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August 2016 Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center: Where the Past Informs the Future By Jody Morgan
Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center (315 Cortsen Road, Pleasant Hill) is tucked into a residential neighborhood developed on land once farmed by the Rodgers family. The ranch house, Pleasant Hill’s oldest extant structure, is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. The sloping ground surrounding the building is a vibrant urban farm where classes in the kind of sustainable practices pioneer families employed are taught from the perspective of what will best sustain future generations. Seasonal festivals bring crowds of all ages to savor the experience, while neighbors gather regularly to enjoy connecting. In 1987, 120 years after the structure was completed, the Pleasant Hill Historical Society succeeded in saving the ranch house from demolition by facilitating the transfer of ownership of the Rodgers’ home, original wheat barn, and 2+ acres
Serving Alamo and Diablo New Alamo Fire Station Right on Schedule By Sharon Burke
Construction progress is apparent on a daily basis at the new Alamo fire station located at 2100 Stone Valley Road, at the corner of Miranda Avenue. As of July 23, windows had been installed, roof sheathing and gutters completed, and plumbing and electrical rough-in underway. During August, plumbing and electrical work will continue, and HVAC rough-in will commence. Roofing, plaster, and stone veneer will begin to be added, along with site rough grading for site improvements. A planned bridge to cross the creek at the northwest corner of the property is awaiting approvals from the county, and the hope is that it will be completed before the start of school to maximize pedestrian safety for schoolchildren.
San Ramon Valley Fire Chief Paige Meyer said he is pleased that the station is on schedule and under budget. “We’re excited about the progress of the station,” he said. He credits the elected SRV Fire Board for its support and close scrutiny of the project, along with the contractor, Pacific Mountain Contractors of California, based in Concord.
See Station continued on page 26
to the Pleasant Hill Park and Recreation District. Loved by many families over the years, the house was in a sorry state of disrepair and the barn was beyond redemption. A non-profit formed as the Friends of Rodgers Ranch in 1991 and renamed the Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center (RRHC) in 2014 took on the task of restoration. When fundraising permits, salvaged portions of the dismantled barn, supplemented by 19th century wood from an Alhambra Valley barn of similar vintage, will be incorporated in a structure visually identical from the exterior. Modern interior space will include room for workshops.
See Ranch continued on page 22
Volunteer Extraordinaire – Chuck Schneck By Fran Miller
Chuck Schneck at the ball field.
Local Postal Customer
It is the rare individual that can claim nearly four decades of volunteerism with a single organization. For 37 years, Chuck Schneck has served San Ramon Valley Little League in
See Chuck continued on page 21 PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit 263 Alamo CA
ECRWSS
The Urban Farmers By Fran Miller
If your fruit trees are overflowing and your neighbors greet your offer of yet another bag of lemons with a yawn, it might be time to call The Urban Farmers. No one enjoys seeing their ripened fruit go to waste, but most people don’t know what to do about it. The Urban Farmers can help. The volunteers from this non-profit organization harvest excess backyard fruit and donate it to the needy. It’s a classic winwin. The organization’s goal is to build a community-based, cost-effective and environmentally sustainable model of hunger relief. More than 800 local homeowners have used Urban Farmers to harvest 147,000 pounds of fruit. Most tree fruit Volume XVI - Number 8 ripens in a very short period of time. If 3000F Danville Blvd. #117, the mature crop is not harvested, it puts Alamo, CA 94507 pressure on the tree and attracts bugs, Telephone (925) 405-NEWS, 405-6397 Fax (925) 406-0547 disease, and pests. Many fruit tree owners do not have the time or the ability Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher Editor@yourmonthlypaper.com to harvest their fruit, or the means to Sharon Burke ~ Writer distribute their crops to those in need. The opinions expressed herein belong to the writers, and do This is where Urban Farmers can help. not necessarily reflect that of Alamo Today. Alamo Today
See Farmers continued on page 29
is not responsible for the content of any of the advertising herein, nor does publication imply endorsement.
Page 2 - August 2016 ~ Alamo Today
Boulevard View
By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor
You can teach an old dog new tricks! I spent the weekend learning a new skill – how to drive a motorcycle. Buying or even riding a motorcycle is not something I plan on doing much but a) everyone else in my family has their license, b) I recently had a five second ride on a friend’s scooter that didn’t go well (fortunately it was more comical than disastrous), but the experience made it clear that if I were to be on a motorized bike I had better have a clue, and c) if there were a major emergency where roads were closed, having an alternate way to get around (like borrowing my son’s bike) may be a good thing to know how to do. Being in this class allowed me to utilize a multitude of skills I have in my quiver – how to drive a manual car, how to ride a horse, how to operate a chain saw, and how to ride a bicycle/tricycle (OK, I haven’t really used that skill in a while)/ATV among others. Training also encompassed skills that were also like skiing or water skiing – swerving around and avoiding obstacles such as a dog chasing after the bike or items falling off of vehicles ahead. The three-day, 15-hour course under the umbrella of the California Highway Patrol - California Motorcyclist Safety Program involved classroom instruction and 10 hours of actual riding in a parking lot. The class was designed for all skill levels - from those that had no experience (like me) to those who ride out on private property. The great part about this course is that it draws a diverse crowd interested in learning these skills. The youngest person in our course was 17, and the oldest was in his early 60’s. We had students from a 50 mile radius of the East Bay, including a man from India who had his license there but wanted to learn the laws of riding a motorcycle in the United States. There was a guy who rode dirtbikes for his entire childhood but wanted to learn how to ride a motorcycle on the streets. I got to take the class with my 23 year old daughter who has been itching to get her motorcycle license for years. It was nice to be able to talk over the skills learned that day with another person and ultimately celebrate when we both passed our tests. One thing about riding a motorbike is there is a lot going on simultane-
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ously, and you need to pay constant attention (which when operating any motorized device we probably all should be doing more of anyways). A multitude of acronyms covered bike operation and safe riding. ONE-C addressed starting the engine - On, Neutral, Engine Cut-Off Switch, Clutch and Choke. SPAT was used for once you get going - Speed, Position, Aim, and Turn. SIPDE addresses the mental steps to deal with hazards - Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, and Execute. In reality, when operating a bike or car, these steps are important to whatever wheel we are behind. Everything involved being present and mindful. The teachers were sticklers, especially with two basic rules - Be on Time for a punctual person this was fairly easy, but for some it was more difficult. I tend to refer to this rule as “The Plane is LEAVING.” Planes don’t tend to wait for anyone. You are either present or you miss your flight. It is fairly black and white. The second rule was Wear Supportive Shoes that Cover Your Ankles - It was in the initial literature, it was discussed in class the night before, and yet, two people in a group of 11 got sent home for that detail. Following details is just as important as following rules, and those individuals who chose to not pay attention to those details got sent home. It was too bad, but ultimately I probably wouldn’t have wanted them out on the course if they couldn’t pay attention to a couple relatively minor details. I think this class will make me a better and more aware driver and refresh my road skills – heck, it’s been awhile since I have taken a written or practical driving test. I strongly recommend that anyone and everyone take the class. You do not have to go through getting your motorcycle license, but the skills you learn can do nothing but improve your driving and life skills. To learn more about the class, visit www.2wheelsafety.com.
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Alamo Today ~ August 2016 - Page 3
BRAD GOTHBERG’S
NEW & PRIVATE LISTINGS ALAMO NEWS - MARKET & NEIGHBORHOOD ACTIVITY - REPORTS N Wa ew Li lnu stin tC g ree k
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6 Abbott Court Orinda, CA Orinda – Luxurious Glorietta home in a beautiful resort setting features 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, beautifully remodeled by builder, Jim Gray. Private backyard with pool, views and perfect for entertaining on those hot summer nights! The home features Brazilian Cherry hardwood floors, large bi-folding door in Family Room, opening to outside patio. This home is absolutely stunning and is a must see!
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For a FULL ALAMO QUARTERLY UPDATE go to
www.AlamoQuarterly.com For a Free Home Evaluation Call 925-998-5151
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“*The facts, comments and numerical information contained in this marketing material was obtained from third party sources by J. Rockcliff Realtors, Inc. The information has not been verified by J. Rockcliff Realtors and/or its agents. Interested purchasers are advised to thoroughly investigate all aspects of the information herein to determine if the property satisfies the requirements of the buyer for buyer’s intended use of the property. Seller and Brad Gothberg must agree on price and closing date.”
Want to Improve Your Public Speaking Skills?
Toastmasters is one of the most effective ways to improve your public speaking skills. The local Toastmasters group will be holding a public demonstration on Tuesday, August 9th at the bandstand on the front lawn of the Danville Library. The demonstration will take place at our normal meeting time from 7 to 8:30AM. Come see what we're all about! For more info, visit http://4143.toastmastersclubs.org.
Volunteers Needed at Mt. Diablo State Park There are several exciting volunteer opportunities at Mt. Diablo State Park over the upcoming months. Projects needing assistance are: • Maintaining and improving hiking trails throughout the park • Control of invasive plants, such as yellow star thistle • Repairing and repainting park facilities, such as fences, picnic tables, and outhouses Service projects out in nature tend be excellent team-building activities, and they can support feelings of cooperation and respect among school groups, community organizations, and co-workers. Projects can accommodate a range of participant ages and group sizes, and a work day for weekends or week days can be planned. Volunteer Field Projects Coordinator can work with you and your organization to design a project that will make a significant contribution to our beautiful park, and that will be a fun and memorable experience for you and your organization. For answers to questions and for more information, contact Silas Ellison at 925-837-6122, 925-837-6819, by cell phone at 617-335-6833, or by email at silas.ellison@parks.ca.gov.
Alamo-Danville Newcomers Club
Are you new to the area or a long time resident, newly retired or empty-nester interested in making new friends and participating in various social activities? The Alamo-Danville Newcomers Club is a women’s organization whose purpose is to enrich the lives of all its members and their families in a social manner. Check out all the Club has to offer by visiting www.alamodanvillenewcomers.com. The next new member coffee will be held on August 23rd from 10am to noon. RSVP to alamodanvillenewcomers@gmail.com.
Alamo Plaza Shopping Center Thurs, Sept. 15: 4–9pm
Free Admission
“Autos of Alamo” presented by:
Alamo Improvement Association To show a car ($10) contact: jwads@sbcglobal.net
Sponsors:
•Cole European
• Round Table Pizza •Stead Cadillac • Five Guys Burger
•Tesla
• Panera Bread • Union Bank
•Donahue Schriber (Plaza owners)
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ALAMO / ROUND HILL COUNTRY CLUB Alamo ~ Here is a magnificent Cape Cod inspired Design home located in Round Hill Country Club. Offered for the first time since its original construction, this 4 Bedroom, 2 1/2 Bath home is located on one of the best streets in Round Hill. Inside the home there is a wonderful split level design that offers big living areas. The Living Room and Family room boast 12 and 10 foot ceilings respectively. Large windows offer direct southwest views of the Las Trampas Foothills. And those views get even better outside in the split level yard and oversized pool. Offered at $1,520,000. Scott Anderson ~ 925.963.6288 scott@remaxaccord.com
SOLD SOLD Danville ~ Sharp single story home with 4 bedrooms, Danville ~ Beautiful single level home with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Enjoy living in this impeccably 2.5 baths, and 3 car garage. Wonderful private backmaintained charming home. Beautifully landscaped lot, yard. Updated kitchen, hardwood floors throughout private setting, room for a pool. Hardwood floors, most of the home plus vaulted ceilings. spacious rooms, lots of light. Prefect for entertaining inside and out. Listed at $1,200,000 Listed at $1,349,000 Gretchen Bryce ~ 925.683.2477 gretchenbryce@msn.com
Kellee Larsen ~ 925.683.6509 klarsenhomes@gmail.com
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Alamo Today ~ August 2016 - Page 5
COMING SOON El Cerrito ~ Convenient location to BART and the Freeway. This 4 bedroom 1.5 bath 2 story classic 1922 home on large lot is waiting to be renovated. Separate 2 car garage plus additional workshop. Views to the Golden Gate Bridge. Call today for your private showing and pricing.
JUST LISTED Lafayette ~ 4 bds, 3.5 baths,1.27 acre lot in Happy Valley Glen. Incredible natural light in a private setting. This 3300+ sq ft home features 2 master suites, a newly remodeled kitchen and a beautiful porch overlooking the flat front yard. Located minutes from downtown, top-rated schools & w/in walking distance to BART. $2,050,000.
Gretchen Bryce ~ 925.683.2477 gretchenbryce@msn.com
Claudia Gohler ~ 925.765.8081 claudiagohler@gmail.com
COMING SOON — 62 ARENAS COURT, SAN RAMON San Ramon ~ Quiet court, highly-desirable neighborhood, state of the art kitchen, formal dining room. Spacious family and living rooms, hardwoods, bedroom on first level — a 4 bedroom charmer. Remodeled, expanded with solar, this home with large rear yard awaits the family who wants the very best in California lifestyle. Coming Very Soon - On market July 28th! Michael Hatfield RE/Max Accord Team 800-800-5763 Michael@MichaelHatfieldHomes.com
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Urgent Need for Volunteers in Food Distribution Program and Free General Store
Many have found great personal satisfaction in volunteering with White Pony Express (WPE), a nonprofit group dedicated to helping to end hunger and poverty in Contra Costa County. The program has been so well received that additional volunteers are urgently needed to help keep up with its rapid growth. The need in our community remains very great. Seven days a week, WPE Food Rescue volunteers take trucks to supermarkets, restaurants, and farmers markets where they pick up thousands of pounds of surplus food—high quality, nourishing food (fresh meats, dairy, eggs, deli, baked goods). Most all of this food is distributed to those in need within two hours of the donation. In its first two and half years, WPE delivered more than 3,000,000 pounds of food (equivalent to 2,500,000 meals) that the hungry would have gone without. Also, in addition to rescuing food, WPE collects donations of new or like-new clothing, shoes, toys, games, and books. More than 250,000 of these items have been distributed to those in Running Through the Freight Room need in the past two years—all free of charge, through WPE’s AT THE DEPOT unique “Mobile Boutiques” and its Direct Distribution program. July 16 - September 18 Peter Brooks, a White Pony An exuberant volunteer shows cart loads of food she Express volunteer, says, “One has picked up from a generous donor. SUMMER HOURS MONDAY: CLOSED of the highlights of my week is picking up fresh produce (often organic!) TUESDAY - SATURDAY: 10 AM - 1 PM from farmers markets, knowing that it will be going to people in our county SUNDAY: NOON - 3 PM who don’t have access to such nutritious, high quality food.” Buy a Family Train Tickets for $10. Good for daily admission to Totally Trains! Interested volunteers should contact Mandy Nakaya at 925-818-6361 or email mandy@whiteponyexpress.org. For more on WPE, go to www. Sponsored by: whiteponyexpress.org. San Ramon Valley
TOTALLY TRAINS
Museum of the
MUSEUM OF THE SAN RAMON VALLEY TOTALLY TRAINS: Models and Memorabilia 205 RAILROAD AVENUE ~ DOWNTOWN DANVILLE (925)837-3750 The Museum of the San Ramon Valley (MSRV)~ WWW.MUSEUMSRV.ORG will once again present “Totally Trains-Models and Memorabilia.” The main layout of the exhibit has two elevations with four running trains, scenery, bridges, a trestle, tunnel, and a village with a replica of the Museum, the former Southern Pacific Depot. A secondary layout features a number of working accessories. On display are items from three private collections of model trains dating from the early to mid-1900s. They include Lionel & American Flyer Standard gauge and Marx O gauge.
Over 40 Home Improvement Vendors!
Two Centennials
2016 is a big year for several centennial celebrations, including the 100th anniversary of “America’s Best Idea” the National Park District (NPS). In the San Ramon Valley we are fortunate to have our own National Park, the Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site, Tao House. Two Centennials The National Park Service & Eugene O’Neill The MSRV has joined with the NPS and the Eugene O’Neill Foundation, July 15 - November 15 Tao House, to provide a special exhibit at MSRV, called Two Centennials. It will run until November 15th, in the museum’s waiting room. It features the centennials of the NPS and of O’Neill’s first play, Bound East for Cardiff. For tickets and information visit www.eugeneoneill.org. The exhibit held at the Museum will include the O’Neill Centennial Quilt, videos, stage models, and information about the NPS and O’Neill when he and his wife lived in Danville from 1937-1944. The national historic site may only be reached by vans which depart from MSRV. Vans serve walk-up visitors on Saturdays at 10:15AM, 12:15PM and 2:15PM. For reserved tours on Wednesday through Friday and Sunday at 10AM or 2PM, call 925-838-0249. See the NPS website at nps.gov.euon. Totally Trains will be open through September 18. The Museum is open Saturday – 10AM to 1PM and Sunday – 12PM to 3PM. The Museum is closed Mondays. MSRV is located at 205 Railroad Avenue, Danville. For more information call 925-837-3750, email srvmuseum@sbcglobal.net or visit www.musemsrv.org.
This special exhibit celebrates the centennials of the National Park Service and Eugene O’Neill’s first produced play, Bound East for Cardiff. Fourth Saturday programs will take place at 10:30 am at the museum. Presented by the National Park Service, the Eugene O’Neill Foundation, Tao House, & the Museum of the San Ramon Valley. Museum Summer Hours: July 16 - September 18 Tuesday - Saturday: 10am -1pm Sunday: Noon - 3pm Closed Mondays Visit these Websites: Museumsrv.org Eugeneoneill.org Nps.gov/euon
Museum of the San Ramon Valley 205 Railroad Ave., Danville, CA 925-837-3750 www.museumsrv.org
Sunday, August 28, 2016 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Danville Community Center 420 Front Street, Danville
FREE ADMISSION Presented By Media Sponsors
www.HomeExpoEvents.com
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Treats for the Troops
Service group Delta Nu Psi is excited to be collecting “gourmet junk food” to send to our servicemen and women in Afghanistan. The cumulative donations which have been sent total 1,416 boxes and 34,724 pounds of treats for the troops. Delta Nu Psi will continue sending packages as long as American military members are in the War Zone. Much of the food sent is not normally available to the troops. On August 5th Delta Nu Psi members will be at CVS in Alamo and on August 12th at Lunardi’s in Danville. Collection will be held from 11am to 2pm. Money for postage is also always appreciated. Please help Delta Nu Psi provide our men and women in the War Zone a touch of home. For more information, visit www.deltanupsi.org.
Sons in Retirement Branch 128
Are you looking for things to do in your retirement? Consider joining Sons in Retirement San Ramon Valley Branch 128. The group has monthly luncheons with interesting speakers and good fellowship. The August guest is Dr. Michael Barrington who will speak on “his life as a missionary in war torn Nigeria.” Members have lots of fun participating in a variety of activities such as golf, tennis, bowling, bocce ball, movies, bridge, reading, computers, and much more. Many other activities such as travel, dine outs, excursions, baseball games, and holiday parties include spouses, friends, and guests. The next monthly luncheon is on Wednesday, August 17th at 11AM. A fee of $23 includes luncheon, guest speaker, and a great opportunity to socialize with at least 150 other retirees from the San Ramon Valley. To reserve a space, please email www.info@SIR128.com by Thursday, August 11th. The luncheon will be held at the San Ramon Golf Club located at 9430 Fircrest Lane, San Ramon. For more information about Branch 128 and activities, visit www.SIR128.com.
Branch 116
Las Trampas Branch 116 welcomes guest to socialize with them at their monthly luncheon beginning at 11AM on Monday, August 15th at the Walnut Creek Elks Lodge, 1475 Creekside Drive. Guest speaker Tom Madden’s presentation will cover 10 Common Misunderstandings about Homeowners’ Insurance. Please call (925) 322-1160 to make lunch reservations. The cost for lunch is $15. For more information about the group’s activities, visit www.Branch116.org.
Alamo Today ~ August 2016 - Page 7
Auditions for Danville Girls Chorus
Danville Girls Chorus (DGC) is holding auditions for new singers on August 9th at San Ramon Valley High School. If you have a daughter in grades 3-8 who is interested in joining DGC and would like to audition, please send an email to admin@danvillegirlschorus.org. DGC is a non-profit organization that offers a complete program of choral music education through a variety of learning experiences and performance opportunities. Singers are taught the basics of vocal production and learn the fundamentals of musicianship and note-reading. They are exposed to a variety of musical styles, ranging from classical and folk tunes to contemporary and pop music. Participation in this program develops a sense of responsibility, confidence, and self-esteem in the singers. If you would like more information about Danville Girls Chorus, please visit www.DanvilleGirlsChorus.com.
Assistance League Prospective Member Coffee
Since 1967, Assistance League® of Diablo Valley (ALDV), a nonprofit member volunteer organization, has improved lives in our community through hands-on programs. ALDV is pursuing prospective members who would enjoy preparing new clothing for elementary schoolchildren, performing educational puppet shows for schoolchildren, reading to second grade students, or helping in supplying emergency clothing, food, and supplies to those in crisis. Two recently formed philanthropic programs implement art in the classroom and staff the Listen Program which helps identified students with reading skill needs. Two other programs address the needs of seniors. A Prospective Member Coffee will be held on Wednesday, August 10, at Gopher/Mole Removal 9:30AM. If you are interested in spending quality time and meeting energetic and No Poison upbeat people while helping those who are vulnerable, call (925) 934-0901 or 925-765-4209 visit diablovalley.assistanceleague.org.
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Rancho Romero Elementary School By Skye LarshFaraghan, Principal
Welcome families and friends to the 2016/ 2017 school year. I know I speak for all staff at Rancho Romero in sharing the sense of excitement for the many wonderful experiences in store for our community of learners. As always, there are many aspects, programs, and tangents that can be revealed at the beginning of the year. However, I feel compelled to share how the school is seeking to understand individual differences, preferences, and experiences as a means of promoting empowerment, belonging, and contribution. A tension has been rising in the field of education as practitioners endeavor to prepare students for not only their next level of learning, but to master critical life-skills that lead to productive citizenship, intelligent thinking, happiness, and fulfillment in a complex, fast-paced, and rapidly changing world. During the last six years the teachers, specialists, instructional assistants, and para educators at Rancho Romero have steadily built cohesive learning teams to study, implement strategies and practices, and analyze and evaluate progress. Without question, one of the most powerful tools the school has identified through this process is that of connecting creativity to understanding. Understanding of disciplinary knowledge and dispositions commonly found in textbooks and articles, or through the use of media or lecture, relies on accepted domain boundaries. To be clear, developing understanding of a discipline through the expertise of others is essential, and with powerful strategies it presents rigorous and necessary learning experiences. The difference between understanding within boundaries and creativity is that creativity pushes the edges of the known and bursts open new perspectives, shifting the sense of what is possible or even real. Creativity makes new things and makes old things new – new problems, new solutions, new realities – things not conceived before. (Hetland, 2013). So, what are practical applications at the school level? We have begun to ask questions like, “How can the integration of practices that utilize all of our senses and shift our state of mind help open our thinking about multiple perspectives and deepen understanding of processes, persons, places and products? Several staff members are in the process of acquiring an Integrated Learning Specialist Program (ILSP) certificate that will allow for training of the entire staff and others. This 120-hour course builds on knowledge and skills through project based, arts integrated, and culturally responsive strategies that incorporate social and emotional learning. A core premise is that educators must enchant the material or curriculum that is taught; in order to engage, connect, and prepare students for today’s world, art and creativity must work together. When effectively implemented, we are able to nurture healthier, happier, more observant learners and community members. This year our community of educators will focus on building a collective body of knowledge in the area of purposeful engagement in, through, and beyond the core standards and curriculum, connecting creativity and the arts to understanding. A few specific applications our leadership and teacher teams will begin to explore include: • Making arts and creativity an integrated part of teaching and learning by using the work of Alameda County Office of Education’s Alliance for Arts or ILSP, in addition to Brain-Based Learning Theory, Culturally Responsive Teaching, and applications within Google Docs for Education. • Increasing the use of physical activity, classroom movement, and engagement protocols to boost learning. • Attending to targeted, planned, diverse social groupings to support pro-social conditions in the classroom and play yard. • Using activities for students from the work of Positive Discipline to address social-emotional learning for academic excellence. • Facilitating a creative, learning-centered environment for staff during meetings and professional development (hands-on experience and immersion). The brain is intimately involved and connected with everything we do. The brain requires purposeful engagement in the context of education. Our mission is to promote equity and social justice for all 500 students in kindergarten through fifth grade. These applications along with powerful district-adopted curriculum in reading, writing, math, and science provide a strong learning platform for our students – a great beginning.
Alamo Elementary School By Stan Hitomi, Principal
With the change in our school calendar, the start of August means that we are just two weeks from the start of school on August 15th. As someone who has been accustomed to the start of school in late August or early September for my entire life, the change is taking some getting used to. Thank goodness for our wonderful Alamo School community of volunteers who have been on top of things and have been making preparations for the 20162017 school year even before the end of the previous year! Anyone who is familiar with “how schools work” knows that during the summer a small army of volunteers are organizing activities, recruiting volunteers, updating forms, and working on web pages. The PTA and Ed Fund at Alamo School work closely with Gayle Hughey (office manager) to make certain we are ready for the return of our families for registration. This year the Alamo PTA will be introducing their new Alamo PTA Online Store. Christina Heil and Nancy Ng worked endless hours in creating the store where families can purchase yearbooks, donate to the school garden, purchase birthday books, buy a PTA membership and find information about other PTA activities. The Alamo School Ed Fund held a strategy meeting to brainstorm and organize activities related to their 2016-17 fundraising campaign. We are fortunate to have both of these remarkable organizations at work for our students and staff. Members of the boards for both the PTA and Ed Fund are shown below. Alamo School Ed Fund Board - President - Jo Stratton, Co-Vice Presidents Christina Heil and Amy Silver, Treasurer - Jon Welch, Assistant Treasurer - Lynn Veit, Secretary Jenn Hoffmann, Assistant Secretary - Carol Berkowitz, Financial Secretary - Paulina Barlev, Parliamentarian - Leslie Wellsfry, Auction Gala Chairs - Cori Phillips and Jo Stratton, Marketing Chair - Christy Campos, Online Auction Chair - Anna Naquin, Sing-Up Party Chair - Jenny Soriano, Corporate Matching - Kristi Walsh, Grants - Christine Wheatley, Class Donation - Christina Armstrong, Teacher Treats/ Teacher for a Day - Liz Boukis, Kid Generated Art - Christina Jue, Retail Opportunity - Emily Mohr, Registration - Michele Long, and PTA President - Krista Ciapponi. Alamo PTA Executive Board - Co-Presidents - Krista Ciapponi and Kristin Bush, 1st VP/Ed. Enrichment - Suzanne Miller, 2nd VP/Communications - Matt Everett, 3rd VP/Ways & Means - Kristin Iribarren, 4th VP/Community Involvement - Carrie Carleton, 5th VP/Legislative - Leslie Bates, Secretary - Christina Heil, Treasurer - Angela Dunning, Financial Secretary - Eva Moon, Parliamentarian - Julie Adelson, Auditor - Maria Bobina, and Historian - Michelle Parkinson. We are guaranteed to have an incredible year with these talented parents leading the way. Last year we celebrated Alamo School’s 50th Anniversary, looking back at our amazing history. The theme for this year is “The Next 50 Years” and we can’t wait for the next school year to begin so that we can start to make our own history!
Important Dates
August 15 First Day of School – minimum day PTA Association Meeting August 18 Back-to-School Night for Kindergarten, 6:30 – 7:30PM August 19 Ed Fund Meeting, 8:30 – 10AM August 24 Back-to-School Night - 5:30 – 6:30PM grades 1 – 2, 6:30 – 7PM instrumental music presentation, 7 – 8PM grades 3 – 5 August 30 Family Reading Night, 6:30 – 7:30PM
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Stone Valley Middle School By Jon Campopiano, Principal
It is with great excitement that we embark on the 2016-2017 School year. I have always loved the energy, excitement, opportunities, and challenges that a new school year brings. Our staff has been working hard to prepare a campus that is conducive for collaborating, creativity, and ongoing student success. Construction on our new facility continued throughout the summer and students, staff, and families will have great joy in watching our new building come together. When it is complete, we will have a state of the art, $40 million facility that will allow students to learn and staff to instruct at the highest of levels. Please continue to follow us on Twitter @stonevalleyms and at our website stonevalley. schoolloop.com. Here are some important dates to add to your calendar. Thursday, August 11 - 7:45AM- noon - WEB Day (Where Everyone Belongs). All new students will meet their mentors, participate in team building activities, tour the campus. and enjoy a pizza lunch followed by Registration from 12:30PM – 6PM. Monday, August 15 - 8:15AM-12:17PM ~ First Day of School Thursday, September 1 -7PM ~ Back To School Night Enjoy your final days of summer and see you soon!
Upcoming Community Meetings and Events
AIA - Alamo Improvement Association - Please visit www.alamoca.org for upcoming meetings - Creekside Community Church -1350 Danville Blvd. Alamo MAC (Municipal Advisory Committee) - First Tuesday of each month 6pm - Alamo Women’s Club P2B - Police Services Advisory Committee - First Monday of each month, 5pm - Meets at Sheriff Substation, 150 Alamo Plaza P5 - Round Hill Police Services Advisory Committee - Second Wednesday of each month, 7pm - Meets at Round Hill Country Club - Lower Level Meeting Room CERT classes - Community Emergency Response Team - Visit www. firedepartment.org/community_outreach/cert/upcoming_classes.asp
Alamo Today ~ August 2016 - Page 9
Join Girl Scouts!
Attention: Parents of Girls Entering Kindergarten this Fall
If you and your daughter are interested in joining an organization that builds girls of courage, confidence, and character; strives to make the world a better place; and does all this while having fun and making new friends, then Girl Scout staff wants to hear from you! Please email your local Girl Scout staff at LZerby@girlscoutsnorcal.org or call (800) 447-4475 and say: • I’m interested in helping to start a troop • I’d just like some information • Please invite us to an informational meeting in the fall Provide the following information: • Parent/caregiver name, email and phone number • Girl’s name, grade entering this fall, school attending
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If you find her and your name is drawn!
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To be eligible send a letter telling us where you found her, along with your name and address, to: Lost Dog! ~ Alamo Today 3000F Danville Blvd #117 • Alamo, CA 94507
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Page 10 - August 2016 ~ Alamo Today
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Monte Vista High School By Dr. Kevin Ahern, Principal
It is always a little daunting coming onto campus after summer break and picking up where you left off – especially since school is starting ten days earlier this year. However, Monte Vista is still fairly quiet at this time, and that gives me a few days to take care of some of the finer details that we want to address this school year. Over the course of my summer, I have focused on deepening my own knowledge about Response to Intervention, improving campus climate, and Carol Dweck’s research on growth mindsets. What I found is that understanding this body of research will undoubtedly help our faculty and staff take our students to another level of success. I am also enjoyed SRVUSD’s annual administrator retreat. This event was a great opportunity to refocus on our district-wide initiatives as well as hear about successful practices at other schools. I look forward to sharing this work with my colleagues over the course of the school year. With school starting earlier this year, school events will begin right away in early August. Monte Vista’s counseling staff returns on August 1st, and SRVUSD’s annual update will be sent out on August 2nd. On August 5th, our student Link Crew members will be visited by campus climate expert Keith Hawkins, who will help our juniors and seniors prepare for Freshman Orientation which will be held on August 12th. We have also consolidated our registration days to a single day – Stampede Day – which will be held on Thursday, August 11th from 12-7PM in the Monte Vista’s main gym. As in the past, students and parents will have the opportunity to pick up school related materials, buy spirit wear, and make donations to a variety of booster organizations. Monte Vista’s athletic programs are also poised to start in August. We look forward to another great fall campaign. Monte Vista will welcome several new faculty members including assistant principal, Kenny Kahn; science teachers, Nikki Griffin and Bryan Jensen; social science teacher and MV alum Melissa Trisko; and culinary arts teacher, Linda Hann. There are a few more positions to fill, so we look forward to welcoming more new faculty members before the onset of the school year.
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There is a lot of work on the Monte Vista campus that has been completed as well as a considerable amount that is still in progress. We have a new forensics classroom that is coming along nicely, and many of our buildings are receiving fresh coats of paint. In response to our four additional computer science sections, we have received the first of two new sets of computers that will be installed in our two computer science labs. In addition, most classrooms in the 400 building are being outfitted with new audio / video / interactive presentation systems. This upgrade follows a similar project in the 200 building that was completed last spring as well as another upgrade to some 400 wing classrooms that occurred two years ago. Hats off to our site custodial and district maintenance crews for getting these items done for our staff and students. The first day of school is August 15th, and we are looking forward to another amazing year at Monte Vista. Enjoy what is left of summer vacation – in a few weeks it will be back to business, and the Mustang Stampede will be off and running!
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Alamo Today ~ August 2016 - Page 11
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A Windstar Sailing Adventure in French Polynesia
By Betsy Ahlberg, Alamo World Travel & Tours
Have you ever wanted to sail aboard your own private yacht in turquoise waters surrounded by magical green islands and motu’s (Polynesian reef islet with vegetation), enjoy fabulous local cuisine, swim in 80 degree water with friendly manta rays and black fin sharks, snorkel over coral reefs viewing brilliantly colored fish, and enjoy a picnic on a motu feasting on blue marlin cooked over a coconut husk BBQ with homemade coconut bread along with local “Huahini” beer? Rise each morning to a spectacular sunrise while doing yoga and stretch classes on the flying bridge. Enjoy cocktails every evening on the deck as you watch the sun set over the sea in brilliant splendor. Spend your days swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaking, or just sitting on a pristine beach. If you want more adventure, go hiking under waterfalls or on a four-wheel drive tour up rugged roads, exploring the islands... That is what a Windstar cruise in Tahiti is all about. Set sail from Papeete (just 7 1/2 hours nonstop from LA). Spend seven nights aboard
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the luxurious Wind Spirit, a 140 passenger sailing yacht with 90 delightful crew members attending to your every need. By the end of the first day they know your favorite coffee and cocktail. Your itinerary includes Moorea, Tahaa, Raiatea, Bora Bora and Huahine. You spend a full day on a private motu complete with water sports, delicious BBQ lunch, and full bar. While in Bora Bora, dinner is served island style on another private motu complete with roast pig, BBQ steak, chicken and ahi (raw and cooked) with your own island dance show. Aboard ship one nights dinner is completely prepared and served outdoors on the deck followed by dancing. Another night you dine by candlelight on the deck. What could be a more fun and romantic vacation? For this Windstar trip or other cruises, river cruises, tours or resort stays anywhere in the world you want to travel, contact Betsy Ahlberg at Alamo World Travel and Tours, www.alamoworld.com, your local travel agency for 35 years. We are located in Alamo Commons- Suite 255, between Ace Hardware and the Peasants Courtyard Restaurant. We specialize in personalized service with “real” agents- Ask us, we’ve been there...call Betsy at (925) 899-9363 or email at ahlbergtb@gmail. com. Advertorial
Page 12 - August 2016 ~ Alamo Today
Quick Trips
Self guided architecture tour in Berkeley By Linda Summers Pirkle
Zaha Hadid, a ground breaking architect who recently passed away at the age of 65, was “a force of nature, a pioneer,” according to a New York Times art and design column. Ms. Hadid, the article continued, was an Iraqiborn Brit whose buildings “elevated uncertainty to an art” where “geometry became in her hands a vehicle for unprecedented and eye-popping new space.” She was the first woman to win the Pritzker Prize, architecture’s Nobel, as well as the first on her own to be awarded the RIBA Gold Medal, Britain’s top architectural award in 2015. I would love to see her works in Wolfsburg, Germany, her modern art museum in Rome, and the aquatics center in London she designed. I so enjoy reading about architects and seeing their innovative and inspiring creations. My friend Barbara is usually up for exploring the Bay Area, so when I suggested an architecture walking tour of the neighborhoods of Berkeley and Oakland, she happily accepted my invite. I brought along a delightful book called Berkeley Walks, by Robert E. Johnson and Janet Byron to our meeting place, Rick and Ann’s café (2922 Domingo Ave. Berkeley) which is located in the charming shopping center across from the Claremont Hotel. This delightful café has been in business for 26 years, and I have been a frequent patron since they opened. Benches outside are usually full with people waiting for a table (reservations are for six and over only), and Peet’s Coffee is right next door. Iced coffee from Peet’s in hand, we headed out on “Walk Number 13,” the Rockridge to Claremont tour, one of 16 treks in Berkeley Walks. According to the authors, “Walking is in the fabric of Berkeley’s culture. When the city was designed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, planners included a network of about 140 public paths throughout the Berkeley hills, providing pedestrian with routes to retail and commercial areas...” I love this book because it is so easy to follow. The routes start out with an overview of the walk, there is an estimated time to complete the walk, the maps are easy to read, and my favorite part: there are spotlights on local architects and their works as well as a glossary of architectural terms. Julia Morgan (1872-1957) is one of the architects spotlighted in the book. Born in San Francisco, Morgan grew up and lived most of her life in Oakland.
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While working on a civil engineering degree at UC Berkeley, she met Bernard Maybeck who encouraged her to go to Paris to study architecture. “Her renowned ability,” according to the authors, was to “borrow from different styles while forging her own, and she was meticulous about craftsmanship. Her designs could be extremely sensitive and subtle, as in many Berkeley homes, or flamboyant, as in Hearst Castle at San Simeon. She made particular use of local California styles, such as Mission Revival and Bay Area Arts and Crafts.” We took note of the Julia Morgan designed 1928 One of the homes on self guided architecture walking Italian Renaissance villa on at tour in Berkeley. 2821 Claremont Boulevard. The authors point out the “lovely ornamental details, including Venetian Gothic tracery on the side windows (look through the gates from the corner), a front-doorway fresco, and wrought iron on the balcony.” On our tour Barb and I discovered a lovely quiet narrow street lined with tall plane trees forming a complete canopy with Henry Gutterson designed residences at 2922, 2916, 2910 and 2904 Garber Street. If you continue to the crest you can see a mini version of San Francisco’s winding Lombard Street. Our next adventure using the book Berkeley Walks will most likely be “Maybeck Country” (Walk Number 5) which highlights Maybeck creations, diverse historic architecture, and the lovely Rose Walk in Berkeley Rose Garden. Berkeley Walks, Revealing Rambles Through America’s Most Intriguing City is published by Roaring Forties Press and can be purchased online or at a local bookstore. Linda Summers Pirkle, travel consultant and long term Danville resident, has arranged and led tours for the Town of Danville for several years. Inspired by the many wonderful places to visit in the Bay Area, she organizes day trips, either for groups or for friends and family. “What a great place to live, so much to see, so much to do.” To share your “Quick Trips” ideas email Coverthemap@gmail.com.
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Is Zika Virus a Threat to Contra Costa County?
By Candaces Andersen, Contra Costa County, District 2 Supervisor
Alamo Today ~ August 2016 - Page 13
As temperatures rise and mosquitoes begin to irritate once more, many are concerned about the risks we take when we go outdoors this summer. Can these buzzing pests carry the Zika virus? Fortunately, research has shown that we in Contra Costa County can put our worries to rest. Zika, a mysterious new virus first reported in Brazil, has been a critical concern this year. Zika is transmitted through mosquito bites, sexual contact, and blood transfusions and has become widespread across South and Central America. Zika’s symptoms, which are present three to seven days after initial exposure, include red eyes, rash, mild fever, and joint pain. Only mosquitoes of the genus Aedes are capable of functioning as vectors of transmission for Zika and other illnesses such as malaria, Dengue fever, chikungunya, and yellow fever. The species that spread Zika are not found in Contra Costa. Although many cases of infection are asymptomatic and go undetected, most of unease due to Zika is rooted in a correlation between Zika infections during pregnancy and birth abnormalities. In an observed group of 42 South American women infected with Zika virus, 12 infants were born with abnormalities. The most significant of these abnormalities was a condition known as microcephaly, or small head size due to irregular brain development. Zika has also been linked to Guillain-Barre syndrome, an autoimmune neurological disease. Specific protocols must be followed if a Zika infection is confirmed. When an infection is discovered in-state, the California Department of Alamo Ace Hardware |3211 Danville Blvd., Alamo | 925-837-2420 Public Health works with local health departments to make media reports, www.AlamoHardware.com tightens mosquito surveillance and control in the surrounding areas of those infected, distributes public awareness materials, and sends female mosquitoes to the Davis Arbovirus Research and Training Lab for arboviral testing to discover if Zika carrying Aedes mosquitoes are present. With all this information in mind, the California Department of Public Health has urged pregnant women to abstain from travel to countries with high Zika incidence rates or reported Zika outbreaks. If travel is unavoidable, precautions such as long sleeves and pants and the use of EPA registered insect repellents are strongly recommended. Women who are or even may be pregnant should be tested for Zika on return from travel in South or Central America. In addition, the CDC recommends waiting at least six months before trying to conceive if either partner has Zika symptoms and eight weeks if either partner has been exposed to the Zika virus. Contra Costa County has had two positive travel related cases confirmed in February of this year. One person had traveled to South America and the other to Central America. Other cases of the virus in California have been identified in the San Diego, Los Angeles, and Yolo counties, bringing the total count of cases in California to 30. Only one of these cases was acquired in California itself. In San Diego County, a woman became infected following contact with a man returning from Colombia, but she recovered with no complications. Chances of Zika transmission in Contra Costa County are low and can be completely avoided by following the guidelines provided by the California Department of Public Health and the CDC. For more information on Zika and Zika prevention, visit https://www.cdc.gov/zika/ or http://www.cdph.ca.gov/HealthInfo/discond/ Pages/Zika.aspx. My office is here to serve the residents of Contra Costa County District 2, which includes San Ramon, Danville, Alamo, Walnut Creek, Saranap, Parkmead, Lafayette, Moraga, Canyon, and Orinda. Please don't hesitate to contact us if we can provide you with additional information Stop by on this topic or on other County issues. I can be our new office in the reached at SupervisorAndersen@bos.cccounty. Alamo Courtyard us or 925-957-8860. 3195 Danville Blvd #4, Thank you to summer interns Clara Cabot and Alamo Annie Jeung for their contributions to this article.
Page 14 - August 2016 ~ Alamo Today
Tip of the Month
By Marco Conci, Eagle Scout, Troop 36
I recently had the opportunity to work with the Town of Danville’s Clean Water Program Coordinator, Chris McCann and 12 Boy Scouts from Troop 36 to replace curb markers above storm drains. Dumping anything into storm drains is not just wrong, it’s illegal. Storm water is often considered a nuisance because it mobilizes pollutants such as motor oil and trash. Pollutants such as oil, paint, pesticides, fertilizers, and soaps contaminate storm water and cause harm to our ecosystem. This affects ocean water quality and marine life. Storm drain marking is an established method to increase community awareness about non-point source pollution. The Town of Danville has an established program to replace the storm drain markers and increase community awareness to educate the public not to dump pollution into our streets and waterways. Unlike the water that flows down the drains inside your home which goes to sewage treatment facilities, the storm drain system is completely separate; water in the storm drain receives no treatment or filtering process. This means that any pollution that gets washed into the storm drains go directly to our creeks and ultimately the Bay. We can all do our part to keep storm water clean. So what can we do to make it better? There are a lot of things: Keep trash and chemicals off the streets. That means picking up litter when you see it, even if it’s not your own, and avoiding the use of harsh chemicals. Make sure your car is in good working order so that the oil and gas doesn’t drip onto the pavement and eventually into the drain. Pick up after your dog. You don’t want to swim in its waste the next time you go to the beach! Be a community advocate. Report full or clogged storm drains to your department of public works. Here’s some other simple do’s and don’ts: Don’t wash your car at home because the soapy suds join a polluted mix of grime, metals, petroleum products, and chemicals that flow into the street, then into the drain which flow into our creeks and eventually the bay and ocean. Do take your car to a commercial location that has a drain that flows into a treatment facility where the water is cleaned before it is released.
Rotary Remains Steadfast in its Goal to Eradicate Polio
“March 2016 marked 30 years that Rotary International has been working to eradicate polio worldwide,” said Beth Burlingame-Randall, 2016-2017 president of the Rotary Club of Alamo, which has supported the Polio Plus program since it was first started in 1985. In 1979, Rotary received a grant so its members could immunize five million children in the Philippines. In 1985, with its 1.2 million-strong membership rooster, Rotary launched the Polio Plus challenge, the largest international coordinated private health initiative. “Rotary set a goal of raising $120 million within five years. At that time, polio was killing or crippling 100 children per day. By 1988, Rotarians had doubled their goal by raising $247 million, which caught the attention of the World Health Assembly, which in turn adopted a resolution to eradicate polio worldwide,” according to Ms. Burlingame-Randall. The last reported case of polio in the Americas was in 1991, and by 1994 the Western Hemisphere was declared polio-free. India’s first National Immunization Day, at which 82 million children were vaccinated, was held in 1995, and in 1996, Nelson Mandela officially launched “Kick Polio out of Africa.” Vaccines were given at tollbooths, aboard public transportation, at schools, at makeshift booths on street corners, at marketplaces, or anywhere there was a gathering of adults with children. By 2002, 51 European countries were declared polio-free, and four years later, the only polio-endemic countries were Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, and Nigeria. By 2007, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation noticed Rotary’s commitment to end polio worldwide. The foundation offered Rotary a $100
See Rotary continued on page 20
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Don’t water garden and lawns with the sprinklers running too long or spraying too far, as the extra water can carry pollutants like fertilizers and animal waste in to the drain. Do adjust your sprinklers so they work properly and only water areas that need it. Don’t hose your concrete paths because the water can pick up other trash that flows into the drain. Do use a broom (which is also a wise choice during our drought). Here are some other good storm water management ideas to consider. In cities with lots of concrete, 75% of the rainwater runs into the sewer instead of being absorbed by the ground as it would in a natural environment. Counter this by using rain barrels to divert water from storm drains, therefore reducing pollutants. Or use rain chains to direct water to your garden using water wisely and keeping it out of our storm drains—saving you money and helping with the drought. Our state and regional water board support projects that include low impact development designs that capture water where it falls. For example, in new developments or in re-landscaping, using trees and plants near sidewalks and roads works to soak up water into the ground to feed living things, instead of having the water roll off the pavement into the street and drains. By keeping water on your property and preventing runoff, you’ll be doing your favorite beach a favor too. The less water that gets into our storm drain system, the cleaner our beaches stay. As part of my project, we distributed flyers to houses throughout my neighborhood to educate the public on storm drain awareness. On the flyer, I asked residents to pledge not to misuse the storm drain system with pollutants, such as pouring toxic materials in their streets that would flow to the storm drain. You can show your commitment in keeping the waterways clean and healthy for our community, environment, wildlife, and Bay by signing an online pledge at www.thepetitionsite.com/444/692/655. If you sign before September 15, 2016 you will have a chance to win a Starbucks gift card.
Cinema Clasics and Musical Notes Bedazzled By Peggy Horn
This month’s Cinema Classic is a film from 2000, Bedazzled, starring Brendan Fraser, Elizabeth Hurley and Frances O’Connor, and directed by Harold Ramis. The screenplay was written by Harold Ramis, Larry Gelbart, and Peter Tolan. It is a remake of another film of the same name that was produced and directed by Stanley Donen. That film from 1967 starred Peter Cook and Dudley Moore and was written by Peter Cook. The plot involves a love story between Elliot Richards (Brendan Fraser) and Allison Gardner (Frances O’Connor) that never gets off the ground due to interference by the Devil (Elizabeth Hurley). Actually, this movie is an updated version of the Faustian drama where the protagonist, in his surrender of moral integrity, sells his soul to the devil. In this version, Elliot sells his soul to the devil in exchange for seven wishes, and with each wish Elliot endeavors to capture the love and affection of Allison. Each wish fails in a very comical way. There are many productions based on this Faustian tale including plays, dramas, ballads, and even puppet shows, but Bedazzled is a comedy in the classic sense owing to the positive outcome for Elliot, the protagonist. While the Faustian drama is not a typical comedic subject, this movie is tremendously funny. The movie is very clever and full of humor. The acting is great although there is less acknowledgement of the value of humor in contemporary entertainment. There’s a worthwhile message for everyone in this film. See if you don’t agree.
Musical Notes
As a tribute to Johan Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832), the author of one famous Faustian drama, my recommendation for your listening pleasure is “Kaiser Walzer,” Opus 37 (Emperor Waltz). Composed by Johann Strauss II in 1889, this beautiful waltz was first performed in Berlin on October 21,1889, to commemorate the friendship between Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph and German Kaiser Wilhelm II.
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Alamo Today ~ August 2016 - Page 15
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Page 16 - August 2016 ~ Alamo Today
Life in the Alamo Garden
Garden Architecture By John Montgomery, ASLA, Landscape Architect #4059
What is “Garden Architecture?” Garden = a plot of ground where plants, vegetables, and flowers are grown. Architecture = the art and science of designing and constructing buildings and hardscape. I approach your Alamo landscape design with “Garden Architecture” in mind. The two design fundamentals brought together in a creative and cohesive design make up your landscape environment. Successful landscape design is a good balance of both. The approach I take is to focus on the “architecture” initially. The “architecture” defines the design. It creates structure with the borders, edges, views, and function of the “softscape.” Structures serve as background for people and plants. A focal point deserves significant detailing. Background structures don’t. Scale and proportion are important. Structures need to be scaled appropriately and in proportion to the surrounding environment. The outdoor environment allows for larger scale than the indoors. Measure the scale of structures by keeping in mind existing large scale trees, distant horizon lines, adjacent properties and views, and buildings. Architecture provides the bones to any landscape design. They provide ongoing significance throughout the season while the “softscape” changes from season to season. In general, “hardscape” structures include the floor of the landscape (patios, decks, paths), steps and grade changes, enclosures and ceilings (pavilion, cabana, arbor, pergola, gazebo), walls (retaining, seat walls, benches), fences, buildings (cabana, pool house, potting shed, storage shed), use and recreation (swimming pools, sports court, bocce), and focal points (water features, bridges, garden ornament, gates, trellises). The purpose of any structure in the landscape design is function and form. What function will any particular structure perform? In other words, what do they do? Those hot summer days in the Alamo garden demand the need for shade and those long cold gray winters when deciduous trees drop their leaves, give you bones. Arbors or pergolas are “Garden Architecture” that can fulfill that function. What do they do? They provide shade in the summer and structural bones in the winter! A structure can have several functions. For instance, an arbor can define a portal or an entry into a garden room, or it can frame a view beyond. The form an arbor takes is an open structure usually with plants or vines climbing over it to form a portal or tunnel. An arbor can be built to take on any form that suits your design style. It can be as simple as an arched gate with climbing clematis or a bold design with four twelve-inch round Corinthian columns with rough hewn beams above heavily laden with Wisteria. Depending on the scale and architectural styling of your home and the design theme of your landscape, an arbor has many different forms it can take while performing the same function. A pergola as defined here is a free-standing overhead structure supported by posts or columns. The material that provides the shade may vary from lattice, wood beams, to vines. All can provide shade depending on how much you wish to have. Pergolas generally are a more significant structure because of the function. Often, a pergola becomes a garden room or enclosure in the garden, a gathering place for people, and a focal point. “Garden Architecture” brings form and function to any successful landscape environment. A hot tip from your local Landscape Architect: Built structures must be executed with proper construction techniques which are ensured through
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proper design, construction details and specifications, and on-site observations during the construction process. Landscape architects are tested and licensed by the state to design garden architecture. Gardening Quote of the Month: “One of the most delightful things about a garden is the anticipation it provides”. ~W.E. Johns If you would like me to write on any particular subject, email your ideas to jmontgomery@jm-la.com or for design ideas visit www.jm-la.com or www. houzz.com/pro/jmla/john-montgomery-landscape-architects. Advertorial
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Clip Notes
Alamo Today ~ August 2016 - Page 17
By Jody Morgan
In Victorian England properly communicating in “the language of the flowers” was an essential social grace. Blossoms, colors and combinations conveyed complex messages from professions of devotion to diatribes on disdain. Presenting a bouquet with an infelicitous arrangement of flowers was as gauche as delivering a speech with improper syntax. Yet even though they chose to let flowers speak for them, the Victorians relegated the possibility that flowers could speak for themselves to the realm of fantasy. Published in 1871, Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking Glass places Alice in a garden exchanging quips with the resident plants. “ ‘O Tiger-lily,’ said Alice, addressing one that was waving gracefully about in the wind, ‘I wish you could talk!’ ‘We can talk,’ said Tiger-lily, ‘when there’s anybody worth talking to.’ “ Until the turn of the 21st century, most of the scientific community continued to regard the concept that plants have the capacity to communicate as something out of a children’s story. When Jack Schultz and Ian Baldwin’s essay describing their experiments demonstrating that injured trees release chemical signals to which other trees respond by activating their own defense mechanisms appeared in a 1983 issue of Science, their research was debunked by most of their peers as the “talking tree notion.” Some scientists, however, recognized the value of the research. Schultz and Baldwin weren’t suggesting that trees converse with one another like Alice’s imaginary flowers. Their findings pointed to a totally different type of communication. Over the next three decades, scientists across the globe accumulated compelling data on the various ways plants send signals that cause other plants and insects to react. While they have yet to devise a way of measuring intentionality – whether Doors | Windows | Blinds & Shades | Home Automation plants purposely send messages to warn their neighbors – they have quantified responses to those messages. Carefully constructed readily replicable research using a variety of plants substantiates Schultz and Baldwin’s findings. When Visit Our Alamo under attack by predators or disease or stressed by drought, plants emit an airborne volatiles (“VOCs”) specific to the problem. A Showroom bean plant infested with aphids, for example, sends a chemical 3221-B Danville Blvd message. In response, neighboring bean plants produce substances abhorrent to aphids to protect themselves. Wasps that feed on Alamo, CA 94507 aphids react to the signal as an irresistible summons to feast. By Appointment Only Recently, scientists have demonstrated that plants also communicate through the soil. Ariel Novoplansky worked with pea plants at Ben-Gurion University in Israel, Ren Sen Zeng with tomatoes at South China Agricultural University in China and Zdenta Babikova studied beans at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. They all found that the underground network of fungal fibers, or mycelia, carries messages transmitted by stressed or infected plants that elicit defensive responses in plants connected to the web. Do plants also utilize acoustic signals? Monica Gagliano, an evolutionary ecologist at the University of Western Australia, reports plants produce sounds inaudible to humans. Whether clicking noises generated by the roots of corn plants growing in water have a definite meaning is yet to be discovered. Heidi Appel and Rex Cocroft’s research at the University of Missouri indicates plants can distinguish the vibrations caused by chewing caterpillars from other similar acoustic patterns. UC Davis Professor Richard Karban’s early papers on plant communication published in the 1990s were treated primarily with skepticism. However, his new book, Plant Sensing and Communication (University of Chicago Press 2015), has received widespread recognition. In her July 22, 2015, review for Entomology and Nematology News Kathy Keatley Garvey quotes Grahme Ruxton of the University of St. Andrews, UK praising the book as a “landmark in its field” and noting, “Karban seeks to argue that plants behave – that they sense their environment, detect and communicate with an array of different organisms, and respond to their sense of the environment and communication.” Plants may lack a central nervous system, but they can process information from external sources and react appropriately. They can’t stage a family reunion, but they do give preferential treatment to kin. The Victorians never suspected when they chose to express themselves through floral messaging that flowering plants actually possess a capacity for non-verbal communication as complex as the system of symbolism ascribed to them by humans. Scientific study of the “language” flowers use to transmit information is an intriguing emerging discipline. Agricultural applications are promising. Someday, by engaging the natural ability of plants to summon predators to solve their pest and disease problems and rally their neighbors to bolster their own defenses, farmers may be able to grow healthier, higher-yielding crops.
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Page 18 - August 2016 ~ Alamo Today
Pruning for Fire Safety By Blaine Brende & Joe Lamb
In the spring and early summer, the landscape grows lush and beautiful. Our Mediterranean climate is blessed by sufficient winter rains to make plants grow, but our dry summers, and our even drier autumns, can make that new growth a fire hazard. In the greater Bay Area, we live surrounded by an ecosystem that has been shaped, over the last 10,000 years, by frequent wildfires. Because these woodland fires are inevitable, landscape trees, even healthy ones, require occasional pruning to prevent them from becoming fire ladders––bridges of flammable material that could carry flames from a woodland fire to your home. The threat posed by fires in the greater Bay Area is real and significant. The Oakland/Berkeley Hills fire of 1991 caused $1.7 billion in property damage, and it was the nation’s worst urban fire since the San Francisco fire of 1906. Failure to properly maintain landscape trees and shrubs played a significant role in allowing that fire to grow, intensify, and move. The Comprehensive Overview of the Berkeley/Oakland Hills Fire recommends that the risk of wildfire can be reduced by proper care of landscape plants:
East Bay Energy Watch Helps Local Businesses Upgrade Their Energy Efficiency
Lighting typically accounts for more than one third of the energy costs of a business, yet a large number of businesses are operating with outdated lighting systems. Simply upgrading to new, energy-efficient LEDs can reduce the lighting energy needs of a business by as much as 75% and save 40-60% in energy costs for lighting. The newer LEDs can also last for ten to fifteen years, far longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. The LED technology has rapidly advanced in recent years with many different types and colors of bulbs now available to match or improve the current lighting of the business. No longer does a business need to sacrifice ambiance for energy efficiency. In order to assist local businesses in upgrading their energy efficiency and reducing their monthly utility bills, The East Bay Energy Watch (EBEW) was created. EBEW is a local government partnership between Contra Costa and Alameda Counties together with PG&E. The goal of EBEW for businesses is to provide both technical and financial assistance for becoming more energy efficient through simple and practical energy upgrades, like upgrades to lighting. EBEW also assists businesses in making upgrades to HVAC, refrigeration and by installing free pre-rinse spray valves in commercial kitchens. Collectively reducing our energy needs through committing to low-cost energy upgrades is one of the quickest ways that as a community we can reduce our carbon footprint. In addition, the savings reaped on the utility bill for making these upgrades can be significant to a business. All in all, there is very little reason for business owners to not upgrade their lighting. Nonetheless, business owners can be overwhelmed running their businesses and often have no time to dedicate to researching and implementing energy upgrades. This is where EBEW can provide assistance. EBEW streamlines the energy upgrade process, and minimal effort is required on the end of the business to participate in the program. As part of the EBEW program, business owners first receive a free energy assessment where a trained professional visits onsite and provides a detailed
See Upgrade continued on page 21
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• Break up fire ladders. • Limb trees back from structures. • Reduce flammable biomass by thinning crowns. • Remove dead trees and shrubs from the landscape. • Remove deadwood from live trees and shrubs. Breaking up fire ladders helps prevent a fire from moving easily from the woods, or from your neighbor’s property, to your house. To break up fire ladders, increase the space between plants, both vertically and horizontally. In the 1991 fire, blowing brands of flammable material landed on ground plants and, if there was sufficient dry matter, caught the ground cover on fire. The fire burned along the ground plants horizontally for as long as it found material to burn. If it encountered trees with low branches, the fire would move vertically from the ground up into the crown of the tree. If those burning trees were close to a house, they would set the house on fire. If their crowns touched the crowns of other trees, the fire spread from crown to crown. Landscape plants pose little fire hazard when they are properly maintained, and proper maintenance does not mean sacrificing a natural, woodland aesthetic. If the limbing up, dead-wooding, and crown thinning are done by a craftsman with a sensitivity to plant aesthetics, then the trees will look natural, even though they may have had 30% of their biomass removed. Knowing how to identify potential hazards is important, but it is also important to know how to reduce those hazards in a manner that keeps your property looking natural and which doesn’t sacrifice important screening plants. Brende & Lamb specializes in balancing the conflicting needs for privacy, fire safety, tree health, and landscape aesthetics. It is possible to improve the fire safety of your property while promoting the health and beauty of your plants. Tree care is a craft requiring study and experience. Our trimmers are master craftsmen who understand that a well-pruned tree should not only be safer and healthier, it should look beautiful as well. At Brende and Lamb we take great pride in both the science and the art of pruning. If your trees need a little TLC, please call 510-486-TREE (8733) or email us at bl@brendelamb.com for a free estimate. Additionally, go to our website www.brendelamb.com to see before and after pictures, client testimonials, and work in your neighborhood. Advertorial
Alamo residents Jim and Bonnie McNamara came upon a special interaction between a local deer and a friendly bird (possibly a Cowbird) in his backyard. For over half an hour the deer hardly moved and allowed the bird to clean various parts of its’ body.
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Technology Matters
By Evan Corstorphine, Portable CIO
I’m always hunting for good analogies to explain the way we approach technology, so I’ll try this idea and see how it works. I’m old enough to remember TV’s when there were only a few channels to watch, and we had rabbit ear antennas. Remember when we’d turn the channel dial on our TV, and then we would turn that second ring around the dial that helped fine-tune our channel from fuzzy to crisp? That’s what we do at PCIO; we fine-tune your environment, making your network and systems crisp and responsive. We take a holistic approach based upon the premise of MASS. MASS stands for manageable, available, scalable and secure. That’s the yardstick by which we measure every recommendation we give you. At a typical smaller firm, someone generally inherits the IT “mantle” because they have a bit more experience with computers than their coworkers. Typically, they’ll buy some computers, get some accessories or consumer-grade networking gear at Best Buy or Fry’s, then put it all together. Voila, they’re heroes! This has worked OK, and with a lot of folks that’s been the extent of their IT. However, in today’s computing environment with the number of online criminals trying to access your computers, encrypt your files, and steal your money and identity, it’s no longer enough. The game has changed, and our team is playing defense. If you think you’re protected and safe because you have antivirus, it isn’t enough. The bad guys are endlessly innovative, and to protect you we collectively need to do more. We need to build more blocking layers between them and your systems. The challenge is implementing these changes as quickly and unobtrusively as possible, and to continue to adapt as the landscape shifts. I’m not an alarmist, nor do I want to deal in scare tactics to motivate people.
Alamo Today ~ August 2016 - Page 19 However, one could argue that a little more awareness might motivate folks to start engaging instead of ignoring their situation. It’s difficult for people to hear that it’s not a matter of “if” you get hit, it’s a matter of “when.” When we say that, we’re not trying to be negative, we’re being real. There is simply no way to avoid being exposed to the hacker element, because they’re into everything. If you use the web, you’re exposed. For instance, becoming infected is as easy as going to your favorite news website that runs advertisements on the page. We know that a percentage of those ads are infected, and we won’t know which ones, but we only have to be on the page at the same time as an infected ad to become infected. And, there is a good chance your antivirus won’t pick it up. You’ve done nothing wrong, but the next thing you know all your files are destroyed, and you’re calling for help. Why is this happening? The first reason is money. The second reason is because it will always be easier to destroy than to create. And, this is not a “PC thing” or a “Mac thing”: it’s an “everyone” thing. The criminals don’t really care which computing platform you’re using, because they write their code for all platforms. To them, ransomware is a business, and we are their unwilling “customers.” The only question is whether you’ve implemented strategies to make it harder for them to succeed and to recovery from a disaster when it happens. Our goal is to manage your technology better, faster, and cheaper than you can do it for yourself with your own staff. We’re at our absolute best when we take over your IT function and run it like our own. We have the knowledge, tools, and staff, and a long list of actions we take to make your systems run well and your network perform better. We build layers of protection and offer remediation in times of crisis. Our tag line is ‘Technology. Simplified.’ If we do our job, we enable you to do yours without worry. Technology definitely has a role in today’s world, and we want that role to be as powerful and cost effective as possible. The first question to ask yourself is “How well protected am I?” If you’re not sure of where you stand, let us help you sleep better with a site survey and report. Give us a call and we can chat about your situation, and make plans for your technology management. You can reach us at info@ pcioit.com, or 925-552-7953. Advertorial
COMPUTER SERVICES: PCs/Macs/Tablets/Smartphones • Upgrades • Maintenance • Networking • Data Recovery • Virus/Malware Removal • Back-up Solutions • Email/ Hosted Exchange IT DESIGN & IMPLEMENTATION: IT Strategy Development • IT Infrastructure Assessment • Cloud Services IT INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT: Desktop, Server, & Network Monitoring and Management • Office Move Management • Disaster Preparedness
Technology. Simplified. Serving Bay Area businesses and residents since 2001
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Page 20 - August 2016 ~ Alamo Today
Navigating the Top Five Retirement Risks Brought to you by Peter T. Waldron
In conjunction with Sagemark Consulting, a division of Lincoln Financial Advisors, a registered investment advisor
Longer lives and better health translate into longer retirements and new concepts of what retirement should be. Many of today’s retirees view retirement as a time to shift gears but not necessarily to slow down. Retirees keep their skills sharp in new job roles or by starting businesses. They continue learning new skills by going back to school as both teachers and students. Some choose to serve on boards of directors or to pursue creative and artistic passions. However you define retirement for yourself, the bottom line is that you want to have enough money to live your life without constantly worrying that you’ll run out. It certainly pays to be prepared and to stay on plan.
What to Look For
A successful retirement plan begins, of course, with making smart savings and investing decisions long before you contemplate retiring. But of equal or even greater importance is how you manage your money after you’ve left your primary career and begin to turn to your investments to provide the income that supports your lifestyle. To boost the chances that your savings will let you live comfortably in retirement, there are five primary areas of risk that you need to address: • Timing and Withdrawals: The amount you withdraw from your retirement portfolio and when you do so are two of the main determinants of how long the portfolio will last. For example, taking large withdrawals during bear markets such as those in 1973–1974 or 2000–2002 makes it hard for a portfolio to recover and grow. To the degree possible, you want to minimize drawing on your capital in a weak market since you’ll have less capital for the rebound. Your annual withdrawal rate should be smaller than your average annual return less inflation. Of course, to be conservative, you could bring it down even further, and your assets may continue to grow positively even though you’re making withdrawals. • Market Volatility: Related to the first risk, you need to position your portfolio to withstand inevitable swings in the market, and the way to do this is
Rotary continued from page 14
million challenge, which was raised to a $355 million challenge in 2009, if Rotarians would raise $200 million by 2012. Rotary accepted the challenge, and six months before the deadline date, the service organization’s members had raised $211 million. By 2012, when India joined the ranks of polio-free countries, Rotary had helped 2.5 billion children get immunized. Last July, Nigeria was declared polio-free. Thus far over the span of 30 years, working to eradicating polio in the world, Rotarians have raised over $1.24 billion to fight this crippling disease. “Today, Rotarians face challenges getting to remote villages (safely) in Pakistan and Afghanistan, the only countries where polio cases are still reported, and locating children between the ages of six months and five years to receive the vaccine,” Ms. Burlingame-Randall stated. Working hand-in-hand with the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and local government agencies, Rotary first set its sights on eradicating polio by 2005. That didn’t happen, so the goal was extended to 2010, then 2015. Today, all of the agencies involved have set their sights on December 2018 for a polio-free world. The Rotary Club of Alamo was founded on May 7, 1971 and has 46 members. The Club supports programs at Alamo and Rancho Romero Elementary Schools, Lucille Mauzy School, Stone Valley Middle School, Monte Vista, and San Ramon High Schools; provides dictionaries to third grade students; sponsors two free medical clinics for uninsured and underserved adults with acute or chronic medical conditions; and works on other community and international projects. The Club meets on Wednesdays at 12:15PM at Round Hill Country Club, 3169 Round Hill Road, Alamo.
through diversification and asset allocation – holding a combination of stocks, bonds, cash and alternative investments that matches your risk profile. Returns on these investments should be noncorrelated, so that when one area is down, another area is up. In retirement, you need diversification to perform a balancing act of having enough growth-oriented investments to help achieve acceptable long-term returns and bonds and other fixed income securities to provide steady income. Annuities could also make sense to provide at least a portion of your retirement income. • Longevity: The good news is that you have a good chance of living to a ripe old age, but the risk here is essentially that you could outlive your assets. For a married couple who both reach age 65, there is more than a 60% chance that one of them will live to age 90 (Source: Ibbotson Associates, 2006). That means that if you retire at 65, you may need to plan for 25 years or more in retirement. • Taxes and Inflation: Don’t underestimate the ability of inflation to destroy spending power. Over the past 25 years, during which inflation has been fairly tame, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) – the cost of a basket of goods and services determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics – has more than doubled. If inflation accelerates to 6%, prices would double in about 12 years. • Health Care Costs: The CPI is often not the most accurate measure of your personal inflation rate, since you may spend disproportionately on health care as you age. These costs have traditionally run at double or triple the overall rate of inflation and are not under control. In addition, consider long-term care insurance as a way to help pay for some of the potential nursing home costs as you get older.
Writing the Next Chapter
Thanks to a combination of advances in medical technology and better lifestyle choices, Americans are living longer and more active lives. Nonagenarians (people between the ages of 90-100) are becoming commonplace. Enjoy your retirement years – however you decide to spend them. Spending some time with your financial advisor today can help you enjoy true financial security tomorrow. Please contact Peter Waldron to schedule a complimentary review of your financial situation, (925) 659-0383 or peter.waldron@lfg.com. Peter T. Waldron is a registered representative of Lincoln Financial Advisors, a broker/dealer, member SIPC, and offer investment advisory service through Sagemark Consulting, a division of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., a registered investment advisor, Spectrum Wealth Partners, 3000 Executive Parkway, Ste 400, San Ramon, CA 94583. Insurance offered through Lincoln Marketing and Insurance Agency, LLC and Lincoln Associates Insurance Agency, Inc. and other fine companies. This information should not be construed as legal or tax advice. You may want to consult a tax advisor regarding this information as it relates to your personal circumstance. The content of this material was provided to you by Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. for its representatives and their clients. California Insurance License #0E47827; CRN-895260-040314 Advertorial
Blackhawk “First Sunday” Cars & Coffee
Blackhawk Automotive Museum hosts a monthly Cars & Coffee event year round for all car enthusiasts. Held on the “First Sunday” of each month, starting at 8AM and going to 10AM, the Museum welcomes all classic, collector, and special interest car owners and enthusiasts. On Cars & Coffee Sundays, the Museum opens an hour earlier, at 9AM, and participating car owners will receive complimentary Museum admission tickets. The Museum is located at 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle in Danville. For more information, visit www.blackhawkmuseum.org/carsncoffee. html, call (925) 736-2280, or email museum@blackhawkmuseum.org.
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Tax-Wise Gifts to Young Loved Ones By Robert J. Silverman, Esq.
If you have achieved a certain level of wealth, you have likely made, or have considered making, lifetime gifts to minor (or young adult) loved ones. You would commonly make gifts to a minor by: a) establishing a custodial account; or b) (if you aren’t the parent of the recipient) gifting money to the parent of the minor - so the parent can use the funds for the benefit of the minor. The manner in which you make gifts to your loved ones has important tax and non-tax consequences. On the tax side, Federal Estate Tax is payable on your death at the rate of 40% multiplied by the amount of your net assets, if any, that exceeds $5.45 million (indexed annually for inflation). Thus, gifting tax-efficiently is particularly important for those with considerable wealth. Accordingly, when you contemplate gifting to minor or young adult loved ones, you should obtain legal and tax advice about applicable tax rules and implications. One key rule is that you may gift up to $14,000 per calendar year to any number of people without: i) needing to file a Federal Gift Tax return; or ii) using up any of your Federal Gift Tax exemption or Federal Estate Tax exemption (i.e. amounts you are able to give away Gift Tax free during your life and Estate Tax free on your death). These are known as “annual exclusion” gifts. Opening a custodial (UTMA) account is simple. The funds are controlled and distributed by the designated custodian for the benefit of the minor. Upon turning 18 years old (or in some instances up to 25), the minor is automatically entitled to all remaining account funds. The serious non-tax problem associated with custodial accounts is one of control. When the funds are turned over to your loved one, he may not use the funds responsibly. Accordingly, people often look for a better alternative – a way to gift with “strings attached.” You may attempt to control your gifts by making them to the parent of the minor or young adult loved one. But, the parent may not invest or use the funds responsibly for the minor (and the parent has no legal obligation to do so). There can also be a tax problem. If you want to make annual exclusion gifts ($14,000) each year to both the parent and the child (e.g. if you are the grandparent of the minor), you will not be able to do so. You will be deemed to have made a $28,000 gift to the parent and no gift to the young loved one; and consequently, you would be required to file a Federal Gift tax return and unnecessarily use $14,000 of your Federal Gift Tax and Federal Estate Tax exemptions. Also, to qualify for the tax benefit (removing assets from your estate for Estate Tax purposes), annual exclusion gifts must be irrevocable, unconditional “present interest” transfers. So, intuitive methods of placing strings on your gifts, such as keeping your name on the account into which funds are gifted, do not work. Fortunately, however, a special kind of irrevocable trust known as a “Crummey Trust” is uniquely designed and administered so that gifts made to the trust qualify as annual exclusion gifts but can also be meaningfully controlled. A Crummey Trust can be custom-designed so that your gift into such irrevocable trust - which can be cash, securities or even life insurance - can be invested, held, and distributed to your loved one precisely at the time(s) and for the purposes you wish. So, from a tax and non-tax perspective, Crummey Trusts offer an appealing and effective way to “have your cake and eat it too” when gifting to minors or young adults. Be mindful that a Crummey Trust is an advanced estate planning strategy that should only be considered, drafted, and implemented with the advice and assistance of an experienced estate planning attorney. * Estate Planning * Trust Administration & Probate * Real Estate * Business Please contact the author to request a complimentary: i) “Estate Planning Primer”; ii) Real Estate titling brochure; iii) introductory meeting. Mr. Silverman is an attorney with R. Silverman Law Group which is located at 1855 Olympic Blvd., Suite 125, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; (925) 705-4474; rsilverman@rsilvermanlaw.com. This article is intended to provide information of a general nature, and should not be relied upon as legal, tax and/ or business advice. Readers should obtain specific advice from their own, qualified professional advisors. Advertorial
Alamo Today ~ August 2016 - Page 21
Chuck continued from front page
a number of capacities: field director, uniform director, equipment director, and snack shack director. For his outstanding service, Schneck was recently recognized formally by the League for his exemplary dedication with their creation of the inaugural ‘Chuck Schneck Volunteer of the Year’ award. “Chuck is a jack-of-all trades for the league,” says Scott Tinetti, president of San Ramon Valley Little League. “He maintains our facilities (especially at our main field at Los Cerros Middle School), manages uniforms for spring, summer, and fall seasons as well as for All-Stars, and he is also our unofficial league historian, having served NEW YEAR CARPET the league for so long. Chuck helps keep the league •NEW FLOORS! running smoothly, undertaking whatever tasks nec- • HARDWOOD essary in order to do so.” RUGS Schneck moved from Laguna Beach to Danville • CARPET in 1979 in order to watch his niece and nephew grow • HARDWOOD CUSTOM RUGS up – and to follow their sporting endeavors. Schneck • RUGS LINOLEUM never missed a match or a game. Carrie Koeper TILE played soccer, and her brother Chris was a baseball • LINOLEUM player, and while both grew up and moved away (Carrie attended the University of Massachusetts Family Owned Business on a soccer scholarship and Chris played baseball Since 1989 at Saint Mary’s College) Schneck decided to stay. In his years with San Ramon Valley Little 3344 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Lafayette, CA League, he’s dragged the fields, made Costco runs 925.284.4440 for more snacks and soda, and distributed new uniforms and caps to eager players – his favorite of all www.LamorindaFloors.com License# 708486 his various Little League jobs. For a few years in the 1980’s, it was a family affair, with Schneck’s sister Frankie also serving on the board, and her husband Ralph coaching. When not at the Little League fields, Schneck serves as a crossing guard for Quail Run Elementary School in San Ramon where he works mornings and afternoons. “I like to keep busy doing things,” says the 69 year-old Schneck, who expects to put in another three or more years with the League. “I love watching the young kids grow up, and to see what paths they take, and then to see them become fathers themselves. It’s been an honor to be part of their lives.” Schneck has also been inspired by his fellow volunteers. “I’ve received great enjoyment working with some talented men,” says Schneck, who tips his hat in particular to the League presidents – those who must handle difficult situations with aplomb. Though he now calls Dublin home, Schneck estimates that he still attends about 98% of the San Ramon Valley Little League games. “I’ve gotten so much out of doing this through the years,” he says. “It’s a lot of work, but when you donate time to something you believe in, it’s not work – it’s fun.”
Upgrade continued from page 18
cost, benefits and savings analysis for energy upgrades to lighting, HVAC and refrigeration. Pre-rinse spray valves are installed in commercial kitchens for free, saving both extensive amounts of water and energy. The owner can then decide if he or she would like to proceed with all of the proposed upgrades, some or none at all. Should the owner decide to progress with upgrades, EBEW will help the business secure vetted contractors and significant limited-time rebates, which typically cover 50-100% of the cost for the upgrades. These significant rebates are only valid until the end 2016, so it is essential that businesses investigate the program soon in order to reap the benefits. Most business owners enjoy a return on investment from the upgrades within the first year, but some are receiving return on investment almost immediately. Sustainable Contra Costa is a local non-profit dedicated to educating, connecting and inspiring people to create and maintain sustainable communities. Sustainable Contra Costa enthusiastically supports the East Bay Energy Watch and is assisting the County of Contra Costa to perform direct outreach to inform local businesses about the EBEW program. If you are a business owner in Contra Costa County interested in registering for a free energy assessment, contact Programs Coordinator, Kat Atkinson, directly at kat@sustainablecoco. org for more details. The program runs only until the end of 2016.
Page 22 - August 2016 ~ Alamo Today
Ranch continued from front page
Current President of RRHC Denise Koroslev noticed some raised beds on the site during her daily morning walk in 1996. People working on the beds invited her to a meeting. Soon she was immersed in more than just planting herbs. “Physically helping with the restoration,” she writes, “enabled me to see ‘within the walls’ how the house was built. It helped me get a feel for the evolution of the site and all of its occupants over the years.” In 2008, the renovated farmhouse was ready to welcome visitors as well as to offer meeting space for local organizations. Currently, the Northern California Unit of the Herb Society of America, the Pleasant Hill Historical Society, and the Contra Costa Succulent Garden Club meet regularly in the Rodgers House. Private tours are tailored for each group. “Sometimes it is just a tour, and sometimes it is several hours of hands-on activities such as doing wash in a washtub, churning butter, and playing old fashion games,” Koroslev explains.
Nothing goes to waste at Rodgers Ranch. Bricks salvaged from chimney repair create vibrant herb spirals. (photo courtesy of John Matthesen)
Denise notes that scout contributions are most appreciated. “There have been many Eagle Scout projects at the ranch providing many beautiful additions such as wooden benches, display cases, new rock walls, fences, and a pergola. Girl Scouts have helped develop some of the gardens, created signs, and sewn curtains for the house.” In 2012, Master Gardener Marian Woodard and her husband John Matthesen successfully petitioned the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District for permission to develop an urban farm on the property. Marian writes: “For two years we scraped, borrowed, recycled, and chiseled ~ 3,000 sq ft of beds out of sloping adobe clay. We built greenhouses and a tool shed, herb spirals and a keyhole bed, vermicomposting and composting stations.” The result is a vibrant place where best practices in growing delectable edibles in small spaces are taught in learn-by-doing lessons that can easily be translated to local home gardens. Sustainable stewardship of the land is stressed. The unusual, highly nutritious selections of open-pollinated vegetables grown are as alluring in sight and scent as they are tantalizing in taste. (Open-pollinated plants produce seed that will breed true and can be passed along for generations.) The Urban Farm Meetup group comes regularly on Saturday mornings. During the week, John, assisted by Marian, teaches a popular DVC farm to table class. Artistic arrangements of produce grown at the farm are equally appealing to the palate. Matthesen explains, “None of the produce goes to waste. Everyone who works here eats here. We are working to increase our restaurant sales. The rest goes to the food bank. Anything that can’t be consumed goes to the compost pile.” What happens in between classes? John says, “You can’t turn the farm on and off. It’s a seven-day a week job.” Beyond the immediate reward of sharing knowledge with enthusiastic students, the project has yielded unexpected benefits. “The farm has become a social gathering place,” John proudly relates. “No matter what day or time I arrive to work, I can guarantee someone will come to visit within 15 minutes.” Marian agrees. “We grow community. The by-product is food.” Each bed is intensively cultivated. Woodard describes the focus. “Everything we grow has to serve a minimum of two functions. Some crops serve up to five. We are as efficient as possible with our usage of time and space.” Heirloom squashes include Tromboncino, which can grow up to four feet
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long. Two of the beautiful lettuces high in anti-oxidants are “Merlot” and “Pinot Noir.” Charantais is a favorite among the fragrant miniature melons. Partnering with Sustainable Contra Costa, Rodgers Ranch hosts a variety of courses. On August 9, Denise Koroslev presents “Kitchen Cosmetics.” After taking a class many years ago, she researched harmful chemicals in commercial products and began making her own alternatives. She will share recipes for easy to make lotions, lip balms, and facial cleansers. The Harvest Festival on October 8th from 10AM -4PM is filled with fun for the entire family. The Holiday Boutique on December 3rd and 4th offers unique handcrafted gifts. The history of Rodgers Ranch follows a familiar theme. The gold rush lured many hopefuls to California. Mining didn’t suit everyone. Born in Ireland in 1830, Patrick Rodgers moved with his family to Philadelphia in 1840. He traveled to California in 1855 and met his wife Mary Ann, also from Philadelphia. With three children in tow, they turned their backs on mining and moved to Contra Costa County in 1868 to try their luck at growing wheat: California’s living crop of gold. Built by Dr. Hiram Smith in 1867, the house was only a year old when the Rodgers moved in. Following their fourth child’s birth in 1870, they expanded the tiny two-story structure. Eventually a kitchen was added. After Patrick’s death in 1891, the 149-acre property was divided among their four offspring. The house, wheat barn, and 34 acres went to James Rodgers and his wife who were already firmly established in Martinez. In 1915, they sold the property to Rollo Hough, a partner in the Luther Burbank Company. Hough intended to use the site for a demonstration farm, but investors failed to provide financial support. The next owners, John and Maria Calleri, grew grapes, pears, and almonds. In 1937, Alice and Earle Hobart bought the farm. Alice began writing when the couple lived in China. Her novel inspired by their experiences, Oil for the Lamps of China, was made into a movie, as was another she wrote at
Space added to the house after 1870 provides meeting space for several local groups.
Rodgers Ranch set in Napa. Originally titled The Cup and the Sword, the film version, This Earth Is Mine, starred Rock Hudson, Jean Simmons, Dorothy McGuire, and Claude Raines. Bought as a summer home by Dr. Kaho Daily and his wife Helen in 1942, the farm continued to produce almonds until 1978. In preserving the past to inform the future, RRHC demonstrates daily that sustainable practices the Rodgers family employed from necessity not only enrich our contemporary lives, but also ensure the well being of our descendants. To find class schedules, more about festivals and visiting the ranch, and how to get involved, go to www.rodgersranch.org, call (925) 937-3677, or email rodgersranchheritagecenter@gmail.com.
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Mindfulness can Help with your Difficult Emotions By Joree Rosenblatt, MA
Just as the acclaimed Pixar movie Inside Out demonstrated, all emotions are not only necessary and part of the human experience, but they each show up in our lives at different times. It is very common to want to disregard the “negative” emotions, such as anger, sadness, depression, or anxiety, as undesirable and therefore something that we just push aside and ignore. But just as when we sweep all the proverbial junk under the rug, ignoring or denying difficult emotions doesn’t actually make them go away; eventually as that pile under the rug builds, we are bound to one day trip over it, making it impossible to ignore it forever. The same is true with emotions. Practicing how to not run away from painful emotional experiences allows for the opportunity for integrated health, wellness, and overall balance in our lives. Mark Bertin, an author at Mindful magazine and a developmental pediatrician, states, “Being skillful with our emotions isn’t just about recognizing when we feel happy, angry, or sad. Awareness means noticing all of our emotions, and then making active choices about whether we need to take action or whether it’s best to leave things alone.” The more we learn how to turn towards, rather than away, the more informed our responses can be. Mindfulness is a practice that allows us to gain insight into our brains and bodies and therefore develop a new, and hopefully more integrated, relationship with whatever is arising. By practicing greater awareness and paying attention to what is happening in the present moment, rather than reacting or running from what we deem negative or undesirable, it is then that we are able to see it for what it is, allowing it to have less control over us. Paradoxically, often what holds us to difficult emotions is the lack of desire to deal with it. But with mindfulness, when we allow space for it to exist and practice relating to our emotional experiences with self-compassion and loving-kindness, we can learn that we find new tools and strengths to get through difficult times. Zendal Segal, one of the founders of Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy, explains that by simply noticing, labeling, naming, and allowing the emotion to exist, does not mean that you like it, are resigned to feeling that way forever, or that you are passively dealing with it. In fact, quite the opposite; it takes great strength and commitment to bring more intentional attention to how we are feeling and develop a new, less reactive, relationship to our emotional experiences. When we do this, we break the automatic and habitual patterns of seeing ourselves as being stuck in a negative space or mindset forever. Through acceptance and “letting it be” we also recognize the fleeting nature of all emotions. This is why you often hear of a mediation teacher describe the thoughts in our minds to be like clouds passing overhead – when we can relate to our emotions or thoughts as the ever-changing clouds, we hold less of a grip onto them as a permanent state. Through the cultivation of mindfulness, you can practice allowing the unpleasant experiences to exist, knowing that in the end you will still be okay. By being in the present moment and creating this friendliness to ourselves and our experiences, helps bring about greater courage, strength, and ability to be with whatever is arising. Living in the now brings not only relief and peace, but it also brings courage, strength, and the willingness to be with ourselves. Additionally, when we fail to pay attention to emotion, it often alters the way we view the world. In other words, our perceptions of others are often skewed by our emotional states; the benefit of mindfulness is that when we notice our emotional states with less resistance we are able to see our emotions, and therefore people or situations around us, more clearly. And now, you can cultivate a mindfulness practice right here in Danville! The Bay Area Mindfulness and Therapy Center is opening August 15th and will be offering many small classes, workshops, and individual therapy. Check out www.mindfulnessandtherapycenter.com for more info. Joree Rosenblatt, MA is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, with a passion for helping others live their optimal life through the cultivation of a mindfulness practice. Contact her for more information or to set up an appointment. Email joree@comcast.net or call 925-212-2996. Advertorial
Alamo Today ~ August 2016 - Page 23
Fine Mexican Dining
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Chill Wine in No Time By Monica Chappell
What happens when you have a wine emergency? As in, you need some cold Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Beaujolais, and you need it now. Adding ice to a glass of wine will dilute it, and sticking a bottle straight into the freezer will likely cause it to explode. As the weather warms up, we will be sipping lighter wines, and knowing how to chill these wines quickly is key to their deliciousness. The temperature at which a wine is served has a significant impact on the wine's flavor, structure, and aroma. The body and style of a wine dictate its ideal temperature. Serve a white wine too warm, and all the delicate flavors fall flat and any minor flaws are magnified, not to mention the fact that a warm wine on a warm day is simply not satisfying.
The Right Temperature
Sparkling wines and sweet wines should be served the coldest, at 43-50 degrees Fahrenheit. Light to medium bodied white wines, like pinot grigio and sauvignon blanc should be served slightly warmer, at 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit. Full-bodied whites, like an oaked chardonnay, and rosé, can be served lightly chilled, at 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit (around the same temperature as light reds like Beaujolais).
In a Perfect World
The best way to chill a bottle of wine is to place it in the refrigerator overnight, and remove it 15 to 30 minutes before serving. Most of us, however, rarely use this kind of planning in our wine consumption. You just got home from work, and a cold glass of rosé sounds perfect, but oops...the bottle is at room temperature.
The Real World
You can always throw the bottle in the freezer and hope you don’t forget about it (DON’T forget about it), but here are a few secrets that will work
See Wine continued on page 27
Page 24 - August 2016 ~ Alamo Today
The East Bay Regional Park District Wants You!
The East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) includes 65 regional parks in its two-county jurisdiction, covering more than 113,000 miles and 1,200 miles of trail. Helping to oversee and manage this vast recreational territory are nearly 200 volunteers from all over the Bay Area. EBRPD offers a volunteer position for nearly every interest. Consider work in the Botanic Garden, or help with a Coastal Clean-up Day. Become a Regional Parks ambassador, or participate in the companion dog patrol. Help with trail maintenance, or walk the trails as part of the safety patrol. Whether you may seek a special one-time volunteer job or ongoing yearround programs, EBRPD would love to hear from you. Positions are offered for all ages and can be tailored for school groups, students, corporate groups, and Scouting and service clubs. They also offer company team-building service projects. Those seeking to help restore parklands to their original state can help replace non-native plants with natives, or work with staff to restore vital habitats. EBRPD volunteers help lead tours, take photos, distribute flyers, serve as hosts and greeters, and help with recycling activities. Volunteering with EBRPD can provide new skills, new friends, a greater knowledge of natural and cultural resources, and the personal satisfaction of making a difference in the community. For information, email Volunteers@EBParks.org, or visit www.ebparks. org/about/getinvolved/volunteer. (Some events require registration and some programs require training, fingerprinting, background checks, or TB testing.)
Search and Rescue
The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team needs volunteer members to respond to missing person incidents, disasters, and other critical incidents. Team members are on call 24/7 year-round. The program provides required training; including wilderness traveling, first aid, map and compass usage, tracking disaster response, and search skills; and may also include special training for canine, equestrian, technical, mountain bike, or other rescue skills. For information and applications, visit www.contracostasar.org or call (925) 646-4461.
By Roger Smith, Alamo Improvement Association Alamo Farmer’s Market
Melons are now in season! They are super fresh and tasty. Check out J&J Ramos and Resendiz Farms for samples, and take home the varieties to satisfy your taste buds! Also, please welcome back Coastside Smoked Salmon of San Jose. Coastside Farms carries a vast array of smoked salmon as well as lox and jerky. The Alamo Farmer’s Market has added a number of new vendors including Valley Oaks Dairy of Oakdale. They offer a selection of cheeses and in the future will carry pasteurized milk and fresh yogurt. Born Nutz of Waterford has also joined the Market. They are an almond farm offering raw almonds plus 11 flavors of almonds. The Alamo Certified Farmer’s Market operates year round from 9am – 2pm, rain or shine. Enjoy music and easy parking, and join the fun. Shop at the Alamo Farmer’s Market located in the Bank of America Parking lot at 110 Alamo Plaza.
Pipeline Safety Update and Comments
A little over a year ago, AIA presented two workshops on Pipeline Safety. In September 2015, the Pipeline Safety Trust completed its report and recommendations. That report has now been reviewed by the Contra Costa County (CCC) Hazardous Materials Commission and is currently under review by the CCC Transportation, Water, and Infrastructure Commission (TWIC). There are concerns that the numerous safety recommendations contained in the Pipeline Safety Trust’s report will become lost in the government review process, and CCC will miss a unique opportunity to become an advocate for Pipeline Safety both within our County and also Statewide. Please visit www.AlamoCA.org to view the full Pipeline Safety Report. During the last nine months, the State of California has passed the following bills: Petroleum Pipelines - AB 295 - State Fire Marshal Annual Inspections of all Intrastate Petroleum Pipelines and SB 864 - State Fire Marshal Testing of all California Coastal Petroleum Pipelines; CCC is included in this for the areas close to the Bay/Straits. Gas Pipelines - AB 1420 – Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources
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Alamo Police Services Advisory Committee June 2016 Reports
Deputy Topete Completed - 123 Calls for Service, 9 Reports, 7 School Security Checks, 1 Arrest, 6 Citations, 14 Public Assembly Checks Deputy Topete Responded to or Conducted -14 Alarm Calls, 4 Disturbance of the Peace, 3 Suspicious Circumstances, 30 Service to Citizens, 4 Outside Assist, 2 Identity Thefts, 2 Petty Thefts, 1 Battery If I Were a Thief Program - 168 Streets covered during the month, 51 Flyers distributed, 54 Notices Alamo Plaza parking lot
Reported Incidents
Alamo Square Drive – Residential Burglary – On Alamo Square Drive, a residential garage had been burglarized while the garage door was open. Several pieces of golfing and sailing equipment were stolen. Owner was unsure of when burglary occurred because the garage was left open for approximately a week, due to the house being remodeled. Crime scene was processed for evidence and the case is ongoing.
Items of Interest
1) The Livorna Park summer concerts have been a success. There have been no issues related to crime at the concerts 2) The increase in shoplifting has continued at the Alamo Safeway. The typical responsibles appeared to be coming from outside of Alamo. Several arrests are still being conducted by the Sheriff’s office related to the shoplifting in hopes to greatly curb the rise in theft. In one incident, two arrests were made back-to-back at the Safeway within minutes of each other. 3) Next month, Rancho Romero Elementary will be hosting the Street Smarts Presentation and Clinic. Street Smarts educates the students on bicycle safety.
To advertise call 925.405.6397 – Testing every two years requirement for all active gas lines located in sensitive areas and AB 2856 – PUC to require automatic shutoff valves/remote controlled sectionalized block valves in all high consequence areas and where lines traverse an active seismic earthquake fault. Please visit http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/ for more information on various California Assembly and Senate Bills. At the upcoming TWIC meeting in August we need to have Pipeline Safety advocacy be a part of their review process and recommendations to the CCC Board of Supervisors. In addition, the CCC Legislative Committee (their meeting is on August 8th) needs to review the above bills and recommend CCC support. CCC could, and should, support the Pipeline Safety Trust’s report/recommendations and the California State Pipeline Safety Bills (now approved) and become an advocate for Pipeline Safety both for our county and statewide with our legislators. The Pipeline Safety problems we faced in 2015 are still present and include the Kinder Morgan pipeline traversing two seasonal creeks in Alamo. There are only two manual shutoff valves located on that 10 mile long portion of the pipeline, one located at the north side of Alamo and the other on the south side of Danville, which carries per mile more than 20,000 gallons of diesel and high octane jet fuel at pressures of 1,100 PSI. A break in the line during an earthquake with an ignition source (downed power lines) present could result in a replay of the 2004 explosion and fire in south Walnut Creek on the same line, however this time with as much as 200,000 gallons feeding the fire, with no way to turn it off -- is anyone listening? Call to Action - If you agree with having CCC become a stronger advocate for Pipeline Safety along with strict enforcement of current and new Pipeline Regulations, both for our county and statewide, please let our Supervisors and our elected officials know today. Please do not delay in doing so. Visit http:// www.ccartoday.com/public/gov/elected-officials for information on our elected officials and how to contact them. Alamo is a special community that all of our residents can be justifiably proud to call “Home.” Please watch for the AIA membership letter and form, complete it, and return it to AIA to our P.O.Box 156, Alamo, CA. 94507 Established in 1955 and now celebrating its 61st year, AIA’s mission is to “preserve the semi-rural character of Alamo,” the place we love to live. Consider becoming a member of our 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to preserve Alamo’s unique beauty and status. Please visit www.AlamoCA.org.
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Inguinal Hernia
Alamo Today ~ August 2016 - Page 25
By Michael Baker, M.D., FACS
A hernia means that some part of the contents from within the abdominal cavity – some fat or sometimes a part of the intestine – protrudes through an abnormal opening or weakness in the muscles of the abdominal wall. An inguinal hernia is a bulge that develops through a weakened area in the groin. The inguinal canal is a passage through the lower abdominal wall – there is such an opening on each side of the lower abdomen. In males, the spermatic cord from the testicle passes through the inguinal canal and contains blood vessels, nerves, and the spermatic duct, that carries sperm from the testicles to the penis. In females, the round ligaments, which support the uterus, pass through the inguinal canals. This inguinal canal provides a weak point in the abdominal wall which is why hernias often develop in the groin. They are more common in men than in women, can be present at birth, or have developed at any time during your lifetime. Inguinal hernias can cause burning, pressure, a dragging sensation, a bulge, or pain. Most hernias can be diagnosed by physical examination. Usually your physician will ask you to cough or strain in order to make it more obvious on examination. If it is difficult to determine with certainty, then physicians will sometimes order an ultrasound exam or a CT scan. A hernia does not get better over time, nor will it go away by itself. There are no exercises or physical therapy regimens that can make a hernia improve or heal. The hernia can be observed if you and your physician feel it is not an urgent problem, and there are minimal or no symptoms. An alternative to surgery includes wearing a truss or hernia belt. There is a slight risk that abdominal contents could become incarcerated (trapped) or strangulated ( the tissue dies) which needs to be taken into consideration if surgical repair is not done. An incarcerated hernia happens when part of the fat or small intestine from inside the abdomen becomes stuck in the groin or scrotum and cannot go back into the abdomen. When an incarcerated hernia is not treated, the blood supply to the small intestine may become constricted, causing “strangulation” of the intestine or other contents. Hence, most physicians encourage repair of inguinal hernias in patients who are medically able to undergo the procedure when feasible, even if there are no symptoms. A hernia may not cause symptoms, but they do tend to get larger over time. If symptomatic or enlarging, the hernia should be repaired. This requires a trip to the operating room and the ability to tolerate some type of anesthesia. Most all hernia repairs involve implanting a mesh of woven material to strengthen the muscles and prevent hernia recurrence. Hernias can be repaired by making a small incision in the groin (open technique) or by using a laparoscope to enter the abdominal cavity and repair from the inside. Your surgeon will choose the technique which they feel is the most appropriate for your age, medical conditions, surgical risk, and potential outcome. Each type of repair has its advantages, risks, and benefits. There are certain patients in which only an open technique can be used, such as when the patient cannot tolerate general anesthesia. In the hands of experienced surgeons who repair inguinal hernias on a regular basis, both the open and laparoscopic approaches have low rates of serious complications and very good outcomes. Complications include hematoma (bleeding into the tissue), superficial wound infection, testicular swelling, chronic pain in the groin, and hernia recurrence. Most inguinal hernias can be repaired on an outpatient basis requiring only a short stay on the day of surgery. Higher risk patients may need hospital observation for their medical conditions. Recovery time is variable, but most patients can return to light activity within a few days. Timing for return to work or vigorous activity will be recommended by your surgeon. Dr. Baker is a board certified general surgeon, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a retired US Navy Admiral. He is the Senior Partner of West Coast Surgical Associates (formerly Walnut Creek Surgical Associates) with offices in Walnut Creek, Concord, and San Ramon. For more information call (925) 933-0984 or view the surgical team at www.wcsurgeons.com. Advertorial
Meals on Wheels
Seniors in your community need your support! Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services has been supporting seniors since 1968. Two of the programs, Meals on Wheels and Friendly Visitors, rely on the support of volunteers. We need your help now more than ever. Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers deliver meals to local homebound seniors through regular two hour shifts once per week or as substitute drivers. Friendly Visitors volunteers provide weekly one-hour companionship visits to isolated seniors. To volunteer for either program, please call (925)937-8311.
Page 26 - August 2016 ~ Alamo Today
Paving Your Path By Michelle Brown
Many of us think that the sweatier and/or more sore we get from a workout, the more effective the workout is. While the human body must endure some damage to create strength and endurance adaptations, it also needs slow state, steady work to compliment those adaptations. Some of the most effective workouts will not produce sweat or soreness. Periodization, a scientifically proven form of exercise programming in which strategic implementation of specific training phases to create adequate adaptation, allows your body to recovery in order to prevent injury while making strides toward fitness goals. When we move repetitively, as in exercise, we are creating movement patterns. Imagine these patterns are dirt paths. If we plan to use these paths often, we will want to pave them so they can support heavy use. As well planned infrastructure is to building long lasting roads, our mindful movements are to building long lasting movement patterns. First, our foundation must be evenly graded to support the repeated pressure of the movement patterns. We must always work to perfect basic human movements before loading them with intensity. In this analogy, we need to grade our path before we pave it, so that we avoid problems later down the road. If our dirt path has faults or large gaps, it is not ready to be paved. So, if your hips are so tight that your squat form is improper, it is not time to add weight to that squat. Stretching of the hip flexors and drills that work lumbo pelvic stability are ways of leveling the path. If you lack the core strength to execute a push-up without losing stability in the lumbo pelvic, there is certainly no sense in trying out handstand push-ups. Drills that encourage core strength and stability in the low back will give you greater gains toward the goal of whole body function. Unfortunately, many “fitness” programs will encourage you to pave your road too soon. Whether its asking you to put a bar on your back before your squat is ready for it, or stand on your hands before your core is strong enough, its not their path to pave. It’s up to you to be humble enough to decide when you are ready to advance to that level of training. Faults will not be made better by simply pouring cement on them. A path must be made solid in order to provide the support needed to invite a heavy
Books for the Homebound
If you or someone you know has a passion for reading and can no longer visit the library, find out more about the Danville Library’s Books for the Homebound program, a free and unique library service. Trained library volunteers check out and deliver books to homebound individuals residing in their own homes or residential care facilities. Contact Sandra Paiva, Volunteer Coordinator, at the Danville Library at (925) 837-4889 for more information.
Lic# 1100014354; Bay Area Entertainment
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stream of travel like a back squat or handstand push-up. If we pour that cement too soon, we risk major cracks in the pavement. This is the intersection where road blocks become injuries. Judging workout quality only by how sweaty and sore we are afterwards may leave us under construction forever, and this is certainly not the goal of any fitness program. Be smart about your training. Your body is not meant to go 150% all the time. Programs that encourage this are not well programmed, and they are certainly not based on current exercise science. If you are in a perpetual state of soreness, you are over-training and injury is imminent. If you have worked a program based on periodization principals, with phases that allow for adaptation, implementation and recover, you will have success. Yes, you may be sore sometimes, and surely you will sweat. You will also find that over time, your capability to endure will increase. When you repeat a workout with the same intensity you have done in the past, you will not be as sore or as sweaty. This is proper programming, and this is a well laid foundation and a road that is ready for the wonderful trips that lie ahead. To a path well paved, Coach Michelle Michelle Brown is an ACE Certified Medical Exercise Specialist, ACE Certified Personal Trainer, Martial Arts Expert, TRX Level 2 Certified Trainer, Certified Trigger Point Rehabilitation Therapist, SCW Yoga Level 2 Instructor, and owner of Gumsaba Fitness Programs. Michelle has been helping clients surpass their goals since 1998. Gumsaba offers outdoor fitness programs, personal, small group and sport specific training. Join Gumsaba for a FREE CLASS. Visit gumsaba.com and click “get started” to redeem your free class with promo code TRAVEL. www.gumsaba.com Advertorial
Station continued from front page
The new 7,900 square foot station replaces the 58 year old, 3,700 square foot Station 32 on Stone Valley Road. Total cost for the new station is $4.7 million. The cost will be partially offset by sale of Fire District property on Danville Boulevard at Hemme Avenue (already complete for $740,000 to the Alamo Parks District), as well as sale of the existing station parcel on Stone Valley Road. The remaining construction financing is coming from certificates of participation sold by the fire district last August. Certificates of participation are lease financing agreements in the form of tax exempt securities similar to bonds. The SRV Fire District is an independent, selfgoverning fire district, and it is funded by a percentage of the 1% property tax paid by homes and businesses in the district. It is generally regarded as the most financially secure fire district in Contra Costa County. On average, around 17% of the typical Alamo property tax bill goes to SRV Fire. That means if your home is assessed at $1 million, your 1% property tax is around $10,000 per year, and SRV Fire receives $1,700 of that amount. Fifteen firefighters are based out of the Alamo station, five on duty at any given time. Four pieces of fire fighting equipment will be housed at the new station: two Type 1 structural fire engines, Engine 32 and 32A, as well as a Type 3 wildland fire engine (Engine 332) and one ambulance (Rescue/Medic 32). The fire district began plans to replace the existing Alamo fire station in 2006 with the purchase of the parcel on the southwest corner of Hemme Avenue and Danville Boulevard. When the Stone Valley road parcel at the intersection of Miranda Avenue became available in 2009, the fire district quickly purchased that parcel and abandoned the Hemme parcel. The Miranda/Stone Valley location has several advantages. It is at the exact geographical center of the Alamo zone served by Station 32, and it is a major East/West and North/South controlled intersection which will allow engines to exit in three directions. The existing station does not have enough room to pull through fire engines, and equipment must back up into the bays, stopping traffic on busy Stone Valley Road, a major disadvantage. The district has been very transparent about the new Station 32, and has devoted considerable online resources to make it easy for taxpayers to be knowledgeable about this project. Alamo residents can view the station’s construction documents and drawings, contracts, project budget, engineers’ reports, conditions of approval and many other items on the district’s website, www.firedepartment.org. Look for the tab labelled Construction Projects, which is devoted entirely to Station 32 construction.
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Your Personal Nutritionist
End Diabetes Type II Without Drugs By Linda Michaelis RD, MS
Alamo Today ~ August 2016 - Page 27
BACK TO SCHOOL
Yes, it’s true: minor changes in your diet along with moderate exercise will bring your blood sugar levels down to normal in a very short time. This is not an exaggerated claim but reflects real results I see everyday in my practice. Even my husband received bloodwork that indicated that he was diabetic. He Bring in this coupon to get a FREE upgrade to safety lenses made the changes that I suggested, and I am happy to report on your child’s first pair of glasses his levels came down to normal within weeks. Close to 25 million Americans over 65 have Type 2 AND Diabetes (blood sugar over 140 mg/dL) while another 90 million 20 years or older have been diagnosed with 25% off on their second pair of glasses* Pre-Diabetes (blood sugar over 120 mg/dL). You should (925) 202-2846 be aware of the fact that studies have shown us that this diabetes epidemic is a great contributor to the scourges of Poplar Spectacles Optometry |215 Alamo Plaza, Suite D |Alamo, CA 94507 cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Your physician will conwww.poplarspecs.com firm a diabetes diagnosis by looking at results of an A1C which should not be greater than 6.5%. This test tells what Expires 9-30-16 (*some restrictions apply. Cannot combine with insurance or other discounts) your average glucose level has been over three months. I am glad to report that I am able to typically get my clients’ I know these adaptations may sound too good to be true, but it can be A1C down from 8.6 to 6.5 within three months, and, where doctors often done if you do not want to rely on diabetic meds your whole life. The good express amazement by telling me they were about to put my clients on higher news is that most insurance companies pay for nutritional counseling doses of metformin. The first reaction to a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes is often shock, fear, and for diabetes. I am glad to inform you that my services are covered by most insurances even depression as most people will start taking 500-1000mg of metformin twice a day immediately. (Diabetes Type 1 does need medication.) Clients such as Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Sutter Select, report that for a couple of months they have diarrhea, gas, stomach pain, and ABMG, Health Net, and Hill Physicians. Please feel free to call me at (925) flu like symptoms until their body adjusts. I am adamant with my clients that 855-0150 or email me at Lifeweight1@yahoo.com about your nutrition they do not have to live with these side affects if they work closely with me concerns. Look at my website LindaRD.com for past articles and nutrition tips in my blog section. Advertorial and follow the dietary regimen I recommend. A major problem with diabetes is that blood sugar levels spike throughout the day and result in the constant need for insulin to break down the sugars Wine continued from page 23 which, in turn, causes a large strain on the pancreas. People with diabetes much better: •Put the bottle in water: Water conducts heat away from the bottle either don’t make insulin efficiently or their body’s cells no longer are able much more quickly than air does (remember high school chemistry?), so to recognize insulin, leading to high blood sugars. fill a tub, bucket or pot with cold water and lots of ice, and submerge your 5 Meal a Day Plan With Type 2 Diabetes it is extremely important to eat five small meals a bottle in the ice bath. •Add salt: Salt lowers the melting point of ice, allowing the ice to melt day which will prevent blood sugar from spiking and causing the need for faster and cool the water more quickly. greater amounts of insulin. Small meals should be eaten every few hours, and •Spin the bottle: Rotate the bottle in the ice bath to move the wine it is best to keep to the same times each day so your blood sugar will adapt. around, allowing more wine-to-water contact. I not only recommend five meals but also suggest balancing the amount of If you try all three of these tricks, you can have your white wine chilled proteins, carbs, and fats at each meal. For the first four meals, I recommend down in as little as 10 minutes. How refreshing! large amounts of protein, a carb, and some veggies. The evening meal should Monica Chappell teaches and writes about wine. Contact include a smaller amount of protein (which is harder to digest at night) to be enjoyed with at least a cup or more of whole grains and two cups of wineappreciation101@gmail.com for upcoming wine programs. vegetables. With few exceptions, I find my clients actually begin to enjoy Group Helps People Cope with Death of Pets spacing out their meals during the day and are happy to not feel bloated from When you lose your pet, you often feel like a part of you is lost. The heavy meals. They enjoy the variety of smaller, tasty meals and large snacks. death of your beloved animal companion is one of the most difficult losses Clients easily lose weight and report higher levels of energy during the day. you may ever feel. This loss is sometimes made more painful by society’s Exercise seeming lack of support for pet grief. An hour of exercise 5-6 days a week is recommended. I have found that Hospice of the East Bay (HoEB) and the Tony La Russa Animal Rescue breaking exercise up into two half hours of, for example, a brisk walk is quite Foundation is offering a support group where participants can share memoeffective. It is quite common to see a 50 point reduction of blood sugar after ries and feelings and talk to others who truly understand and care. Meetings a walk, the best pill in town. will be held the second Tuesday of each month from 5:30-7PM at the Tony La Russa Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek. Desserts For further information and/or to register, please call Bereavement SerYes, you can have desserts as long as it is eaten after a meal and not on vices at HoEB (925) 887-5681. HoEB Bereavement Services are provided an empty stomach. At first I recommend 200 calories of dessert such as a free of charge to all community members in need. However, donations are fudgisicles, fruit juice bars, puddings, cupcakes, or slice of cake with very greatly appreciated. little frosting.
Page 28 - August 2016 ~ Alamo Today
The Mystery of Recurring White Spots By Dr. Jerome Potozkin
Last week I saw a young couple, John and Debbie, who had just come back from a vacation in Cabo. They came to see me because shortly after returning from vacation Debbie noticed white spots that seemed to appear out of nowhere all over John’s back. They reported a similar phenomena last year when they returned from a trip to Cancun. Debbie wanted to know if this was contagious, and John wanted to know how to get rid of it. I carefully examined John’s back and immediately recognized that he had one of the most common skin conditions known as Tinea Versicolor. This condition is caused by yeast growing on the skin. Many people have the yeast harmlessly growing on their skin while others will develop Tinea Versicolor. The condition is often worse in hot humid conditions. It usually appears as circular patches of skin that look as if it has lost color. There may be some fine scaling on the skin. The reason the skin looks lighter in color is that the yeast produces azelaic acid that can inhibit pigmentation. That is the reason it is more noticeable after sun exposure. The area that has the yeast does not tan while the rest of the skin does. This explains why Debbie and John noticed this after their sunny vacations. As John’s tan faded, so did the appearance of the rash. I felt obligated to educate them about sunscreen and sun protective clothing. Soon we will discuss treatment. Tinea Versicolor isn’t the only skin condition that results in loss of pigmentation. Another condition that commonly causes some loss of pigmentation is Pityriasis Pityriasis Alba is a form of eczema. This condition is commonly seen in kids who spend a lot of time in the pool. The pool water dries out the skin resulting in loss of pigmentation. It most commonly occurs on the face but can occur anywhere on the body. Treatment includes mild soap, moisturizer, as well as topical prescription creams. Many parents of children with Pityriasis Alba bring their child to us fearful that they have Vitiligo. Vitiligo is a skin disease that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the pigment producing cells. Michael Jackson made this disease well known. Pityriasis Alba is easier to treat than Vitiligo, but fortunately there are now newer treatments that can help people suffering from Vitiligo. Some people get small white patches on their arms and legs. The spots usually are not scaly. They typically represent long-term sun damage. Unfortunately, there is no great treatment for this problem that carries a big fancy name: idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis. Prevention with sunscreen and protective clothing is your best bet. Of the many treatment options, John chose to use a topical antifungal lotion. Topical treatments are available in foam, cream, lotion, and shampoo preparations. Some people choose to take oral antifungal medications, but these do pose greater risks than medicines applied topically. Recurrence is very common, so some people choose a monthly application of a topical antifungal to prevent the condition from coming back. Return of the lightened pigment does not occur immediately but rather over the course of several weeks to months. If you think you may have Tinea Versicolor or any other skin or pigmentation issue, feel free to call us as we are accepting new patients. Dr. Potozkin is a board certified dermatologist who has been serving the local community since 1993. His fully accredited dermatological and laser facility is located at 600 San Ramon Valley Blvd, Suite 102 in Danville. Dr. Potozkin is a fellow member of the ASDS. He is accepting new patients. Please call (925) 838-4900 or visit Potozkin.com for more information Advertorial
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Drinking Tea to Fight Cancer By Jewel Johl, MD
Starting primarily in China and Japan, over 5,000 years ago, royalty started drinking tea. This fine drink is now consumed by many all over the globe. There are a variety of important nutrients and natural polyphenols found in tea, an important one being Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). EGCG is the most active and abundant type of polyphenols in tea. It is capable of lowering levels of a certain protein in the body which are required for cancerous cells to grow. Tea can also trigger apoptosis of cancerous cells, which is when the cell dies. Catechins, a property also found in tea, are capable of blocking blood vessel formation in tumors. When this occurs the supply line is cut off which keeps the tumor from growing. With a combination of both the EGCG and other catechins, tea is able to stop tumor growth as well as kill cancerous cells. Tea has been shown to prevent or suppress ovarian, prostate, breast, colon, and lung cancers. Oolong, black, and green teas have the most effective active nutrients for fighting cancer. Overall, green tea shows to be the most promising of all tea types. Its polyphenols are made up of 50-70% EGCG which, as mentioned earlier, is the most effective and active polyphenol of them all. Packaged or “instant” tea powders do not contain the same benefits as fresh tea bags or leaves. To get the most active nutrients out of your tea, drinking it freshly brewed and plain is most beneficial. When tea beverages are iced, or have other liquids or sugars added into them, their nutritious components are diluted. Drinking two to three cups of tea a day can lower your overall risk for cancer. In the year of 2014, just shy of 600,000 people died in the United States from cancer. There are many simple lifestyle changes that help to prevent cancer, including the drinking of tea. In addition, by eating healthy, maintaining an ideal weight, and staying active, it is easier for your body to keep fighting off diseases so that you can live a long, healthy life. Dr. Johl is a Medical Oncologist and Hematologist at Diablo Valley Oncology. Dr Johl practices evidence based medicine with an integrative approach. He educates patients about the therapeutic benefits of natural compounds and supplements that have very little or no side effects. Call 925-677-5041 to schedule an appointment. Advertorial
Assistance League of Diablo Valley’s TeleCare Connects with the Homebound
Since 1971, member volunteers of TeleCare, a philanthropic program of Assistance League® of Diablo Valley, have been making daily reassurance calls, Monday through Friday, to those in our community who are homebound. As the chapter’s longest standing philanthropic program, TeleCare empowers the clients, no matter what their ages, to remain in their homes. What ensures this is a daily confidential journal kept for each client that member volunteers consult prior to the phone calls then update accordingly. Last year alone, member volunteers devoted 765 hours to connecting with homebound clients. Unfortunately, many clients are socially isolated and don’t have anyone to check on them daily. Statistics indicate that loneliness can cause a 20% decline in health, a number that increases for seniors, the elderly and the homebound. TeleCare not only offsets that statistic, it ultimately serves as a safety net for clients and their families especially if volunteer callers are unable to reach the client. If you live alone or know someone who does, a daily phone call would be a great way to stay connected with life and make new friends. Other TeleCare activities include attending an annual holiday party to meet fellow clients and member volunteers face to face, as well as receiving greeting cards from the Assisteens®, an auxiliary where kids learn to participate in a community service at a young age. So make that call to get you or someone you know connected. For more information about TeleCare, please phone 925-934-0901. To learn about Assistance League of Diablo Valley’s other philanthropic programs, funded by its thrift shop in Lafayette, and its recently awarded GuideStar Exchange gold participation level status, please visit diablovalley.assistanceleague.org.
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The Eye Opener
Retinal Holes, Tears, and Detachments By Gregory Kraskowsky, O.D., Alamo Optometry
Thankfully there are very few ocular emergencies that we deal with at the office. However, a retinal detachment and some symptomatic holes and tears are examples of a time when an immediate referral is needed. Whenever someone calls into the office with the possible signs of a detachment, that person is usually seen in the office the same day. There are several signs and symptoms that a patient needs to know to be able to correctly assess the situation. Most patients will experience an increase in the amount of floaters, flashes of light, possible loss of vision, and areas of gray or black in their visual field. Most patients have floaters, but in the case of a problem, there is a large change in the quantity and/or size of them. In addition, there is usually accompanying flashes of light. These floaters and flashes are consequences of the forces of the retina pulling away from the back surface of the eye. Even though a patient can have an increase in their floaters with flashes and not have a detachment, it is extremely important to have this evaluated as soon as it happens. In addition, there will be loss of vision or peripheral vision in the affected eye; this can vary from a very little change to severe vision loss. Vision loss in a detachment is determined by whether or not the macula is still attached. Since the macula is the only area of the retina where sharp 20/20 vision is achieved, if the detachment does not include the macula, the vision loss will be minimal. However, if the detachment is very near or including the macula, vision will be less than 20/400, or the equivalent of the big “E” on the eye chart. Lastly, a person will notice an area of gray or black in their vision that corresponds to the area of the retina that is detached. It is also important to note that a person will not experience any pain from a detachment because there are no pain receptors in the retina. Most of the time, the signs and symptoms of a retinal complication are
Farmers continued from front page
The process is simple: 1. Visit the Urban Farmers website at www.theurbanfarmers.org. 2. Register your tree by clicking on the link that is just below the picture above. 3. Provide a few details: What types of fruit do you have? When do you think the fruit will ripen? etc. 4. When your harvest date approaches, The Urban Farmers will contact you, and if you have excess fruit, they will coordinate a harvest day and will take whatever fruit you wish to donate. If you prefer to harvest your own fruit and all you need is transportation to the food bank, they will take care of that, too. Danville resident Bobbie Rothenberg decided to call The Urban Farmers
Alamo Today ~ August 2016 - Page 29 obvious to the patient. However, a long-standing tear and detachment can go undetected for a period of time. If the retinal problem is not in the main area of vision and does not cause the above-mentioned visual symptoms, the patient can be completely unaware that anything is wrong. Granted this does not happen often. However, it does underscore the need for routine dilations to monitor the health of the retina. After a dilated evaluation reveals a detachment or a symptomatic hole or tear, the patient is then referred to a retinal specialist that same day or the next day. It is advisable for the patient to go straight to the specialist because they are already dilated, and the sooner treatment is initiated, generally the better the prognosis. Surgical repair can either be done in office or will require a surgical outpatient procedure. This is determined by the surgeon, and the evaluation is based on the location, vision loss, size, and duration of the detachment. In addition, other factors that determine treatment options include age, other associated medical conditions such as diabetes, and if there has been a hole or detachment in the other eye. Even though the surgery is delicate, the recovery from the surgery can be tedious depending on what exactly needs to be done. Some patients often have to lie face down for a period of time to help ensure the retina remains attached. Some detachments just “happen” and there is not necessarily a cause. However, conditions such as trauma, high myopia (near-sightedness), diabetes, and other systemic conditions can increase your likelihood. It is important that if you experience flashes of light, floaters, loss of vision, or an area of black or gray in your vision that you are checked that day. I would much rather see a patient with these symptoms and not have a detachment than a patient waiting a period of time for the symptoms to “go away” and then possibly have permanent decreased vision because they waited too long. Dr. K. at Alamo Optometry is your hometown eye doctor for outstanding service, vision care, and designer eyewear. He can be reached at 820-6622, or visit his office at 3201 Danville Blvd., Suite 165 in Alamo. Visit our website at www.alamooptometry.com, and join us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @Alamo Optometry. Advertorial when her lemon tree started bearing more fruit than she could use. She read about the organization in a senior center newsletter and enlisted their help. “This lovely group came out and not only picked the tree, but they helped me to clean up my yard,” says Rothenberg. “It was a nice experience. It’s a great organization – a community-spirited group.” The Urban Farmers organization is divided into two parts: A central organization that provides the infrastructure (legal entity, insurance, website, software, tools, equipment, training and processes for finding fruit donors and volunteers), and local neighborhood teams where a person or family interested in helping the community harvest the fruit in their neighborhood. The group now has eight chapters harvesting from Vacaville to Pleasanton, with new chapters starting in Rio Vista and Fremont. Their hope is to soon expand the project to any community in the United States (and beyond) that seeks to convert local, healthy, sustainable fruit from waste to food. “We are able to harvest fruit at an average operating cost of 12 cents per pound,” says representative Siamack Sioshansi. “According to USDA, a farmer has to grow five pounds of fruit to feed a person for a day. This means we can feed a person for about 60 cents per day. You can’t even buy a can of soup for that price. For people that care about social justice and especially feeding the needy, there is no better way to invest donor dollars.” For more information on The Urban Farmers and how you can participate either by donating fruit, or your time, visit www.theurbanfarmers.org.
Hearing Loss Association
Come to meetings of the Diablo Valley Chapter of Hearing Loss Association of America at 7pm on the 1st Wednesday of the month at the Walnut Creek United Methodist Church located at 1543 Sunnyvale Ave., Walnut Creek Education Bldg., Wesley Room. Meeting room and parking are at back of church. All are welcome. Donations are accepted. An assistive listening system is available for T-coils, and most meetings are captioned. Contact HLAADV@hearinglossdv.org or (925) 264-1199 or www.hearinglossdv.org for more information.
Page 30 - August 2016 ~ Alamo Today
Defrosting a Frozen Shoulder
By Dr. Kristin Moore, DC
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Are you experiencing the agonizing symptoms of frozen shoulder syndrome? Have you tried to move your arm into different positions, but you can’t? Have you tried lifting your arm over your head but can’t raise it more than six inches? Do you find that getting dressed in the morning or washing your hair is quite challenging because you can only use one arm? If any of these scenarios sound familiar, you may be suffering from adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder. Frozen shoulder is characterized by pain along with a decrease in the range of motion of the shoulder joint, typically when raising the arm to the side as well as internal and external rotation. This is caused when the connective tissue that surrounds the shoulder capsule becomes inflamed and begins to stiffen the joint and cause a decrease in motion. While the cause of this condition is still unknown, it is typically linked to tendonitis, bursitis, and rotator cuff injuries. Some also do report a higher incidence linked with recent surgery or trauma to the shoulder or neck region. In a small subset of patients, frozen shoulder is developed without any trauma or injury. If left untreated, frozen shoulder can take approximately two to three years to resolve. That means two to three years of NOT being able to use your shoulder! It can sometimes eventually go away on its own, but if it does, it will take a very long time. If you start feeling symptoms of pain or decreased range of motion in your shoulder, then you should get it checked immediately! The sooner that you catch it, the better the outcome! I have found a fantastic combination of treatments that helps significantly speed up the time it takes to recover from frozen shoulder. My treatments include: 1. Gentle chiropractic adjustments: This helps to break up any adhesions in the capsule to begin to restore proper movement of the shoulder joint. 2. Class IV laser therapy: Laser treatments help to increase blood flow to the site of injury with then helps pull inflammation away from the joint to help to reduce the pain and the rigidity of the adhesions in the shoulder. 3. Shoulder stretches: At-home stretches will be given to help you to continue to break adhesions in the capsule while you are outside of the office. 4. Shoulder exercises: Once motion has been restored, at-home exercises will also be taught in order to begin to rebuild muscle strength in the affected arm. 5. Anti-inflammatory diet: A diet that eliminates inflammatory food will also be discussed in order to help speed up the healing process. I have found that this frozen shoulder protocol has helped so many of my patients to recover from this incredibly stubborn condition! If you are concerned that you may have frozen shoulder, then please call my office or email me directly. I offer complimentary 15-minute consultations in my office for those who have read this article. This free consultation will give you a chance to meet me, and it will also give me a chance to determine if you are the right candidate for this type of care. I look forward to meeting you soon! For more information, please visit www.alignhealingcenter.com, call (925) 362-8283, e-mail drkristinmooredc@gmail.com, or visit our office located at 125-G Railroad Avenue in Danville to schedule your complimentary consultation today! Advertorial
Technology Tools for the Caregiver
Staying on top of technological advances can be overwhelming, especially for anyone who hasn’t grown up in the computer age. To help community members who are family caregivers, Hope Hospice presents Technology Tools for Caregivers on Saturday, August 13, from 9:45AM to noon. During this presentation, healthcare educator Debbie Emerson, MS, will help family caregivers examine some of the available options and provide information on various resources, applications, and devices for medical/task management, communication, and home/personal monitoring. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own personal devices (laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc.) to explore some of the sites and applications. For more information about other sessions, visit HopeHospice.com. Any community member engaged in the role of family caregiver or expecting to soon become a caregiver is invited to attend this class. Light refreshments will be served. This class will be held at Hope Hospice, 6377 Clark Avenue, Suite 100, Dublin (2nd floor conference room). Register online at HopeHospice.com or contact Hope Hospice Community Education Volunteer Debbie Emerson at debbiee@ hopehospice.com. This program is available at no cost to all community members; however, donations to Hope Hospice are greatly appreciated.
About Hope Hospice
For more than 35 years, Hope Hospice has provided personalized endof-life care to families in the Tri-Valley and surrounding communities. As a community-led, non-profit organization, Hope Hospice offers services regardless of insurance, income status, nation of origin, or religion. Staff is available 24/7. Hope Hospice is accredited by the Joint Commission, licensed by the State of California Department of Health Services and Medicare/ Medi-Cal certified. Learn more at HopeHospice.com or call (925) 829-8770.
Cancer Support Community
The following event will be held at the Cancer Support Community, 3276 McNutt Avenue in Walnut Creek, and is free of charge. For more information and reservations, please call (925) 933-0107. Participation is open to cancer patients and caregivers.
Communicating with Your Healthcare Team
Wednesday, August 24 ~ 6-8PM – In this workshop Alice will discuss effective ways to communicate your wishes and concerns to your medical team, including advance care planning. Explore how to raise difficult or sensitive issues and clarify what kinds of communication are beneficial to you. You will have a chance to bring up situations that you would like feedback about. With Alice Barlettani, RN.
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C L A S S I F I E D CAREGIVING
Caring for a person with dementia is difficult. When you’re not around, you want patient and loving help. As You Like It, Really Kind Caregivers is here. Please contact Wendy at 925-708-6915, or minisister@yahoo.com, or find me on Facebook, search: As You Like It.
COMPUTER HELP
ITkid Computer Help Assistance with any tech related issue for a low price. Help with Email•Wifi•Computer•Smartphone•Tablet•Etc. $30/hr. Contact Max Nunan, local ITkid consultant. (925) 482-5488, maxnunan@gmail.com
FOR RENT
CONDO VACATION RENTAL Mauna Lani Resort, Big Island. New luxury 2 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath condo on 4th fairway. Minimum 3 night stay. Contact Alamo owners for discounted rate. (925)381-7042, Alamomgt@usa.net
Alamo Today Classifieds
Reach over 6,500 homes and businesses in Alamo & Diablo - Help Wanted, For Sale, Services, Lessons, Pets, Rentals, Wanted, Freebies...$35 for up to 45 words.$5 for each additional 15 words. Send or email submissions to: 3000F Danville Blvd #117,Alamo,CA 94507 or editor@yourmonthlypaper.com. Run the same classified ad in our sister papers “Lafayette Today” or “Danville Today News” and pay half off for your second and/or third ad! Payment by check made out to “The Editors” must be received before ad will print. Your cancelled check is your receipt. We reserve the right to reject any ad.
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Alamo Today ~ August 2016 - Page 31
Alamo’s 1st & Only Pediatric Dentist! Alamo Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics Welcomes Dr. Allan Pang Dr. Pang completed his undergraduate degree at the University of California, San Diego. He earned his Doctorate of Dental Medicine at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts. After Tufts he completed a General Practice Residency at University of California, Los Angeles. Thereafter, Dr. Pang practiced general dentistry in the community of Los Gatos, California for two years. It was during this time that he realized how much he enjoyed working with his pediatric patients and returned to school to specialize in Pediatric Dentistry. His residency in Pediatric Dentistry at New York University-Bellevue Hospital in New York City allowed for him to have extensive training in treating the well child and those with special healthcare needs such as children with craniofacial disorders and developmental disabilities. Dr. Pang has been in private practice since 2008. He is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist, a Diplomate with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
(925) 831-8310
Page 32 - August 2016 ~ Alamo Today
Nancy
This is RockcliffCountry
The Combs Team Professionals You Can Count On
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Joe
Call the Combs Team
®
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Home Sales Alamo, Blackhawk, Danville, Diablo (April 1-June 30) Active Pending Sold DOM List Price Sold Price Sq. Foot Alamo 54 30 70 35 $ 1,853,900 $ 1,859,639 3,607 Blackhawk 35 15 41 32 $ 1,653,219 $ 1,614,028 3,608 Diablo 5 1 5 49 $ 1,758,790 $ 1,674,000 3,786 Danville 97 94 240 17 $ 1,187,909 $ 1,200,951 2,467
Danville Area Real Estate: Prices Up and Down!
In our local Danville Area Market which includes Alamo, Danville, Diablo, and Blackhawk, homes are selling at rate of about 119 units per month. This is pretty consistent with the numbers posted during the last few years. Distressed home sales are down from 10% in 2014 to less than 4% today. It is doubtful that they are exerting negative pressure on pricing at this time. The Town of Danville leads the area with the shortest time from listing to sale at 17 days. During the most recent quarter Diablo had the longest time from listing to sale with 49 days. A normal market would be three to six months from listing to sale. So, this is definitely not a normal market. Although cooling a bit, it remains a hot market. Homes priced right continue to sell quickly. Prices, while still increasing, appear to have moderated a bit. Average sales price for an Alamo home rose from $1,654,649 in the second quarter of 2015 to $1,859,639 in the second quarter of 2016 for a 12% advance quarter on quarter. Nearly all of this price increase is due to the average size of the homes increasing. They grew 320 square feet during this time, while dollars paid per square foot remained flat at $534. In essence real prices in Alamo have not risen year-on-year, but larger homes that have sold account for a greater portion of the sales mix. Danville showed impressive gains during the second quarter year-over-year with average sales price increasing from $1,081,533 to $1,200,951 for an 11% increase in price. Dollars paid per square foot grew from $463 to $500 for about an 8% increase. The average size of a home sold in Danville was up about 100 square feet, so some of the increase was driven by size, but not nearly as much as in Alamo. Blackhawk showed small gains during the second quarter year-over-year with average sales price increasing from $1,540,999 to $1,614,028 for a 4.7% increase in price. However, dollars paid per square foot actually declined from $451 to $443 for about a 10% decrease. The average size of a home sold in Blackhawk was up about 170 square feet, so while average price continued to grow, people got more house for their money than last year. Diablo, historically our priciest neighborhood, did not grow. In fact, average sales price moved from $2,202,000 to $1,674,000 for about a 24% decrease. There were five home sales during the second quarter at an average square foot price $479. During the second
West Side Alamo, Mt. Diablo Views
$ Sq. Foot $ 534 $ 444 $ 479 $ 500
quarter last year Diablo carried an average square foot price of $526 or about 10% more than this year. Noteworthy is that the homes selling this year are almost 1,000 square feet smaller than last year. There is unevenness in the overall market. For the first time since 2011, we are seeing negative numbers. This may or may not be a trend, but it certainly is something to watch. I believe we are experiencing a softness in the market for larger multi-story homes that aren’t truly luxury homes. While overall inventory remains low, perhaps the supply of these bigger homes is growing faster than demand. Looking at current inventory, the picture is not clear, because a fair number of larger homes that did not sell have been taken off the market, so they can’t be counted in the inventory numbers of homes for sale even though their owners wish to sell. This may make sense in light of the growing number of downsizing Baby Boomers looking for smaller single story alternatives. The Boomers are a large group and Generation Xer’s who follow them are smaller in number. The X generation may not be large enough in number to pick up the slack, so this softness may persist for a while. Meanwhile, the Millennial generation, with sufficient numbers to fill the gap left by the Boomers, aren’t economically there yet. Nancy and I have more than 3,000 email subscribers who receive this article in advance of publication. Sign up on our website or just send me an email and we can add you to the list. I assure you no spam will follow. It’s important to remember that there really is no “average” home and no two homes are exactly alike. If you would like an honest “no strings attached “opinion of your home’s current market value and suggestions for preparing it for market, please give me a call 925-989-6086 or send me an email joecombs@thecombsteam.com. Please visit our website to discover more information on our local market www.thecombsteam.com.
Round Hill C.C. Single Story
Award Winning Realtors
D
SOL Completely renovated, 2 master bed suites, 2 beds ensuite, office, library and au pair unit. Soaring ceilings, great flow. Priced to Sell $1,799,000.
Beautiful 4 bedroom overlooking golf course. $1,672,500. We represented the buyer. We have more buyers.
Top 5% in Sales Production
Diablo Building Lot
Views! West Side Alamo
Alamo Oaks Custom Home
G
IN D N E
P Build your dream home on a 1.64 acre lot in Diablo. Priced to sell $975,000.
West Side Alamo 4 bedroom spectacular views, great location. Worth waiting for. Priced to sell $1,279,000.
Data presented in this column is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the Contra Costa and Alameda MLS service and other quoted sources. Joe Combs, Nancy Combs, The Combs Team, J. Rockcliff and the MLS service do not guarantee the accuracy of this information. DRE #0144125.
The epitome of 21st century architecture. 4 bedroom and office First level master & 2 family rooms. Priced to Sell $2,095,000. J. Rockcliff Realtors 15 Railroad Ave., Danville CA. 94526