Alamo Today, March 2011 by The Editors, Inc

editor@yourmonthlypaper.com

March 2011

Serving Alamo and Diablo East Bay Children’s Theatre By Fran Miller

How might a group of retired teachers and actors motivate legions of disadvantaged students to explore new ideas that ignite their interests and imaginations? How might this same group promote academic achievement in literacy through multi-dimensional learning? By putting on a play, of course. Since 1933, the volunteers of East Bay Children’s Theatre (EBCT) have been delivering the heritage of traditional folk tales via musical theater to economically disadvantaged elementary school children in Oakland and surrounding areas. EBCT is the oldest continuously performing theatre group in the San Francisco Bay Area. Through their non-profit productions, EBCT volunteers strive to highlight important moral lessons that promote positive values and strengthen self-esteem. Approximately 9,000 elementary school children (pre-K through grade 5) each year are inspired and entertained during EBCT school visits. “Our fractured fairy tale plays are filled with music, dancing, singing, and fun, fun, fun,” says Judy Rosenberg, president of EBCT’s board of directors. “We hit the road in mid-February and go until mid-April, performing every Tuesday and Thursday morning at schools where students rarely ever see a live performance. With so much of the arts being removed from our schools, this is one way we can help to put it back.” EBCT auditions begin in early October, and rehearsals start in January. The majority of participants are 65 plus, and many have been involved with EBCT for decades. This year’s play is Beauty and the Beasty, by EBCT’s own

Pedal to the Metal By Alec Tappin

Alamo Rotary Sponsors New RotaCare Clinic

Volunteer pharmacist Ron Grady, R.Ph. of San Ramon, and Alamo resident and volunteer nurse Ann Spafford, BSN, RN, discuss the pharmacy medications inventory for the RotaCare Clinic.

When you first meet the calm and collect Monte Vista High School sophomore, you don’t notice it. And then, you mention race car driving, and the passion in his face comes alive. At the age of nine, Daniel Langon went with his Photo by On Track Promotions soccer teammate Hunter Pickett to the Infineon Raceway in Sonoma to test out kart racing for the first time. From that moment onwards he was hooked. “I loved the adrenaline of being in the car, the feel of the motor, and the atmosphere from all of the drivers,” said Langon. “There’s nothing else like it.” Kart racing consists of small, four-wheeled vehicles with scaled-down motors. It can be perceived as the stepping stone to professional motorsports such as NASCAR (National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing). After his first test drive Langon joined the Jim Russel Racing School based at Infineon. The “Arrive and Drive” program provided everything necessary for a beginning driver: a kart, racing suit, helmet, and instruction. By the age of 11, after two years at the racing school, Langon, purchased his own kart to begin racing on his own in the Cadet division. From there he moved up to the Junior division and this past year to the Junior Shifter Kart division

See Daniel continued on page 26 PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit 263 Alamo CA

See RotaCare continued on page 26

Meet New Alamo Deputy Kevin Lee By Sharon Burke

Deputy Sheriff Kevin Lee is currently assigned as the Alamo Resident Deputy. He has been assigned to the position since January 3, 2011. After working as an Emergency Medical Technician for several years, Deputy Lee was hired by a small municipal police department and attended the prestigious Sacramento Police Academy. In 1990, he was hired by the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff. He has worked in the Detention Division, Court Security and the Patrol Division. Deputy Kevin Lee While working at the Detention Division, Deputy Lee’s assignments included the Martinez Detention Facility and Custody Alternative Volume XI - Number 3 Facility which involves monitor- 3000F Danville Blvd. #117, Alamo, CA 94507 Telephone (925) 405-NEWS, 405-6397 ing inmates on Electronic Home Fax (925) 406-0547 Detention. While working in Court Security, he worked at Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher all of the courthouses in the Editor@yourmonthlypaper.com Sharon Burke ~ Writer county. His longest and most sburke@alamotoday.com rewarding assignment in Court opinions expressed herein belong to the writers, and do Security was as a bailiff for The not necessarily reflect that of Alamo Today. Alamo Today is not responsible for the content of any of the advertising herein, nor Judge Barbara Zuniga.

See Lee cont. on page 25

does publication imply endorsement.

Page 2 - March 2011 ~ Alamo Today

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Bear in Mind Exhibit Comes to the Museum of the San Ramon Valley

California grizzly bears captured the imagination of Californians hundreds of years ago. Bay Miwok Indian people feared and revered them. Spanish vaqueros lassoed them for sport, and settlers arriving in California vied with them for living space. While the grizzly topped the pyramid of predators as the largest animal in California, by 1924 the last one in California was shot near Sequoia National Park. Find out more about these fascinating animals at the Bear in Mind exhibit, on display at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley from March 13-May 7. Visitors to Bear in Mind will find myriads of pictures, artifacts, DVD’s, children’s activities, and endless stories about the grizzly in California and the San Ramon Valley. Artifacts can be touched, and a real mounted grizzly will awe guests. On Monday, March 21, when San Ramon Valley schools are closed, the Museum is inviting families to visit Bear in Mind. Elementary school children can attend one of the several special sessions offered that day to tour the exhibit and enjoy bear games, hear bear stories, watch bear cartoons, and eat bear food. To register to attend, families may call the Museum at 837- 3750 or register online at srvmuseum@sbcglobal.net. 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 the Museum is open 10-1. During this exhibit it will also be open on Sundays from noon-3PM. Admission is only $3 for guests, $1 for students, and free for Museum members. Please call 925-837-3750 or go to www.museumsrv.org for additional information.

Fine Mexican Dining

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Have a Question About County Government?

County residents now have an additional avenue to use in order to receive answers to questions they may have concerning the County. The County’s website, www.co.contra-costa.ca.us, now has a live “chat mode” where users can post questions for County staff and get prompt answers. The chat feature will be staffed Monday through Friday, from 8:30am to 5pm. What kinds of questions? Well, what do you want to know? Maybe things like, “Where do I go for a building permit?”, “What do I do about barking dogs?”, “Is there a bus to the Martinez hospital?”, or “Where do I vote?” The possibilities are endless. The same chat mode has been running successfully on the County’s Library website for years. The same employees who answer these questions will handle the main website’s chat. For now, the chat feature is being operated as a trial run. If it is successful, the County will make it permanent. Try it out and let us know what you think. User feedback is important to knowing what is working and where to improve.

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.

Bear in Mind Special Events

• Sunday afternoons Bear Interpreters ~ Noon – 3PM • March 20 ~ Cal Bears Day with Oski the Bear • March 21 ~ Family Day ~ 9:30AM–2PM • March 27 ~ Interact with Laura Cunningham, author of A State of Change: Forgotten Landscapes of California • April 3 ~ Meet Susan Snyder, author of Bear in Mind • April 10 ~ Bank of the West Bear Day, free stuffed bears given to young children, bear stories, and snacks • April 17 ~ Learn about Bay Miwok Bear Legends and Myths from Indian expert Craig Miller • May 1 ~ Park Ranger and Filmmaker (Bears of Sequoia) Steve Bumgardner talks about Black Bears in the Sierras

California Explorer Search and Rescue Camp

The California Explorer Search and Rescue (Cal-ESAR) summer camp will be geared toward beginner and intermediate Search and Rescue volunteers or those who are highly motivated to learn quickly and work hard to become one. Although Summer Camp and Cal-ESAR in general is youth oriented, all ages are welcome. Cal-ESAR has been conducting SAR training in Yosemite for over 20 years. The mission of Cal-ESAR's Yosemite Search and Rescue Summer Camp is to introduce motivated young people to the fundamentals of Search and Rescue and volunteerism in general and to refresh the skills of seasoned SAR professionals. Summer Camp also provides a venue for members of other SAR teams to share tactics and techniques. Summer Camp is held June 11- June 18th in Yosemite National Park. Each day has an average of 2-3 training classes. The first two days are an intensive introduction to the basic terminology and tactics of SAR and wilderness survival. The second three days focus on more technical aspects of SAR such as navigation, tracking and field operations. The final few days cover advanced topics such as search management, working with helicopters and search dogs and self-rescue techniques (e.g. rappelling). The $225 fee covers basic costs of camp including food and training materials. Camp is run by trained Search and Rescue volunteers. This camp is designed to make proficient and professional Search and Rescue volunteers. For more information visit http://training.cal-esar.org/Home/yosemite or email Bryan Sardoch, Summer Camp Director at yosemite@cal-esar.org.

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Alamo Today ~ March 2011 - Page 3

Boulevard View

AJ Construction

By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor

Last month I mentioned a “time-passing” website called StumbleUpon (www.stumbleupon.com). While passing time waiting on hold for a phone call the other day, I was multi-tasking and “stumbling.” I landed on a blog titled, “Back to the Future.” (http:// www.stumbleupon.com/su/189H04/www.pondly. com/2011/02/back-to-the-future/). On the blog it highlights a photographer who asked her friends to re-enact old photos of themselves for a projected she was working on. Wearing similar clothing, in similar locations, and with similar expressions, photos were brought to life again at a later time. The project reminded me of a similar photo we have sitting on our shelves. In the summer of 1996 we were living in Kirkland, Washington. My grandmother wanted to get a portrait of her only granddaughter. She helped arrange an afternoon at the photo studio. My sister was visiting our family at the time and she and her kids came along. Photo after photo was taken. My daughter started getting cranky, and her eight-year-old brother decided to make her laugh and smile. He started playing with his gum, pulling it in and out of his mouth in a long string. He then proceeded to paste the end of it in his hair. After retrieving a pair of scissors, a divot of hair was removed, and the photoshoot continued. Spontaneously we decided to take a picture of all of the grandkids to wrap up the photo session. The boys, not prepared at all for a photo shoot, stripped down to their shorts which all matched as their aunt had just sewn them during her trip. We told all the boys to look “mustangular,” a word we had coined to have them show their muscles, and a great photo of them all was captured. Fast forward eight and a half years, and we were looking for a Christmas present idea for great-grandma. My sister and I thought it would be great to get the kids to recreate the photo. I am not sure the kids felt the same way, but they went along with it. The once spontaneous photo was made current and has become a family treasure. After stumbling on the Back to the Future blog, I started thumbing through other photos that would be fun to recreate. There are a whole bunch of good candidates. Now I just need everyone to cooperate again to help recreate the new memories of the old times.

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Child-Related Credits Can Cut Your Taxes

Are you a parent? Give yourself some credit — a child-related tax credit, that is. Here are two that can reduce your 2010 federal income tax liability. • Child tax credit. The child tax credit applies if your dependent children were age 16 or younger at the end of 2010. The basic credit is $1,000 per child, though the amount you can claim may be less when you file a joint return and your income is more than $110,000 ($75,000 for other parents). You may also qualify for the “additional child tax credit,” which can generate a refund even if you owe no tax, and comes into play when your tax bill is less than the basic credit. • Child and dependent care credit. Did you pay a daycare or babysitter to take care of your child so you could work? You can claim a credit of as much as 35% of your expenses, up to a maximum of $1,050 for one child ($2,100 for two or more children). To qualify, your child must generally be under age 13. In addition, both you and your spouse must have earned income, unless one of you was attending school full-time. You can claim both of these credits on your 2010 federal income tax return in addition to the $3,650 dependency exemption. Contact us if you need more details.

BonnFeeney, LLP

Certified Public Accountants

3201 Danville Blvd., Suite 150 • Alamo, CA 94507 (925) 314-1891 • Fax (925) 314-3097 www.BonnFeeney.com • Email: info@bonnfeeney.com

Alamo Women’s Club Semi-ANNUAL

ARTS, CRAFTS and Garage sale!

Saturday, May 21st - Rain or Shine Reserve your space now! Outside, 16’ x 18’ $45, Inside $60 To reserve call Anita at 925-837-1242

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Page 4 - March 2011 ~ Alamo Today

EXTREME PIZZA Local DAR Chapter Presents High School Awards 3227 Danville Blvd. Alamo

838-1122

We deliver Order Online extremepizza.com Subs • Salads • Wings • Calzones HAPPY HOUR EVERYDAY! 4-6pm

Every year The Mount Diablo Chapter of the National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) invites the San Ramon Valley high schools to select one graduating senior who most extols the virtues of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism to be honored with the DAR “Good Citizen” award. The class of 2011 winners have been selected and were recently honored at the DAR 2010 “Good Citizen” award ceremony. In addition, the DAR presented a $500 scholarship to the Good Citizen recipient who wrote the most outstanding essay in answer to the question, “Describe how the creation of our nation from many nationalities has or has not resulted in more than one American Heritage.” This year, the scholarship was awarded to Fay Pon, the Good Citizen from Dougherty Valley high school.

Support Instrumental Music in Your Local Schools!

Tickets are available for the Monte Vista Instrumental Music Department’s Annual Spring Fling, Friday, March 11th at the Canyon View in San Ramon. This year’s event will include no-host cocktails to the music of the Monte Vista Jazz Combo, an elegant dinner, live auction with Star 101.3’s Don Bleu, and local live band The Convertibles for dancing and fun. Tickets are $75 each and are available at the Keynoters webstore on the Monte Vista High School website http://mvhigh.net or by calling (925) 855-0459.

Sign-Up for Inline Hockey at Golden Skate

The Golden Skate Hockey League is a recreational non-checking league with an all volunteer staff. We are dedicated to the enjoyment of the game and to the development of youth hockey players. All players regardless of skill or experience will receive equal playing time. Games are played on Tuesdays at The Golden Skate with one hour practices Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Sign-ups for the spring session takes place March 8th and 15th from 5PM-9PM. The league has a great coaching staff, and participants get plenty of playing time. Bring a friend or two, and have more fun! Have a little brother or sister? They get a discount when they join with you. For more information, contact Sherrie at 939-6723 or sherriehockey@gmail. com, or visit the hockey page www.thegoldenskate.com/hockey.html. The Golden Skate is located at 2701 Hooper Drive in San Ramon, and the phone number is (925) 820-2525.

Upcoming Meetings and Events

AIA - Alamo Improvement Association - March 10th , 7pm - Creekside Community Church -1350 Danville Blvd. Alamo MAC (Municipal Advisory Committee) - First and third Tuesdays 7pm - The Cottage at Hap Magee Park Hap Magee Ranch Joint Planning and Operations Committee - March 24th - 5pm - The Cottage at Hap Magee Park P2B - Police Services Advisory Committee - March 7th , 4:30pm - Meets at Valley Station located at 150 Alamo Plaza P5 - Round Hill Police Services Advisory Committee - March 9th, 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

Lost Dog!

$50 REWARD

If you find him and your name is drawn!

Alamo Joe is Missing He has become lost in this paper!

He is very small, so you will have to look hard if you want to find him.

To be eligible send a letter telling us where you found him, along with your name and address, to: Lost Dog! ~ Alamo Today 3000F Danville Blvd #117 • Alamo, CA 94507

March’s Winner Is Kim Moders Previous Winners: 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.

Congratulations to all these outstanding students! The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, founded in 1890 and headquartered Left to right: Anna Rivard, Venture, Eric Janke, Cal High, TJ Reed, San Ramon in Washing- High, Fay Pon, Dougherty Valley High, Carley Cole, Del Amigo High ton, D.C., is a volunteer women’s service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America’s future through better education for children. DAR members have traced their lineage back to soldiers of the American Revolution. The Mt. Diablo Chapter, which was organized January 10, 1961, meets on the second Tuesday of the month October through June. Prospective members are welcome to attend. The meetings begin at 11:45AM in the Vista Room of the Hillside Clubhouse at Rossmoor. Anyone who has an ancestor who fought in or rendered aid in the American Revolution may be eligible for membership in DAR. For information, contact Regent Gay Scott at 925-820-5720.

Alamo Women’s Club

We want to thank all of the local business that helped make our Crab Feed a wonderful success. Please join us again next year! Are you getting a bit of “Spring Fever”?! That can only mean one thing. The Community Craft and Garage Sale will soon be here! The event will be held May 21st. Outside spaces are 18' x 16' and cost $45. Interior space is $60 and very limited. Please call Anita for more information and reservations at 925-837-1242. We sell out of spaces! Your rental dollars help us support our many Contra Costa Philanthropies.

April Luncheon

The April luncheon will be held Wednesday, April 27th from noon until 1:30 at the Women’s Club located at 1401 Danville Blvd in Alamo. The lunch will be catered by Roundhill Country Club and costs $20. Please RSVP to Jean at (925) 876-9735 by April 23rd. Our Program for this month is titled Pamper US, Pamper THEM which will be hosted by Fringe at Blackhawk. They will bring a “Mini Spa Day” to our Clubhouse. We will have eyebrow waxing, chair massage (neck and hand), and makeup personally matched to your skin. We ask that the guests of our “Spa Day” donate well needed items to support victims of domestic violence through the charity STAND! Most victims of domestic violence leave their home with their children and only the clothes on their backs, and they are in need of the following donated goods: cleaning supplies, toilet paper, dish soap, baby wipes, body wash, moisturizers, laundry soap (powder only), BART tickets in $5 increments, Contra Costa Connection bus tickets, and gift cards to Target, Walmart, Safeway, and Trader Joes. The county has severely cut funding, and our donations to STAND! will really help to make a difference. If you can't join us at this event, please feel free to drop off any donations at the club that Wednesday during the luncheon program.

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Alamo-Danville Newcomer’s Club

Norris, Bollinger, Dougherty, Wiedemann and Bishop are some of the names we are all familiar with that are part of San Ramon Valley history. Come to the March 8th luncheon and learn about these names and expand your knowledge of our beautiful valley. Roxanne Wiedemann Lindsay will be our guest speaker. For further information call 925-775-3233 or visit the website 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 March 17th at Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Dr., Danville. We meet from 11:30 to 2pm. The cost is $21. Our speaker will be Penny Warner, author and columnist for the Contra Costa Times. Please call Susan, 925-718-5214, for information and reservations.

Danville Community Band

The Danville Community Band presents Jukebox Saturday Night, an afternoon performance, Sunday, March 6th, at 2PM at the Blackhawk Auto Museum, 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville (www.blackhawkmuseum.org). The Danville Community Band takes a step back in time performing a variety of musical hits from the heyday of the Jukebox and more. Come see the fabulous exhibits, and enjoy a concert all in the same building. Concert is free with Museum Admission (free for museum members). For more information, please visit www.danvilleband.org.

Danville Girls Chorus Presents Songs Around the World

In their second concert of the season, the Danville Girls Chorus will be performing classical and folk songs in a variety of different languages from around the world. You are sure to be enchanted by their lovely voices and their lively spirit. Join us on March 12th at the East Bay Fellowship Church located at 2615 Camino Tassajara Road in Danville. The concert begins at 11am. Tickets cost $10 and can be purchased the day of the concert however, to ensure admission, purchase your tickets in advance by e-mailing us at: Danville_Girls_Chorus@hotmail.com.

Alamo Today ~ March 2011 - Page 5

Hold Your Party or Meeting at The Gardens!

Spring sale: Mention this article and receive 50% off the base rental fees for any rental date on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday in March April or May 2011. Weekend dates are still open for rental at The Gardens at Heather Farm in Walnut Creek. We can accommodate parties of up to 150. Embracing a rolling hillside in Walnut Creek’s Ygnacio Valley, The Gardens at Heather Farm reside on six acres adjoining Heather Farm Park. Parties and other gatherings are held in the Camellia Room, with views of Mt. Diablo and the gardens. Fully climate controlled, with neutral walls and a newly installed floor, this pleasant space is easy to decorate. The Gardens are located off Ygnacio Valley Road, two miles from downtown Walnut Creek. Call (925) 947-1678 or e-mail rentals@gardenshf.org for more information.

Contra Costa Wind Symphony

Maestro Duane Carroll and the Contra Costa Wind Symphony perform an encore of Steven Reineke’s Symphony No. 1: New Day Rising, premiered by the CCWS in 2006 to commemorate the centennial of San Francisco’s great earthquake and fire. Concert includes bassoonist Michael Garvey and marches and themes from movies. The show will be held March 12th at 8pm at Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church, 1801 Lacassie Ave., Walnut Creek. Tickets are $10. Visit www.CCWindSymphony.org or purchase tickets at the door.

Olmec: Colossal Masterworks of Ancient Mexico

Friends of the Danville Library and the Town of Danville will present a program on America's oldest civilization, the Olmec. The deYoung Museum exhibit, running through May 8th, features an exhibition of objects drawn from the Mexican national collection, including colossal heads carved from giant boulders. The free presentation begins at 1pm, Wednesday, March 2nd in the Community Center, 420 Front St., Danville.

Page 6 - March 2011 ~ Alamo Today

Veterans of Foreign Wars

Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (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, March 10th. 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.

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Donations for the Troops

Delta Nu Psi had two excellent donation days for our service people in February. We will be collecting again on March 3rd at CVS in Alamo and March 11th at Lunardi’s in Danville. The squads did have a request - Girl Scout Cookies, especially Thin Mints. So, when you buy your cookies, buy an extra box, and it can be brought to either store location on the appropriate date. Go to www.deltanupsi.org and contact Alicia for other drop off locations.

Remember the Ladies!

“Remember the Ladies!,” the battle cry of California’s suffragists will be heard again when members of the Museum of San Ramon Valley reenact women achieving the right to vote in California 100 years ago. The 45 minute historical drama will be held during the general membership luncheon of the local American Association of University Women (AAUW) on Saturday, March 12th from 11 to 3pm at Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville. This centennial program will highlight local women of the San Ramon Valley and early 19th and 20th century suffrage movements which accomplished this historic feat. California's vote in 1911 pioneered passage of women’s voting rights nationwide. This local presentation kicks off a Remember the Ladies exhibit set to run May-June at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley. Cost of the luncheon is $26 in advance ($30 after March 4 deadline). Meal includes choice of entrees: Sunburst Chicken Salad or Chicken and Prawn Chinese Salad, iced tea, coffee, rolls and dessert. Please specify entree choice with registration. Mail checks by March 4th payable to Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek AAUW 606 Bridgewater Cir, Danville, CA 94526. For questions, contact Karen, 925-891-4632 or Pat, 925-831-8518.

Police and Fire: The Fallen Heroes Diablo Country Club Concert Event

“Police and Fire: The Fallen Heroes” is an organization committed to honoring the families of law enforcement and fire service personnel who, in the performance of their duties, paid the ultimate price, the loss of life. The all-volunteer Police and Fire: The Fallen Heroes, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation is sponsoring a fund-raising dinner concert featuring the celebrated tenor George Komsky for an evening of Italian songs titled An Italian Night in Diablo at the Diablo Country Club in Diablo on Thursday, April 14th. The dinner benefit will begin with appetizers at 5:30PM and will include a no-host bar and limited live auction for $100 per person. George Komsky is a protégé and scholarship beneficiary of world-renowned vocal teacher Seth Riggs whose star pupils were Barbra Streisand, Natalie Cole, and Metropolitan Opera Star Philip Webb. George is a Monte Vista High School and UCLA graduate, whose singing style was inspired by Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, and Tito Schipa. George Komsky has been touted in Hollywood circles as the new exciting tenor in the style of Andrea Bocelli for his golden voice, stage presence and good looks. He was a finalist on Simon Cowell’s inaugural America’s Got Talent, lead soloist for the Irish dancing phenomenon Riverdance in 2004, and star in the Dublin Worldwide Productions Twelve Irish Tenors. Learn more at www.georgekomsky.com. An Italian Night in Diablo will feature Italian opera arias by Rossini, Donizetti, Bellini, and other favorite timeless pieces. The concert proceeds will support Police and Fire: The Fallen Heroes with funds to assist the families of law enforcement and fire service personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty. For more information, go to www.thefallenheroes. org, e-mail info@thefallenheroes.org, or call (925) 831-2011.

editor@yourmonthlypaper.com

World War II: Rationing, Interment Camps and the Port Chicago Explosion By Beverly Lane

The Museum of the San Ramon Valley has an exhibit in place, “Honoring Valley Veterans: Heroes In Defense of Freedom” which will close on March 5th. This article provides excerpts from “Yesteryear in the San Ramon Valley, 1910-1945,” a history used by the Museum docents. The Second World War had an enormous impact on people's lives. Young couples just starting out were separated for years. Margaret Baldwin married Herb Wildenradt in August of 1941, and, the day after they came home with their first child in 1942, Herb received his “greetings.” She returned to Danville to live with her parents. The San Ramon Valley Union High School yearbook pictured many Japanese Americans in 1941. Their families had worked ranches here since the 1920s, and the children were American citizens. Executive Order 9066 sent 93,000 Californians to internment camps and remains today a racist blot on America’s record. Local families met at the Danville depot in May of 1942 and left the valley, able to bring only what they could carry. They were interned at the Gila River Reservation in Arizona. Young Taneo Hirano vividly remembered the train trip to Arizona with his family. While the MPs had closed the window shades on the train “for their safety,” he peeked out when the train stopped in Yuma at night and saw a thermometer which said 110 degrees. He said his family of five lived in one room, with dust coming up through the floors coating everything. Hirano’s trunk from the camp is on display at the museum. Mildred Lewis Fereira, who had a beauty shop in downtown Danville with her mother, recalled people coming to the Hartz Avenue post office daily, hoping for letters from loved ones. Rationing touched everyone as Ration Boards apportioned stamps for gasoline, food, shoes (three pairs a year), and nylon stockings. People carefully added up points before grocery shopping. They bought white oleomargarine which was mixed with a yellow packet to resemble butter. SometimesAcree’s Market in Danville would receive twelve jars of mayonnaise, and that was it. Everyone was urged to substitute other meat with home-grown rabbit. Nightly blackouts greeted travelers when they went through the tunnel to Berke-

Alamo Today ~ March 2011 - Page 7 ley; local people used blackout curtains or fitted plywood to cover windows. They also planted Victory Gardens, knit mittens for the boys overseas and saved surplus household fats to use in anti-aircraft shell production. Gene and Carlotta O'Neill, who lived in Danville from 1937-1944, put a European map up on the wall and traced the progress of the battles in Europe. No Japanese invaded. But there was one war-related explosion on July 17, 1944, which rocked the Valley even though it was miles away in Port Chicago. With little training and few safety precautions, sailors rolled and tossed bombs down ramps and loaded them on ships. That day some of the munitions were live. Two Liberty ships taking on cargo and a railroad with 16 box cars full of explosives parked nearby. No one knows exactly what happened, but, when it blew, the impact was felt from San Francisco to San Ramon. Windows were shattered in Walnut Creek. Howard Fereira said he was in bed, and the bed snapped; they thought it was an earthquake. Alamo sisters Betty and Norma Humburg were at a movie in Walnut Creek and felt the building shake. The Port Chicago explosion was the worst stateside disaster of World War II; 300 men were killed. Five valley boys gave the ultimate sacrifice: Alton Kraft, Burson Joseph, Steve Nourse, Bill Sanchez, and George Teicheira. In 1945 the war ended with German and Japanese surrenders. The soldiers came home and life without rationing and scary telegrams began. But California was forever changed. Millions of people had come to California to work in the shipyards and travel to the Pacific war. And they decided to move west. No longer an exotic location, California became the destination for new jobs, great weather, and, most of Ralph Campitelli at Camp San Ramon all, unlimited opportunity.

Page 8 - March 2011 ~ Alamo Today

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Rancho Romero Elementary School

Alamo Elementary School

The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you'll go. ~ Dr. Seuss, I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!

As the focus on education has shifted in recent years to high stakes testing and accountability, there has been a tendency to overlook things that cannot be measured by multiple choice exams. These are things like creativity and innovation. Now more than ever those qualities are important to develop in our students for the world they will live and work in. At Alamo School creativity and innovation are alive and well. Much of this is thanks to our art and music programs and our supportive parent community. Nancy Raaum, our vocal music teacher, sees every student at Alamo School once a week and has over 40 students performing in the Alamo School Chorus. Karla Angle, our band instructor, has over 70 students in her program. The band will be performing on March 22nd at the Area Band Festival at Monte Vista High School, May 18th at the District String Festival – also at MVHS, and at the Alamo School Hoedown on May 1st. The Chorus will perform March 25th at a noon-time concert at the Mauzy School, and the group will join the band at the Hoe Down on May 1st. In March students in grades 1 – 5 will start a 6-week program with an art specialist. In addition to music and art, our students are also involved in a variety of activities related to the development of creativity and innovation. Four teams of students from Alamo School will be competing at the Regional Tournament for Odyssey of the Mind, an international educational program that provides creative problem-solving opportunities for students from kindergarten through college. Parent volunteer, Jung Westover, coordinates the program where team members apply their creativity to solve problems that range from building mechanical devices to presenting their own interpretation of literary classics. Over 100 students recently auditioned for the Alamo School Talent Show which will feature students from every grade level in an evening performance on March 25th. Over 30 Alamo students participated this year in the PTA Reflections Program. Reflections provides opportunities for students to express themselves creatively and to receive positive recognition for original works of art inspired by a pre-selected theme, while increasing community awareness on the importance of the arts in education. Alamo students Emily Livitz and Minobu Okano-Foell were the winners of this year’s PTA Reflections Program, San Ramon Council level, for Intermediate Visual Arts and Intermediate Music Composition, respectively. Twenty-one students from Alamo entered the 7th Annual Street Smarts Storybook Poster Contest, with 15 qualifying for Merit, three for Honorable Mention, and three Finalists. The winners will be announced on March 10th at the Dougherty Performing Art Center at 5PM.

By Skye Larsh, Principal

The Importance of Reading

As our beloved Dr. Seuss poetically expresses, reading opens the door to learning about so many things - math, history, science, literature, and geography to name a few. It is widely accepted that children who read, and read well, are far more successful in later years. Those who fall behind and struggle into the upper grades of elementary school have a much more difficult time catching up to the increasing demands. Fortunately, a growing body of evidence also suggests that reading problems are preventable for the vast majority of students who encounter difficulty in learning to read, if these students receive extra support in the form of early intervention. Thus, it becomes imperative that we as educators, parents, and advocates continue to do everything we can to develop young, capable, and enthusiastic readers. Rancho Romero teachers, specialists, instructional aides, and paraprofessionals in Kindergarten through fifth grade demonstrate their commitment to the teaching and learning of reading and writing everyday. Staff works together as a coherent, cohesive team to develop comprehensive plans. As evidenced through test scores, approximately 85% of Rancho Romero students tested on the 2010 California Standards Test in English language arts scored proficient or advanced. How do we support the 15% of students who need some form of strategic intervention? Rancho Romero’s Reading Specialist Program was established to come along side teachers and add another tier to meet the needs of students struggling to acquire the essential knowledge and skills necessary to read at grade level. The goal of the Reading Specialist Program is to have every student at Rancho Romero reading at grade level before exiting to middle school. The program has undergone numerous revisions since initiated in the San Ramon Valley Unified School District in 1971. Today, the reading intervention program is provided by highly trained and competent educators, to include a Reading Specialist and two classified instructors, serving fifty-eight students in grades K-5. Services are designed to offer small group early intervention to students in addition to, not as a substitute for, the instruction they receive in their regular classroom program. Intervention is provided in thirty-minute periods three to four times per week. The teacher-to-pupil ratio is 1:4. Intentional direct instruction is used to teach phonics, foster vocabulary development, develop comprehension strategies, and practice fluency and phonemic awareness. The program launched a new approach this year, referred to as Leveled Literacy Intervention whereby leveled books and benchmark assessments are key components in helping students become competent readers. The Reading Specialist Program remains vital to the success of our Rancho Romero students. We thank the staff and parent community for attending to those areas that have the greatest impact on student achievement. Oh, magic hour, when a child first knows she can read printed words! ~ A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, 1943

By Stan Hitomi, Principal

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Alamo Today ~ March 2011 - Page 9

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Gated estate in lower Diablo. Craftsman inͲ spired architecture. Great rm w/soaring ceilings, lower lvl master suite. Pvt. yard w/pool. Upper 700sqft guest quarters. $2,950,000

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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. $1,550,000

Westside Alamo’s most desired street. Flat 1.05 acre lot. 3 bd, 2 bth cottage w/country kitchen, hardwood flrs. Pvt. setting w/ pool & cabana. Unlimited possiͲ bilities. $1,500,000

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 925.998.8262 www.JohnLopes.com

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Rick Fiset 925.362.0415 www.101LaSerenaAve.com

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

Almost new 4600 sf custom home. 5 bedͲ rooms, 6 baths plus 600 sf bonus room on half acre lot close to all top rated schools in Alamo. $1,300,000

Coming Soon! Roundhill Estate. Large 3500 sf single level. 3 bd/3 bth. Custom built. Backs to golf course. Looks like Tahoe setting. Will sell immediately!

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! $1,099,000

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Page 10 - March 2011 ~ Alamo Today

Stone Valley Middle School By Shaun McElroy, Principal

Hello parents, prospective parents, and grandparents. Having just become a grandfather in November I realize that the parenting role is expansive and really does not have an end, just different phases. So whatever phase you find yourself in, here some resources: Dad's Night Out VI - Marriage and Family Therapist George Papageorge was our keynote speaker at our 6th annual Dad's Night Out. As usual, George did not disappoint the guys in the audience. We all learned or refined our understanding of family dynamics and how to nurture our children. George has offered to do a series of follow-up communications workshops for couples. If you are interested in participating, please contact me directly at smcelro@srvusd.net. Event for Students - Youth to Youth Conference, Saturday March 12th. For grades 6-8. For more information visit www.srvcasa.org. Book of the Month Recommendation - Drive by Daniel Pink. Pink is a former speech writer for Al Gore, turned author/researcher. Pink examines what motivates people...is it the carrot or the stick? Maybe it is neither. I found the conclusion interesting. I'm weighing how this research can be used to better understand middle grades students. This book was the recommendation of parent Chris Campbell. Here's the link to the Daniel Pink's TED talk on Motivation: www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/dan_pink_on_motivation.html. Amy Chua Article - Many of you have either read or heard about the article by Amy Chua: Why Chinese Mothers are superior. The article is a synopsis from her book, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mom. The article fueled many conversations amongst parents both pro and con. On balance I have included an article on the opposite side of the parenting spectrum. I recommend you read both articles with another parent(s) and compare your thoughts. This is a great way to sharpen your own parenting skills. Amy Chua's article: http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB100014240527487 04111504576059713528698754-lMyQjAxMTAxMDEwMTExNDEyWj.html. Op-ed columnist for the New York Times David Brooks, responds to Amy Chua's article. www.nytimes.com/2011/01/18/opinion/18brooks.html?_r=1

SV Ed Fund Annual Fitness Challenge v.2011 Run with Pride

On Thursday, April 14th, all Stone Valley Middle School Students will participate in the annual Fitness Challenge to help raise funds for our Education Fund. Each student will walk, jog, or run a minimum of 15 laps around a 220 yard track during his or her regularly scheduled PE class. They will have ap-

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proximately 22 minutes to complete the laps. To donate, visit www.active.com/ donate/SVMS2011. The More They Run - The More Everyone Benefits!

8th Grade Community Service Event

The class of 2011 needs your gently used backpacks and unused school supplies. On Wednesday, June 8th the class of 2011 will be performing a “back pack brigade.” We will be filling all the donated backpacks with school supplies and delivering them to our sister school, Coronado Elementary.

Hey! SV Class of 1970 Did you Forget Something?

Stone Valley Middle School Class of 1969-70 buried a time capsule on the campus, and now they are ready to dig it up and examine the contents. If you attended Stone Valley between 1967-70, you probably helped determine the contents of the time capsule. If you'd like to participate in “unveiling,” contact Julie Millias at jmillias@pacbell.net. Our projected “discovery date” is Friday, April 1st.

San Ramon Valley High School By Joseph A. Ianora

Hello San Ramon Valley High School Community! Spring is here! And with it comes a myriad of activities. First of all, I would like to congratulate all who participated in the winter activities including athletics and performing arts. They continually provide us with incredible performances and we thank them! As we roll into spring here are some updates for you. Because this list may not be complete, please check the web site ( www.srvhs.net ) for updates so you can make sure you don’t miss a thing.

100 Year Celebrations

We have two celebrations coming up. The first event occurs Friday, March 18th in our new gym from 3:30 – 5:30pm. This event celebrates an end to construction and San Ramon Valley High School’s 100 years. The second event occurs on March 19th. This is a “by ticket only” special event that is a Gala celebration that will not occur for another 100 years!

Construction

Construction has ended…for now! We will break ground very soon on our new restroom/snack shack facility on the stadium field area. This project may be completed by graduation.

Freshman/New Student Orientation - Registration

On March 1st and 3rd we will host our student orientation for freshman and new students. It is a two part evening – a discussion with the counselors for the first hour and then a discussion with students for the second hour.

Junior Prom – March 26th

Our ultimate goal is to offers a safe, respectable event that gives our students wonderful memories. The Prom often brings a tremendous amount of pressure for students to consume alcohol. We have worked very hard to educate our students that this is not acceptable behavior and will not be tolerated. On behalf of the entire administrative team, I would appreciate it if you would spend time prior to the event discussing the importance of an Alcohol-free Junior Prom. Many students view this event as a time to “party” and leave all training and decorum at home. For many students it comes as quite a surprise that the same rules at school apply as well to both the Junior Prom and Senior Ball. We expect the same standards of behavior when students attend the Prom as we do during the regular school day. Please help us communicate to your student that drinking and smoking are not allowed. If we do find a student who is under the influence of any alcoholic intoxicant or controlled substance, the parents will be contacted and the student will be released to the parent.

CAHSEE Testing – 10th Graders/ Mock CAHSEE – 9th graders

Testing for all Sophomores and, new this year, all Freshmen will be held the on March 8th and 9th. This “high stakes” test is one of three major requirements (CAHSEE, passing Algebra I, and completing 240 units) for graduation from San Ramon Valley High School. Please check the Web Page for specific testing times. Testing will affect all students as the daily schedule will be different; please plan accordingly. The freshmen will take a diagnostic test so that we may more accurately help them be successful when they take the CAHSEE as a Sophomore. Once again, thank you for truly making San Ramon Valley High School a great place to be!

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Monte Vista High School By Janet Terranova, Principal

Second semester is well under way. Our freshmen are feeling comfortable on campus and our seniors are looking forward to taking the next step in their education. The senior class is diverse and their post graduation choices are varied. While the majority of our students choose to continue their education in college, several students opt for time to travel, join the military, or find out what life is like as a full time worker. Our sophomore, junior, and senior students will soon begin choosing classes for next year. As students and parents begin the process of choosing classes, I urge you to make your selections carefully. We want our students to challenge themselves and pursue a rigorous course of study; but, we

St. Isidore Science Fair

Walking into St. Isidore School on February 3rd, one is clearly in the midst of something pretty incredible. It is Science Fair time, and the school has been taken over by young scientists. At St. Isidore School the science fair is a big deal. Students select a project topic in the fall, and soon after they begin the process of turning it into a research paper and science project. Kerry Schafer, head science teacher, leads the program and describes the months long process. “Our goals for the students as they move through this process is to use the scientific method as a critical thinking skill in solving problems. It is a process that can be applied to solve any real world question. This is the first time many of the kids have had to put together a project this large that includes so many different facets. They not only have to think of a ‘cool’ idea for a project but need to research the science behind the project, come up with a hypothesis, and question why their experiment happened the way it did. They then perform the experiment and analyze the results.” Forty volunteer judges were brought in to read research papers, examine projects, and interview the 210 scientists. The judges backgrounds are as varied as the projects. Jim Felton, Associate Director at UC Davis Cancer Center says, “What stands out most is the overall quality of all the projects which also made it hard to judge which were the best.” Despite the difficulty in judging, awards were given. Matthew Mahler earned a first place title on his project Motor Speed Mania. “I like picking projects that are fun, and this one was no exception. I will miss doing the science fair because it’s cool to see all the energy and hard work pay off.” First time judge Jack Martin said, “It is very encouraging as a parent to see such diverse projects and to talk with the students. Our future is bright with these kids.” Another judge, Kathy Hester, noted, “This is my third year attending this event. Each year I am overwhelmed by the interest in science and the quality of the projects. I so enjoy meeting the ‘scientists’ and hearing their description and history of their presentation. One can easily see that these students have an understanding about the scientific process. One student commented that her ‘Grandpa watered her seeds when her family went away.’ Everyone in our community benefits from endeavors such at this.” Sixth grade winners: Grand Prize: Jordan Rivera, Sensational Swing, 1st: Ryan Rivera, Does Hand Sanitizer Need to Cost an Arm and a Leg?, 2nd: Erin Happel, Light vs. Dark and Alec Zapata, Electric Circuit Confrontation, 3rd: Kade Harmon, Ecstatic Electricity and Annie Schwartz, How Sweet Is This? Seventh grade winners: Grand Prize: Lauren Torres, Molecular Gastronomy: The Science of Cooking, 1st: Joe Alarab and Will Birke-White, Click Click Booon, 2nd: Anthony Rocha and Richard-Thomas Gliozzi, Unnatural Disaster, and Jack Worthley, Chew With Your Mouth Closed, 3rd: Katie Kuptz, and Lauren Devine, Sugar vs. Artificial Sweetner.

Eighth grade winners: Grand Prize:

Paul Wolfert, Camera Cannon, 1 st : Matthew Mahler, Motor Speed Mania, 2nd: Kyle Harmon, th 8 grade winners with Mrs. Schmidt: Paul Wolfert, Pull in Some Knowledge, Chris Hunt, Mattew Mahler, Ally Greene, Jane 3 rd : Lauren Schwartz, Fountain, Klye Harmon, John Quinn, Chris Varon, Sunblock Photo Op. and Lauren Schwartz.

Alamo Today ~ March 2011 - Page 11 also want them to carefully consider their workload. Advanced Placement (AP) and Honors classes are rigorous, which require a considerable amount of studying. Remember, AP courses are taught at a college level. They have the same requirements as any college or university course. Success in high school is a balancing act between academics, extra-curricular activities, and normal teenage activities. Some students can handle three to five AP classes as well as outside activities, although most 15-18 year olds need more balance in their lives. Advanced Placement courses are an opportunity for students to delve deeply into an academic area of interest. Parents, please help your students choose courses that are challenging, spark their interest, and provide a good balance in their lives.

Dates to Remember:

March 7, 8, 9: Incoming 9th grade Parent/Student Information Night in the Theater from 7-8:30pm - March 7th, Last Names A-G. March 8th, Last Names H-P. March 9th, Last Names Q-Z. For more information about Monte Vista and our activities, please visit our website at mvhigh.org.

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Page 12 - March 2011 ~ Alamo Today

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Worldwide there is growing consumer demand for foods and products that are sustainably produced and marketed. Shoppers’ reasons may vary – from a desire to protect the environment, to improving their personal wellness and their family’s health, or just conserving their dollars in a tough economy - but more people are looking for product labels confirming green practices and production methods and questioning vendors about the source of their goods and their own business activities. According to a marketing research, 83% of consumer purchasing decisions are influenced by a desire to support sustainable efforts*- a percentage savvy business owners can’t afford to ignore in their competition for customer attention. Touting corporate, social and environmental responsibility has become quite the fad of late, meaning mere slogans and lip service will not be enough to differentiate companies in today’s market. Business owners are finding they must be more transparent about the goods and services they offer and how they market them to their customers. Consequently, more firms are letting customers “see behind the curtain” and encouraging them to ask questions, be aware of sustainable issues, and focusing on developing connections and open relationships as people rather than just faceless consumer and vendor. Those of us interested in sustainable lifestyles can accelerate this business transformation by shopping local, asking questions, and frequenting merchants who promote and practice sustainable methods. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, like,“Where did this product come from?”, “How was it prepared?”, “What types of materials does it contain?”, “Where is it going when I’m done with it?”, and “What are you doing to promote sustainable practices?” Business owners will quickly realize these issues are important to you - their customer - and that they must be prepared with appropriate answers and tangible achievements if they want the relationship to continue. Granted, most of us are still exploring and learning how to balance the needs of our families with those of the environment. For example, we may need to consider the price of a product and its impact on our budget verses its impact on the environment. But consumers still appreciate connecting with like-minded business owners who are also considering how, where, and when they can make a contribution to our environment and our community well-being. Shoppers and business owners alike have various level of commitment to sustainability because they must sustain their own viability. But having information is the first step in deciding what is important to you and making reasoned, balanced decisions. Sustainable Danville Area, in association with the Danville Area Chamber of Business, Discover Danville Association, and Shop Danville First, has launched the Danville Area Sustainable Business Council and the 30-Day Challenge to educate and inspire local businesses to adopt sustainable practices. The program is a local way to recognize the ‘first steps’ businesses are taking toward environmental friendliness and help them adapt transparent business practices. We've developed a checklist of basic steps to get a business started and will offer training and incentives to make it easy for them to participate. Throughout March, every sustainable change made by a “pledged” business will be showcased at four highly visible websites (Discover Danville Association, Shop Danville First, Sustainable Danville Area, and the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce). To make it easy for shoppers to recognize businesses that are making their businesses more sustainable, we’ll award a window seal to those businesses that complete the initial set of “best practices” that demonstrate their commitment. The program is a stepping stone to certification as a Bay Area Green Business. The Bay Area Green Business Program distinguishes small businesses that shrink their carbon footprint by conserving energy and water resources, minimizing waste and preventing pollution. Business practices are verified by independent auditors and successful completion is recognized by the award of the Bay Area Green Business certification. The Town of Danville recently received their certification. You can find other Bay Area Green Businesses by using the directory on their website: http://www.greenbiz.ca.gov/ShopGreen.html. Is your business already sustainable? If so, get recognized for your efforts and share your successes with the community to earn free promotion and attract new customers. Or if you are a consumer interested in telling your favorite local place about the program, please visit www.sustainabledanville. com for more information. *NMI, 6/2010

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Understanding Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)...Good Luck!

Alamo Today ~ March 2011 - Page 13

By Bob Shalon, IRS Enrolled Agent

A very common scenario in towns like Danville and Alamo reads something like this: You have carefully planned your withholding taxes during the year based on the previous year's tax return, feeling confident Bob Shalon, EA Master Tax Advisor • Enrolled Agent that you are in good shape to either get a small refund or have a minimal balance due. When your return is completed, you have a much larger balance due than expected and are told it is because of that darn AMT. You are told that it is a tax on high income earners, but you never really know why it pertained to you. 925.820.9570 714 San Ramon Valley Blvd, Suite B, Danville Let me explain the guidelines of AMT. It is not simply high income that triggers the tax. Sycamore Square (next to Lucky’s) The Alternative Minimum Tax was passed by Congress in 1969. It is a separate tax that is calculated parallel bob.shalon@tax.hrblock.com to the general income tax return you prepare. When originally passed, it’s purpose was to prevent the extremely wealthy from paying little or no tax through large amounts of deductions that they alone could afford to take. This was fine through the 70’s and even 80’s. However inflation and other factors have basically changed an income that was once in the top 3% of income earners into the upper middle class and now not even upper but the middle class.

What Triggers AMT?

The following is a list of common situations that may trigger AMT: • High gross income relative to taxable income • Exercise of incentive stock options • Long term capital gains • Large amounts of itemized deductions (Schedule A) for taxes (property mostly) or miscellaneous expenses • Tax-exempt interest, and my personal favorite to get you fired up • Large number of dependents. To give you an idea of when the alternative minimum tax kicks in, everyone is familiar with the term exemptions. On your general tax return it is based on your filing status and the size of your family (number of dependents). Not so with AMT. Here are the exemption amounts for 2010 based on filing status: Married Filing Jointly - $72,450, Single or Head of Household - $47,450. Below these figures you are not subject to AMT. Do these look like incomes of the ultra wealthy? In addition, these exemptions phase out as your income gets higher. Now some good news. There are components of AMT that can become refundable in future years. You may have heard terms such as Exclusion Items and Deferral Items. I will not attempt to go into their meanings or how AMT credits are calculated, but it is important that your tax preparer understand and has an audit trail to trigger these credits when they apply. In April's issue I will discuss the pros and cons of rolling traditional IRA's into Roth IRA's. Bob Shalon works at the Danville office of H&R Block and can be reached at 925-820-9570. Advertorial

Wine March Madness By Monica Chappell

Who says wine appreciation has to cost a fortune? The game plan: Be adventurous by exploring wines that might not yet be in your wine vocabulary. Wines often cost more when they come from a well-known wine making region or are made from a popular grape variety, so rather then heading straight for the same wine, expand your horizons and beat the budget crunch!

Get to Know the Other Grapes

There is life after Chardonnay and Cabernet. Instead of seeking out the familiar, try something unusual made from a grape you’ve never heard of. For starters, try to learn the names of less popular grapes like Gewürztraminer or Malbec. It seems the more difficult a grape is to pronounce, the better of a value the wine is likely to be. Let me introduce you to some of my favorite wines, Nero D’Avola, Dolcetto, Barbera, and Viognier to name a few.

Look for Lesser-Known Regions

Major wine growing regions are reliable sources but often expensive as well. Lesser-known appellations are home to some of the best bargain bottles. No single country seems to have a lock on producing good value wines, so have fun traveling the globe in search of top values. • Southern Italy - For delicious, unfussy wines at reasonable prices, one of the best sources is southern Italy, which is home to notable wine regions such as Apulia, Campania, and Sicily. • Southern France -This part of France produces lots of delicious wines, but there are also a number of not-so-good bottles. Bargain hunters must tread carefully. The red blends of Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages offer some of the best buys. • California Central Coast - Bargain hunters gave up on Napa years ago, so look to the Central Coast for bargains. With its state-of-the-art winemaking techniques and nearly ideal weather, it’s easy to understand how this expansive region continues to pump out bargains. • South Australia - No place in the world produces more consistently good inexpensive wines than South Australia. The best value wines are typically labeled South Australia or South Eastern Australia. • Chile Central Valley - Chile offers some of the best value wines, yet unfortunately the quality of Chilean wines can vary considerably. Most of the Chilean wines from the Valle Central, or Central Valley, come from the country’s best-known regions, Maipo and Rapel valleys.

Shop the Deals

Often retailers will offer additional discounts on case purchases so take advantage. When you find a wine that’s special, stock up and save. With a little bit of know how, seeking out wines that fit the bill without breaking the bank can be easier then you think. You may even find that your new favorite is a tournament Cinderella. Monica Chappell teaches Wine Appreciation classes in Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Danville, and Pleasant Hill. To register for Italy Uncorked on March 11, go to www.lafayetterec.org, or for class on April 8 go to www.walnutcreekrec.org. Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of scholarship, educational goals, and Scholarship Offered campus or community involvement. Completed scholarship applications must be The Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek branch of the American Association of postmarked by April 1, 2011. Applications are online at www.aauw-da.org. University Women (AAUW) is offering scholarships to local women. Last year 11 deserving recipients received over $1,000 each. 2011 scholarship applicants must be a college junior or higher as of September 2011 at an accredited college or university. Graduate and post graduate students can also apply. Applicants must have resided in the Walnut Creek city limits or the unincorporated area boundaries during high school or currently reside in the area, or, they must have graduated from the San Ramon Valley Unified School District or resided in the district while attending a private high school, and/ or currently reside within the San Ramon Unified School District.

Exchange Club

The Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley meets for lunch the second Wednesday of every month at Faz Restaurant located at 600 Hartz Avenue in Danville. Sign-in and social time begins at 11:30am. The meeting starts promptly at noon and ends promptly at 1pm. The one-hour program features guest speakers and business networking. Guests are welcome with luncheon reservations. Price is $16 members; $20 returning guests. For more information, visit www.srvexchangeclub.org. To RSVP to the luncheon, please email Karen Stepper at coachstepper@yahoo.com.

Page 14 - March 2011 ~ Alamo Today

Sensible Steps to Limit Liability From Investment Property and Small Businesses By Robert J. Silverman, Esq.

Do you own any investment real estate in which title is held in your own name(s)? Do you own a small business that is a sole proprietorship? If the answer to either of these questions is yes, do you understand the scope of your liability if someone sues and obtains a judgment against you on a claim arising out of or related to your business or real estate investment activity? The first question you should ask yourself is what types of liability (for which you could be sued) are covered by applicable insurance coverage. You may be relieved because you are confident that you have a terrific homeowner’s and/or business general liability policy with broad coverage. Fortunately, having the right kind of policies, coverage and limits, will protect you against many, if not the vast majority, of potential kinds of liability. Of course, it’s prudent to: a) verify with your property and casualty insur-

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ance agent that you have the broad scope and limits you think (or hope) you have as a result of the premiums you pay; b) ask your agent about whether certain “endorsements” or “riders” are available to purchase, at a premium cost you deem worthwhile, that satisfactorily expand the scope of your coverage; and c) explore the feasibility and desirability of purchasing a personal and/ or business umbrella policy that expands the limits of any and all underlying policies (those specifically designated to be under the “umbrella”). Although your “first line of defense” is insurance, you will never be able to cover every kind of potential liability. Some coverage is simply commercially unavailable, severely restricted, or financially impractical. You need to read your policy(ies) carefully and talk to your insurance agent regarding details; but, here are a few examples of investment property-related liability for which coverage is customarily excluded or extremely limited: claims by tenants for personal injury from mold at the premises; certain kinds of water damage; landlord discrimination; embezzlement or malfeasance of a resident manager. Similarly, small business owners frequently have gaps in insurance coverage. To protect against these inevitable insurance coverage voids, it’s smart to evaluate a “second line of defense” - forming a business entity, such as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Corporation. Properly formed and operated business entities offer enormous value by shielding the owner’s personal assets from potential creditors. Instead of being exposed to “unlimited liability” as to any real estate and business assets you own personally, you are entitled to “limited liability” as to any real estate or business assets titled in a business entity that is formed, capitalized and operated properly. An example illustrates the difference in exposure. Facts: John and Mary Doe hold title in their own names to a rental property with $200,000 in equity. They own other net assets (e.g. home, savings, stocks and bonds) totaling $2 Million. Their tenant sues the Does for a type of risk not covered by insurance and obtains a judgment against the Does for $1 Million. 1) No Business Entity: The tenant can seek to satisfy his judgment by seizing the Does’ investment property and/or $1 Million of other assets owned by the Does. 2) Business Entity: The entity limits the tenant to seizing only those assets owned by the business entity – the investment property with $200,000 in equity; and thus, the LLC enabled the Does to protect $800,000 (of their other assets) from the judgment creditor. Many factors should be considered, including the cost, time, and effort involved in forming and maintaining a business entity, before deciding whether or not to form one. Nevertheless, many people find it an easy decision to form a business entity for extra peace of mind, particularly given the litigious society we live in. Mr. Silverman is an attorney with Shapiro Buchman Provine Brothers Smith LLP, 1333 N. California Street, Suite 350, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; (925) 944-9700; rsilverman@sbllp. com. His practice emphasizes Estate Planning, Trust Administration & Probate, Real Estate, and Business.

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Page 16 - March 2011 ~ Alamo Today

Do Retirees Need a New Investment Strategy?

By Peter T. Waldron & Robert J. Waldron

In conjunction with Waldron Wealth Advisors, a division of Lincoln Financial Advisors, a registered investment advisor.

First growth, then income. If you’re like most investors, you want to achieve growth while you’re working and income after you retire. But that doesn’t necessarily make it smart to change your investment strategy when you retire by shifting your portfolio completely out of stocks into less volatile “income” investments like bonds and cash equivalents.

The Tax Bite

As a rule, stocks are more risky and volatile than other types of investments. Therefore, you might decide, as some retirees do, to sell your stocks and reinvest in less risky securities in order to protect the gains you’ve achieved. But, unless the stocks you sell are in an individual retirement account or other tax-deferred retirement account, that move won’t preserve all of your accumulated gains. When you sell your stock, you’ll lose part of those gains to capital gains tax.

The Inflation Bug

You may also create another, potentially more serious, risk. Without stocks in your portfolio, you increase the risk that future inflation will seriously erode the real value of your investments and reduce your spending power. Let’s look at some numbers. Social Security’s normal retirement age is gradually increasing. For someone born between 1943 and 1954, it’s 66. If you retired today at age 66, your additional life expectancy would be 20.2 years according to IRS tables. No one knows what the rate of inflation will be in the future. But, over the past 20 years, the Consumer Price Index (commonly used to measure inflation) has, on average, risen about 3% a year. If inflation continues at the same average rate for the next 20 years, you’d need over $90,000 of income in 2025 to match the buying power of $50,000 today. The best way to fight inflation is to have the potential to earn investment returns that will keep you ahead of the erosion in your purchasing power. The problem is there’s no guarantee about the future returns of any variable investment.

A Better Way?

Instead of moving your entire portfolio out of stocks when you retire, you might consider other strategies. You could maintain your current portfolio mix until you retire. Then, gradually sell some of your stocks each year. This strategy would slowly reduce your exposure to the risk of owning stocks and also generate income to supplement any cash dividends and interest income you receive. You’d spread out your capital gains taxes and be able to keep a large part of your portfolio invested in stocks for a considerable number of years. Note that through 2010, the federal tax rate on long-term capital gains is generally 15% for those in regular tax brackets higher than 15%. After that, the capital gains rate is scheduled to revert to the rate in effect before 2003, generally 20%. Another strategy would be to simply reduce the portion of your portfolio that is invested in stocks as retirement approaches. For example, if 75% of

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your portfolio is in stocks before retirement, you might lower that percentage to 30% or another percentage that you’re comfortable with. That way, you’d still retain some opportunity to gain from any future stock market advances, but you’d also reduce your portfolio’s overall risk and volatility. When you say goodbye to your job, sticking with stocks may be a better strategy for a potentially very long retirement than moving to an all-income portfolio. If you want to know more about investment strategies during retirement, consult with your financial planner. Please contact Peter Waldron to schedule a complimentary review of your financial situation, at 925-659-0383 or email 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

Self-Publishing Boot Camp Workshop

The Mt. Diablo Branch, California Writers Club presents Self-Publishing Boot Camp Workshop. Carla King’s book, Self-Publishing Boot Camp, forms the basis of her popular workshop on how to publish, promote, and sell a book of any genre in print and every popular book format. King began self-publishing in 1994, and she is a member of the group that published the very successful Wild Writing Women: Stories of World Travel. She combines her love of travel and writing in e-books and magazines. The workshop will be held Saturday, March 12st at Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant, 611 Gregory Lane, in Pleasant Hill. Check-in will be held from 9to 9:30AM, the workshop follows from 9:30 to 12:30, and then a buffet luncheon will be served. The cost is $35 for CWC members, $40 for guests. Reservations are required and must be received no later than noon on Wednesday, March 9th. 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/.

Alamo Danville Artists’ Society (ADAS) New Exhibit opening at Blackhawk Gallery

The Springtime Harmony exhibit at the Blackhawk Gallery, in Blackhawk Plaza, opens March 10th and will continue through May 8th. The public is invited to meet the artists at our wine and appetizer Artists’ Reception on March 12th from 5 to 7pm. All new art will be on exhibit and for sale. There are 45 artists participating in this exhibit. The current exhibit, New Inspirations, will close on March 6th.

March ADAS Meeting, Guest Artist David Savellano, NWS

David Savellano is the guest artist for the ADAS meeting on Tuesday, March 8th at 7:30pm. The meeting will be held at the Danville Congregational Church Social Hall, 989 San Ramon Valley Blvd, Danville. The public is invited to attend at no charge. David is a native Californian, which is reflected in the sun-dappled streets and waterfront imagery that dominate his work. Although largely self-taught as a watercolor painter, he credits his 30 years as a practicing architect with having given him the drawing skills and strong sense of perspective that have elevated his artwork to a professional level. David will do a demonstration of sketching and complete a watercolor painting at the meeting.

Call for Artists 34th Annual ADAS Spring Art Show

The 34th Annual ADAS Spring Show will be a weekend event in the main rotunda at Blackhawk Plaza. All artists in all mediums (2D & 3D) are welcome and invited to participate. The exhibit will open Saturday, April 30 at 10am and continue through Sunday, May 1st. The Artists Reception, open to the public, will be held at the ADAS Blackhawk Gallery on Saturday evening April 30 from 5 to 7pm. Paintings will be displayed on panels, and sculpture or other artwork can be accommodated. Artwork will be professionally judged and cash prizes will be awarded. The prize-winning artwork (Best of Show, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and Artists Choice) will be exhibited at the Blackhawk Gallery after the Spring Show and be on display for four weeks following. The Prospectus is posted at www.adas4art. org/forms/2011SpringShowProspectus.pdf. 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.

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Life in the Alamo Garden

More Than a Garden By John Montgomery, ASLA, Landscape Architect

Over the many years of writing Life in the Alamo Garden and following up with my clients after they have lived in their gardens, I have discovered some new distinctions about our Alamo gardens. There are so many aspects to a garden, and I have attempted to cover the important ones over the years. I have talked about the various elements of design as well as practical advice such as how to save and conserve water and plant selection for deer territory. As a landscape architect with more than 35 years of experience in California, I have come to the conclusion there is so much more to a garden that meets the eye. When you think about it, it is more than a garden! It has the power to rejuvenate, inspire, and relax. When you take in consideration how we use our Alamo gardens what comes to mind are the endless hours of peaceful contemplation, lively gatherings, and toiled love. We use our gardens not just for something beautiful to look at, although that is part of it. When I design a client’s garden, I first have them answer a questionnaire that I have developed over many years. I ask many questions spanning the gambit from functionality and budget to their vision. I delve into specifics, but I also try to go deep into what makes them feel the way they want to feel when they are in their garden. What I am bringing to the design is more than a garden! In this busy world we all deserve our own little paradise where we can retreat to. We are blessed to live in such a beautiful area where we can consider the garden as an extension of our homes. Here in Alamo we can live outside just about as much as we live inside. Consider the time spent in the swimming pool, playing sports with the kids, barbecuing and eating outdoors, harvesting fruits and veggies, and reading a good book under a shade tree on a warm spring day. All these activities add so many dimensions to our lives outdoors making it more than a garden. When it is more than a garden we have the opportunity to use our gardens for other activities that contribute to our families, friends, and community. Think

of the limitless activities and special events you can have such as weddings, anniversary celebrations, graduation parties, birthday parties, etc. Garden tours have become a viable way to raise needed donations for some very worthy organizations. A well designed garden can present endless opportunities to bring family and community together. Over the years my wonderful clients have so generously offered their gardens for various garden tours. Last year we organized our own “Life in the Alamo Garden” fundraiser. It was a surprising success! We had between 300-400 people and generated close $10K for wonderful organizations like Hospice of the East Bay and others. By popular demand, I have been requested to organize a 2nd annual tour of gardens exclusively designed by my firm that will benefit several great organizations. A hot tip from your local Landscape Architect: JMLA is delighted to announce our 2nd annual Garden Tour Fundraiser: “Life in the Lafayette Garden” a tour of five distinct Lafayette gardens. I invite you to come enjoy the afternoon with us. Stroll the gardens, chat with me, and enjoy several surprises we have

Alamo Today ~ March 2011 - Page 17

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planned. Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 14 from 11AM - 4PM. For more info, go to our website-garden tour page. It will be a pleasure to meet you all! Gardening Quote of the Month: “Gardeners are - let’s face it - control freaks. Who else would willingly spend his leisure hours wresting weeds out of the ground, blithely making life or death decisions about living beings, moving earth from here to there, changing the course of waterways? The more one thinks about it, the odder it seems; this compulsion to remake a little corner of the planet according to some plan or vision.” - Abby Adams, What is a Garden Anyway 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. Advertorial com.

Page 18 - March 2011 ~ Alamo Today

Alamo Fire Station Review Part 2

This is the second part of a two part article on the Fire District Application. The San Ramon Fire District application for a new fire station to be located at the corner of Miranda and Stone Valley Road has presented some problems for the site that should be resolved before the application for the fire station should be approved by the County. The fuel station, propane tank, generator, and tool shed/trash enclosure area shown on the plans are located within close proximity of each other and at the front of the property at the corner of Miranda and Stone Valley Road. It is located directly behind the corner landscaping and a decorative wall. This area needs to meet various County code requirements, OSHA requirements, noise level of generator and other equipment, location of equipment, and height of equipment with mitigating measures that will be hide this area from view. Present plans have to be revised to incorporate all these concerns prior to site approval. The Mitigated Negative Declaration should also include a review process using an independent expert for this type of use in coordination with the various governmental agencies. The monument sign location and design and the corner landscaping plan for the station now shown on the plans should be designed to integrate with the retaining walls and landscaping proposed for the corner of Miranda and Stone Valley Road. A possible redesign would be to modify the lower retaining wall to be a constant low height with a curving design toward the road intersection, using typical building materials that are being used on the site and using surface-mounted metal lettering and subdued lighting. The main building design should be reviewed further. Because this is a mature, developed residential neighborhood, it is important to develop the correct balance in residential character for the main building, blending it into the setting while still retaining certain focal elements that distinguish the special use of the site. To this end, while the tower design is intended to represent the

Spring Pruning

By Blaine Brende & Joe Lamb

Once again, it’s that time of year when the landscape grows lush, beautiful – and out of control. At Brende & Lamb, we prune to balance the practical with the aesthetic. When our clients ask us to restore their views, bring more light into their gardens, and reduce fire hazards, we do our best to keep their screening intact and to protect their privacy. At the same time we work hard to enhance the natural beauty of their trees. Balancing your tree care needs are skills we’ve developed over decades of caring for trees.

Aesthetic Pruning

Each plant has a natural growth pattern. Aesthetic pruning accentuates the shape given the plant by nature. Good pruning creates a light and open feeling. A well pruned plant enhances the observer’s experience by accentuating the interplay of light and shadow, open spaces and denser spaces, and by revealing the sculptural elements of trunk and branch. The first step in aesthetic pruning is to see the flow of the tree. We begin by looking at the base of the trunk, then let our eyes follow the trunk upward into the branches and out to the branch tips. We notice how the flow of the branches determines the tree’s form. The form may be weeping, as with Willows and Chinese Elms. Perhaps, as with Monterey Cypress, the branches form at acute angles to the trunk, giving the tree an upswept look. Or the branches may bend and twist, forming complex arcs, as does the Coast Live Oak. Within these patterns, each tree has its own unique form and flow.

Pruning and Size Reduction

It is important to prune in a manner that does not harm the health of the tree. When thinning a pine, for example, it is important not to strip the major branches of their smaller branches, a practice called “lion-tailing” which leaves a branch denuded except for foliage at the end. Lion-tailing

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historical hose drying feature of period stations, this element of the design should be reviewed further for height, roof slope and design, exterior materials, integration into overall building design, etc. to enable the design to blend into this existing residential neighborhood. Fire house truck doors design should be reviewed since the front doors facing Miranda are shown to be of a bi-fold design to provide for noise reduction and added safety, and the rear doors are roll-up standard metal exterior doors with few glass inserts. All doors should meet requirements for noise and light pollution, standard design, etc. The present plans do not show the location of the Communication Antennae, this element must be added to the present plans. We currently have no studies of any impact of Emergency Call Antennae use and any impact on cell phone reception within the immediate area. Traffic concerns exist along both frontage streets. Keep Clear Zones, turn lanes, and light signals along with school traffic should be clearly addressed in traffic studies and on the plans. Street changes proposed on both Stone Valley Rd. and Miranda Ave. and the proposed design of the sidewalks along frontage of the property should be reviewed to minimize impact and also improve efficiency. The Mitigated Negative Declaration, although prepared to address numerous issues and concerns, is using somewhat limited data in support for the conclusions shown in this report. At this point, AIA has scheduled a review of the application at its Wednesday, March 9th meeting. Visit our website www.AlamoCa.org for information on AIA and computer renderings of the proposed fire station.

Volunteerism in Alamo? Enjoy our Community? Is it possible to donate your time to “Give Back”?

Our Alamo Community is fortunate to have a wealth of vibrant, energetic residents that are accomplished professionals in virtually every type of field. AIA welcomes your participation in making our community better. Please consider this as you make your plans for 2011. Donating your time to our community will benefit you, your family, your neighbors and our community. Consider donating your time to any of our various community groups. AIA is currently asking their membership for volunteers interested in donating time for several committees including Planning, Code Compliance, Traffic/Transportation and Community Affairs. Please visit our website www.AlamoCa.org. Advertorial increases the chance of branch failure by concentrating the weight at the branch tips. A healthier tree, and more subtly beautiful look, is achieved by thinning to highlight the spaces or “layers” in its natural patterns. Removing diseased wood, and removing or reducing crossing branches that interrupt the natural flow, lets in more light and air, encouraging interior growth and overall health. Careful pruning can increase desired screening over time by encouraging interior growth.

Aesthetic View Work

In view work, the beauty of the view and the beauty of the tree often seem to be in conflict. Some tree-workers will sacrifice the tree for the view by “topping” the tree. Topping is almost always a bad idea. “Topping” creates a dense re-growth in water-sprouts that is unsightly. But more than the tree’s beauty is at stake here. Topping wounds the tree and promotes disease, including heart rot, and can make the tree dangerous. The water-sprouts on a topped tree are not deeply anchored in the trunk and are subject to failure in high winds. Add in the fact that these sprouts may be anchored onto a rotting trunk, and you have a safety problem that gets worse over time. Responsible arborists do not top trees. Removing a tree, perhaps replacing it with a smaller variety that can be kept out of the view, is usually preferable to beheading it. Looking at tree and view as two elements that complement each other can often solve view problems. Sometimes, lightly bringing the tree back without cutting into major branches can prevent further encroachment on the view. To open even more of the view, we create windows by selectively removing branches not essential for the tree’s natural form. We can enlarge these windows by removing branchlets that rise or drop into the view. Thinning above and below the window creates a feeling of openness, rather than gaping hole. The image formed by Mt. Diablo, framed by the trembling leafs of a well-windowed tree, proves that nature and civilization can complement each other. 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

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What Privacy?

Alamo Today ~ March 2011 - Page 19

By Evan Corstorphine

For the past fifteen years, something has been happening that’s never happened before. It started without your consent, you have to pay money to try to correct it, and even if you do pay, you probably aren’t going to be successful. What is it? It’s the loss of your privacy. As the world wide web has grown, more information has become available and searchable. Public agencies began automating the process of data collection, storage, and delivery of their public records. Information formerly contained in their card catalogs and microfiche readers was suddenly available online. Before the web, newspaper reporters used to go to the courthouse and dig through records to research background on a story. Maybe they were looking for a business record or who the owner of a property might be. The public records laws were written at a time long before the world wide web. Now you can go to just about every county seat and look up all the information you want electronically from your own home. What are the implications? I could write volumes about this, and others already have. Showing you is a lot faster. Try typing your name into the search boxes on the following websites - www.google.com, www.whitepages.com, www.peoplefinder.com, www.zabasearch.com, www.pipl.com, and www.123people.com, and see what you find. A couple of these will want money to delve deeper (I tend not to pay as sometimes it leads into a scam). A couple of them have a startling amount of free content, and collect information that goes way back into your past. For example, I found records of my past residences and even items I once sold on the internet back in 1988. I found out my age, that I’m a HAM radio operator, my sibling names, my home address, and what I look like from a few pictures of me (extracted from Facebook and others). This dovetails completely with my warning to never post embarrassing information on Facebook or Myspace (or anywhere), because it doesn’t go away. If I was willing to pay $35, I could find out a whole bunch more that they hold back. I typed in the address I found for me into www.zillow. com, and found out how much my house is worth (maybe skip this site – too depressing!), and the home prices of all my neighbors. From there I looked at the “Street View” to see what my house looked like for someone driving by, and I saw my wife’s car and my truck parked in the driveway. All of this is now publicly available information. How do you feel about it? How does this change things for you? Does it matter to you that someone can find out your age, or knows how much your house is worth? Are there safety considerations here? What do you think? I think information freedom is a good thing, and it’s also very powerful. For instance, free information flow is the first thing tyrannical governments attempt to cut off when the unwashed masses get uppity. Information and knowledge equal power. Power can be used for good, and it can be used against us, too. There are services being created to deal with the personal privacy problem. Perhaps there is information about you that you’d rather not have floating around, accessible for others to read. A couple of firms popped up when I began research for this article. One is called “Reputation Defender” (reputation.com). Their website is too detailed to fully describe here. Suffice it to say they have a service that can help scrub your records off the internet, which will monitor the internet for any new things about you, and will try to get them removed if you request it. They charge anywhere from $4 to $11/month. The other service I found is called Remove Your Name (removeyourname.com). They have similar services and costs, and I urge you to review both of these websites to see if they have anything to offer your particular situation. It’s important to know the information that is available about us. Being an anonymous citizen is a thing of the past. There are tools you can use to mitigate the availability of your personal information to others. It’s a very broad subject, and a good place to read more can be found here: www.squidoo. com/personalInformation. For more information or to discuss your particular situation, call or email your trusted advisors at Portable CIO, 925-552-7953 or helpdesk@theportablecio. Advertorial com.

Page 20 - March 2011 ~ Alamo Today

EBCT continued from front page East Bay Children’s Theatre By Fran Miller

That’s Our Snow White 2009 EBCT production economically disadvantaged elementary school children in Oakland and surrounding areas. EBCT is the oldest continuously performing theatre group in the San Francisco Bay Area. Through their non-profit productions, EBCT volunteers strive to highlight important moral lessons that promote positive values and strengthen self-esteem. Approximately 9,000 elementary school children (pre-K through grade 5) each year are inspired and entertained during EBCT school visits. “Our fractured fairy tale plays are filled with music, dancing, singing, and fun, fun, fun,” says Judy Rosenberg, president of EBCT’s board of directors.

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“We hit the road in mid-February and go until mid-April, performing every Tuesday and Thursday morning at schools where students rarely ever see a live performance. With so much of the arts being removed from our schools, this is one way we can help to put it back.” EBCT auditions begin in early October, and rehearsals start in January. The majority of participants are 65 plus, and many have been involved with EBCT for decades. This year’s play is Beauty and the Beasty, by EBCT’s own playwright Ron Lytle who has penned the group’s plays for the past eight years. Director Sue Ellen Nelsen has directed for the past 12 years. “EBCT has progressed since I started with them in the mid-60’s and is much more professional with a script writer, director, choreographer, set designer, and costumer,” says Marty Gulko, a Danville resident who has volunteered off and on with EBCT through the years. Gulko remembers when they all used to make their own sets and costumes. She marvels at the longevity and dedication of many of the volunteers. “Some of the women I worked with in the sixties are still members and are still acting!” Gulko could volunteer her time to any number of organizations, but the fulfilling nature of EBCT keeps her in the fold. “The productions are hard work but such fun when you see the children react to all your effort,” says Gulko. “We reach out to children who would otherwise not experience live theatre, and it is rewarding to see the children responding to each performance. These kids are so used to television – seeing real people on a stage is often a first for them.” Vicky Yancey, an EBCT volunteer from Orinda remembers one particularly poignant performance a few years back. “We were performing at a school in West Oakland,” says Yancey. “The principal was so happy that we had come that day because there had been a shooting on the campus the day before, and we were able Rumpelstiltskin 2007 EBCT production

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.

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Actual patient, smile design by Alex Rader, DDS

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The Eye Opener Contact Lenses

Alamo Today ~ March 2011 - Page 21

By Gregory Kraskowsky, O.D, Alamo Optometry

My patients are always asking me about “new technology” in contact lenses and if their prescription would work for contacts. Recent advancements in contact lens technology and manufacturing have made contact lens comfort and vision easier than ever. Depending on your prescription, eye health, motivation, and how often you want to wear contacts, there is likely a contact lens for you. Daily disposable contacts are gaining popularity among patients and doctors alike. For doctors, we like that patients are getting the healthiest option for contact lens wear, and therefore patient compliance is generally high. Patients enjoy the freedom of no solutions and cases, convenience, and the cost is very comparable with one-month disposable contacts because there is no solution and cases to purchase in addition to the contact lenses. These lenses are very thin, and therefore these are easy to adapt to. From an eye health perspective, these are the best lenses for you because there is no build-up on the lenses, which can lead to decreased wearing time and possible infections. The other advantage is you can wear these lenses as much or as little as you like. If you want to wear them just for sports, recreation, vacation, or just going out to dinner, these lenses are the choice for you. These lenses can be worn to correct your distance vision in addition to monovision, which allows for distance vision in one eye and near vision in the other. However, even if you want to wear them every day, dailies are still the most convenient and healthy lenses on the market. The newest contact lens material to be developed recently is silicone hydrogel. This base material is now being utilized by all of the major contact lens companies; each company has their own version which accounts for some of the differences in stiffness, oxygen flow through the lenses, and patient comfort. Most of these lenses are now FDA approved for extended wear, the time does vary for each material. Obviously, there are some potential ocular health issues that come along with sleeping in your lenses, so it is not for everybody; that can be determined at your exam and at follow-up visits. This new material makes the lenses firmer and allows for an average of a 4 to 6 fold increase in oxygen flow to the eye versus older lenses. All types of lenses, including multifocals and monovision are now available in this material. Most people enjoy the freedom these lenses give you and the increased end of day comfort. If your eye receives more oxygen, it will be less fatigued and red at the end of the day. Toric contact lenses are now better than ever. If you have astigmatism, that means the front part of your eye (the cornea) is more oblong-shaped, similar to an egg. Because the eye is not equally curved, a toric lens is needed to help you see well. These lenses are still soft and you care for them the same as any other lens. Toric contacts are now available in daily disposable and in the silicone hydrogel material and can be worn for distance only or monovision. Finally, it is important to remember that contact lenses are medical devices and can cause eye health consequences if not worn and cared for properly. That is why annual exams are mandatory to ensure good vision and eye health; contact lens prescriptions expire 12 months from the date of your exam. We will patiently work with you to determine which prescription and type of lenses would be best for you. Our goal is that your vision and comfort with your lenses is the best that it can be. 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 is to remove specific pockets of fat and achieve skin retraction. The fat can be Weight Loss, Now What? separated with ultrasound waves and then suctioned out of the body (high definiBy Barbara Persons, MD tion Vaser), suctioned out (“Suction-assisted Lipectomy”), treated with a laser You work out, eat a healthier diet, have finally lost (“Smart Lipo”) or treated with laser and then suctioned out (“Slim Lipo”). weight and are feeling much better. Weight loss and Excess Skin exercise, however, does not guarantee anyone his or her After significant weight loss, excessive skin folds are able to be removed desired shape and contour. When we lose weight, whether by surgery. A plastic surgeon can perform a face lift, neck lift, breast lift, arm by dieting or by gastric bypass surgery, we are often times lift, panniculectomy, tummy tuck, belt lipectomy, butt lift or a thigh lift as left with excess folds of skin and pockets of fat that are needed to remove excess skin and fat. These procedures remove the excess impossible to lose with exercise or diet alone. Ironically, skin and tighten the underlying muscles in the case of a face lift and tummy after weight loss some areas of our face and body become tuck. Some of these procedures may be covered by insurance. gaunt and have too much laxity and can benefit from fat injections as well as a lift. Fat Injection In order to get the desired look after weight loss, the answer is sometimes After all that hard work of losing weight, we are often left with hollow areas: found in plastic surgery. Non-surgical solutions include novel and sometimes cheeks, temples, buttocks, and breasts. Fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane, unproven skin tightening technologies, while surgical solutions include reRadiesse, Perlane, Sculptra, and Artefill may be used to fill the hollows of your moving excess skin and fat from the face, arms, chest, abdomen, and thighs. face. The gold standard, as I The following outlines some of these procedures: have discussed in previous arti-

Non-invasive Skin Tightening and Fat “Melting”

Vaser Shape, Thermagem and Titan are a few of the non-invasive skin tightening technologies available today. These technologies utilize ultrasound energy, radio frequency energy, and light energy, respectively, to effect the tightening of the skin or tissue. These treatments each target heat to the deep dermis below the skin’s surface to rejuvenate collagen and improve tone, texture, and fine wrinkles. The collagen remodeling continues to improve results for up to six months. Results can often be improved with a series of treatments and can be targeted to other parts of the body. There is a lot of press regarding the non-invasive fat melting (Zerona), fat freezing (Zeltiq Cryolipolysis), and injections designed to melt fat and have it absorbed by the body (Mesotherapy or Lipodissolve). New technology is often exciting and promising. In my opinion, these treatments are relatively safe and not painful. Although intriguing, the proven benefit of these treatments do not yet compare to surgical therapies. We are planning studies with some of these modalities and will inform you of the results.

Lipectomy or Liposuction

The surgical removal of excess fat pockets from the neck, arms, breasts, abdomen, flanks and thighs is done via lipectomy or liposuction. The objective

cles, is fat grafting. Fat grafting or fat injections involve taking an amount of fat from one area of your body and injecting it into the areas desired to be filled out. I find that fat grafting offers a more permanent result for my patients. Weight loss and a healthy lifestyle will help you feel much better overall. The Body Mass Index Chart offers a guideline for healthy height to weight ratios for adults. I am happy to consult with you, no matter where you are on your weight loss journey and can offer help and support regarding achieving your desired result. Barbara Persons MD may be reached at Persons Plastic Surgery, Inc. located at 925 Village Center, Suite 6 in Lafayette. Please call 925-283-8811 or email at drbarb@personsplasticsurgery.com. Dr Persons welcomes your emails with questions or suggestions for future articles. Advertorial

Page 22 - March 2011 ~ Alamo Today

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Weight Loss for Kids

By Linda Michaelis, Your Personal Nutritionist

I was glad to let you know last month what it’s like to work with a personal nutritionist. Each person I encounter helps expand my 25 year experience and knowledge base, so I thought I’d provide an inside view of a real life case study. Joey, 12 years old, was referred by his pediatrician for being overweight and having high cholesterol. I assured his mom that losing weight by following my suggestions, accompanied by a consistent exercise regimen, will bring her son’s cholesterol into the normal range. After a little probing, I identified what Joey eats and what his favorite foods are. Breakfast for him consisted of a Pop-Tart, bagel with cream cheese, toast with butter, or empty cereals such as the popular Honey Nut Cheerios and Strawberry Special K. His parents thought these supposedly low sugar cereals were healthy. The big issue here is they have absolutely no protein or fiber. You can count on these breakfasts to create constant hunger and a poor attention span at school. For snack Joey ate a granola bar, fruit leather, yogurt or a piece of fruit with goldfish crackers or Wheat Thins. For lunch mom packed him a sandwich with a small amount of meat, leftover pasta, pizza, Hot Pockets, macaroni and cheese, or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich usually accompanied by some type of cracker or chips, a fruit, and a dessert. After school Joey usually munched on fruits, crackers, chips, or yogurt, and he never managed to feel full. The problem here is what I call “paste and glue,” where the typical meals and snacks are terribly low in protein and fiber, and what is consumed ends up on the hips and makes bellies bulge. The challenge is to have tasty meals and snacks with more protein and fiber. I first provided a brief education for the family on how to read food labels for protein, fiber, sugar, and percentage of fat. They were shocked to see the fat and sugar content of some of their favorite foods. For example, Joey’s parents were shocked to learn that 2% milk actually is 50% fat. His several glasses of milk a day, plus heavy cheese consumption, can explain his high cholesterol. After Joey tried some samples of cereals in my office, he seemed to like Frosted Mini Wheats, Oatmeal Squares, Fiber One, and Kashi Go Lean Crunch. For lunch I suggested packing leftovers from last night like chili, chicken stir-fry, the equivalent of a deli sandwich, or Joey’s favorite, a burrito with chicken, beans, and salsa. Joey loves having a treat for lunch such as a couple of Oreos which I explained is a better choice than a large bag of chips or crackers. I told the family all the fruit Joey eats after school on an empty stomach just makes him more hungry. I noted that when the fruits are accompanied with snacks of beef jerky, hard boiled eggs, and peanut butter on apples or celery, a delicious and nutritious snack is enjoyed. Since Joey loves soups, I encouraged substituting a cup of noodles when he came home with a bowl of protein rich minestrone soup, bean soup, or mom’s homemade chicken soup accompanied by veggies and ranch dressing. Even a scrambled egg with a whole wheat English muffin is much better

Alamo Today ~ March 2011 - Page 23 than all the crackers and fruit Joey had been grazing on. The objective of a solid lunch and afternoon snack is to avoid being too famished for dinner and overeating. Joey’s parents often attempted to stave off snacks to save room for the large, traditional, protein laden, dinner. As usual, this approach backfired where famished Joey ate as much as his dad. My approach is to use protein as a condiment ingredient for dinner. I suggested to mom to serve a small steak or dishes with a small amount of meat and more vegetables along with a salad lightly dressed with a vinaigrette. Joey is very fond of pasta. I now have mom serving him a cup of cooked pasta with a light meat sauce or his favorite vegetable of asparagus. A yummy low fat dessert is permissible a few times a week if starch portions are kept in control. I am thrilled to say that after working with the family for two months, Joey has lost weight, and his cholesterol is going down to a normal range. 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 at (925) 855-0150. Advertorial

Page 24 - March 2011 ~ Alamo Today

Barnacles of Aging By Kelly Hood

This month I’ve been asked to write about growths that appear on the skin as time goes on. One of the most common are brown age spots or liver spots. These are flat brown areas called lentigines. They have nothing to do with the liver, they are caused by sun exposure over the years. Common locations are the face, hands, back and legs. These are generally Dr. Kelly Hood, Lafayette harmless. They may look like melanoma and therefore require evaluation. Proper treatment done in a dermatology office can help these lesions disappear. Seborrheic keratosis: These brown or black spots or wart-like growths look like they are stuck on the skin surface. They are common in older people and are not caused by the sun. If annoying, these can easily be removed by a dermatologist. Cherry angiomas: These are harmless, small, bright red, raised bumps created by dilated blood vessels. They occur more commonly in women and elderly people, usually on the trunk. Electrocautery, laser or other surgical therapies remove these spots. Actinic keratosis are among the most common barnacles of aging. These are red or brown spots that become crusty and tender. If ignored, these may become skin cancers. In the early stages they can be removed by freezing with liquid nitrogen, applying chemotherapy cream, or by skin resurfacing. Squamous cell carcinoma typically develops on the rim of the ear, the face, the lips, or the back of hands. These skin cancers

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can be aggressive and occasionally spread to internal organs. It is important that these be removed in the early stages. The most common form of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma. It usually appears as a small shiny bump or pinpoint red bleeding lesion. These occur commonly on the face or chest. They are more common in older, fair-skinned people with blond or red Dr. Shanny Baughman, Alamo hair and blue or green eyes. Untreated these lesions grow locally and slowly and rarely spread to other parts of the body. When treated early, squamous cell carcinomas and basal cell carcinomas have a 95% cure rate. Malignant melanoma is a less common, but more serious, form of skin cancer. This skin cancer usually appears as a dark brown or black spot with irregular borders and variable colors. Men over 50 are at the highest risk for melanoma, but it can affect anyone of any age. Melanomas are more common in frequent tanning bed users and those who had severe sunburn as children. The most common location is the back in men and the legs in women. Any change in an existing mole or the rapid appearance of a new mole could be a sign of melanoma and should be examined immediately. Melanoma can spread to other organs and can be fatal. To schedule a consultation with one of us, contact Dr. Kelly Hood, 970 Dewing, Suite 301, Lafayette, 925-283-5500, khoodderm@yahoo.com or Dr. Shanny Baughman at Alamo Oaks Dermatology, 3189 Danville Blvd, suite 130, Advertorial Alamo, 925-362-0992, shanny.derm@gmail.com.

Local Cancer Center Recognized for High Quality Care By Sarah Buenviaje, Oncology Nurse Practitioner

Diablo Valley Oncology/Hematology Medical Group founded the

I am proud to announce that Diablo Valley Oncology and California Cancer and Research Institute. Located in Pleasant Hematology Medical Group has become one of the first on- Hill, it is the largest comprehensive, non-hospital based cancer cology practices in the nation to be recognized by the Quality and blood disorder treatment center in Contra Costa County. Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI®) Certification Program, an The center brings together medical oncology, hematology, radiaaffiliate of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). tion, chemotherapy, diagnostic The QOPI® Certification Program is a new initiative to certify imaging, clinical trials and oncology practices that meet rigorous standards for high-quality supportive care services all in cancer care. Diablo Valley Oncology is one of five in Califor- one convenient location. nia and the only cancer center in the East Bay to achieve this For more information contact: certification. In fact, many of our procedures exceeded the QOPI requirements and may 925-677-5041 or visit www.DiabloValleyOncology.md. be incorporated in future ASCO guidelines. “Increasingly, educated patients and families demand accountability and the highest standards from cancer care providers,” said Douglas W. Blayney, MD, immediate past president of ASCO. The QOPI certification allows oncologists in the community to be at the forefront of cancer care and to be recognized for their quality. The Certification Program helps practices determine whether they are providing the best treatment and care possible to their patients, and it demonstrates a commitment to excellence and ongoing quality improvement in the hematology-oncology outpatient practice. “Our mission has always been to provide excellent oncology and blood disorder care to every patient - every day. To be recognized by these national organizations (ASCO and QOPI) is extremely gratifying.” said Matthew Sirott, MD, the managing partner of Diablo Valley Oncology. Advertorial Compassionate Communication – Compassionate Communication is a way to Cancer Support Community All classes take place at the Cancer Support Community, 3276 McNutt Av- communicate with greater compassion and clarity. It focuses on honest self-expression enue, Walnut Creek and are free. Reservations are required. For information call and empathy. This six-week series will combine learning the concepts along with experiential practice in each session. For people with cancer and their caregivers. Facilitated (925) 933-0107. Brain Tumor Family Caregiver Workshop –Are you caring for a loved one by Jared Finklestein. Fridays, March 25th through April 29th from 2PM – 4PM. GettingAGood Night’s Sleep – Sleep challenges? Attend this workshop on natuwith a brain tumor? Presentations will include an overview of brain tumors, coping with cognitive and personality changes, clinical trials, care for the caregiver, ral methods to improve quantity/quality of sleep without unwanted side effects that may accompany some sleep aids. Appropriate for cancer patients and/or their caregivers. and palliative care. Saturday, March 5th from 9PM – 5:30PM. Facilitated by Barbara Anson, MA. Saturday, March 26th from 1PM – 3PM. Five Wishes – This program helps you decide for yourself your personal, Facing Death While Living Life – In this workshop, we talk about our fears, emotional, and spiritual needs as well as your medical wishes should you bebeliefs, desires, and hopes regarding death. We listen to the stories of others. Join come seriously ill. It is a way to discuss end-of-life wishes and to document them so it’s clear to your medical team and those close to you. For people us for a screening of the award-winning film, Facing Death. . . With Open Eyes, and an engaging discussion about living with dying. With Michelle Peticolas, PhD. with cancer and their caregivers. Facilitated by Cynthia Carter Hill, MPA. nd PM PM Michelle is a sociologist and filmmaker. Tuesday, March 29th from 6PM – 8PM. Tuesday, March 22 from 2 – 4 .

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Alamo Today ~ March 2011 - Page 25

What Are You Weighting For?

By Jeffrey Johnson, D.C.

Over the past two years more than three thousand people have found their way to an improved way of living that embraces clean, conscious eating through the 28 Days to Health™ program and products. Our four week healthy eating and lifestyle modification program was created to educate and empower people to proactively improve their health and how they feel. 28 Days to Health™ program is not a fad or diet. It is completely safe and doesn't include calorie counting or deprivation. Thousands of people have regained their health through our simple, logical and easy to follow system. It takes 21 days to make a habit, give us 28 Days to Transform Your Life!

How 28 Days to Health™ Works

Committed to your health and wellness We treat fitness and rehabilitation as integral parts of a healthy life. Our highly trained professionals provide exceptionally high quality, individualized sessions to patients of all ages and physical conditions. Some of our specialties include: i Sports Rehabilitation i Neck & Back/Orthopedic Rehabilitation i Pilates, Wellness and Post Rehabilitation Programs

Give us a call to begin your customized physical therapy program. Our bodies are exposed to toxins every day from the air we breathe, the foods we eat, and the medications we con925-284-6150 sume to our own body's metabolism. Many of the chemicals Convenient location off of CA-24 Extended Hours detected are known to disrupt hormones, cause cancer, and 3468 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Suite B110, Lafayette, CA 94549 contribute to many health problems including fatigue, autoimmune disorders, fibromyalgia and weight gain. www.LafayettePT.com Our body's detoxification system neutralizes metabolic products and toxic compounds into safe by-products for eliminations through our sweat, urine, and stools. The 28 Days to Health™ program is designed to be a safe and effective method for minimizing the intake of inflammatory foods, while maximizing the body's clearing of unhealthy toxins from the fat storage sites of the body for elimination from the body. To sustain renewed health and vitality after the 28 Days to Health™ program, we focus on educating and empowering you to continue to make good choices. At the conclusion of our course you will know how to: • Minimize your intake of inflammatory foods • Maximize your body's natural detoxification pathways • Maintain appropriate hydration levels Roller Skating • Hockey • Parties • Food • Private Events • Games • Music • Prepare balanced, nutrient dense meals Award-winning rink accommodates up to 1,360 • Avoid the “common criminals” in your diet that deplete your health and vitality • Improve your body’s PH

28 Days to Health™ Benefits

Our four week program provides you a proven, safe, systematic way to improve your health. The average man loses between 12-15 pounds, while the average woman loses 6 to 10 pounds. More importantly, participants are keeping the weight off and in many cases continue to lose significant amounts of weight for months to come. One of our clients has lost 180 pounds over the past two years! Other benefits include weight loss, clearer skin, pain relief, improved digestion, increased lean muscle mass, improved blood sugar levels, enhanced performance, increased productivity, improved mental clarity, increased energy, reduced high blood pressure, and reduced cholesterol.

How Clean is Your Lifestyle?

Ask yourself the following questions, and answer them honestly. I am certain that all of you reading this article could benefit from the28 Days to Health™ program in some way. • Are you getting enough “clean” protein, healthy fat, high fiber carbs, low Gl fruits, and non-starchy vegetables in your diet? • Do you fall asleep easily, stay asleep all night, and wake up refreshed? • Do you naturally have enough energy to get through your day? • Are your eyes and skin clear and hydrated? • Do you have difficulty losing weight, or does your weight fluctuate constantly? • Do you suffer from muscle and joint pain or headaches? • Do you have cravings for sugar, caffeine, or alcohol? So, the real question is “What are you weighting for?” For more info go to www.movepastyourpain.com, visit us on Facebook, or contact Dr. Johnson at Johnson Chiropractic Group, 115 Town & Advertorial Country Dr., Suite E in Danville. 925.743.8210.

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

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Lee continued from front page Meet New Alamo Deputy Kevin Lee By Sharon Burke

Page 26 - March 2011 ~ Alamo Today

Stephanie Ross - Certified Pet Dog Trainer

www.pawsitive-reinforcement.com

925.383.9292

Daniel continued from front page Pedal to the Metal By Alec Tappin

When you first meet the calm and collect Monte Vista High School sophomore, you don’t notice it. And then, you mention race car driving, and the passion in his face comes alive. At the age of nine, Daniel Langon went with his soccer teammate Hunter Pickett to the Infineon Raceway in Sonoma to test out kart racing for the first time. From that moment onwards he was hooked. “I loved the adrenaline of being in the car, the feel of the motor, and the atmosphere from all of the drivers,” said Langon. “There’s nothing else like it.” Kart racing consists of small, four-wheeled vehicles with scaled-down motors. It can be perceived as the stepping stone to professional motorsports such as NASCAR (National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing). After his first test drive Langon joined the Jim Russel Racing School based at Infineon. The “Arrive and Drive” program provided everything necessary for a beginning driver: a kart, racing suit, helmet, and instruction. By the age of 11, after two years at the racing school, Langon, purchased his own kart to begin racing on his own in the Cadet division. From there he moved up to the Junior division and this past year to the Junior Shifter Kart division where the kart drives at speeds of up to 80 miles per hour. “It was a tough transition going up to the faster speeds, but I was ready for it,” stated Langon. “I had trouble keeping the motor running at first, but I soon got the hang of it.” In the Junior division, Langon, competed in the Superkarts USA Pro Tour. In his first race in Northern California at Infineon he took first place in their regional race. In April 2010 his father, David Langon, said that if he got a podium win he would take him to the next pro tour competi-

www.yourmonthlypaper.com continued from front page

RotaCare Alamo Rotary Sponsors New RotaCare Clinic

RotaCare Pittsburg Free Medical Clinic at St. Vincent de Paul, 2210 Gladstone Drive, Pittsburg, opened on Wednesday, February 9th. RotaCare Pittsburg’s mission is to bring free medical care for relief of pain and suffering to those who have the most need and the least access to medical care. The clinic, developed by St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County, is sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Alamo and Pittsburg and co-sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Antioch, Brentwood, Danville, Danville-Sycamore, Delta-Antioch, Dougherty Valley, San Ramon, and San Ramon Valley. As an Urgent Care/Primary Care Clinic, it will be providing quality, all-volunteer non-emergency medical care for adults with acute or chronic conditions who are uninsured or unable to pay for healthcare. Services will include the treatment of diabetes, asthma, hypertension, cough, cold, flu or sore throat, minor lacerations, wound care, allergies, sinusitis, ear infections, urinary tract infections, sprains or muscle strains, headache/backache, and rashes, poison oak, minor skin infections and burns, mild stomach aches, and prescription refills. Unemployment is 18%+ in East Contra Costa County, higher than the rest of the Bay Area. Approximately 25% of Americans do not have health insurance, and heart disease is the foremost cause of death in Contra Costa County. Additionally, there are approximately 400,000 individuals diagnosed with diabetes in Contra Costa County. Prevalence is highest among whites (37.8%) and Latinos (26.5%). There is a rapid increase in obesity with two- thirds of Contra Costa adults either overweight or obese. A primary focus of the education/treatment will be in the areas of diabetes, asthma, hypertension, and obesity, as the low-income and uninsured populations are known to suffer disproportionately from these chronic conditions. Monthly Diabetes classes are being planned and will be offered in English and Spanish. Early intervention programs for pre-diabetes patients will also be implemented. Funding for the clinic to date has been made possible by the Keller Canyon Mitigation Fund, Bank of American Charitable Foundation, The Carl Gellert and Celia Berta Gellert Foundation, the Kaiser Permanente Diablo Area Community Benefit Grants Program, St. Isidore’s, St. Joan of Arc, and St. Mary’s Churches. tion in Shawano, Wisconsin. Again, Langon, pulled through with a first place victory and dad stayed true to his word. Ready as ever and coming off two first place wins, Langon, was eager for Shawano. “Entering Shawano Daniel, was a little over confident and struggled with constructive criticism,” said his father. “After placing 4th and 5th in the Shawano race, it was a wake-up call for Daniel.” “After struggling in Shawano, I learned to focus more, not think too far ahead of myself, remain humble, and keep working hard,” said Daniel. Daniel is coached by a team of professionals that all have many years of racing experience. He is led by coach, Mike Speed, who is the father of professional Formula One and NASCAR driver, Scott Speed. The coach and his team work to teach Langon about driving, help set up his kart, and provide full-time support. All of the racing and hard work each year is preparation for the Super Nationals in Las Vegas, Nevada. Each year the Rio Hotel holds the SuperNats which is equivalent to the Super Bowl of kart racing. The event attracts over 500 drivers with professionals coming back to compete with aspiring semi-professionals. In preparation for the SuperNats last November, Daniel had three competitions under his belt and was 52 points behind the leader. The only way that he could win the 2010 Pro Tour Series Championship was to win in every heat race and main event. Daniel Langon The week long competition allowed for a qualifying round, three heat

editor@yourmonthlypaper.com

Alamo Today ~ March 2011 - Page 27

Patient Safety Week Recognized

Remove Fat & Shape Your Body for Spring!

Safety Tips Offered for Seniors During and After Hospital Discharge By Joyce & Jim Newport, Owners, Right at Home of Mt. Diablo

March 6th to 12th will be recognized as Patient Safety Week, an annual education No Surgery • No Pain • No Crash Diet • No Down Time and awareness campaign led by the National Patient Safety Foundation (http:// The latest in Cold Laser Technology www.npsf.org/) to encourage and strengthen collaboration between patients, as seen on the Today Show and families and healthcare providers. Patient Safety Week highlights the need for healthcare participants to be in- The Doctors Show. Reduction of Tummy, Buttocks, Thighs, Arms, Photo by www.JamieWestdal.com formed, involved, and invested in making healthcare safe. Our aging loved ones often Chin, and Back Rolls. require special attention and care to help them remain safe during and after a stay in a healthcare facility. When patients are discharged from the hospital, the effects of their condition are not necessarily 25% OFF TREATMENT PACKAGE! WWW.LAPEXBCS.COM gone when they return home. This often makes it difficult for a patient to safely adjust back to daily “I started to do things, like go dancing, that I hadn’t done in years.” ~ Leslie C. life. If your aging loved one has recently been hospitalized, the following tips can help him or her “I lost over six inches in just seven treatments, it was amazing.” ~ Helen L. remain safe during and after the discharge process: "The treatments worked, I noticed a more youthful look (Chin)." ~ Wendy C. • Be involved in decision making. Talking with your loved one and his doctors ensures that everyone "I can see a difference! Excellent Service, Very Satisfied!" ~ Diana R. has the same goals and information, which is an important step toward a safe and healthy recovery. • Discuss medications. Before your loved one is discharged, talk with the doctor about the 4155 Blackhawk Plaza Circle #230, Danville, CA medications he will be taking. Discuss the purpose, dosage, and side effects of each so both you Blackhawk Physical Therapy • Karina Howe,MS,PT,Grad Columbia U and your loved one can be prepared if any complications arise. One of the main causes of a slower recovery is improper use of medications. • Schedule follow-up appointments. Find out what follow-up appointments and tests are needed. If your loved one needs assistance getting to these appointments, consider hiring an in-home care agency such as Right at Home to provide transportation since regular doctor visits are important to most patients’ recovery.

(925) 736-0900

About Right at Home

Jim and Joyce Newport opened Right at Home in Pleasant Hill in 2009. Right at Home works closely with discharge planners to develop a personalized plan for support services to allow patients to get back on their feet while safely recovering in their home. Services provided include communication with family and healthcare providers, regular visits, medication reminders, transportation to doctors appointments, meal preparation and housework. Right at Home directly employs all caregiving staff, each of whom are thoroughly screened, trained, bonded and insured prior to entering a client’s home. For more information on RightTransitions or other Right at Home services, call us today at (925) 256-HOME (4663). Advertorial

Health Benefits of Meditation

On Tuesday, March 22nd at 7pm board certified psychiatrist and long-time meditator Marshall Zaslove, MD, leads a fascinating workshop for new and experienced meditators. Dr. Zaslove will demonstrate the most natural and effective techniques of meditation and give many useful directions for deepening and stabilizing your meditation practices and achieving better health. The presentation is based on the book Inner and Outer Peace Through Meditation by Rajinder Singhm. No registration is required for this program which will be held at the Danville Library, Mt. Diablo Room.

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 949-350-2360, or visit the MITI website at www.MomsInTouch.org.

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

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.

PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED HERE!

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 28 - March 2011 ~ Alamo Today

The Combs Team

www.yourmonthlypaper.com

Professionals You Can Count On

Nancy

Joe

Call the Combs Team

92 5 -9 8 9 -6 0 8 6 www.TheCombsTeam.com

Area Condo Sales Predict Market Direction…Still Headed Down!

History shows that coming out of a real estate downturn, the lowest price homes in a market area respond more quickly to an improving economy and therefore are capable of predicting a real estate turnaround. High end homes tend to follow the low end homes and it makes sense. First time home buyers feel confident and buy. That prompts the middle market to sell and move up…and on and on until you have a fully functioning and healthy market at all price levels with home price appreciation roughly keeping pace with inflation. Every area homeowner should pray Condo Townhome Market Danville Area Sold Price for this state of equilibrium to return. $700,000 For the purpose of this review we take a look at the $600,000 combined Alamo, Blackhawk, Diablo and Danville, $500,000 condo and townhome market, in what is essentially $400,000 the Danville area. Interestingly enough, the condo $300,000 market peaked out in 2006 and has declined both in $200,000 price and dollars per square foot since that time. That $100,000 is exactly one year earlier than the high end market $Peak 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 hit its peak in 2007. If we had only known this little 2006 ytd tidbit of real estate lore, we could have watched the condo market turn down and sold our expensive real estate at the peak. A few folks actually Condo Townhome Market Danville Area Dollars/Sq. Ft did do just that, but not very many. Throughout last year, the state and federal gov$450 $427 $398 ernments handed approximately $18,000 of your $400 $333 $350 tax dollars to first time home buyers in the form of $321 $292 $300 a tax credit to turn the market around by stimulat$260 $250 ing buying at the low end. They believed in the $200 first time buyer theory enough to put our money $150 $100 where the Treasury Secretary’s mouth was. They $50 also suppressed interest rates, and encouraged the $Peak 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 monetization of the tax credit for use as a down 2006 ytd

Westside Alamo Views!

S G N I

M CO

Units Sold Days on Mkt. 148 25 129 49 87 64 129 62 152 48 13 49 % Chg. from '06-'10 2% 96% *Condominiums and Townhomes Peak 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 ytd

$ $ $ $ $ $

List Price 634,754 603,351 535,640 454,639 446,552 405,918 -34%

Sold Price 626,656 591,752 519,692 447,674 433,755 391,737 -37%

$ Sq. Foot $ 427 $ 398 $ 333 $ 321 $ 292 $ 260 -32%

South Walnut Creek 3 Bedroom

IN ND

$ $ $ $ $ $

I am concerned and perhaps you should be too, that last year’s actions merely brought 2011 buyers into 2010, effectively robbing Peter to pay Paul. We are a little bit too early into 2011 to make this call in absolute terms, but the early numbers on the first 13 condos sales of 2011 are not heralding an uptick in prices, just the opposite, and the logical extension, if you believe the first time home buyer theory, is that improvement in the market as a whole isn’t imminent. If you are thinking about selling your home in 2011 and you would like to talk it over please give us a call. 925-989-6086 or send me an email joecombs@ thecombsteam.com. We would love to help.

Oakbridge Model Home

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payment and spent massive amounts of TARP money in an effort to create jobs. They insured the resulting loans with the government’s ability to raise our taxes. In all seriousness, I think this massive support including mortgage modifications had a market boosting effect (not an endorsement of the policy... no calls please!) in preventing home prices from plunging even further than they did during that time and perhaps their actions thwarted a huge overshoot correction to the downside while people gathered their wits and a little optimism was restored. Then again, a bunch of people in Pennsylvania dug a poor old ground hog out of his den in early February and said winter is over. As I write, I shiver looking at the snow on Mt. Diablo. Condo* salesAlamo, Alamo,Black Blackhawk, Danville, Diablo 1 - Dec 31) Condo* Sales Hawk, Danville, Diablo (Jan (Jan1-Dec31)

G MIN

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This amazing westside custom 4 bedroom contemporary has amazing views. Not yet priced, 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. Not yet priced, call for details.

Danville Executive Home

Lafayette Pointe Condo with Views!

Alamo French Country Home

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S G N MI O C

Magnificent 4 bedroom, 3 bath home on 1/2 acre lot with a pool and mature landscaping. Call for details.

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PEN

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. $1,699,000 J. Rockcliff Realtors 15 Railroad Ave., Danville CA. 94526