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April 2011 Easter Egg Hunt
The Alamo Rotary Club is pleased to once again sponsor the Annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 23rd at 10AM sharp! The “Hunt” will be held at Livorna Park, located at the corner of Livorna Rd. and Miranda Ave. in Alamo. All kids 12 and under are welcome. There will be acres of eggs to find and photos with the “Bunny.” The event is free, so just bring your kids and cameras. This is a fun time for kids and adults! This event goes extremely fast, so don’t be late or you may be disappointed! It be held rain or shine. For more information, visit www.alamorotary.org.
Team Up and Clean Up to Support Charities
Serving Alamo and Diablo Meet Lieutenant Jim Grottkau By Sharon Burke
The Sheriff’s Valley Substation in Alamo Plaza has a new commanding officer, Lt. Jim Grottkau. Lt. Grottkau is a 20-year veteran of the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff. He is an experienced leader with a varied background in law enforcement, which includes assignments in Administration, Custody Services, Support Services, and Field Operations. Lieutenant Grottkau holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from California State University Sacramento. Lt. Grottkau is pleased to return to Valley Station after having previously served as the day-shift Administrative Sergeant, before moving onto assignments with Professional Standards, Investigation Division, and the Law Enforcement Training Center. “As the Valley Station Commander, I am excited about the challenges of this important assignment,” said Lt. Grottkau. “I am looking forward to working with the community to improve quality of life issues and maintaining the strong bond that has existed between the Office of the Sheriff and the community.”
Alamo residents and neighbors will have the opportunity to do a little house cleaning for charity at an event dubbed “Spring Cleaning 2011” on Saturday, April 9, from 10AM to 2PM. The parking lot in front of Richard’s Arts and Crafts will be transformed into a collection site for e-waste, bicycles, household items, and clothing. The McDaniel Callahan Real Estate Team has organized this event to help charitable organizations while allowing the community to unload unneeded items. Groups collecting items are Sewing Seeds, e-Recycle On Us, Mike’s Bikes, and Shepherd’s Gate. Shepherd’s Gate helps rebuild shattered lives. The group will be collecting Soccer for all Ages By Fran Miller gently used household items and clothing for sale at their thrift store. Since 1984, If one were to make a list of “sporting activities for all ages,” would soccer be Shepherd’s Gate, located in Livermore and Brentwood, has assisted over 10,000 on the list? Golf and swimming, surely yes. Maybe even tennis. But soccer? The battered and homeless women and children with services and housing. intense physical nature of the sport would suggest that it’s not for young and old Mike’s Bikes, a local business, will be collecting bicycles to deliver to Sierra alike. But the members of the International Soccer Team (IST) might not agree. Leone, Africa where they will be distributed to rural villages. The third charity represented will be Sewing Seeds for Change, a tailoring school in Tanzania, Africa that provides employment for financially-struggling women. E-Recycle On Us, based out of Walnut Creek will be collecting e-waste items. For a list of all e-waste items accepted at the event, and for more information on all charities and event partners, please visit www.SpringCleaning2011.com.
What began more than 20 years ago as weekly pickup games at Cowell Park in Concord, has morphed into a recreational club team with dedicated members ranging in age from 24 to 74. Coach Abbas Pourheidari is 55; he has been playing soccer since age seven. IST meets every Sunday at the Bentley High School sports field in Lafayette, where players might come Volume XI - Number 4 Fear the Brain, a group of 6th graders from Stone Valley Middle School is headed to the Odyssey from as far as Davis. Team memof the Mind World Finals at the University of Maryland in May. The group took first place in 3000F Danville Blvd. #117, Alamo, CA 94507 the California state competition. Pictured above from left to right are Jennifer Sweeney, Ellery bers scrimmage each other, and on Telephone (925) 405-NEWS, 405-6397 average of twice each year the team Lewis, Hayden Neustadt, Kristian Woerner, and Kieran Woerner. Fax (925) 406-0547 participates in tournaments, which Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher PRSRT STD have taken them to Los Angeles, Editor@yourmonthlypaper.com U.S. Postage San Diego, and Las Vegas. Sharon Burke ~ Writer PAID Karl Niyati is the team’s sburke@yourmonthlypaper.com Permit 263 Alamo CA most senior member at age 74. The opinions expressed herein belong to the writers, and do not necessarily reflect that of Alamo Today. Alamo Today is not His soccer experience began in responsible for the content of any of the advertising herein, nor
See Soccer cont. on page 12
does publication imply endorsement.
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Page 2 - April 2011 ~ Alamo Today
Boulevard View
By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor
A crisis can happen at any time. On a recent evening, a friend who lives about 1/2 mile down the street went outside to let her dog in, expecting to cozy up by the fire for the evening. When she went outside, she saw an ember flying around her chimney. She mentioned this to her friend who was inside, and he noted she had a spark arrestor on her chimney, so she shouldn’t be alarmed. However, when he went to check for himself, he rushed back in saying to call the fire department. The 911 call they placed was routed through CHP which leads to a longer response time than calling the fire department directly. (For fire department emergency dispatch, you are encouraged to call 925-838-6691. It is a good idea to program this number into your cell phone.) When the fire started, I was sitting at home watching TV. My iPhone popped up with an alert from the FireDepartment.org App I have. It stated there was a house fire on Lark Ct. in Alamo. The street was familiar. I looked up the address and realized it was the home of my friend. Listening to the scanner built into the phone application, I heard that all of the people were out and accounted for. I wondered if there was a way I could help. Then I remembered my friend volunteered as a foster-home for dogs for the White Kitty Foundation. I knew she often had extra animals in her care. My son and I grabbed all of our dog leashes and rushed out the door. I was passed by several fire engines and their support teams. The two alarm fire had started in the chimney and had spread to the attic area. When we arrived, flames were leaping 15-20 feet in the air over the house. I found my friend and inquired about the animals. Her three dogs were in a car which was boxed in the driveway by the fire engines. I took two of the dogs, and a neighbor took the third. The home received extensive damage, and my friend has to relocate for a year while the house is rebuilt. She had thought she was taking care of her chimney and flue by the use of creosote-sweeping fire logs. However, she found out the hard way that they don’t compare to having your chimney inspected and swept annually, and are not recommended by the fire chief. The two foster dogs found new homes. Our family fell in love with one of the dogs, and the other went to another family, but the White Kitty Foundation (www.
General Contractor #925943
Photo by Lucas Hirst, SRVFD
whitekittyfoundation.org) is without one of their dependable foster parents for at least a year. If you can become an animal foster, or if you have room to adopt an animal, please contact them or any rescue group and help out. The need is huge. Our family had no intention of adopting an animal! But it is amazing how something can unexpectedly weedle its way into your heart. I found out that two-year-old Zoe had been scheduled to be euthanized at the animal shelter, as surprisingly there was no interest in her. She had 24 hours to live when White Kitty swooped in to rescue her, and she began her circuitous journey to our home. Her previous owner had surrendered her. It could have been the owners were forced to move and couldn’t take her, or maybe a family member got sick and wasn’t able to care for her. It is obvious to me that someone did care for her, as she’s a loving and well-behaved little dog. Unfortunately, there are thousands more like Zoe facing a similar fate. Recent events remind us that disaster can strike at any time. Do you have an escape plan for you and your animals? Please, learn vicariously from my friend, and check your chimney, because it only takes a spark to cause a disaster.
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Individuals Sought to Serve on County Commissions
Supervisor Mary Nejedly Piepho is seeking qualified, motivated candidates to serve on the following county advisory committees: • Alamo County Service Area, P-2B • Mental Health Commission, Consumer and Family Member seat • East Contra Costa Fire Protection District The Board of Supervisors receives valuable input and community participation from numerous citizen advisory boards on a range of issues. Boards usually meet monthly on a regular basis. Candidates for these positions must live in District 3 or any specified boundary area for special districts. District 3 is comprised of the cities of San Ramon, Danville, Walnut Creek, Brentwood, and the unincorporated communities of Alamo, Blackhawk, Diablo, Byron, Knightsen, and Discovery Bay. You may also download an application from the County’s website at http://contra.napanet.net/maddybook/. Applications should be submitted to the Clerk of the Board’s office (925) 335-1900 located at 651 Pine Street, Martinez, CA 94553. For more information, including on how to apply, you may contact Supervisor Piepho’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Lea Castleberry, at (925) 820-8683 or Lea.Castleberry@BOS.CCCounty.us.
Free Tax Preparation
Free Tax Preparation for the 2011 tax season is offered by Tax-Aide’s AARP sponsored program. IRS certified tax counselors are available to help you file your taxes. The service targets low and moderate income taxpayers of any age with special attention given to seniors 60 plus. For information or to make an appointment for the Tax-Aide sites serving the San Ramon/Danville/Alamo area, please call (925) 973-3250 San Ramon Senior Center site or (925) 314-9612 Danville Community Presbyterian Church site. For general information and other site locations, call (925) 405-5135. To complete your tax return, Tax-Aide will need you to bring to the appointment your Social Security Card or ITIN letter for all individuals to be listed on the return, copies of all W-2s, 1098s and 1099s, other income and deductions, and your 2009 tax return.
Alamo Today ~ April 2011 - Page 3
Library Book Sale
Friends of the Danville Library will hold a huge sale of gently used books, all 50 cents or $1. Sale will be held in the library located at 400 Front St. in Danville. The sale will be held on April 29 from 9AM - 10AM for members only. The public is invited to shop the book sale on April 29 from 10AM - 5PM, April 30 from 10AM - 4PM, and there will be a Bag Sale on May 1 from 12:05-3:45. For more information, call 925-837-4455.
Blackhawk Republican Women
The Blackhawk Republican Women present Peter M. Friedman as he speaks about the threat of Sharia to America at the Blackhawk Country Club on April 13th. Hors d’oeuvres will be served at 5:30PM, and Friedman will speak at 6PM. The cost is $25. Friedman is a Vietnam Vet who has studied the Koran extensively for over 40 years. Friedman’s audio-visual lecture will cover such subjects as the Koran and its origin, Sharia Islamic law, terrorist training camps located in America, how our government is cooperating and supporting Sharia in America’s financial system, and how Americans are personally funding terrorism through their 401K accounts. Peter Friedman is the Pleasant Hill Chapter Leader of ACT! For America, an anti-Sharia movement started by Brigitte Gabriel, a regular guest on Bill O’Reilly, Sean Hannity, and many other shows. Mr. Friedman has been in the U.S. Defense Industry since 1965 and has worked on undercover operations for over 20 years with the FBI and Department of Defense targeting crooked defense contractors. Please make reservations or cancellations by noon on Monday, April 11th by contacting Marianne Lyons, 856 Turrini Dr., Danville, 94526, rlyons1009@ sbcglobal.net, or 925-820-6452.
Treats for the Troops
In April Delta Nu Psi will be at CVS Pharmacy in Alamo on April 8th and at Lunardi’s in Danville on April 15th from 11am to 2pm to collect food for the troops. By special request from the troops, please consider donating any variety of Girl Scout Cookies to either store. As of this past month, we have sent 19,931 pounds of “gourmet junk food” to the troops. The 12 members of Delta Nu Psi have been working hard to collect goodies, prepare shipments, and mail boxes. Please help support our troops!
Page 4 - April 2011 ~ Alamo Today
California Writers Club
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Mt. Diablo Branch, California Writers Club presents Naomi Epel, author of The Observation Deck: A Tool Kit for Writers and Writers Dreaming. Epel will share “Insights into the Creative Processes of Some of the World’s Greatest Writers.” Epel has hosted San Francisco FM radio shows, Booktalk on KALW, Dreamtalk on KALX, and Cover to Cover on KPFA. She is currently writing a memoir to be titled A Driver’s Education. The event will take place at Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant, located at 611 Gregory Lane in Pleasant Hill, on Saturday, April 9th. Check-in begins at 11:30AM, the meeting will be at noon, and a buffet luncheon and program will follow. Cost is $20 for CWC members and $25 for guests. Reservations are required and must be received no later than noon on Wednesday, April 6. Contact Jean Georgakopoulos at jeaniegpops@comcast.net or (925) 934-5677. Expect confirmation only if you e-mail your reservation. The California Writers Club Mt. Diablo Branch web address is http://cwcmtdiablowriters.wordpress.com/.
AAUW Garden Tour
The 11th Annual Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek Branch of AAUW Garden Tour will be held Friday, May 6 and Saturday, May 7th from 10AM - 4PM. Seven delightful gardens located in Alamo, Danville, and Walnut Creek will be showcased. Various landscape designers as well as expert gardeners will be on hand to share their knowledge. The cost is $30 if postmarked by April 30th, $35 thereafter; $25 for seniors 65+ by April 30, $30 thereafter. No children under 12 please. For tickets with garden locations, mail a check by April 30th payable to “AAUW Funds” with a business size, self-addressed stamped envelope to: AAUW Garden Tour 400 Cliffside Dr, Danville, CA 94526. Tickets (cash or check only) are also available at East Bay Flower Company located at 206 Sycamore Valley Road West (Danville Livery), Danville. For more information email gardentour@aauw.daw.org or call Tena at (925) 837-0826. In addition, the DanvilleAlamo-Walnut Creek AAUW Holiday Home Tour needs homes that would be festive for our 2011 tour on Friday, December 9th and Saturday, December 10th. If you have a suggestion, please call Tena at 837-0826 ASAP. To learn more about our branch, check our website at www.aauw-daw.org. All proceeds benefit AAUW’s funds that support aspiring female scholars. th
Bear in Mind
Be sure to see Bear in Mind at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley! This exhibit features a real stuffed grizzly, stories, pictures, DVD's, artifacts, and children's activities about grizzlies in California and the San Ramon Valley. It runs through May 7th. Come and enjoy the special Sunday Bear Talk events at the Museum: • April 10, Bank of the West Bear Day, Noon-3. Free stuffed bears will be given to elementary aged children. • April 17, Craig Miller presents Bay Miwok Bear Legends and Myths, Noon-3. • May 1, Park Ranger and Filmmaker (Bears of Sequoia) Steve Bumgardner will talk about Black Bears in the Sierras, Noon-3. The Museum of the San Ramon Valley (in the Danville Train Depot), is located at 205 Railroad Avenue, Danville. Hours are Tuesday through Friday 1-4 Saturdays 10-1, and Upcoming Meetings and Events Sunday Special Presentations Noon-3. AdmisAIA - Alamo Improvement Association - April 13h , 7pm - Creekside sion is only $3 for guests, $1 for students, and free Community Church -1350 Danville Blvd. for Museum members. Please call 925-837-3750 Alamo MAC (Municipal Advisory Committee) - First and third Tuesdays or go to www.museumsrv.org for additional information. pm 6 - The Cottage at Hap Magee Park Hap Magee Ranch Joint Planning and Operations Committee - June 23rd - 5pm - The Cottage at Hap Magee Park P2B - Police Services Advisory Committee - May 2nd , 4:30pm - Meets at Valley Station located at 150 Alamo Plaza P5 - Round Hill Police Services Advisory Committee - May 11th, 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
8
Lost Dog!
$50 REWARD
If you find her and your name is drawn!
Alamo Zoe is Missing
We have a new dog, but now she has become lost in this paper... keep your eyes out for Alamo Zoe! She is very small, so you will have to look hard if you want to find her.
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
April’s Winner Is James Spallas
Previous Winners: Kim Moders, Victoria Lucido, T.J. Peck, Corrine Tabor, Jim McNamara, Jessie Lee, Kathy Brenner, Lauren Wickham, Natalie Rover, Norman Nicholson, Heather Harper, MacKenzie Mc Culley, Rachel Etherington, Connie Timms, JoDee Sandland, Maddie Moran, Suzie Lickiss.
Becoming a Love and Logic Parent
Would you like to feel more confident and have more fun parenting? Come get answers to many of the day to day parenting frustrations when Mothers Together and CPC Marriage and Family Ministries Presents Becoming a Love and Logic Parent on April 30th. Love allows children to grow through their mistakes and logic allows them to live with the consequences of their choices. At this event you’ll learn simple and practical techniques to help raise responsible kids in a loving way. The presentation will take place from 9AM until noon at Community Presbyterian Church’s Multipurpose Room (Video Cafe) located at 222 West El Pintado Rd in Danville. The cost is $15 per person and includes breakfast and handouts. Guest speaker for the morning will be Kristen Baisden, School Psychologist and Certified facilitator for Becoming a Love and Logic Parent and 9 Essential Skills for the Love and Logic Classroom. Register online at www.cpcdanville.org/Adults/lovelogic.htm. For questions please contact Robin Alana at robin@cpcdanville.org or phone 925-837-5525.
J.F. Kapnek 8th Annual 5K/1K Family Fun Run
Bring your friends and family to celebrate accomplishments in Zimbabwe with the J.F. Kapnek Trust’s 8th Annual 5K/1K Family Fun Run on May 1st starting at 9AM at Miramonte High School in Orinda. There will be races for children as well as adults along with music of Zimbabwe, children’s crafts and activities, and a delicious brunch. Proceeds from this event will go to the Trust’s efforts to diminish the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on the children and families of Zimbabwe. Registration fee includes brunch and a T-shirt. Register online at www.active.com (keyword: Kapnek) or go to the Trust’s website at www.jfkapnektrust.org for more information.
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Alamo Today ~ April 2011 - Page 5
Diablo Custom Estate. 1.56 acres. 11,256 sq. ft., 7 bed, 6 bath, 2 offices, 2 game rms., Sep. 2 bed guest suite, 5 car garage., horse propͲ erty, and much more. $6,875,000
Diablo masͲ t e r p i e c e . S p e c t a c u l a r setting w/ panoramic Mt. Diablo views. Built in 2002. No expense spared. 4 bd, 4 bths, 4600 +/Ͳ sqft. Incredible value. $2,395,000
Joan Marx 925.683.7696 www.JoanMarx.com
John Lopes Gina Cefalu 925.998.8262 925.787.8205 www.JohnLopes.com
S t o n e g a t e : Alamo’s preͲ mier comm.. Scenic Ridge views. Backs to open space. Gourmet kitchen w/granite & cherry cabinetry. Pool w/waterfall, Patio w/BBQ. $1,595,000
Westside Alamo. TasteͲ ful remodel. Corner lot. Over 4400sf, eatͲin chef’s kitchen, 2 master suites, 3 addt’l bdrms, 4 full/2 half bths, bonus rm, pool & spa. $1,490,000
Brand new custom home. Panoramic views of Las Trampas Ridge. Craftsman styled w/ natural stone & wood finishes. Located on quiet ct. Walk to Alamo Elementary. $1,489,000
Westside Alamo. GorͲ geous floor plan, formal living/dining/family rm, lrg bonus rm, 5 bdrms, master suite. .35 acre lot w/pool. Room off pool w/kitchen &1/2 bth. $1,489,000
John Lopes Gina Cefalu 925.998.8262 925.787.8205 www.JohnLopes.com
Mira Goetsch 925.216.1145 www.MiraHomes.com
Peter Polce 925.997.2296 www.1333LaverockLane.com
Rick Fiset 925.362.0415 www.101LaSerenaAve.com
Westside Alamo’s most desired street. Flat 1.05 acre lot. 3 bd, 2 bth charming home w/ country kitchen, hardͲ wood flrs. Pvt. setting w/ pool & cabana. Unlimited possibilities. $1,399,000
Westside Danville. 4 bd/3bth, 2369 sf. UpͲ dated kitchen, slab granite counters, lrg. f/ r, formal d/r & l/r with brick fireplace. .34 acre lot, pool & waterfall. $1,295,000
Alamo border. Walking distance to 12 yrs top ranked s c h o o l s . 4+bd/3bth. 3600 sf. Upgraded. Cherry wood kitchen, ss appliances. Entertainers backyard. $1,099,000
Gated community. Architecturally brilliant. 5bd/3 bth w/soaring ceilings, family rm, bonus teen rm. End of private ln. 3500 s.f. This is a winner! $1,049,000
Tony Cristiani 925.785.8948 tonycristiani@msn.com
Pam Berce 925.699.8090 www.PamBerce.com
Gretchen Bryce 925.683.2477 www.GretchenBryce.com
Jay Weymouth 925.915.1100 www.TeamWeymouth.com
White Gate culͲdeͲsac. Freeform pool & spa. Backs to open space. 4bd/2.5bth w/3 car garage. $989,000
Coming Soon! Roundhill Estate. Lrg 3500 sf single level. 3 bd/3 bth. Custom built. Backs to golf course. Looks like Tahoe setting. Will sell immediately!
Lot for sale in Alamo! .99 acres near Roundhill CC. Views, in area of multiͲmillion dollar homes. Fronts to pvt. st. Horse allowed. Utilities available. $400,000
Regular sale. Beautiful 2 bd/2bth ground floor end unit w/attached garage. Upgraded kitchen & bths. Open flr plan, hardwood floors. Near downtown & fwy. $379,000
Gretchen Bryce 925.683.2477 www.GretchenBryce.com
Jay Weymouth 925.915.1100 www.TeamWeymouth.com
Pam Berce 925.699.8090 www.PamBerce.com
Joway Christensen 925.984.4514 www.JowaySellsHomes.com
Page 6 - April 2011 ~ Alamo Today
Alamo Women’s Club
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April Program Benefits STAND
Our April luncheon titled Pamper Us, Pamper Them! will benefit STAND!. STAND! For Families Free of Violence leads the community in ending domestic violence, and child abuse and rebuilding lives. The luncheon will be held Wednesday, April 27th from noon until 2PM at the Alamo Women's Club located at 1401 Danville Blvd. in Alamo. The cost is $20, and the meal will be catered by The Peasant and The Pear of Danville. Please make reservations by April 25th with Jean at Jean-4homes@comcast.net, or 925-876-9735. ALAMO PLAZA The Fringe Hair Salon and Spa of Danville will be donating their time and talents to make this a very special event again this year. Some of the special things that we will have to “Pamper Us” are eyebrow waxing, custom matched make up, and an acupressure specialist to tame our tension. Also featured will be the newest age related skin programs! Please remember we need to “Pamper Them!” as well. The women and children clients of STAND! have left domestic violence situations often with few of their belongings. Here is where you can “Help them.” The most needed items are gift cards to retail stores such as Target, K-mart, Walmart, etc., gift cards for grocery stores such as Safeway or Trader Joe's, as well as cleaning supplies, Saturday, May 21st - Rain or Shine toilet paper, dish soap, baby wipes, and powdered laundry detergent. If you are unable to join us at the luncheon and would like to donate, please Reserve your space now! stop by at the Club between noon and 2pm on April 27th, and we will be happy Outside, 16’ x 18’ $45, Inside $60 to receive your donations.
Alamo Women’s Club Semi-ANNUAL
ARTS, CRAFTS and Garage sale!
To reserve call Anita at 925-837-1242 This Event is Free! This Event is Free!
Easter aster B Basket asket E Eggstravaganza ggstravaganza E Featuring a Special Performance Featuring a Special by Performance by THE CONTRA COSTA CHILDREN’S CHORUS THE CONTRA COSTA CHILDREN’S CHORUS
Saturday, April 23rd, 1:00 1:00--3:30p.m. Saturday, April 23rd, 1:00 1:00--3:30p.m. Easter Basket Auction Easter Basket Benefiting Auction Benefiting Hospice of the East Bay Hospice of the East Bay Enjoy Enjoy
Rabbit Food (light Hors d’ourves), Rabbit Food (light Hors d’ourves), Champagne and a Dessert Buffet! Champagne and a Dessert Buffet! A Children’s Egg Hunt, Activities, and Photos with A Children’s Egg Hunt, Activities, and Photos with Peter Rabbit Peter Rabbit
Event is Free Event is Free
RSVP (925) 932-9910 by 4/19 RSVP (925) 932-9910 by 4/19 Independent Living D Assisted Living D Memory Care #07560132 Independent LivingLicenses D Assisted Living D Memory Care Licenses #07560132
1545 Pleasant Hill Blvd., Lafayette, CA • (925)932-9910 • www.stratfordseniorliving.com 1545 Pleasant Hill Blvd., Lafayette, CA • (925)932-9910 • www.stratfordseniorliving.com
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
VFW Post 75, San Ramon Valley, meets every second Thursday of the month at the Swain House at Hap Magee Ranch Park, located at 1025 La Gonda Way in Danville. The next meeting will be held Thursday, April 14th. Doors open at 7PM, and the meeting begins at 7:30PM. For more information contact Post Commander Nathan Greene at (925) 875-1747. Find out more about the VFW at www.vfw.org.
Pledge to Humanity
Pledge to Humanity (PTH) is a nonprofit organization created by youth and their families who are concerned about people in the community and those less fortunate, particularly children and youth living in other countries.
Local Projects:
• PTH has recently finished a successful jean drive where several local schools collected jeans to benefit foster children and teens. Close to 1,000 pairs of jeans were collected! Thank you to all who generously donated and carefully sorted the many large piles of denim. A special thank you to the students involved in this project – we wouldn't have been able to do it without you! • A sandwich making event was held that donated 400 sandwiches to local Bay Area shelters. Thanks to Stone Valley students for this great project. • We were able to benefit a community in rural Ecuador. Money raised through donations, and fund raising efforts went towards... ~ The funding of two small schools. ~ Funding an Alternative Income Project to empower indigenous young women for an entire year. (This program is built to not only empower the young women, but to provide them with the tools they need to become economically independent). ~ Immunizations for 1,835 children against measles for life. We want to thank the community for their incredible support and mainly the kids that keep on participating and making a difference! All this would not be possible without your support and involvement! For more information on PTH, visit www.pledgetohumanity.org.
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Alamo Today ~ April 2011 - Page 7
Easter Service
The members of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Walnut Creek cordially invite you to join us for Easter Service on Sunday, April 24th. Services will be held at 7am, 9am, and 11am. The church is located at 1924 Trinity Ave. in Walnut Creek. For questions or information please call 925-934-2324, or visit www.stpaulswc.org.
Association for the Preservation of Danville Blvd.
Meetings of the Association for the Preservation of Danville Boulevard will be held Saturday, May 14st, Saturday, August 13th, and Saturday, November 12th. All meetings are open to the public and begin at 9am. Meetings are held in the conference room at Safeway in Alamo For questions or information please call Lillian Burns at 925-837-7720.
Alamo-Danville Newcomers Club
Celebrate spring at our April luncheon at the beautiful Alden Lane Nursery. Our guest speaker and the owner of the nursery, Jacquie Williams-Courtright, will speak on “Spring in the Garden.” Please contact us for further information at 925-775-3233, or visit www.alamodanvillenewcomers.com.
San Ramon Valley Newcomers Club
The San Ramon Valley Newcomers Club invites new and long-time residents to its monthly luncheon on April 21st at Faz Restaurant located at 600 Hartz Ave. in Danville. We meet from 11:30 to 2PM, and the cost is $21. Our speaker will be Elena Becker, Executive Director of Tony LaRussa’s Animal Rescue Fund. For information or reservations, call Susan at 925-718-5214.
The Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley
The Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley meets for lunch the second Wednesday of every month at Faz Restaurant in downtown Danville. The club’s sign-in and social time begins at 11:30AM. The meeting starts promptly at noon and ends promptly at 1PM. Our one-hour program features guest speakers and a business networking speaker. Guests are welcome. Price is $16 for members and first time guests and $20 for returning guests. For more information, call Karen Stepper, President, at (925) 275-2312, email coachstepper@yahoo.com, or visit www.srvexchangeclub.org.
Page 8 - April 2011 ~ Alamo Today
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Rancho Romero Elementary School By Skye Larsh, Principal
Alamo Elementary School By Stan Hitomi, Principal BAM !
Healthy minds, bodies, and planet are the themes at Alamo School in April. Students will return from Spring Break on April 11th with a BAM! - “Body And Mind” Week. The week is the brainchild of Sharon Dodson and Anju Lashkari, two Health Educators/School Nurses in the SRVUSD. Together, they have been awarded a grant from the United Health HEROES (a service-learning, health literacy initiative) to support BAM! as a pilot at Alamo School. BAM! will focus on how education can be an important strategy to support the development of healthy habits in students. The week (April 11-15) will consist of a variety of activities/lessons to teach students and staff about a healthy body and mind which can equate to living a healthy lifestyle. Activities will include nutrition lessons in classrooms, YouTube broadcasts, lunchtime assembly and activities, Zumbatomic in PE, and a Fitness Run. The Fitness Run is a fundaiser sponsored by the Ed Fund to purchase and install a new awning over our outdoor amphitheater. Earth Week will be celebrated the following week, April 18 – 22. The goal for the week is to implement programs that will be sustainable and focus on activities that will enable Alamo to be come a Wastebuster school. The idea is to get students involved in new programs and engage them in ongoing earth conscious activities for future years. Throughout the week activities are scheduled that will increase student awareness of the earth, environment, waste and recycling and prepare them to become the stewards of our planet. The week is sponsored by the Alamo PTA and organized by Lisa Gartland Dempster and Melanie Volk. April at Alamo School will also include Camp Alamo, an Ed Fund event that will feature Alamo School teachers and parents providing students with the opportunity to engage in a wide-range of mini-camps including Care of Animals, Hip Hop Dance, Ceramics, Claymation and Chemistry You Can Eat! to name just a few. At the end of the month, the ever-popular Hoedown returns with a lunchtime Hoedown BBQ on April 29th and the Hoedown on May 1st, with fun and games for all ages!
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This is the time of year we begin to receive information and prepare for statewide assessments as part of the State Testing and Reporting Program (STAR). While components of STAR have been in effect since 1999, we continue to have important dialogue on the value of this high stakes assessment, what gets measured, and how state testing fits into the larger picture of a balanced, comprehensive assessment plan. Content standards were designed to encourage the highest achievement of every student by defining the knowledge, concepts, and skills that students should acquire at each grade level. Essential to the implementation of these learning criteria in a standards-based system is agreement on what is taught, the curriculum, and what gets assessed to determine mastery. The STAR Program has evolved over the past few years to include four components, all aligned to the California content standards, and developed to accommodate differing needs of students. The four components include the following: California Standards Tests (CST), California Modified Assessment (CMA), California Alternate Performance Assessment (CAPA) and Standards-based Tests in Spanish (STS). The most commonly administered test is the California Standards Tests (CSTs). The CSTs assess the California content standards in English language arts and mathematics in grades 2-11, science in grade 5 and grades 8-11, and history-social science in grades 8-11. All students, including English learners (ELs) and students in special education programs, must participate in the STAR Program. The State Board of Education has approved five performance levels for reporting STAR results: advanced, proficient, basic, below basic, and far below basic. These performance levels describe achievement on the California content standards. Results are used to measure the progress of individual students and groups of students at the school, district, and statewide levels. Thus, an inherent value of STAR is that it is a common assessment administered to all students in the state of California with its main purpose to gather and report evidence of learning. It sums up the learning in the form of a status report. It can help decision makers in a variety of ways. For example, parents might ask, “Is my child succeeding?” Whereas, a teacher asks, “ Are my teaching strategies working?” or, “How might I group my students for learning?” A principal asks, “Is instruction in our school producing results?” And, the Board of Education might ask, “Are students learning and succeeding across the district?” Gaining clarity on the purpose of a particular assessment is critical to making good decisions. The STAR test allows us insight into trends and patterns as it assesses a broad range of subject matter at a given point in time through a multiple-choice format. The test measures basic knowledge and skills related to state standards that students should master by the end of the grade level. When we refer back to the question of how state testing fits into the larger picture of a balanced, comprehensive assessment plan, it becomes apparent that on-going formative and common benchmark assessments that allow students to demonstrate knowledge and receive feedback must occur throughout the year. In prioritizing critical knowledge and skills and aligning assessment and instruction, students will be well prepared for the California Standards Tests at the end of the year. Rancho Romero teachers are currently engaged in professional conversations around the powerful practices that support the big picture. There is clearly an understanding of the accountability surrounding the broad coverage of multiple standards and the responsibility of providing a curriculum that is rigorous, deeply meaningful and connected. Across the school grade level teams are identifying what is “essential,” in other words what students must know and be able do – concepts that are enduring, hold leverage across multiple subject areas and prepare for the next level of learning. Grade level teams are evaluating types of assessments that allow students to demonstrate key understandings and practices of grading that promote learning. We believe this to be the right work for continuous growth and achievement. Rancho Romero students have been gearing up for STAR following Spring Break. STAR Testing at Rancho Romero will occur between April 25 and May 6 for students in grades 2-5. Additional information will provided prior to testing. However, please feel free to contact your child’s teacher or the principal should you have any questions.
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Stone Valley Middle School
By Shaun McElroy, Principal Parenting is so Easy Even a Caveman (or Cavewoman) Can do It!
“My father didn’t tell me how to live: he lived and he let me watch him do it.” - Clarence Budington Kellenad Our goal as parents should be to raise strong independent children who are able to think for themselves and problem solve their way through difficult situations. Remember the saying, “There are only two lasting gifts we can leave our children: roots and wings.” Roots are the fundamental values and expectations we instill in them from birth till they leave the nest. Wings are the skills they learned along the way that will provide the background for their work, play, and relationships. The future is theirs not ours. We need to make sure that they are prepared to take on the rigors of adulthood, not to mention to care for us in our old age. Will this generation be the architects of a restructured world economy or the creators of a plan reversing the global climate change? The answer is maybe. As parents it is important that we step back, take a deep breath, and take stock of our parenting style. Are we creating children who are autonomous and hardworking problem solvers? Or, are we creating A Nation of Wimps, to quote a popular book title. We (parents) regularly face that quintessential dilemma of knowing when to intervene or when to let children take their “lumps.” Sometimes we defer to age when deciding how to handle a situation (i.e. “he’s only 12”). If age is the question you ask yourself before letting a situation go or imposing consequences ask yourself this question: “If not now, when?” This question is usually an indicator on whether we are waffling on a tough decision or not. No worries. Go ahead and stand your ground. If you make a mistake, it’s not usually life threatening but more likely life affirming for your child. Not setting clear boundaries for behavior is very damaging for children. Let your daughter or son take their lumps when they forget a lunch or PE uniform or an assignment at home. Children who learn from their mistakes through natural consequences learn resiliency. The message to children is, “Fall down, pick yourself up, and try again.” By abating situations by bypassing responsibility we are damaging their self-worth by implying that they really can’t do it. Be strong, hold the line, and let your children learn to fail
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and recover. Remember, parenting is not a popularity contest! Can you think of anything of value that was invented over the last 200 years that wasn’t the result of multiple failures? It’s only through failure that we make adjustments and learn what we can do. We must embrace an attitude of growth. If you need parental support, lean on your partner or spouse or another parent or...read on for some great references... • The Blessing of a Skinned Knee and The Blessing of a B Minus by Wendy Mogul Ph.D. Lesson - Let your kids take their lumps now when there is less at stake. • Raising Emotionally Intelligent Children by John Gottman Ph.D. Lesson - Listen carefully, paraphrase their responses, and ask questions. You will be amazed how your teen will open up to you. Be an emotion coach or emotion dismissing parent. • Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel Pink Lesson - Children and adults thrive in an environment where they have autonomy over their tasks, they know what mastery of the task looks like, and they believe the task has purpose that extends beyond them. • My wife, Kimberlee Hunter Ph.D. - Voted “Best mom on Earth” by our three children. Kimberlee has great depth and understanding with our children. Kimberlee is an even more voracious reader than I am, and she has an uncanny ability for always doing the right thing for our children.
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Page 10 - April 2011 ~ Alamo Today
San Ramon Valley High School By Joseph A. Ianora
With spring break behind us, we are ready to face the remainder of the school year. The last nine weeks will go by quickly as there are many activities to keep your son/daughter occupied both academically and socially. Please continue to dialogue with your student about the upcoming events, and continue to check the web site (www.srvhs.net). Here are a few highlights.
Remember the 50s? The 60s? Rock Around The Clock? Up On The Roof? Stand By Me?
The Blackhawk Chorus rocks out…. Be there! Saturday, May 7, 2011, 8PM
Dean Lesher Center • 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek For tickets, $25 for adults, $17 for children 12 and under, visit www.lesherarts.org
Saturday, May 14, 2011, 8PM
Resurrection Lutheran Church 7557 Amador Valley Blvd., Dublin For tickets, $20 for adults, $15 for students, call 925-828-1580
Friday, May 20, 2011, 6:30PM
Blackhawk Country Club, Danville $47 per person for Concert & Dinner For tickets call 925-736-6500
Construction
We should be breaking ground on our new restroom facility in the Stadium very soon and hope that it is completed in time for graduation! This summer solar panels will be installed in our senior parking lot and on some surrounding buildings.
Renaissance Program
Thank you to Janet Willford and the leadership committee for another successful program. We have awarded almost 1,100 students for their improvement achievements.
Senior Ball
The month of April officially ushers in our Senior Ball (which is in May). As we prepare our students for their ball, we continue to emphasize using good judgment, taste, and, above all, safety. Please join with us to let your student know the importance of doing the right thing even when no one is looking. Our ultimate goal is to provide a safe, respectable event that creates wonderful memories for our students. On behalf of the entire administrative team, I would appreciate it if our parents spend some time prior to the event discussing the importance of a safe and sober Senior Ball. I would also suggest that each parent become aware of what is taking place at pre-parties, after parties, as well as what is taking place in the buses and limousines that students take to and from their ball.
STAR Testing
Standardized testing is one of many measures of a student’s performance. Unlike the periodic classroom assessments that are a direct match to what is taught measuring their performance individually, standardized tests are written to compare students using questions that are below, at, and above a student’s grade level. Questions are based on a national sampling of curriculum, and the results indicate a student’s strengths and needs based on a national norming study. A student’s standardized test profile is only one piece of the assessment puzzle reflecting growth and achievement. As we begin the four days of STAR testing for our 9th, 10th and 11th grade students, it is vital that we understand the importance of testing as well as spending the time in preparation. While we know it is illogical and inappropriate to use test scores to assess the total quality of a school, we also know that we can glean important information about curriculum and instructional programs for our school. Looking at standardized tests helps educators make decisions about what is taught, when a concept is taught, and to some extent, how well our students are absorbing the material. I ask that you begin to discuss with your student(s) the importance of taking these types of tests. Take the time to discuss the “whys” of testing and the important information we, as educators, can obtain from the results. Please join with the school to help our students understand what the results can do, also, to give them an understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, as well as what we can learn about our school’s curriculum and instructional programs. A good night’s sleep coupled with a healthy attitude toward the test will help foster a true reflection of what our students know and, in turn, give us an accurate picture of needed improvements.
Senior Cut Day
Traditions are strong at San Ramon Valley High School. They often begin with the best intentions in mind; however, they often include activities that are not in line with our best practices. The tradition of “Senior Cut” day is a strong one not only at SRVHS but schools across the nation. However, we do not endorse a senior cut day of any kind. To that end, please do not allow your student to cut school for a senior cut day. Students may come home and tell you that their teacher has told them not to come to school. This is not true. If this situation does happen in your home, please feel free to call the school and investigate.
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Monte Vista High School By Janet Terranova, Principal
Finally, we have some nice weather to enjoy. Spring brings a myriad of activities at the high school: sports, plays, choir and band productions, speech and debate contests, robotic competitions, award nights, and much more. Along with our activities, we continue to emphasize our core standards, character development, and 21st century learning skills. Our 11th and 12th grade students saw a powerful assembly, “It’s Up 2 U,” which encourages students to make healthy choices. Scott Rogers, a 2008 graduate of Monte Vista High School, tragically died three days after graduation from using inhalants. Scott was an enthusiastic young man who was in leadership, our rally chair, and a kind, caring friend. Scott’s parents, a representative from the fire department, and a young person who successfully beat her own addiction spoke to the students and implored them to make positive choices in their lives. This assembly had a powerful impact on our students. Teenagers are rarely quiet, but as they left the theater after the assembly, you could have heard a pin drop. Prior to the assembly we had a parent meeting where parents and community members had the opportunity to preview the assembly. Following the preview, there was a 45 minute dialog between the participants and the parents. The audience came away with a better understanding of the stresses our students face on a regular basis. We plan to continue the dialogue on April 20th with our School Resource Officer, Mike Carson, and our school counselor, Patty Whalen. You will be noticing some new construction on our campus. The foundation is being poured for the long-awaited Sports Medicine building. In this program students explore human anatomy and physiology and learn how systems of the body function and interact through physical activity. The program focuses on clinical hands-on application of theory and knowledge, including assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. Students taking this class participate in an after school sports medicine practicum where they work with student athletes, under the supervisions of our athletic trainers. Sports Medicine is just one our programs that allows career exploration for our students. For more information about Monte Vista and our activities, please visit our website at mvhigh.org.
Alamo Today ~ April 2011 - Page 11
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Food collection barrels arrive at Monte Vista High School, and Interactors Erik Adcock, Tess Kaufman, Felix Amirfathi, and Christina Huguet get ready to deliver them to classrooms. When the members of the Monte Vista High School Interact Club (a service club sponsored by the Rotary Club of Alamo) learned that food donations to the Contra Costa Food Bank had fallen off dramatically after the holidays, they decided they needed to help. In early February they asked Food Bank volunteer coordinator, Joan Thomassini, for 18 food barrels to be brought to the school, and they distributed them to classrooms around campus. When she called at the end of the drive, after the barrels were collected, she asked, “Are you sitting down?!” In only a few weeks the students had collected over 2,500 pounds of food!
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Page 12 - April 2011 ~ Alamo Today
The Mortgage Interest Deduction has Limits
As a homeowner, you know about ceilings. You're probably also familiar with the itemized deduction for mortgage interest. But you may not be aware the mortgage interest deduction also has a ceiling — two of them, in fact. One ceiling applies to loans you take out to buy, build, or improve your home. Under this ceiling, the first $1 million of a mortgage secured by your home is considered "acquisition indebtedness." Interest you pay on acquisition indebtedness is deductible when you itemize on your federal income tax return. Another ceiling applies to additional loans secured by your home. Interest you pay on the first $100,000 of this "home equity indebtedness" is generally deductible (subject to certain limitations), no matter what you use the money for. According to an IRS ruling last year, the two interest ceilings can interact if you have one mortgage exceeding $1 million. In that case, the first $1 million of your mortgage is considered acquisition indebtedness, and the first $100,000 of the balance is home equity indebtedness. The result: You can deduct interest on $1.1 million of your mortgage. Contact us if you need more information or filing assistance.
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Life in the Lafayette Garden Tour
The public is cordially invited to step into the enchantment and delight of five Lafayette gardens designed by John Montgomery on Saturday, May l4th from 11AM to 4PM, at a cost of $25 per person. This second annual event is a fundraiser with proceeds to benefit Hospice of the East Bay, the Tech Trek program sponsored by the Orinda-MoragaLafayette Branch of The American Association of University Women, and other local charities. John Montgomery, whose gardens are famous, believes the function of the garden is to rejuvenate, inspire, and relax one’s spirit. Come chat with John Montgomery, nibble goodies during an outdoor cooking demonstration by A Loveable Feast, participate in a lively presentation by The Urban Farmers, and enjoy serene live music by the Danville Community Band as you stroll through all five of these distinctive gardens. To purchase tickets, please contact O-M-L AAUW member Pat Lopker at (925) 376-5l55 or sign-up on John Montgomery’s website - go to www. jm-la.com and click on “Garden Tour.” For any other questions, please contact Debbie at dblumhardt@jm-la.com.
Soccer continued from front page
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5th Grade Girls National Team, the St. Isidore Hoopsters, had a season record of 18-0! Top left to right: Head Coach Brian Driscoll, Caroline Tagliaferri, Jenny Bering, Clare Driscoll, Sophie Hartford, LoriAnna Allen, Coach Greg Conte. Bottom left to right: Maggie Barr, Katherine Pappas, Shannon Hendricks, Clare Schumann, Adrianna Conte.
9/15/10 11:07:47 AM
Berkeley where he lived for 24 years before moving to the Alamo/Danville area in 1982 expressly for better soccer opportunities. He claims that his love of soccer has had a profound impact on his life. “To me it has been a lifelong sport,” he says. “My enjoyment of and involvement with soccer has been phenomenal for me in many ways. I have made lifelong friends while staying in excellent shape!” IST does not experience much turnover. New players are added only when current members move away or decide to retire. “I have been playing with this team for more than 20 years, and I know all of the players very well,” says Niyati. “We are actually like extended family and are very close with each other.” “The criteria for being on our team is commitment and responsibility in terms of conduct and behavior,” says Pourheidari. “Our team philosophy is to show up, exercise, play a clean game of soccer that we all love, enjoy your time, and then use the energy that you have gained for the work week ahead, until we meet again.” This is a philosophy that all can agree with – young and old. Karl Niyati
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Alamo Danville Artists’ Society
Art and Wine Stroll ADAS Spring Art Show, April 30-May 1
Alamo Today ~ April 2011 - Page 13
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Alamo The 34th Annual ADAS Spring Show will be a weekend event in the main rotunda at Blackhawk Shades & Shutters Plaza, 4040 Blackhawk Plaza Circle in Danville. Artists will be exhibiting and selling their latest works including paintings in oil, acrylic, watercolor, 925-837-2010 pastel, photography, sculpture, glass, metal and ceramic art, jewelry, and fabric scarves and purses. The Right Look For A Lot Less Wineries will be located in stores throughout the Plaza providing wine tasting. Wine glasses and •Free Measuring & Installation• wristbands will be available for a $10 donation. All proceeds to benefit the ADAS school fundraising program to keep the ARTS alive in our schools. The event will be held Saturday, April 30th from 10AM to 8PM and on Sunday, May 1st from 11AM to 4PM. The Artists Reception, open to the public, will be held at the rotunda and adjacent ADAS Blackhawk Gallery on Saturday evening from 5 to 7PM. Wine Tasting will take place Saturday April 30th from noon to 5PM and on Sunday May 1st from noon to 4PM. April Meeting Guest Artist is Susan State
Susan State is the Guest Artist for the Alamo Danville Artists’ Society (ADAS) meeting on Tuesday, April 12th at 7:30PM. The meeting will be held at our new meeting location at the Alamo Women’s Club at 1401 Danville Boulevard in Alamo. The public is invited to attend at no charge. Susan’s presentation will be about crafting a personal experience in Abstract Art. In exploring new ways to enhance these experiences, this demonstration is about setting free some of the constraints that plague many artists who have been fastidiously trained by providing unusual techniques and ways to think out-of-the-box. Susan’s objective in her work is to provoke curiosity, evoke harmony for the soul, and to help promote inspired creativity that is latent in all of us. Susan’s work can best be described as pieces of information transformed into Organic and Contemporary Art. She specializes in paint layered one on top of another and in integrating mixed media that captures unique qualities in her work.
Call for Artists to Participate in Art in the Park
Art in the Park is a big fine arts festival open to artists with quality work in the following categories: painting, sculpture, photography, graphics, and fine jewelry. This year’s festival will take place October 1st and 2nd at the Town Green in Danville. Booth spaces for Art in the Park are 10’ x 10’ and are $70 for Alamo Danville Artists’ Society members and $85 non-members plus 10% of sales to the Art in the Schools fund. For an application, send an e-mail to normawebb@comcast.net or call 925-828-9170. Art in the Park, sponsored by ADAS and the Town of Danville, is a fund raiser for Art in the Schools of the San Ramon Valley School District. In the last few years, ADAS and Art in the Park have given over $100,000 directly to classroom teachers for special art projects. Since school funding has been so drastically cut, these ADAS art grants are extremely important to the arts programs in our local schools. The Alamo Danville Artists’ Society, founded in 1977, is a non-profit organization providing monetary contribution in support of art programs in the San Ramon Valley School District. Membership includes artists and patrons who appreciate the visual arts. ADAS hosts distinguished and nationally known guest artists at the monthly meetings. For more information contact ADAS at 925-683-1066 or visit www.adas4art.org.
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Page 14 - April 2011 ~ Alamo Today
Beauty and the Beasty
East Bay Children’s Theater presents Beauty and the Beasty, a fun play for all ages - especially young children! Funds raised at this performance help bring musical theater to underprivileged East Bay school children. Please join us Sunday, April 10th for shows at 10:30AM and 1PM at the Town Hall Theatre, 3535 School Street. For tickets and information, call 925-283-1557 or visit www.ebctonline.org.
Valley Teen Idol
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This is the 6th season of the Valley Teen Idol search sponsored by the San Ramon Valley Rotary. Auditions are open to the first 200 teens ages 13-19 to give their best 60 second presentation. Auditions will be held at 2010 Crow Canyon Place in San Ramon on April 16th from 11AM to 3PM and April 17th from 1-4PM. Auditions will also be held at Cross Winds Church located at 6444 Sierra Ct. in Dublin on April 29th from 5-8PM and April 30th from 1-5PM. Bring your audition application, found at your local high school or online at www.sanramonvalleyrotary.com, along with a $25 audition fee. The semi-final competition will be held at the Crow Canyon Country Club on May 11th, and the final competition event will be held at Cross Winds Church on June 11th from 1-6PM. First place winner will take home $1,000 and be granted a recording session. Second place wins $500, and third place wins $250. Net proceeds from the auditions, ticket sales, silent auction, and live auction go to help finance San Ramon Valley Rotary community projects such as, • 3rd grade Dictionary distributions, • College scholarships for high school seniors, and • Sending 3 to 4 teens to leadership camps, such as Camp Royal and Camp Venture. • In addition, we fund a number of international humanitarian projects, such as clean water projects, Polio vaccinations, Rotaplast (cleft lip and palet surgeries), wheelchair distributions to the needy, One Warm Coat , and many other wonderful projects. For more information or to learn about sponsorships, contact Debora Killeen at (925) 855-5529, (925) 260-4565, or spkilleen@hotmail.com.
Role Players Ensemble presents The Foreigner
Seems like a good idea at the time. Charlie’s been chained to his proofreader’s chair forever. He’s boring. Bit of a milquetoast. Poor gent’s pathologically shy. To fend off conversation at a rural Georgia fishing lodge, he pretends he doesn’t understand English. Best-laid plans farcically go awry when “the foreigner” mingles with a devious menagerie of locals. Laugh out loud as comedy enters front and center in this hilarious romp. Performances will be held at the Village Theatre, located at 233 Front Street in Danville, from April 15 - May 7. Thursday, and Friday showings will start at 8PM, and on Sunday the performance will begin at 2PM. Tickets cost $15/$22/$25 and can be purchased by going online to
Clockwise from the top: Janice Fuller Leone, Kyle Green, Sylvia Burboeck, Ben Oldham, Fred Sharkey, Vincent Faso with Jerry Motta in the middle. Photo by Robert Allen Shattuck
www.villagetheatreshows.com, by calling (925) 3143400, or by going to the Community Center located at 420 Front St. in Danville. For more information, call (925) 820-1278, e-mail mail@ danvilletheatre.com, or visit www.danvilletheatre.com.
editor@yourmonthlypaper.com
Roth vs Traditional IRA’s...Which to Choose? By Bob Shalon, IRS Enrolled Agent
Tax season is concluding shortly, and IRA’s can still be deducted from your 2010 tax return if made by April 18th or October 15th if an extension is filed. In this article I intend to review the benefits of each without boring you with every detail about them.
Lifestyle Goals are the Key
Based on your Adjusted Gross Income and employer retirement plan coverage, you may be eligible to reduce your taxes in 2010 even if you have pretax deductions through your employer. Married Filing Jointly filers have specific eligibilities depending on employer retirement plan coverage. Qualified contributions to traditional IRA's are pre-tax and lower a taxpayers Adjusted Gross Income. One thing to consider for high income earners ($150K and above) is that you have been phased out of many tax credits and deductions so the pre-tax deduction is diluted to some degree which would favor a Roth IRA. Most important is lifestyle. When Traditional IRA’s first became law, the basis was that you worked until age 65, then retired with no earned income, and only received Social Security and possibly a pension. Therefore your tax bracket is very low when you take IRA distributions. More and more this is not the case as people work into their 70s or start businesses of their own after retirement. Our generation is staying active longer, and income brackets are not being lowered.
Alamo Today ~ April 2011 - Page 15
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Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary Blackhawk Film, Food & Wine Festival
The Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary Club will hold its 21st Annual Film, Food, & Wine Festival fundraiser at the Blackhawk Auto Museum in Danville, located at 3700 Blackhawk Circle on Thursday, May 5th from 5:30-8:30pm. This year’s theme, Casablanca, will feature the classic movie with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. Set in unoccupied Africa during the early days of World War II. During the movie presentation, information about the film will be given. In addition there will be a small live auction featuring a few special items. Outstanding local restaurants and wineries of the Livermore Valley will offer a sample of their finest products and musical entertainment will make this year’s event very special. Bring friends and family for a wonderful evening! All proceeds from sponsors and guests will go to the Rotary Club of Danville/Sycamore Valley Community Foundation, a 501 (c)3 charitable organization, in support of local charitable and non-profit organizations and international service projects. For information and event reservations, please contact Newell Arnerich, Foundation Chair, at 510-366-0716 or email Newell@ADarch.com. The Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary Club wishes to thank everyone who has generously donated to our efforts for community service in the past and hope that you will join us again. Direct contributions can be sent to The Rotary Club of Danville/Sycamore Valley Community Foundation, 696 San Ramon Valley Blvd., Suite 332 Danville, CA 94526. You can also visit our website at www.dsvrotary.com for more information.
Cinema Classics By Peggy Horn
It’s kooky, it’s romantic, and it’s funny! This month’s Cinema Classic, What’ Up Doc? (1972), starring Barbra Streisand and Ryan O’Neal, is all these things which earned it the Writers Guild of America Award for “Best Comedy Written Directly for the Screen,” in 1972. According to Peter Bogdonavich, who directed and produced this movie, it was inspired in part by Bringing Up Baby, with Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn, as well as by the beloved screwball comedies that are still admired today. Barbra Streisand is gorgeous in this movie and plays an extremely brilliant young woman (Judy Maxwell) who falls in love with an absent minded professor type, Dr. Howard Bannister (Ryan O’Neal). Attached to her love, however, is a chaos component that seems to affect every aspect of Bannister’s life – especially his engagement to his fiancé, Eunice Burns, played by the fabulous Madeline Kahn. Apparently this was Miss. Kahn’s first movie – although her acting and comedic skills make such a fact hard to believe. The plot concerns a mistaken identity among four suitcases that look alike but which have different contents including jewels, secret government documents, and igneous rocks! The bike-cart/car chase scene in this movie is one of the funniest pieces of film one could hope for! Even if you do nothing more than listen to the song sung in the opening credits, you will have done yourself a favor because it is none other than Ms. Streisand herself singing, You’re the Top, by Cole Porter. Listening to those ingenious Cole Porter lyrics (“You’re the Nile, You’re the Tower of Pisa, You’re the smile on the Mona Lisa…, You’re an O’Neill drama, You’re Whistler’s mama, You’re Camembert!”) is a special delight in itself. This movie is wonderful and sure to inspire a laugh here and there owing to its clever and witty dialogue – a perfect choice for Valentine’s Day because what could be more romantic than the gift of a good laugh? This film is available for purchase inexpensively online or at select DVD rental establishments.
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Page 16 - April 2011 ~ Alamo Today
Snake Oil
sumption of each of the online cleanup tools is that they know exactly what ails your computer without even looking at it. It is true that a downloaded diagnostic By Evan Corstorphine, Portable CIO program can look at many aspects of your system, but a) that’s not what these proMaybe you’re like me in that you listen to the car grams do, b) it’s a complex undertaking that takes quite a bit of time, and c) it can’t radio when you’re driving around. I listen to the news, perceive what a trained professional is going to notice. Instead, they’re focused on and of course to support the news, radio stations have one specific task and selling that as a PC tune-up. I think it’s misleading. to sell advertising. I’ve noticed there are several types System performance tuning is complicated. Many factors come into play and of radio commercials right now. I’m a very skeptical interact with each other in a complex ballet of symptoms. How old is your computer? listener, and it seems to me that the commercials are What operating system is it using? Does it have the latest operating system patches? aimed very low, toward people who are very gullible, How much RAM is installed? How full is your hardisk? What programs are you using, and they are increasingly predatory. and what versions? Is the hardisk working properly? Is it making noises today that One of the commercials recommends that I should are new or different? How is your networking configured? How fragmented is your buy gold, and/or sell my ‘junk’ gold to get spare cash. Another wants me to refi- hardisk? Is there a bad stick of RAM? Is your page file properly sized? Do you have too nance my mortgage with their super low rates (and tons of fine print). The third type many programs running on startup? Is there a single program running that is running of ad pops up around the holidays, and it’s for ProFlowers, a company I’ll warn away with all of the system resources? Is your networking card working properly? you about another time. The fourth, and what I’m writing about today, are ads to Are your system temp folders overflowing with junk files? Is there a motherboard magically clean up your PC. There are a few different products being offered. problem disguising itself as a software issue? Are there a lot of orphaned entries in The product I’ll write about today is MyCleanPC.com, but my comments here your system registry? Do you have two different antivirus products loaded that are are directed at the whole genre of online computer cleanup tools. The bottom line? competing with each other? I’ve never seen a program written that can survey all of Avoid them. I think they are largely ineffective and a waste of money. these factors, sort them out, discuss options with the owner and make decisions about When your computer becomes slow, there are many possible reasons. The aswhat to do, and then effect those repairs. The online services these sites sell are typically called “registry cleaners.” They really don’t do very much. The “registry” is a big system database that Windows keeps hidden away in a system folder. As you install, run, and de-install programs, there are usually entries left in the registry that shouldn’t be there. Over time, if this happens enough, the registry can become large and fragmented. But, as fragmented as it may become, it is only one small part of the performance puzzle, and the clean-up is not nearly as profound as the commercials indicate. I downloaded and ran the product at MyCleanPC. com. It’s actually another name for a company called “CyberDefender,” which is just another antivirus company. The website immediately asks if you want to scan your system for “errors.” The download is free. When you run the product, it begins to scan your registry. It completes after a few minutes and displays a report of supposed “errors” that need to be fixed. On my system it found 942 “errors.” If you want to “fix” those errors, it forwards you to their website to get the unlock code for their software. They want $39.95 for the unlock code. They also automatically check a box that says you want a copy of their antivirus for an additional $29.95, as well as the “backup CD” for $14.97. If you’re not paying attention, that’s $84.90 to “fix” a problem that really isn’t a problem. The key points are as follows. First, just because an entry is left in the registry or a file is left on your system, doesn’t make it an “error.” So I object to their alarmist characterization of this ordinary phenomenon. Second, as I pointed out above, cleaning up orphans in your registry is just one aspect of tuning a system, and there are many other areas that more commonly cause system performance issues. Third, I think their advertising is misleading, their product is over-priced, and pre-checking boxes for other products is a sneaky way to sell product. The bottom line is computers are complex. There are many factors to consider when they’re not working well. It’s best to work with a trained professional who can give you honest advice in the context of your business or personal requirements. Computers can do many things well, but diagnosing themselves Open Tues thru Sat 10 to 6 Sunday 11 to 5 Closed Monday is still better accomplished by a human. For friendly, professional advice, give Portable Danville 925.648.0293 Alamo 925.820.8492 CIO a call (925)552-7953, or email your questions 3426 Camino Tassajara 3189 Danville Boulevard to helpdesk@theportablecio.com. Advertorial
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Page 18 - April 2011 ~ Alamo Today
Tree of the Season: Japanese Maples
By Blaine Brende & Joe Lamb
Japanese maples have an elegance and sculptural quality that resembles dance. Careful study of their form, in any season, can call the viewer back to the natural world. In winter, the falling leaves raise the curtain on the form of the trunks and put the dance on center stage. Winter rain intensifies the show by adding a sensuality to the movement of stem and bough, one that beckons to even the unpracticed eye. In spring, certain varieties of Japanese maples send out new leaves so bright a green they appear lit from within. In summer, upright cultivars that are well pruned have spaces between the branches, giving the canopy
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the appearance of being composed of many floating islands. And in fall, Japanese maples mark the change of season by turning colors ranging from yellow to scarlet, depending on the variety of maple; there are many varieties. Luckily, Japanese maples are relatively easy to grow and are relatively tough. In their long evolutionary dance–fossilized maple leaves date back over 60 million years–Japanese maples have developed the genetic information necessary to protect them against most common garden afflictions. They are, however, subject to verticillium wilt, a soil-borne fungal disease that can cause dieback, and sometimes death. There is no known cure for verticillium, but you can decrease the likelihood of your new maple getting the disease if you 1) don’t plant it in ground known to have verticillium, 2) make sure the soil around the tree is well drained so that the roots don’t remain soggy throughout the winter, and 3) protect the tree against environmental stresses by giving it summer water and keeping it well mulched. Maples can grow and remain healthy in gardens with a history of verticillium. If they are not stressed by soils too damp, too dry, or too compacted, some individual maples can thrive even though a near neighbor may die. It depends on the genetics of the individual. If your mature maple shows significant dieback, it may be fighting a case of verticillium. It is not necessarily a death sentence. Some trees succeed in fighting off the disease. You can help them recover by pruning out the deadwood and improving the soil environment by mulching and aerating. Though some varieties can withstand full sun, Japanese maples do best in part shade. They do not thrive when exposed to the drying effect of constant wind. If you live on an exposed hillside, it is best to plant them in the lee of a larger tree. Dieback in Japanese maple crowns often is the result of too much sun, too much wind, or the even more deadly combination of the two. Maples need water. Keeping them moist throughout the summer and fall, and into the early winter in dry years, will make them happier and more disease resistant. Pruning, besides benefiting the mental health of the pruner, can enhance the grace of the plant. If your pruner is an artist, removing deadwood and teasing apart the plant’s natural layering opens little windows that reveal and accentuate the tree’s natural form. A well-pruned tree looks as if it hasn’t been pruned. Paradoxically, it looks more natural after pruning than before. Though it is sometimes necessary to lower the crown of a maple, as when it is beginning to block a treasured view, lowering should be done only when necessary, and the lowering should not be so drastic as to involve topping cuts (see the article on topping). Lowering a maple to gain a view is not something that you can do just once. Pruning down the crown stimulates new growth, and maintaining the view, or the size reduction, will require yearly pruning. No matter how good the artist, you can’t make a topped maple look as good as a natural tree. Much pruning, and therefore expense, can be avoided by planting the right variety in the right place. When planting a new tree, plant a cultivar that won’t exceed the desired height when it matures. This is almost always preferable to containing a variety that will grow beyond the desired size. It is our hope at Brende & Lamb that the pleasure our clients derive from their well-pruned trees exceeds the considerable pleasure we get from revealing the beauty inherent in their trees. If your trees and shrubs need a little TLC - call us at 510-486-TREE (8733) or email bl@brendelamb.com to schedule a free estimate. For more information visit our website at www.brendelamb.com. Advertorial
San Ramon Valley Genealogical Society
The San Ramon Valley Genealogical Society meets at 10AM the third Tuesday of every month, except August and December, at the Danville Family History Center, 2949 Stone Valley Road, Alamo. There will be a speaker at every meeting. Everyone is welcome. For information, call Ed at (925) 299-0881, visit www.srvgensoc. org, or email SRVGS@SRVGenSoc.org.
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Life in the Alamo Garden
Alamo Today ~ April 2011 - Page 19
The Glory of Spring By John Montgomery, ASLA, Landscape Architect
Getting pounded with these late winter rains, it doesn’t quite feel like spring yet here in Alamo! But if you look closely in the garden at the trees, shrubs, and perennials, you’ll see the glory of spring quietly emerging from the cold and wet. The beginning of spring is one of my favorite times in the garden. I love to observe the new and fresh leaves bud from dead and deciduous branches, bright new lime green leaves stand out against older darker green ones. I like to watch how quickly daffodils, jonquils, and paper whites (Narcissus) push their fresh long leaves through the decaying leaves and mulch to bloom bright and cheery colors. The days are warming; the sun shinning and like clock-work life in the garden labors to show us the glory of spring. Here are some of the plants that you might have noticed that are the first to declare the beginning of Spring. Cercis occidentalis (tree-Western Redbud) blooms lavender flowers on smooth gray branches before leaves form, Daphne odora (shrub-Winter Daphne) with its intoxicating fragrance fills the air, Hardenbergia violacea ‘Happy Wanderer’ (vine-Lilac Vine) weaves a lively trail of lilac flowers, Iberis sempervirens ‘Snowflake’ (perennial-Candytuft) trails profuse white flowers over the ground, and, one of my favorites, Veronica umbrosa ‘Georgia Blue’ (ground cover-Speedwell) blooms profuse cobalt blue flowers as winter fades out. Other great note-worthy spring blooming trees are Pyrus calleryana ‘Redspire’ (ornamental pear), Magnolia stellata (Star Magnolia), and Prunus serrulata ‘Shirotae’ (Flowering cherry). After a long winter’s nap, we long to connect with nature to rejuvenate, relax, recreate, and renew ourselves. A Garden is one of those places that has the gift to touch all of our human senses: sight, smell, touch, sound and taste. Wandering through a beautifully designed Alamo garden allows the senses to be stimulated by wonderful visuals, fragrances, textures, sounds, and tastes that nature can offer.
Let your spirits be lifted twice this spring: first by strolling through inspiring gardens and second by knowing that you are helping to raise much-needed money for charity. Come join our spring tradition! I am thrilled to announce our 2nd annual Garden Tour Fundraiser: Life in the Lafayette Garden- a tour of five distinct Lafayette gardens designed by me. I personally invite you to come enjoy the glory of spring with us. Stroll the budding gardens, nibble goodies during an outdoor kitchen cooking demo, learn about urban farming in our veggie garden demo, listen to music as you meander, chat with me, and enjoy other surprises we have planned while supporting our beneficiaries Hospice of the East Bay, Orinda-Moraga-Lafayette A.A.U.W. Tech Trek program, the Gretta Foundation, Urban Farmers, and Contra Costa Guild Dogs for the Blind. Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 14th from 11AM-4PM. For more info and tickets, visit www.jm-la.com, and click on the Garden Tour tab. It will be a pleasure to celebrate the glory of spring with you! A hot tip from your local Landscape Architect: As the glory of spring emerges, it’s time to control aphids, slugs, and snails. It’s time to set out cool season annuals; snapdragons, viola, and stocks. You can also seed some veggies like radishes, carrots, peas, and set seed potatoes. Gardening Quote of the Month: “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home,
a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” - Melody Beattie 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. Advertorial
Page 20 - April 2011 ~ Alamo Today
Saving with Solar
By Mark Becker, Semper Fidelis Construction Inc.
Unlike many other investments, a solar energy system is an investment that can provide guaranteed returns. The environmental benefits of solar power are also widely accepted. We’ll focus on the financial returns provided and how they are achieved. Given the right circumstances, installing a solar system will provide long-term, double-digit financial returns. Factors that affect returns on an investment in solar are how much electricity you currently use, how much electricity your solar system produces, how much it costs to purchase and install the solar energy system, and the current and future costs of electric power purchased from your utility. Solar systems pay themselves back by offsetting the top three tiers of PG&E utility rates. Many companies will size a system to offset 100% of your electric consumption. This is unnecessarily expensive and creates a longer payback period. A good company also consults with their client to reduce electrical usage before sizing the solar system. When designing an array, the contractor and customer must balance the considerations of aesthetics with production. An attractive and productive array keeps the neighbors happy and generates the contractor more business. How much electricity a solar system produces depends on how much sunlight the panels receive, air temperature, and the wattage rating and quantity of panels. A solar system’s power output is most efficient when oriented in a southerly direction with minimal shading. Most homes or businesses aren’t lined up perfectly for solar, but there’s a lot of flexibility in how the panels can be oriented. Some shading can be accommodated; every installation is different. An important factor to consider is how much your system costs to install. Costs vary with the type of system and the complexity of the installation. Products made in the USA are of higher quality and have better warranties than foreign (Chinese) products and cost just cents on the dollar more. When considering your system, the main concern should be compatibility of the product and future availability of the product should there be a need for replacement of individual panels. There are no moving parts in a solar system, so they require little maintenance and are very reliable. Panels are warranted for 25 years, and they have an expected lifetime of well over 30 years. Many systems installed 40 years ago are still in operation. Installation costs are offset by utility rebates; federal and state tax credits and system depreciation for home-based or commercial business use. The Federal tax
Caltrans Update on Interstate 680 Construction By Roger Smith
AIA maintains in interest in all transportation issues impacting our community. As part of that on-going process, on Thursday, March 23 rd, I attended the Caltrans discussion held at San Ramon’s Community Center. Several Caltrans representatives were present and available to answer questions. The lighter turnout in attendance enabled representatives to spend time personally with each attendee. Background information on the project notes that the Interstate 680 project initially started construction in January 2011, continues through the end of this year, and is scheduled to end in the spring of 2012. The project total cost is $49M for roadway rehabilitation construction on Interstate 680 from Walnut Creek’s Rudgear Road on the North to San Ramon’s Alcosta Boulevard located at the Alameda/Contra Costa County Line on the South, for a total length of 12.8 miles. Of primary interest to Alamo residents is the restriping of lanes to provide an extension of the Southbound High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) or Diamond Lane from its current starting point at Livorna Road to its new starting point at Rudgear Road. This 9/10ths of a mile change in starting point should result in somewhat less traffic congestion during peak traffic time periods. This project will also involve repair and repaving to Interstate 680 on/off ramps including Alamo’s. Caltrans will be providing a two week advance notice for ramp closures to travelers through the use of signs posted at the ramps scheduled for repair, information from media broadcasts, and the Caltrans website under “Upcom-
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credit of 30 percent for solar installation is available until 2016. PG&E rebates are still available, but they are being reduced as more systems are installed. The current net cost of a residential solar system is approximately 65% of its gross cost in the first year of operation due to rebates and credits. Commercial systems are typically larger and return even better financial returns due to accelerated depreciation schedules. If a site is well suited for solar, and electric usage demographics allow, a reasonably priced system can produce more power than is used at the solar site during the summer. In this case, the solar contractor should suggest a “solar friendly” utility tariff. The extra kilowatts produced during the summer will generate a greater proportion of winter kilowatt credits. The extra kilowatts that are unused by the system owner in the summer period (May-Oct) are used by PG&E; this reduces the need for additional traditional power plants. This is why the system owner will be paid by PG&E at a premium rate for their unused solar kilowatts. This further advantages the system owner, reducing payback and increasing long term financial gain. Your electricity use is a fundamental piece of the investment equation. If you have moderate electric needs, you may reap lucrative returns typically in the 8-16% range over the life of the system. Based on past trends, PG&E electric rates are expected to increase an average of 6.7% per year for residential customers and 5 percent for commercial customers. During the 25-to 40-year lifetime of a solar system, your utility bill is expected to increase more than fivefold. Investment in a solar power system now serves as a hedge against rising utility bills. These rate increases make solar a compelling investment. Waiting for “new technology” and “lower prices” is a red-herring; new technologies are becoming available, but they won’t be financially feasible for the average home or business owner for years. Delaying your installation to wait for lower prices will also be offset by smaller available rebates. It is ideal to install while system prices are reasonable, interest rates low, and while tax credits and rebates are still available. Another benefit of a solar power system will be an increase in the appraised and assessed value of your property. Because of California law, an increase in assessed value as a result of this home improvement will not increase your property taxes. As long as rebates and tax incentives remain available to offset your installation costs, and as long as utility rates continue to rise, solar will remain a very savvy investment. For more information, visit our websites, www.SimpleSolarKits.com, www.CaSolarPowerSolutions.com, or contact us for a free home consultation at 925.255.3345. (Mark Becker is president of Semper Fidelis Construction, a Danville-based solar power installation and consulting firm.) Advertorial ing Construction Operations and Schedule” and “Press Releases.” Alamo residents with questions and concerns can contact Caltrans 24 hour Project Telephone Hotline at (510) 286-5820 to leave a message for response by a Caltrans representative by the next business day. Visitors to the Caltrans website can click on “Update” to register as a “Subscriber” and receive automatic updates on Caltrans work and scheduled ramp closures. The Caltrans website is www.dot.ca.gov/dist4/680ccrehab/. Please visit AIA’s website, www.AlamoCA.org, for a copy of this article, project facts of interest, and to access a live link to the Caltrans website.
Some Project Facts:
• No sound walls are included in the project • No freeway widening is included in the project • Weekday schedule for work to begin at 8 or 9PM and end at 5 or 6AM • Weekend schedule for work to begin at 10 or 11PM and end at 10 or 11AM • Temporary noise and vibration may be noticed by residents close to the work areas • Project will remove 19,200 cubic yards of asphalt and 8,200 cubic yards of concrete • Project will use 90,000 tons of rubberized asphalt made partly from recycled tires, saving approx. 200,000 tires from land fills. • Project will use 150 miles of lane striping applied to the 12.8 mile project that will use tiny particles of recycled glass mixed into the striping paint to enhance the paint’s reflective status. • In the 1960’s, Lyndon Johnson was President when this section of I-680 was originally constructed • Today, in 2011, this section of Interstate 680 now averages 170,000 vehicle trips every day Advertorial
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Tip of the Month
Alamo Today ~ April 2011 - Page 21
Hospice Thrifts Can Help
In these troubled economic times, more and more people are finding By Cynthia Ruzzi, President and Co-Founder, Sustainable Danville necessities, as well as luxury items, at thrift stores. Vintage, antique, gently-used, call it what you want, but secondhand can be twice-as-nice. Area Hospice of the East Bay has Thrift Shoppes in Alamo, Antioch, Concord,
This year there’s definitely truth in the old phrase, “March, in like a lion and out like a lamb.” This past month started out ferocious, and I’m not just talking about the weather. Beyond local economic woes, Americans have witnessed the unprecedented impact of social networking as the international voices of oppressed masses fight for the liberties that we so often take for granted. Over the last two months, we watched with sorrow the vivid details of the catastrophic earthquakes in Christchurch, New Zealand, Myanmar, and Honshu, Japan. Some are moved to help, like Laura Valvassori, Shannon Kong, and Jen Ramano, who are organizing a community garage sale to buy Shelter Boxes (www.shelterboxes.org) for relief efforts in Japan, while other loving people find themselves paralyzed by the onslaught of these misfortunes. We struggle to explain to our children the irony of celebrity lifestyles verses the lives of global friends devastated by natural and man-made tragedy. And we wonder whether we will be prepared for the next ‘big one’ - wherever in the world it may occur. I don’t know about you, but spring couldn’t come any sooner. This time of renewal is a perfect opportunity to assess what matters most to us and our families and to decide how to consciously ‘live’ forward. Maybe you’re wondering where to get started. While mom always said it was best to start with breakfast, you may be better served by keeping in mind a term my yoga teacher, Leena St. Michael shared – ACE: Act with kindness, make an effort to Connect, and lead by Example. Conscious living is what led me to make ‘every choice count’ and to live more sustainably. So what is sustainability all about? Simply stated, sustainability is about meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. I can’t believe it was just a year ago that I was searching for local recommendations for sustainable living for my family. Talking with friends Darlene Gayler and Tracy Bauer, we were inspired to start Sustainable Danville Area (www.sustainabledanville. com) to encourage sustainable practices by facilitating eco-educational programs in the Danville Area. We are not the ‘Green Police.’ Instead we’re a local group interested in exploring and learning how to live and work sustainably in our community. We definitely don’t have all the answers, but along the way we have found great resources, made wonderful connections, and learned from our mistakes – hopefully making it easier for our neighbors who want to jump aboard. We are fulfilled by the community of people (students, teachers, parents, business owners, civil leaders, and more) who have demonstrated their interest in supporting our efforts and making Every Choice Count! As part of our latest program, Sustainable Danville Area is working with the Discover Danville Association and more than twenty Danville Area Sustainable Businesses to host April’s Spring Fling. Come join us for eco-friendly activities every Thursday and Saturday throughout the month of April. We have activities planned to entice the curiosity of young and younger with bike-to-lunch specials, solar cooking demos, decorating with eco-friendly items, tips on green building (check out the Green Dog House from Gayler Construction), composting and the wonderful world of worms, edible gardening, eco-fashions, recycled art projects, music, and much more. You’ll find a full calendar on the Discover Danville website (www.discoverdanvilleca.com). And to celebrate the journey of our first year, please join Sustainable Danville Area for an organic and sustainable wine tasting at The Vine (www.thevineatbridges.com) on Thursday, April 21st at 6pm. The cost is $15. Visit www.sustainabledanville.com for details on the shelter box garage sale, Spring Fling events and Danville Area Sustainable Businesses.
Danville, Dublin, and Walnut Creek that carry an assortment of clothing, housewares, books, music, jewelry, and furniture at deeply discounted prices. The shoppes are able to offer its merchandise at bargain prices because their inventory is entirely made up of donated items. For instance, one shopper remarked that she found a mint condition St. John knit suit, with a retail value of over $1,000, for only $29! If you get lucky and find something you want, you’d better purchase it right away, because it won’t last long. And, be sure to check out these special sale dates at the shoppes including 50% off sales on the last full weekend of every month. For store locations and hours, visit www.hospiceeastbay.org or call (925) 887-5678. Funds raised by the Hospice Thrift Shoppes benefit the patients and families in the care of Hospice of the East Bay. Established in 1977, Hospice of the East Bay is a not-for-profit agency that helps people cope with life-limiting illnesses by providing medical, emotional, spiritual, and practical support for patients and families, regardless of their ability to pay. To learn more, or to make a donation of time or money, please contact (925) 887-5678, or visit www.hospiceeastbay.org.
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Page 22 - April 2011 ~ Alamo Today
News You Can Use on the Wine Label, Part I
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By Monica Chappell
The technical terms and mysterious locales mentioned on many a wine label can initially confuse more than they help the would-be consumer of a bottle's contents. Add in the language barrier and elaborate classification system found on European labels, and you may be tempted to ignore the message on the bottle altogether. But resist the temptation. Like an introductory chat with a new acquaintance, labels can tell you a lot about where a wine comes from and how it’s made, as well as help you define your preferences. Every bottle of wine must have a label, and that label must provide certain information about the wine. The country where the wine is made requires some of the information on the wine label. The country where the wine is sold requires other label information.
In Europe, Appellations Speak Volumes
By now, most winemaking countries have some sort of government-sponsored agency overseeing the sort of label that gets slapped on a bottle of wine. In this regard, France serves as the model. The most developed, defined, and refined wine labeling system in the world hails from France, where all information boils down to one word: appellation. The French Institute National des Appellations d’Origine (INAO) is the oldest and strictest wine-regulating system on the planet. This body governs the geographical limits of winemaking regions and for each one sets the acceptable grape varieties, approved percentages for blends, maximum amount of wine produced per acre, minimum aging, and additional specifics.
Varietals Rule in the U.S.
In the United States, on the other hand, varietal names take center stage on most wine labels. You may be more likely to scan a wine list or market shelf for a Cabernet than for a bottle from, say, the Stag's Leap appellation in Napa, and most people think grape first when forming first impressions. Because American labeling laws regulate the percentage required to call a wine by its varietal name, blends are often left in the lurch label-wise. An American label without a varietal name could signal one of two things: a generic or jug wine or one of the upscale European-style blends. Knowing the difference can help you get what you pay for. So, now that you're an expert and multi-lingual label decoder, what does it all mean in a nutshell? When the decoding is done, the ultimate proof of a wine is in the bottle and on your palate - a pleasure that may even be beyond words. Monica Chappell teaches wine appreciation classes in Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Danville and Pleasant Hill. For a list of classes go to www.wineappreciation101.blogspot.com.
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Probate – Fact and Fiction By Robert J. Silverman, Esq.
Probate is a bit mysterious. People often know little about what it is, its purpose, when it applies, where it takes place, the process, its costs, and what the alternatives are. Rather, focus is on the concept that probate should be avoided! What: Probate is a public, court-supervised, estate administration process. Purpose: It’s designed to protect a decedent’s creditors and heirs; to administer the correct Will (last valid Will signed by the testator), if the decedent had one, and to ensure that after valid expenses and creditor claims are paid, remaining estate assets are distributed to the beneficiary(ies) lawfully entitled to them. When: In California, a probate is necessary when assets of the decedent (of the type that are subject to probate) exceed $100,000 in aggregate value. The value of certain kinds of assets are excluded because they are not subject to probate, such as when an account has a then-living co-owner or “transfer/payable on death” designation on file with the financial institution; and retirement plans and life insurance policies, in which one or more valid beneficiaries have been designated, at least one of whom is alive on the deceased owner’s death. Where: A California probate proceeding takes place in the Superior Court in the County in which the decedent permanently resided on death. If the decedent owns real property in a state(s) other than California, an “ancillary” probate proceeding is required in each such state. Process: Generally, the steps are as follows: 1) a “Personal Representative” (“Executor” nominated in the Will, or if no Will exists, typically a close relative proposed “Administrator”) hires an attorney; 2) the attorney prepares and files a Petition to open the probate and supplemental forms; 3) notice of the Petition must be given to proper parties and published in a newspaper; 4) a hearing is scheduled; 5) the attorney appears at the hearing, and if everything is in proper order, the Probate is opened (the Judge admits the Will, appoints the Personal Representative, and issues “Letters…” – a document that gives the Personal Representative broad authority to act on behalf of the estate and its beneficiaries); 6) a four month creditor’s claim period must run, during which creditors may file claims; 7) a probate referee is assigned by the court to value the assets as of date of death; 8) the Personal Representative pays expenses and approved claims, and keeps an accounting; 9) an Inventory and Appraisement form is prepared and filed with the court; 10) a comprehensive final Petition is prepared and filed, including an accounting, if required; and 11) the attorney appears at the final hearing, and the Judge approves the final Petition, which order includes that the attorney and Personal Representative receive proper compensation for their services, and that assets be distributed to the beneficiaries. The process generally takes 9-12 months, or longer. Costs: The probate attorney and the Personal Representative are each entitled to the same amount of “ordinary” compensation per the applicable statute, on a graduated fee schedule based on the gross value (debts are not deducted) of the estate’s assets. In short, the formula-based compensation is 4% of the 1st $100,000; 3% of the next $100,000; 2% of the next $800,000; and 1% over $1 Million. When extraordinary services are rendered by the attorney and/or the Personal Representative, they also receive “extraordinary compensation” at court-approved rates. Costs are also paid, which usually total a few thousand dollars, for court filing fees; publication; probate referee charges; etc. Alternatives: A major misconception is prevalent - that if you die with a Will, your estate will escape probate. Not true. Most importantly, if you die without a Will or revocable living trust, the State of California (applicable “intestate” probate code statute) dictates to whom your assets are distributed. In fact, dying with or without a Will guarantees probate (of those assets that are subject to probate) unless you have a valid revocable living trust and substantially all of your assets are titled in your trust on your death. Typically, trust administration is faster, private, less cumbersome, and substantially less expensive than probate administration. Mr. Silverman is an attorney with Shapiro Buchman Provine Brothers Smith LLP, 1333 N. California Street, Suite 350, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; (925) 9449700; rsilverman@sbllp.com. His practice emphasizes Estate Planning, Trust Administration & Probate, Real Estate, and Business. Please call for a free introductory consultation.
This article is intended to provide information of a general nature, and should not be relied upon as legal, tax, financial and/ or business advice. Readers should obtain and rely upon specific advice only from their own qualified professional advisors. This communication is not intended or written to be used, for the purpose of: i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code; or ii) promoting, marketing, or recommending to another party any matters addressed herein. Advertorial
Alamo Today ~ April 2011 - Page 23
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Page 24 - April 2011 ~ Alamo Today
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Financial Planning for a Divorce
By Peter T. Waldron & Robert J. Waldron
In conjunction with Waldron Wealth Advisors, a division of Lincoln Financial Advisors, a registered investment advisor.
When you’re preparing for a divorce, it’s crucial to review your budget and expenses. After separating, most ex-spouses will try to maintain their former lifestyles, only now the same income will need to cover two separate households. How do you manage cash flow appropriately to meet your and your ex-spouse’s individual circumstances? The goal is to arrive at a fair solution. But remember, ‘fair’ is a relative term and depends on the circumstances. In some cases, it may mean assets are divided 50-50 and in others it could be 70-30.
Asset Division
Since you may need to liquidate an asset after the divorce is final to cover your expenses, you should be aware of any extra costs associated with the asset. Your advisor will begin by examining all your marital assets, to get a clear picture of their characteristics, such as tax basis, surrender charges, and termination fees. In addition, it’s important to consider your liabilities, such as mortgages and credit card debt, or even contingent ones such as any pending lawsuits. Your financial planner can help you to evaluate certain restrictions that may apply if an asset must be unwound. For instance, a fractional share in a business may lose most of its saleable value. Or, a spouse who is not licensed cannot operate half of a professional practice. One creative solution might be for one spouse to maintain the business, while the other party receives additional cash as compensation.
Changing Circumstances
When planning for a divorce, you will also need to get a clear grasp of what the future is likely to hold. Cash-flow projections can help provide some confidence that a divorce settlement will remain fair and viable in the years to come. Some possible eventualities to bear in mind include: • How retirement will affect cash flow, including alimony payments. • How a change in career might affect overall income. • How disability could affect one or both households. Divorce settlements may rarely include a requirement for an income-earning spouse to have disability income insurance. Life insurance is more common, although in fact disability is a more likely occurrence than death. • How the rising future value of some assets could affect your overall financial picture.
Protecting Children
As a breadwinner, you may be concerned about what will happen to your joint assets after a divorce and how that will affect the legacy you leave your children. For example, if your spouse remarries, those assets that were received in the divorce settlement might be transferred to someone other than your own kids. In fact, some spouses find it difficult to see their funds are being used to support a partner or future spouse. There are many
Alamo Today ~ April 2011 - Page 25 workable solutions that can place restrictions on how an ex-spouse receives payments from a divorce settlement. You, your advisors, and your attorney can discuss alternatives that may mitigate how the settlement is paid to an ex-spouse. Another concern, for many different reasons, is how a child will receive assets that you want them to have after a divorce. From an estate-planning aspect, it may not be preferable to leave an outright gift to your kids, since they too could end up getting divorced—and losing the money. A trust is often a method of safeguarding your children’s rights. You may use life insurance to create a death benefit that can be used to provide a guaranteed a source of income for your children after your death. If you do, it’s crucial to specify how funds will be distributed to your heirs and by whom to ensure that your children receive the intended benefit.
Hidden Assets
Unfortunately, some spouses go to great lengths to spend as much money as they can before their joint wealth becomes divided. There are many ways that assets can be retitled or hidden. What can you do to prevent that type of deception? Above all, it’s important to carefully review all bank or brokerage statements, and question any large, unusual withdrawals. Can your spouse prove he or she sustained an investment loss, with a tax deduction to match? Do you notice any substantial amounts of missing cash? By the time a divorce is pending, it will be harder to practice damage control. Accordingly, married couples should pay close attention to finances from the beginning. That includes taking full ownership of online accounts by learning each other’s user names and passwords and properly titling joint assets. Please contact Peter Waldron to schedule a complimentary review of your financial situation, 925-659-0383 or peter.waldron@lfg.com. Peter T. Waldron & Robert J. Waldron Jr. are registered representative of Lincoln Financial Advisors, a broker/dealer, member SIPC, and offers investment advisory service through Sagemark Consulting, a division of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., a registered investment advisor, Waldron Wealth Advisors, 3000 Executive Parkway, Ste 400, San Ramon, CA 94583. Insurance offered through Lincoln affiliates and other fine companies. Advertorial
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St. Vincent de Paul Receives “Challenge Grant”
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, (SVdP) of Contra Costa County has received a $50,000 “Challenge Grant” from the Dean & Margaret Lesher Foundation. “The funds will be utilized to purchase a new truck in order to update the efficiency and operation of the SVdP truck fleet which supports the pick-up, delivery and transportation of all goods sold or given to the needy from the two SVdP Thrift Stores,” said Ron Weston, executive director of SVdP. Additional uses of the truck fleet include distribution of 14,000 warm coats each winter in the “One Warm Coat Program” and distribution of food/meals to the needy. The SVdPThrift Stores support the economically marginalized in Contra Costa County by providing free and low-cost clothing, furniture, and appliances. Over $100,000 in free clothing/furniture was provided by SVdP of Contra Costa to over 25,000 families in 2010. Over the past five years, our truck driver employee development program has successfully transitioned 12 employees from post-incarceration and successful parole completion to productive employment. SVdP of Contra Costa County looks to strengthen vulnerable families by providing not only clothing, furniture, and appliances, but by also providing nutritional support, (free meals and food pantries/distributions), rental assistance, immigration and legal services, job training, medical care to uninsured adults with acute or chronic health conditions, and shelter for the homeless. Please help us meet the challenge of this generous Grant from the Lesher Foundation by making your donation to the St. Vincent de Paul Truck Fund by calling (925) 439-5060 or at www.svdp-cc.org.
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Page 26 - April 2011 ~ Alamo Today
The Eye Opener
By Gregory Kraskowsky, O.D., Alamo Optometry Ocular Migraines
Several patients have come into the office lately complaining of ocular migraines. There are some different terms for this condition including aura, ocular migraine, ocular aura, and retinal migraines. Even though they have slightly different meanings, I will lump them into one for the purposes of this article. Initially, these can be very scary as patients are concerned that they are losing their vision and/or possibly having a stroke. Thankfully, neither will happen just from having an ocular migraine. However, depending on the exact symptoms, some eye and health conditions need to be ruled out. An ocular migraine, like a typical migraine, involves a blood vessel disturbance. This can be caused by many things such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and physical exertion. However, it is very common that these “just happen.” It usually occurs without any triggers and happens when people are in front of the computer, watching TV, or driving. The visual aura that people usually see is similar but can be variable and it can affect one or both eyes. Most patients report seeing bright or shimmering lights, zigzag lines, cloudy vision, and tunnel vision. Your central vision usually isn’t compromised, but it could be a little blurry. These visual disturbances last anywhere from a few minutes to about 30 minutes. If there is continued decreased vision, floaters, flashes of light, red eyes, etc., then an ocular migraine is not the diagnosis. The symptoms go away as quickly as they came with no prolonged visual changes and have no lasting visual or ocular consequences. These are commonly followed
Elephant Elbows and Hillbilly Heels By Dr. Shanny Baughman
Want to get a jump on summer styles? Starring in a birthday, anniversary, or wedding gala soon? Preparation might involve firming, toning, hair treatments, and wardrobe selection. However, do not neglect two important body parts - your elbows and your feet! Fondly referred to as “elephant elbows, and Dr. Shanny Baughman, Alamo hillbilly heels,” these brownish-grey patches are not caused by dirt, but by a build-up of dead dry skin cells. Investing just 60 seconds daily for ten days will result in spectacularly smooth skin. There are two essential requirements for elbow and heel care- exfoliation and moisturization. Omit one and the other will be only minimally effective. Exfoliation is best done in the shower or bath. Moisten your skin and then gently scrub your elbow or heel in a circular motion for 10 seconds and repeat on the other extremity. Apply soap to a washcloth, sponge, or brush for a mechanical exfoliant. The cleanser you use may have fine beads or crushed apricot kernels added for additional exfoliation. Sugar or salt scrubs are also effective. Remember this is a process requiring several days. You do not want to remove all the dead skin cells at once; gradual removal will be less traumatic and minimize wounds caused by overly vigorous scrubbing. Your skin will be a bit red after exfoliation, but it should not be tender. If it is, you were too vigorous. If Don’t let the bends of your arms turn into so, take a break for a few days, and “elephant elbows!”
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by an actual migraine about one hour after the aura starts. It is possible to not get the headache, but it is more likely that a migraine follows the aura. Initially these can be very scary and patients usually call the office to schedule a visit. This is advisable as there could be other causes and other conditions that need to be addressed depending on the symptoms, age, and medical history of the patient. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for ocular migraines. However, I always recommend to patients to take their normal headache medications at the onset of the visual disturbances, since it is common to get an actual migraine about an hour after the onset of the visual aura. These headaches are usually severe and could last several hours. Taking Tylenol, Excedrin, etc. for the headache will not prevent it from coming, but it will blunt the severity. I would rather tell my patients to take the medication and not get the headache than to wait until the headache starts; at that point it is too late. It is more common for normal migraine sufferers, women, and patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, and auto-immune diseases to get ocular migraines. There are no strong medical studies explaining the etiology of this condition. Even though there is no treatment, it is important to make sure that there is no medical reason for the ocular disturbances. The aura can easily be mistaken for symptoms of a retinal hole or detachment, stroke, or other neurological issues. Granted these conditions are pretty rare, but they do happen. An office visit to go over your personal medical history, exact symptoms, and an eye evaluation will help differentiate an ocular migraine from other potentially sight-threatening conditions. 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 become a fan on our Alamo Optometry Facebook page. Advertorial avoid beads or crushed kernels the next time. A Clarisonic brush can be used in place of a washcloth or sponge. The ultrasonic action of the brush fibers may be superior at loosening adherent dead skin cells. After exfoliation your elbows and heels are ready for the second step - moisturizing. All moisturizers are not created equal. With a few exceptions, the thicker a moisturizer, the more emollient and hydrating it will be. An ointment is more emollient than a cream and a cream more Dr. Kelly Hood, Lafayette than a lotion. A generous application of moisturizer just once daily after exfoliation will soften dry elbows and help lighten the gray-brown color. Moisturizing cream applied to slightly damp skin traps a bit of water next to the skin that is released over time. Therefore, your skin will be better hydrated with less cream or lotion. Waiting to moisturize after the skin has dried is less effective because 1) the moisture film has evaporated, and 2) more lotion or cream will never recreate the water-under-cream environment. Remember that rush of fragrant, humid air when you stepped off a plane in Hawaii? Remember how your skin feels while you are there - more moist, hydrated, and less dry, taut, and wrinkled? Applying moisturizer over moist skin helps simulate a more humid environment, minus the frequent flyer miles! I recommend the following moisturizers because they are effective, well-tolerated, and readily available at most pharmacies - Aquanil, Cetaphil, CeraVe, DML, and Vanicream. Prevention of “hillbilly heels” includes wearing socks with shoes, not going barefoot, and limiting the use of sandals or flip-flops. With a bit of attention and small investment in time and materials, your elbows and feet will be show-quality for summer. To schedule a consultation with one of us, contact Dr. Shanny Baughman at Alamo Oaks Dermatology, 3189 Danville Blvd, suite 130, Alamo, 925-362-0992, shanny.derm@gmail.com, or Dr. Kelly Hood, 970 Dewing, Suite 301, Lafayette, Advertorial 925-283-5500, khoodderm@yahoo.com .
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Your Personal Nutritionist By Linda Michaelis, RD
Stop Pre-Diabetes and Prevent Diabetes
Pre-diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes are at epidemic proportions. If you are fortunate enough to learn you are pre-diabetic, there are minor nutritional changes you can make that can prevent diabetes. Physicians are referring patients to me that are in the pre-diabetic blood glucose range between 100 mg/dl and 125 mg/ dl as well as full diabetics with fasting blood sugar level of 126 mg/dl or higher which will need medication if changes are not made. I truly am thrilled when a physician sends me a newly diagnosed pre-diabetic or diabetic patient because I know that changes in diet can significantly affect their condition. My first contact with clients is when they are distraught with this diagnosis. I tell them this might be the best thing to happen to them, giving them a wakeup call to finally get their health in order once and for all. I tell them their Type 2 diagnosis does not mean they can no longer enjoy sugar, but rather the key is to balance their meals with protein, fiber, and fat along with sweets and alcohol. Let me tell you about my most recent newly diagnosed pre-diabetic with a blood sugar of 123 mg/dl. Paul came to my office with a food diary that was very revealing. For breakfast Paul would alternate between Raisin Bran and Cheerios with a banana. For snacks he ate granola bars, yogurts, and fruit galore. For lunch he always went to Safeway for a turkey and cheese sandwich on a French roll with a bag of chips. In the afternoon he would grab a candy bar or enjoy some of the homemade goodies at the office. When he came home, he was famished and ate the large traditional meal with several slices of French bread. Paul said he thought his diet was moderate and did not deserve his diabetes diagnosis since he hardly ate sweets and drank water rather than sodas and juices. Paul did not realize that his menu choices were low in protein and fiber
Alamo Today ~ April 2011 - Page 27 which is necessary to keep blood sugars normal. His breakfast choices hardly have the required 2-3 oz of protein and 5 grams of fiber needed. I suggested Paul switch to Kashi-Go-Lean, oatmeal or even eggs with a 100% whole wheat English muffin. For snacks I told him good choices would include, a hardboiled egg, beef jerky, or handful of almonds and a fruit. For lunch I suggested that he continue having the sandwich, but order it with 100% whole wheat bread and extra veggies, which he loves, along with an apple. Instead of the chips, he should buy a hearty bean Progresso soup which can easily be poured into an oversized mug with the convenient flip top lid. When he craved his chips, he could order 1/3 pound of meat, large coleslaw or broccoli slaw, and then have a bag of chips. The chips will replace the bread of the sandwich, and the salad will provide the fiber. Paul also needed to eat a mid-afternoon snack to keep his blood sugar stable and prevent him from being famished at dinner. I recommended cottage cheese with fruit or veggies and a few Ak Mak crackers or a few slices of meat wrapped around pickles and a fruit. I stressed the need to make sure that fruit is consumed as a dessert and never on an empty stomach noting that fruit consumed on an empty stomach leads to rise in blood sugar and does not satisfy hunger. We discussed the need for Paul to come home with a low-calorie appetite. I am glad to see that Paul now comes home without being famished and will be satisfied by chomping on some raw veggies that are always available. His portions at dinnertime have become reasonable. He feels that his energy level is high. The best news is that after working with Paul for two weeks, his blood sugar is in the teens. Paul is so excited that he is no longer a candidate for diabetic medication. He has lost ten pounds, and he feels like a new man. If you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, I can show you how quickly this can be reversed. Linda is located in her office in Alamo. She welcomes your call to discuss your needs and personal diet challenges. Please visit www.LindaRD.com for more information, helpful tips, recipes and Linda’s blog or call (925) 855-0150. Advertorial
An American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry survey reveals that 92% of adult respondents say an attractive smile is an important social asset. 74% believe an unattractive smile can hurt a person’s chances for a successful career. More than any other facial feature, a smile can reflect trust, comfort, confidence and the shortest path to reflecting your personality. Dr Rader is a graduate of the prestigious Las Vegas Institute (LVI), a renowned center for cosmetic,TMJ, and Neuromuscular dentistry. He is one of a few dentists nationwide to complete Full Mouth Reconstruction curriculum at LVI.
925.932.1855 Alex Rader DDS
General, Cosmetic, and Neuromuscular Dentistry 1855 San Miguel Dr, Suite 12 • Walnut Creek, CA
www.alexraderdds.com
Actual patient, smile design by Alex Rader, DDS
Page 28 - April 2011 ~ Alamo Today
Fighting Cancer with a Cup of Tea By Jewel Johl, MD Medical Oncologist/Hematologist
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Despite the estimated 565,650 deaths in 2008 of Americans as a result of cancer, it is mostly a preventable disease. Simply by modification of diet, maintenance of optimum body weight, and regular physical activity, 30% to 40% of all instances of cancer could be prevented. Modification of diet alone by increasing vegetable and fruit intake could prevent 20% or more of all cases of cancer and may potentially prevent approximately 200,000 cancer-related deaths annually. Because of their safety, low toxicity, antioxidant properties, and general acceptance as dietary supplements, fruits, vegetables, and other dietary elements (phytochemicals and minerals) are being investigated for the prevention of cancer. Extensive research over the past several decades has identified numerous dietary and botanical natural compounds that have chemopreventive potential. Tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages and is rich in substances with antioxidant properties. Different processing techniques yield different types of tea. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant polyphenol in green tea and has gained the most attention with respect to anticarcinogenic activity. Although both black tea and green both have potential in prevention of cancer, green tea shows higher promise and greater efficacy against multiple types of cancer. Various studies performed in the lab and in the clinics have shown that EGCG found in green tea can potentially help patients suffering from various cancers such as cancers of the breast, colon, ovary, lung, prostate, and blood such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Green tea can potentially make cancer therapies more effective by making resistant cancer cells more sensitive to the effects of EGCG. Because of these promising results, several clinical trials are currently
Effectively Treating Lumbar Disc Degeneration By Jeffrey Johnson, D.C.
Lumbar disc degeneration is a well-known cause of back pain in today’s society. People suffering from pain secondary to lumbar disc degeneration usually experience back and leg pain, as well as muscle spasms in their low back and leg. They also commonly report muscle weakness, numbness, and pins and needles in the thigh, leg, and foot. As degeneration usually occurs on one side of the disc, the pain is generally worse on the corresponding side of the back. The pain can worsen with coughing, straining or sneezing as well as slouching and bending, which compresses irritated discs in the spine. It often gets better with bending backward or leaning to one side (the one opposite to the pain) which takes pressure off irritated discs. Because of this, people with lumbar disc degeneration often adopt a particular posture or walking stance to ease discomfort. They may be seen bent sideways, forward, or with knees slightly bent to relieve pain in the legs. While the pain of lumbar disc degeneration can radiate into one or both legs, the cause of the condition occurs in the lumbar spine, which is just above your buttocks. Your lumbar spine is comprised of five bones called vertebrae. Like the coils of a slinky, these vertebrae are stacked one on top of the other and move in unison. To prevent friction during movement, intervertebral discs cushion and protect the vertebrae. These discs are soft, fluid-filled pads, and when they become herniated, the gel-like material inside may bulge out into the spinal canal. Within the spinal canal lies the spinal cord, which contains spinal nerves that exit between vertebrae and branch out to the rest of the body. Any displaced gel from a degenerated disc may compress these nerves, causing pain in the low back and the areas of the body which nerves travel from the spinal cord. In severe cases, the displaced gel can even compress the spinal cord itself. A singular traumatic event is usually not enough to cause disc degeneration. Most disc degeneration is more likely a result of steady abuse. People whose work involves lots of twisting, bending, prolonged sitting, or heavy lifting are more at risk as these activities cause disc stress, wear, and tear. Truck drivers, for example,
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ongoing involving green tea alone or in combination with other drugs that are used to fight cancer. At Diablo Valley Oncology, we take an integrative approach to treat patients with cancer by educating patients about the therapeutic benefits of natural compounds that have very little or no side effects. Advertorial Diablo Valley Oncology/Hematology Medical Group founded the California Cancer and Research Institute. Located in Pleasant Hill, it is the largest comprehensive, non-hospital based cancer and blood disorder treatment center in Contra Costa County. The center brings together medical oncology, hematology, radiation, chemotherapy, diagnostic imaging, clinical trials and supportive care services all in one convenient location. For more information contact: 925-677-5041 or visit www.DiabloValleyOncology.md.
Is Food a Problem for You?
Overeaters Anonymous offers a fellowship of individuals, who through shared experience and mutual support, are recovering from compulsive overeating. This is a 12-step program. Meetings are for anyone suffering from a food addiction including overeating, under-eating, and bulimia. The fellowship is free. The group meets Wednesdays at 6PM, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Lafayette. See the website for additional meetings and more information at www.how-oa.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 accepted. Assistive listening system are available for T-coils, and most meetings are captioned. Contact: HLAADV@hearinglossdv.org or 925.264.1199 or www.hearinglossdv.org. endure prolonged periods of sitting in a vibrating vehicle, which can cause tremendous stress for the intervertebral discs and over time lead to a disc herniation. While extreme cases of lumbar disc degeneration may require surgery, our comprehensive approach which combines conservative chiropractic care, VAX-D therapy, McKenzie protocols, neuromuscular reeducation and exercise therapy which has proven successful for most of our patients suffering from lumbar disc degeneration. Let's take a look at one of the approaches we frequently incorporate in our comprehensive treatment paradigm.
VAX-D Therapy
VAX-D therapy has proven to be effective in relieving the pain our patients experience secondary to herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and sciatica. VAX-D therapy allows for the safe, controlled distraction or decompression of the lumbar spine. We are able to provide each patient with a personalized decompression treatment as we use a computerized program to administer an exact treatment. Your treatment is determined after reviewing your medical history, examination findings, and diagnostic imaging reports. From this information we determine how much of a stretch is placed into your lower back and how often it is repeated.
How VAX-D Works
The repetitive stretching or “decompression� of your lower back may create relief by physically decreasing the pressure on the lumbar discs and spinal nerves, creating a neurological response which inhibits lumbar spine pain generation and by encouraging the flushing of painful inflammatory chemicals out of the disc for replacement with oxygen, water, and nutrients necessary for disc health. Most patients experience relief with VAX-D therapy within 6 to 8 sessions and are able to effectively transition into the exercises and stretches that are necessary for sustained lumbar spine health.
Can VAX-D Therapy Work For You?
It is important to note that no therapy consistently creates relief of the lumbar spine in all patients. But, at Johnson Chiropractic Group, we have seen a large population of patients positively affected by this safe, relatively inexpensive treatment. Many people that were once forced to compromise their daily activities are now living pain free or managing their pain much more effectively. For more info go to www.movepastyourpain.com, visit us on Facebook, or contact Dr. Johnson at Johnson Chiropractic Group, 115 Town & Country Dr., Suite E in Danville. 925.743.8210. Advertorial
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Does Your Neck Give Away Your Age? By Barbara Persons, MD
Is a sagging neck or double chin causing you to feel as though your reflection in the mirror doesn’t reveal the true you? Many of us focus on our faces. We protect our faces from the sun, yet we leave our necks and upper chest skin to age from sun exposure and weight change. Fortunately, there are several options to improve the appearance of your neck. In this month’s article, I will discuss the most effective options available for neck rejuvenation. As we age, men and women both develop pockets of fat under the chin which can make an otherwise fit physique appear unfairly chubby. For patients under 45 looking to minimize these fat pockets, liposuction may be an option. In my experience, high-definition Vaser Lipo technology produces the most desired result with minimal downtime. This technology uses ultrasound to break down fat cells while protecting other cells and blood vessels and is well suited to the delicate neck area. Tiny incisions are made under the chin and jaw lines which are barely noticeable once healed. This procedure may be performed under local anesthesia with mild sedation, takes approximately one hour, and has a recovery time of about seven to ten days. The removal of fat is almost always permanent, but it can return if there is significant weight gain following the surgery. For patients over the age of 45, laxity of the skin starts to become the critical factor when determining the most suitable procedure. There are many popular procedures being marketed today that attempt to solve this issue while claiming minimal downtime. The reality is that skin laxity can only be properly corrected with an actual neck lift, often combined with some degree of a face lift. A cervicoplasty (neck lift) involves an incision under the chin and an incision around each ear. The platysmal bands (the vertical muscles at the front of the neck) are tightened and fat is removed by liposuction or surgical excision. Any excess skin is removed. This procedure takes about two hours and may be performed under mild sedation and tumescent anesthesia. This type of neck lift is often combined with a mini facelift and is a favor-
Alamo Today ~ April 2011 - Page 29 ite of men and women seeking to create a more youthful appearance while having a more rapid recovery time than with a full facelift. The surgical incision for a mini facelift can be mostly behind the ear and in the hairline, making it barely noticeable. A mini facelift may be performed under local anesthesia and mild sedation and takes one to two hours. A Rhytydectomy (a full facelift) is designed to remove the loose skin and excess fat on the face and neck and to return the tissues of the face to a more youthful, natural looking position. It can be combined with fat grafting to fill areas of low volume in the face and cheeks. Recovery time is approximately two weeks and the results are the longest lasting of the surgical methods discussed. In addition to the surgical procedures described above, there are technologies and products available for patients who wish only to improve the tone and texture of the neck area skin. Laser technologies, such as Cutera Titan and Sciton SkinTyte, improve the tone and texture of the neck skin by using infrared light to heat the deep dermis below the skin. Another technology, Thermage, achieves similar results using sound waves. While these technologies may provide some improvement in the appearance of the neck area skin, they are rarely as long lasting as surgical treatments. Additionally, years of exposure to the sun can cause this delicate neck and upper chest area to age prematurely. A prescription-based skin care product such as Obagi’s Elastiderm Décolletage is a skin lightening and wrinkle reducing treatment protocol. Such a product may be effective in reducing age spots and hyperpigmentation while improving the overall appearance of the chest and neck area. Further, neurotoxin treatments like Botox or Dyport can be effective in relaxing the platysmal bands which are often the blame for the dreaded “turkey neck.” While the number of options discussed above may seem overwhelming, this variety of treatment options exists because we are all unique individuals. Age, sun, and gravity affect each of us differently. I would be pleased to discuss which one of these treatments may be right for you. Barbara Persons MD owns Persons Plastic Surgery, Inc. located at 925 Village Center, Suite 6 in Lafayette. Please call 925-283-8811 or email at drbarb@personsplasticsurgery.com. Advertorial
Hospice Kicks Off Campaign for Bruns House
Hospice of the East Bay has launched a special fundraising effort, the Campaign for Bruns House, to support capital improvements and the cost of uncompensated patient care, at its in-patient hospice facility. Bruns House opened in 2004 and provides 24-hour medical care to acutely ill patients in comfortable, medically appropriate, private rooms, while offering families a relaxed atmosphere where they can interact with their loved-ones at any hour of the day or night. To date, more than 2,000 patients have spent their final hours at Bruns House. In numerous national surveys, 85% of Americans state that they want to die at home, surrounded by family, friends, pets, and familiar routines. Bruns House attempts to meet these requirements by caring for patients in a private, home-like environment, on a quiet street in Alamo, California. As wonderful as Bruns House is, it represents the most expensive level of care Hospice of the East Bay provides for its patients and the community. The unreimbursed cost to run Bruns House in 2010 of over $1.2 million was offset by earnings from Hospice's homecare program and from charitable donations. The 2010 average cost per patient, per day, at Bruns House was $1,633, while reimbursement for general inpatient care (Medicare, private insurance, Medi-Cal) was only $950. Thus, Hospice of the East Bay was responsible for covering $683 of cost per patient, per day or 41% of the total cost. For information on how you can make a donation to help secure the future of this beloved Alamo home please contact Hospice Foundation of the East Bay at (925) 887-5678 or visit www.hospiceeastbay.org. Funds raised by the Hospice Foundation of the East Bay benefit the patients and families in the care of Hospice of the East Bay. Established in 1977, Hospice of the East Bay is a not-for-profit agency that helps children and adults cope with life-limiting illnesses by providing medical, emotional, spiritual and practical support for patients and families, regardless of ability to pay.
Roller Skating • Hockey • Parties • Food • Private Events • Games • Music Award-winning rink accommodates up to 1,360
925.820.2525
2701 Hooper Dr, San Ramon • www.thegoldenskate.com
$1 off entrance with this coupon One coupon per person
$10 off a birthday party reservation One coupon per party
Page 30 - April 2011 ~ Alamo Today
Are You Influential in Your Teenager’s Life? By Estee Goren, M.A.
Many times we get so focused on setting rules, negotiating limits, and looking out for the well-being of our teens that we forget the most important thing our connection with our children. Allowing them to openly and safely share their thoughts and feelings and really getting to know what is going on in their life is essential to a healthy relationship. Unfortunately, we often fail to establish this open environment. Yes, we want to raise our children to become successful, happy, and healthy young adults, and in order to do so, we encourage them to do homework, study, say no to drugs, alcohol, and sex, do well on the SAT’s, and eventually attend a desirable college. The question is, do we really have such control on our children’s behavior? And more importantly, what may we lose by being too strict and demanding?
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Many teens may feel overly controlled and pressured and might exclude their parents from their life. They won’t share with them their hopes, worries, and challenges. Some teens may live a double life: the masquerade which they fabricate for the sake of placating their parents, and the true life, in which they do as they wish. It is this life that the parents never see, and is therefore the one that is dangerous. What is most worrying is that if and when teens get into trouble, they won’t turn to their parents to ask for help. Having already hidden their real lives for so long, teens will do anything they can to continue to alienate their parents. They know that their parents would disapprove of their activities, and therefore they refuse to discuss even their most pressing problems. This is the one thing that we as parents want to avoid at all costs. Yes, we know that no matter what, we love our child unconditionally and will do anything to help him, but if we fail to maintain a meaningful connection and a trusting relationship, our child may not understand this and would not turn to us for help. As parents, we need to be aware of the different challenges our children go through, and let them know that we are there for them. When our children grow from kids to teens, we are forced to make a transition, and switch our role from an authoritative parent to a supporting mentor. We have to keep in mind that the way to stay connected and influential in our teens’ life is not by forcing them to comply with our wishes, but by helping them develop their independence and self-awareness, and by helping them discover what they really want for themselves. How can we stay connected? By making ourselves available when our teenager is willing and able to allow us into his world, by staying quiet, and by paying attention. We have to keep in mind that this is not the time to lecture or give advice, but rather to listen and reflect. This is when our adolescent feels heard, acknowledged, and understood. When our teen feels safe, and supported, he/she becomes open to seek and listen to our opinions and perspectives, and consider other options to manage his life. Allowing our teen to have a sense of control and responsibility will help them make thoughtful choices. Estee Goren, M.A., is a registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern IMF 61543 (supervised by Julie A. Albert, MFT, MFC 28884) working with teens, adults and couples. She specializes in relationship, life transitions, illnesses, grief, and personal development. Her goal is to help others gain a new perspective, overcome personal challenges, and improve their overall wellbeing. For more information please visit her website at www.EsteeCounseling.com. Danville / Alamo / San Ramon. Please call Advertorial (925) 399-1177.
Moms In Touch
Moms In Touch is an interdenominational, nonprofit organization where two or more moms gather together to pray for children and schools. Moms will experience how to replace anxiety and fear with peace and joy by praying specifically and scripturally for children and schools. For more information, contact Karen Pearce at bkpearce@yahoo.com or 949350-2360, or visit the MITI website at www.MomsInTouch.org.
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Did You Say Disaster?
Simple Safety Tips that Can Save a Loved One’s Life During Emergencies By Joyce & Jim Newport, Owners, Right at Home of Mt. Diablo
We may not have tsunamis here in Contra Costa County, but we do have our occasional earthquakes and power outages. While these can be inconvenient for most of us, they can be life-threatening for seniors – especially Photo by www.JamieWestdal.com if they are dependent on power for medical equipment. According to a Harris Poll conducted for AARP in 2006, 13 million people (or one of every six American citizens aged 50 and older) say they will need help evacuating if a natural disaster strikes. Half of these individuals mentioned that they will require help from someone outside of their household. In another Harris Poll conducted in 2007, only one-quarter of those polled said they have put together a disaster supplies kit with water, food, medicine, and other supplies. Because no one can predict when an emergency situation will arise, everyone, especially seniors, needs to be prepared for when disasters strike. With proper planning, injury and life-threatening harm to seniors and the disabled can be minimized when unexpected emergency situations strike. Family caregivers and their loved ones should take three steps to prepare for emergency situations, including developing a plan, preparing an emergency supplies kit, and setting aside copies of important medical records in an easily accessible location. Develop a Plan: A plan should consider all types of emergency situations including power outages, floods, terrorist attacks, and natural disasters. • Family Input – The plan should include input from the senior and multiple family members, and it should detail who will be a part of the support network including family, friends, and neighbors. • Consider Health Issues – Families must keep in mind the elderly or disabled individual’s specific needs and health issues in order to properly execute the plan and to provide suitable resources. • Logistics – The plan should clearly convey how the individual should get help in a disaster situation; whether help comes to them or if they should go to a pre-designated safe haven such as a shelter or hospital. • Communication – Once a plan is prepared, family members should make sure everyone in the support network is informed and aware of the process in place. Emergency Kits: Basic emergency supplies should always be kept accessible such as water, food, batteries, flashlights, radio, and first aid kits. • Extra Medications – A minimum of three days worth of extra medications should be kept on hand as well as medical equipment ranging from oxygen tanks to eye glasses and hearing aids.
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CAR FOR COLLEGE STUDENT Looking for a cheap car for a college student. Preferably a Honda or Toyota. Manual transmission OK. Please call 925.216.1089
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 ~ April 2011 - Page 31 • Backup Power Sources – Battery powered back-ups for any special medical equipment should be installed on devices that require it. • Contacts – The kit should include a list of contacts; telephone numbers for family, friends, neighbors, medical professionals, and caregivers so the senior and tending family member or friend can reach them. Important Information: When in an emergency situation, it is important to keep medical records available. • Location –Those in the support network should know where to go to get access to important documents and records • Necessary Information – Contents of the documents should include information such as medical history, allergies, insurance forms, medical providers, and financial documents. These records should also contain a list of medications taken on a daily basis. For more details, please visit our blog at http://www.rah-mtdiablo.net. About Right at Home - Jim and Joyce Newport opened Right at Home in Pleasant Hill in 2009. We directly employ and supervise all caregiving staff, each of whom are thoroughly screened, trained, bonded and insured prior to entering a client’s home. For more information on Right at Home in-home caregiving services, call us today at 925.256.HOME (4663). Advertorial
The Cancer Support Community
The Cancer Support Community will hold the folling meetings at their Walnut Creek location, 3276 McNutt Avenue. All workshops are free to attend, but reservations are required. For information, call (925) 933-0107.
Am I Just Forgetful or is it Chemobrain
During and after treatment for cancer, many people report difficulty with their thinking abilities. While these symptoms usually begin to fade following treatment, for some, the symptoms can persist. Symptoms, tips, and helpful strategies to help manage this frustrating side effect will be discussed. Facilitated by Alice Barlattani, RN, an oncology nurse with Epic-Care. Tuesday, April 12th from 6PM – 8PM. For cancer patients, their families and friends.
Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Workshop
This 12 week workshop is for women who have just been diagnosed and are either in treatment or starting treatment. This series will help them address the emotional and physical issues that surface after diagnosis. Guest medical experts will present information to the group. Meets Tuesdays, April 19th through August 2nd from 11AM – 1PM.
Cancer Survivorship 101
This is an introduction to post-treatment recovery and beyond. Learn how to create a summary of your treatment and map out a care plan for your recovery. You will leave empowered with the tools to improve your quality of life and achieve a greater sense of well-being. Patients and support people are welcome. With Shell Portner, RN, Survivorship Nurse Navigator at John Muir Cancer Institute and also a cancer survivor. Saturday, April 23rd from 10AM – Noon.
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LAKE ALMANOR LAKEFRONT LODGE - Gorgeous gated area of millionaire (non-rental homes). Your personal lawn, sandy beach, and dock buoys. Sleeps 8-9 comfortably. No pets or smokers. Gardener provided. $4000/week or $3800/week - 2 week rental. Rarely available or rented. Never advertised. 100% repeat guest business. Call for wonderful and important details 925-283-7323. Photos at www.shawcabin.tumblr.com.
Alamo Today Classifieds
Reach over 6,300 homes and businesses in Alamo - Help Wanted, For Sale, Services, Lessons, Pets, Rentals, Wanted, Freebies... $35 for up to 45 words. $5 for each additional 15 words. Run the same classified ad in our sister papers “Lafayette Today” or “Danville Today News” at half off! Send or email submissions to: 3000F Danville Blvd #117, Alamo 94507 or editor@yourmonthlypaper.com. 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. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Name_________________________________________ Address__________________________________________ # of Words_______________ Phone________________________________________ Email ____________________________________________________________________
Page 32 - April 2011 ~ Alamo Today
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Alamo Real Estate Review: Slow Start in First Quarter 2011
The spring selling season in Alamo has gotten off to a very slow start. We shouldn’t be terribly surprised as the weather, while great for ducks and farmers, has been terrible for real estate. A local home builder told me last week that rather than fighting the weather and building houses he thought he might start building boats. Looking at my iPhone weather report it looks like we have sunny days ahead and that should be good for the market. This month, I thought we might take a look at first quarter 2011 versus 2010 in Alamo and see how it compares to what the “Bad News Boys” are broadcasting these days. Right now, there are 92 single family and multi-family homes on the market in Alamo. Their average market time is 108 days. The average list price is $1,724,014. The average square foot price for these “unsolds” is $436 dollars which is a fair amount higher than the “solds” reported in the imbedded chart at $354 per square foot.
Alamo 1st Qtr Review Jan1-Mar 28* Homes Units Sold DOM $$ AVG $$ Median $$ Sq. Ft. 2010 34 95 $ 1,108,143 $ 1,050,000 $ 340 2011 17 39 $ 945,937 $ 910,000 $ 354 % Chg. -50% -59% -15% -13% 4% *Includes Multi-Family and Detached Homes Pending sales are impressive with a total of 35. The pending square foot price is sitting at $357 per square foot or slightly higher than properties just sold. On the surface this is very encouraging, but when we dig a little deeper we discover that 15 or 43% of these pending sales are “Subject to Bank Approval” which means they are short sales or bank owned properties. That is a high percentage and pretty much proves that Alamo has not been spared from the ravages of the prolonged downturn. In consulting another chart I prepared a few years ago (not shown here) it looks like Alamo’s average selling price hit the $1 million dollar mark in 2003. If this quarter becomes represen-
Westside Alamo Views!
tative of the rest of the year, then 2011 will be the year when Alamo’s average selling price falls below that average. Alamo’s average selling price has lived above the million dollar number for roughly eight years in a row. At the current quarter prices reported here, we are sitting above 2002 price levels and below those of 2003. For the quarter, unit sales are down -50% from last year. I am sure some of this is weather related and hopefully all of it. I sell real estate for a living and I’ve found it hard to motivate myself to go out in the foul weather. So, I can imagine the average Joe would rather watch football, basketball, and hockey than endure the dreary slog of house hunting in the rain. Days on market reported here may be an anomaly as the Real Estate Board once again is allowing agents to cancel and relist properties as new without penalty or fine. One specific point here in the chart is very concerning to me, and that is the -15% average price drop year on year. That is big…even the median price shifted downward dramatically. I can find no $2 million or above home sales in the 2011 data I pulled. There were two sales by this time last year. I count 22 homes sold above $1 million this time last year, but find only eight that have sold in the first quarter this year, suggesting that the sales mix is skewing markedly away from high end properties. Confirming this notion is the average list price and square foot price of the “unsolds” that I mentioned earlier in the second paragraph If the current short term trend persists it has the potential to snowball to something even more awful. I worry that precipitous price drops like we are seeing here this quarter might lead to a growing number of local “Strategic Defaults” where underwater homeowners just give up making payments, walk away and let the bank have their home. I suspect that this 15% price drop will have erased a 100% of some homeowners’ equity, particularly those who bought their homes in the last year or so. Concerns aside, I am hopeful that by the end of the second quarter, these numbers, improved upon by sunshine will paint a more pleasant picture. 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, please give me a call 925-989-6086 or send me an email joecombs@ thecombsteam.com.
Oakbridge Model Home
South Walnut Creek 3 Bedroom
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L SO This amazing westside custom 4 bedroom contemporary has amazing views. $1,600,000. Call for details.
Model home in Danville’s fabulous new Oakbridge development. Nancy and I represented the buyer. We have other buyers!
This lovely 3 bedroom home is a perfect “10” and includes a pool of its’ own. $785,000. Call for details.
Danville Executive Home
Lafayette Pointe Condo with Views!
Alamo French Country Home
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Magnificent 4 bedroom, 3 bath home on 1/2 acre lot with a pool and mature landscaping. Call for details.
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3 bed, 2.5 bath completely updated condo with amazing views! Over the top! $579,000
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 and Nancy Combs, J. Rockcliff and the MLS service do not guarantee the accuracy of this information. DRE #0144125.
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6 bedroom, 4.5 bath, on .6 acre. Two master bedrooms and apartment. Serene wooded setting. $1,499,000 J. Rockcliff Realtors 15 Railroad Ave., Danville CA. 94526