The Here And Now

Posted by Jason Green

http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/05/24/san-jose-ex-doctor-gets-four-years-for-involuntary-manslaughter/

http://www.mercurynews.com/?p=4590062

SAN JOSE — A former doctor who ran a pain management clinic out of Los Gatos has been sentenced to four years in prison for operating a pill mill and the involuntary manslaughter of a patient fresh out of rehab, according to the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office.

Jasna Mrdjen, 74, of Mountain View, pleaded no contest in September to nine counts of prescribing a controlled substance to persons without a legitimate medical purpose, two counts of dispensing a controlled substance to an addict, one count of conspiracy and one count of involuntary manslaughter for the death of 29-year-old Steven English.

Handed down late last week, the prison sentence caps what is believed to be the Bay Area’s first case in decades in which prosecutors were seeking to convict a physician of manslaughter for prescribing narcotics to a struggling addict who overdosed and died.

Authorities launched an investigation in 2011 after a patient was arrested for selling drugs prescribed by Mrdjen.

Other patients also were arrested for reselling drugs prescribed by Mrdjen for a profit, prosecutors said.

On Jan. 3, 2012, Mrdjen prescribed Oxycodone, Flexeril and Clonazepam to English, who had recently returned from rehab, prosecutors said. He was found dead by his parents two weeks later at their home in Truckee. The cause of death was ruled as “multiple drug ingestion.”

Mrdjen also altered English’s patient file and forged his signature after his death, prosecutors said.

“I hope this tragedy serves to warn others of the depth and danger of the prescription drug abuse epidemic and reminds those who are tempted to overprescribe powerful narcotics to value their patients’ lives over profits,” Deputy District Attorney Dana Veazey said in a statement.

http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/05/24/san-jose-ex-doctor-gets-four-years-for-involuntary-manslaughter/

http://www.mercurynews.com/?p=4590062

Posted by John Orr

http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/05/24/road-improvements-underway-in-atherton/

http://www.mercurynews.com/?p=4587680

Work is underway in Atherton to improve roads in five locations, with the jobs to be completed by August.

Two inches of asphalt is to be removed and inspected on Marymont Avenue, between Polhemus and Stockbridge avenues; on Austin Avenue, between Almendral and Stockbridge avenues; Park Lane, from Valparaiso Avenue to Park Lane; Encinal Avenue, from about Felton Drive to Middlefield Road; and Heather Drive, from James Avenue to Irving Avenue.

Once the milling has been completed, the contractor and a town engineer are to identify any pavement failures for increased fixes, then the roads will be ground to a four-inch depth and the streets will be repaved.

Interstate Grading and Paving Inc., of South San Francisco, is the company doing the work, on a $305,460 contract awarded by the city council on April 19.

http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/05/24/road-improvements-underway-in-atherton/

http://www.mercurynews.com/?p=4587680

Posted by Vytas Mazeika

http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/05/24/boys-golf-poppy-hills-next-challenge-for-menlos-max-ting-at-state/

http://www.mercurynews.com/?p=4589885

The Poppy Hills Golf Course in Pebble Beach is somewhat of a Mecca for golfers.

Next week, Menlo School junior Max Ting will tee off for the first time at the par-71 course after qualifying for the CIF state boys golf championships.

“I’m super excited to play at states,” the 17-year-old said. “I haven’t played Poppy Hills before, so I’m going to go down there and get a couple of practice rounds in. But having it at such a nice course, it makes it even more special.”

Ting earned a trip to Pebble Beach by shooting a 2-under 70 on Monday for third place at the NorCal championships held at Sierra View Country Club in Roseville.

It was another course he had never played, with no practice rounds allowed prior to the competition. Still, he stopped by for a visit on Sunday along with Menlo coach Tom Hitchcock.

“We just looked around and figured out what clubs I was going to hit out on the course,” Ting said.

“He didn’t need to hit a lot of drivers on the course because he’s long,” Hitchcock said. “So he was able to hit a lot of fairways, and that really set it up for him. … His dad helped set up the plan and he only went off plan on the 16th hole. He was supposed to use a hybrid, or an iron, and he hit the 3 wood. And that’s what he pulled into the trees.”

Forced to punch out of the trees on the 16th hole — a 332-yard par 4 — Ting settled for a bogey, which left him in a tie for third place.

The tiebreaker, which is a USGA recommendation, turned out to be the score for the back nine. With birdies on holes 10, 12 and 13, that allowed Ting to claim the bronze medal.

“I didn’t make too many mistakes off the tee and I hit a lot of greens,” Ting said. “And those couple of holes I just happened to put a few good strokes on putts and drain a couple of birdies.”

“I was so proud of the kid,” Hitchcock said. “He was bombing in putts all over.”

Aaron Chen of Mission-San Jose won with a 5-under 67, while Matt Lloyd of Mitty finished as the runner-up one stroke behind.

Harker won the team title by six strokes, with Mitty claiming the third and last spot into the state championships, one shot ahead of Bellarmine.

“Making it as an individual is great,” Ting said. “But the goal next year is to make it as a team. It would be so much sweeter if the whole team could make it next year.”

Ting teed off at 8:50 a.m.

He promptly birdied the first hole, then gave back a stroke with a bogey on the next hole.

“Usually I get practice rounds in before I play a course,” Ting said. “It was the first time for me playing the course, but it was in great shape and my game felt good going in. I had a good warm-up session before the round and my ball striking was pretty good, so I put myself in good positions.

“After the first couple of holes, I was getting a feel for everything and I finished the front nine with a lot of pars.”

After making the turn, not only did Ting catch fire with the string of three birdies in four holes to move to 3 under, the temperature on the course spiked on a sweltering day.

“It got really hot on the back nine,” Ting said. “It was up to 100 degrees, so the heat definitely was a factor. Drink a lot of water, stay hydrated.”

The heat will be on for the best golfers in the state next Wednesday at Poppy Hills, which underwent a 13-month renovation completed in April 2014.

“I haven’t played it since they’ve redone it, but Poppy Hills was always one of my favorite courses,” Hitchcock said. “I’m looking forward to seeing the new one, and Max is going to get a practice round sometime between now and next Wednesday. So we’ll come up with a plan for him.

“I’m excited. I think he’s going to do really well.”

http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/05/24/boys-golf-poppy-hills-next-challenge-for-menlos-max-ting-at-state/

http://www.mercurynews.com/?p=4589885

Posted by Sharon Noguchi

http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/05/24/weeds-potty-problems-beset-alum-rock/

http://www.mercurynews.com/?p=4589735

Amid the infrastructure woes dogging the Alum Rock Union School District, weeds might seem like a small thing.  But the profusion of knee-high greenery on playing fields and vigorous volunteers erupting through playgrounds irk a number of people, including Fischer Middle School music teacher Randy Barber.

He’s been chronicling the growth of a weed spurting up Jack-and-the-beanstalk style through a crack in the quad. “Kids see this every day upon leaving the cafeteria,” he said, noting there are many other examples on campuses. “It has to affect how the kids feel about their situation here in the East Side.”

On Tuesday, Fischer held an open house to recruit incoming sixth-graders, part of Alum Rock middle schools’ competition for students during open enrollment.The weed, partly trampled, was still bursting through the crack.

Barber had expected a crew might spiff up the campus before visitors arrived.

Not. The weed he had tracked and many others, including some that had sprouted from debris on roofs, were untouched. “You would think district would be embarrassed,” he said.

Yes, Barber is the same teacher who complained about a regularly overflowing urinal in the men faculty bathroom. Last month, the district replaced the urinal — but didn’t address the underlying problem. The fixture still overflows, and the bathroom retains its familiar stench.

http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/05/24/weeds-potty-problems-beset-alum-rock/

http://www.mercurynews.com/?p=4589735

Posted by John Orr

http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/05/24/mountain-view-to-help-ease-east-palo-altos-water-woes/

http://www.mercurynews.com/?p=4589713

The Mountain View City Council on Tuesday agreed to share a million gallons of water a day with East Palo Alto for a one-time payment of $5 million.

Arrived at after almost two years of discussions, the agreement will benefit both municipalities.

East Palo Alto declared a moratorium on development in June because of its inability to provide enough water for new users. Its deal with the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, the main water supplier on the Peninsula, is for only 1.9 million gallons a day.

Mountain View was faced with being fined for not using enough water every day to satisfy the SFPUC.

Michael A. Fuller, Mountain View’s public works director, explained to the city council that the city’s deal with the SFPUC is to use at least 8.93 million gallons of water a day, and that it must pay for at least that much, even if it doesn’t use it.

Fuller’s report said that “water use has decreased as a result of changes in industry, plumbing efficiencies, conservation programs, and recycled water use with the lowest consumption in the last several years due to additional conservation in response to the drought.”

The city only used 6.78 million gallons per day in fiscal 2015-16, but the SFPUC had waived the penalty for low water use in response to the drought. Now that Northern California is out of the drought, the SFPUC plans to continue exacting the low-use penalty.

While Mountain View expects to use more water in coming years, thanks largely to development, city staff still don’t expect to reach the city’s allowable maximum use of 13.46 million gallons per day any time soon.

The million gallons a day going to East Palo Alto should reduce the danger of low-use penalties for Mountain View, and the $5 million will go into a fund to pay any such penalties in the future.

The city council approved the deal by a 6-1 vote. John McAlister was the lone nay because he said he wasn’t sure it was the best deal for Mountain View.

The agreement still has to be approved by the SFPUC.

http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/05/24/mountain-view-to-help-ease-east-palo-altos-water-woes/

http://www.mercurynews.com/?p=4589713

Posted by Ramona Giwargis

http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/05/24/san-jose-city-council-approves-greyhound-condo-towers/

http://www.mercurynews.com/?p=4588571

SAN JOSE — For nearly 60 years, it was the downtown hub for intercity bus trippers, but soon it will be a pair of new high-rises that thousands of people will call home.

The City Council Tuesday unanimously approved permits and environmental studies for a project that will replace the former Greyhound Lines station at 70 S. Almaden Avenue with two residential towers. The 23- and 24-story towers will include 708 condominiums and 14,000 square feet of ground-floor retail in a project city leaders say will boost tax revenue and downtown activity.

“We look forward to the extraordinary opportunity that this project offers San Jose,” Mayor Sam Liccardo wrote in a memorandum co-signed by Vice Mayor Magdalena Carrasco and council members Raul Peralez and Sylvia Arenas.

Greyhound vacated the 24,427-square-foot station last May when it relocated to the Diridon transit station. The twin towers project is expected to break ground by July 2018 and be completed by 2020 in order to qualify for fee reductions under San Jose’s Downtown High-Rise Incentive Program.

City officials said the project will generate $15 million in city revenue for parks, $22 million for affordable housing programs and potentially $3 million in annual property taxes, substantially more than the $20,000 now paid on the land.

“We cannot overlook the many fiscal benefits that this project brings to the city,” the mayor and council members said in their memorandum. The project also won support from business groups and the San Jose Downtown Association.

City leaders hope the project stimulates other development — high-rise projects often carry more cost and risk, and no new ones have broken ground downtown since 2015.

The council’s approval came amid demands from dozens of unions employees that the council require KT Urban to ensure hiring of local union workers. Electrician Will Smith, 37, said he was able to buy a home in the city and that hiring local workers means they can invest in San Jose.

At Tuesday’s council meeting, KT Urban’s senior vice president, Mark Tersini, said local workers would have an opportunity to bid for work on the project once the general contractor is chosen.

“No general contractor has been selected,” Tersini said at the meeting. “That suggests the plumbers union will have an opportunity to work on this project. We’re open to both union and nonunion contractors on any job. … But if it’s not finance-able, they won’t be working, and that’s hundreds of jobs that will not be going forward.”

The mayor and council members noted in their memo that “the city cannot require that the investor use specific contractors or require the payment of prevailing wages.” But Tersini did agree to their request to sign an affidavit stating the project won’t use contractors or subcontractors that have a “history of wage theft violations in the past five years.”

San Jose labor leaders said they are considering a potential 2018 ballot measure that could force developers to hire a certain percentage of local workers on big projects.

“We have polled likely voters, and they’re very supportive of these concepts,” said union spokesman Tom Saggau.

http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/05/24/san-jose-city-council-approves-greyhound-condo-towers/

http://www.mercurynews.com/?p=4588571

Posted by Rex Crum

http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/05/24/biz-break-could-googles-waymo-soon-be-worth-way-more-than-you-thought/

http://www.mercurynews.com/?p=4588260

Top of the Order:  

That’s a Lot of Waymo: When it became known that Google was getting into the self-driving car market, there was no doubt that the company was going to do something notable. The first notable thing was naming the technology venture Waymo. Maybe it’s supposed to mean, “Way More than what anyone else is doing?”

What it might mean, however, is, “Way More than what anyone else is worth.” Because according to analysts from Morgan Stanley, Waymo could be worth $70 billion.

That’s a lot of miles to go. Just to put things in a bit of perspective, the U.S. Department of Transportation said that in 2016, American drivers alone put 3.2 trillion miles on the road. So, it’s safe to say that the number of miles Americans drive will increase substantially in another 13 years. And by then, Waymo could be big enough for Google to spin out on its own.

Waymo is considered one of Google’s “other bets.” If it manages to reach that $70 billion valuation, or anything close to it, Waymo may turn out to be a bet that was worth placing.

Middle Innings:

Diversifying Apple: For all its history of developing products that change industries and create fiercely loyal customers, Apple has, at times, been a little slow on the draw regarding some matters. For example, Steve Jobs was never big on Apple paying out dividends during his time running Apple. In fact, Apple went from 1995 until 2012 without paying any dividends at all. Granted, part of that period included when many weren’t sure how long Apple would even be around.

And for a company that touts its commitment to diversity, Apple hadn’t been in a rush to hire someone to oversee its diversification efforts. Until now, that is. Apple said it has named Denise Young Smith as its first vice president for inclusion and diversity. Smith is a 20-year Apple employee and is moving into her new job from her position as Apple’s vice president of worldwide human relations.

Workman’s Comp?: Tesla has been a leader in the advancement of electric cars gaining popularity among consumers — at least among those who can afford one of Tesla’s vehicles. All those cars don’t get built without the workers at Tesla’s assembly plant in Fremont.

And with all those workers doing their thing, accidents are bound to happen. But, a new study by the workplace group Worksafe found that work-related accidents involving Tesla employees were almost one-third higher than those at other automakers. The study, commissioned by Tesla, has the potential to add to employee efforts to unionize at the electric carmaker.

Bottom of the Lineup:

It was another upbeat day for investors as all the major stock indexes ended the day with respectable gains.

The tech-focused Nasdaq Composite Index rose 0.4 percent to 6,163.02.

The blue chip Dow Jones Industrial Average also added 0.4 percent to finish the session at 21,012.42.

And the broad-based Standard & Poor’s 500 Index climbed 0.3 percent to 2,404.39.

Quote of the Day: “There is a severe affordability problem in the Bay Area.” — Andrew LePage, a research analyst with real estate information service CoreLogic. LePage was speaking about a CoreLogic report that showed median prices for Bay Area homes have hit an all-time high.

Sign up for the 60-Second Business Break newsletter at www.siliconvalley.com.

http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/05/24/biz-break-could-googles-waymo-soon-be-worth-way-more-than-you-thought/

http://www.mercurynews.com/?p=4588260

Posted by Kevin Kelly

http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/05/24/suspected-pot-dealer-nabbed-in-downtown-menlo-park/

http://www.mercurynews.com/?p=4589372

An undercover operation led to the arrest of a man selling marijuana in downtown Menlo Park, according to police.

Menlo Park Police Department’s special investigations unit on Tuesday was alerted through community complaints that people were selling marijuana in the 600 block of Santa Cruz, according to a news release. That same day, an undercover officer posed as a prospective buyer and made contact with Victor Hugo Marin, 41, a Menlo Park resident, who facilitated a deal. Marin was arrested at the scene.

During a search of his home, officers discovered marijuana being grown outdoors, 3 pounds of cultivated marijuana, concentrated cannabis, packaging material and numerous illegal pills, police said. Marin was booked into county jail on charges of possession of marijuana for sale, unlawful transportation for sales of marijuana and possession of a narcotic substance.

The Menlo Park Police Department is asking anyone who might have information regarding the case to call Sgt. Ed Soares at 650-330-6360 or the anonymous tip line at 650-330-6395.

http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/05/24/suspected-pot-dealer-nabbed-in-downtown-menlo-park/

http://www.mercurynews.com/?p=4589372

Posted by Kathy Bennett

http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/05/24/pets-and-wildlife-bay-area-adoptions-other-events-may-24-and-beyond/

http://www.mercurynews.com/?p=4584803

EAST BAY

• Get Outside: Lindsay Wildlife Experience is currently offering nature and conservation-themed events and activities, including “Nature Play,” a children’s favorite on Member Tuesdays. Details.
• Canine Capers Walk: Monthly adventure with your pet to explore and learn about the natural world. 9-11 a.m. May 27. Garin/Dry Creek Regional Park, 1320 Garin Ave., Hayward. Free.
• Zoom in on Animals and Planets: Visit Contra Loma reservoir to get a new perspective on nature through telescopes, binoculars, magnifiers and microscopes. Meet near the Redwing Picnic Area. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. May 27. Contra Loma Regional Park, 1200 Frederickson Lane, Antioch. Free. $5 parking. 
• Gorgeous Goats: Little ones can lend a hand with giving goats some exercise and grooming attention. 11 a.m.-noon May 27. Ardenwood Historical Farm, 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont.
• Snake Feedings: Meet resident gopher snake, Julius Squeezer, for an up-close and personal visit and feed him lunch if he’s hungry. 11-11:30 a.m. Sundays, beginning May 28. Del Valle, 7000 Del Valle Road, Livermore. Free.
• “Animals Homes:The Nest”: The Mt. Diablo Audubon Society will hold its annual potluck dinner and movie night. The PBS documentary “Animal Homes: The Nest” will be screened following dinner. 6 p.m. June 1. Camellia Room, The Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks, Walnut Creek. Free and open to all. www.diabloaudubon.org.
• Markham Regional Arboretum Society: Tour a honey bee farm; purchase plants selected for our dry climate. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. June 3. Markham Nature Park and Arboretum, 1202 La Vista Ave., Concord.
• Off-Leash Dog Recall and Safety: Learn the skills to train your dog to hike off-leash and how you can be a more conscientious trail user. Practice as a group during a short hike. Suitable only for social dogs that are good with dogs and people, and do not hunt. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. June 3.  Wildcat Canyon Regional Park, 5755 McBryde Ave., Richmond. $35-$39. Registration required.
• Bird Walk: New and experienced birders discover patterns of behavior, migration, and habitat. For ages 8 and older. 8-10 a.m. June 3. Dry Creek, 1320 Garin Ave., Hayward. Details.
• Birds in the Garden: Look for warblers and hummingbirds around the fountain in the Victorian garden as well as other birds of field and farm. 8-9:30 a.m. June 3. Ardenwood Historical Farm, 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont. No admission fee.
• Levee Top Stroll: Take a relaxing one-mile walk through the willows and wetlands. 2-3 p.m. June 3. Big Break Regional Park, 69 Big Break Road, Oakley.

• 

  Dragons and Damsels: Delve into the world of dragonflies. 3-4:30 p.m. June 4. Tilden Nature Area, Environmental Education Center, at Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley. Free.

• Ghost Cat: My World: Lindsay Wildlife Experience hosts “Ghost Cat: My World featuring graphite drawings from artist Michelle Friend. The preservation-themed exhibit brings you up-close to mountain lions in captivity, in the wild and in the pet trade. Artist statements are written from the cats’ point of view, and describe the hunting and human effects on the cat’s population. The exhibit is on display through June 4. Cost of admission for nonmembers. Lindsay Wildlife Experience, 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek. 925-935-1978.
• Scat Track Fever: What animals roam the wetlands? Catch “scat track fever” and find out through the clues they leave behind. 2-3 p.m. June 3. Big Break Regional Shoreline, 69 Big Break Road, Oakley.
• Animal Tracking: Using fun activities, learn how to decode the secret language of animal tracks. 1-2:30 p.m. June 3. Coyote Hills, 8000 Patterson Ranch Road, Fremont. Free.
• Pet Safety: Learn pet CPR, rescue breathing, bandaging, splinting and other steps needed to comfort your pet in the case of an emergency. All students get a pet first aid and CPR reference manual, and certification card. 4 p.m. June 12. Robert Livermore Community Center, 4444 East Ave., Livermore. $69.30.  http://bit.ly/2rntWsY.
• Early Morning Birding: Begin the weekend by listening to the morning songs of Contra Loma’s many birds. Beginning birders welcome. Meet at the main parking area. 7-9 a.m. June 13. Contra Loma Regional Park, 1200 Frederickson Lane, Antioch.
• Member Movie Night: Lindsay Wildlife Experience members are invited to watch a screening of “The Rescuers Down Under.” 5:30-8 p.m. June 14. 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek.
• Return of the Terns: View a slide show and learn about the California least tern, an endangered species. At 3:30 p.m., join a naturalist to watch these acrobats hunt in the Bay. (binoculars available for loan). Reservations required for bus ride to the colony. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 17. Crab Cove, 1252 McKay Ave., Alameda. $7-$11. Details.
• Walk With a Goat: Explore the farmyard with Maisie the goat.  Find out what tastes good to her as you greet the rest of the livestock. 10:30-11 a.m. June 17. Ardenwood Historical Farm, 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont.
• Arachnid Adventures: Drop by Big Break to learn about spiders and join in fun arachnid activities. 2-3 p.m. June 17. Big Break Regional Shoreline, 69 Big Break Road, Oakley.
• Has the Eagle Landed: The bald eagle has made a comeback in the East Bay. Hike through the campground to see if the eagles are nesting again. Bring binoculars, spotting scopes, and field guides. 8:30-10:30 a.m.  June 17. Del Valle, 7000 Del Valle Road, Livermore.
• Paddling With the Birds: Paddle around the lake in a kayak in search of shorebirds and other feathered friends. 9-11:30 a.m. June 18. Del Valle, 7000 Del Valle Road, Livermore. $35-$39. Registration required.
• World Giraffe Day: Feed a giraffe and help support giraffes in Africa. Guests will be given one piece of food which they will hand to a giraffe from a feeding platform. No petting or touching of the giraffe is allowed. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. June 21, Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Road. $15. Zoo admission not included.
• Diablo Ballet PAWS de Tutu Dog Festival: Highlights include demonstrations by the Concord and Oakland K-9 Police units, dog yoga demonstration, dog costume and pet tricks competition, adoptable dogs from ARF and Rocket Dog Rescue, free photos with your dog, goodie bags and more. 9 a.m.-noon June 24. Lafayette Reservoir, 3849 Mt. Diablo Blvd. $5. $10-$20 competition fee, includes admission.
• Community Concern for Cats: CC4C, an all volunteer cat rescue organization serving Contra Costa County for 30 years, holds kitten and cat adoption events on Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4 p.m. at three locations: Pet Food Express, 3610 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, Pet Food Express, 2158 Contra Costa Blvd., Pleasant Hill, and Petco, 1301 S. California Blvd., Walnut Creek.
• All Ears Reading: Free program for children in first through fifth grade is offered year-round at several Contra Costa County library locations. Young readers are paired with a Pet Hug Pack therapy dog to help improve skills, instill confidence, and develop a love of reading. Preregistration required. Lafayette Library: 3-4 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd. 925-385-2280. Moraga Library: 4-5 p.m. fourth Thursdays monthly, 1500 St. Mary’s Road. 925-376-6852. Ygnacio Valley Library: 3-4 p.m. fourth Tuesdays monthly, 2661 Oak Grove Road. 925-938-1481. http://bit.ly/2fPhmiR.
• Maine Coon Cat Adoptions: Cat adoptions held 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. first weekends monthly at Pet Food Express, 3868 Piedmont Ave., Oakland.
• Kitty Corner: Contra Costa Humane Society’s Kitty Corner is an onsite, free-roam shelter where potential adopters can spend time with cats in a relaxed, living room type environment and find a pet that best suits their lifestyle. All  cats are spayed/neutered, microchipped, vaccinated and FeLV/FIV tested (over 6 months of age). Hours: Noon-7 p.m. Monday, 2-7 p.m. Tuesday, noon-3 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. 171 Mayhew Way, Pleasant Hill, Suite 101.
• Pet Ambassadors Club: This monthly pet education series for kids of all ages offers activities like teach how to be respectful with animals, how to read animal emotions, and making animal-themed crafts to take home. 1-2 p.m. third Saturday of the month. Alameda See Spot Run, 2510 Santa Clara Ave., Alameda. 510-523-7768.
• Animal Feeding at Ardenwood: Check for eggs, bring hay to the livestock and learn the animals’ favorite foods. 3 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays. Ardenwood Historic Farm, 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont. 510-544-2797.
• Fish Feeding Time: Get close to crabs and see flounder, perch and pipefish. 3-3:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Crab Cove, 1252 McKay Ave., Alameda. 510-544-3187. Reservations.
• Women on Common Ground: Series of naturalist-led programs for women who love the outdoors but whose concern for personal safety keeps them from enjoying local parks. For a schedule of events, call 510-544-3243 or kcolbert@ebparks.org.
• Free Fridays: Lindsay Wildlife Experience will offer free general admission from noon to 5 p.m. on the third Friday of the month. Lindsay Wildlife Experience is located at 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek.
• Rabbit adoptions: Contra Costa Rabbit Rescue holds adoption events from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays, at Pet Food Express, 1388 S. California Blvd., Walnut Creek.
• Delta Discoveries: Discover the wonders of the Delta through hands-on arts and crafts activities. Explore a different wetland wonder each week. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Big Break, 69 Big Break Road, Oakley.
• Animeals: The Valley Humane Society operates a pet food pantry that provides regular free meals for dogs and cats of seniors and low-income families. Donations of wet or dry dog and cat food are always accepted, even if opened or recently expired and can be dropped off during open hours at Valley Humane Society, 3670 Nevada St., Pleasanton. Pet-related items such as litter, treats, and toys are also needed. Pet food distribution takes places through partnerships with local food banks: Pleasanton: Valley Bible Church, first Thursdays monthly, 7106 Johnson Drive. Livermore: Tri-Valley Haven, third Wednesdays monthly, 3663 Pacific Ave.

PENINSULA

• Vaccination and Microchip Clinics: Low-cost clinics provide vaccinations for rabies, FVRCP and DHPP, as well as microchips — a permanent form of companion animal identification. 6-8 p.m. first Wednesday of each month, Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA’s Coyote Point Shelter Auditorium, 12 Airport Blvd, San Mateo. 650-340-7022, ext. 665.
• Obedience Classes: PHS/SPCA offers year-round obedience classes (except in December). Classes are six or eight one-hour sessions and limited to 12 dogs. Discounts available. To register, email training@phs/spca.org and provide your full name, mailing address and phone number.
• Pick of the Litter: The Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA operate a resale store featuring second-hand items including clothing, household items, furniture, art, jewelry, electronics, books, vintage and costume clothing and a children’s department. The Pick is open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. All proceeds benefit shelter animals. .
• Dog Day Mornings: Dogs romp and play off-leash in a supervised atmosphere every Saturday, rain or shine. All dogs must be current on their vaccinations and have attended a basic obedience class. Dogs six months and older must be altered. Two sessions: 9:30-10:30 a.m. is for dogs of all shapes and sizes; 10:30-11:30 a.m. is for small dogs only. Peninsula Humane Society, 12 Airport Blvd., San Mateo. Preregistration required; no drop-ins. 650-340-7022, ext. 184.
• Pet Loss Support Group: Facilitated by experienced grief counselors. Meets 7 p.m. second Thursdays, monthly. Lantos Center of Compassion, 1450 Rollins Road, Burlingame. 650-340-7022, ext. 344.

SOUTH BAY

• Ceramics and Cats: Interested in creating a one-of-a-kind ceramic piece with your cat on it? Local artist Anita Bora  provides the tools, the bisque piece, colors and support. Bring a reference image or photograph. Your creation will be fired offsite and be ready for pick up in approximately three weeks after the workshop. For ages 15 and older. 6-8 p.m. (arrive by 5:45 p.m.)  June 9. The Dancing Cat, 702 East Julian St., San Jose. $40.
• Watercolor with Cats: Paint among the cats at this hands-on workshop lead by illustrator Frances Marin. Bring a photo of your cat or other pets. All levels of painters are welcome. For ages 18 and older. 10 a.m.-noon June 3 (arrive by 9:45 a.m.), The Dancing Cat, 702 East Julian St., San Jose. $40 includes materials.
• Beginning Manners and Obedience for Dogs: Humane Society Silicon Valley offers a six-week, first training class for new canine companions five months or older. The class provides a safe and fun learning environment that provides the knowledge and skills needed to successfully work with your dog to get the kind of behavior you like, at home and in public. 7:30-8:20 p.m. Mondays, beginning June 26. HSSV Training Room, 901 Ames Ave., Milpitas $125-$150.
• Puppy Socials: In a trainer-supervised setting,  puppies learn important play skills and bite inhibition and are exposed to environmental stimulus to help build confidence, assist in development and prevent fearful behavior in adulthood. Sundays: 10-10:45 a.m. Attend at this time if your puppy is still a bit shy or fearful of new settings. 11-11:45 a.m. For more playful, outgoing dogs. Fridays: 7-7:45 p.m. All puppies welcome. Humane Society Silicon Valley Training Room, 901 Ames Ave., Milpitas. $10 cash at the door.
• Silicon Valley Dog Walking Academy: An intensive four-day workshop leading to professional dog walking certification. Expand your knowledge of canine behavior, learn new pack-management techniques and fight protocols, and go through the A-Z of running and marketing a dog walking business. 5:30-9:30 p.m. July 27-28 and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. July 29-30. Humane Society Silicon Valley, 901 Ames, Milpitas.
• Kiddies 2 Kitties Reading Program: Kids in first through fifth grade practice reading aloud to adoptable cats, honing their skills while also getting  cuddle time with the animals. The program is held in conjunction with the Palo Alto Humane Society, who facilitate the program at SVACA.  3:30-5 p.m. first and third Wednesdays, 3370 Thomas Road, Santa Clara. 408-764-0344.
• Companion Animal Loss Support Group: Meetings help grieving pet owners work through their feelings of loss, anger and depression. Participants may attend an unlimited number of meetings and are encouraged to return to help others work through their grief. 6:30-7:30 p.m. first Tuesdays monthly. Humane Society Silicon Valley, 901 Ames Ave., Milpitas. Donations accepted.
• Vets for Healthy Pets: This veterinary clinic for pets of the homeless offers access to preventative veterinary care including vaccines, parasite treatment, microchipping, flea medication, nail trims, medications and any extra medical procedures the animals may need. Clinics also offer free pet supplies and pet food. Clinics are held on one day of the last weekend of the month at HomeFirst, 2011 Little Orchard St., San Jose. 408-794-7245.
• Volunteers opportunity: Guadalupe River Park Conservancy is seeking volunteers interested in a long-term commitment of caring for its educational animal ambassadors. Duties include but are not limited to: cleaning animal enclosures, feeding/providing water to animals, exercise/time outside, filling in log books and other duties as they are assigned. Experience with animals is .
• Low-Cost Spay and Neuter Clinic: The City of San Jose is offering a low-cost spay/neuter clinic at the San Jose Animal Care Center, 2750 Monterey Road. For a limited time the City is partnering with HSSV to offer free dog and cat spay/neuter for residents of zip codes: 95111, 95112, 95116, 95122 and 95127. Low-cost spay/neuter services will still be available for local Chihuahuas, Pit Bulls and cats outside of these zip codes.
• Dog Training: The Mission City Dog Training School, in cooperation with the Santa Clara Parks & Recreation Department, offers dog obedience and puppy training classes on Saturdays at Maywood Park. The program is held throughout the year, and is open to residents and non-residents. For complete information on classes, contact Walt at 831-465-1491 or wenagle@yahoo.com.
• Low-Cost Vaccine Clinics: San Jose Animal Care Center: 9 -11 a.m. first and third Saturday’s of the month, 2750 Monterey Road, San Jose. Andy’s Pet Store: 2-4 p.m. third Saturday of the month, January-November, 51 Notre Dame Ave., San Jose. Canine Corral: 2-4 p.m. first Saturday of the month, 2045 Woodard Road, San Jose. Details.
• Outdoor Environmental Science Home School Program: Guadalupe River Park Conservancy leads hands-on, outdoor programs that focus on the Guadalupe River watershed and the cultural and natural history of Santa Clara County, integrating scientific learning with an intimate experience of nature and place. For ages 5-12. 1:30-3 p.m. Thursdays, Guadalupe Visitor & Education Center, 438 Coleman Ave., San Jose. Drop ins welcome but preregistration is preferred. $15 per student, per class. 408-298-7657.
• The Dancing Cat: Silicon Valley’s first cat adoption lounge offers a place for cat lovers and potential adopters to socialize with friends, read, study, or just lounge with adoptable cats in a comfortable, open room. Guests are invited to bring their own food and beverages. A small selection of drinks and cookies are available for purchase. Wi-fi and catnip are on the house. Through November. Details.
• Rabbit Haven foster positions: The Rabbit Haven operates exclusively with Foster homes to care for more than 90 rabbits at any given time. Foster’s usually have 1-2 foster rabbits in their home. Minimum foster period is three months. The Haven provides the pen, floor covering, food and water dishes, a toy and littler box. Foster families provide an indoor home and daily care. To apply, email Director@therabbithaven.org. 831-600-7479.
• Rabbit Advocates: The Rabbit Haven is seeking Haven shelter advocates 18 and older in the San Jose area to help with exercising, cleaning, and grooming bunnies. Transport assistance is also needed on occasion. For an application, email Director@therabbitHaven.org or call Sarah, 415-531-7138 or Heather, 831-600-7479.
• Walk-in Vaccinations/Microchipping: Humane Society Silicon Valley offers vaccinations, deworming and microchipping services on a walk-in basis at its Medical Center, 901 Ames Ave, Milpitas. Walk-in hours: 9 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. Saturdays; 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. Sundays. For fees and information, call 408-262-2133, ext. 108.
• Free Chihuahua Spay/Neuter: The San Jose Animal and Care Shelter in partnership with Humane Society Silicon Valley is offering free spay/neuter surgeries for Chihuahua/Chihuahua mixes to residents who live in ZIP codes with high Chihuahua population. Owners must live in one of the following ZIP codes: 95111, 95112, 95116, 95122 or 95127. Dogs must be between 4 months and 7 years old and be a Chihuahua or Chihuahua mix under 25 pounds. For complete details, go here and click on spay/neuter information.
• Dog Book Reading Club: Do you love dogs? Want to learn more about their behavior, training, learning, body language, and using positive training methods? The Humane Society Silicon Valley Dog Book Reading Club meets from 2-4 p.m. fourth Sundays monthly to discuss a different book. 901 Ames Ave., Milpitas. Free. 408-262-2133.

SAN FRANCISCO

• Tarantula Exhibit: This special exhibit focuses on the diverse and natural beauty of these giants of the spider world. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. beginning May 27 at the San Francisco Zoo, Sloat Blvd. at the Great Highway. Exhibit is included with general admission.
• Best in Show: Pet-inspired art show featuring local artists is on display through May 31, at Art Attack SF Gallery, 2358 Market St. Free.

SANT CRUZ

• Animal Film Festival on Tour: Films that explore aspects of animal welfare, animal rights, the human/animal bond or programs demonstrating ways to improve the lives of animals will be screened.  Presented by the Center for Animal Protection & Education and the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter. Proceeds benefit both organizations. 7-10 p.m. May 24. Del Mar Theatre, 1124 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $10-$15. Tickets.
• Dog Enrichment: Learn to prepare safe, fun, engaging enrichment for shelter pups with hands-on practice. Led by Carla Braden. 2-3 p.m. June 4. Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter, 1001 Rodriguez St.
• Meow Luau: Visit Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter to meet cats and kittens available for adoption. During the event, all kitten and cat adoption fees are $50. All adoptions include spay/neuter, microchip, age appropriate vaccinations, routine treatment for fleas/worms and a free pet wellness exam. There will also be educational seminars on feline health care, refreshments, and entertainment. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 10. 1001 Rodriguez St., Santa Cruz.

• 

  World Dog Surfing Championships: Highlights include dog surfing competition, dog beach fashion contest, dog adoptions, vendors, activities, and ongoing interviews on TasteTV. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 5. Linda Mar Beach, Pacifica.

• Dog Walking Academy: An intensive three-day workshop leading to professional dog walking certification. Expand your knowledge of canine behavior, learn new pack-management techniques and fight protocols, and go through the A-Z of running and marketing a dog walking business. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. August 25-27. Fort Mason Center, 2 Marina Blvd., Building C, San Francisco.

• Training Discussion Group: The Santa Cruz SPCA offers a free training discussion group once a month with a local trainer to help dog owners with behavioral issues or training questions. The small-group setting is perfect for people who have newly adopted their first animal or those who have adopted and are experiencing problems they’ve never dealt with before. These sessions are for people only. 6:30-7:30 p.m. first Mondays monthly, Santa Cruz SPCA Capitola Mall Adoption Center and Gift Shop, 1855 41st Ave., Capitola. Reservations required.

AROUND THE STATE

• Gray Lodge Wildlife Area Guided Wetlands Tours: A wildlife naturalist will lead a group (minimum of 18 people) through the diverse wetlands of the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area. Learn wildlife identification and behavior patterns, conservation efforts and more. The experience can be customized to include requested information, along a half-mile walking route. For information and scheduling, call 530-846-7505 or email ldieter@dfg.ca.gov. Details.
• Elkhorn Slough Ecological Reserve docent-led walks: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Binoculars and bird books available to borrow at no cost. Visitor Center and main overlook are fully accessible. Day use is $4.32 per person, ages 16 and older. Groups of 10 or more should schedule a separate tour.

MOBILE ADOPTION SITES

Animal Rescue Recon, Inc.

• Saturdays: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. PetFood Express, Slatten Ranch Shopping Center, 5829 Lone Tree Way, Antioch; dogs only. 925-392-7654, web.

Contra Costa County Animal Services

• First Saturdays monthly: Noon-3 p.m. Petco, 1301 S. California Blvd., Walnut Creek; rabbits only. Pet Food Express, 1388 S. California Blvd., Walnut Creek; dogs and cats.
• Second Saturdays monthly: Noon-3 p.m. Pet Food Express, 2158 Contra Costa Blvd., Pleasant Hill; dogs only. Petco, 1301 S. California Blvd., Walnut Creek; rabbits only. Petco, 170 Arnold Drive, Suite 115, Martinez; rabbits only.
• Third Saturdays monthly: Noon-3 p.m. 1301 S. California Blvd., Walnut Creek; rabbits only. PetSmart, 5879 Lone Tree Way, Antioch; rabbits only.
• Fourth Saturdays monthly: Noon-3 p.m. Petco, 1301 S. California Blvd., Walnut Creek; rabbits only.
• Sundays: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Petco, 1170 Arnold Drive, Martinez; rabbits only.
• Sundays: Noon-3 p.m. Contra Costa Animal Services, 4800 Imhoff Place, Martinez; dogs. 925-335-8330.
• Second Sundays monthly: Noon-3 p.m. Sports Basement, 1881 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek; dogs only.
• Last Sunday of the month: Noon-3 p.m. Molly’s Pup Purree, 425 Hartz Ave., Danville; dogs only.

Homeless Animals Response Program (HARP)

• Saturdays: Noon-3 p.m. Petsmart, 4655 Century Plaza Blvd., Pittsburg; cats only.
• Sundays: Noon-3 p.m. Petsmart, Slatten Ranch Shopping Center, 5879 Lone Tree Way, Antioch; dogs only.
• Sundays: Noon-3 p.m. Pet Food Express, Slatten Ranch Shopping Center, 5829 Lone Tree Way, Antioch; dogs and cats.

http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/05/24/pets-and-wildlife-bay-area-adoptions-other-events-may-24-and-beyond/

http://www.mercurynews.com/?p=4584803

Posted by Marni Jameson

http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/05/24/marni-jameson-how-to-choose-an-outdoor-grill/

http://www.mercurynews.com/?p=4587525

When DC and I blended our households, it was like Noah filling his ark: We brought two of almost everything — his and hers toasters, blenders, TVs, even two chocolate fountains, which reassured me that he had his priorities straight.

But, somehow, we’d left ashore the outdoor grills.

DC sold his charcoal grill with his home. I had left my gas grill cemented in stone when I moved out of the last house I owned. We had been limping by with an indoor George Foreman grill.

“I can’t face another summer like that,” I said to DC, as I began my pitch for an outdoor grill. Turned out, he was thinking the same thing.

“What kind were you thinking about?” he asked.

“Something sleek, rectangular and stainless.” I said, picturing a transformed patio space.

“No, I mean do you want gas, charcoal, or electric wood pellet?”

My screwed-up face told DC I hadn’t the foggiest notion. He started showing me grills on his iPad.

“This one’s great,” he pointed to a picture of a bright green egg-shaped grill that looked as if it fell from the pages of a Dr. Seuss book. “I used to have one like this.”

“You did?” I asked, working to keep the incredulity from my voice. “I kind of want one that looks good.”

“How about this one?” He shows me a grill that looks like the Sputnik. I wrinkle my nose.

“Is there something clean-lined, and cool-looking that you like that doesn’t look like a UFO crash?”

“You’re focusing on the wrong thing,” he said. “What matters is how the food tastes.”

In that instant, I discovered a fundamental difference between DC and me, at least in the universe of outdoor cooking: He likes function. I like form. I want a grill that looks great in the yard. He wants one that fires up his inner caveman.

Then I did something highly uncharacteristic. I shut up. See, part of my motivation for getting an outdoor grill is so I can hand over the tongs more often. If DC is going to be doing the outdoor grilling — and I know there are outstanding women grill chefs; I am just not one of them — he needs to get a grill he likes.

After some research, here’s what we learned about choosing an outdoor grill:

Where will it go? Make sure you have a level spot near connections to gas or electricity, as needed, said Russ Faulk, chief designer and head of product for Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet. Also place your grill close to your indoor kitchen, for access, but also away from the door, so smoke doesn’t blow inside.

What fuel do you want to use? Here are the pros and cons of today’s options:

Gas: Fueled by natural gas or propane, gas grills are easiest to cook with because they heat up instantly, and the flame is easy to manage, said Dan Parrilli, senior merchant of grills for the Home Depot. The downside: You don’t get that charcoal or wood flavor. (You can add smoker boxes with wood chips, but that only gives a hint of smoke flavor.) Also, propane tanks need to be refilled, and are notorious for running out in the middle of your barbecue party.

Charcoal: These grills give food the flavor that grill enthusiasts love. They also can get hotter than gas grills, up to 700 degrees, said Parrilli. Their downside: charcoal (whether lump, which is preferred, or briquettes) takes time to heat up and requires new fuel each time you cook.

Electric: A good option for those in apartments or condos where gas or charcoal grilling isn’t allowed, electric grills heat up fast, are easy to clean, and you don’t need any fuel, just a nearby outlet. But they don’t get as hot as gas or charcoal, and don’t provide the flame or flavor.

Wood pellets: Though still a small player in the grill market, electric wood-pellet grills are by far the fastest-growing segment today, experts agree. “Although Traeger first brought these wood-pellet grills to market in 1987, in the last few years they have hit the mainstream market in a big way,” Parrilli said. “They make cooking simple and less messy; you get better temperature control and great wood flavor.”

How big? Grill surfaces are measured in square inches, and also in terms of burger count: Four square inches equals one patty. Consider how many people you will likely be cooking for, as well as how much space you have outside. When debating between two sizes, round up.  “Buy a grill not for the cook you are now, but for the cook you aspire to be,” Faulk said.

DC and I chose the Traeger wood-pellet grill. Though not sleek and stainless, I think it will ignite DC’s inner caveman. And that’s something to get fired up about.

Join me next week when we try out the new grill, and find out what else is hot in the grill market. Contact Jameson via www.marnijameson.com.

http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/05/24/marni-jameson-how-to-choose-an-outdoor-grill/

http://www.mercurynews.com/?p=4587525