?
THE
ANSWER
BOOK
A How To Guide To Buying Goods & Services
On The Peninsula
AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PRODUCED BY THE
PALO ALTO WEEKLY, THE ALMANAC
AND THE MOUNTAIN VIEW VOICE
"%7&35*4*/(4611-&.&/5t)0850(6*%&tt1
HOW TO PRESERVE YOUR ART AND HEIRLOOMS
WITH CUSTOM PICTURE FRAMING
By Neeley George and Irina Gorelik
Have you ever had the heartbreak of a treasured
photo fading to unappealing colors with much of
the detail lost? Ever seen a lovely piece of art with
discolored areas and dark dots on its surface?
Art, whether precious due to its monetary value
or because of its emotional appeal, deserves
to be preserved and enjoyed forever. A key
factor is ﬁnding a custom picture framing shop
that is thoroughly familiar with conservation
framing. Some questions to ask: What kind of
mats do you use? Backing? Mounting? Glass?
A knowledgeable framing professional will not
hesitate in answering these questions.
Everything that touches your art should be acidfree. Mats will be cotton-based. The staining
you’ve seen on some art is due to the backing
and mats made from paper which is made from
wood pulp. Wood pulp emits a gas called lignon
which attacks the surface of paper art. Make
sure that both mats and backing are acid-free.
Fading of photos and other paper art is due
to harmful UV rays in light. Be aware that it’s
not only sunlight that fades unprotected art;
even incandescent and ﬂorescent light will
cause irreversible damage over time. There are
many types of glass and acrylic that have a UV
barrier to protect against fading. Ask about the
different types of glazing appropriate for your
images. To be conservation quality, glazing
must block 98% of UV rays.
Mounting is crucial in the proper treatment of
art. All original art, limited editions, irreplaceable
photos, heirloom items, signed jerseys, and
other valuable collectibles should be attached
to the backing by a method that is totally
reversible. Ask your framing consultant about
the mounting recommended for your particular
item and verify that it will be reversible without
altering the piece in any notable way.
Another very important point is to never
rest glass directly on valuable art. Changes in
temperature can cause condensation inside
the glass, much as your car’s windshield fogs
over when hot air meets cold windshield. The
2 • ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT • HOW TO GUIDE • 2008
dampness can penetrate the paper or photo
surface and when it dries and can adhere
the glass to the art if there’s no “breathing
space”.This can be prevented by using mats to
separate art and glass. If no mats are used, your
framing consultant should recommend glass
spacers, a thin strip of plastic that attaches to
the side of the glass toward the art. The spacer
lies under the lip of the frame and is not visible.
The appropriate selection of mat colors, frame,
ﬁllet (small frame within the frame) and other
embellishments are crucial in enhancing the art to
the eye. An experienced design professional will
look carefully at your art, ask some key questions
about where you will hang the piece, your personal
taste and style. The art itself will suggest colors
and mood and the designer will build the design
around the elements. For example, a very casual,
Southwestern-inspired print asks for mat colors
already in the art and an informal, perhaps more
rustic frame style. A heavy, ornate frame would be
conﬂictive with the concept of the art. However,
the ﬁnal choice should be yours as you have in your
mind’s eye the look you want to create.
Proper proportion is a critical issue in good
framing design. One of the most important
factors to consider is how much mat width
should be used. All too often, we see too little
mat. A good rule of thumb is to always have
more mat width than frame width, generally,
one and one-half time more mat than the
width of the frame. A two-inch frame requires
a minimum of a three-inch mat; a four-inch
wide frame needs at least six inches of mat
between the art and the frame.
A thing of beauty can truly be a joy forever if
designed properly and framed in conservation
materials. It’s worth it to ﬁnd experienced picture
framing professionals who understand your art,
and how to best present and preserve it.
Neeley George and Irina Gorelik are with
Allegro Framing and Art with locations in
Los Altos, Portola Valley and Woodside.
ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT • HOW TO GUIDE • 2008 • 3
4 • ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT • HOW TO GUIDE • 2008
ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT • HOW TO GUIDE • 2008 • 5
Taking better care of our planet starts at home
As debates rage around the issues of global
warming, most of us agree that if we can
ﬁnd ways to conserve, we should. Home
Preservation Service’s clients have long
beneﬁted from conservation practices at the
heart of their HomeCare program. Their efﬁciently bundled services properly care for
your home extending its life and reducing
costly repairs. It also keeps equipment running efﬁciently, reducing energy and water
use. HomeCare was ahead of its time when
it was ﬁrst offered over 15 years ago and is
now evolving to be even better.
HPS has re-tooled the original HomeCare
program adding new eco-friendly tasks and
services that make green living convenient
and more powerful than ever. The updated
service has been re-named PlanetHome
Concierge and every homeowner has an
opportunity to beneﬁt.
PlanetHome Concierge provides essential
services (quarterly maintenance visits, fast
response, 24x7 support, expert repairs,
screened referrals and personal service)
plus many new “green” oriented services.
In addition, an optional GreenReview
provides action items that can reduce your
eco-footprint while you enjoy a nicer home
in the process. PlanetHome will assist you
in setting and reaching any environmental
goals you may want.
PlanetHome Concierge makes “green
living” effective and truly convenient. HPS
offers a free evaluation of your home along
with details and speciﬁcs about their services. They are happy to play a role in helping to be good stewards for both your home
and our planet.
Well maintained homes last
longer and use less energy, plus
they’re safer and more enjoyable
to live in!
HPS bundles essential recurring
maintenance, repairs, and
inspections into convenient,
regularly scheduled visits...
conserving and keeping your
home in top condition efficiently
and reliably!
Call 888-844-0007 today for a
free evaluation of your home.
Learn how easy doing the right
thing…can be!
PlanetHome Concierge Services
Green Living Made Easy!
HPS Palo Alto, Inc.
Los Altos, CA
888-844-0007
www.homepreservation.com
CA Lic. #782552
Serving our Planet for over 15 years!
6 • ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT • HOW TO GUIDE • 2008
How to decorate with paint
California Paint Company has been serving
the painting and decorating needs of the Palo
Alto area since 1946. We strive to give our
customers superior products, a knowledgeable
sales staff and a comfortable place to shop.
We keep up to date on current color trends
and help our customers achieve just the right
look.
Personal styles help inﬂuence paint color
trends for 2008. As an eco-conscious area,
green may just become the newest “neutral”
color. When you think of nature, with its tones
of fern, palm and sage and couple this with
the many colors of the ﬂoral palette, this can
create a living space that is soothing to the eye
and a comfortable environment.
Becoming more and more popular, black
and white hues can help accessorize just
about any space along with crystal lighting,
mirrors and rich fabrics. Often simplicity is
more attractive to help create an environment
that will calm our hectic lifestyles and seek to
return to a gentler way of life.
No matter which hue or palette attracts
attention, consumers continue to have an
increased appreciation for paint quality and
value. And, why not? It is a personal choice for
a personal space – home.
With the new year just starting, we look to
improve our surroundings. We invite you into
our store to see, ﬁrst hand, the 2008 color
selections which are part of 2400 colors you
can choose from.
SUPERIOR PRODUCTS
SUPERIOR KNOWLEDGE
CALIFORNIA PAINT COMPANY
BENJAMIN MOORE COLORS AND PAINTS
ÀiVi`i`ÊLÞÊÃÌÊ`iÃ}iÀÃ
Benjamin Moore’s new
technology Aura
UÊÕÞÊÜ>Ã>LiÊÊ>ÞÊÃii
UÊ"iÕÀÊÀiV>ÌÊÌi
UÊ-i>iÃÃÊÌÕVÕ«
UÊ>ÝÕÊ`iÊÊ>ÊVÀÃ
UÊÊÜÊ6"
ÃÊvÀÊiÛÀiÌ>Ê
«ÀÌiVÌ
UÊÜÊ`À
UÊ`iÜÊÀiÃÃÌ>Vi
UÊ,ViÀ]ÊÀiÊiÌV}ÊVÀ
"iÊ-Ì«Ê-««}
UÊ*>Ì
UÊ7>«>«iÀ
UÊ7`ÜÊVÛiÀ}Ã
UÊ
ÕÃÌÊ`À>«iÀiÃ
ÎÈäÊ
>vÀ>ÊÛiÊUÊ*>ÊÌÊUÊÈxä®ÊÎÓÈÓnx
ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT • HOW TO GUIDE • 2008 • 7
HOW TO REVITALIZE
YOUR GARDEN
Do you want to get more enjoyment out
of your backyard or garden? Here are three
simple inexpensive steps that will help you
get the most out of your space: create a rock
garden, install a ﬂagstone patio and add a
natural stackstone wall to your planting areas.
HOW TO INSTALL A ROCK GARDEN
Rock gardens can make an inexpensive and
low maintenance focal point in any garden
area. Things you will need are weed blocking
fabric, planting soil, rocks and plants.
1: Start by choosing an area in your garden.
Level out the area, and remove any weeds,
twigs or rocks that you ﬁnd.
2: Lay down your weed blocking fabric, and
anchor the outside edges with stone. You can
use rocks approximately 12” around for this.
3: Place your planting soil into your area, to a
depth of approximately 4-6”. Place additional
stones into the planting area, and arrange your
plants around the stones.
HOW TO LAY A FLAGSTONE PATIO
If you want to make a simple upgrade to a
grassy area, or create a mud free pathway
through your yard, simply add some ﬂagstone
on top of an existing lawn. The grass will grow
through the gaps between the pieces, giving
a pastoral appearance. If you want to create a
8 • ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT • HOW TO GUIDE • 2008
grass free area,
1: Remove enough sod and dirt so that your
ﬂagstone will be ﬂush with the surrounding
surface.
2: If you are setting the ﬂagstone into sand,
ﬁrst lay down a weed blocking fabric over the
bare earth. Keep in mind that the minimum
depth for sand is 1 ½”. Granite sand is a good
material to use and will provide excellent
drainage.
3: Cover the fabric with the sand, evenly
distributing the sand to a depth of 1 1/2”. Level
the sand bed using a straight 2x4.
4: Place the ﬂagstone in the desired pattern.
5: Fill the joints with sand or a hard setting
material, such as polymeric sand. The
polymeric sand will prevent any weeds from
coming through the joints.
HOW TO INSTALL A STACK STONE WALL
A natural stack stone wall is a great way to
highlight any planting area. Choosing a ﬂat
sided stone, called a ledge stone, will make
your project easier.
1: Plan out the boundaries of your wall by
using string. If you are building the wall in
soil or a grassy area, remove the top material
to a depth that will allow you to bury half of
the height of the ﬁrst stone. If you provide a
level trench your stones will lay more easily. 2:
Lay your stones end to end, forming your ﬁrst
course. Set each following course back just a
little bit from the stone below.
3: As you complete each course, ﬁll your area
with your backﬁll compacting every other
course. This is ideal for walls under 3’.
NING!
D OPE
GRAN
H 28
MARC
FF ALL
10% O
UCTS*
PROD -4/12/08
/0
STORE
8 8
OFFER
GOOD
3/2
NOW
OPEN
®
Redwood City Building Materials
330 Blomquist St, Redwood City, CA 94063
P 650.482.4100 F 650.482.4101
MON-FRI:7am-4pm SAT:7am-3pm
*Discount only available at
Redwood City Building Materials
ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT • HOW TO GUIDE • 2008 • 9
How to Make
Home Appliances
More Energy Efficient
In the ongoing quest for sustainability
and conservation, household efﬁciency
plays a key role. Home appliances that are
neglected usually have to work much harder
to do their job like when they were new. As
a result, more energy is used and utility bills
increase. Fortunately, Energy Wise is here to
help! We specialize in annual home appliance tune-ups that will greatly increase the
efﬁciency of your household and lower the
cost of your utilities. An Energy Wise annual
10 • ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT • HOW TO GUIDE • 2008
tune up will also increase the life of your appliances and reduce your household’s carbon
footprint. A complete Energy Wise tune up
includes service on your household dryers
and dryer vents, refrigerator coils, furnaces,
water heaters, and central vacuum systems.
Energy Wise is a family owned and operated
business that has served the Mid-Peninsula
for over 20 years. Father and Son team, Bob
and Lance will ensure that your home is running at maximum efﬁciency.
How to choose an interior designer
Before a discussion can take place about
selecting an Interior Designer, one needs to
understand the difference between a “decorator” and a “design professional”. There are
some around that have good taste and can
choose an item, throw it in a room with some
accessories and make it look gorgeous. You
may know one of those talented people. However, in addition to looking great, an interior environment should be created for your personal
lifestyle and needs. It goes back to the old
saying: “A cake gets decorated, but the interior
of a home must be designed.”
Prior to interviewing an interior designer, you
will need to consider what you want and need.
• For whom the space will be designed.
• How the space will be used.
• Time Frame
• Budget
The next question to ponder is where to ﬁnd a
qualiﬁed designer. If you speak with indepen-
dent designers ﬁnd out what type of fees you
can expect. Some designers charge a ﬂat fee
for a project, an hourly fee, bill for merchandise
ordered, or work using a combination of those
charges. Some high-end furniture retailers
also have experienced and skillful designers
who are members of the American Society of
Interior Designers. The charges are often less
confusing since the design fees are usually
deducted when you purchase merchandise.
A reputable retailer will stand behind its
products.
Finally, it is very important to ﬁnd a designer
with whom you will enjoy working. Designing
a room or a home can be overwhelming. It is
important to work with someone with whom
you are able to communicate and who also
has a personality and style with which you can
relate. Keep in mind, you will feel much more
comfortable putting your project in the hands
of a professional.
Now at Design & Interiors!
Fine Home Furnishings and Interior Design
111 No. Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos • 408.354.3811
170 State Street, Los Altos • 650.948.7360
1140 Locust Street, Walnut Creek • 925.988.9380
1 Year No Interest/No Payments (OAC)
ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT • HOW TO GUIDE • 2008 • 11
How to shop for appliances
Appliances consume about 20 percent of
your household’s energy, with refrigerators
using the most. When shopping for new appliances, you should not only look for the best
features and prices, but also for lower operating cost. Replacing a refrigerator more than
12 years old with a new model will save up to
$100 in annual electricity bills. Switching to an
energy-efﬁcient clothes washer could save up
to $1000 over the washer’s life span.
Appliances with the Energy Star label from
the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency exceed federal
efﬁciency standards by 13-20 percent and as
much as 110 percent for some models. The
label is only given to products that have been
rated high performance with reduced operating costs.
A leading consumer magazine found that
buyers were more satisﬁed with smaller, independent appliance retailers than with larger
chain stores. Consumers reported receiving
better service and competitive prices. Look for
a store that will also service your appliances, in
case anything goes wrong. Most stores today
will refer you to the manufacturer, which may
take a week or more to ﬁx your problem.
When shopping for washers, keep in
mind that top-loading models are usually less
expensive to buy than front-loading machines,
but will cost more to run since they use more
water and electricity. Washers increase in
price based on capacity, number of cycles,
temperature choices, spin speeds, and fabric
care extras. Gas dryers cost more than
electric models. Look for energy efﬁcient
features such as electronic moisture sensors
and timers.
12 • ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT • HOW TO GUIDE • 2008
Refrigerators with the freezer on top are
less expensive than side-by-side or bottom
freezer varieties. Don’t buy a refrigerator
larger than your family needs, as it will be
more expensive and cost more to operate.
Many new styles offer more spacious interiors,
adjustable door storage, slide-out shelves, and
larger crisper drawers.
Electric ranges are available with standard
coil burners or smooth-top ceramic glass surfaces with electric elements sealed beneath.
The smooth-top range is easier to clean and
offers more advanced radiant elements for
heating foods quickly and evenly.
Newer dishwashers use a taller tub, for
more capacity, that still ﬁts in the standard
opening. Models today offer improved sound
insulation, smart loading designs, a sanitize
option, and a disposal with soil removing
technology that virtually eliminates the need
for pre-rinsing.
A recent study by the U.S. Department
of Energy showed that a typical family could
save $200 per year on utility bills, and help
their communities save energy by switching to
water and energy efﬁcient appliances. When
consumers in the study switched to Energy
Star washers, dishwashers, and clothes dryers, they attained a 38 percent reduction in
water consumption and a 37 percent reduction
in electricity use.
The above is provided by Direct Maytag,
proud retailers of Maytag, Jenn-Air, Magic
Chef, Amana, Estate, Zephyr, Whirlpool, and
Crosley appliances.
BEST PRICE-BEST SERVICE
ON
APPLIANCES
Compact Front-Load
Washer and Dryer
• Fits in tight spaces
under counters or
stacked
• Saves space but can
hold up to 16 bath
towels
• TurboClean wash
system offers powerful
cleaning
Model: MDB7601AWW
Maytag
Jetclean® II
Dishwasher
• Semiintegrated
Control Panel
• ToughScrubTM
Plus Option
• QuietSeriesTM
400 Sound
Package
Models: MAH2400aww-MDE2400AYW
Electric Range
• 5.3 cu.ft. super
Capacity Plus
• Precision
cookingTM
system with
Hidden Bake
Model: MF12568AES
Introducing the NEW Maytag®
Ice2OTM
• First French door with ﬁltered
water and ice on the door
• The largest fresh food
capacity available
(25.0 cu ft)
Model: MER5775RAS
DIRECT MAYTAG
Home
Appliance
Center
3666 El Camino Real, Palo Alto (1/2 mile south of Page Mill)
650-493-3666
Mon-Fri 9-6
Sat 10-5
ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT • HOW TO GUIDE • 2008 • 13
HOW TO FIND THE BEST
REPLACEMENT WINDOWS
FOR YOUR HOME
In today’s real estate market, most realtors
will recommend judicious “updating” before
you put your home on the market. These
changes will attract and reassure potential
buyers about paying top dollar for your
house over neighbors who may not be able
to boast as many “new” features. Updating
does represent a certain amount of risk. A
conservatively remodeled kitchen or bath could
be dismissed as too generic. Before you invest
a lot of money in re- doing a house you’re
leaving anyway, check with your realtor to see
by what speciﬁc amount an upgrade might
raise your expected selling price.
There are upgrades that are almost
guaranteed to add value to your property
whether you are selling right now or not.
Those are long-term, often “life-of-the-home”
upgrades like quality HVAC systems, 30 and 40
year guaranteed roofs, professionally installed
decks and patios and of course, new windows.
High quality replacement windows can
seriously increase your home’s curb appeal, as
well as contributing to energy efﬁciency and
ease of cleaning. If you have an older home,
new windows will pay for themselves over
a surprisingly short time in terms of energy
savings, not to mention the sheer beauty of
high quality, high style windows.
Your windows should last a good portion of
the life of your home, so you need to research
the types and brands of windows, as well as
the reputation of the seller/installer. Poorly
constructed or installed windows can not only
affect the look of your property, but also cost
additional money in terms of both wasted
energy and potential damage from leaks and
other installation errors.
14 • ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT • HOW TO GUIDE • 2008
Since replacing windows can be an
expensive proposition, consider doing it over
time. Replace problem windows, then windows
visible from the curb, then less visible windows.
For the maximum resale value and minimum
trouble, choose the highest quality doublehung (both top and bottom sash can be raised
and lowered) windows with the most energy
efﬁcient glazing and quality features like
“tilt-out” that improve ease of maintenance.
These are usually wood or vinyl construction.
Brand names like Andersen have stood the
test of time as quality window manufacturers.
Familiar brands that are sold by retailers around
the United States are more likely to back up
their sales reps and installers and make good
on any problems. Brand name windows may
also offer a wide variety of features, such as
blinds or shades sandwiched between two
layers of glass, or with a material that changes
from clear to opaque with the application
of electrical current. There are also custom
windows for any application, including ﬁxed
windows, casements, patio sliders, divided
lights and even round windows and fanlights
for speciﬁc applications.
How much will it cost? Though every
situation is different, replacing ten standard 3
x 5 foot windows with medium quality vinylclad product could cost you around $1,000 a
window, including installation. Remember to
ask your installer for a list of references.
You can save money by installing windows
yourself, but if you decide to go in that
direction, make sure you get some instruction,
particularly in the measuring process. Once
you order those custom sashes, there’s no
returning them if you make a mistake.
Turn simple window replacement into
serious home improvement.
With their rich wood interiors, traditional detail and beautiful low-maintenance exteriors,
Andersen® 400 Series Woodwright® double-hung windows can make a dramatic difference
in the way a home looks. They are available in oak, maple or pine to complement any décor,
and custom-sizing makes them the perfect choice for replacing virtually any window.
andersenwindows.com
Bruce Bauer Lumber & Supply
134 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View, CA 94040
(650) 948-1089 • www.brucebauer.com
Mon-Fri 7:30am-5:00pm
Sat 8:00am-4:30pm • Sun 9:00am-4:30pm
ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT • HOW TO GUIDE • 2008 • 15
How to choose a car for your teenager
Getting a car is a rite of passage for teenagers.
Before you allow your teen to get behind the wheel,
help him or her select a vehicle that provides safe
and reliable transportation without breaking your
budget. While your ﬁrst impulse may be to surprise
your teen with a new vehicle, those with limited
driving experience may be more comfortable starting off with a used car.
Before you begin shopping for a car, check with
your auto insurance provider for a summary of rates
on vehicles in your preferred price range. Ask if
your teen will qualify for discounts on coverage by
completing a driver-training course.
Look for previously owned cars that have been
well maintained. If you can ﬁnd one with low mileage, it’s even better. Certiﬁed used cars are often
more expensive, but the fact that they have been
thoroughly inspected, repaired, and come with a
warranty can provide you and your teen with peace
of mind.
If the vehicle you are considering is not certiﬁed,
have a mechanic inspect it to verify that it is in good
shape.
Make sure to check the condition of the tires as
well as lights, brakes, exhaust, battery, heating, air
conditioning, etc.
Be careful about accepting older vehicles from
relatives. If the car has excessive miles or has been
poorly maintained, it could end up costing more in
repair bills than it’s worth.
Buying a later model car can help ensure your
teen’s safety. Airbags, height-adjustable shoulder
belts, antilock brakes, adjustable head restraints, and
traction control are safety features that help prevent
serious injuries in an accident.
Don’t choose a vehicle on looks alone. Have your
teen test drive the car to gauge how well it handles
and if he or she feels comfortable driving it.
Try to ﬁnd a car that is similar to the one used
while learning to drive. Take the time to ride with
your teen and let him practice handling the car in different situations before he is allowed to drive alone.
Discourage your child from installing a sound system that is excessively loud. Remind him that playing music too loud can be a distraction that prevents
him from hearing emergency sirens, train whistles,
and warnings from other passengers.
Remind your teen that car ownership comes
with a set of rules and responsibilities. Depending
on the age and maturity of your teen, you may
need to enforce mileage, destination, curfew, and
passenger limits.
Also consider gas mileage when selecting a car.
If your teen will be driving signiﬁcant distances to
school and a part time job, a car that gets better gas
mileage would be preferable.
Say
“Buh-Bye”
With Dinan’s new software and
sweet-sounding exhaust installed on
your 335i/xi or 535i/xi, feel what your
BMW was really meant to be:
392 hp @ 5500rpm
429 ft/lb torque @3700 rpm
All with a four-year 50,000-mile
powertrain warranty.
If software is installed, vehicle is required to
have either a BMW-factory or Dinan oil cooler.
Portola Valley Garage
Whether you’re looking to modify or just have regular
maintenance on your new, vintage, or hybrid vehicle, you
can trust Portola Valley Garage’s sixty years of excellence.
ASE certiﬁed techs and factory diagnostic equipment
ensure that your car is taken care of right, the ﬁrst time!
650 851-7442
4170 Alpine Road
Portola Valley, CA 94028
Website: www.pvgarage.com
Online scheduling:
www.pvg.mechanicnet.com
Email: [email protected]
10% off regular maintenance labor with your CCA card
16 • ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT • HOW TO GUIDE • 2008
How to choose a Roof
“A roof, properly installed, in this Bay area
climate, will have a lifespan of about 30 years”,
states Randy Brown, Co-Owner of Los Gatos
Rooﬁng.
Many Re-rooﬁng products exist from which to
choose. Brown recommends that a homeowner
choose from wood shake, asphalt shingle or
tile when selecting a replacement roof. He says
that the decision of product selectioin should
be based on three factors: the structure design
of the home, the available budget, and personal
aesthetic preferences.
All re-rooﬁng materials are susceptible to ﬁre,
which typically start when embers from a nearby
ﬁre fall onto a neighboring roof. However, rerooﬁng products are rated for ﬁre -protection, with
Class A being the highest rating. Quality wood
shake products are treated with chemicals to be
ﬁre-safe and meet this top standard.
Wood shake also provides the beneﬁt of natural ventilation for the home, because the wood
“breathes”, so less hot air gets trapped in the attic
space, keeping the home cooler.
Asphalt shingles are available in a variety of
colors. Long term Manufacturer’s Warranties of 50
years and Limited Lifetime are also available.
Brown says, “Asphalt shingle dominates the
industry. It is a Class A rated product, extremely
lightweight, very walkable and most importantly,
it is the most affordable re-rooﬁng product on the
market.”
Clay and concrete tile roofs are available in two
weight classiﬁcations. “Standard weight” tile is
used only in new home construction, while “light
weight” tile had been speciﬁcally designed for use
as a re-rooﬁng tile.
“Clay or concrete tile adds natural beauty and
value to your home. Many people consider it to be
the nicest looking type of roof,” Brown says.
Tile is vesatile since it is available in many
designs and styles. The 50 year Manufacturer Warranty offered on clay and concrete tile makes it a
wise investment and its Class A ﬁre rating leaves
homeowners feeling secure with their decision.
off
$400
Re-Rooﬁng
Cannot be
combined
with other offers
(EXPIRES 3/31/08)
Enduring Elegance
of Red Clay
“Our estimates are free...
our advice priceless”
Lic. #800707
(408) 358-1233
l
www.losgatosrooﬁng.com
ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT • HOW TO GUIDE • 2008 • 17
How to “Go Green” at Work
“Going Green” is being embraced like never
before. Many people are green at home, but
what about at work? Going green at work
means taking actions to prevent pollution
(e.g., replacing toxic cleaning products), conserve water and energy, and send less waste
to landﬁlls.
In 2005 Palo Alto adopted a goal of Zero Waste
(or close) to landﬁlls. Recycling alone is not
enough. There is a need to actively practice
“Reduce” and “Reuse”, the ﬁrst two words of
that familiar mantra. Whether you work at an
auto repair shop, retail store or ofﬁce, there
are simple things you can do that really add up.
Here are a few:
• Dish disposables. Replace them with permanent items (e.g., mugs, dishes, utensils,
towels/rags, etc.) and use reﬁllable containers for sugar, salt, etc. to avoid individual
condiment packets.
• Double up. Default printers and copiers to
two-sided printing. Make sure future equipment leases/purchases include this feature.
• Scratch it. Reuse one-sided draft copies or
junk faxes as scratch paper.
• Buy-recycled. Purchase paper made from
paper collected from recycling programs like
ours. Specify that business cards, brochures,
letterhead and reports are printed on recycled
paper. Order recycled content copy paper,
ofﬁce supplies, paper towels, tissues, and
toilet paper. If you offer paper bags to your
customers, make sure they are made from
recycled paper.
If you would like assistance reducing waste at
work, contact the City of Palo Alto Recycling
Program at (650) 496-5910 or
[email protected]. If you want to
really “go green”, contact the Bay Area Green
Business Program at (408) 282-3180.
For information about certiﬁcation,
call (408) 282-3180.
For a complete listing of more than 1,000 Bay Area Green Businesses,
visit www.greenbiz.abag.ca.gov
18 • ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT • HOW TO GUIDE • 2008
HOW TO PREPARE
WINDOWS FOR WINTER
Windows can be your best friend or worst enemy during the cold dark winter months. They allow
light and warmth from the sun into your home but
they can allow heat to escape, driving up energy
costs, and wasting hundreds of dollars per year. It
is estimated that as a whole, homeowners in the
United States leak $25 billion in heated air through
improperly insulated windows. Proper preparation
can save you a signiﬁcant amount of money in
heating costs and keep you warmer this winter.
There are things you can do to prepare your
windows for winter. Re-caulking your windows
and applying weather stripping can go a long
way in saving energy. Window washing will
improve the visible light entering your home.
The best way to save energy is to replace old
windows with new energy efﬁcient windows.
The quality of newer windows far exceeds even
the ﬁnest quality windows of 20 years ago. This
is an investment that pays for itself in comfort
and savings on heat and electric bills in both
winter and summer months.
The type of window you use is important.
Wood, vinyl, and ﬁberglass are the most energy
efﬁcient window frames. A window frame
that combines a ﬁnished metal exterior with a
beautiful energy efﬁcient wood interior is usually
the most desirable. Problems such as sound
transmission, heat loss, heat gain, fabric fading
and even security can be addressed by choosing
the proper glass type for each room.
Today there are many options to choose from
and the guidance of an expert is priceless. At
Select Windows we have an expert staff that can
help you choose the right energy efﬁcient window
to add beauty and comfort to your home.
Saving
Energy is
Beautiful.
Keep Out Summer’s
Heat & Winter’s Cold.
HOMEW
-
Visit our showroom and
let our expert staff show you
how to enhance the comfort,
beauty and value of your
home with new windows.
Showroom Hours: Mon - Fri 9-4:30, Sat. 10-3
394 First Street, Los Altos
650-941-0744
www.selectwindows.com
ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT • HOW TO GUIDE • 2008 • 19
How to buy Euro-fashion comfort shoes
There’s good news coming out of Europe
- good news for your feet, that is. The days
when you had to put on stiff and unyielding
shoes and wanted to look decent are over.
Over the last several years, a breed of stylish
European shoes has invaded the American
market with an unbeatable combination of
comfort and fashion. They’re called, Eurofashion comfort shoes, which means
Your feet will never again have to sacriﬁce
feeling good for looking good.
But ﬁrst you have to purchase them, which can
be an intimidating experience for consumers
accustomed to old-fashioned comfort shoes.
John Riker, owner of Robert Krohn Shoes in
Palo Alto, has been selling shoes for almost
35 years. He has advice for the many people
who want to switch to great looking European
comfort shoes. First, of all, he said, “you have
to open your mind to all the different styles
that are available. “It´s not about black and
brown anymore”, he said. “Todays comfort
shoes come in all colors and styles with great
ornamentation and designs.”
The new European fashions are about more
than just style. They maximize support and
minimize the kind of friction that can cause
blisters, bunions and “hammer toe.” Soft,
supple leather in the uppers will stretch with
the foot, preventing painful rubbing. Built-inarch and metatarsal support, as well as some
shock point absorber in the heel of the shoe
are critical for comfort if one does a lot of
walking.
Traditional soles are made out of stiff, inﬂexible
leather, which provides virtually no bounce.
But Euro-fashion comfort shoes generally
use soft , natural latex, injection-molded directly onto the leather upper. This makes for a
waterproof heel that compresses and springs
back, absorbing some of the shock and helping
propel your feel off the ground when you walk.
If you´re not ready to dive immediately into
this style, brands like Finn Comfort and Think
are making shoes that offer leather lining along
with latex soles, which offer the softness of
rubber with the traditional look of leather when
viewed from the side.
The rise of European foot fashions has helped
people liberate their wardrobes, even when
dressing for formal occasions or for the ofﬁce.
These are shoes that work equally well at a
business meeting or on a Vespa ride across
the city.
Euro-fashion comfort shoes are designed differently, so you can expect them to ﬁt differently as well, In general, the shoes are made
to provide a little more breathing room in the
front, which helps eliminate problems in the
toes.
Pikolinos have such unique styling, with great
details, they look like pieces of art,” said Riker
about the Spanish brand. “You can wear them
anywhere for any occasion and you´ll be
amazed at how often people ask where you
got them.”
“These shoes will feel different from what you
used to wearing,” said Riker. “Most shoes in
this market have no support.”
20 • ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT • HOW TO GUIDE • 2008
They may take a little getting used to, but
once you discover them, you will never turn
back!”
`
Pikolinos, “San Remo”...From Day wear to Evening wear!
True “European Comfort fashion shoes” with exquisite design,
handcrafted details, and rich vibrant colors. The kid glove
leathers make these fashion shoes feel even better than they
look!
Deigned in Spain where
“Comfort & Fashion”
become one!
825 El Camino Real
Palo Alto, CA 94201
650-326-0525
ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT • HOW TO GUIDE • 2008 • 21
How to conserve energy
& water in your home
PLUMBING: For plumbing, a simple change
like installing an energy-efﬁcient water heater
can create a major energy savings. Installing high-efﬁciency toilets and water-efﬁcient
showerheads save water. If it takes time for
hot water to reach your showerhead, consider installing a re-circulating system. With
a pump and a timer, this system will get hot
water where it’s needed – when it’s needed.
You won’t be watching water pour down the
drain waiting for your hot shower, and you’ll
be saving energy, too. Have O’Dowd Plumbing
conduct a household water audit to determine
where you can conserve.
HEATING: A large number of old forced-air
heating systems are not efﬁcient. Much of
the heat is lost through inefﬁcient furnaces
and leaky duct systems, causing areas of the
home to be heated unevenly. Radiant heating keeps temperatures uniform within a
22 • ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT • HOW TO GUIDE • 2008
room and can be designed to provide multiple
temperature options throughout your home.
Rooms that are not often used can be heated
less, saving additional energy. Hydronic radiant
heating has been used for many, many years
and is reliable, comfortable and environmentally friendly. It reduces drafts, airborne allergens
and noise. A radiant heating system can incorporate heating and hot water for your home
with exceptional efﬁciency. New construction
is the perfect ﬁt for radiant heating. It’s also
relatively easy to retroﬁt an existing home with
little or no inconvenience.
O’Dowd Plumbing, accredited Green Plumbers, has been designing and installing Plumbing and Hydronic Heating systems since 1973
in Europe and has been serving the Bay Area
for 20 years. With efﬁcient systems you can
save money, energy and water while caring for
our Earth.
How to Reduce Waste – BYOB
It’s easy and effective
Bring your own bags when you go shopping. It’s a simple way to make a difference.
Almost every time we go shopping, we
come out of the store with our merchandise
in a paper or plastic bag. It may be more
convenient to use them instead of remembering to bring our own, but what price do we pay
for that convenience? Both paper and plastic
bags create air, land and water pollution during
resource extraction, manufacturing, transportation and ultimately in their disposal (even recycling them consumes energy and causes pollution). According to The Wall Street Journal, 12
million barrels of oil are required to make the
100 billion plastic shopping bags used annually
in the U.S. In 1999, 14 million trees were cut
to produce the 10 billion paper grocery bags
used by Americans that year alone.
You may reuse some of the paper or plastic
bags you get from the store for things around
the house such a garbage can liners or picking
up pet droppings, but can you use all of them?
The average family accumulates 60 plastic
bags in only four trips to the grocery store. Ask
your retailer to pack your merchandise in the
number of paper or plastic bags that you need
and then have the rest packed in your cloth
bags. Each cloth bag you use has the potential
to eliminate an average of 1,000 plastic bags
over its lifetime. It will even pay for itself if
your grocery store offers a $.05 or $.10 credit
per bag for bringing your own bags.
,
ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT • HOW TO GUIDE • 2008 • 23
How to Choose A Heating Contractor
Choosing a heating contractor to inspect,
upgrade or install a new heating system is a
decision that will require some research. Hiring
he right company to install your Heating or
A/C system properly is as important as any
equipment choice you might make.
A reputable contractor will make an on-site
analysis of your home before he sizes the
system. The heating consultant will be
checking windows, ductwork, insulation in
walls, ceilings and ﬂoor.
Start by asking for recommendations from
riends, coworkers or other home
mprovement specialists you may have
worked with.
Request references from previous
customers even if a friend recommended
he contractor.
Your quote should include information about
equipment that will be installed including
model numbers, BTU input, efﬁciency
and warranty information.
If you are upgrading an old system it is
particularly important to choose a contractor
who is knowledgeable about energy saving
furnaces, duct design and who has experience
installing new systems. Most people feel more
comfortable hiring a contractor who performs
installations and also offers repair and
maintenance services.
An experienced heating contractor can also
provide you with advice and information on
attic & whole house ventilation as well as
installation of high efﬁcient air ﬁltration to
improve the air quality and help those with
allergies.
Ask about prolonging the life of your
furnace with follow-up preventive
maintenances, inquire about their service
department and emergency services.
Family Owned & Operated Since 1985
Greatly Reduce Your
Utility Costs
Heating & Air Conditioning
Lic. #706791
650-368-3456
650-368-3695 Fax
email: [email protected]
• Residential/Commercial
• Service/Repair/Replacement
• Installation/Retroﬁt
• Air Duct Cleaning
• Air Filtration
• Free Estimates
Visit our Fully Functioning Showrooms at
751 Warrington Avenue,
Redwood City, CA 94063
or check our out website at www.rebholtz.com
24 • ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT • HOW TO GUIDE • 2008
HOW TO AVOID
AN ACCIDENT!
Two out of three drivers do not know how to
tell if their tires are bald, according to the Rubber
Manufacturers Association. Nearly one in 10
vehicles on our roads today is driving with at least
one bald tire (2/32” of tread remaining), according
to the U. S. Department of Transportation.
Most modern tires have tread-wear indicator
bars. When the tread is worn down to these bars,
it’s time for new tires. To check your tires you
could purchase tread wear gauge, or you could use
a Lincoln-head penny as a tread-wear indicator.
Insert the penny into the most worn tire groove
with Lincoln’s head toward the tire. If you can see
the top of Abe’s head, the tread is too worn, and
you need new tires. Worn tire tread can lead to
tragic tire blowout or hydroplaning accidents.
Luckly there are things that you can do to
avoid hydro planing In wet weather.
1. SLOW DOWN when the roads are wet. A
wet road may be just as slippery as an icy road;
all traction is LOST at hydroplaning speeds. 2.
Be alert for STANDING WATER or puddles,
especially ON CURVES. 3. Keep GOOD
TIRES on your car, and keep them PROPERLY
INFLATED. 4. Increase FOLLOWING
DISTANCES to give yourself more time and
distance to stop or control your car. 5. Adjust
your speed to ROAD CONDITIONS, and
remember that hydroplaning CAN occur well
BELOW posted speed limits.
Vehicles today, with all their technical
enhancements, still need four good tires
to complement the fuel injected, computer
controlled engine under the hood. Be sure
the shop you use keeps you apprised of the
condition of your tires on every visit.
L A R RY ’ S K N OW. . .
WH EN YO U WANT IT R IGHT, YO U G O TO TH E EXPER T S.
Our vehicle experts are nationally certiﬁed and attend over 45 hours
a year of specialized training to stay on top of their craft.
They are so good, we guarantee their repairs in writing for 3 years or
36,000 miles - No other shop comes close to this! We have experts
on all popular European, Japanese and American vehicles and offer
the same unbeatable guarantee on all of their work. Call today to
see if we have an expert for your vehicle.
VOTED BEST
A U T O R E PA I R F O R
PA S T 5 Y E A R S ! !
2526 Leghorn Street,
Mountain View (near Costco)
www.autoworks.com
When you want it right!
Call today for an appointment
(650)968-5202
ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT • HOW TO GUIDE • 2008 • 25
How to choose the right tires
Buying tires is not as simple as it may seem.
Many tire salesmen will try to sell you something that may not ﬁt your needs. I compare
the tire shopping process much the same as
shopping for a pair of shoes. If you’re looking
for basketball shoes, you probably won’t be
happy with hiking boots. You need to target
your needs and ﬁnd the proper shoes for your
purpose. You wouldn’t wear tennis shoes at
a wedding. The same goes for buying tires.
When you go into a tire store, an experienced
salesperson should be asking questions before
making any recommendation about the tires
you should purchase. They need to know
where you drive. How you drive. How you
want the tires to perform both in the wet and
in the dry. Do you need “off-road tires”, and
if so what kind. What are your expectations
on longevity? These are all very important
questions that need to be discussed between
the salesperson and the customer before any
decisions are made. Make the right choice the
ﬁrst time. Finding an experienced shop with an
experienced staff can save you lots of headaches in the future.
If the safety of your family is more important
to you than “the lowest price”, then you should
take into consideration where you will get
the best service. Look for a store that’s been
around awhile. Look for salespeople with several years of experience. Look for technicians
that “know what they are doing.” Imagine a
wheel coming off on the freeway because the
wheel was improperly torqued. What if the car
ahead of you stopped suddenly and when you
hit your brake pedal, it went to the ﬂoor? Quality products and quality service should be the
ﬁrst priority. Then consider a fair price!
Free tire rotation and balance
with purchase of any Michelin
product (for life($100ofValue)
the tires)
00
Promoting safety, value and
performance over the entire life of the tires.
FIVE POINTS TIRES
2115 El Camino Real
REDWOOD CITY
650.365.0280
26 • ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT • HOW TO GUIDE • 2008
How to choose eyewear
Choosing glasses is now all about style –
glasses can make you look smart, funky, cool,
elegant, retro, and yes, even add that little bit
of sexy, nerdy element. It all depends upon
how daring you are and how much you want
to emphasize your eyewear choice. You can
ﬁnd rimless styles that are practically invisible,
try matching frame shape and color to your
face as most eyewear experts suggest – for
a round face try narrow, ﬂat styles, for a long
thin face wider glasses may do the trick – but
basically it’s really about what looks good on
you. For everyday wear, you might want the
lightest, most unobtrusive glasses available
and, while you’re at it, get a pair of prescription sunglasses to match – you’ll never regret
it. Then you might want to get a pair of classic
tortoiseshell frames in a pleasing shape for
when you want to look particularly sharp in all
senses at work at a business meeting or on a
date – studies have shown that people trust
people with glasses and that ﬁnal gesture at
the end of the commercial when the spokesman removes his glasses and speaks directly
to “you” about curing your sinus headache?
Well, that can work in real life as well. Try
cultivating it as a gesture when you’re closing
your next deal.
If you’re only going to have one or two pair
stick with classics like rimless or Maui Jim
sunglasses that never go out of style as well
as wire rims and half frames – or it you’re
really a connoisseur, check out the Italian
imports and antique frames. Whatever your
style we have glasses and sunglasses that can
work for you!
Wilby Optical
Serving the community for over 50 years
103 Town & Country Village, Palo Alto, CA 650.326.9111 www.wilbyoptical.com
ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT • HOW TO GUIDE • 2008 • 27
GET MOTIVATED,
STAY MOTIVATED!
You know the story. You say, “Ok! I’m going
to do it!” You buy all the right clothes, the
membership, a couple magazines and off you
go! Then slowly, your inspired, energized attitude becomes one of frustration, boredom and
your plan to get ﬁt ﬁzzles out. You lost your
motivation.
So the question is: how do you get and stay
motivated? Start by putting together a “get
ﬁt” formula. Create a support system; friends,
family, professional advice, include variety in
your routine, and most importantly set realistic, achievable goals.
Robert Jones, a personal trainer at Overtime
Fitness in Mountain View, shares his philosophy, “The more abstract your goal is, the more
difﬁcult it is to ﬁnd and keep motivation.”
Step one: Isolate your objective. Understand
being ﬁt reaches beyond exercise.
“When designing a program, I evaluate my
client’s ability and design a program that is
safe, efﬁcient and fun- in that order. Then, I
combine that with nutritional advice and tools
to use outside the gym” says Jones.
Step two: Build a support system and gather
knowledge.
“It deﬁnitely helps to have someone who’s
done it or who’s doing the same thing” said
Nnamdi Iwuaqwu, another trainer at OTF.
Iwuaqwu has a degree in Kinesiology, the
scientiﬁc study of the anatomy, physiology
and mechanics of body movement. A focus of
his studies was learning how to avoid injuries
through proper technique while achieving
longevity.
“It takes time to build muscle,” Iwuaqwu
said. “Back in the old days, it was ride the bike
or bench press. Now we have machines that
incorporate all the muscles.”
28 • ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT • HOW TO GUIDE • 2008
Step three: Find an inviting place that offers a
variety of exercise options.
For example, smaller more exclusive gyms
like Overtime Fitness offer traditional free
weights and machines, as well as a 17 ft rock
wall, physical arcade games, nutrition planning,
classes and wellness seminars.
“Any physical activity is good for you,” said
Iwuaqwu, who has recognized a common,
one-track mindset to working out. “A lot of
people often lose focus because they get
bored. They don’t try classes like salsa, cardioboxing and yoga.”
Step four: Remember your formula, allow
yourself to make mistakes and go for it!
The bottom line is, everyone is different.
Even the ﬁttest people sometimes have a
hard time getting to the gym. Some days you
feel great and push yourself. Other days the
thought of an easy routine seems too much.
The extra push you need comes from your
formula.
There are always excuses. Recognize that
and move on. The fact you are reading this
article shows you are ready to begin. Life is
about choices. Taking healthy steps affects
your entire life, your home and your family.
The one person in the crowd that takes control
of their own health and wellness often inspires
the rest.
There it is! The big secret to motivation!
Put together the correct formula! Set yourself
up for success through support, professional
advice, options and realistic goals. Find a
healthy, inviting environment to execute your
plan. And maybe most of all, when you are
having one of those “I just don’t feel like it
today” moments, remember you may be motivating someone else.
ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT • HOW TO GUIDE • 2008 • 29
HOW TO CHOOSE
YOUR CHIROPRACTOR
In this day of specialization, we all seem to
have “our” cardiologist, “our” orthopedist,
“our” primary care physician, “our” dentist. We
recognize the value of specialized training, and
demand more of our professionals to help us
with our needs. Chiropractic has always been
oriented to the holistic and natural way of life and
its ﬁelds of specialization reﬂect that thinking, so,
whether you have painful knees, a painful back
or neck, something lacking in your diet, recurrent
headaches or indigestion, chiropractic may have
a natural answer for you. Check out the possibility
of having an ally in the largest segment of licensed
doctors who specialize in treating conditions with a
natural approach. Here are some guidelines to help
you choose “your Chiropractor”. 1. Ask to see
“before” and “after” x-rays of the chiropractor’s
clients to see if he/she makes global changes in
posture that produce long term stability. 2. Since
many chiropractors have studied more Applied
Nutrition (treating conditions with diet and food
and herbal supplements) than any other licensed
doctor, make sure your doctor of chiropractic
has this knowledge and ability so that you may
be healthier and stronger than you would be if
you continue certain unhealthy eating habits. 3.
Choose a doctor who has a rationale for everything
he does. 4. Choose a doctor that can promise you
that he will never hurt you. Chiropractic modalities
need not be forceful or hurtful to be effective.
Spinal adjustments that are gentle are more
effective because your body willingly accepts the
corrective maneuvers that enable your body to
respond positively.5. Choose your chiropractor
because he allows you to choose options in your
health care with which you are comfortable.
g e t
y o u r
l i f t
b a c k
ROB E RT L. CU LVE R D.C., D.A.C.N.B.
• Recent recipient of
America’s Top Chiropractors Award
• Over 40 years in practice
• Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist
• Applied Kinesiologist
• Pettibon Practitioner
• Certified in Neuro Emotional Technique
• Chiropractic Sports Physician
• Spinal Decompression
• Nutrition
480 San Antonio Road
Mountain View, CA
650.559.7500
Call to schedule a no-charge consultation.
Please mention MV-SS1.
30 • ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT • HOW TO GUIDE • 2008
g e t
y o u r
l i f e
b a c k
How to Choose an Orthodontist
Introduction:
Choosing an orthodontist for your family can
be a difﬁcult task, especially if you’re unsure
about what to look for. The great news is that
advancements in technology have made orthodontics more enjoyable and affordable than
ever. Following a few simple steps will help
you choose a doctor you can trust for years to
come.
Step 1 – Choose an Orthodontic Specialist.
Just as medical doctors specialize in certain
areas, so do dentists. Ask your general dentist
or hygienist for a referral to an Orthodontic
Specialist. This advanced training and certiﬁcation ensures that your doctor will focus on the
latest techniques in orthodontic care, while
working hand in hand with your general dentist.
concern and develop a personalized treatment
plan. This is a great time to explore options
like invisible braces (Invisalign), and faster
treatment with self-ligating (Damon) brackets.
The ofﬁce should also be willing to discuss
ﬂexible ﬁnancing and affordable payment options that may include insurance beneﬁts.
Step 3 – Consider the Long Term Investment
Orthodontists have the pleasure of getting to
know their patients over an extended period of
time. In addition to the doctor’s credentials,
ﬁnd out about customer service and how well
family and friends are treated by the ofﬁce
they go to. Orthodontics is an investment
you’ll make for years to come and you want to
be comfortable with the quality of both care
and service you receive.
Step 2 – Schedule a New Patient Exam
Most orthodontists provide a complimentary exam to thoroughly evaluate the area of
Creating Your WUnderful
Smile!
• State-of-the-art, brand new orthodontic ofﬁce
• Directly across the street from Stanford
University
• Dr. Wu provides the latest innovations in
orthodontic care to help bring comfort and
speed to his patients, including the high tech
Damon system bracket.
• Complimentary consultation
Eric Wu, DMD
DIPLOMATE, AMERICAN BOARD OF ORTHODONTICS
For Free Consultation Please Call: 650-322-0288
www.WUORTHO.com
1865 El Camino Real bet. Leland and Park Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306 ofﬁ[email protected]
ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT • HOW TO GUIDE • 2008 • 31
How to Select a Hot Tub
You’re ready to invest in an easy maintenance outdoor hot tub! Let your family enjoy
pleasant relaxation, socializing, restorative
bubbling hot water soaks and gentle water-jet
massage treatments right in your own backyard. A well-constructed hot tub with all the
features you desire is an excellent investment
and this is the perfect season to get one.
Today’s easy-to-install, pre-made, high-tech
hot tubs in a range of designs have come a
long way since legendary inventor Roy Jacuzzi
ﬁrst added air jets to a standard bathtub.
The following tips will help you choose the
advanced technology, comfort, styling and
durability that is right for you.
1. Plan Your Purchase.
Begin by visualizing how your backyard will
look and function when the hot tub is installed.
There are many models with a range of different seating, jets and other features. The most
popular sizes are about 7’ to 8’ square, but
they are also available in rectangular, round
and oval shapes. Check with your local dealer,
who is experienced and knowledgeable about
backyard design and hot tub installation.
2. How Can I Conserve Energy After My
Hot Tub Is Installed?
Choose a model with full-foam insulation
surrounding the hot tub for maximum heat
retention. By conserving energy your hot tub
will be less expensive to operate over time.
3. What Are The Best Hot Tub Jets?
Avoid hot tubs with poorly-designed jets
that blast you with uncomfortably strong water
pressure. Look for a jet system such as leading
manufacturer Jacuzzi® Hot Tub’s high-volume,
low-pressure approach, designed to deliver just
the right intensity for an invigorating, yet lowkey, massage. Or the Sundance® Spas revolutionary, patented design concept Fluidix®
that offer both high and low-impact massage,
intense deep-tissue massage. These bearingless jets are only available from Sundance.
4. What kind of Seating Comes with A Hot
Tub?
32 • ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT • HOW TO GUIDE • 2008
Hot tubs come with or without a lounge
seat, a soaking seat that sits under a waterfall
and various types of form-ﬁtting therapy seats.
Spas with barrier-free conﬁguration allow you
and your guests to move around the spa easily. Some models offer partially-submerged
transition seats to ease the movement in and
out of the water. “Get in and test different
models; the choice depends on what’s best for
your body type. We encourage consumers to
bring their bathing suits and test experience
the hot tub for themselves to see what seats
feel best.”
5. What Styles Are Available for the Outside
of the Hot Tub?
The best choices for the “skirting” ( the
cabinetry that surrounds the hot tub and
enhances its overall look) include advanced,
weather-resistant synthetic materials designed
to coordinate with your landscaping and that
require no maintenance.
6. How Will I Know If the Hot Tub is From a
Quality Manufacturer?
Look for a manufacturer that has been in
business a long time. Many top manufacturers have been around 30 years or more, so a
consumer knows that the company has a long
track record of standing behind their reputable
products.
7. What Special Hot Tub Features Will I
Enjoy?
It’s fun to choose from a vast range of
optional hot tub features. People love sparkling
water features and waterfalls that enhance
the beauty of the hot tub experience. Try out
the special, soothing aromatherapy systems
in a range of healing fragrances. And don’t
miss entertainment options, such as high-tech
stereos with sub woofers, MP3 plugs and
docking stations for your iPod that can be operated from the hot tub’s ﬂoating remote control
system.
8. Where Can I ﬁnd More Information?
Visit any one of Paradise Valley Spas locations or sfspas.com.
Pre-Season SAVINGS
Drop By For A Test Soak Today!
PALO ALTO • (650) 566-8022
2001 El Camino Real
Corner of Stanford & El Camino Real
SAN JOSE
3278 Almaden Exp.
(408) 267-8300
CONCORD
1800 Arnold Industrial Way
(925) 356-5634
SAN RAFAEL
530 Francisco Blvd. W
(415) 451-8100
PLEASANTON
4001-1A Santa Rita Rd
(925) 829-3300
CONCORD
SAN MATEO
1776 Arnold Industrial Way 1737 S. El Camino Real
(925) 280-2100
(650) 345-6300
CAPITOLA
3555 Clares Street
(831) 462-3111
RICHMOND
5327 Jacuzzi St.
(510) 527-5547
sfspas.com
Open 7 Days • Serving the Bay Area for Over 21 Years
Spas ★ Gazebos ★ Saunas ★ Accessories ★ Service
ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT • HOW TO GUIDE • 2008 • 33
HOW TO CHOOSE
A DENTIST
Although we know good dental care is vital
to good health, most of us don’t know how to
choose a good dentist. A dentist is your partner
in oral care and you should feel comfortable with
their dental practices.
Good dentists treat patients with a personal
interest and are focused on preventative care.
You should ask the dentist about his philosophy
of health care and pick a dentist that provides
comprehensive treatment rather than addressing
individual problems; a dentist who doesn’t just
focus on cosmetic procedure but provides good
fundamental oral care ﬁrst.
A thorough dental examination should include not
only inspection of the teeth and gums, but also of
the tongue, lips, inside of the cheek and the palate.
A dentist should check the bite and evaluate
if any destructive habits contribute to current
problems. A good dentist is also on the alert for
periodontal (gum) disease and checks bleeding
from the gums. After the exam, the dentist should
establish goals for your long-term care. The dental
ofﬁce should be professional and the staff should
take the time to make you feel comfortable and
listen to your concerns.
The other thing to consider in evaluating a
prospective dentist is if he or she has strong
interest in continuing education and constantly
improving and expanding his or her skills. Utilizing
updated technologies such as digital x-ray and
intra-oral camera help patients understand their
current condition and allow dentists to provide
better care. Digital educational media also helps
patient understand dental treatment and improve
their oral health.
To sum up, pick a dentist that emphasizes individual
quality care, stresses preventative maintenance and
has a clean well equipped organized ofﬁce.
AC C E P T I N G
N E W PATI E NT S
New Patients Receive:
✓ FREE Consultation
✓ FREE Micropulse Toothbrush
✓ FREE Whitening for Life
✓ $100 OFF Major Work
DONIAN SHEN, D.D.S.
w w w . s h e n d d s . c o m
650.938.1868 •105 South Drive, Suite 140 • Mountain View, 94040
34 • ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT • HOW TO GUIDE • 2008
How to Select an Assisted Living Community
Assisted living is an excellent option for
seniors seeking an independent and vibrant
lifestyle, while also receiving any help they may
need with daily activities. Look for a caring
community that offers the latest amenities,
privacy, comfort and a beautifully decorated
home-inspired environment.
Services offered in assisted living:
s$AILYMEALSINCOMMONDININGROOM
s0ERSONALLAUNDRYSERVICE
s!SSISTANCEWITHBATHINGDRESSING
and ambulation
s-EDICATIONMANAGEMENT
s3TAFFAVAILABLEHOURS
s%XERCISEANDWELLNESSPROGRAMS
s4RANSPORTATIONTOMEDICALAPPOINTMENTS
s%MERGENCYCALLSYSTEMS
s(OUSEKEEPINGANDLINENSERVICES
Important things to consider include:
s!TMOSPHERE,OCATIONANDAPPEARANCE
of the community
s)NDIVIDUAL5NIT&EATURES7HATSTYLESAREAVAILABLE$OAPARTMENTSHAVEKITCHENAREAS!RE
doorways accommodating?
s.EEDS!SSESSMENTS#ONTRACTS#OSTAND&INANCES)STHEREAWRITTENPLANFOREACHRESIDENT
s-EDICATION-ANAGEMENT)SSELFADMINISTRATION
allowed?
s3ERVICES/FFERED7HATKINDOFHOURASSIStance is available?
s3OCIALAND2ECREATIONAL!CTIVITIES#HECKOUT
ORGANIZEDACTIVITIES$OESTHECOMMUNITYHAVE
pets?
s&OOD3ERVICE$OESTHEMENUVARY!RESNACKS
available daily?
!T0ALO!LTO#OMMONSWEHAVEA0ERSONALIZED
#ARE0LANWHICHPROVIDESFORTHECAREFULASsessment of each resident’s needs to determine
the care options that best suit the individual’s
situation and goals. Caring is the foundation of
what we do every day.
7EINVITEYOUANDYOURFAMILYTOVISITOURCOMmunity to see for yourselves.
in a privately owned and managed
senior rental community.
Independent Living
Assisted Living
( Private apartments
( Three delicious meals daily
( A full calendar of exciting cultural,
educational and social programs
( Weekly housekeeping and linens
( Scheduled transportation
( Beautiful gardens and walking
paths
( Emergency response system with
24-hour staff
(Offers six levels of care designed
to meet each resident’s specific
needs.
Focused Care
Now offering!
" On-site licensed nurses
" Diabetes management
services
( Provides loving care for residents
who need extra assistance.
The Meadow Wing
( Offers a specialized and dignified
program for residents with
Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
Our mission is to provide for seniors a warm and vibrant residential rental
community that has services available to promote dignity and independence
through life’s transitions.
Please give us a call. Better yet, drop by for a visit.
4075 El Camino Way
Palo Alto, CA 94306
650-494-0760
www.paloaltocommons.com
License #435200706
ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT • HOW TO GUIDE • 2008 • 35
How to Choose Home Care for a Family Member
Since more of us are living longer, the management of chronic illness such as arthritis,
osteoporosis and heart disease will become
an integral part of our lives. Shorter hospital
stays also mean that many people will need
help if they want to stay in their homes.
Of course, we all want the best home care
possible for our loved ones, but how do we
go about locating this help, and what should
we expect as we search for quality care?
Working with a professional agency can
make all the difference. There is a great deal
of confusion about differences between
hiring a caregiver privately, locating one from
a referral agency, which still means that the
client is the employer, and ﬁnding one who
works for a full service home care agency.
A full service home care agency assumes
the following responsibilities:
• Workers Compensation Insurance
• General and Professional Liability
• Fidelity Bonding
• Employer/employee payroll withholdings
• Supervision and training of its caregivers
In addition, a qualiﬁed agency will thoroughly screen, select and orient caregivers,
conduct a background check on each employee, and be available on call 24 hours a day. A
nurse should also do an initial assessment
and make regular visits to assure that the
care plan is being followed.
A consultation with a professional care
manager will help you navigate the complexities of home care. Two web sites to review
when seeking experienced home care and
care management are the National Private
Duty Association at www.privatedutyhomecare.org, and the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers at www.
caremanager.org. Institute on Aging is a Bay
Area-based non-proﬁt which can provide information and answer questions on local services. They may be reached at 877.750.4111,
or online at www.IOAging.org.
Older Adults Care
Management
Providing the highest standard of
home care and care management for
over 25 years.
• Supervision by Licensed Nurses
• Personal Care
• Household Management
• Medication Monitoring
• Specialized Dementia Care
• Bill Paying
• Transportation
• Private Insurance Accepted
Join the hundreds of satisﬁed Bay Area clients who count on us
daily for home care and care management.
Call Today. (650) 329-1411
Older Adults Care Management
3335 Birch Street Palo Alto, CA 94306 www.OACM.org
OACM is licensed by the State Department of Health and is a member of the
National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers and the National Private Duty Association.
36 • ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT • HOW TO GUIDE • 2008
ADVERTISER INDEX
5 Points Tires ............................................................................................p 25
Allegro Framing .......................................................................................p 2,3
Bruce Bauer Lumber .......................................................................... p 14,15
California Paint ...........................................................................................p 7
Camino Medical Foundation ...................................................................p 4,5
Cashin Company ................................................................................p 39, 40
City Palo Alto Public Works ............................................................p 18, p 23
Culver Chiropractic...................................................................................p 30
Design & Interiors .................................................................................... p 11
Donian Shen DDS ....................................................................................p 34
Energy Wise ............................................................................................. p 10
Granite Rock...........................................................................................p 8, 9
Home Preservation ....................................................................................p 6
Larry’s Autowork ......................................................................................p 25
Los Gatos Roofing ................................................................................... p 17
Direct Maytag .................................................................................... p 12, 13
O’Dowd Plumbing ...................................................................................p 22
Older Adult Care Management ..............................................................p 36
Overtime Fitness ...............................................................................p 28, 29
Palo Alto Commons .................................................................................p 35
Palo Alto Medical Foundation ................................................................p 4, 5
Palo Alto Online .......................................................................................p 38
Paradise Valley Spas ...........................................................................p 32,33
Portola Valley Garage ............................................................................... p 16
Rebholtz Mechanical................................................................................p 24
Robert Krohn Shoes ...........................................................................p 20,21
Select Windows ....................................................................................... p 19
Wilby Optical ............................................................................................p 27
Wu Orthodontics .....................................................................................p 31
Advertising Index .....................................................................................p 37
ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT • HOW TO GUIDE • 2008 • 37
How to market
your business online
6 EASY STEPS
Select your online tools.
Determine your objectives. Ask yourself:
Banner ads, Coupons, Web links, text or
Who is your primary market? Who is your
graphic; static, Flash or video. Create or out-
secondary market? Do you want to do “brand”
source the creative. Use email to communicate
marketing in order to establish your business?
with your customers. Take advantage of
Or is it time for product marketing? Do you
free options including: Community calendars,
want “response” advertising? Do you have
Classiﬁed ads, Editorial coverage, Blogs.
a Web site? Is it for info, online transactions
Deﬁne success. Online advertising is more
or both? If not, do you still want an online
measurable than most marketing forms. You
presence? How important are search results?
can track: Click-throughs, leads, customers,
Which keywords work best?
coupons and purchases. Social Networking
Develop a strategy, plan and budget.
(such as blogs) is harder to track.
Turn your answers to these questions into an
Evaluate along the way. Make adjust-
online marketing strategy and plan. Next, you
ments and ﬁne tune your plan.
need a sustainable budget. Online is cost-
The online world is constantly
effective.
changing. It is all an experiment.
So just get started.
Grow Your Business
through Palo Alto Online.
You can market your business 24/7.
Let us show you how easy it is.
We offer:
Banner ads: static & Flash ads
Searchable text links
Robust Real Estate content with Agent directory,
open homes, homes sold comps, homes for
sale, MLS access & more
Email sponsorships
Online coupons
Channels include:
Local news
Arts & Entertainment
Real Estate & Community
Information
Sports
Coming soon …Video Ads
Call or email Lisa Van Dusen at 650-326-8210 ext. 294 or
[email protected] to get started now.
38 • ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT • HOW TO GUIDE • 2008
HOW TO CHOOSE A
REAL ESTATE AGENT
When you’ve decided it’s time to get serious
with your house hunt, teaming up with the right
real estate agent can save you time and money.
Ask family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers
for the names of agents they know and would
recommend. An agent may be more enthusiastic
about ﬁnding the perfect house for you if a prior
client has referred you. It helps if you ﬁnd an
agent whose personality matches yours, but it’s
more important to ﬁnd someone you trust. You
might get a few different recommendations and
meet with them. This way you can ﬁnd someone
that will work well with and for you.
Buyer’s agents work with potential homebuyers
to ﬁnd the best home to suit each client’s needs.
Seller’s agents work with homeowners to sell a
home for the best negotiated price. A dual agent
works for the broker who carries a seller’s listing
but also works with a buyer who wants to purchase the listing. A dual agent must show loyalty
to both parties and the buyer and seller must
approve of the arrangement in writing.
A professional buyer’s agent will interview you
about the type of home you are seeking, advise
you on current listings available, and explain other
details of purchasing a home that may seem confusing. A buyer’s agent can also help you with the
ﬁnancial details of buying a home by recommending lenders, inspectors and escrow companies.
If you are unsure how much home you can
afford, a buyer’s agent can help you calculate how
much you need for a down payment and what
your monthly payments would be if you qualify for
a mortgage loan. Many agents require that clients
pre-qualify for a loan to help the buyer stay within
an affordable price range and avoid disappointment. It also speeds up the home buying process
and offers the agency assurance that you have
the ﬁnancial means to make it to closing. It also
simpliﬁes things for you since you will know your
price range.
To promote a good working relationship with
your agent it is important to be honest about
your ﬁnancial situation and your preferences. A
reputable agent will work hard to ﬁnd a home in
the neighborhood and price range you seek, but
you should be open to suggestions. Remember that your agent has access to more inside
information about homes that are coming on the
market. When working with an agent you have an
obligation to be responsible also. Always be on
time for appointments and communicate honestly
with the agent after a walk-through. Communicating what you like and don’t like can help the agent
guide you to other homes that more closely ﬁt
your requirements.
An agent may ask you to sign an exclusive agreement. Doing so means that you are committed to
working with one real estate agency and you may
have to pay that agency a commission even if you
ﬁnd a home on your own. A nonexclusive buyer
agency allows you to have multiple buyer agents,
although certain conditions may apply.
Any agreement that you sign with an agent
should be in writing and cover a speciﬁc time
period. It should detail the expectations of buyer
and seller and specify the geographic areas to
be covered. The agreement will also disclose the
terms for agent compensation. Buyer’s agents are
usually paid a commission at closing but agents
in some areas may operate differently. Before
you sign any agreement with a real estate agent,
make sure you understand all the details including
the compensation structure and how to terminate
the contract if necessary. Request a copy of the
agency contract and take a couple of days to
study it before you sign. If you don’t understand
something, ask questions until you feel comfortable with the arrangement.
If you are not sure an agent is the right match for
your needs, you can make a short-term agreement
from one week to two months initially.
A real estate agent is imperative in this ever
changing real estate market. You need to ﬁnd
someone who is knowledgeable in the real
estate market in your area. Do your homework,
get recommendations, qualify the company they
respresent and choose wisely. Your agent will
insure that your home selling and purchasing will
be a success!
ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT • HOW TO GUIDE • 2008 • 39
Choose Wisely.
40 • ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT • HOW TO GUIDE • 2008