ANIMAL CARE: The Family Pet

We conclude our review of miserable little parasites with everyone’s favorite, the heartworm!

Dirofilaria immitis is a mosquito-borne nematode that lives inside the heart and pulmonary arteries of dogs and other animals, including people. These little nastys are quite large (think angel hair spaghetti) and become so numerous that they impede circulation, ultimately causing death similar to heart failure. It is often unappreciated that a dog infected with heartworms may have BAZILLIONS of microscopic larvae in their bloodstream, just waiting for a mosquito to bite and transport them to the next victim.

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KATE ON CARS: Those Winter Squeaks & Rattles part 2

THOSE WINTER SQUEAKS AND RATTLES - PART 2

By Kate Jonasse

A quick note before we start: I want this column to be fun, interesting and relevant. To do this I'd like my readers' feedback. Please send your thoughts, comments, car questions, and ideas for future columns to me via email at info@ktechautomotive.com. Please put “Gazette Reader” in the heading. Thanks for reading.

It seems that every day I hear at least one car driving down the road with a belt squeal. You've probably heard it – often sounds like a large bird trapped under the hood. What causes this?

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BARRISTER BITS: How to Protect Heirs from Inheriting Debt

DEAR READERS: Do you have a legal question that is burning on your mind?   If so, please email me.  Names will remain confidential.  Every inquiry may not be published, although we will publish as many as possible.   This Q & A Legal Column is intended as a community service to discuss general legal principles and does not create an attorney-client relationship. 

Q:  I am “underwater” on my house loan by about $60,000 but do have about $120,000 in my IRA (and no other possessions worth much value).  At 55 years old, should I have a will so my grown kids are protected and do not inherit any debt?

                                                            Signed:  Lance Landowner

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Ask EcoGirl - Standing up for the EPA

Standing Up for the EPA

Dear EcoGirl: Some presidential candidates have said that, if elected, they’d abolish the EPA. Do you think that’s a good idea? Signed, Concerned Voter

Dear Concerned Voter: Thank you for your question. Well, generally I don’t comment on candidates during an election, because I want my eco-information to serve folks with a wide range of beliefs. However, I will comment on the environmental aspect of your question, because I want to encourage our support of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a unique and crucial ally for protecting our health and well-being.

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Kate on Cars - December 2011

Those Winter Squeaks and Rattles, Part 1

So the weather changed and the temperature dropped, and suddenly your car is noisier than usual. Maybe you only notice the noise on rainy days or only first thing in the morning. Or maybe only over bumps. Why would this be? Is it dangerous? What does it mean? Why now? 

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WINE BANTER - Shipping Wines for the Holidays

Shipping Wine: 

A Gift from Sonoma

With the holidays coming up – it’s already time to plan how to stock up and, indeed, how to share joy with friends and family. Well – living in Sonoma, how about sending the gift of wines from Sonoma across the country? Wine shipping can be a bit of a maze – here are some suggestions:

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The Art & Science of Mulching Gardens

Using Compost & Mulches 

in your Garden

The use of compost and mulches made from recycled organics has surged dramatically since the state mandated that yard and wood trimmings be recycled. Since 1993, Sonoma County residents have sent over 1.4 million tons of “green materials” to Sonoma Compost. These materials are converted to the compost and mulch prized by backyard gardeners, grape growers and landscapers. Most large public landscape projects now utilize mulch when preparing soils for high traffic use.

  

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KATE ON CARS: Car Warranty Woes by Kate Jonasse

Car Warranty Woes

I had a customer with an Audi, really nice car, come in for another 5,000 mile maintenance service.  It had only about 10,000 miles on it at the time and was still covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.  By all means, one would think this car would be spic ‘n’ span, and mechanically flawless.

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Red Cross Trick-or-Treat Tips

Local Red Cross Offers “Trick” to 

Safety this Halloween Follow 

the “Lucky 13” 

 Ghouls and goblins will take over the night. But even scary creatures need to be safe and celebrate Halloween right. Halloween’s greatest hazards aren’t vampires and villains, but falls, costume mishaps and automobile collisions. American Red Cross, Serving Sonoma, Mendocino & Lake Counties, is helping all families to have a safe Halloween so Red Cross by providing these tips, the “Lucky 13.”

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Retirement Planning in Today's Economy

The New Face of Retirement Planning 

By David M. Wasley
(In conjunction with Lincoln Financial Advisors, a registered investment advisor) 

Retirement these days just isn’t what it used to be. A generation ago, many Americans spent their golden years pursuing mostly sedentary activities like fishing or golfing. Today’s retirees are redefining this phase. Retirement now often means traveling the world, giving back to the community through volunteer work or starting a little business. But can these activities be financed with today’s escalating retirement bills?

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Kate on Cars - October 2011

Kate’s Basic Winter Car Care Tips

Sonoma county doesn’t have as much of a winter as other parts of the country, but there are temperature changes here, and seasonal rain.  We need to make special preparations to try to reduce the chance of getting caught in a bad spot with our cars.

Cold weather and rain or snow can cause your car to react differently.  Metal parts expand and contract with temperature changes. Rubber components can get dry and brittle.  Electricity flows differently through cold batteries, wires and circuit boards than through hot ones.  Belts and hoses can be affected by cold weather.

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Pepperwood Preserve class on Oaks

Pepperwood Preserve offers Class on Oaks

Students will explore groves comprised of many oak species onsite at Pepperwood Preserve Saturday, October 1, 2011 from 9:00 am-3:00 pm with botanical expert Steve Barnhart. Barnhart is Pepperwood’s Academic Director and an expert on California’s oaks, Steve Barnhart will lead students on a walk to discover the biology, ecology and identity of this exceptionally diverse plant community. Students will also learn about oak management, pests and diseases, regeneration and wildlife issues. The class is $10.00 and students can register online at http://www.pepperwoodpreserve.org .

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Help for Hoarders Workshop

By Elisabeth Middelberg
“I might one day buy an old record player and then I can listen to all these records I have here” Sallie says, pointing to several stacks of old vinyl records.  It is in itself a harmless statement, except Sallie’s stacks of records are almost disappearing under several other stacks of newspapers, magazines, clothes and boxes with new, small appliances and brown paper bags, the content of which is unknown, even to Sallie. Those familiar with hoarding or excessive cluttering will have recognized Sallie’s explanation of why she cannot let go of her records.

Over time, Sallie has become more and more isolated. Chairs are now used to hold books and papers and can no longer be used to sit on, and Sally does not want others to see her living environment.


Recent reality shows like “Hoarders” have started to shed light on this challenging medical condition and current research is under way to increase people’s understanding of this condition and to develop treatment models. So far it has been difficult to treat people who are hoarders, partly because hoarders often do not see the need for treatment and because the condition is deeply ingrained. Loved ones and neighbors seem more concerned about the living condition and the quality of life of someone who is hoarding than the actual hoarder.

Dr. Maryellen Curran, Ph.D, at Kaiser, Santa Rosa has led several groups for hoarders over the years. She has been able to develop treatment models that have been successful for people who are seeking help and who acknowledge that their hoarding is spinning out of control.

We are quite excited to offer a workshop on hoarding led by Dr. Curran on Sunday, September 25th at 1:00- 3:00 pm, in Guerneville. The workshop is open to the general public and will be hosted by the Metropolitan Community Church of the Redwood Empire.

If you would like to know more about hoarding, either because you have considered treatment yourself, or because you are concerned about a loved one, please join us. The suggested donation is $5.00 - $10.00, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. If you can RSVP, please do so at 707-869-9882. The workshop will be held at the Odd Fellow’s Hall - 16219 First Street in Guerneville.

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WHEEL OF LIGHT JUNE 2011

BY RIO OLESKY

Whenever the outer planets, Uranus, Neptune or Pluto, connect in a significant way changes occur in individual consciousness as well as collective reality. This month a square (ninety degree angular relationship) begins between Uranus and Pluto. This will continue strongly until October and then will come in and out of orb of that aspect until the spring of 2016. These planets represent the greatest potential for change. Uranus can bring change that is inspired or rebellious. Its machinations can create awareness and expression of one’s uniqueness and provide motivation to live in a progressive, experimental way. It can bring changes that are unexpected and extreme. Pluto is about transformation. Its tendency is to eliminate whatever has become stale, stagnant or boring. It can also create new priorities, values and behaviors to replace the old and worn out.

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RRWA Environmental Column – May 2011

Sheet Mulching your Lawn Away

Sheet mulching allows you to compost existing vegetation in place, be it lawn or weeds, while keeping the existing soil intact.  This helps suppress weeds, retain soil moisture, and eliminates the need to strip the lawn or apply herbicides in preparation of your new beautiful water conserving garden.  Sheet mulching saves time, money, organic matter and topsoil, and helps create thriving new landscapes.

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Legal Q&A - June 2011

DEAR READERS: Do you have a legal question that is burning on your mind?   If so, please email me.  Names will remain confidential.  Every inquiry may not be published, although we will publish as many as possible.   This Q & A Legal Column is intended as a community service to discuss general legal principles and does not create an attorney-client relationship. 

Q:  A good friend of the family died, and he appointed me “in charge” of his “stuff”.    He did not have a Will (nor does he own a home or land), but he did leave a load of bills and some personal items that have some value.  Do I need to go to court to settle his affairs?   

Signed:  Earnest “Ernie” Executor

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SAVE Public Broadcasting - Two Good Deeds

Marketers: Save Public Media 

– and Build Your Brand, Too!

By Michael E. Dortch

So are you underwriting any podcasts or programs on your local public media outlet yet? If not, you're missing some great opportunities to do well while doing good.

My wife works for Community Action Partnership of Sonoma County, one of the many charitable agencies facing possibly significant cuts in federal funding. (President Obama specifically mentioned the Community Action Partnership network, started by President Lyndon Johnson as part of his "war on poverty, as one of the programs it would pain Obama to cut.) The Sonoma County CAP agency hosts the local edition of the annual LunaFest fund- and consciousness-raising festival of short films by, for and about women. Funds are shared between the Breast Cancer Fund and local charities chosen by the local hosts. For LunaFest Wine Country, the local beneficiary in 2010 was Sonoma County's Sloan House Women's Shelter.

At around the same time pre-event publicity was gearing up for the 2010 edition of LunaFest Wine Country, KRCB-FM, my local public radio station, was having a pledge drive. The team there had previously come up with an "Activist" membership level – $200 for a year, payable monthly via credit or debit card. It buys you membership and attendant goodies, AND a professionally recorded and produced public service announcement, broadcast 10 times during morning and evening drive time.

But all of the announcements I'd heard ended with wording along the lines of "This announcement is brought to you by a KRCB listener." So I asked if I could have an announcement about LunaFest Wine Country recorded, produced and broadcast, ending with something like "This announcement is brought to you by KRCB member DortchOnIT.com."

And the fine folks at KRCB-FM said "Yes." And they did it. And LunaFest Wine Country pre-event ticket sales were better than they'd been in years. And I got some great local publicity that I'm in the process of turning into business and additional charitable opportunities. And all in all, it was probably the best money I have ever spent and perhaps will ever spend on marketing myself, given the combination of business publicity and good will.

Right now, even as I type this, public media funding from the federal government is in danger of being completely eliminated. If your local stations are anything like mine, which basically run on shoestring budgets, this could mean a sudden reduction in funding of anywhere between 25 and more than 45 percent, according to published reports.

Are you working? Imagine if your income were suddenly reduced by 25 percent to 45 percent. If you're paid weekly, this would mean between one and two out of every four paychecks, gone. You'd probably have to make some pretty serious budget cuts and some pretty hard choices. That's what public radio and television stations across the country are contemplating right now.

(Even if your local stations are pretty flush, their abilities to produce local content could take a serious hit. As could their incentive to produce investigative programming that questions or challenges the federal government and/or corporations that are or could become major donors. And besides, I think you might appreciate living in a country governed by people who see real value in helping to fund the sharing of culture, fact-based news reporting and local events and organizations. But maybe that's just me.)

Anyway, there's a local public radio or television station near you right now, trying to deliver value to its constituents while fighting for funding every day. And the people who consume the content those stations deliver are likely customers or prospects you're already pursuing…or should be. And public media underwriting opportunities are numerous, affordable, locally targeted and highly appreciated.

So tune into your local public media outlet(s) if you don't already. Find a podcast to sponsor, or a program to underwrite (and/or to appear upon). Take out an ad in the station's program guide, in print or online. Your brand will benefit, and you'll feel better. (And if you need more specific guidance or advice to pursue these opportunities, I know a guy who'd be glad to offer you a complementary initial consultation...)

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Health Care Reform Summarized

Health Insurance Reform Law Summarized

By Bill Hannant
On March 23rdof this year, President Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act into law, and one week later, the Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act. Whether this new law will ultimately help or hurt you depends on whether you need help getting insurance (eventually easier) or paying for it (may become harder).

Although the new law is referred to as Health Care reform, it is primarily health insurance reform. Not a bad thing, but without seriously addressing the skyrocketing cost of health care itself, the cost of insurance, inextricably tied to the cost of health care, may increase dramatically.

The cost of this law was originally pegged at around $850 billion, but has since been adjusted by the Congressional Budget Office at $1.3 trillion – with a t - give or take a dollar or two. The bulk of the money is to come from reducing fraud and waste in the Medicare and Medicaid systems. There will also be a number of taxes and fees on insurance companies and higher income individuals, most of which will likely be passed on to the beneficiaries of the law, you.

In my mind, the heart of the legislation is that, starting in 2014, insurance companies can no longer decline to accept any individual applying for insurance, regardless of pre-existing conditions. The kicker is that this could lead to high premiums (health care is expensive) or reduced benefits (benefits must be paid for), or both. With some exceptions, everyone will have to purchase at least a minimal level of coverage or pay a fine. Sheer numbers of enrollees may help ameliorate the cost of such a mandate.

Some features of the law went into effect immediately; some after 90 days, some 6 months after enactment, and the rest are spread out over the next 8 years.

2010 Highlights:
Individual Market
After 90 days:
Creates high-risk pool coverage for people who have been uninsured for at least six months and cannot obtain current individual coverage due to preexisting conditions. California already has such a program, but with serious limitations.

After 6 Months:
Prohibits rescissions of health plan coverage (cancellation of coverage when a claim is made) in all insurance markets, except when a claim is fraudulent or intentionally misrepresents material fact.

Small Group/Employer
Immediately:
Small Employer Tax Credit - makes available tax credits for qualified small employer contributions to purchase coverage for employees. In order to qualify, the business must have no more than 25 full-time employees, pay average annual wages of less than $50,000 and provide qualifying coverage.

Small Group/Individual Market
After 6 Months:
Lifetime limit on the dollar value of benefits for any participant or beneficiary is prohibited.

The age of a dependent for health plan coverage increases to up to age 26, regardless of that dependent’s status.

Mandates coverage of the following preventive services with no cost sharing :
- Immunizations;
- For infants, children, and adolescents, preventive care and screenings;
- For women, additional preventive care and screenings provided for in comprehensive guidelines regarding breast cancer screening, mammography, and prevention.
 
All health plans will have to cover preexisting conditions for children 19 and under. Insurance will likely be more expensive.

Mandates coverage of emergency services at in-network level regardless of provider.
Allows HMO enrollees to designate any in-network doctor their primary care physician (including OB/GYN and pediatrician).

Oh, and most important: Ten percent excise tax on amounts paid for indoor tanning services, whether or not an individual’s insurance policy covers the service.

2011 Highlight:
Starting January 1, 2011 expenses for medicines or drugs will qualify as tax-free and reimbursable by an employer-provided health plan, including an FSA, HRA or HSA, only if:
- the medicine or drug requires a prescription;
- is an over-the-counter medicine or drug and the individual obtains a prescription; or
- is insulin
Insurance companies will have to spend a certain percentage of premium dollars on (to be determined) member care: 85% for large groups, 80% for small groups (under 100) and individuals.

Most of the rest involves taxes, insurance company mandates, reporting rules, premium credits and subsidies (2014), government-administered insurance exchanges. I’ll cover some of this in future articles.

If you want to research on your own, you can start with the government site: www.healthcare.gov. Or give me a call, Bill Hannant at 707-829-2328.

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ASK ECOGIRL: Earth-Friendly Holiday Cheer by Patricia Dines

Dear EcoGirl: I’m planning my holiday gatherings and wondering if it really matters if I choose eco-wines. Also, how do I find ones that are tasty and truly benefit the earth? Signed, Holiday Sipper

Dear Sipper: Thanks for your great questions. Luckily, I can help! Because one of my self-sworn duties as an eco-writer is to check out our local organic food and wine offerings. Oh, how I suffer! So let’s walk through your questions:

1) Does it really matter if you buy an eco-wine? Absolutely! Folks often forget that wine is an agricultural product, just like food. Thus, growing wine grapes ecologically reduces the toxics in both our environment and our glass.
 
David Steinman, author of Diet for a Poisoned Planet, says that mainstream wine “has too many pesticides to qualify as a top-quality product.” He reports that multiple pesticide residues have been found in wines at high concentrations, and that wine drinkers report fewer headaches after going organic. (Of course, moderation still counts.)
 
2) Do quality eco-friendly wines exist? The answer is also an emphatic, Yes! In fact, winemakers often seek ecologically-grown grapes for their flavor.
 
Veronique Raskin of the Organic Wine Company, a Marin importer, says that she finds “a clear difference” with organic wine. “You feel the essence of the wine, the terroir,” she explains. “You have a much stronger experience of the country and the winemaker with organic wines than you do with other wines.”
 
3) OK, so how do you choose wines that are right for you and the planet? Understanding some key words can help.

For instance, what’s the difference between “organically-grown” and “organic” wines? Both are made with grapes grown using certified organic methods, but “organic” wines are also produced according to the organic winemaking standards of each country.

U.S. organic winemaking rules are different in that they disallow not only toxic processing aids but also the pure natural sulfur dioxide preservative permitted in international organic wines. Thus, some U.S. “organic” wines can have a shorter shelf life; ask producers for their storage advice. It also means that you’ll find fewer “organic” U.S. wines than “organically-grown”ones.

Another delightful option to consider is biodynamic wine, which has even higher standards than organic and can offer richly dimensional flavors.

However, be careful with two other eco-wine identifiers, “sustainable” and “natural,” because neither has a legal definition or regulation. Sometimes such wines use less-toxic growing or processing practices, but the specifics and commitment vary by producer.

4) So what are some of my favorite local eco-wines? My first choice for holiday bubbly is Jeriko Estate’s award-winning, organically-grown sparkling wine, one of the few from California. Hand-crafted and estate-grown, it tastes charmingly subtle and inspiring. www.jerikoestate.com, 707 744-1140

I’ve also enjoyed the luscious and complex organically-grown wines of Frog’s Leap Winery, produced in their 100% solar-operated facility. www.frogs leap.com, 707 963-4704, 800 959-4704

Another of my favorite wineries is Napa’s Robert Sinskey Vineyards. They use estate-sourced grapes that are both organically-grown and biodynamic, and they say that their winemaking is “driven by the fruit, with minimal manipulation.” Behind the scenes of their beautifully-dramatic tasting room, solar power helps run their winery, biodiesel powers their trucks and tractors, and sheep mow their cover crops. www.robertsinskey.com, 707 944-9090, 800 869-2030

Folks wanting a delicious natural wine, with no manipulation or additives including sulfites, can sample Coturri Winery’s full-bodied organically-grown selections. All are traditionally handcrafted in small lots and bottled by hand in Glen Ellen. www.coturriwinery.com, 707 525-9126

These and other luscious eco-wines are available in local stores or by mail order. Or enjoy a holiday tasting room visit, one benefit of our proximity to wine country.
 
You can find more eco-holiday ideas on my website. My past columns there can help you choose truly eco-gifts, buy on a budget, and reduce holiday waste. I also invite you to give folks my “insanely useful” Ask EcoGirl booklets, titled Healthier Housekeeping and Detoxing Your Life. They offer an easy and affordable way to inform and nurture your loved ones. Quantity discounts are available, and all proceeds support my eco-work. And I hope that everyone has the very happiest of holiday seasons!

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BARRISTER BITS: Cell Phone Laws

Q. My chiropractor told me that police officers are exempt from California’s cell phone laws. Seems a bit unfair that the men and women in blue can chat away on their cell phones, and then freely hand-out tickets to us. Does this ring true?


Signed: Aligned and Hands-Free

Dear Aligned: By now, one would think that the cell phone laws would be well-tested and understood. Yet, since the laws took effect over 1 ½ years ago, confusion abounds. There are two primary sections of the California Vehicle Code that are in play--one for drivers over 18 years (CA Vehicle Code sec. 23123) and the second one for drivers under 18 years old (CA Vehicle Code sec. 23124). Because it is a state statue, the law applies to any driver within the borders of our Golden State…residents and tourists alike.

The smartest way to obey the law is to avoid using a cell phone while driving so there is no grounds for dispute. Some Californians have been cited for simply picking up their cell phone to check the time. The citation is hard to fight in court as it is often your word against the police officer’s word. Bottom line: If you are over 18 and driving, you must use a “hands-free” device. Translated, you must use a Bluetooth or the speaker feature on your cell phone, as long as the phone is not in your hand (although it can be in your lap).
 
As with any law, there are exceptions. For example, you can “hand-hold” your cell phone if you are on private property, or if you need to make an emergency call. “Emergency” is a call to the police, fire, or your doctor. Calling your partner to grab an extra tofu at Andy’s is not considered an emergency.
 
The law also provides an exception for certain vehicles, such as commercial motor trucks, farm vehicles, tow trucks, and yes…”emergency services professional” while operating an authorized emergency vehicle—which is broadly defined and includes our police, sheriffs, fire departments, etc. So, your chiropractor is right—police are exempt as long as they are operating an authorized emergency vehicle, like their police car.
 
Now, if you are under 18, you are not allowed to use the cell phone at all—not for texting, calling, videos, anything…even if it is “hands-free”. Nada. No cell phone use at all allowed.
 
What are the fines? $20 for the first offense and $50 for the second. So by now you may be thinking, “That’s not so bad, I can risk it”! But wait…once you are ticketed, other “fees” will likely be added, such as a “conviction assessment”, a court security fee and a traffic administration fee. By the time the tally is final, the first offense typically will cost you around $142 bucks! Plus, to add salt to the wound, the conviction will go on your driving record (although currently you will not be assessed any “points”). One survey estimates that the CHP issued 234,000 tickets through 2009 for violating the cell phone laws.
 
As of this writing, the original author, State Senator Joe Simitian, has introduced SB 1475 which adds even more punch. If passed, the new law would increase fines to $50 for the first offense and $100 for the second, plus will cost the driver One (1) Point on their driving record. The introduced legislation would also ban bicyclists from talking on a cell phone without a headset.
 
So glad you asked the question. I think while driving I’ll just hum the “Roadhouse Blues”…“Keep your eyes on the road, your hands upon the wheel”!

DEAR READERS: Do you have a legal question that is burning on your mind? If so, please email me. Names will remain confidential. Every inquiry may not be published, although we will publish as many as possible. This Q & A Legal Column is intended as a community service to discuss general legal principles and does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Debra A. Newby is a resident of Monte Rio and has practiced law for 28 years. She is a member of the California, Texas and Sonoma County Bar Associations. She maintains an active law office in Santa Rosa and emphasizes personal injury law (bicycle/motorcycle/motor vehicle accidents, dog bites, trip and falls, etc.) and expungements (clearing criminal records). Debra can be reached via email (debra@newbylawoffice.com), phone (707-526-7200), fax (526-7202) or pony express (930 Mendocino Avenue, Suite 101; Santa Rosa, 95401).

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