TONS of food waste has been diverted from landfilling. The Food Recycling Project converts commercially produced food waste into clean, renewable energy.
THANK YOU
FOOD RECYCLING PROJECT PARTICIPANTS Alamo
Alamo Café Inc. • Alamo Palace Chinese Food • Bagel Street Café • Brass Bear • Cherubini Coffee House Extreme Pizza • Five Guys • Great Donuts • Ha La Sushi • High Tech Burrito • Katrina Rozelle Bakery Lendus RPM Mortgage Inc • Maguey Mexican Restaurant • Panera Café • Peet’s Coffee • RJ’s Asian Fusion Round Table • Roundhill Country Club • Starbucks • Subway • Taco Bell • Xenia Bistro
Blackhawk
Blackhawk Bath and Tennis • Blackhawk Country Club • Blackhawk Montessori • Blackhawk Movies Seven Blackhawk Plaza Grill • Blue Gingko • Beep’s Burgers • Draeger’s Market • Prickly Pear • Little Pear Nekter Juice Bar • Starbucks • Stella’s
Danville 11th Tiger Restaurant • Albatross Restaurant • Amazing Wok • Amici • Aryana Mediterranean Cuisine • Athenian School Autumn Creek Learning • Baci Cafe • Bagel Street Cafe • Baja Fresh • Basque Boulangerie • Big Bazaar Grocery Blackbear Diner • Blue Line Pizza • Bridges Restaurant • Brookdale Senior Living • Cafe Meyers • Cattails Florist China Gourmet • China Paradise • Chipolte • Christy Donuts • Cocina Hermanas • Coffee Shop • Coldstone Creamery Costco Wholesale • Crow Canyon Country Club • Crumbs Breakfast & Lunch • Dana’s Resaurant • Danville Brewing Co. Danville Florist • Danville International Market • Danville Post Acute Rehab/Village Care • Diablo Bistro & Taqueria Domino’s Pizza • East Bay Flower Co. • Edible Arrangements • El Nido Mexican Restaurant • Esin Restaurant Faz Bakery • Faz Restaurant • Fire Station-D.V. #31 • Fish On Fire • Forbes Mill Steak House Gagnons Catering & Rentals LLC • Gotta Eatta Pita • Harvest Restaurant • High Tech Burrito • Homegrown • In The Mix Incontro Restaurant • Jersey Mike’s • Juice Zone • Jules Pizza • Kanpai Poke • Lamorinda Pizza • Leo’s Li Lai’s Chinese Life Is Sweet • Locanda Ravello • Los Panchos Mexican Restaurant • Lotus Thai • Luna Loca • Lunardi’s Market #9 Mangia Mi Restaurant • Maria/Maria • McDonald’s • Medleno Coffee Shop • Melo’s Pizza & Pasta • Mountain Mike Pizza Nanking Bistro • Noah’s Bagels • Norm’s Place • Old Town Danville Bakery • Panda Express • Peet’s Coffee • Pete’s Brass Rail Restaurant • PG&E • Piatti • Pizza Antica • Pressed Juicery • Revel Kitchen and Bar • Round Table Pizza San Damiano Retreat • Santorini Mediterranean Restaurant • Sideboard • Similan Thai Restaurant Simple Elegance Catering • Slow G’s Eatery • Smart & Final Store • Starbucks • Subway • Sultan’s Kabab • Sushi Bar Hana Sushi Yokohama • Tal’s Pastisserie • Taru Restaurant • Thai House • That Bar Aka McGah’s • The Great Impasta The Growler • The Reutlinger Community • To Go’s • Togo’s • Tower Grille • Town of Danville • Trader Joe’s • Vally Medlyn Vitality Bowls • Weinberg Properties LLC • Yersen’s Gelato • Yogurt Shop • Yos on Hartz • Zalla’s Kabobs
Learn about other ways you can protect our environment at RecycleSmart.org.
page 9
Senior Living page 10
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March 2019
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Let’s say you go for your annual physical and your doctor recommends that you get a hearing and balance test. Or an electrocardiogram (EKG). Or a Hepatitis B screening. Does your Original Medicare cover these services? Now there’s a quick way to find out, using your smartphone or tablet. It’s Medicare’s new “What’s Covered” app and it’s free. You can use the app right there in the doctor’s office, hospital, or anywhere else you use your phone or tablet. The app displays general cost, coverage and eligibility details for medical items and services covered by Medicare Part A and Part B. You can search or browse to learn what’s covered and not covered; how and when to get covered benefits; and basic cost information.
You can also get a list of Medicare-covered preventive health services, like flu shots and cancer and diabetes screenings. “What’s Covered” is available through the Apple App Store and Google Play. Search for “What’s covered” or “Medicare” and download the app to your phone. Once “What’s Covered” is installed, you can use it to get reliable Medicare information even when you don’t have access to your computer. “What’s Covered” is Medicare’s first app. It was created to meet the needs of the growing population of people with Medicare. That population is projected to increase from nearly 56 million beneficiaries in 2016 to more than 80 million beneficiaries in 2030 – almost 50 percent. A b o u t t wo - t h i rd s o f Medicare beneficiaries use the Internet daily or almost daily, and questions about what Medicare covers are some of the
& Medicaid Services, receives. There are about 15 million page views annually for coverage-related content on Medicare.gov and 1-800 MEDICARE receives more than 3 million coverage-related calls each year. If you’re reading this on your mobile device, you can get the app directly from the Apple App Store or Google Play buttons below: Google Play: https:// play.google.com/store/apps/ details?id=gov.medicare. coverage. Apple App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/ us/app/whats-covered/ id1444143600?mt=8. Easy access to accurate, reliable Medicare coverage information is just one new feature of the eMedicare initiative, launched in 2018 to empower beneficiaries with cost and quality information. Other tools in the eMedicare suite include: See APP page 11
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March 2019
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Sponsored Content
Tax Preparation A Happy & Secure Retirement Free Free tax preparation for call: (925) By Robert Cucchiaro
Once again this month I would like to start by thanking many of you for reaching out to me to either ask a question or set up an appointment. The purpose of this article each month is to provide some “news you can use” to improve your financial & retirement security. We welcome the comments, questions and feedback we often receive from these article. Feel free to send me your thoughts at rob@ swrpteam.com Now let’s talk about retirement security. After a rough 4th quarter in 2018 and the worst December in 90 years for stocks, we saw a rapid turnaround with the best January in over 30 years. Now that your nest egg has recovered (and hopefully you didn’t overreact in December and sell), is now the time to let it ride and see what the rest of the year may hold, or is now the time to protect your gains? Today I’d like to discuss 3 strategies for protecting some of your gains just in case the rest of the year takes a turn in the wrong direction. And I will tackle these in order from simple to complex. The reality is you may want to consider doing 2 or even all 3 of these, depending upon your risk comfort level. 1. R e b a l a n c e y o u r portfolio back to the correct APP from page 10
• Enhanced interactive online decision support to help people better understand and evaluate their Medicare coverage options and costs between Medicare and Medicare Advantage (www.medicare. gov/medicarecoverageoptions). • A new online service that lets people quickly see how different coverage choices will affect their estimated out-ofpocket costs (www.medicare. gov/oopc). • New price transparency tools that let consumers compare the national average costs of certain surgical procedures between settings, so people can see what they’ll pay for procedures done in a hospital outpatient department versus an ambulatory surgical center (www.medicare.gov/procedureprice-lookup).
mix of stocks and bonds. Let’s say that 5 years ago you put 60% of your money in stocks and 40% in bonds. Stocks have grown considerably faster than bonds, so at this point you may have 70% in stocks and 30% in bonds, even though you didn’t change any of your holdings. A rebalance would sell some stocks and buy some bonds, bringing you back to a 60/40 mix. 2. Add something other than stocks & bonds to your portfolio. These are often referred to as alternative investments. These could be anything from a mutual fund that invests in gold, precious metals, or real estate, to an annuity that offers a fixed return for a set period of time. Alternative investments can also include mutual funds that bet against the stock market, acting as a hedge, or even funds that perform better as volatility in the market increases. There are many ways to access alternative investments, but the bottom line concept is the same - while a 60/40 portfolio has done wonders over the past 30 years while interest rates have fallen, the next 30 years could look quite different as interest rates either stay flat or rise. 3. Consider protecting some of your equity gains by using trailing stop losses to protect against a rapid market decline. The idea is simple, you bought XYZ stock or fund at $100 and now its worth $200. You decide that if it falls below $160 (a 20% decline from its current price), you want the position sold and the proceeds transferred to a government bond. There is no cost to do • A new webchat option in the Medicare Plan Finder (www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan/ questions/home.aspx). • N e w e a s y - t o - u s e surveys across Medicare.gov so consumers can continue to tell us what they want. The eMedicare initiative expands and improves on current consumer service options. People with Medicare will continue to have access to paper copies of the “Medicare & You” handbook and Medicare Summary Notices. And by the way, Medicare does indeed cover hearing and balance tests, EKGs, and Hepatitis B screenings. Greg Dill is Medicare’s regional administrator for Arizona, California, Nevada, Hawaii, and the Pacific Territories. You can always get answers to your Medicare questions by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800633-4227).
this and your only risk is that the stock/fund declines 25%, you sell when it’s down 20%, but then the stock/fund has a rapid recovery and you miss part or all of that recovery. This risk must be mitigated by having a pre-set rule on when you will get back in. Please note – a trailing stop loss is different from a traditional stop loss which only calculates the loss on your initial purchase price. In our opinion a trailing stop loss, though more effort on our part is better. If you want a second opinion on your retirement & investment accounts, 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
the 2019 tax season is available starting February 2019 from AARP’s Tax-Aide and United Way’s Earn It, Keep It, Save It (EKS) programs. Service is provided by volunteer tax preparers who are IRS trained and certified. Both programs serve taxpayers of any age, and AARP membership is not required for Tax-Aide. EKS service is limited to those with incomes below $54,000, while Tax-Aide does not have an income limit. For information or to make an appointment for the Tax-Aide sites serving the San Ramon/Danville area, call: (925) 973-3250 for the San Ramon Senior Center site or (925) 480-7202 for the Danville Veterans Memorial Building of San Ramon Valley site. For general information and other site locations,
726-3199. For information on EKS sites call 2-1-1 or visit www. earnitkeepitsaveit.org. To complete your tax return, you will need to bring the following documents: • Social Security Card or ITIN letter for all individuals to be listed on the return • Photo identification for the taxpayer and spouse • Copies of all W-2s, 1098s and 1099s • Other income and deductions • Your 2016 Tax Return • Covered California: All documents including form 1095 • Ta x L aw C h a n g e : Although federal tax law changed, California tax law has not changed. If you itemized deductions for 2017 be sure to bring related records for 2018.
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
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For additional Community Events visit: www.ValleySentinel.com Please email information about your events to info@valleysentinel.com COMMUNITY EVENTS March 14 What’s So Funny? Women’s Lib Comics From Ms. to #MeToo 7:00 PM at Vets Hall, 400 Hartz Ave Danville. Melissa Jackson a professor from Diablo Valley College will present What’s So Funny? Women’s Lib Comics From Ms. to #MeToo. This is an entertaining and enlightening talk about the relevance of humor in the movement for women’s rights. Admission is free. For more information contact us at 925 837 3750 or visit our website at museumsrv.org. March 17 Sunday Pasta Dinner at San Damiano 4:30pm. We would love to have you join us for our Pasta Dinner Night. Cost is $20 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under. Please bring a nnperishable item for our food drive supporting the Food Bank of contra Costa and Solano Counties. San Damiano Retreat, 710 Highland Drive in Danville, CA. For more information call us at 925-837-9141. March 17 The Danville Community Band will be performing at the Blackhawk Museum, on Sunday March 17. The theme is “Let’s Go to the Movies” . The concert is free with Museum admission. March 28 I-680 Changed Everything 10:30am. At the Museum of the San Ramon Valley 205 Railroad Ave Danville. A presentation entitled “I-680 Changed Everything. Where was this new freeway to be put, how could we save the heritage oak trees, where would the off ramps be located. These and many more issues around 680 will be discussed. Admission is free. For more information contact us at 925 837 3750 or visit our website at museumsrv.org.
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. Connect with your community while shopping at a festive gathering place with live music! www.SanRamonFarmersMarket. org. Bishop Ranch 3, 2641 Camino Ramon, San Ramon.
March 29 50’s at 60: Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner 1:45 PM Movie Viewing; Museum of the San Ramon Valley presents Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner at the Vets Hall 400 Hartz in Danville. Admission is free. . For more information contact us at 925 837 3750 or visit our website at museumsrv.org.
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
March 29, 2019 Domestic Violence Workshop Blackhawk Country Club ballroom, 599 Blackhawk Club Drive, for $28/ person (includes breakfast). Speakers: Linda Turnbull, Exec. Dir. Teen Esteem; Vicki Thompson, Dir., Tri-Valley Haven; and Dara Connolly, founder Kurukula. Contact Denise at (925) 719-2348 for a reservation and make your check payable to GFWC DWC.
Forest Home Farms Historic Park & Glass House Museum–open for Fun on the Farm Every Saturday 11am-2pm. Enjoy tours of the Glass House Museum, the farm and its history. Tours are $5 per person, or $8 for both tours on the same day. 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon. Information: 925973-3284 or visit www.sanramon.ca.gov.
March 30 Diablo Symphony Orchestra Gala: Exploring Our World and Beyond 6-9pm. This annual fundraising gala will take place at the Rossmoor Event Center. Enjoy a night of music, food and beverages while supporting the orchestra! A delicious dinner catered by Sunrise Bistro will be presented. Wine, beer, soft drinks and cocktails will be available. Also featured will be a silent auction with a variety of event tickets, hand crafted items, and gift baskets. Cocktails and the silent auction begin at 6 pm, with dinner and the live auction beginning at 7 pm. Get together with your friends to bid on one of the gourmet cakes for dessert. Tickets for our gala can be purchased at www.diablosymphony.org/annual-gala. For any questions, please contact us at gala@diablosymphony.org.
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
April 4 2nd Annual Danville Shops and Hops Craft Beer Stroll 5:30-7pm. Join friends and neighbors to enjoy a fun-filled evening of craft beer sampling and shopping during the 2nd Annual Danville Shops & Hops Craft Brew Stroll benefitting the educational and community programs at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley. Participating downtown Danville merchants will host craft brewers and offer small bites while area breweries pour their crafted creations and music will fill the air. $25 ticket includes a commemorative glass, beer tasting, small bites, and entertainment. Designated Driver ticket is $10 and includes small bites and a non-alcoholic drink. Tickets can be redeemed for beer glasses at the corner of Railroad & Prospect Avenues from 5:30-7:00 pm the night of the event. This beer stroll will happen rain or shine! No refunds. For more information or for tickets, call the Museum at (925) 837-3750, or visit www.museumsrv.org. ONGOING Collections for Men and Women in the War Zone Gourmet Junk Food: First Friday of the month at CVS in Alamo; Second Friday of the month at Lunardi’s in Danville; List of acceptable items available during collection times. Hours 11:30 to 1:30 Delta Nu Psi Special Services for Children with Cancer and Their Families Cancer Support Community offers short-term counseling (12 to 20 sessions) at no cost to children with cancer and their families. Counseling can be for the family, siblings, and/or kids coping with cancer. Counseling is provided by doctoral interns or post doctoral fellows under the supervision of our clinical psychologists. To request this service, please call us at 925-933-0107 and ask to speak with our program director, Margaret Stauffer, LMFT. Hope Hospice seeking volunteers Hope Hospice is currently looking for individuals who are interested in volunteering to assist hospice patients and their families. Volunteer
SENIORS March 15 St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon 12-1:30pm. Come and celebrate the luck of the Irish with a St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon. Celebrate with friends, music and Irish food! Everyone’s Irish for the day! Don’t forget to wear green. Fee: $10 Residents, $12 Non-residents. 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 925973-3250 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. We are doing so by helping businesses get online and improve their online presence. 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) 8374400 or email: ceo@danvilleareachamber.com March 13 Is Business Ownership Right For Me? (Webinar) 12:pm-1pm. Join us for this detailed webinar as business and franchise specialists from FranNet of the Bay Area break down the realities and opportunities in business ownership. We’ll cover; Why business ownership; Why now; Pros & cons of business/franchise ownership; Three ownership options; which makes sense for you? Risks and rewards that come along with being your own boss; Why franchise ownership is more secure than you think; Financing options and more. Today’s career landscape has changed. Join us if you’re ready to discover alternative paths to financial freedom! Free March 14 Danville Area Chamber Networking Mixer 5:30-7pm. Join us for another engaging Networking Mixer as we March into Spring! Thank you to our host, Coldwell Banker for what promises to be the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow! Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, located at 671 San Ramon Valley Blvd – Danville. For more information call the Chamber at (925) 8374400. Members $5. March 14 Hacienda Commute Solutions Mobile Conference 9:30am-2:30pm. There is a strong business case for providing commuter benefits to your employees. Employee recruitment, retention, productivity, and even wellness, can be improved by helping employees find a better way to work. The Tri-Valley Spare the Air Resource Team is hosting a conference on Wheels at Hacienda in Pleasanton on March 14, The event will feature approaches to providing commute solutions at different scales and will address challenges in different types of commute corridors. 4305 Hacienda Drive, Pleasanton. This is a free event. Lunch is included. Space is limited – RSVP by March 11th! For more information, please contact Stephanie Anderson at sanderson@communityfocus.org March 21 Business Expo and Mixer at the Bridges Golf Club 5-7:30pm. Discover local businesses and network with up to 300 people at the San Ramon Business Expo and Mixer, at the Bridges Golf Club located at 9000 S. Gale Ridge Road, San Ramon. There will be a Social Media Workshop from 4:30-6pm. Expo Attendee Price: $20 per person (San Ramon Chamber Member early bird price of $10.00 if purchased before March 14, 2019.) For information about the social Media workshop and the Business Expo, call Kathy Fanning at 925-242-0600. March 21 East Bay Leadership Series Part II: The New Cold War 11:30am-2:00pm. With rising tensions between the U.S. and Russia, Former U.S. Ambassador and NBC Political Analyst Michael McFaul will shed light on one of the greatest challenges to global stability. He will explain not only the political implications but also the impact it could have on East Bay employers. He served as U.S Ambassador to the Russian Federation from 2012, to 2014. He previously served for three years as special assistant to the President and senior director for Russia and Eurasian Affairs at the National Security Council. Roundhouse Conference Center (Lunch in the Atrium and Keynote in the Tahoe Auditorium) To register or for more information, reach us by email at info@eblcmail.org or call the office at (925) 246-1880. March 26 Key Developments In California Employment Law For 2019 10:30am-11:30am. Speakers Ashar Ahmed and Ilya Filmus, Partners at Infinity Law Group LLP will provide an update on developments in employment and labor law that will impact your business and employees in 2019 and beyond; Review of major court decisions impacting your business; and Strategies to comply with current key legal requirements. San Ramon Chamber Conference Room located at Bishop Ranch 6, 2400 Camino Ramon, Suite 158/K in San Ramon. For more information contact Ashar Ahmed. This is a free event.
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
March 2019
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
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Community Calendar continued from page 12
March 28 State of the Town and Community Awards Luncheon 11:30am-1pm. Come hear about the latest happenings and future vision for the safest Town in America, Danville, California! join us as Mayor Robert Storer presents the State of the Town, and we honor the following Community Award winners: Business of the Year, Business Person of the Year, Charitable Organization of the Year, Citizen of the Year, and Employee of the Year.Tickets are $40 per person and include lunch. Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Drive – Danville. For reservations call the Chamber at (925) 837-4400. Tickets going fast!
stop for a few minutes - or stay for hours! WW II Vet & Senior Docent Art Gaskns has pastries waiting for you! Please share information about our VMB /SRV Military Museum & Library open daily M-F from 9-3 and it’s free!
March 28 Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce March Networking BASH 5:30-7pm. The March BASH will be hosted by the Cancer Support Community & Heritage Eats. Our hosts have a wonderful BASH planned, so we hope to see you there! This event is FREE to all Walnut Creek Chamber Members; please remember to bring your business card. Non-member admission is $20.00 [cash only] and a business card. Cancer Support Community is located at 3276 McNutt Ave., Walnut Creek, 94597. For more information contact Linda Vesneski, Membership Sales Director 925-934-2007.
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.
Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary 7am. Meets every Tuesday morning. Crow Canyon Country Club, Danville. Information: dsvrotary.com.
Cancer workshops and support groupsOngoing Most are FREE. Cancer Support Community, 3276 McNutt Avenue, Walnut Creek. Information / reservations call 925-933-0107 or visit www.cancersupportcommunity.net.
San Ramon Valley Geneological Society 10am. Meets every third Tuesday at the LDS Church, 2949 Stone Valley Road, Alamo. http://srvgensoc.org
Diablo Singles Dance Club 7-10pm. Meets the last Wednesday of every month. Live music, refreshments. Members $8, Guests $12. All welcome. 111N. Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek.
Walnut Creek Rotary 12:15-1:30pm. Meets every Tuesday. Heather Farms Garden Center, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: rotarywc.org.
Danville Toastmasters Club #1785 7:30-9pm. Meets every Wednesday. Room W204 at Diablo Valley College,1690 Watermill Road, San Ramon. Information: danvilletoastmasters1785.com.
ARF Pet Loss Support Group 5:30-7pm. Meets second Tuesday of every month. Register with Vicki at 925-887-5681 or vickis@hospiceeastbay.org. ARF, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: arf.net.
Thursdays: Danville Alamo Garden Club Meets on the 2nd Thursday of the months between September and June starting at 9:15 am at the Alamo Women’s Club 1401 Danville Blvd, Alamo. If you have any questions, contact Susan at membershipvp@ dagc.us or go to our website: www.dagc.us.
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 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 March 9 California Writers Club: “Finding Your Most Powerful Words” 11am-2pm C.S. Lakin will lead a writing workshop on “The Four Foundational Pillars of Novel Construction” at the next luncheon meeting of the Mt. Diablo Branch of the California Writers Club (CWC) at Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant, 611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. She is the author of twenty novels, and ten writing craft books (The Writer’s Toolbox Series.) Sign-in is from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, luncheon 12:00 pm to 12:45, including a short business meeting, and speaker from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Registration is $25 for CWC members, $30 for guests. Reservations at https://cwcmtdiablo.org/ current-cwc-mt-diablo-meeting/. March 26 Alamo Danville Newcomers Club 10am-Noon Are you a new resident of Danville, Blackhawk, Diablo or Alamo, a longtime resident, newly retired or empty nester interested in making new friends and participating in various social activities? The Alamo Danville Newcomers Club is a women’s organization, whose purpose is to enrich the lives of all its members and their families in a sociable manner. The next “Welcome Coffee” will be held on March 26 from 10:00 AM to Noon. RSVP to alamodanvillenewcomers@gmail.com. Visit www.alamodanvillenewcomers.com Danville Veteran Service Organizations 8am-11am Every Saturday at Veterans Memorial Building of San Ramon Valley – in Danville – the VSOs jointly host a “Veterans Coffee Social” from 8AM until 11AM… Bring a friend or fellow Veteran and show them the museum - share some social time. Drop In - no reservations – all Veterans welcome…
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
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 March 11: The Walnut Creek Garden Club meets on the second Monday of each month at The Gardens at Heather Farm in the Camellia Room. The program will be “Leaf Manipulations” by Liz Emmonds. Learn to manipulate plant materials to create interesting forms that will take your flower arrangements to a new and exciting level. 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. You do not need to be a gardener to join the WCGC! Sons In Retirement (Las Trampas Branch) Monthly Luncheon 11:15am. Meets the third Monday of each month, except for May and December. Make new friends and participate in fun activities. Make $25 luncheon reservations by calling 925-322-1160 by the preceding Wednesday. Boundary Oak, 3800 Valley Vista Road, Walnut Creek. Information: visit www.branch116.org. Danville Rotary 12pm. Meets every Monday. Black Bear Diner, 807 Camino Ramon, Danville. Information: danvillerotary.org. San Ramon Alzheimer Support Group 7-9pm. Meets the second Monday of each month, except on holidays. Sponsored by the Alzheimer Association. Caregivers of Alzheimer victims can get information on how to help them through this difficult time in life. San Ramon Senior & Community Center, 9300 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon. Information: 925-973-3250
Tuesdays: TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) We meet every Tuesday at St. Timothy’s Office Building, Grace House, Basement 1550 Diablo Rd. Danville CA Our hours: Weigh in 8:30 - 9:30am, meeting is 9:30 - 10:30am. We are a weight loss club. Information, please call Mary Stoneburner, at (925) 837-1882
Danville am Toastmasters 7-8:30am. Want to improve your speaking and presentation skills? Toastmasters can help! Meets every Tuesday in downtown Danville. www.4143.toastmastersclubs. org
Diablo View Toastmasters 8:15-9:15am. Meets every Tuesday. CMG Mortgage, 4th Floor Conference Room, 3160 Crow Canyon Rd., San Ramon. Information: 4160.toastmastersclubs.org.
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: 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. Walnut Creek Host Lion’s Club 12:15pm. Meets the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Black Bear Diner, 700 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek. Information: walnutcreeklions.org. Danville Lions Club 6:30pm. Meets the first and third Wednesday at the Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Dr., Danville. Information: Truman Howard 925-787-2565 truman. howard@gmail.com
San Ramon Valley Rotary 7pm. Meets every Wednesday. Blackhawk Country Club, 599 Blackhawk Club Drive, Danville. Info: sanramonvalleyrotary.com.
San Ramon Valley Kiwanis Club Thursdays at Noon. Black Bear Diner, 807 Camino Ramon, Danville. www. kiwanis-srv.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.
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: 925736-8627.
Diablo Valley Quilters 7-9pm. Meets the third Wednesday of every month. No charge for guests. Danville Congregational Church, 989 San Ramon Valley Blvd., Danville. Information: diablovalleyquilters.com. Veterans of Foreign Wars 7pm. Meets the third Wednesday of every month. Veterans Memorial Hall, 400 Hartz Avenue, Danville. Information: Post Commander Ernie Petagara at 925-362-9806 or vfwpost75.org.
The Danville Women’s Club 11:30am March 21 Please join the GFWC Danville Women’s Club at 242 W. Linda Mesa Ave., Danville, for our monthly luncheon and to hear our speaker, Sheryl Scherer, Executive Director of Monument Crisis Center. Reservations required. Contact Marijke at (925) 9972197 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.
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. Our mission is to encourage and support women from empty nest, to aging parents and everything in between. Community Presbyterian Church, Room 116, 222 W. El Pintado Rd., Danville. Information: Contact Donna Hill at hillmom3@comcast.net Saturdays: Diablo Region of the Porsche Club of America 7:30-9am. Meets every Saturday. Buttercup Bar and Grill, 660 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. Information: diablo-pca.org. Parkinson’s Disease Support Group 9am-12pm. Meets every 3rd Saturday. Join us to share, laugh, and learn from each other. Grace Presbyterian Church, 2100 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. Contact Gregg Riehl at 925-254-8349 or jgriehl@gmail.com. Free. All are welcome. Information: Howard Zalkin at 9394210 or Ronnie Wanetick at 933-6357.
Classifieds HELP WANTED Sales Executive: Sentinel Newspapers, Inc. has an immediate opening for an advertising sales person for the Valley Sentinel. Sales territory includes Danville, Alamo, San Ramon, and Walnut Creek. Sales experience helpful. Will train the right person. Must have an outgoing personality and a positive attitude. This is a commission-only position. Local Central Contra Costa residents only need apply. Please email your resume and request for interview to us at drousset@valleysentinel.com.
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 March 2019
2019 Acura MDX AWD A Spec By David and Judy Colman
Acura expands the MDX model line with a stunning new addition for 2019: the A Spec model. Although you can buy a base model MDX for $45,500, the A Spec will set you back an extra ten grand. Our metallic white sample carried a base price of $54,800. Since both the base model and the A Spec utilize the same 290hp 3.5 liter V6, just what do you get for your extra outlay? A lot of significant upgrades, the most important being all-wheel-drive, which is standard on A Spec models. To distribute what Acura calls “Super Handling AWD,” to all four corners, the A Spec plants 20 inch diameter, gun metal grey alloys that mount Continental 265/45R20 Conti LX Cross Sport mud and snow rated tires (treadwear rating of TW 430). AWD plus M&S rubber allow the A Spec MDX to sail past chain control points in the mountains without the need to mount chains. The A Spec is also visually distinctive from lesser MDX models, thanks to an exclusive
styling package that provides a different front fascia, larger exhaust tips, and body-colored side sills. These refinements lend the A Spec a muscular, beefy appearance that sets the top line MDX apart from all other Acura SUVs. The upgrades continue inside the spacious, three row cabin. A thickerrimmed, perforated leather steering wheel is a pleasure to grasp. Black leather sport seats with Alcantara inserts and contrasting red stitching are supportive and soothing. Both front seats are ventilated and heated, though the steering wheel lacks heat. Standard fitment on this model is the Tech Package which consists of a navigation system with voice recognition, AcuraLink communication, and the house brand ELS premium audio system featuring 10 speakers. Tech Package also adds a number of useful safety features, such as blind spot information, rain sensing wipers, LED puddle lights, rear cross traffic alert, and front
and rear parking sensors. The front sensor is especially useful because it’s virtually impossible to detect the length and girth of the MDX from the driver’s chair. Further tech package inclusions are power-folding side mirrors which greet you as you approach by spreading themselves and lighting up. It’s the charming automotive equivalent of the family dog’s ears perking up when you enter your house. Finally, this array of improvements includes a remote engine start feature which can be engaged via the keyfob. The AcuraWatch suite of safety nannies is all too evident. There’s collision mitigation b ra k i n g , ro a d d e p a r t u re mitigation, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist. Although some of these may prove useful to the preoccupied driver, most of them prevent you from operating the vehicle in peace and quiet. So we spent about 15 minutes perusing various menus on the dashboard’s “Multi-Use Display Screen” in order to disable
a number of these features, eliminating as well valet seat slide, key off steering wheel lift, and automatic door locking. Thusly re-configured, the MDX was a pleasure to drive. Part of that pleasure stemmed from the lively response of the V6 engine, which feeds 267lb.-ft. of torque to all four wheels through a 9 speed automatic transmission. We are finally beginning to feel comfortable with the new Acura/Honda method of gear selection which eliminates the conventional shift lever and gear quadrant in favor of a series of transmission tunnel mounted slides and buttons. Since this system is not intuitive and doesn’t save any console room compared to a conventional shifter, I’m not sure what the justification for the redesign is. However, after a week behind the wheel, the push and press system felt almost comfortable to use. You’ll enjoy a surfeit of room inside the MDX, with 34 cubic feet of storage space available with 2nd and 3rd row chairs folded flat. Since the MDX stands tall at 67 inches, you’ll
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valleysentinel.com benefit from a panoramic view of highway congestion, thanks to oversize side windows, and a particularly large rear hatchback pane. These excellent sight lines from the driver’s seat make it possible to position the MDX accurately and safely, even without the help of lane keeping assistance. The latest A Spec MDX AWD is a top pick for a large family looking for all weather transport in high style. Acura enjoys an excellent reputation for durability, earning Consumer Reports top rating for used vehicle reliability. If you seek fast, safe, efficient transport in a handsome new package, check out the latest A Spec MDX. 2019 Acura MDX AWD A Spec Engine: 3.5 liter VTEC V6 with Variable Cylinder Management Horsepower: 290hp Torque: 267lb.-ft. Fuel Consumption: 19MPG City / 25 MPG Highway Price as Tested: $56,195 Hypes: Eager V6, Relaxed 9 Speed Automatic, Plush Interior Gripes: Too Many Nannies Star Rating: 10 Stars out of 10
valleysentinel.com
March 2019
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
page 15
Envision 2040 – County Seeks Public Input as We Update the General Plan Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n a n d matters pertaining to the
By Candace Andersen. Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors
In February our Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors directed the Department of Conservation and Development (DCD) to begin a major overhaul of the current General Plan, which is set to expire in December 2020, and begin a new General Plan that will go through 2040. State law dictates that each city and county in California must prepare and maintain a General Plan to address the issues of land use, open space, t ra n s p o r t a t i o n , h o u s i n g , conservation, safety, noise, and the environment in its planning areas. The current General Plan addresses all of the aforementioned mandated issues, as well as growth management and public facilities and services. GARDEN from page 8
Check the soil temperature—soil should be 60°F prior to planting summer crops. Garden soils can be heated using clear or black plastic mulch. Flowers & Landscaping Divide fall blooming perennials. Start summer vegetables and flower seeds. Prune azaleas and camellias that have finished blooming. Fertilize with coffee grounds…it’s a good source of nitrogen and lowers the pH. Plant summer blooming bulbs: Canna, calla lilies, Caladium, Dahlia, Gladiolus, l i l i e s, N e r i n e, t u b e ro s e, tuberous begonia, Tigridia, Watsonia. Plant perennials from 4” pots. Fertilize roses as they begin to leaf out. Alfalfa pellets are a good slowrelease form of nitrogen. Garden Pests & Diseases Wash off spittle bugs if they annoy you—they are primarily a visual nuisance. Wash off aphids before population builds up. Control snails and slugs – handpick, trap or use iron phosphate baits. Check for scale crawlers with two-sided sticky tape.
First adopted in 1991, with re-consolidations in 1996 and 2005, the County’s G e n e ra l P l a n h a s ye t t o undergo a comprehensive u p d a t e. W i t h a l m o s t 30 years having passed since its inception, the General Plan is in dire need of changes that not only reflect the vast growth and change our community has endured over the past three decades but will best accommodate the needs the future will bring. In addition to the General Plan Update, the County Zoning Code, and Climate Action Plan (CAP) will also be updated. The Zoning Code Update, which was adopted in 1947 and has also never undergone a comprehensive review, will set the rules and regulations for development of unincorporated land (land that is not in city boundaries). The Climate Action Plan (CAP) is the County’s solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from sources throughout the unincorporated area, and forecasts future emissions a n d s e t s t h e t a rg e t s f o r Spray with horticultural oil if found. Spray roses for powdery mildew. A simple mixture is 2-4 teaspoons baking soda + 2-4 teaspoons lightweight horticultural oil in 1 gallon of water. Mix well and spray to cover all foliage. S p ray a p p l e s, p e a rs, loquats with Bordeaux mixture during blossom time for fire blight control. Spray stone fruit (apricots, peaches, plums, cherries, etc.) for brown rot during bloom time. Master Gardeners are trained volunteers for the U n i v e rs i t y o f C a l i f o r n i a Cooperative Extension (UCCE). They are residents of local communities who have an active interest in horticulture, have taken the Master Gardener training offered by the UCCE, and now share their knowledge with other members of that community. They provide University of California research-based horticultural information to the citizens of California through their volunteer efforts as Master Gardeners. It is the acquisition of knowledge, the skill in gardening, and giving back to the community that distinguishes a Master Gardener from other gardeners. For more information visit ccmg.ucdavis.edu.
reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. To conduct the General Plan Update, DCD has selected PlaceWorks, a full-service planning and environmental consulting firm, which will also compile the CAP and EIR, and will assist DCD with the Zoning Code Update. The General Plan Update is required by law to be subject to review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which is a statute requiring state and local agencies to identify substantial environmental impacts of proposed projects t h ro u g h va r i o u s s t u d i e s including an Environmental Impact Report. The cost of the General Plan Update, including the Environmental Review, is projected to be in the $2 to $4 million-dollar range. In particular, the General Plan Update will delve into the County’s unincorporated land use and development goals, which are intertwined with the Urban Limit Line (ULL) and the 65/35 Land Preservation Standard. The ULL limits urban development to certain parts of the County while preserving open space. The 65/35 Land Preservation Standard limits urban development in the County to no more than thirty-five percent to keep at least sixty-five percent of all land in the County preserved for agriculture, open space, wetlands, parks, and other non-urban uses. Growth Management will cover traffic service standards and performance standards for public services.
C i rc u l a t i o n w i l l a d d re s s the status of existing and proposed roadways, as well as public transit, bikeways, pedestrian routes, and ways to reduce traffic congestion. For Housing, which is the only element of the General Plan that is updated on a separate schedule as mandated by State law, goals and polices related to housing needs of the County will be addressed. Public Services and Facilities will touch on the state of infrastructure and t h e we l l - b e i n g o f c i v i c, public, and community facilities. The Conservation element will address natural resources in unincorporated County land, such as air, water, soil, and habitat. The Open Space element will help establish policies for preserving open space lands such as scenic resources, historic resources, and park and recreational facilities. Safety will serve as a guide to reducing risk related to people and property from natural and human-caused hazards, while Noise will act as a guideline for protecting the community from excessive noise exposure. Public Outreach, both in-person and online, will be a crucial aspect of the General Plan Update. There are approximately 80 public meetings planned that will be dedicated to various communities across the County. Additionally, a web-based Briefing Book will be available to purchase online through the Envision Contra Costa 2040 website to highlight and inform c o m m u n i t y m e m b e rs o n
General Plan. Residents will also be able to respond to the EIR draft through the opportunity of submitting comments, which is a requirement of CEQA. For more information on the General Plan Update, you may visit the Envision Contra Costa 2040 website at envisioncontracosta2040. org, where details and updates on the project are ava i l a b l e. Re s i d e n t s a re able to engage with project staff members through the website as well. A Planning Commission Meeting is currently slated for 7:00 p.m. on March 13, 2019 at the Department of Conservation and Development’s Zoning Administrator Room (first floor) located at 30 Muir Road in Martinez. We encourage you to be involved. 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.
315 Cortsen Road in Pleasant Hill • • • •
Heritage classes for children School field trips Sustainable gardening classes Displays of items from the Pleasant Hill Historical Society • Meetings and events Rodgers Ranch is a Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District property and Pleasant Hill’s only historic site. We are a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501c3 organization
Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center in Pleasant Hill is creating a brick pathway in front of our 150 year old farmhouse. Cement your place in history with an engraved brick to honor or remember family or loved ones, or highlight a business or organization.
Barn Wood for Sale Call Chris at (925) 890-4482
Information and an order form for the brick(s) can be found at
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For more information please contact us at 925-937-3677 or visit www.rodgersranch.org
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