Welcome Laura. There's quite a few of us in the Bay Area (and especially in the South Bay). That is quite the laundry list of parts to go bad within a short amount of time. Re: your timing problem. Did your mechanic replace all the items you posted? If he did, I am wondering why the timing gears are off and not lining up. Be careful not to throw money at it. You will get some excellent advice here. Then you can make some informed decisions. Again, welcome and good luck.